Tools of the Trade: Michael's Latest Articles

Festool Hybrid Driver

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 02:17:54 EST

The Ti 15 brushless impact driver is also a drill/driver.

A Trip to the Plier Factory

Tue, 5 Feb 2013 04:48:48 EST

This summer I visited the Channellock factory in Meadville, Pennsylvania and got a close up look at good old fashioned American tool manufacturing. They allowed me take photos so I'm sharing them here...

Heavyweights of the IWF

Thu, 7 Feb 2013 03:29:16 EST

No, not a wrestling federation, the IWF is the International Woodworking Fair, a trade show devoted to woodworking tools and shop equipment. I spent four days at the show and saw a lot of cool products; here are a few of my favorites...

High-Voltage Cordless Chain Saws

Fri, 1 Feb 2013 02:20:11 EST

When lithium-ion tools first hit the market, a number of manufacturers introduced 28- and 36-volt models.

ForceLogic Press Tools

Fri, 1 Feb 2013 04:54:49 EST

Milwaukee has been busy keeping up with the needs of plumbers – specifically, their need for new kinds of installation tools. A few years back they introduced M12 and M18 cordless PEX installation tools. Now they are launching...

New Cordless Electrical Tool

Fri, 1 Feb 2013 04:55:00 EST

Milwaukee has added an interesting new cutter to its M12 cordless tool line...

New Cordless Concrete Tools

Fri, 1 Feb 2013 04:54:57 EST

Among the standouts at the recent Milwaukee media event were two M12 products, the pint-size model 2412 rotary hammer and a universal dust extractor called the Hammervac...

Milwaukee Tools: The Future is Brushless

Fri, 1 Feb 2013 04:54:52 EST

This summer I visited Milwaukee's headquarters in Brookfield, Wisconsin for a preview of upcoming attractions – chief among them a number of new brushless tools that will come out later this year.

Surprising Facts About Bits and Blades

Mon, 4 Feb 2013 10:44:19 EST

Accessories have a higher profit margin than power tools and are consumable – so it's no wonder that tool companies are keen to sell us bits and blades.

Bosch's Newest Power Tools

Mon, 4 Feb 2013 10:44:16 EST

Last fall I went to Switzerland to visit the plants where Bosch produces jigsaws, sanders, and a host of accessories. Some of the tools I saw there have yet to be released so this will be your first opportunity to see them.

Behind the Scenes with Bosch in Germany

Fri, 1 Feb 2013 05:05:18 EST

Last summer at the annual Bosch power tools media event, I received the good news that I was one of three tool industry journalists chosen by the company to be taken on a tour of their facilities throughout Germany and Switzerland.

New Tools from Hitachi, Stiletto, Kobalt, and More

Fri, 1 Feb 2013 04:55:05 EST

Earlier this year I – and 50,000 others - went to the International Builders' Show (IBS) in search of new tools and building products. I enjoy going to trade shows because there's nothing like seeing new tools early on and in person. This year's show did not disappoint...

New DeWalt Saws

Fri, 1 Feb 2013 04:55:02 EST

DeWalt recently introduced three new saws, a compact corded recip saw, a corded circular saw, and a mini cordless recip saw with a folding handle...

More New 20 Volt Max Tools

Fri, 1 Feb 2013 04:54:55 EST

In addition to a brushless impact driver, DeWalt recently announced several new tools in their 20 Volt Max (18-volt tools) product line.

DeWalt Goes Brushless

Fri, 1 Feb 2013 05:05:20 EST

In a media event held a few weeks ago in Orlando, DeWalt unveiled their newest cordless innovation: an impact driver with a brushless motor. As part of their second generation...

History In Hand

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 09:46:37 EST

Peter Liebhold must have a million tools. As the curator of the Division of Work and Industry at the National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C., he weaves them into stories that illuminate our growth as a country.

First Test: DeWalt's New Framing Saw

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 03:51:13 EST

Wormdrive saws are known for being plenty strong – and plenty heavy too. And as it turned out, where power is concerned, the DWS535 ranks right up there with the best of them.

First Test: Milwaukee Compact Band Saws

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 03:41:50 EST

Finding a new tool that fits the work is a real pleasure for the pro. A full-size portable band saw used to be the tool of choice for cutting angle iron, Unistrut, and threaded rod on the job – even though its nearly 5-inch capacity is overkill for most chores – but now our plumber's crew grabs one of Milwaukee's compact models instead.

List of Lead RRP Rule Vacuums

Fri, 1 Feb 2013 04:55:32 EST

With all of the confusion surrounding the new requirements for remodeling work in houses built before 1978, one of the biggest sources of confusion we hear about is the HEPA vac requirement.

Cutting Edge: New Tool Report

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 03:50:44 EST

Our mission at Tools of the Trade is to feed your endless appetite for new tools, which includes telling you about product introductions as soon as we learn about them.