Milwaukee M12 Drill Deal
Milwaukee’s M12 drill/driver and Bluetooth speaker deal is back! You can buy their latest-gen M12 brushed motor drill kit, plus a free Bluetooth speaker, for $89.
This drill is one of the best 12V-class values out there, and the free speaker and lower price make it a very hot deal.
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Buy Now(via Home Depot)
Once the deal sells out again, the drill kit will still be a great deal at $99. But $10 additional savings and a free Bluetooth speaker is simply the hotter buy.
Fein Deal Reminders
Tool Nut’s Fein 18V brushless drill kit deal is still ongoing. While supplies last, you get the drill, (2) 4.0Ah batteries, a charger, removable chucks, and a tool case, for $169.
Buy Now(via ToolNut)
Compare(via Amazon)
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There’s also an ongoing deal on a cordless Fein SuperCut. The SuperCut is a heavy duty oscillating tool that is meant for more demanding cutting tasks than regular oscillating multi-tools. The kit comes with everything you need to get started, except for SuperCut accessories. It’s on sale for $299.
Buy Now(via Tool Nut)
Compare(via Amazon)
See Also(Blade Adapter via Tool Nut)
Dewalt 20V Max Shop Blower Now Available for Preorder
Dewalt’s new 20V Max air blower (DCE100B), which I briefly discussed in my post-media event 2015 new Dewalt cordless tool preview, is now available for preorder on Amazon for around $120.
It’s not shipping yet, but should be in stock soon.
Buy Now(via Amazon)
Compare: Milwaukee M18 Cordless Blower
Misc. Tool News: Yay or Nay?
Do you like short compilation posts like this, where several topics, reminders, or news bits are briefly discussed?
There was a similar post earlier in the month, and it looks like the idea works, but I want to be sure it’s something you like.
Generally, as in that post and this one, a misc. tool news post will go up whenever there are a bunch of topics, questions, or random tool-related bits that are normally too brief to be deserving of a separate post.
New Porter Cable 20V Max 6-Tool Combo Kit
Over at Amazon, a new Porter Cable 20V Max 6-tool combo kit was just listed, with a $300 price tag. There’s already a 4-tool combo, at $215.
Of all of the tools in this combo kit, the 2.0Ah batteries, standard charger, and oscillating tool are the only “regular” tools. The drill, impact driver, circular saw, and reciprocating saw are all cost-cutting versions, and I haven’t seen that LED worklight before either.
We discussed the differences about Porter Cable’s entry-level drill and impact driver before, and that circular saw is more a trim saw, with its 5-1/2″ blade. I’m sure the reciprocating saw is lesser than the Tiger Saw that came out as part of Porter Cable’s 2013 20V Max expansion.
It might sound harsh, but this kit makes Ryobi’s 18V One+ lineup look even more attractive. Ryobi’s 6-tool “Ultimate” combo kit is $259 via Home Depot.
If you’re interested in buying into Porter Cable’s 20V Max lineup, this kit gives you good bang for the buck, but you might want to wait a couple of weeks to see if the price gets any better during the holidays.
If you don’t care about brand, Ryobi’s 18V One+ lineup is much broader and might have other tools you might be interested in. Take a look at some of our past Ryobi brand and Ryobi 18V cordless tool coverage for examples.
Milwaukee Organizer Price Drop
Good news: the price of Milwaukee’s excellent parts organizer has dropped, from $25 to $20.
Bad news: it’s only available in-store at your local HD.
Milwaukee Ball Bearing Tool Storage is Back in Stock!
Milwaukee’s ball bearing tool storage products are back in stock at Home Depot. There’s a chest, a rolling cabinet, and a combo that comes with both.
Here’s our initial kicking-the-tires first impression, and a detailed first-look preview.
Buy Now: Combo, Chest, Cabinet (via Home Depot)
Upgrade Your Pliers
Irwin’s NWS-made pliers have dropped in price a bit since they were first released. Now might be a good time to take a look to see if there’s any size or style your pliers collection has been lacking in.
I recently asked them to send over a couple of samples, and so I’ll be working on some reviews and comparisons. If you have any questions, please let me know.
Buy Now(via Amazon)
More Info(via ToolGuyd Preview)
In Progress: Chapman Mini Bit Ratchet Review
Our friends at Carbide Processors sent over a Chapman mini bit ratchet set (here’s their full selection) for testing.
While I normally don’t like proprietary screwdriver bit formats, Chapman’s has enough appeal that I don’t really mind. Plus their replacement bits are fairly inexpensive ($1.30 to $1.75 each) and easy to come by.
Thus far, I’ve got nothing but good things to say about the brand and these tools. Plus, they’re made in the USA.
Question: What are you looking to buy before the end of the year?
With the holiday season fast approaching, I’m guessing that many of you are doing the same as I’m doing and planning out your year-end tool-buying budgets.
What do you plan to buy before the end of the year? Is there a particular tool or type of tool that you’ve got your eyes on?
Tom
I’ve got my eye on the Bosch JS120BN 12v jigsaw. But the $119 Amazon price is daunting…gonna wait and see if it comes down before December, or another source pops up.
fred
http://www.internationaltool.com/bosch-js120bn-12v-barrel-grip-jig-saw-bare-tool
Tyler
Does anyone know how well the 12v barrel grip stacks up against the 110v barrel grip?
Toolfreak
I haven’t used either of the Bosch jigsaw models yet, but my prior experience with cordless battery-powered jigsaws, and the Bosch 12V reciprocating saw, would lead me to believe that sawing-motion tools don’t last very long per charge, compared to drills and drivers. If you’re just looking to do small jobs, the cordless tool might be fine, but otherwise you can plan on the batteries running out of juice rather quickly, and the saws get slow and lose power and cutting ability even when the batteries are at half capacity. Not a big deal if you have the faster BC430 charger and two 12V batteries to switch between, but the slower BC330 charger could leave you with a wait time between sawing sessions. So, the corded tool would probably be better for extended shop use unless you have a real need for a cordless tool.
As for power, I would guess they would be pretty similar, at least comparing the corded tool to a cordless one with a full charge. I’m sure the corded tool has a slight edge, but it could very well be they are the exact same and the only difference is the power supply. The motors in the 12V Max tools are pretty powerful, which is also why they seem to drain the batteries fast, but that’s better than a weak tool with a long battery life.
Tyler
Thanks! My main reasoning for considering the Bosch 12v was a lower entry price especially when the holiday deals come around. I already have a Craftsman C3 19.2v and cheap Tool Shop top handle jigsaw, but I want something a little more refined and accurate than them two.
I have 2 chargers (I’m guessing BC330 since they were in kits) and at least 4 batteries so I should be able to run for awhile. If I’ll be doing a lot of cutting I can bust out one the other top handles for rough cutting and finish sand or use the Bosch for cleanup.
Toolfreak
I’m looking to get one of these to add to my Bosch 12V Max collection as well, once there’s a sale price for the holidays or a deal on a kit that includes the saw.
fred
I have a few garden–stone projects coming up next spring and I have my eye on a pair of hammers from Trow&Holden (also available at a slightly higher price via Amazon.) One is a 2 pound Stone Buster (HSB2CT/V) and the other is a Bushing Hammer (HBH1CT). I think that these will round out the hammers and stonemason chisels I already have.
I’m also planning on doing some hardwood flooring – and if we decide to use squares laid in mastic to simulate parquet flooring – then I might just buy (rather than rent) a flooring roller like a Roberts 10-950 (75lb.) or 10-952 (100lb.)
James C
I like this misc tool news format! I may be looking to buy a 12″ miter saw.
cody
Home depot has the dewalt dce100b cordless leaf blower bare tool for 99.00 dollars
SteveR
While the Chapman sets have nice-looking bits (the slotted are cabinet type), the mini ratchet isn’t so great. The tooth count is rather low on it, requiring a big swing before engaging the next tooth. The handle and shaft are probably more useful than the ratchet. The particular kit pictured is packaged primarily for gun repair, given all of the slotted bits. These are nice kits, aimed at hobbyist and specialty needs.
jesse
I was using the Chapman ratchet yesterday with a Phillips bit. I got it into the tight space, but as you noted the tooth count is low, too low in my case to turn the fastener.
I still like Chapman as a niche tool though, but not for everyday use. Made in USA is a big plus for me.
Nathan
I like it and I’m intrigued by that bit set thing. mainly because I’m still on the look out for a new set of bits for home use and would like to have complete hex (sae and mm) and torx – to go with the drivers I already own. In my search that chapman name has come up before.
Dugan
I have the Chapman Master set, and I absolutely love it. I’m not sure how they’ll work out with your other drivers. The bits have little tabs on either side, which aids in grip and helps prevent them from getting stuck. It also helps with a couple other misc tools that chapman has.
I’d highly recommend checking out their website. They have some videos describing all the features. Also, you may find it worthwhile waiting for the ToolGuyd review, since Stuart can give a better description than I can.
pete
These misc post are sweet! But bad because I wanna buy everything lol. I would like a review of the 20v dewalt blower, I’m thinking of buying one for my father in law to compliment the 20v drill+impact set that I bought him last year.
SawdustTX
Big yay from me. The “compilation” posts are great.
Re the new DeWalt blower, I wonder how it will compare with the Milwaukee M18 blower. My favorite thing on the Milwaukee is it will run at very very low speed, so you can literally use it inside (the house or shop) just like a manual broom, without creating clouds of dust in the air. I use it constantly instead of my broom and it gets in more places more effectively than a broom. I’ve never used another blower that could run at such a low speed.
Jason
I think the Dewalt and Milwaukee are the same tool just a different shell. I could be wrong but man they do look very similar.
tim
I like these posts alot. Theyre well rounded and helpful.
I bought my coping saw (9.99) at sears with a gift card. Now I’m in the market for a small table saw. Looking at getting a ryobi with stand as it’ll be convenient to store in the limited storage spaces I have in the new house.
Keep up the good work.
Kent
The miscellaneous posts are good; none of these deserve a full article, but are interesting enough to read.
I think you’re on the right track.
Dugan
Agreed.
It might be nice to have a table of contents at the top, just so we can conveniently jump to the part we want to read or see what else is in the article without scrolling all the way down.
Tom
I enjoy these miscellaneous posts. There is usually something interesting in there for me.
Those Irwin Pliers have been changing prices daily on Lowes.com. I managed to snag the 8 inch diagonal cutters for around $6 last month. Prices vary wildly by store, so you have to dig around for them sometimes.
Tom
As for the end of the year, I’d love to see a post about what deals are coming. As I can recall, Bosch usually marks things down by $25 or so around the holidays. A heads up on deals like those would be great.
Stuart
Don’t worry, I always put in a lot of time and legwork putting together holiday deal posts.
Bosch’s deals have fluctuated in the past, but generally $20 or $25 off $100 or $40 off $200, or sometimes a combination of these, are almost guaranteed.
KenZ
“What do you plan to buy before the end of the year? Is there a particular tool or type of tool that you’ve got your eyes on?”
My main task this year and early next is: ORGANIZATION. Thus, I’m hot on moving tools out of random boxes and crappy old drawers and into an organizer system. I’m going to organize all my things like screw drivers and pliers and give away the crap I’ve hoarded for years.
The only tool I may buy would be a table saw so that I can more quickly and accurately build storage container shelves. Lots of them.
Next year, I’ll be replacing a bunch of carpeted floor with hardwood, so at that time probably a nail gun of some flavor and a few other specialized tools for that job.
Matt
Wondering if anybody here has checked out the fein? The specs seem beyond the asking price. Is it a consumer model or whats the catch?
Stuart
Fein’s Multimaster is their professional oscillating multi-tool. The SuperCut is their heavy duty oscillating cutting tool.
Or are you talking about the cordless drill?
There’s no catch that I can think of – this is basically an inventory-clearing sale. Fein sold these at a huge discount to Tool Nut, and Tool Nut is selling them at a huge discount to end-users.
This should be a professional-grade drill.
JMG
I purchased both the supercut and the drill. They are top notch tools with excellent design and construction. I personally hope that Fein is planning on expanding their cordless presence in the US market in the future.
Adam
I’m planning to pick up an oscillating tool. Hopefully a Fein FMM350Q, but we’ll see what my budget allows. The last job I did it would have saved several hours of work, and I’d have ended up with a better result.
I also really need to get a better set of layout tools. I’m missing a good adjustable square, among other things.
BikerDad
Looking to pick up a Lie-Nielsen benchplane, some other hand tools. Also, there’s a good chance I’ll be getting a cordless drill or combo kit as a gift for someone, so I’m keeping an eye on those. That Fein is attractive, except that getting replacement batteries and additional tools isn’t exactly convenient.
David
These posts are great – keep them up!
I will be looking at tabletop drill press and band saw. Any suggestions?
David
Stuart
I have a Craftsman 10″ benchtop drill press, and it’s kind of crappy, but probably the least crappiest of the bunch.
Unfortunately, there aren’t many recommendable models. I search for a new one every now and then, but without luck.
For benchtop band saws, I’ve heard good things about Rikon’s 10″, and Craftsman offers a rebranded model of that one.
David
Thanks, Stuart.
JMG
https://www.toolnut.com/SearchResults.asp?Search=dewalt+battery+adapter
I pre-ordered one already.
Matt
Thank you Stuart. I was inquiring about the drill.
Jimmie
An impromptu project had me cutting some aluminum stock on my woodworking bandsaw so I foresee a replacement blade in my near future. Think I’m going to try a Lennox bi-metal blade this time.
Can’t think of any upcoming projects that would require new shop tools but I’ve been toying with the idea of buying hot-air solder station for a while now. Maybe I’ll bite the bullet and get one before the holidays…
firefly
This is a great round up post. The Fein Supercut and the drill arrived at the door today from toolnut. The supercut is just the SuperCut. There is no need for an introduction 🙂
The drill is very well build. Based on some of the comments on that thread I was a bit wary. Not so, it’s well build if not a tad heavy. It’s certainly heavier than my dewalt 20v brushless.
The drill and the SuperCut are both made in Germany. I received 6 batteries. Two are from Japan. Two are from Korea and the other two from China.
Regard toolnut, the package arrive in a well packed box. They use some very high quality packaging peanuts and they really fill up the box. The box arrive at my door with slightly damage as with typical UPS/FedEx abuse since the box is on the heavy side. However I was very pleased when I open the box, because they truly put the two toolbox in the middle of the shipping box with all the packaging peanuts around it. My items were still in flawless condition.
Overall it was a very positive purchasing experience from both toolnut and Fein.
Chris
Got my eye on the new Bosch job site radio. My diy projects are seriously lacking in the tunes department. Anyone who tells you music doesn’t make the project seem to go faster hasn’t tried it. If it’s anything like the Bosch corded hammer drill or jigsaw I have, I have no doubts it’s a quality piece. And for the current sale price I don’t see why anyone would get anything else (unless you’re invested in Dewalt and get the one with their charger, that’s a nice feature, that Dewalt seems to have a patent on). C’mon Santa!
Dugan
I own the Chapman Master Set, and its worth every penny. They put a lot of thought into it. The ratchet does have a wide swing, but keep in mind its a mini-ratchet for convenience and extra torque. If you want a beautiful ultra smooth 60 tooth ratchet, get a snap on. If you want the convenience of a ratchet thats there when you need it and takes up little space when you don’t, then thats what the mini is for.
As for being a ‘specialty’ set, I guess it depends. I bought the master set because I only wanted something high quality and portable, for the many odd jobs that come up. Do I use my chapman bits as demolition screwdrivers, to open paint cans, or scrape old wax/putty from the toilet fittings? Hell no. I have separate ‘cheap’ tools for that. For everything else though, I use my chapman set. It handles any day to day issues that come up and, for you gear heads out there, Jay Leno highly recommends the chapman kit for working on cars and motorcycles.
I actually own 3 screwdriver sets: The Chapman Master set, a Wiha security bit set, and a Wiha precision set with about 50 assorted bits ranging from torx, 000 phillips, to pozidrive/pentalobe. Point being the Chapman doesn’t do everything, but what it does do it does well.
Once really nice feature is a setscrew in both the handle and the insertable extension. So you can put your bits in nice and easy, tighten the screw a little and then nothing falls out. The setscrew uses a small hex bit to tighten/loosen but, conveniently, one comes in my kit.
In conclusion: Are there cheaper sets? Yes. Are there specialty sets the chapman doesn’t cover? Yes. Are there more convenient, portable, sets which are high(er) quality? Not that I’ve found.
Marty
I just purchased the Dewalt Toughsystem Radio today from Home Depot. I’ve been waiting for it to come out since I read your post about it a while back. It’s awesome, except for one little drawback. I can’t figure out a way to set the clock on it. I might be looking at getting some more Dewalt stuff as the year ends… nevermind, I’ll definitely be getting some more stuff before Christmas.
Jerry
I like the misc. news posts. A good way to give little info bites on things that either don’t need a full article, or have recently been reviewed or mentioned. I think it is a good way to get out a lot of sale, promo, and discounted items together and easy to find.
Vaheh
I don’t think the fein drill set is any sort of exclusive, we can get them and sell them at the same price at our shop. Don’t really know why they are pricing them so low to dealers maybe to test the market I’m thinking.
Cr8ondt
The Porter Cable news perked my ears up a bit while granted it’s mostly rebranded Black&Decker stuff it still shows me that the PC brand is not being forgot. With the news of their brushless stuff possible and their cordless nailers coming I’m sticking with them for my cordless stuff……was really going to go to the red stuff from Wisconsin too lol.
John
My Santa list will include new, (larger) table saw and a table planer…..
Hang Fire
Keep the deal and small updates coming, and I love my Chapman tools.
Tyler C.
Definitely keep these types of small updates coming! Very helpful, thanks again for your work compiling.