Category: Power Tools

What you need to know when purchasing an oscillating tool

Published on by Your Friends in the Tool Business

There are three certains in this world: Death, taxes and that fact that every tool guy worth his salt needs a multi-tool. Following in the wake of the Fein Multimaster, companies like Bosch, Dremel, King Canada, Ridgid, and Rockwell were quick to react to Fein’s patent on the oscillating tool wearing out. Some went corded, some cordless, some high-end and some bargain basement. They all have their place, but let’s take a look at the advantages of each one we offer.

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Stanley Black & Decker sells Delta Machinery

Published on by Your Friends in the Tool Business

We all thought that on March 12, 2010, the day that Stanley and Black & Decker Corporation merged, the landscape of the tool industry was changing in a very interesting and profound way.  Black & Decker Corporation, the owner of DeWalt, Porter-Cable, Delta Machinery, DeVilbiss Air Power, Weiser locks and many other companies was in for something big. Stanley’s line-up of accessories and hand powered tools is a perfect pair for a company who is leading the market in power tools and woodworking machinery, making them the most well rounded company in the tool market.

Stanley Black & Decker has shockingly announced that it is selling its Delta Machinery division. TOTY, a Taiwanese company that currently produces many bench top tools and accessories for Stanley Black & Decker, Craftsman and Ryobi, will rename the company Delta Power Equipment. The new company will be headed up by Bryan Wiffen who you might know as the ex-vice president of Techtronic Industries (Milwaukee Power Tools, Rigid Power Tools and Ryobi).

Bosch GCM12SD Axial-Glide Miter Saw

Published on by Your Friends in the Tool Business1 Comment

Bosch’s new Axial-Glide miter saw (GCM12SD) is one of the most innovative products available in the tool industry. This is not the first miter saw designed around minimal rear clearance, but it is defiantly the first saw to completely remove the industry standard rail system. Hitachi does make a 12″ miter saw with a reversed rail system so instead of the rails being attached to the head, they are attached to the base which eliminates the need for room at the back of the saw for rail travel. Let’s also not forget Festool, who took a similar approach to Hitachi but then only made it available in a 10″ model. Bosch’s approach in creating a sealed bearing system has removed one of the major problem areas in a miter saw. Rails are prone to abrasive damage from particles as well as going out of alignment from day-to-day impact. The cast aluminum arm on this saw looks like it was fashioned out of a transformer’s arm. Not only does it have bulk on its side, it also has sealed bearings; no more rails to go out of alignment and no more rails that sound like nails on a chalkboard.

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5 things to look for when purchasing a refurbished power tool

Published on by Your Friends in the Tool Business2 Comments

Refurbished power tools aren’t yet commonly available in Canada, but because they’re often priced at 30-50% of the retail price of a new tool, they can be worth a closer look. Due to their price advantage, shoppers who originally would have been looking for an older 12 volt ni-cad drill can walk out with an 18 volt lithium ion drill for the same price. In fact, many “refurbs” have never been opened – they’re simply unsold product from big box retailers who have return agreements with manufacturers.

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