As mentioned the other day, I am currently in a paid partnership with Home Depot to review some tools every quarter and do the occasional sponsored project (I’m still working on the DIY tool kit guide and giveaway).
I already posted a couple of reviews. The next batch of tool samples has started to roll in, and so I wanted to wrap things up by sharing some thoughts about the other items that I’ve been working with.
Some of these items might be featured in their own reviews, some of them already have been. Please let me know if you have any questions, or if you want any of the in-progress reviews fast-tracked.
Advertisement
Dewalt ToughSystem Tool Storage
Dewalt Tough System tool storage products? I’ve never seen these before, have you? Just kidding! I own quite a few, and have years of experience with them.
Dewalt somewhat recently came out with a lower priced small Tough System case, and a mobile tool storage cart.
What can I say? I like ’em. The cart is somewhat of a compromise – it hauls your tools and a couple other boxes you can attach on top.
There was promo pricing last winter holiday season, and I’ve seen the promo come back once or twice since then. The small tool case continues to be a good value all the time, at just $35 each. And as of the time of this posting, there’s a “buy 2 or more get 20% off” Tough System promo, driving the price down further.
Buy Now: Small Tough System Case | Large Tough System Case | Mobile Storage Cart
Advertisement
Milwaukee Ax Carbide-Tooth Sawzall Blades
I did not try out the Milwaukee carbide-toothed Sawzall blade that they sent me, at least not yet.
And I have a very good reason for this. It’s because I already bought a good supply of Sawzall blades last winter, including 6-inch Ax blades with carbide teeth.
Yes, they’re pricey, but they do last longer than non-carbide-toothed blades.
Milwaukee Sawzall blades are good, the Ax blade lasts even longer (from what I’ve seen).
Buy Now(9″ Blade)
Diablo Amped Saw Blade
Unfortunately, I don’t have enough to say about this blade yet, at least in the way of firsthand cutting experience. It’s said to be the ultimate framing and demo blade, and its user reviews seem to be quite positive.
I am generally quite fond of Freud and Diablo circular saw blades. These will get tested more thoroughly eventually, but for now most of my project cuts are with a miter saw, my plunge-cutting saw, and a 6-1/2″ cordless saw.
I’m optimistic, but cannot vouch for the blade yet.
Crescent Tongue and Groove Pliers Set
These pliers have interesting handle designs, with the curved inner regions being intended for use on delicate finished plumbing fixtures you wouldn’t want to use sharp grooved metal jaws on.
I have had mixed feelings about Crescent tools these past few years. These pliers land on the “hmm, that’s useful” side of the line between gimmick and good functionality.
Bosch Speed Clean Dust Extraction Bits
I haven’t used this at all yet either, but it seems well-made.
Husky 22″ Pro Grade Rolling Tote
Husky’s 22″ rolling tool bag is a huge tool bag that can hold quite a few tools. It has pockets galore and a bulk compartment spacious enough for power tools, extension cords, and other such gear.
It’s large enough that you won’t want to have to drag it up stairs. But also large enough where you won’t have to pick and choose what goes inside – take everything.
Ridgid 12V Max Palm Impact Driver Set
This little Ridgid 12V Max palm impact driver is hand-pressure-activated. It’s compact, easy to use, and fits in small spaces. It’s not very powerful, but that’s what your full-sized 18V impact driver is for. This one is for working in tight quarters.
I’ve been sent a few of these over the years, and gave all but the latest one away. So far, nobody has anything to complain about. The same seems to be true for the user reviews, which are overwhelmingly positive.
Its $99 price includes a battery and charger.
Makita 3pc Brushless Combo Kit
I’ve had likes and dislikes about Makita 18V cordless tools over the years. Overall, I think their tools are well-made. (See more of our best cordless power tool thoughts.)
I haven’t tested this combo extensively yet, but there’s little to complain about so far. I do wish the impact driver was one of Makita’s better featured models. I am glad to point out that the batteries have LED fuel gauges.
A hammer drill, impact driver, and reciprocating saw aren’t my combo kit offerings of choice, but it is giving me greater familiarity with Makita’s brushless offerings. I have a stronger natural affinity for Dewalt and Milwaukee tools, possibly due to having far more experience and exposure with those brands.
Thank you to Home Depot for providing the review samples unconditionally.
ca
Any idea what “tracking point” on that Diablo blade means?
fred
Diablo says:
“Diablo’s next generation 7-1/4” 24T Framing Blade with new Tracking Point™ Tooth design delivers maximum life and durability with effortless cutting performance. Up Your Cutting Game with this one-of-a-kind Tracking Point™ tooth grind for unmatched cutting performance and efficiency.”
“•Tracking Point™ tooth design acts provides straight cuts & control carbide wear for up to 5x longer cutting life vs other blades and 2X the durability in nail-embedded wood
•Tracking Point™ tooth design also delivers extreme cutting efficiency in corded and cordless saws (65% more cuts per battery charge in cordless saws versus other blades)”
In another place they say:
“Newly enhanced Ultimate Framing and Demolition saw blade with Tracking Point Amped™ tooth design for up to 10 times cutting performance in intense applications. This 7-1/4” 24-Tooth Demo Demon Amped™ blade includes a new industry-first tooth grind sequence that is specifically designed to provide extreme durability and effortless cuts; even when cutting abrasive materials such as shingles, bolts or nail-embedded wood.”
Adam
Most blades have an alternating tooth pattern. Offset right, offset left… The new Diablo is offset right, center, offset left, center…. It’s supposed to provide a straighter cut. Though if you are using a framing square already, it is hard to imagine what straighter would be.
Blythe M
The ax carbide blade is an absolute monster, so impressed by its lifespan and cutting speed
John S
Love me them Dewalt Tough System tool storage products. I think the DS150 is still a better value than the cheaper DS130 (cheaper version) for only $15 more.
The insert boxes in the DS150 are incredibly useful it was like getting 8 free storage bins. Laugh if you want but I took them out and use them in the bathroom for storing all sorts of toiletries. I would never have been motivated to buy 8 boxes by themselves.
z2w
Those Husky bags are great for the money. Very sturdy. I have one, and would buy another in a second. I see contractors with them all over town, some with lots of wear on them, still in service.
fred
Re the Diablo blade claims – it would be interesting if you were able to test it out on cutting a hole in some roofing – as in making a cutout for a skylight or fan. They claim it can handle shingles and nails better than the competition. Maybe a simulated test – some plywood with some shingles nailed on – then see how it cuts?
Blythe M
This is a video from a trade show https://instagram.com/p/BTXlXc9AlcE/
Brien
Any chance you will review this DEWALT table from Home Depot:
33.4 in. Folding Work Bench
http://www.homedepot.com/p/301867227
And
20-Compartment Small Parts Organizer
http://www.homedepot.com/p/301869332
Tom Schimweg
I got the dewalt TS set on black Friday…. I loved it until…..
I carry my Milwaukee drill, impact, sawzall and circular saw in big box (all are 18volt brushless)…. handtool and batteries in med box … and chargers and bit/blade boxes in small one… the side handle on big box broke and the telescoping Handel pulls out all the time…