Construction accidents happen every day around the world, and honestly a lot go unreported. Of course we hear about the big accidents: fatal falls, spills, machine malfunctions and so on. These accidents are devastating. However, nearly 2.3 million non-fatal construction accidents were reported in 2020 alone. The most common construction accidents don’t always result in death, but can still cause significant injuries that alter lives and pause, or even end careers.

Some construction injuries happen in an instant, others occur over time. Today we’re discussing the most common construction accidents and products to prevent them.

Construction Accidents Guide

• Eye & Ear Injuries
• Bone & Joint Damage
• Electrocution
• Slips & Falls
• Safety Wrap-up

Construction Eye & Ear Injuries

Did you know that construction workers are one of the most at-risk workers for hearing and vision loss? Hearing and vision injuries are actually one of the most common injuries across all industries. This result is probably the combination of how susceptible these body parts are to injury, along with how quickly and easily these injuries can occur.

Let’s dive a little deeper into these injuries and how they occur.

Eye Injuries

2,120 eye-related injuries and illnesses were reported by trade professionals in 2020.

Eye injuries tend to be immediate and the result of objects or particles striking or even impaling the eye. Construction workers are also exposed to chemicals and harsh ultraviolet rays that can damage the eyes immediately or over time.

Ear Injuries

Construction ear injuries can absolutely occur due to blunt force trauma or exposure to certain elements. However, most ear injuries are cumulative and result in progressive hearing loss over time. In fact, over half of construction workers experience hearing loss by retirement.

Most hearing loss is the result of routine exposure to loud noises for extended periods of time, and close proximity to loud noises, especially sudden, high level blasts of sounds.

Groggles – Construction Eye & Ear Protection

Groggles are a new 2-in-1 construction eye and ear protection. This product combines the standard construction safety glasses and noise-reduction earmuffs that are normally sold separately.

Not only are Groggles a convenient construction safety product, but they sit comfortably and firmly on your head. BONUS: Groggles can be worn over your preferred Bluetooth earbuds for your own DIY wireless safety headphones that don’t break the bank.

Learn more about Groggles in our TIA Groggle Review.

Buy Groggles for $35 on Amazon. Available in yellow or orange.

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Bone & Joint Damage from Construction

Construction is obviously physically demanding and even the most in-shape workers experience natural wear-and-tear on their muscles, joints, bones and nerves. In fact, sprains and strains account for most injuries to construction workers. These musculoskeletal injuries can be financially devastating, between medical bills and loss of income during treatment and recovery.

In other words, it is extremely important for construction workers to protect their bodies. You can train all you want, but you are going to need equipment that supports the health of your bones and joints.

Hilti EXO-S Shoulder Exoskeleton – Upper Body Support

Save yourself and your employees from neck, back, and shoulder injuries. This Hilti EXO-S Shoulder Exoskeleton provides upper body support to hinder the natural wear-and-tear of jobsite demands. Not only does the exoskeleton protect the upper body, but it reduces fatigue which results in more productivity, more energy, and less aches at the end of the work day and careers.

Learn more about the Hilti Exoskeleton in our TIA Hilti EXO-S Review.

The Hilti EXO-S Shoulder Exoskeleton is available on the Hilti site.

DeWALT Knee Pads – Knee Protection

Construction workers have a higher risk of knee injuries compared to other professions. These injuries range anywhere from knee pain to debilitating knee replacement surgery. Recently released, DeWALT Knee Pads provide barrier protection along with comfortable gel padding.

You can read more about DeWALT Knee Pads in this TIA DeWALT Review.

Both the DeWALT Gel Foam Hard Shell Knee Pads and the DeWALT Gel/Thermoplastic Stabilizing Knee Pads are available at Ace Hardware.

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Electrocution

Electrocution is one of OSHA’s Big Four Construction Hazards and over 7% of construction deaths were electrocution-related in 2021. Obviously, electricians are most at-risk. However, construction sites also contain electrical hazards, such as: faulty wiring, exposed live wires, and misuse of electrical equipment.

Electrocution injuries can result in burns, nerve damage, cardiac arrest, and death.

Because the risks associated with electrical work are so extreme it’s extra important to make sure you use tools intended for electrical work whether you are a trade professional or a homeowner. Klein Tools is a great brand for electrical tools and supplies because they are designed for professional electricians.

Klein Tools Voltage Test Kit

Knowing the status of a wire is absolutely crucial for preventing electrical accidents and injuries. This Klein Tools Electrical Voltage Test Kit is great for testing voltage in most residential settings. An electrician may need more than this, but this kit is perfect for other trade professionals who need to know the status of a wire. It’s also affordable enough for a homeowner doing electrical work.

Get the Klein Tools Electrical Voltage Test Kit for $79.98 with Same-Day Shipping from Amazon Prime.

Klein Tools Electricians Tool Kit

A voltage test kit is great for getting the status of a wire, but you’ll need tools designed for electrical work if you want to actually work with electrical equipment. This Klein Tools 28-piece Electricians Hand Tools Kit includes rubber-molded hand tools to prevent and minimize electrical shock when working on electrical equipment.

Get the Klein Tools 28-piece Electricians Hand Tools Kit for $414.99 on Amazon.

Klein Tools also offers an upgraded 41-piece Electricians Tool Kit for $714.99 on Amazon. Both kits come with a backpack to hold all of your tools.

Electricians Gloves

Electricians Gloves can prevent and minimize electrical shock in the event of unsafe contact with a live wire.

Different electrical jobs will require different gloves. You can browse “electricians gloves” on Amazon to find the gloves best suited to your project.

Electricians Boots

Last but not least, you need to protect your feet from electricity. If you are an electrician or work on jobsite with ungrounded wires you should invest in a work boot that is waterproof, does not have a steel toe, is not made with any conductive materials, and meets the ASTM standard for electrical hazards protection.

Georgia Boot has a Carbo-Tec FLX Waterproof Pull-on Work Boot available on Amazon. It meets all of the above criteria for electrical work safety. It’s also available in women’s sizes!

For more info, read our TIA review of the Georgia Boot Carbo-Tec FLX Waterproof Pull-on Work Boot.

Amazon also has a wide variety of electricians’ work boots available.

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Slips & Falls

Falls continue to be the leading cause of death and injury for construction workers and even accounted for 35% of construction deaths in 2021. The heights, the weather, and jobsite conditions are just a few factors that put trade professionals at risk of devastating falls. However, there are a few products out there that can help prevent these deaths and injuries.

Carhartt Composite Toe Work Boot

These Carhartt Work Boots have features like abrasion-resistant rubber outsoles, gripping lugs and ladder locks to ensure your feet stay secure wherever you place them. There is also an electrical-safe composite toe. On top of that security, Carhartt Work Boots have reliable quality construction, and these boots include multiple comfort features and technology.

These work boots come in both men’s and women’s sizes. The Men’s Carhartt Work Boots and the Women’s Carhartt Work Boots have thousands of sales and reviews and rated 4.5 stars.

These boots are pretty budget-friendly and range in price from $120 – $140.

Safety Harness

Non-slip boots can only get you so far. Sometimes you do fall. A safety harness can prevent a fall from being the last move you make.

I say any harness is better than no harness, but it’s best to have a harness meant for your specific project. Fortunately, you can search for your specific safety harness on Amazon.

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Final Notes on Jobsite Safety

Each skilled trade has its own unique hazards. These products are great and can definitely promote your safety, but they can only go so far. Know the procedures, know the tools, and know the exact hazards for your skilled trade and prepare for them. These are the best steps to ensure you come home every day and with the same amount of body parts that you left with.

The post 5 Products that Prevent the Most Common Construction Accidents appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

When it comes to clothing and workwear, Helly Hansen is one of my favorites.  Maybe it’s the Norwegian in me but I think because it is such a quality product they make.  When it comes to fashion and style, there are a lot of companies that can offer that.  But when it comes to fashion, style, quality, practicality, and comfort, not many can compete with Helly Hansen gear as they are one of the leaders in the workwear field.

If you are not familiar with Helly Hansen gear, take a look at the history of Helly Hansen.  Helly Hansen is not just another quick pop-up apparel store that claims to be the best.  They have 100+ year track record of offering quality products that are able to withstand all types of challenges that mother nature throws our way.

Today we are going to take a look at three new additions; let’s see what they have to offer.

Kensington Tech T-Shirt

• Name – Kensington Tech T-Shirt
• Model – 79249
• Price – $55
• More Information – Helly Hansen Shirt

The Tech T-Shirt is made with soft cotton and elastane that ensures moister management. The shirt also offers UPF 40+.

The shirt is designed with a tagless neck so you don’t have the itchy tag bothering you all day.

The shirt is great for a base layer on cold days or a breathable shirt on hot days.

The sleeves are a perfect length and designed so your arms can comfortably move around.

If you are like me and you don’t like those tight-fitting shirts, then these are comfortable shirts.  And the bottom part of the shirt moves as you move.

Manchester Sevice Shorts

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• Name – Manchester Service Shorts
• Model – 77544
• Price – $45
• More Information – Helly Hansen Shorts

The two back pockets expand so you not only have more freedom to move around, you can actually fit larger items in these pockets.

On the side of the shorts, there are easy-to-access pockets for those tools you always need.

The shorts are designed with a heavy-duty button that is easy to use.  Have you ever had those button shorts where the button is just as large as the buttonhole and they are a pain to use?  Not with these shorts. If you need to get them on and off quickly, no worries.

One of my favorite features is the large belt loops.

As with the rest of the shorts, Helly Hansen didn’t skimp on the quality of the zipper.   The zipper is large and you don’t have to worry about the zipper coming down and feeling that cool breeze in an uncomfortable position.

With a gusset in the crotch and 2-way mechanical stretch fabric, these durable work shorts are made for comfort and offer a full range of motion.

Womens Manchester 2.0 Soft Jacket

• Name – Women’s Manchester 2.0 Softshell Jacket
• Model – 74241
• Price – $100
• More Information – Helly Hansen Jacket

The Manchester features an easy-on-skin softshell coated PFC-free DWR with a membrane to keep you dry in any condition.

The jacket features a fleece collar to hold in heat.

The large zipper is easy to access even while wearing gloves.

The jacket features zipper hand pockets on each side.

Each sleeve has an adjustable velcro band to help keep it tight and keep heat in.

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There is an adjustable hem to keep the jack tight so you don’t feel that breeze up your back.

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On the inside of the jacket, there are two extra pockets for storage.

Helly Hansen Gear Wrap Up

If you are looking for some new gear, Helly Hansen offers some great workwear.  The shirt, shorts, and jacket are just a few of the quality items they offer.  I have been a fan of this brand for a long time. Not only is it stylish, but it’s dependable and practicable and let’s not forget, the quality is some of the best around.

The post Helly Hansen Gear appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

Helly Hansen Workwear Overview

Construction is messy. Because of that we don’t often think about what we wear to a job. However, preparing for a project is more than selecting what tools you need. What we wear can have a direct impact on our ability to complete a project. Helly Hansen Workwear wants to be the clothing and apparel that helps you get the job done.

This Norwegian company, Helly Hansen, has been a top producer of premier sailing, ski and general sports apparel and a favorite among athletes worldwide, including Olympians.

Today we are going to check out a few items from their workwear line.

Henley Hansen Workwear Items

• Oxford Waterproof Shell Jacket 
• 70L Duffel Bag 
• Oxford Construction Pants 
• Kensington T-Shirt 
• Lifa Merino Beanie 
• Danner Stronghold Boots 

Helly Hansen Workwear – Jacket

The Helly Hansen Oxford Waterproof Shell Jacket (71290) is an adjustable year-round lightweight waterproof jacket that can be paired with a fleece liner in colder weather.

Made with 100% polyester rip-stop fabric and HellyTech Performance membrane creates a breathable, waterproof jacket that is resistant to wear-and-tear. The jacket has an attached hood with drawstrings, velcro-strap reinforced zipper to lock out cold, zipped pockets, velcro-closed sleeves, and Helly Hansen Workwear logo sewn in.

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Buy the Helly Hansen Oxford Waterproof Shell Jacket online for $165

Available in sizes Mens XS to Mens XXL.

Helly Hansen Workwear – Bag

Helly Hansen water-resistant duffel bags come in a variety of sizes and feature multiple compartments to keep your belongings clean and safe while traveling between jobsites.

Each Helly Hansen Duffel Bag in the workwear line features three additional compartments to hold your shoes, tablet/phone, and a first-aid kid. The padded strap is comfortable and adjustable. Helly Hansen duffel bags are made with a water-resistant polyvinyl exterior, hold enough shape to pack easily, and made with smooth-sliding and durable YKK Zippers.

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We got to check out the Helly Hansen Duffel Bag 70L (79573), available for $115.

This duffel bag is also available in sizes 50L, 90L, and 120L.

Helly Hansen Workwear – Pants

Helly Hansen Oxford Construction Pants (77476) are designed for comfort and durability at the construction site.

Made from a breathable 97% cotton, 3% elastin blend. Elastin and two-way stretch design in specific areas allow the flexibility necessary to work comfortably. Reinforced fabric on knees and bottom hem slow wear-and-tear.

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The Oxford Construction Pants are available for $110 on the Helly Hansen site.

Available in sizes Mens 30/30 up to Mens 44/32.

Helly Hansen Workwear – Shirt

Helly Hansen’s Kensington T-Shirt (79246) is a comfortable blend of 92% cotton and 8% elastin. It’s a fitted basic t-shirt available in white, navy, grey melange, black, and forest-camo. Available in sizes Mens XS to Mens XXL.

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Solid colored t-shirts feature the Helly Hensen Workwear logo on the left sleeve. The camo-forest colored t-shirt has the logo on the chest.

The Kensington T-Shirt is available on the Helly Hansen site for $35.

Helly Hansen Workwear – Hat

The Helly Hansen Lifa Merino Beanie (79705) combines Lifa and Merino Wool to create a material that keeps your head and ears warm, but doesn’t overheat and keeps the sweat off your head. The doubled-up Lifa Merino Wool and flatlock seam make a comfortable and snug fit that shapes to your head.

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This beanie features the Helly Hansen Workwear logo. Helly Hansen rotates available colors and prints for this one-size-fits-most unisex beanie.

Buy it online for $25.

Danner Boots

Helly Hansen doesn’t make work boots. Fortunately, Danner is a US-based manufacturer that has been making quality, handmade work boots since 1932.

Danner Stronghold Boots (16719) are the perfect addition to your Helly Hansen Workwear. These handmade, full-grain leather boots are waterproof, shock-resistant, and water and oil slip-resistant. These boots have a classic look but are built with durable modern rubberized EVA midsoles that extend the boot’s life without sacrificing comfort. Danner also offers a 365-day warranty across their footwear line.

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Buy these Danner Stronghold Work Boots for $220 on their website.

The Stronghold boots are also available in Women’s sizes.

Helly Hansen Workwear Value

You can’t find the value of Helly Hansen Workwear by comparing their apparel to other workwear brands. I tried. You can find another shirt from Duluth, another jacket from Carhartt, or find construction pants from Truewerk.

However, Helly Hansen has value as a quality one-stop-shop for workwear. You don’t need to go to multiple retailers to piece together one outfit. Plus, this high-performance workwear is designed to handle the day-to-day conditions of a construction site.

Helly Hansen Workwear Performance

Everything in this collection of Helly Hansen Workwear is breathable and flexible enough to perform well on the job.

The Oxford Waterproof Shell jacket holds up against rain and wind. Paired with the Kensington T-Shirt it’s comfortable to wear in the spring and fall, but an added layer would be nice in the winter. The Oxford Construction Pants are durable, but lightweight and flexible enough to move around easily in. The Lifa Merino Wool Beanie is comfortable and warm. It does a great job of keeping sweat out of your eyes during intense jobs without getting too hot on your head. And the Helly Hansen Duffel Bag 70L has tons of room, it’s comfortable to carry, and makes it easy to stay organized moving between worksites and home.

The Danner Stronghold Boots make a great addition to this full work outfit. The boots are comfortable and have great traction. Everything is well-constructed and functional.

Helly Hansen Workwear Wrap Up

This assortment of Helly Hansen Workwear and Danner Stronghold Boots is great for anyone, whether you’re just starting out in the trades or need to replace your workwear. Quality workwear is an investment. Choosing quality pieces, in the beginning, saves you down the line and can boost your confidence when starting in your career. Either way, these offerings from Helly Hansen and Danner Boots set you up with comfortable and durable workwear built to last.

The post Helly Hansen Workwear appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

When it comes to workwear, it’s essential to have clothes that fit right, feel right, and can handle harsh environments.  In the winter you need workwear that will keep you warm but also allow you to move around and not hinder your day.  So when it comes to workwear, there are a lot of companies who specialize in this niche market but one of them that has hit this market hard is Milwaukee Tools.  While other companies have sat back, Milwaukee has pushed forward and is making a name in this market, which brings me to the Milwaukee Workwear that we are going to cover today, the hoodie and vest.

Milwaukee Workwear Overview

Everyone has their own style and what they like to wear depending on the weather.  For me, I like to layer.  Sure sometimes it can be bulky and annoying but I like being able to remove or add layers as needed.  I am not a huge fan of just having a big jacket because it always seems to hinder what I am doing and then I  just get agitated.

One of my favorite ways to layer is a shirt, a hoodie, and a vest.  The shirt and hoodie keep my arms warm enough.  Usually, it’s my core that can get cold and that is where a vest comes into play.  The vest keeps my core warm but doesn’t have the bulkiness or the sleeves like a large jacket.  So that is why I picked this setup below.

Milwaukee Workwear Hoodie

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• Name – Heavy Duty Pullover Hoodie
• Model – 350
• Price – $60 (Home Depot)

The hoodie is made with a tear- and abrasion-resistant 75/25 cotton/poly blend and has a 450 GSM weight which means it’s thicker, wind resistant, and more durable.

The cuffs feature a rib-knit style to help prevent the sleeves from riding up and also from air creeping up your arm.

The hoodie features a quality drawstring hood.

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For durability, Milwaukee reinforced the pocket seams.

Inside the hoddie is a nice soft texture for comfort.

As with the cuffs, the waist also has a rib-knit style to help keep it closer to your waist and prevent air from entering.

Milwaukee Workwear Vest

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• Name – Heavy Duty Sherpa-Lined Vest
• Model – 801
• Price – $79 (Home Depot)

The Milwaukee vest is designed for functionality, comfort, and durability.  The outer material is canvas/cotton while the inside is polyester.  The back has a drop tail so no more cold air riding up the back.  Speaking of durability, the vest has reinforced high-wear zones.

The zipper is beefy and large, and can easily be used even with thicker gloves.

The Sherpa lining is soft and helps keep your body warm.

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The vest features a total of five pockets, two on the top front, two hand pockets, and one pocket inside.

Milwaukee Workwear Wrap Up

If you own any Milwaukee workwear, you know they take this space seriously and make great workwear that is made for the jobsite.  Milwaukee’s workwear line is designed to last, be comfortable and actually be practical.  This hoodie and vest don’t stray away from the expected quality and comfort.  Both items are built to be durable, extremely comfortable, and functional.

If you don’t own any Milwaukee workwear, these two items are a great way to get your feet wet and see how Milwaukee makes quality gear.

The post Milwaukee Workwear appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

On the jobsite and off Milwaukee has become synonymous with quality and innovation, and that’s exactly what they brought to the table with their Milwaukee M12 heated vests and jackets. However, women were missing out on this awesome workwear option…until now. Milwaukee has released its own Milwaukee Women’s Heated Vest.

The Milwaukee M12 Women’s Heated AXIS Vest (333-20) provides our skilled trade women (and women who don’t like being cold) with six hours of heat in this innovative workwear option.

We’re happy to say we have one of these Milwaukee Women’s Heated Vest in the TIA office and we’re going to see if it lives up to the Milwaukee standard.

Milwaukee Women’s Heated Vest Overview

Our first impression of this Milwaukee women’s heated vest is it is not bulky and we thought the style was more flattering than many other similar women’s vests. Milwaukee states that the construction materials used provide protection from wind and water. And Milwaukee’s trademark AXIS Ripstop Polyester insulation is compressible so it doesn’t add bulk. We agree. It could be worn as an outer layer or comfortably under a loose jacket. It comes in sizes S, M, L, XL, 2X. The vest can be machined washed (battery removed) and dried on a low heat setting.

Milwaukee Women’s Heated Vest Features

This Milwaukee Women’s Heated Vest has two heat zones: chest and mid-back. It uses the same battery and charger as Milwaukee’s other M-12 tools and accessories.

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The battery is connected and placed inside an outside pocket just behind and below your left underarm. While standing and walking we didn’t really notice the battery. But sometimes found it uncomfortable in certain sitting positions.

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This Milwaukee Women’s Heated Vest has three heat settings: high (red), medium (white), and low (blue). You can change the settings by pushing this button located at the right chest area. The vest heated up quickly and evenly in just a few minutes. Per their website, this Milwaukee women’s heated vest utilizes their “Quick-Heat function that creates and distributes heat three times faster than previous vests and market competitors.” And Milwaukee claims you will get up to six hours of low heat from a REDLITHIUM CP1.5 battery. We were able to get about 1.5 hours of heat on high.

The pocket zipper pulls are constructed the same as the main front zipper so they are easy to grab, even with gloves on. In addition to the outside front hand pockets, and the rear battery pocket, the vest includes an inside zippered breast pocket on the left-hand side (pictured below).

We really liked the big zipper. The slider hooked up easily at the bottom and the long rubber-covered-cord pull tab was easy to grip and pull even with gloves on. When zipped all the way to the top the padded neck was comfortable, not too high, and the top of the zipper is adequately covered so it is not against your skin.

We thought this vest had a lot of nice design features. The diamond quilt stitching should keep the thin insulation in place after lots of wash and wear. It has a generous length with a drop tail, and a drawstring adjustable waist (pictured below).

The smooth inside polyester lining allows for comfortable layering over a sweater or hoodie. Mentioned above and pictured here are the inside zippered breast pocket and drawstring waist.

Milwaukee Women’s Heated Vest Performance

My wife wore this vest over a hoodie when we walked uptown for coffee. We were outside for about an hour and a half and it was around 45 degrees. She stayed warm the whole time with the vest on medium heat. She loved that she didn’t need to wear a bulky coat and that the vest has a more stylish design. However, her hands do get cold easily so she would have liked a heat zone over the front pockets.

Also, looking at our pictures reminds us that being able to easily clean outerwear is very important. Unlike many of the other heated vests on the market this vest can be machined washed (battery removed), and dried on a low heat setting.

Milwaukee Women’s Heated Vest Value

This heated vest is more expensive than many of the other heated vests we’ve looked at. However, it provides up to six hours of heat from the Milwaukee M12 battery technology.

The best price we found for the Milwaukee Women’s Heated Vest was $124-179 from The Home Depot. We found a different Milwaukee Women’s Heated Vest model on Amazon for much higher.

This vest is a bit more expensive than many of the other heated vests we’ve looked at. However, by providing up to six hours of heat, the Milwaukee M12 battery technology is superior to most of what you would get in a less expensive, off-brand product. You can get this vest online from The Home Depot for $179 with battery and charger or just the vest for $139. If they sell out of your size at the Home Depot there are also a few, more expensive buying options on Amazon.

And probably one of our favorite features of this vest is that it uses the same battery and charger as Milwaukee’s other M12 tools and accessories. This means if you are already invested in the M12 tool line you should have a spare battery or two to toss in your bag in case you end up outside longer than expected. That would probably not be the case if you purchased an off-brand heated vest.

Milwaukee Women’s Heated Vest Wrap Up

Heated clothing is a game-changer when you need to dress for cold weather. You can keep warm with a lot fewer layers. Being able to wear a vest as your outer layer allows full range of movement for your arms. This is great for a lot of outdoor activities. And even if you wear it under a jacket your arms won’t be restricted by too much bulk in your sleeves.

This vest is warm, water-resistant, washable, and uses Milwaukee’s M12 batteries. That really adds up to a great vest. But it is worth mentioning that some really disliked the placement of the battery pack and most of us would prefer a heat zone for the front pockets.

The post Milwaukee Women’s Heated Vest Review appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

Of all the tools and gear needed on the job site, your footwear could be the most important. If your feet, legs, and back are uncomfortable it makes it really tough to work at peak performance; especially at the end of those long days. So when we look at boots for jobsite workwear we focus on a few key factors: Are they comfortable … ALL day? How well will they protect from the elements? What are the safety features? And quality; will they last? So here is our impression of the new HYTEST Work Boot, the FootRests® 2.0 Rebound Waterproof Nano Toe 6″ Hiker.

They call this boot a “Hiker” style, which to us would mean they should be comfortable, offer great support, be rugged, and hopefully waterproof. These HYTEST work boots provide the usual toe protection as well as heel protection, and both are a must for any good work boot.

HYTEST Work Boot – Information

• Name – HYTEST FootRests 2.0
• Model – K22471
• Price – $185
• Where to Buy – HYTEST.com

HYTEST Work Boot – Features

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Boot weight and getting your correct size are key factors in all-day comfort. The FootRests 2.0 Rebound style HYTEST work boots are offered in a generous range of sizes: 3 to 16 (with several half sizes), and widths of 3E or D.

According to HYTEST these boots should weigh 1lb 10oz. per boot. I weighed one of our size 10.5’s and it weighed 1lb 11oz. Then I also weighed another “lightweight” brand (that is in the same price range), size 9.5, that I had here in the office and it weighed exactly the same. The HYTEST work boot was a full size larger and had toe protection (the other brand did not), and they were still the same weight. Seems they’ve done a great job at making a truly lightweight workboot.

The upper boot on this style of HYTEST work boot is made from premium waterproof full-grain leather with double stitching on most of the upper construction.

Triple stitching at the toe (also, shown below, triple stitching at the heel) for extra durability.

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Most often the toes and heels are the first to go on work boots. These HYTEST work boots have toe kick and heel protection. However, I would like a little more protection over the whole toe area, not just the extension of the rubber sole at the front tip of the boot, shown here. On a more positive note, the “toe room” inside seems more than adequate, with their HY-LIGHT Nano Technology toe protection there is still plenty of foot room, even for thicker socks.

The lacing system is unique. The four lacing points and two speed hooks configuration is pretty standard. But one of the first things I noticed was the “no holes” nylon loops instead of grommets. This has to help with waterproofing. When pulling on the laces, because they are pulling on the wider nylon loops sewn into the leather at three points of contact, you get what I can best describe as a “fuller” pull. It seemed to pull on the whole side of the boot, not just at the lacing point. The laces seemed to want to stay tight as I was lacing up, probably due to the resistance/friction between the lace and nylon loop. I also think you should get longer lace-life, these nylon loops shouldn’t fray your laces like grommets can.

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The top of the boot has adequate padding and not over done. The tongue is also padded, and it is all nylon, no leather as I’ve seen on a lot of other work boots. When I tried them on the soft, padded, flexible tongue wasn’t rubbing against my shin, which made them seem comfortable on the first try. The sides of the tongue are webbed to the boot with a stretchy nylon that didn’t seem like it would be very waterproof. But if the boot is laced properly this shouldn’t be a problem. Also, the outside of the top padding and the tongue are felt-covered, I think that could look worn out in a short period of time with much use. I would prefer something more durable, especially on the back/top of the boot. These boots are also missing a loop on the back to make them easier to pull on.

So here’s what HYTEST says about the “soul” of this boot, “Oil, slip, and abrasion-resistant outsole with Superflex grooves in strategic zones for COMFORT and maximum FLEX.” Here’s what I’d say, “They’re right.” I put one of these on one foot and a boot from the other comparable brand on my other foot and walked around on my painted concrete shop floor. These HYTEST work boots had a little better grip, a “rubberier” feel, and better flex.

The inside of the boot has a waterproof, moisture-wicking mesh lining. And if I can quote HYTEST again, “FootRests 2.0’s tri-layer anti-fatigue footbed is anatomically shaped for all-day cushioned comfort. The arch tech plate supports the foot while allowing flexibility. And the Xergy anti-fatigue foam midsole absorbs shock and returns energy to increase stamina.” And again, I’ll say I agree with them. As I walked around in these they are just really comfortable boots. I felt I could easily wear them all day. The cushioning and arch support were noticeably comfortable. And the footbeds are removable so you can wash them. And let’s just say I think that is a really good thing.

Hytest Work Boot – Impressions

Walking around in boots for a few minutes, inside, on a dry floor is not a true test of a work boot. But I will say in those few minutes of walking around, and as I looked over these HYTEST work boots inside and out, they impressed me. They seem like they are made well, and would be comfortable to wear all day long. I thought most of the construction was good quality except for the tongue webbing that might not be waterproof, and the felt used on the tongue and top/back padding which will most likely look worn pretty quick. And I always want that finger-loop on the back to make it easier to pull my boots on.

For a longer-term review, follow us on Instagram as we will be showing them off.

Hytest Work Boot – Wrap Up

The four things I mentioned at the beginning, that we look for in a work boot are comfort, protection, safety, and quality. I think these boots hit those marks well, especially how comfortable they were right out of the box. There were just a few things that I think could have been a little better, but overall, in this price range, these are definitely ones to consider for your next pair of work boots.

The post HYTEST Work Boot appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

Well-designed and manufactured jobsite workwear can make working all day a little easier and more comfortable. Helly Hansen, a Norwegian-based company, continues to develop comfortable, functional, versatile Helly Hansen workwear. Their new Kensington Shell Jacket and Manchester Cons Pants have a LOT of features: some for form, some for function.

Helly Hansen Men’s Kensington Shell Jacket

• Name – Helly Hansen
• Style – Kensington Shell Jacket (71080 Black)
• Price – $190
• Where to Buy – Amazon
• Helly Hansen Reviews – Helly Hansen

A few of us tried on this Helly Hansen workwear jacket and first impressions were “It feels like a quality jacket.” The 100% polyester two-layer shell and fully taped construction make it windproof and waterproof. We appreciated the detachable hood and reflective details for safety.

Helly Hansen Workwear designed this lightweight jacket for comfort, mobility, and protection from the elements. It has an extended back, no shoulder seams, and articulated elbows.

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This jacket has you covered (literally) on those rainy days on the jobsite. The bottom hem can be synched in with the jacket open or closed – the elastic drawcord can be accessed on the inside, and in the hand pockets so you don’t have to open the jacket. The inside lining of this jacket has a full zipper across the back, about waist high. It gives you full access to the inside of the back of the jacket for a hands-free way to carry your jobsite plans and keep them dry.

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There is underarm ventilation inside with an outside zipper – because good ventilation is a must with waterproof workwear. For your safety, they incorporated reflective details on the front of the jacket and back of elbows.

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The detachable hood has vertical and horizontal adjustments so you can keep the rain out and also keep the hood out of your face. You can comfortably zip the jacket all the way up – the zipper has chin protection and the adjustable collar is lined with brushed polyester.

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The cuffs can be tightened around your wrist and have slanted ends to keep the sleeves out of your way.

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Pockets inside and out – The hand pockets have a brushed lining. The Napoleon chest pocket is accessible with the jacket open or closed. And there is an inner chest pocket with a snap closure.

Helly Hansen Men’s Manchester Cons Pants

• Name – Helly Hansen
• Style – Manchester Cons Pants (77522)
• Price – $70
• Where to Buy – Amazon
• Helly Hansen Reviews – Helly Hansen

We had two electricians try on these unwashed size 32 x 32 Helly Hansen Workwear pants. They found them to be true to size. One wears 33 x 34’s – they were a bit snug around the waist but still with plenty of room otherwise, and just slightly short in length* (but with work boots on they may have been OK). The other one wears a 30 x 34 – these were very loose on him and again a bit short*. Both thought they were comfortable. One comment was, “They kinda feel like dress pants”.

*These pants have extra fabric at the bottom to allow the hem to be extended an extra 5 cms.

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The 2-way mechanical stretch fabric, gusset in the crotch, and loose fit in the seat make these Helly Hansen Workwear pants very comfortable at the top. And with the extra fabric at the bottom, you can get the length you want. All of the buttons are plastic-covered metal. And like the jacket, there are reflective details for your safety.

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The bottoms of the hanging pockets are double-lined. One pocket has a hook-n-loop closure – great for your phone. The left side hanging pocket was designed to carry a ruler, knife, and pencil. And there is an ID card loop. Both electricians said that even with all of these pockets most of the time they would still need their tool belts. But with all of the well-designed, easily accessible pockets on both sides, there could be times when these pants could be all you need and better than wearing a tool belt.

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The knees have articulated construction for better mobility and to accommodate knee pads. The knee pad pockets are only accessible from the inside, which means you have to put them in before you put the pants on. The good news: there are two positions to choose from for optimal placement.

Helly Hansen Workwear Our Thoughts

The Kensington Shell Jacket was loose, but with lots of adjustment options to make it fit just the way you need it to. The fabric is virtually wrinkle-water-wind proof. You could cram this jacket in a tool bag or seat pouch in your truck, pull it out and it still looks good – even good enough to wear after work.

The Manchester Cons Pants won’t always replace your tool belt, even with all those pockets, but they would be great to wear when you only need a few things within reach, for instance, while you are up on the ladder. It was unanimous that they are very comfortable, and run true to size, and the fabric has a bit cleaner looking than most jobsite workwear pants.

Helly Hansen Workwear Wrap Up

These workwear options give you both great form and lots of function. They look and feel great with plenty of fit adjustment options. They also have tons of pockets and storage, so they’re more versatile than most jobsite workwear. I don’t think these were intended for the super-rugged jobsite, but they would allow you to comfortably go from the jobsite, to the office, and then to your kid’s soccer game.

The post Helly Hansen Workwear – Kensington Jacket & Manchester Cons Pants appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

To keep you informed of new jobsite workwear being introduced to the market, here we give you our first impressions of two new work boot styles from Danner Boots.

Charles Danner set out in 1932 to make the best-built boots for loggers. Today Danner Boots is known for producing high-quality, hand-crafted, long-lasting boots for hiking, hunting, work, and even tactical boots for firefighters and the military. Danner Boots Caliper boots are mid-priced and focus heavily on comfort. Danner Boots Crucial boots are about $100 more than their Caliper style and utilize Danners’ engineering designs for state-of-the-art structure and foot support for all-day-long comfort.

Danner Boots – Caliper Boots

• Name – Danner
• Style – Caliper 6″ Soft Toe Waterproof Boot – 19452 (Brown)
• Price – Under $140
• Where to Buy – Amazon
• Danner Reviews – Danner Boot Reviews

Danner Boots – Caliper Boots – Features

Danner Caliper boots are built for comfort with full-grain leather uppers, two layers of cushion in the footbed, and two in the soles. These are meant to keep you comfortable all day on the jobsite and everywhere you need your boots to take you. This soft toe version comes in on the lighter side at 48 oz. per pair. If you’re looking for safety toe boots, Danner also offers these with an aluminum toe that meets or exceeds ASTM F2413-05 M I/75 C/75 EH standards.

Danner boots are handcrafted with triple-stitched construction and made from high quality, soft full-grain leather for long-lasting comfort right out of the box. Danner’s soft leather is also rigorously tested for strength and durability.

Danner Dry lining is 100% waterproof but still breathable to let sweat and moisture out.

Danner Caliper’s lacing has eyelets that start deep down on the foot for better fit control, and provides the convenience of speed hooks at the top of the boot.

Danner Caliper boots are cushioned around the top with an approximately 12.2″ opening.

The Caliper outsole offers indoor/outdoor slip-resistance, memory foam for comfort, and provides electrical hazard (EH) protection.

Inside you’ll find two layers of cushioning for your feet and legs: a PU/memory insole plus a polyurethane midsole. This combined with the two-layer construction of the outsoles gives you four layers of impact-reducing comfort.

Danner Boots – Crucial Boots

• Name – Danner
• Style – Crucial 6″ Waterproof, Composite Toe (NWT) Boot – 15861 (Brown)
• Price – Under $240
• Where to Buy – Amazon
• Danner Reviews – Danner Boot Reviews

Danner Boots – Crucial Boots – Features

These hiking-inspired boots utilize several of Danner’s proprietary construction designs, maximizing how they fit, feel, and perform.  Crucial boots are waterproof and hand-crafted from Danner’s soft, durable full-grain leather. This version includes composite (NMT) toe protection and weighs just under four pounds.

The Crucial boot construction design is a more athletic fit but with plenty of toe room. The outside toe-end of the boot is wrapped in an additional wear-resistant rubberized layer.

The Crucial boot has a low-profile 90° heel. And like the toe, the heel of this boot is wrapped with additional wear-resistant protection.

This style of Crucial boots has composite toe NMT (non-metallic toe) protection. NMT does not conduct heat or cold and can also pass through a metal detector. The NMT toe protection meets or exceeds ASTM F2413-18 I/75 C/75 EH safety standards.

The Danner Crucial boot was designed for a flexible, secure fit. Plenty of lace eyelets for fit control and heavy-duty speed hooks at the top. The Crucial style offers 6″ and 8″ boots with the composite toe protection as well as a plain toe 8″ boot.

The opening of the Crucial boot is well padded and the leather upper wraps around the sides for extra support. The inside has breathable GORE-TEX 100% waterproof lining. The insole is where Danner maximizes their proprietary construction with their TERRA FORCE NEXT shank system for arch support and torsion control, and a shock-absorbing, removable polyurethane footbed with open cell construction for better circulation.

The sole of the Crucial was designed and engineered for all-day-long comfort and go-anywhere performance. Start with the maximum support and comfort from their Vibram® SPE (Specialized Performance Elastomer) midsole. Marry that with the added forefoot flexibility from their Bi-Fit stability board. And round out the sole of these boots with excellent traction from their lightweight oil-and-slip-resistant Vibram® Crucial outsole.

Danner Boots Our Thoughts

It appears fit and performance are both top priorities for Danner Boots, as well as offering a very broad selection. Danner has almost 80 different styles for men and about 40 for women (and they even have flip-flops!). Each style is designed and engineered to meet specific needs. And within each style, they offer options for boot height, color, and different types of toe reinforcement. I really like that with so many options you can probably find just the boot you are looking for.

Danner Boots Wrap Up

The look and feel of these two new offerings from Danner stay true to Danner’s place in the work boot market – providing comfortable, durable, well-crafted work boots. Great work boots can be one of the most important “tools” you purchase. These are definitely worth considering for your next set of boots.

The post Danner Boots – Caliper and Crucial Boots appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

When it comes to apparel, Helly Hansen is one of the premier brands.  It is not a fad brand but is truly one of the best brands on the market.  Their roots date back to 1877 in Norway.  Since then the Helly Hansen name is trusted by professionals on the oceans, in the mountains, and on the job site.  While their jackets are stylish, it’s how they are made and what they are manufactured with that makes them so good.

Helly Hansen Woman’s Jacket Information

• Name – Helly Hansen Luna Winter Jacket
• Model – 71304
• Price – $250
• Where to Buy – HHWorkwear

Helly Hansen Woman’s Jacket Features

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When it comes to jackets, let’s face it, not all jackets are created equal.  Here are some of the features of the Helly Hansen Luna winter jacket:

• Waterproof
• Windproof
• Breathable
• Female fit
• Insulated – Helly Tech performance membrane and Primaloft Black Eco
• Lightweight
• Hood

Helly Hansen Woman’s Jacket Impressions

I have yet to find a Helly Hansen jack I don’t like.  Sure from my standpoint, I am not buying this jacket – it’s not made for me.  This is a woman’s jacket and for women, it’s great because it’s a tailored fit, not just a straight-jacket like a man’s jacket.

The jacket has plenty of pockets and will keep you warm even on the coldest day of the year.

Helly Hansen Woman’s Jacket Wrap Up

When it comes to style, protection, and quality, the Helly Hansen jackets are hard to beat.  The Luna isn’t any different.  The jacket is stylish, warm, and built to last.  With plenty of pockets and a tailored fit, this is the jacket to consider if you are in the market for a new winter coat.

The post Helly Hansen Woman’s Jacket appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

When it comes to Job-site workwear, Milwaukee has been leading the way compared to other power tool manufacturers.  They have heated jackets, gloves, shirts, hoodies, and more.  Now they are adding one more item to their already large SKU of products, the Milwaukee Neck Gaiter.

Milwaukee Neck Gaiter – Information

• Name – Multi-Functional Neck Gaiter
• Model – 423
• Price – $14.97
• Where to Buy – The Home Depot
• Milwaukee Review – Milwaukee Tool Reviews

Milwaukee Neck Gaiter – Features

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On the job, you work in different environments.  It can be extremely hot or cold, it can be rainy, foggy, or a wide range of other scenarios.  The Milwaukee Neck Gaiter is designed to help protect in more ways than one.  Here are some of the benefits:

• Breathable
• 5 ways to wear
• Moisture-wicking fabric
• UPF 50+ sun protection
• Blocks 98% of UV rays
• Anti-microbial treatment what prevents bacteria build-up
• Washer and Dryer safe
• 89% polyester, 11% spandex

Milwaukee Neck Gaiter – Impressions

For me, I like the fact you can use this in more ways than one.  It can be used as a headband to keep sweat out of your eyes.  It can be used as a temporary hat to help keep the heat in if it’s a little chilly.  Plus you can even cover your face and help protect against the sun.

The fabric feels nice and I love how it stretches, which makes it more comfortable.  The stitching seems to be good so the Gaiter should hold up for the long term.

Milwaukee Neck Gaiter – Wrap Up

Bottom line, I know it’s just a small piece of workwear and it’s not exciting to everyone.  But what I like is that Milwaukee is growing this line with a new product that is comfortable, offers good build quality, and multifunctional.  As far as I am concerned, I am a buyer for those reasons.

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If you are on your feet all day, you know what it means to have a pair of work boots that not only hold up and protect your feet but provide all-day comfort.  Let’s face it, our feet take a beating throughout the day.  We are not only walking around on different terrain, but we are climbing ladders, jumping in and out of trucks, walking around in wet, dry, hot, and cold climates, and let’s not forget about all the weight we are putting on our feet.

When it comes to comfort, Keen isn’t a stranger to providing some of the best work boots on the planet.  They now recently released a new version, the Chicago.  The Chicago work boot is designed to not only protect your feet but keep them comfortable all day long.  Yes, that all sounds great but they are doing this while trying to meet a lower price point when compared to the competition. So you get a traditional-looking work boot, that protects your feet, offers a full day of comfort, and all for under $180.  Not a bad deal.

Keen Utility Boots – Information

• Name – Keen Utility Boots
• Model – Chicago
• Price – $179.95
• Where to Buy – Amazon
• Reviews – Keen Workboot Reviews

Keen Utility Boots – Features

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When it comes to comfort and protection, it’s hard to find a work boot that will provide both.  The Keen Utility work boot Chicago sets out to conquer both, comfort and protection.

• Waterproof
• Carbon-Fiber toe – 15% lighter than steel
• Oil- and slip-resistant
• Non-marking
• EH Rated
• Keen ReGen midsole offers compression resistance
• Rubber Outsoles rated up to 572 degrees
• 5/8″ heel
• Antimicrobial lining

Keen Utility Boots – Impressions

When I first look at the boots, I like the way they look.  To me, they look like a traditional work boot.  I know job sites aren’t about fashion but it doesn’t stop us from having a good looking work boot.  When I pick them up, the weight is decent.  While I have felt lighter boots, I am so used to feeling heavy boots, which I have no idea why companies make heavy work boots when you are walking around on them all day long. The weight of these work boots is on the lighter end of the spectrum, at least for my thoughts of the boot.

Putting on the boots is also extremely easy.  The finger hole in the back to hold onto while inserting your foot is nice and big, plus easy to access.  The boot opens up wide enough where I am not fighting to try to get my foot inside.

Once my foot is inside, they are extremely comfortable, especially considering they have a protective toe.  I am so used to having a protective toe jamming my toes together and causing soreness at night.  These boots don’t jam my toes together and my toes have enough room where they are not squashed.

While I haven’t done demo work in the boots yet, I can see that they do offer plenty of protection for a wide variety of jobs.  So let’s get down to comfort.

When I push down on the sole, it’s doesn’t feel like a running shoe but for some reason, these boots are extremely comfortable.  Yes, not as comfortable as a running shoe but one of the most comfortable boots I have worn in a long time.  My feet weren’t sweating and once the boots were broken in, my feet never seemed to hurt at the end of the day.  So for comfort, yes, I am a fan.

Keen Utility Boots – Wrap Up

Overall, these are great boots.  I love the feel of the work boot and how it has that traditional look but let’s be real, comfort and protection are what really matter.  So far, I have enjoyed these work boots and if you have followed our Instagram stories, you know I am a fan of these.  Working on my addition is more than a full day’s work.  I am up and down ladders, working on my knees installing flooring, and walking up and down stairs.  The days I am working on my house, it’s not uncommon for me to put in 10-12 hours of work.  At the end of the day, these are great boots, and I love how comfortable they are.

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When it comes to gloves, what are your go-to gloves?  Have you heard of Firm Grip Pro-Fit gloves?  If not, this is a glove you should check out next time you are at The Home Depot.  The Firm Grip Impact Gloves are a quality glove that will protect your hand and fingers.

Firm Grip Impact Gloves Features

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The gloves are a heavy-duty leather glove designed for long term use.  The model number is 55322-06. One nice feature of these gloves is they stretch to provide a custom and more comfortable fit.  You can even wash these gloves in the washing machine.

One great feature of these gloves is they are breathable.

The back of the glove provides plenty of protection for your knuckles.

They feature a leather palm with reinforced wear areas. The index finger is compatible with a touchscreen so you don’t have to remove your glove.

The cuffs are neoprene which means they provide comfort.

Firm Grip Impact Gloves Performance

In regards to performance, they are comfortable and allow you to still perform work while protecting your digits.

You can grip tools and more, plus even work on your phone for those who need to.

Firm Grip Impact Gloves Value

You can grab a pair at The Home Depot for $16.97.  When it comes to gloves, there is a lot to choose from.  It’s hard to explain the quality, it’s one of those products you have to use for yourself.  I like the feel, I like how I can still grab things, I like how it protects my hands, so yes, I think it’s a fair price.

Firm Grip Impact Gloves Final Thoughts

Bottom line, when you are working with your hands, you need to protect but you also need to have gloves that don’t get in your way.  I think these gloves are great at protection but not hindering your work.

*This is part of the THDPRoSpective program

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Heated work-wear made its big debut about 6 years ago with mostly coats and hoodies being available. At that time, tool companies like Milwaukee, Ridgid, DeWalt, Bosch and a few more were getting into the space.

After the initial surge, some companies either cut back their venture into the space or backed right out. Ridgid was one of the companies that kind of backed out. Now, they are back into the space with what appears will be a “seasonal” offering.

Ridgid 18-Volt Heated Jacket Review Overview

I’ve had the opportunity to wear and own some of the heated jackets that came out in the first few years. There are things that I really liked about them and somethings that I wasn’t so happy with.

The new Ridgid 18-volt heated jacket addressed some of the features that I thought were lacking in the older 12 Volt heated jacket offerings.

My goal here is to give you as much information about this jacket to help you decide if this is something you might want to spend your money on.

Ridgid 18-Volt Heated Jacket Review Features

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The biggest feature that I want to point out is that this heated jacket is designed to run off of an 18-volt battery. The pockets that house the battery are made for an 18-volt compact battery. The battery compartment pocket can also be expanded to fit a larger battery if you like.

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The jacket has three different temperature settings (high, medium, low) which are controlled by a led lit button located on the inside of the jacket.

There is a cable run on the inside of the jacket that allows you to connect a USB cord from the battery pack up to the breast pocket of the jacket. If you decide to run this cable, you will be able to charge your phone as you wear the jacket. This will, of course, lower the amount of battery life you have to run the heating elements.

There are three heating elements in the jacket. One is in the center of your back and there are two located on the right and left breast areas.

The jacket I got is most certainly made longer in the sleeve length and in overall length.

The hood that comes with this jacket, which is quite large is removable by way of a zipper.

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The pockets have zippers to close them when you want.

There is a front flap that covers the jacket’s main zipper and has Velcro to keep it closed.

Orange stitching is used on the jacket for visual appeal.

The Ridgid logo is located on the left shoulder instead of the front breast pocket like most other jackets.

Ridgid 18-Volt Heated Jacket Review Performance

While nearly all the heated jackets on the market today are sold as a 12-volt unit. You can use an 18-volt battery, but you need to buy a separate 18-volt cordless power source adapter that fits over your 18-volt battery. Unfortunately, I’ve found that most compact 18-volt batteries don’t fit very well in the battery pocket designed for a 12-volt battery.

What I love best about this 18-volt jacket is just how fast it heats up. When I put this jacket on its highest setting, it gets noticeably warm in a matter of just a couple minutes. This was much fast than what I have come to see with the 12-volt jackets.

Fit is where this jacket differs from other jackets the most. The common thought on heated jackets is the jacket is supposed to fit snug on your body so that the heat is close to your core. I’ve always felt that feeling constrained was more of a downside than the efficiency of heat transfer. It also makes buying the correct size kind of a crapshoot.

In anticipation of this jacket fitting snug, I moved up a size from an XXL to an XXXL. Big men, please feel free to rejoice because this jacket was way too big for me. Not only was the jacket too loose, but the sleeves were extremely long for me. This is one of those times where I should have stayed with my usual fit.

Since this was too big for me, I had the idea to call my very large friend “BIG TODD” and have him give me some of his opinions on fit. I stand about 5’11” and 265 lbs. and Big Todd runs a good 6’8” and 360 lbs. (makes for a good prison guard). The first thing he commented on to me was the length of the sleeves and how much he loved that. Being his size, he always has a hard time finding big enough cloths. The second thing he mentioned was how much he enjoyed the length of the jacket. Out of all the heated jackets, I have tried, the Ridgid 18-volt heated jacket is by far the best fit for big and tall guys.

When I was doing some reading into this jacket on The Home Depot site, I noticed a few reviews complaining about the size of the heating zones, so I wanted to give you my views on that. The comments I read were the heating zones were too small. I believe these reviews were from a first-time heated jacket user. From my experience, the heating zones are only made to keep your core warm and don’t cover the full jacket. Some of the Milwaukee units have heated pockets and some have heated shoulders. But as far as keeping your core warm, I believe the Ridgid 18-volt heated jacket does a better job of warming you up than the brands that use 12-volt batteries.

Ridgid 18-Volt Heated Jacket Review Value

The Ridgid 18-Volt heated jacket only comes in one color (black) but is available to buy two different ways.  For $199.00, you can get the jacket, 1.5 Amp Hour Battery, and charger. For $159.00 you can get the jacket only. These prices are nearly identical to comparable heated jackets from the competitors.

Ridgid 18-Volt Heated Jacket Review Final Thoughts

The Ridgid 18-Volt Heated Jacket is a very good performing and fitting jacket. If you want to get a really good-looking heated jacket that is going to keep you warm, then this is a good option. If you are already invested in the Ridgid 18-Volt platform, then this becomes an even better choice. And if you are a big and tall guy, this may be the absolute best choice for you.

The post Ridgid 18-Volt Heated Jacket Review appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

When it comes to workwear, Milwaukee is going heavy after this category.  They have heated jackets, hoodies, heated gloves and more.  So it’s no surprise they came out with work gloves.  While they have a wide range of gloves to choose from, today we are going to cover the Milwaukee Cut Level 1 gloves, which are the winter work gloves.

Overview

If you’re not familiar with cut level gloves, basically they are a glove that is tested under different cut scenarios and then they are designed a cut level between 1 and 5.  Level 1 provides some protection while level 5 is the highest protection.  A level 1 glove is good for general purposes such as what you would find out in the construction field.  A level 5 glove is great for glass handling, meat and poultry jobs where you are using a sharp knife and other stamping jobs.

Since this is a level 1 winter glove, these are great for the construction field such as if you are working on HVAC outside, flashing or drip guards and other jobs outside in the cold where you are working with sharp objects.

Features

These type of gloves are not only designed to help protect your digits but also allow you dexterity to work with smaller parts.  The gloves are designed to be breathable.

The gloves feature a 15 gauge nylon outer liner.  They are made from a blend of nylon and lycra which are not only flexible but also will help take moisture or sweat away.

The wrist is elastic to help cuff your wrist and keep the warm in and cold out.

The gloves are 1/2 double dipped sandy latex micro finish which means they are water-resistant.  If you are using a smart device, you don’t need to take the gloves off.   Even with the gloves on, you can swipe and use your smart device.

The inside of the gloves feature a 10 gauge terry liner and offer a dual liner, which is obviously for warmth in the winter.

Performance

There are a lot of level 1 gloves to choose from on the market.  The Milwaukee Level 1 cut gloves, 48-22-8913 are a great choice.  Now before you rush out and grab a pair, you have to understand these gloves.  Yes, they are designed for winter gloves but they won’t replace your heavy duty thick gloves. For the work outside where you will be out there for an hour or two and the wind is blowing, these are great and will keep your fingers warm.

However, since they are smaller and thinner, you can do a ton of work with these gloves that you can’t do with other gloves.  If you have used these type of gloves before, then you are familiar with them.  While the dexterity is great, don’t expect to be working with eyeglass screws.  But they are flexible enough to work with finish nails, screws and small objects.

Value

You can pick these up at your local Home Depot store for about $8.  $8 isn’t a bad price.  Now if you are roofing and working with shingles, they won’t last and the $8 is a waste.  But for those working outside on HVAC, Meters, light roofing and other jobs like this, these gloves are well worth the $8 as they will last you a long time.

Final Thoughts

Overall these are great gloves.  They will help keep your hands and fingers warm for those smaller jobs outside.  I love the terry liner as it’s soft and very warm.  You know what I mean when you have those quick jobs outside and your fingers get so cold because of the wind blowing.  These do a great job of helping you stay out there longer and allowing you to work with smaller objects all while protecting your hands.

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The job site can be a brutal place, not only on your body but also your workwear.  Anyone in the field knows that there are a lot of clothing options available, there is really only a handful of companies that make them tough enough for the job site. We came across one company that thinks they are part of the elite clothing world and should have a place in your wardrobe.  So let’s check out the Mascot Workwear Review and see if the quality is enough to be there with the big boys.

Mascot Workwear Review Overview

So what do you look for in workwear?  For me, I want something that is tough and lightweight but comfortable.  I want something where I can have multiple pockets and something that makes life a little easier but I don’t want to pay a lot.

I know this is a lot to ask for but it shouldn’t be.  I just want someone to break the mold and go off and create a new design, something that fits the above wants and needs for me.  I want to be able to bend over and the waist stretches with me, but when I stand up, my pants don’t fall down.  I want a jacket that I can stretch my arms and the sleeves don’t ride up my arm but when I am standing upright, the sleeves are not covering my hands.

So now you know what I am looking for in workwear, let’s see what Mascot has to offer.

Mascot Workwear Review Features

This is just a small fraction of all the workwear Mascot offers.  We figured we would each try out a jacket and a pair of pants.

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The first set of pants are the Mascot Advance model 17079-311-55. The pants offer a ton of features such as four-way stretch material, water repellent, built in knee pads and a ton of pockets.  The pants are a low waist form cut which will offer more freedom of movement around the job site.

The built-in knee pads eliminate the sweat and irritations of traditional knee pads.  You can just insert the pads directly into the pants which is a very cool feature. The pants offer double stitch seams on the legs and crotch for added durability.

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Next on the list is the Bremen model 14031-203-0618.  These pants contain Tencel which makes the fabric cooler, softer and moisture absorbing.  While the other pants feature double stitching, these pants feature triple stitching.

The pockets are made of Cordura for strength and longevity. So as you put in and take tools out, you don’t have to worry about them wearing out or getting holes in the pockets. These pants also feature built-in knee pads. Being in the trades, you will need plenty of pockets, which these have more than enough to carry around tools and more.

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The winter jacket is the Darmstadt model 16002-149-11010 and comes in a variety of color options. The jacket is windproof, water resistant and breathable, all necessary qualities in a jacket. The jacket uses proprietary insulation that is compressed so it doesn’t add bulkiness but does add warmth.  The hood is detachable in case you’re not into that type of thing.  What I like is the sleeves are form cut and compressed on the inside.

The jacket has extra material in the places you need it most so when you move, the jacket doesn’t ride up on your back or arms.  Another cool feature is the jacket has plenty of pockets.

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The next jacket is a little lighter and that is the Gandia model 15001-222-01014. This jacket comes in three different color combinations.  The Gandia is also breathable, windproof but this is waterproof and has taped seams.  The jacket has internal storm cuffs and can be adjusted in length.

The hood is detachable and also offers zippered pockets.  The Gandia has a great fit but not too tight.  The jacket does allow the user freedom of movement without it riding up on your back or waist.

Mascot Workwear Review Performance

Jackets – The Mascot jackets are some of my favorite jackets in the market place.  While I love the style, I love the comfort.  Sure the zippers are backward for me as I like the zipper on the right side of the jacket, but it was something I got used to pretty quickly.  When moving around, the jacket moved with me, not against me.  Along with the lightweight and freedom of movement, the jacket had plenty of storage to keep my phone and other items.

Pants – The pants remind me of some other brands in the market place.  I love all the pockets and built-in knee pads.  While I love these pants, I would like to see two changes.  First is the waist.  I would like to see an elastic waist or a partial elastic waistband.  When I bend down to grab the gummy worm I dropped, I want the pants to stretch with me.  I don’t want to feel like a small guy is trying to bear hug me around the waist.  Now I am not sure any workwear company has this type of waist, but it would be nice.  The second item is the crotch.  I want more room for my boys to be free.  I don’t like that area to be so tight when I am working.  Fine if I am hitting the town for a night out, but not when I am sweating and working hard.  Other than that, I love the pants.

Mascot Workwear Review Value

The Mascot pants you can pick up for between $50 and $200 depending upon the style and store.  Overall not a bad price.   The pants are high quality, made to last and have plenty of features for the working man.

The coats are pricey, which would be expected.  The coat you can pick up from $120 to $300, again depending on the store and style.  Compare this with other workwear or even non-workwear clothing, these are a good value.

All in all the prices are comparable to other popular workwear items in the market place. Yes, you can buy cheaper items, but that is also the quality you will get, something that won’t last.  The Mascot is a good value for quality, toughness, and performance.

Mascot Workwear Review Final Thoughts

So in the end, I do feel like Mascot has a place with the elite workwear companies.  They have a lot to offer in regards to style, comfort, features, and performance.  While I love the jackets and think they are extremely comfortable, stylish and warm, I would like to see some changes in the pants.  The pants are awesome and most people will love them.  I love the pockets and build quality.  I do wish there was an elastic waistband or partial elastic waistband.  My other gripe is I want more room in the crotch area.  Other than those two complaints I am a fan of Mascot workwear.

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