Author: Dan Maxey - Tools In Action (2024)

I don’t normally write articles, but for this product, I wanted to share my thoughts. Roughly seven years ago I was looking for a truck bed storage system for my 2011 F150. I did not want the typical toolbox setup as it was a personal vehicle and I wasn’t a fan of the “Work Truck” look. I did a ton of research and came across a brand new company called DECKED. They had this new revolutionary bed storage solution that was made from High-Density Polyurethane. Compared to other wood drawer units that looked homemade, the DECKED really stood out as thought-out and well-engineered product. So I got one and have been impressed with this system ever since. In-fact I am on my fifth pickup truck since then and my third DECKED system as I had to change systems because of different truck models.

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So let’s talk about my experience with three of these products within the past seven years. Has it failed? No. Has it leaked? No. Have I abused it? Yes! The HD Polyurethane construction can take whatever factory weight your truck can handle. The deck is steel reinforced and I have loaded everything from ATV’s to bags of rocks on it. It takes abuse and keeps on going. I also had zero fade with this product, meaning it still looked as black as the day I got it. Since the deck is steel reinforced you can add Core TRAX accessories. These are basically rails that have holes where you can attach rings and create tie-down points. This is the exact same thing you will see in an aircraft cargo bin. Fortunately for me with the exception of the 2011 F150, Ford has box link tie-downs which stay in place with the DECKED installed. I am able to use those to tie down all my cargo. The install is pretty straight forward and goes by fast with two people. The number one tip I can give you here is to watch the videos and NEVER use a power tool on it. Don’t ask me how I know.

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The system has six storage locations: four ammo cans and the two main drawers. Let’s talk about the ammo cans first. They are in all four corners and have a gallon or so of space. These ammo cans are not weatherproof however they do a great job of keeping the water out. I find them good for chains and ball hitches, the ammo cans do not lock. If you flip the lids over it reveals two molded cup holders. The two main drawers are in the center of the unit and hold 200 lbs. each. The drawers roll smoothly empty or loaded; they ride on roller blade-like wheels with quality bearings. The drawers pull out about a foot past the tailgate and have a preset stop. You cannot go past this stop, it leaves about a foot or so covered by the deck toward the rear of the drawer. So at the very back of the drawers I tend to put my heavy items that I don’t use a lot. You can still access them, you just have to reach through rather than just seeing the open drawer. DECKED has really amped up the accessory department. Now they have all kinds of dividers, toolboxes and even a backpack called the D-Bag that fits snug into the drawers. The toolboxes are actually pretty awesome. They have gaskets which makes them weather-sealed and have a ruler /conversions on the top. They also have dividers and a drawer organizer called the Drawganizer which is awesome!

I cannot say enough about the smooth operation of this system and the quality feel it has. The drawers are individually lockable with locks you can purchase separately. For my needs, the F250 has a lockable tailgate and that is enough to lock them. I usually just have some basic tools and straps in mine so high security is not needed. The two drawers are completely weather tight, meaning the car wash and Mother Nature are not going to get anything wet. If your truck ends up in a lake, I would say everything in your truck including everything in the bed will be soaked. On the very back of the unit is a hand ruler bar with some conversions for when you are working off your tailgate. But for some of you, the handiest thing is the bottle opener at the back. At the end of the day, you can crack a cold one open. Even better you can fill both the drawers with ICE, add your favorite beverage and you have 2 HUGE coolers! You will be remembered at parties for years. The drawers have an optional drain for the cooler option.

So the big question is the DECKED system right for you? There are downsides with any bed storage system or cover, but the DECKED just has one downside which isn’t that bad actually. It takes up the bottom of your bed, that’s it. You still have full use of your bed only the floor is a bit higher. So anything that would fit before still will, it will just be higher. You can still fit an ATV up there, load bags of rocks, tools, etc…. I wouldn’t recommend dumping bulk materials like dirt, sand, and rocks. I mean you can, but there are gaps where the material can get into. Since the DECKED covers the wheel wells you also have a wider flat deck to work with, keep that in mind.

One crazy side effect that I noticed on my 2020 F250 is that my ride was way better with the weight – unbelievably better. My truck bounced like mad on the highway and now the DECKED has tamed it. I give the DECKED an awesome thumbs up! It has made my truck organized, useful, and smoothed out the ride. For me, it is the perfect solution. As far as quality and durability the system is A+, it is made in the USA, and DECKED customer service is second to none.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2k_ocyaN-js?feature=oembed&w=696&h=392]

Why is the earth round? Why are tires round? Even drill bits are round! I am sick of the round, it’s time for a square revolution. Are you with me? Luckily the Quadsaw is available for all of us who want to escape the normal round hole.

From what I can see the Quadsaw connects to any drill and uses 4 oscillating blades to cut a perfect square or rectangle. The handle telescopes down to provide stability when cutting. The price tag of this beast hovers around the $250 mark and you can only cut through plaster or drywall walls. I forgot to mention it only cuts two sizes, a square and a rectangle. These sizes correspond to electrical boxes in Europe. Check out more via the Quadsaw website.

https://youtu.be/todOV-Quy24

If you want to cut through other materials like metal, check out our man in Amasterdam AvE. He has a cool video on how to make a square hole.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7n1r5XfVkyk?feature=oembed&w=696&h=392]

A tractor is like a best friend – always there to help you and never let you down, so buying a tractor is a big decision. They cost as much as a car and are expected to last nearly a lifetime. I have spent a few years looking for the perfect tractor for my yard, which is just shy of an acre. My eyes have been focused on major brands such as John Deere and Kubota. They both offer great traditional tractors. Earlier this year, a company called Ventrac reached out to us and invited us to Orrville, Ohio to see what Ventrac is all about. I have seen Ventrac tractors on the internet, but didn’t know what to think. They looked somewhat dated and kind of like an oversized garden tractor. Before we knew it, we were on a plane to Ohio (I had about 1 hour of sleep the night before and my partner in crime Eric was recovering from the flu!). We were zombies when we arrived at the Ventrac factory.

As soon as we walked in we were greeted by employees and even some family members of Ventrac. They walked us into a conference room where they had a half assembled 4500Z that they use for training. The first thing I noticed was the thickness of the steel and quality of the components. It was top notch commercial grade all the way. The entire tractor is designed to be weatherproof and rugged. It is powder coated and every electrical connector has a rubber gasket to keep moisture out. The accessories are plug and play, and they are prewired into the loom which keeps the factory harness intact and protected from the elements. I was amazed at all of the wires and hoses that run through this tractor. On the firewall of the motor there is a box with red LED lights. If there ever is a fault, one of these red LED lights will tell you exactly where the trouble is. The dash gives you a nice digital readout that is easy to read. The speedometer is digital and gives you exact MPH, like 8.1 MPH or 8.4 MPH.

Next, we went out on the production floor to watch precision cutting machines cut out the thick steel pieces that make up the tractors. Ventrac has 2 main models that come in a variety of configurations. For this article we’re focusing on the king of the hill 4500Z, which is powered by a Kubota 32.5hp gas motor (the motor can also run on propane for you environmentalists out there). After the tractors are built, a worker goes full speed forward and slams the tractor into reverse a few times to test for failure. You can custom order your Ventrac pretty much anyway you want it. Our 4500Z came with the optional category one 3 point hitch and 4 rear hydraulic ports. Originally, ours had two ports but we had the dealer install two more up front.

In the final part of our trip we got to play with the test units they had on hand. They took us out back to a huge playground of tractors and accessories. We received a brief intro on how to operate them and we were off! The Ventrac is operated with a steering wheel and a lever. They call the lever SDLA or the Speed, Direction, Lift and Auxiliary lever. It basically controls everything in one spot and is very intuitive. Overall, it was exciting to see an American company building a quality product right here at home. It was obvious that each and every one of those employees were proud to be a part of the Ventrac team.

The Ventrac is very easy to operate and we quickly got the hang of it. After we felt more comfortable, we were taken to “the 45 degree slope” that Ventrac uses to test their tractors (it is known for its 45 degree slope capability). Now I don’t know if any of you have been on this steep of a slope, but it is quite scary. It took me a while to be able to drive the Ventrac down the slope, but once I worked up the courage I was amazed with the handling. The Ventrac grips the hill like glue. Not many tractors, if any, can operate as steep as a Ventrac. Our test unit had the 8 wheel configuration which makes the wheel base wider. We were using an Aerator attachment and at one point I felt it start to slide down the steep slope. Little did I know, the Ventrac has a weight transfer lever. This ingenious lever uses springs to transfer the weight to the front wheels of the tractor which gave us more gripping power and eliminated any sliding caused by the heavy attachment.

We then got a brief introduction to the rest of the attachments for the Ventrac and were able to play with them. Ventrac has over 30 attachments for this tractor, from snow blowers to mowers – they pretty much have it all! The great thing about these attachments is how easy they attach, a single person could do it. You simply drive up and align 2 pins and you are all set! Sometimes you have to wiggle the tractor onto the pins but it still attaches rather easily. By the end of the day I knew I just had to have a Ventrac.

A few weeks later our 4500Z arrived with a finish mower attachment, a scoop bucket and a stump grinder. The first thing I noticed about the Ventrac is how it doesn’t tear up the grass, which is unheard of for an all wheel drive machine! The articulation basically leaves no tracks. I can honestly say I have never been more excited to mow my lawn as I was that day when I attached the 60” finish mower to it. I noticed a few advantages right away, one being that the out front design allowed me to get under trees. Also, the deck of the mower can be tilted for servicing and cleaning. I truly have never seen a better end result as I have when using the Ventrac. It leaves perfect lines every time thanks to the long steel roller than runs over the grass. The mower is powered by the front belt PTO and is attached in seconds via a lever that moves the pulley in and allows the belt to slip on. The entire deck is powder coated and there are Zerk fittings just about everywhere there is movement.

The next project we had in store was to remove some stumps from the yard. We quickly hooked up the stump grinder and got to work. The tractor uses the articulation to move the grinder from side to side to grind down the log. Above the grinder is a mirror that allows you to see what you are doing. It took me a few minutes to get acclimated to the view and shortly after I was quite comfortable with it. There were a few times that I dropped the grinder too deep on the log and stalled it – the loud squeal and smoke is what alerted me. When abruptly stopped, all of the energy goes to the belt at the PTO connection. Basically, the worst you can do is wreck a belt, which eventually I did. I probably removed about 20 or so stumps for friends and neighbors. I even took out a cottonwood stump that was at least five feet in diameter. The Ventrac took every bit of it without a hiccup. Once thing I did notice, however, was that after repeated articulating in the same spot, the tractor would leave imprints in the existing grass.

Finally, we attached the power bucket – now time for some fun! First we started loading it with bags of dirt to fill the stumps we had grinded. I also had some rose bushes that needed to be removed, and I was able to dig right under them with the bucket. It took a little bit of work to break up the ground and get under them, but the tractor accomplished it without any problem. I went on to dig out some flower beds for a neighbor, and returned to spread dirt across a low lying fence line. After hours of running through the yard I thought for sure there would be tracks, but there were none. The only limitation we noticed was when we were loading mulch on the trailer. Since the bucket remains low we were unable to lift up over the sides. We did work around this by driving the Ventrac up the existing pile and continued stacking. If you need high loading capabilities, Ventrac does offer a loader attachment.

Essentially, the Ventrac is 30+ machines in one and completes every task like a pro. The Ventrac is even used by municipalities around the world to keep city sidewalks and parks clear of snow, using either a plow or snowblower attachment. We used it to help out a local boat marina for a week and they loved it so much they wanted to keep it! It launched boats with ease – including some double the weight of the tractor! It had the power and grip to pull out the boats, even a wet ramp. The marina crew was very impressed, to say the least.

Overall the Ventrac 4500Z has impressed me with its function and quality. If I could change anything about the Ventrac, I would like to see a rear PTO and perhaps a different configuration of the headlights. They tend to easily move out of place and it makes the tractor look a bit dated. That being said I don’t think I could ever go back to a standard tractor. The quality and usability of this tractor completely outshines anything else I have seen on the market. Check them out for yourself – www.ventrac.com

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8bU4isjhjo?feature=oembed&enablejsapi=1&w=696&h=392]

A generator has many uses and applications, one of which is an emergency backup. Being a backup it must be reliable and always work. FIRMAN may not be known as a major brand in the USA, but they have been producing OEM generator parts and equipment for over a decade. Recently we had a chance to check out the FIRMAN 3650 Generator with Remote Start model number P03603. The unit boasts a 14 hour run time on 5 gallons of gas. It puts out 3650 Watts with 4550 starting Watts.

The unit had plenty of power to run our 15 amp log splitter as demonstrated in the video below. For those of you that are lazy, the generator comes with a remote start. Simply hit a button and the unit starts, obviously you will need to keep unit outside when running it. The generator also has a panel that tells you volts, Hz, hours and if you have low oil.

The unit can handle up to 30A via the L5-30R and TT-30R outlets which is perfect for RV use. It has 2 standard 120V 20amp ports, the unit only operates at 120V. The overall build of the unit is good and the performance was impressive. One thing that usually shy people away from an unknown brand is support. FIRMAN has a support center in Phoenix Arizona so when you call you get someone who speaks English and can take care of your issue. For those of you that want a good generator for a good price take a look at FIRMAN, you really cant go wrong.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nTyR1s2_F_4?feature=oembed&enablejsapi=1&w=696&h=392]

Need a good hose? No need to look anymore the Stanley FatMax water hose is a high quality industrial grade hose that is great for the garden or the shop. It has a 500 PSI burst strength. That is about 10 times the PSI of the typical neighborhood water system. It is made with Polyfusion and Anti Kink technology. Nothing is worse than when you pull on your hose and a kink develops, not with the FatMax. This hose is designed to be left out in the sun and not degrade, it will take any abuse you throw at it.

The couplings of the hose are encased with big grips that will keep you from fumbling around trying to tighten them. This equates to no leaks as you can snug them in tight with ease. The encased couplings also prevent you from damaging the hose if you step or droll over the hose. It also can handle extreme cold temperatures without cracking. Ever ran over your hose with our mower? The yellow color makes this hose stand out and the only time time you will run over it is if you had one too many beers mowing.

Stanley really did a good job on this one, it has a lifetime warranty and will survive for many years of use. Check out the reviews on Amazon. It is available in a variety of sizes. Both the homeowner and professional will reap the benefits of this hose. No gimmicks, just a good quality hose that can get the job done.

One of my favorite things about spring is getting out the pressure washers. We have seen all kinds both gas and electric. Never have we seen a 40V cordless one. I was a bit apprehensive when Yard Force sent us the YF4050PB Cordless Pressure Washer. I had my doubts and thought it was a glorified garden hose. After using it, I am sold. We have done Yard Force products before like their YF2200BL Brushless Pressure Washer and their YF8000 leaf Shredder, they have turned out to be great items.

The unit puts out 500 PSI at just under a gallon per minute which surprisingly is enough to do most cleaning tasks. The unit comes with a 19′ hose which is plenty for most situations and 3 nozzles: 0, 15 and 40 degrees. It also has a separate chemical dispenser and nozzle. The 40V battery is enclosed in a waterproof enclose so you do not need to worry about it getting wet. When you first get the unit you need to connect it to a garden hose to prime it. After that you are good to go either with a garden hose or fill the included 7 gallon tank. The tank is removable via 2 clips so you can take it to the water source and fill it without dragging the entire unit with you.

A full 7 gallon bucket full of water will last about 10 minutes before you need refill it if used continuously. Total continuous battery run time is about 20 minutes. For easy storage the unit can be stored in the bucket to keep down on space. Overall I really like this unit, it is a very convenient pressure washer. Even in the winter if I need to wash something really quick I can just fill it with warm water and go. It is perfect for RV owners, boaters, campers or just anyone who needs to clean out in the field. The only thing I would like to have seen was cover for the bucket. That way if you do not have water source you can take water with you. The YF4050PB Cordless 40V pressure washer is available via Amazon and has a 2 year warranty.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6MgoUyIh00?feature=oembed&w=696&h=392]

Some people love to work in the garden, however it takes a lot of back breaking work to keep up. So whenever we come across a tool that makes gardening easier it puts a smile on our face. The Mantis 7490 is one of those tools. It is a 2 in 1 tool that tills and cultivates. Tilling goes deeper and prepares the ground for planting. Cultivating only goes down a few inches and removes weeds and refreshes the surface so that water nutrients and air can easily get into your plants.

Big tillers are nice but they cannot cultivate in small areas without damaging your plants. The 9 inch wide Mantis is small and gets in just about any spot you can think of. We have reviewed a Mantis before, but this new model has a few changes like more ergonomic grips and a kickstand. The Mantis 7490 comes in a small box and you need to add oil, assemble the handle bars and kick stand. It takes about 20 minutes to get the unit up and running.

Mantis has a great name in the business for having solid transmissions and being a very dependable unit. The 4 cycle has an easy to start Honda 25cc motor with no gas to mix that will provide a lifetime of service if properly maintained. The Honda is surprisingly quiet and has plenty of power to tackle any task. The tines on the Mantis are it’s secret to success. They are designed in such a way that reversing them turns the unit into a cultivator. 10″ deep for the tiller and around 2-3″ for cultivating. A simple pin allows you to reverse the tines or remove them for cleaning. The tines have a lifetime warranty.

The 24lb Mantis is a very easy machine to operate, it doesn’t pull away from you or get caught up on things. When it hits hard objects it just bounces right over them. It really is a joy to operate. For hard surfaces like packed clay you simply angle and move the unit from side to side, it will then start to break up the soil.

For storage, the unit has a kick stand and the handles fold over. As with any gas powered unit you always want to use Stabil or some sort of gas stabilizer. It is also a good idea to use ethanol free fuel like True Fuel which also can be stored up to 2 years. Ethanol is what destroys fuel lines and gums up carburetors.

If you do any sort of home gardening or landscaping the Mantis will be the best tool in your arsenal. Sure there are cheaper alternatives, but nothing comes close to the ability of the Mantis to get the job done. You can order one and try it, if you do not like it you can return it. They also have a stellar 5 year warranty. Check out Mantis.com for more info or via Amazon.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rn9AMqNemk?feature=oembed&w=696&h=392]

DeWALT UK just released a video of their upcoming 18/20V XR Brushless Planer. We hope to see this tool arrive here on the shores of the USA soon and this might be a preview of what it will look like. It has the ergonomic DeWALT 20V Max grip. It looks to come with a 5.0 battery.

Another feature it boasts is an “Airlock” port that is compatible with a dust bag and dust extraction. The USA version, if there is one will probably be compatible with the Perform and Protect line. We will be visiting DeWALT in June and this might possibly be on the agenda. If it is, it should give the Milwaukee 2623 planer a run for the money. Check out the video below.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2VwZKGUSV4?feature=oembed&w=696&h=522]

FLIR is a big time player in the test and measurement industry. They are known especially for their innovative thermal imaging technology and are used worldwide in all sorts of critical applications. They have put a new twist on the clamp meter. They have added a thermal imaging sensor to it, called Infrared Guided Measurement (IGM). What it does is allow the technician to pinpoint a problem by using thermal heat imaging. Generally something that is warm or hotter than its surroundings can indicate an issue. Instead of probing you can now see the problem real time and use the laser and cross hair to mark the problem area. This image is a lot safer because you do not need to touch the work area.

Once you see an area that looks suspicious you can quickly verify your findings with amperage and voltage measurements. The jaws are narrow enough to fit into tight areas and cable runs. Right below the jaws are two bright LED lights to light up your work area. The meter has a full host of capabilities including True RMS, LoZ, VFD Mode, Inrush, and Smart Diode with Disable. With the optional accessories you can expand the AC Amps up to 3000. FLIR has an entire line of clamp meters without the imaging to meet anyone’s budget and needs. FLIR backs this product with a full 10 year warranty.

Overall the quality of this product was good and it did exactly as advertised. It runs off of 4 AA batteries. Be sure to read the markings on the battery compartment when you turn the screw and avoid prying on it. It will easily open when unlocked. Another thing we liked about the FLIR CM174 is that the screen was easy to read especially in low light conditions. It is back lit and completely digital. Check it out via Amazon

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jj2oEAOR_f0?feature=oembed&w=696&h=392]

Pickup truck beds are a huge area to put just about anything. The one thing they lack is the ability to organize anything. You pretty much just have a wide open space. There are many accessories that can help fill this void from tool boxes to swing out boxes. A lot of these options take up width and length. Let’s face it you are putting something in there, so of course it is going to take up space. The Decked system takes up space on the bottom which still allows you to get wide objects like sheets of plywood into your truck with ease. It basically adds 2 large drawers and 4 side ammo cans to your bed.

I first came across the Decked system a few years back on my 2011 Ford F150. I was skeptical at first as I was concerned about taking up floor space in my truck. That skepticism quickly passed and I started to reap the benefits of the system. The good thing about a pick-up truck is you can always load up. I had no issues not being able to load cargo that I loaded before I installed the system. In fact, if you order the optional Core Trax you actually have more tie down points than your normal bed.

The Decked can hold up to 2000 lbs and each drawer can hold 200 lbs. It is made of High Density Polyethylene and has a steel frame. It is tough stuff that resists chemicals, dents and cracks. The more weight you add to the drawers the smoother they seem to open and close. Heavy duty ball bearing rubber wheels hold the weight. It really has a quality feel to it. The handles are metal and easily pull open no matter how much weight is in them. You can also opt for some optional locks in case your tail gate doesn’t lock or you want the extra security. Another option is drain hole plugs, you can use the drawers as coolers. Smart idea huh? Well they even include a bottle opener at the back. So at the end of the day you can crack a cold one and enjoy the work you accomplished.

The drawers are weatherproof not waterproof. The Decked will keep your gear dry in the craziest of storms and even stay dry while at a car wash. However it is not completely sealed and if you hit it from the back from a low angle you may get water in there. The drawers need to breath to allow water to evaporate. The 4 ammo cans however are not weatherproof, while they do a good job of holding the water back and have a lip to drain they still can get wet. They are good for things like chains, chocks and items that can take the elements. They can be flipped over and have 2 circles for holding drinks, great for tailgating.

On the back of the Decked is a metal plate that has some common conversions, drill sizes and a tape measure on it. I have never used this, but it adds a nice touch. For the 2015 Ford F150 the install is relatively easy, there is a bit of a tricky spot at the front where you need to line up holes with nuts that slide on a rail. This did drive me crazy for a while as I am impatient, however when a cool head prevailed the job got done. You can still access the pick up bed light switch. Since this is my second Decked, I have had quite a long time to test it out. It is very durable and strong, I have thrown heavy objects on it and it has taken the abuse. One time I went through a car wash and one of my ammo cans was not down tight, it blew out. I called Decked to buy a replacement and to my surprise they sent me one out for free. They have great service and stand behind their product with a 3 year warranty.

So it really boils down to your needs. If you need to put big items in your bed and have a cover the Decked is not for you. Although you can use the Decked with a cover, you get roughly 7.5 to 8 inches of space. If you need a cover and the Decked I suggest getting a truck cap or topper as they call them. The Decked will fit in with spray in bed liner and adds a factory look. Overall I can say that I am very happy with the Decked system, I still have the utility of a pick up truck and can also now store all my tools in the bed and not in my cab. For more Visit Decked.com

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sI75FvhAFV0?feature=oembed&w=696&h=392]

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ip6V9H5FWOE?feature=oembed&w=696&h=392]

Super Rod based in the UK has some pretty innovative tools. Klein has teamed up with them to release 3 wire pulling tools here in the USA.

• The Wirespanner Plus – An 18′ telescopic pole that retracts to 32″. This allows it to store easy and you can easily carry it around with out knocking over the Queens 18th century Chinaware. From the video below it looks like a great idea.
• Magnetic Wire Pulling System – We have seen this idea before like in the Magnapull Wire Fishing System. The Super Rod / Klein system looks to be more compact and unique as it will navigate around obstructions like pipes in the wall as seen in the video.
• SuperRod Polymer Fish Rod Set – This set is flexible to allow you to get into the tightest of situations, great for low voltage techs. It has glow in the dark accessories to allow you to see it in the dark.
  

The Klein press release mentioned that these tools were also repeat recipients of the Queens award for innovation. Hey if they are good enough for the Queen of England they should be good enough for the job site. For more visit the Klein Tools website.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8A11ige2Ps?list=PL1D8BAF67B26FEBD8&w=696&h=392]

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2SZIc3z5pa8?list=PL1D8BAF67B26FEBD8&w=696&h=392]

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ua-Hzlu6l4I?list=PL1D8BAF67B26FEBD8&w=696&h=392]

As we ramp up to summer, tool manufactures are starting to release their new tools for 2016. Of-course theses are just teasers as both DeWALT and Milwaukee Tool have major events coming up in June. That is when we will really see a bulk of their new innovations. The DCV517 is pretty much the same as the previous 18V XRP DC515K. It has a HEPA filter which makes it great for dust control.

The 20V Max battery is going to give the unit more power and run time over the previous model. The neat thing about this vacuum is its design. You can use it as a handheld or you can detach the 2.5 foot hose which extends to 5 feet to get into the tight areas.

Overall these little vacuums are great to have especially for small punch list jobs. Did I mention it is also a wet/dry vac, plumbers can use it to suck up water in toilets. It holds up to a half gallon of liquid and or debris. This tool is covered by the standard DeWALT 3 year warranty and should be available soon.

Any electrician knows guy strand can be a major pain to cut with normal bolt cutters. You end up gnawing away in hope that it leaves a somewhat decent cut. Those days are over thanks to the new KleinHeavy-Duty Ratcheting Bolt Cutter. Klein has been on the ball lately with releasing innovative solutions for the job-site while retaining that quality that Klein is known for in the industry.

The long handles provide more than adequate leverage to cut 1/4″-1/2″ utility-grade guy strand and up to 3/8″ EHS. The jaws stay in correct alignment thanks to a lockplate that prevents the jaw bolts from loosening. A spring-loaded cable retention hook snaps onto the cable and prevents the individual steel strands from slipping out of the jaws. The tool weighs in at 10.9 lbs. For more visit Klein Tools.

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Would you believe it if I told you the DeWALT still sells NiCad batteries? They even still NiCad tool kits. A huge chunk of the DeWALT user base is still or was on the 18V XRP battery platform. If the tool still works why upgrade, right? DeWALT did offer a stick pack lithium that worked with most 18V XRP tools. This was called the Nano which was their first foray into lithium. It worked well, but soon it got over shadowed by the all new 20V Max platform.

The 20V MAX had a better ergonomic grip, lighter weight it was smaller and a more aggressive look. Keeping their core 18v platform users happy they continue to sell and support NiCad. The 18v and the 20v are the same voltage. They both read 20V when fully charged. This adds a bit of confusionto the consumerbut ithelps to separate the 2 platforms. All the 12V Max platforms do this also, they are really 10.8V.

So now they have adapter where you can use 20V batteries with your 18V tools. This is huge! Suddenly your tired old DCD950 drill is turned into a powerhouse with massive run time! Going from NicCad to Lithium ion is like going from 1988 Ford Astro van to a 2016 Porsche 918 Spyder. It is an amazing experience. The DCA1820 doesn’t add anymore bulk are weight than a standard DeWALT 18V battery.

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When it comes to thermal imaging the FLIR name is the gold standard. Used by the military and police for the most demanding applications, they are on their A game. The technology is getting better and coming down in price which makes it available to the common folk. The MR160 is basically a moisture meter that has a 80×60 thermal imager to pinpoint the exact source of the leak.

FLIR calls it IGM – Infrared Guided Measurement, it guides you to warmer and color areas on a surface. This generally indicates moisture. You can then use the included pin external pin probe or the pin-less method to get an exact reading. The unit is capable ofcapturing the thermal imageson the onboard storage. You can create you own custom reports, with your logo to give to you clients with the free FLIR tools software. It has 2 yer warranty and be charged via a USB port or the included USB charger. This tool will pay for itself within your first few jobs. The days or tearing things part to find leaks are over. The FLIR MR160 will save you time and money. Your business will have the edge over thecompetition. Check out the FLIR MR160 via Amazon.

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