If you poll our office and ask what the most hated object in retail history is, nearly everyone will tell you it’s clamshell packaging. A relatively new tool to the scene is the cordless power cutter, and we had the opportunity to use the HART 4V Power Cutter and get some revenge on our nemesis.

Check out our other HART reviews!

Using the HART 4V Power Cutter

Cutting

While our collective anger is set against clamshell packaging, the HART HFCT01 is capable of cutting much more than that. Rotating a 10-sided, self-sharpening blade against the guide, you can cut plastic, cloth, leather, rubber, and cardboard up to 1/4-inch thick.

Simply line up your material, slip the guide bar underneath, pull the trigger, and push forward. It’s that easy. Since the cutting wheel takes care of slicing through your material, all you have to do is guide the tool forward.

The trigger has a two-stage design to add some safety. You need to push the blue safety forward and then press the paddle trigger. You can fit three to four fingers across the trigger depending on your hand size, and that helps to reduce the amount of fatigue your hands experience if you’re doing a lot of cutting.

There’s also a guard underneath the trigger on the HART 4V Power Cutter. This is helpful when you’re cutting that [insert insulting adjective here] clamshell packaging, cardboard, or other material that might cut your fingers if you run them across it.

Power Source

An internal 4V battery powers the cutter and recharges with a USB-C cord. HART includes a cord in the package, but there’s a good chance you already have a couple in your home as well. There’s no brick in the package, so you’ll need to repurpose one you already have if you want to plug it directly into the wall. Otherwise, any USB-A outlet will do the trick.

There’s an LED indicator on the back of the tool to give you an idea of your charge status. When you press the trigger, it’s green then changes to red when your battery drops below 25%. When it’s below 5%, it blinks red three times. During charging, it blinks until it reaches a full charge and turns solid green.

HART 4V Power Cutter Price

This hand-saving cutting tool is available at Walmart online and in select stores for $49.88. HART backs it with a 2-year warranty.

The Bottom Line

If you have materials that are on the HART 4V Power Cutter’s menu (and who doesn’t in a 2-day delivery world?), give your hands a break and pick one up. Heck, pick up several and keep one in your home, office, and toolbox!

The post HART 4V Power Cutter Review: Cut Clamshell Packs and More! appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

The Hilti Nuron Cordless Impact Driver Packs A Serious Punch In A Compact Frame

The Hilti Nuron cordless impact driver is part of the latest generation of tools coming down the pipe from Hilti and it’s boasting eye-opening performance improvements. We’re putting it to the test and diving deeper to see how it compares to Hilti’s other cordless impact drivers.

Pros

• Strongest impact driver we’ve tested
• Significant improvement in performance compared to the SID 4-A22
• More compact than the previous model
• Excellent ergonomics
• LED light ring surrounding the collet
• Nuron technology

Cons

• Slower driving light and medium-size fasteners than some competitors
• On the heavy side when you’re not using the most compact battery

Hilti Nuron Cordless Impact Driver Performance

Diving into the details on this impact driver reveals some truly impressive specs. It’s Hilti’s most powerful 1/4-inch impact driver and the most powerful we’ve seen on paper. The brushless motor produces up to 2,655 in-lbs of torque. The previous leader was Flex at 2500 in-lbs.

For speed, it’s a bit slower than some of the top dogs, topping out at 3600 RPM. With some models hitting 4000 RPM or more in high speed, we expect this to run a little slower with light to medium-size fasteners.

That’s not an unusual move with impact tools, though. If you consider impact wrenches, as they grow in overall power from compact through mid-torque all the way to high-torque, the top speed tends to drop.

That’s what we saw in our 8-inch GRK rugged structural screws test. Driving into stacked OSB, Hilti’s Nuron impact driver averaged 10.4 seconds. That’s significantly slower than the 5.8 seconds of Milwaukee’s M18 Fuel which currently holds the record.

Before we close the door on this part of the conversation, there are a couple of important takeaways. First, it’s a big jump from the SID 4-A22 on Hilti’s previous line. That one had just 2700 RPM and a max torque of 1717 in-lbs.

The other side is the impressive torque level. Particularly in wood fastening when adapters and bits hold up better, you can drive lag screws and other large fasteners… all the way up to M16 bolts according to Hilti’s ratings.

Hilti Nuron Cordless Impact Driver Design Notes

Ergonomics

The textured and contoured grip is very comfortable and gives you a ton of control during long periods of use, or when working overhead. With the recommended B 22-85 battery in place, the SID 6-22 has a good balance and isn’t too top or bottom-heavy.

While it’s still a beefy tool (2.2 pounds bare, 3.9 pounds with a 4.0Ah battery), it’s more compact than the SID 4-A22. Measuring 5.4 inches from front to back, it’s about 1/2 an inch shorter.

LED Worklight

One thing we love about this impact driver is the LED light ring surrounding the collet. It helps to fully illuminate the work area and has a diffuser on it which softens the light and cuts glare on your material.

Additional Features

• Protective rubber bumpers
• One-handed bit insertion

Hilti Cordless Impact Driver Quick Comparison

Nuron Technology Benefits

With Nuron’s updated battery design, we expect longer runtime, especially when you need to keep the tool under a heavier load for longer periods of time. It’s a combination of cell selection, cooling technology, and lower resistance of the pack design that makes it happen. All of that works together to power this impact driver more efficiently than before.

On the inventory management side of things, the batteries’ ability to automatically store and transmit data about the tool and battery can be a big help. Even if You’re using multiple tools with one battery, it stores the data and transmits it via the charger when you put it on.

Hilti Nuron Cordless Impact Driver Price

This Hilti Nuron retails for $169 as a bare tool. From there, you can customize your kit with the exact batteries and chargers you want. Hilti backs the tool with its signature 20-year warranty, 2 years of free service, and 1-day turnaround on service.

If you’re looking to outfit an entire tool crib, be sure to check out Hilti’s fleet pricing program. It includes free service, maintenance, and loaner tools to help mitigate downtime. On this program, the price for the SID 6-22 comes to $5.50 per month.

Compatible Batteries

• 2.5Ah (B 22-55): $84 each (most compact option)
• 4.0 Ah (B 22-85): $114 each (best for balancing size and weight with performance and runtime)
• 8.0 Ah (B 22-170): $174 each (best for long runtime and extra performance but heavy)
• 12.0 Ah (B 22-255): $204 each (compatible but not recommended due to size and weight)

The Bottom Line

The Hilti SID 6-22 impact driver is another example of how Nuron technology is resulting in significantly higher performance. It leaves its predecessor in the dust with far greater speed and torque. While it still has some room to grow in speed, its impressive power makes it far more capable of driving large fasteners than its competition.

Hilti Nuron Cordless Impact Driver Specifications

• Model: Hilti SID 6-22
• Power Source: Hilti Nuron 22V battery
• Chuck Type: 1/4 in. hex collet
• Max Torque: 2655 in-lbs
• No-Load Speed: 1800/2700/3600 RPMs
• Impact Rate: 4250 IPM
• Weight: 2.2 lbs (bare), 3.9 lbs (with recommended B 22-85 battery)
• Dimensions (LxWxH): 5.4 x 2.7 x 8.1 in.
• Warranty: 20-year
• Price: $169 (bare tool), $5.50/mo. (fleet pricing)

The post Hilti Nuron Cordless Impact Driver Review SID 6-22 appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Ridgid Launches Long-Awaited 18V Cordless Rear-Handle Circular Saw

Ridgid has been on a run fulfilling the requests of its user base. First, it was outdoor power equipment. Today, we’re getting our hands on the Ridgid 18V cordless rear handle circular saw. Was it worth waiting for? Let’s find out!

Pros

• Excellent cutting speed and power
• Smooth guard action
• Incredibly lightweight for a rear-handle saw
• Excellent value
• High-contrast depth and bevel markings

Cons

• No significant drawbacks

Ridgid 18V Cordless Rear Handle Circular Saw Performance

Ridgid turns to a brushless motor to drive this saw’s blade speeds up to 5800 RPM. It’s one of the first products we’ve seen specifically designed around the 8.0Ah Max Output EXP battery with members of the OPE line also using it.

The big deal is that this battery provides not only higher capacity, but also even more power output than the original Max Output packs. Like all Ridgid 18V tools, this saw can use any Ridgid 18V battery. However, you’ll see better performance with a Max Output battery and the best performance with a Max Output EXP pack.

All of that translates into blade speed and torque that exceeds what 15-amp worm drive models can produce. The cutting is confident and we weren’t able to stall the blade, even when pushing it hard. Like most saws, you can stall it if you’re cutting without regard to cutting accuracy, but that’s not realistic on the job.

The cutting depth is right where we expect it to be: 2 1/2 inches at 90° and 1 7/8 inches at 45°. The saw also has the standard 53° maximum bevel.

As you would expect with an advanced circular saw, the Ridgid R8658 has an electric blade brake to stop the blade quickly.

Ridgid 18V Cordless Rear Handle Circular Saw Design Notes

Ergonomics

Aside from the performance, this saw’s weight is a really big deal. Thanks to an all-magnesium construction, the bare tool weighs just 9.5 pounds (10.1 pounds with blade and dust port).

With its 8.0Ah battery and blade, the Ridgid R8658 has a working weight of 12.4 pounds. That’s a hair under Makita’s XSR01 at 12.5 pounds with its 5.0Ah battery loadout which was the previous lightweight champ. However, it’s not as light as Metabo HPT’s 36V model which has a working weight of just 10.6 pounds.

Compare that to Milwaukee’s M18 Fuel rear handle saw that weighs 10.3 pounds before you add the hefty 12.0Ah battery that comes with it and 13.7 pounds fully loaded.

Adjustments

Blade depth and bevel adjustments are standard with an all-metal clamp lock taking care of security. Both have high-contrast white markings against black that make the measurements very easy to see.

The bevel range has built-in detents to hit the 15°, 22.5°, 30°, and 45° marks you commonly need.

Blade Changes

There aren’t any surprises when you need to change the blade. Just be aware that you do need to remove the diamond knockout on new blades and that the blade-left orientation means you’re using a reverse-thread arbor bolt to secure it.

Additional Highlights

• Removable dust port accepts 1 1/4 or 1 7/8-inch hoses without an adapter
• Integrated rafter hook

Ridgid 18V Cordless Rear Handle Circular Saw Price

You can get your hands on this saw at your local Home Depot or homedepot.com for $239.00 as a bare tool. There’s also a kit that comes with an 8.0Ah Max Output EXP battery and charger for $349.00.

As usual, Ridgid offers a Lifetime Service Agreement on your purchase if you register within 90 days.

The Bottom Line

Ridgid did it right with the design of its cordless rear-handle circular saw. It’s lightweight and ergonomically sound with excellent cutting speed and power. While there are a couple of minor feature trade-offs compared to other options, the R8658 has the performance Pros need with the value you’re used to getting from Ridgid.

Specifications

• Model: Ridgid R8658
• Power Source: Ridgid 18V battery
• Blade Size: 7 1/4-inch
• No-Load Speed: 5800 RPM
• Max Cutting Depth: 2 1/2 inches (1 7/8 in @ 45°)
• Max Bevel: 53°
• Bare Weight: 9.5 lbs
• Working Weight: 12.5 pounds

The post Ridgid 18V Cordless Rear Handle Circular Saw Review appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

DeWalt’s 60V Cut-Off Saw Gives You Versatile Cuts

For cutting concrete, tile, and metal, a cut-off saw gives you the variability and power you need. Only a few brands offer 9-inch handheld cut-off saws, so your options are kind of limited. However, the DeWalt 60V Cut-Off Saw DCS692 adds to the list to fill out that market gap. We’ll walk you through what this tool brings to the table and how it updates the brand’s previous model.

DeWalt 60V Max Cordless 9-Inch Cut-Off Saw: The Big Deal

There are a couple of differences between this cut-off saw and DeWalt’s previous iteration, the DCS690. For starters, this saw updates its battery box to accommodate DeWalt’s larger 15.0Ah (5.0Ah at 60V Max) batteries. You can latch and seal the battery box to protect the battery from harsh jobsite conditions.

Then there’s the Wireless Tool Control function, which lets you connect to and control a secondary tool remotely. Connecting this cut-off saw to a FlexVolt 60V Max Dust Extractor using Wireless Tool Control activates the extractor when you pull the saw’s trigger. When you release the trigger, the vacuum turns off automatically.

Same Performance

This tool’s 6600 no-load RPM allows for fast single-pass cuts and scores in hard materials like concrete, stone, and rebar. Its 9-inch wheel has a cut capacity of up to 3 1/4 inches deep.

Like the last model, this cut-off saw features a 5-position blade guard which lets you choose the ideal cutting angle for visibility and mobility in confined spaces. Additionally, you can perform both horizontal and vertical cuts comfortably with the adjustable, 3-position handle.

Additional Features

• Heavy-load indicator light
• OSHA Table 1 compliant for dust management with dual-sided water feed system
• 2-stage trigger switch helps prevent accidental activation
• Tool Connect Tag-ready

DeWalt 60V Max Cordless 9-Inch Cut-Off Saw Price

You can find the DCS692 cut-off saw as a bare tool for $629. If you need batteries to go along with it, there’s also a kit that includes two FlexVolt 15.0Ah batteries for $949. That kit option is pretty attractive considering those batteries run $249 each when they’re on sale.

DeWalt backs your purchase with a 3-year warranty and a 1-year free service contract.

Discover more DeWalt products by clicking here!

DeWalt 60V Max Cordless 9-Inch Cut-Off Saw Specifications

• Model: DeWalt DCS692
• Depth: 26.38 in
• Height: 13.70 in
• Weight: 18.24 lbs
• Price: $629 (bare tool)

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The post DeWalt 60V Max Cordless 9-Inch Cut-Off Saw appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Masterforce Cordless Hammer Drill Gets a Big Boost in Performance From New Tech

The Masterforce Boost cordless hammer drill joins the ranks of advanced cordless tools with its Boost technology. Merging better battery and motor tech together, we tested it against the previous FlexPower brushless model to see what kind of difference you should expect.

Pros

• Brushless motor
• Big performance upgrade from the previous model
• More compact and lighter than the previous model
• Impulse mode
• Separate clutch and mode collars
• Metal chuck
• Excellent value

Cons

• On the heavy side

Masterforce Boost Hammer Drill Performance

As you can see from the chart below, the Masterforce Boost hammer drill gets a pretty significant performance upgrade thanks to the updated technology. Even drilling our first few test holes, we could feel the difference.

Masterforce Boost Vs Masterforce Brushless Hammer Drill

The performance of the previous model wasn’t bad at all. The speed and torque were on par with other top Prosumer models and it outperformed pure DIY options.

However, the landscape began changing with advanced battery and motor technology. Premium brands took advantage first and now Masterforce and other Prosumers brands have. That’s the Boost difference.

Now, the performance reaches where mid-range professional models are and significantly boosts your productivity. Feel free to use your full range of twist bits, spade bits, and auger bits. Even self-feed bits up to 2 9/16 inches and hole saws up to 3 inches are well within its capabilities.

Impulse Mode

In addition to the 2-speed gearbox on top of the housing, Masterforce also includes an impulse mode you can select on the foot. This mode creates a pulsing action by cycling the motor on and off. It’s nowhere near the rate of an impact driver, pulsing about 100 times per minute.

This mode works in high or low gear and is useful to encourage stubborn fasteners or to get a more accurate start on smooth material surfaces.

Battery Compatibility

Like many advanced cordless tools, you get the best performance when you pair this hammer drill with an advanced Boost battery. However, you can still use your Masterforce FlexPower 20V batteries. You’ll just notice a drop in performance.

Masterforce Boost Hammer Drill Design Notes

The overall design is about a 1/2-inch shorter and a couple of ounces lighter than the previous model. The drill driver version drops another 1/2-inch off of that and is impressively compact for its performance level.

It’s on the hefty side at 3.1 pounds bare. Stick the with 2.5Ah battery to keep the overall weight to a manageable 4.2 pounds.

The handle is agreeably curvy and comfortable for a wide range of hand sizes.

Feature Set

• Metal chuck
• Foot-mounted LED light
• Auxiliary handle included
• Belt clip
• Integrated bit holder

Masterforce Boost Cordless Hammer Drill Price

You can find Masterforce’s latest cordless hammer drill at Menards for $167.97 with a 2.5Ah battery and charger. We’ve seen it under $150.00 with a mail-in rebate offer. Considering its performance, that’s a pretty attractive price tag.

If you don’t need the concrete drilling capabilities of a hammer drill, the drill driver kit is $144.89.

The Bottom Line

With the Masterforce Boost cordless hammer drill, we find an impressive blend of performance and value. It’s a drill that legitimately performs at a professional level with a price that’s well within reach of serious DIYers. If getting a lot of bang for your buck is a big deal for you, Masterforce Boost cordless tools should be on your shortlist.

Specifications

• Model: Masterforce 241-0472
• Power Source: Masterforce 20V Boost or FlexPower batteries
• Chuck Size: 1/2-inch
• No-Load Speed:0 – 550 / 0 – 2,000 RPM
• Maximum Torque: 800 in-lbs
• Blow Rate: 0 – 8,000 / 0 – 32,000 BPM
• Clutch Settings: 24+1+1
• Length: 7.4 inches
• Weight: 3.1 pounds bare, 4.2 pounds with battery
• Warranty: 3 years
• Price: $167.97 kit with 2.5Ah battery

The post Masterforce Boost Cordless Hammer Drill Review appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Skil 12V Brushless Drill Drops Size While Maintaining Performance

The big draw for 12V power tools is undoubtedly their compact size and lightweight design. Well, the folks over at Skil decided they could do better with its 12V drill offerings. We’re taking a close-up look at the Skil PWRCore 12V 2-Speed Brushless Drill and Hammer Drill to see what’s changed from the previous generation.

Want more drills? Check out our top cordless drill recommendations!

Skil 12V Brushless Drill Performance

As far as performance is concerned, Skil really didn’t make any changes from the previous models. These drills employ brushless motors that produce up to 450 RPM in low gear and 1,700 RPM in high gear. The torque tops out at 350 in-lbs.

If you go with the hammer drill (which we recommend), you get the additional 6750 BPM in low and 25500 BPM in high gear to help with concrete and masonry drilling.

So what does that mean in terms of real-world performance?

With this kind of performance, you have the power to tackle most of your everyday household drilling and driving tasks. We found that it was confident while driving screws and drilling with a full range of twist bit sizes.

For the sake of science (and to satisfy our own curiosity), we tested several types of bits and found that a 1-inch spade bit or auger bit is about as big as this drill is comfortable with. We successfully drilled with a 1 1/2-inch self-feed bit, but it’s making the drill work hard at that point. If you find yourself needing a bit more power, consider one of Skil’s full-sized models for the best performance.

Skil 12V Brushless Drill Design Notes

Ergonomics

The most significant change for these drills is definitely the size reduction. The drill is 6.06 inches from end to end and the hammer drill measures 6.54 inches. That’s almost an entire inch shorter compared to their predecessors!

Bare, the drill weighs 1.9 pounds while the hammer drill clocks in at 2.1 pounds. There’s a slight drop in weight from the previous models.

Along with being compact, they feel very comfortable in the hand. The grip is slightly angled forward which makes for a more favorable working angle when using this drill.

Additional Features

• LED light
• Reversible belt hook
• Ratcheting 1/2-inch chuck
• 17 clutch settings
• Tether ready
• Bit holder on the back of the foot
• Compatible with all Skil PWRCore 12 batteries

Skil 12V Brushless Hammer Drill Quick Comparison

Skil 12V Brushless Drill Price

These Skil 12V drills are hitting the shelves with an exceptionally attractive price tag. The drill driver kit retails for $69.99 and the hammer drill kit is only $99.00! Both come with a 12V 2.0Ah battery, an upgraded PWRJump charger, and a 5-year warranty. Plus, the batteries feature a USB-A port on the back so they can double as a portable power supply for your devices.

The Bottom Line

As we mentioned earlier, the big deal with these drills is their significant drop in size without losing anything on the performance side. Not to mention, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a deal much better than this. I mean, a compact brushless drill kit under $100 and a killer warranty to back it up? Yes, please!

Overall, these drills are a fantastic option for homeowners and DIYers that you’ll enjoy much more than what some of the other DIY brands offer. The hammer drill, in particular, is also a good option for Pros that want a high-value compact supplement to their premium workhorse drills for light-duty work.

Specifications

• Model: Skil DL6290A-00 (drill), HD6290A-00 (hammer drill)
• Power Source: Skil PWRCore 12V battery
• No-Load Speed: 0-450/1,700
• Blow Rate (Hammer Drill Only): 0-6,750/25,500 BPM
• Chuck: 1/2-inch
• Max Torque: 350 in-lbs.
• Length: 6.06 inches (drill), 6.54 inches (hammer drill)
• Weight: 1.90 lbs. (drill), 2.01 lbs. (hammer drill)
• Warranty: 5-year
• Price: $69.99 (drill), $99.00 (hammer drill)

The post Skil 12V Brushless Drill and Hammer Drill Review appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Hilti Nuron TE 4-22 Raises The Bar For SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer Power

The Hilti Nuron TE 4-22 compact rotary hammer caught our eye for a couple of reasons. First, this is the first compact rotary hammer we’ve seen from Hilti with both Active Torque Control (ATC) and Active Vibration Reduction (AVR). Both features play a more serious role in larger rotary hammers like the Hilti TE 30-22. However, we like seeing “trickle-down tech” that helps when doing smaller jobs as well. We wanted to know whether this new Hilti compact rotary hammer would prove a good value for Pros looking for a lighter-weight solution for drilling smaller diameter holes.

Hilti Nuron TE 4-22 Cordless SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer – The Big Deal

Hilti Nuron technology offers several performance and design advantages. Chief among them is the advanced battery technology that brings with it more power and runtime. With more reasonably-sized tools like this one, you really do get some impressive results.

Looking at Hilti’s cordless TE 4 options, the previous model (TE 4-A22) matches the TE 4-22 on a number of specs. It lacks both ATC and AVR, however. And while the 22V Nuron platform moves away from 36V batteries, it doesn’t seem to decrease power or runtime potential. Even the single-row B 22-85 Nuron 22V battery provides enough power to drive this tool.

Compared with the TE 4-A22, Hilti maintains the speed but tweaks the impact power to 1.7 ft-lbs. Couple that with the safety features we already mentioned, and you have a very capable, yet compact rotary hammer. With this increased power comes increased drilling up to 1-inch diameter holes. The older TE 4-A22 topped out at 23/32″. We do note that the corded TE 7 can tackle holes up to 1-3/32″—the same as the Hilti TE 6-22.

Check out how the Hilti Nuron TE 4-22 compares to the TE 4-A22 and the corded TE 7:

Nuron Benefits

There are many benefits to Hilti’s Nuron system, and you can read more about them in our deep dive here. For now, here’s a quick list of what you can expect:

• Beefier electrical connections, 21700 cells, and better cooling delivers higher current potential and higher performance
• Nuron batteries collect data from the tool and deliver it to the cloud when on a charger
• Battery level indicator lights up when you pull the trigger
• Battery health indicator

Additional Features

• Wide drilling range
• Quick-release depth gauge
• Compatible with TE DRS-4/6 onboard dust removal or TE DRS-C vacuum connectors

Hilti Nuron TE 4-22 Cordless SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer Price

The Hilti TE 4-22 runs just $349 as a bare tool (or less than $20/month for Hilti Tools on Demand pricing). While that only saves you $20 off the price of a TE 6-22, it also gets you a more compact tool. When drilling overhead or on walls, that can make your day a lot better. Hilti also offers their 20-2-1 warranty program: a 20-year warranty, a 2-year free service, and a 1-day repair/maintenance turnaround.

Hilti offers its tools a la carte, so you can custom build your kit exactly how you want it. Here’s a breakdown of the batteries and chargers:

Compatible Batteries

• 2.5 Ah (B 22-54): $84.00 each (not recommended due to limited power and runtime)
• 4 Ah (B 22-85): $114 each (best balance of weight, performance, and runtime)
• 8 Ah (B 22-170): $174 each (additional weight, performance, and runtime)
• 12 Ah (B 22-255): $204 each (not recommended due to weight)

Compatible Chargers

• Hilti C 4-22 (91W) Compact Charger: $39
• Hilti C 6-22 (241W) Fast Charger: $84

Hilti Nuron TE 4-22 Cordless SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer Specifications

• Model: Hilti TE 4-22
• Power Source: Hilti Nuron 22V battery
• No-Load Speed: 1050 RPM
• Impact Energy: 1.7 ft-lbs
• Hammer drilling diameter range: 3/16-1 in.
• Bare weight: 5.4 lbs
• Price: $349 bare, $799 kit (2 batteries, charger, and 3 bits)

The post Hilti Nuron TE 4-22 Compact SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Ryobi 1/2-Inch Compact Impact Wrench Puts Power And Control In The Palm Of Your Hand

Any auto mechanic will tell you that an impact wrench is a must-have—and you’re likely going to need more than one. Ryobi is improving its game with an 18V One+ HP Compact Brushless 1/2-Inch Impact Wrench and we’re taking a closer look to see what benefits it offers.

Ryobi 1/2-Inch Compact Impact Wrench Performance

Fastening Power

Many fastening jobs don’t require a ton of power to tighten or remove nuts and bolts, especially in the automotive industry. Too much force while tightening can damage your material, strip threads, or even snap the head off altogether.

Stepping down to the compact class from the larger P262 and PBLIW01 models, the Ryobi PSBIW25 is capable of producing up to 275 ft-lbs of breakaway torque. It can also reach speeds up to 2,800 RPM and has a max impact rate of 3,800 IPM.

I got the opportunity to put this model to work when I changed out the brakes on my Honda Ridgeline. This compact impact wrench had no problem loosening the lug nuts or breaking those stubborn caliper bolts. That’s not a surprise with the power level this model is at. What’s nice is how easily I was able to work in tighter spaces (more on that in a minute).

Thinking more broadly, Ryobi touches a higher power level than most compact impact wrenches. It can handle most of your passenger vehicle needs along with large construction fasteners. Stubborn lugnuts and neglected fasteners may still need a true mid-torque or even a high-torque option, though.

4-Mode Speed Selection

Control of the performance centers around a 4-mode speed selection that dials in the brushless motor. The controls sit on the foot of the tool. Just press the button to cycle between its three standard modes and an auto mode.

The auto mode is incredibly helpful. In forward, it runs at 2,200 RPM, similar to mode 2, up until the first few impacts before automatically shutting off. Once it sets lightly, you can use your torque wrench to set the proper torque without worrying about over-torquing.

When in reverse, the auto mode will automatically stop rotation once the nut or bolt breaks loose. This is really nice because it allows you to hand-thread it the rest of the way instead of having it roll away.

Ryobi 1/2-Inch Compact Impact Wrench Design Notes

Ergonomics

The grip on this compact impact wrench is definitely on the larger side compared to many of the tools that pass through our shop. That’s normal for Ryobi, though. It has the feel of a full-sized tool and feels very secure in my hand. They even incorporated a small finger choil on the front of the rubber overmold for a little extra bit of comfort while using this tool.

From end to end this impact wrench measures 5.75 inches and it stands 9.75 inches tall with a 4.0Ah High Performance battery. As far as weight is concerned, it hit the scale at 2.4 pounds as a bare tool and 4.0 pounds even with a 4.0Ah High Performance battery. If you wanted to lighten things up a little, consider using one of Ryobi’s 2.0Ah High Performance batteries—this configuration only weighs 3.4 pounds.

Remember the higher power level we talked about? This is where the trade-off occurs. Compact impact wrenches are typically a bit smaller and lighter than Ryobi’s when you’re looking at premium professional brands. What we have is an impact wrench that sits in between premium compact and mid-torque classes.

But what about other Prosumer specialists in the 1/2-inch class with similar power? Compared to the high-value Skil PWRCore 20 IW5739, Ryobi offers a 3/8-inch shorter length. It’s more than 1 1/4 inches shorter than Craftsman’s CMCF921. It’s also lighter than both.

LED Light

One thing I really like about this tool is that Ryobi moved away from the typical foot-mounted light and instead uses a tri-beam design around the anvil. This style provides much better visibility in low-light situations. The only real disadvantage to this setup is larger sockets can obstruct the light and cast a shadow on your work surface. Other than that small issue, we’re happy with this design.

Ryobi 1/2-Inch Compact Impact Wrench Price

This compact impact wrench retails for $139.00 as a bare tool and at the time we’re writing this there are no kit options available. Ryobi warranties this impact wrench for 3 years so be sure to register your tools for fast and easy customer service!

The Bottom Line

We’re used to Ryobi bridging the gap between DIY and Pro models. By moving ahead of its Prosumer competition in both power and size, the PSBIW25 bridges the gap between Prosumer and Pro models and stands alone as the top Prosumer compact impact wrench currently available.

Check out more Ryobi impact wrenches by clicking here.

Ryobi 1/2-Inch Compact Impact Wrench Specifications

• Model: Ryobi PSBIW25
• Power Source: Ryobi 18V battery
• No-load Speed: 0-850/2,100/2,800/2,200 RPM
• Max Torque: 275 ft-lbs
• Impact Rate: 3,800 IPM
• Anvil Size: 1/2 in.
• Anvil Type: Friction ring
• Weight: 2.4 lbs (bare), 3.4 lbs (with 2.0Ah High-Performance battery), 4.0 lbs (with 4.0Ah High-Performance battery)
• Head Length: 5.75 in.
• Warranty: 3-year
• Price: $139 (bare)

The post Ryobi HP Compact Brushless 1/2-Inch Impact Wrench Review appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Greenworks 24V Cordless Speed Saw Makes Quick Work Of More Than Drywall

Anyone who has ever tried their hand at drywall work will tell you that it’s no easy task, especially when it comes time to cut out switches and outlets. It’s messy, and using a jab saw is a pain. Luckily, the Greenworks 24V Cordless Speed Saw is here to help move things along a little quicker and might just be more versatile than you realize.

Greenworks Cordless Speed Saw Cut-Out Tool Performance

The single-speed brushless motor spins the bit up to 27,000 RPM allowing it to smoothly glide through material with ease. The on/off slide switch is in a convenient spot to easily access without having to reposition your hand.

Despite the speed, rotary saws like these tend to leave a messy edge, so get a little practice on some scrap material if this is a new type of tool for you.

You might think that rotary cut-out tools are for drywall and that’s partially correct. They’re also useful for dense foam, plaster, and plywood, making them more versatile than some folks realize.

However, we definitely recommend using both PPE in the way of glasses and a mask because these tools can make one heck of a mess no matter what you’re cutting in. If you have a vacuum, check out Milwaukee’s Air-Tip Dust Collector accessory as a way to contain the dust more easily.

Greenworks Cordless Speed Saw Cut-Out Tool Design Notes

Ergonomics

As rotary tools go, the Greenworks speed saw has a competitive weight and profile that are both comfortable for longer cuts and easy on the hands. From tip to tail it measures 9.25 inches with the depth guide fully extended and the main handle is only two inches in diameter. Along with being compact, it weighs in at just 2.75 pounds with a 2.0Ah battery.

The barrel grip design feels similar to a compact router and allows for various hand positions. This gives you excellent control when making precise cuts.

Depth Adjustments

Adjusting the tool-free depth guide is easy. Just loosen the plastic nut to adjust the guard and tighten it back down when you’re ready to work. Greenworks designed this guard with just over an inch of travel so you can dial in an exact cutting depth.

Bits and Accessories

The bare tool comes standard with a 1/8-inch wood bit and a 1/8-inch drywall bit along with a 1/4-inch collet insert. This allows you to use two different size bits depending on your application.

Additional Features

• Tether ready
• Multi-position belt hook

Greenworks Cordless Speed Saw Cut-Out Tool Price

The Greenworks 24V Cordless Speed Saw retails for $49.99 as a bare tool or $99.99 as a 2.0 battery/charger kit from Amazon. Either way, it’s not a bad deal when you consider the time you’re likely to save on some of your upcoming projects. It’s also backed by a 3-year limited tool warranty.

The Bottom Line

The Greenworks 24V Cordless Speed Saw packs excellent performance under the hood and it has a price tag that’s hard to pass up. All in all, this is a great option for DIYers that like to tackle intermediate to advanced home improvement/remodeling projects as well as handymen and building maintenance crews who want a high-value option for occasional tasks.

Greenworks Cordless Speed Saw Cut-Out Tool Specifications

• Model: Greenworks SW24B00
• Power Source: Greenworks 24V battery
• No-Load Speed: 27,000 RPM
• Bits Accepted: 1/8 in. and 1/4 in.
• Weight: 1.75 lbs. (bare), 2.75 lbs. (with 2.0Ah battery)
• Length: 9.25 in.
• Warranty: 3-year limited
• Price: $49.99 (bare), $99.99 (kit)

The post Greenworks 24V Cordless Speed Saw Cut-Out Tool Review appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Skil 20V Compact 3/8-Inch Impact Wrench Improves Performance While Reducing Size

If you’re in the market for a compact impact wrench, oftentimes you’ll have to sacrifice performance for size…but what if it didn’t have to be that way? As we’re continuing our dive into the updated Skil PWRCore 20C lineup, we turn our attention to the Skil Compact Impact Wrench.

Skil 20V Compact 3/8-Inch Impact Wrench Performance

Under The Hood

On paper, you can expect up to 170 ft-lbs of fastening torque, 220 ft-lbs of break-away torque, and 3,950 IPM for driving tough nuts and bolts. Additionally, the brushless motor peaks out at 2,850 RPM—450 RPM faster than PWECore 20 1/2-inch model.

Drive Modes

Skil’s 20V compact impact wrench features three main speed modes as well as a reverse control mode. This allows you to dial in the speed to match whatever material or fasteners you’re working with. Here’s a quick look at the speed you can expect in each mode:

Skil 20V Compact 3/8-Inch Impact Wrench Quick Comparison

The big deal with Skil’s next-generation compact lineup is that Skil is making smaller tools that are outperforming their previous versions, like the Skil IW5739. There is a considerable jump in speed, torque, and impact rate when looking at this compact model.

Using Reverse Control Mode

In reverse control mode, the tool loosens a bolt or nut at high-speed first. Once the nut or bolt
is completely loose, the tool will stop automatically to prevent it from threading off.

The mode is available only when the tool is set in reverse rotation. If you switch the tool to forward rotation while in reverse control mode, the impact force and speed are the same as the high-speed mode 3.

Applications

With 170 ft-lbs of forward torque and 220 ft-lbs of nut-busting torque, there’s a wide range of light to medium-duty tasks you can accomplish. It should be plenty to remove properly-fastened lug nuts on passenger vehicles, handle the fasteners in tight spots around your brake calipers, and deal with the many of the hex-head construction fasteners you come across.

You still need a mid-torque impact wrench for stubborn or larger fasteners, but you might be surprised just how much of your work this compact model can do for you.

Skil 20V Compact 3/8-Inch Impact Wrench Notes

Ergonomics

The Skil compact impact wrench weighs in at 2.0 pounds even as a bare tool and 3.1 pounds with the kitted 2.0Ah battery. Keeping with the compact theme, it also measures 4.8 inches from end to end which makes it ideal for accessing those hard-to-reach nuts and bolts.

Ergonomically, this impact wrench feels really good in the hand. The contoured grip features some aggressive grooves and texturing that helped me maintain a firm hold on the tool even in the sweltering central Florida heat.

LED Light

Much like most modern tools, this impact wrench features an LED light for low-light conditions. This tool includes a diffused halo-style light that surrounds the anvil and it’s a more effective way of lighting than foot-mounted lights.

In addition to the trigger activation, there’s also an option to turn it on for 10 minutes and to turn it back off if you don’t need the light for the full time.

Additional Features

• Tether ready
• Reversible belt hook

Skil 20V Compact 3/8-Inch Impact Wrench Price

This cordless impact wrench kit retails for $129.99 and includes a single PWRCore 20V 2.0Ah battery and a PWRJump charger. Skil accompanies this kit with a 5-year tool warranty and a 2-year battery warranty when you register.

The Bottom Line

Overall, we really like the performance and design improvements of the Skil 20V Compact Impact Wrench. The boost in speed, torque, and control cement this tool’s reputation as a true workhorse for serious DIYers. It’s also a great option for Pros on a budget who need the benefits of a compact impact wrench from time to time.

Skil Compact Impact Wrench Specifications

• Model: Skil IW6739B-00
• Power Source: Skil PWRCore 20V battery
• Anvil Size: 3/8 in.
• Anvil Type: Friction Ring
• Fastening Torque: 170 ft-lbs.
• Break-Away Torque: 220 ft-lbs.
• No-Load Speed: 0-1,500/2,250/2,850 RPM
• Impact Rate: 2,100/3,400/3,950 IPM
• Weight: 2.0 lbs. (bare), 3.1 lbs (with 2.0Ah battery)
• Warranty: 5-year
• Price: $129.99

The post Skil 20V Compact 3/8-Inch Impact Wrench Review appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.