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.

I’m sure you have noticed that every major tool company has a very large catalog of tool options. They can range from construction tools, woodworking tools, metal fab tools, cordless tools, corded tools, hybrid tools, cross over tools, and the list goes on and on. One thing that I have learned from my tool testing over the years is that each major tool brand creates at least one type of tool that stands heads and shoulders better than what the competition has to offer.

When I think of Bosch, the absolute first tool that comes to mind is the random orbit sander. I have and use three different Bosch random orbit sanders in my shop.  As a matter of fact, they are the only ones I use.  I also own the $99 Festool sander that became available for a short period of time a couple of years ago, but I have only used it a handful of times.

There has been a huge push for tools to go cordless in the last past 6 or 7 years. Many tools can run all day long on a single battery charge.  This is great, but I still prefer the corded option for the random orbit sanders for most of the work in my shop. Cordless sanders have a place for quick small jobs but tend to fall a little short when dealing with larger sanding jobs.

Bosh has released a new random orbit sander option that I find quite unique. The Bosch GET75-6N direct-drive random orbit sander does sanding differently than almost other brands.

Bosch Dual-Mode 6-inch Sander Review Overview

There are several things I look at when I’m using random orbit sanders.

1. How well does the sander remove material?
2. How well does the vibration dampening work?
3. How ergonomic and balanced is the sander when used?
4. Does the sander leave swirl marks?
5. How effective and user-friendly is the dust collection?

All the other three Bosch sanders I use rate 5 stars in each of these categories, so it is obvious why I think of Bosch as the top major brand manufacture of sanders.

Let us take a closer look to see if the Bosch dual-mode 6-inch sander can stack up to the expectations I have for Bosch sanders.

Bosch Dual-Mode 6-inch Sander Review Features

At first glance, there are several features on this sander that differ from everything else Bosch has to offer.

First and foremost, there is a switch that allows you to toggle between a direct drive turbo mode and normal random orbit mode. This Turbo mode rotates the sanding pad into an eccentric-orbit mode a more aggressive removal of material.

Unlike most random orbit sanders where they are designed to fit your palm, this unit has a barrel grip form reminding me of the shape found in angle grinders.

Dust collection is handled by a tube connected above the sanding pad and travels to the back of the barrel grip where a dust vac can be hooked up.

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A dust port adaptor is supplied so you can hook this sander up to 35MM, 1-1/4”, and 1-1/2” vacuum hoses.

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The sanding pad is a hook and loop setup which is pretty much standard but has a different dust collection hole pattern than I’ve seen from Bosch. Instead of having their standard 6-hole setup, there are dozens of little holes in addition to the standard 6-hole setup.

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A removable bump guard clips onto the front of the sander. This prevents the sanding pad from adjoining surfaces near your workpiece.

The auxiliary handle can be set up on either side of the sander according to the user’s preference.

Variable speed control is located on the end of the barrel grip.

The cord on this unit measures in at 12 feet.

Bosch Dual-Mode 6-inch Sander Review Performance

When using the Bosch Dual-mode random orbit sander in the regular mode, I was quite pleased with its performance. There were no discernable swirl marks and the vibration was low making this easy to use for long periods of time.

When using this sander in the turbo mode, the sander works like a beast. I would compare the material removal to be nearly the same as a belt sander with some control benefits. I find this sander to quickly remove material without the fear of leaving gouges that can be produced from a belt sander. You can also more precisely target difficult spots versus a belt sander by tilting the sander slightly.

With the long barrel grip the Bosch dual-mode sander features, this unit is not as well balanced as their other random orbit sanders. When I grip this unit on the barrel, it’s a bit more difficult to keep the sanding pad flat on my work surfaces. It has been common to find myself putting too much pressure no the back end of the unit causing it to tip back. Also, I must be careful when setting this unit down. If the cord is hanging off the table too far, the weight can cause the sander to tip. No big deal unless the sander is close to the edge of your table.

When removing material in the turbo mode, be prepared to hold on. The aggressive motion of the Bosch dual-mode sander causes this unit to want to wander quickly.

The removable bump guard located on the front of the unit is awesome. I have caused damage to projects in the past when the leading edge of the sanding pad hit a vertical board attached to the piece I am trying to sand. This feature works incredibly well.

All random orbit sanders perform best hooked up to a dust vac, but most of them have the option to hook up a bag or pleated filter canister. The Bosch dual-mode sander has only one way to capture dust. You must connect the long dust shoot to a vac or live with the dust.

Bosch Dual-Mode 6-inch Sander Review Value

As I mentioned at the beginning of this article, Bosch makes some of the best sanders available. The only other sanders I consider to be the equal of Bosch sanders are made by Festool.

I’ve seen the Bosch dual-mode random orbit sander listed between $250 and $299. Sure, you can buy cheaper sanders. To find a comparable performing unit, you can purchase a Festool Rotex 150 which is listed at $620. At a savings of $300+ over the Festool, I’ll take a Bosch any day.

Bosch Dual-Mode 6-inch Sander Review Final Thoughts

The Bosch Dual Mode 6-inch Sander is like having two tools in one. When using this unit in the turbo mode, you can remove material nearly as fast as a belt sander. In a matter of seconds, you can flip the switch back to the normal mode to get the finishing quality of a random orbit sander.

If you think about how much time you spend and how important sanding is to the final look of any woodworking project, a good quality sander is priceless.  The Bosch dual-mode 6-inch random orbit sander is not only a time-saver but a great performer as well.

The post Bosch Dual-Mode 6-Inch Sander Review appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

Whether you are a woodworker or metal worker, chances are you know that the tool company Bessey makes some of the best clamps available.

For several years, I’ve been using Bessey parallel clamps, bar clamps, face frame clamps, 90-degree clamps and a few other specialty clamps in my shop. I’ve been very happy with the results I can achieve with their incredible clamps.

Recently, I was asked to try out Bessey’s new EHK Trigger Clamps and let them know what I think. Now, to be perfectly honest, I’m not a huge fan trigger clamps and wasn’t expecting much of an improvement from the Bessey models over the other big brand clamps found in the big box stores. Don’t get me wrong, trigger clamps are very useful and have their place in just about any shop, but with the items I make, I like to have the precise straight high clamping force that parallel clamps always provide.

After using the Bessey EHK Trigger clamps in my shop for about a month now, I’ve gained a new-found respect for the trigger clamps.

Bessey EHK Trigger Clamp Review Overview

There are several things I look at when I’m using trigger clamps for the first time.

1. Can the clamp be operated easily with one hand?
2. How well does the release lever work?
3. How much clamping force can you get?
4. Does the clamp shift your work pieces when applying pressure?
5. Can the clamp be set up to be used as a spreader?

I’ve bought trigger clamps before that were complete disappointments. When this happens, the clamps quickly find their way into the trash.

In this review, I will be looking at the new Bessey EHK Trigger Clamps the same way I look at every other trigger clamp I have owned in the past.

Bessey EHK Trigger Clamp Review Features

The first thing that caught my attention when ordering these clamps is that you can purchase these in either light duty, medium duty or heavy-duty options. The heavy-duty clamps produce a force of 600 lbs., the medium-duty clamps produce a force of 300 lbs. and the light-duty clamps between 40 and 100 lbs. This to me is huge.

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Ergonomic composite handles make it easy to get the most clamping force possible.

The clamp release mechanism is in the trigger handle.

The soft touchpads are used to eliminate the risk of marring your work-piece. These touchpads are also removable.

A push-button is used to quickly set up the unit as a spreader. No tools required.

Bessey EHK Trigger Clamp Review Performance

Let me just start off by saying the new Bessey EHK Trigger Clamps are the best performing trigger clamps that I have ever used. Hands Down!

The 600 lbs. of clamping force from the heavy-duty clamps is by far the highest rating I have ever seen in a trigger clamp. This is very important to me in what I do in the shop. When I need to do a glue-up, I need to make sure the pieces of wood make good contact, so no cracks develop down the line. In the past, the only clamps I felt comfortable using for these glue ups were parallel clamps which produce forces of between 1,400 and 1,700 lbs.

I’ve used (and thrown away) trigger clamps in the past that when used, did not keep the pressure directly straight across the clamping surfaces. Because the bars used were so thin, it would bend when a lot of pressure was applied rendering the clamp useless in my book.

The Bessey trigger clamps are very well made with heavy-duty bars. I was not able to make these clamps deflect at all.  This goes for the heavy-duty clamps as well as the medium-duty clamps. Light duty clamps aren’t meant for large clamping pressure, so I wouldn’t expect them to perform the same way as the other clamps. With that being said, I am still impressed with the light-duty clamps.

The distance that the clamping heads travel when the trigger is squeezed is less than the other clamps I have used. At first, this sounds like a negative, but I don’t see it that way.  To me, it gives me more control over keeping my pieces aligned properly. This is probably the second-best thing about these clamps.

The clamp release mechanism located in the trigger handle is probably the only knock I have. It’s probably more of an issue of what I am used to than function. I find operating the lever isn’t as quick to operate as others.  I find myself searching for the lever instead of instinctively reacting. I’m sure this will change with time, but for now, it is slightly difficult.

Turning these clamps into spreaders is a simple operation with the release push button. I don’t use spreaders very often, but when you need one, it is sure nice to be able to set up quickly and easily.

The removable soft touchpads are common in most trigger clamps. I almost consider them a necessity.  From time to time, you will get some residual glue stuck on the pads. Its nice to be able to take them off and clean them up so you don’t cause damage to your next project.

Bessey EHK Trigger Clamp Review Value

Value can often by a tough to rate because everyone’s’ situation is different. So, I am just going to go about this from my point of view.

The EHK should be available in stores soon. Here are the anticipated prices and sizes of clamps that will be offered.

 In my opinion, these clamps are worth the price. Sure, you can find cheaper trigger clamps at Harbor Freight and the other manufactures found in the big box stores, but they cannot compare to the EHK trigger clamps from Bessey.

Bessey EHK Trigger Clamp Review Final Thoughts

The Bessey EHK trigger clamps have changed my mind on how useful a trigger clamp can be. I once thought of them as clamps used only as an extra hand. Now I plan on using them in more of my woodworking projects.

Knowing the quality products Bessey creates, I shouldn’t be surprised by these trigger clamps, but I am.  I never really thought the issues I had with trigger clamps could be overcome. Nice job Bessey.

The post Bessey EHK Trigger Clamp Review appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

One of the things Ryobi has been doing that I particularly like is they have been releasing a lot of their 18 Volt tools in hybrid models. Their latest release is the Ryobi 18-Volt Hybrid Air Cannon Drum Fan.

In order for a tool from Ryobi to be labeled as a hybrid, it must be able to be operated by a battery or an electric cord. I love this concept. It allows the user to have the mobility of a battery tool and the long run time of a cord. Depending on the users need and/or access to an electrical source, they can choose how to power the tool.

Ryobi 18-Volt Hybrid Air Cannon Drum Fan Review Overview

About 4 years ago, all of the major tool brands started releasing small personal sized battery operated fans. Even though the fans looked very similar, there are differences that set them apart from each other. They differed by how loud they are, how much variable speed control they have and whether or not they are a hybrid model.

In case you are wondering, my absolute favorite small battery operated fan model is the Ridgid 18-Volt Hybrid Fan because it is the quietest, the variable speed control is completely adjustable and it is a hybrid model. It checks all of the boxes.

Ryobi seems to be leading the way and is first to market with a new and much larger size air mover which they have dubbed an “Air Cannon”.

Ryobi 18-Volt Hybrid Air Cannon Drum Fan Review Features

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First and foremost, this drum fan is a hybrid where it can be run off of a Ryobi 18-Volt battery or off of an extension cord. These receptacles are found on the back of the fan.

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The fan can be rotated 220 degrees and held into place by tightening the knobs on the sides.

The body of the fan and the back grill are made of metal.

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The fan blades and front grill are made from plastic.

Three different levels of fan speed on controlled from the back of the unit.

A top mount plastic handle makes the unit easy to carry.

There is a screw mounting hole on the base. This gives you the ability to mount this fan to a wall if necessary.

There is a 4-foot cord included with the fan. This is particularly nice if the only extension cord you have does not fit in the fan receptacle. For instance, if you have an extension cord with multiple receptacles at the end, it won’t fit with this fan. The included 4-foot cord fixes that issue.

Ryobi 18-Volt Hybrid Air Cannon Drum Fan Review Performance

The airflow coming out of this fan is much greater than the smaller units that came out a few years ago.  Ryobi claims this unit can make up to 2,400 CFM. With no way of proving or disproving this claim all I can say is that this unit sends out about the same air movement as a good box fan.

Even though the air flow is about the same, the noise from the Ryobi unit is noticeably quieter than a box fan. It is rated at 38 decibels and according to the meter on my phone, which was very close to what I was seeing. In case you don’t have a frame of reference for decibels, this is very quiet.

This unit is very light, easy to move around and very adjustable. It is nearly perfect in these regards. The only way this could be better is if it not only rotated up and down but side to side as well. This would allow it to pivot in any direction without ever having to be moved.

The hybrid option on this fan is just awesome. I love this. I’ve used the small Hybrid Ridgid fan in the past with a cord so that I could keep a continuous flow of air going over some of my projects in order to try the polyurethane finish evenly. I’ve also used that fan during camping trips with a battery on low to cool me off at night.

Ryobi 18-Volt Hybrid Air Cannon Drum Fan Review Value

The Home Depot has the Ryobi 18-Volt Hybrid Air Cannon Drum Fan listed at $139.00.  This includes the fan, and 4-foot cord, but no battery.

Even though I think everyone who owns Ryobi batteries should own and would love this unit, I feel the $139.00 price tag is just a little steep and would be a much better buy at $99.00

Ryobi 18-Volt Hybrid Air Cannon Drum Fan Review Final Thoughts

A battery operated fan wasn’t really an item that I gave much attention to until I tried out a few of the small models released a few years ago. Since then, I’ve found them very useful and love that they are as mobile as they are. The one thing that wanted to see improved on was the amount of air flow produced.

It appears Ryobi has taken the battery operated fan to the next level and I am loving it.

The post Ryobi 18-Volt Hybrid Air Cannon Drum Fan Review appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

If you haven’t heard of them yet, Fisch is a company that was founded and is still based in Austria. They have been manufacturing premium drill bits since 1946. Fisch is especially known for making top of the line Forstner bits such as the Fisch Black Shark Forstner Bits. They do this by forging their drill heads which yield extremely sharp edges that stay sharp for a very long time.

Fisch Black Shark Forstner Bits Review Overview

People who are into woodworking can tell you that it is a lifetime journey you take to perfecting the craft. Every step of the way you are learning. Whether it be a new technique you learn, a new tool you discover that you must absolutely have or what works best to get the job done, you are always learning.

Forstner bits are one of those tools you learn about quickly when you have a need to make flat bottom holes. At first, you see it as a tool you are only going to need one or two times in your life.  After you use a Forstner bit, you quickly find that it is extremely useful and uses for it seems to pop up everywhere.

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Now if you only occasionally use Forstner bits you might think that they are all the same.  This is not true. There are basically three types of Forstner bits such as the sawtooth, continuous rim and wavy continuous rim. The differences in these types come mostly from how the cutting edges are designed. The Fisch Black Shark Forstner bits fall under the continuous rim style bit.

From each design, the performance and life of use will depend on not only how the bit was made, but how it is used. In the text that follows, I hope to show you how and why the Fisch Black Shark Forstner Bits really stand out as one of the very best bits produced.

Fisch Black Shark Forstner Bits Review Features

First and foremost, the heads on these drill bits are forged.  You may be asking yourself, “Why is a forged drill head better than a cast drill head?” right now. Good questions. A forged head is stronger, more uniform and more reliable than a cast steelhead. Not only is the head better protected from accidental impacts to the cutting edges they will also stay sharp much longer than their cast counterparts.

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Extremely sharp cutting edges and flats for great chip removal.

3 flats located on the shaft help hold the drill from spinning in the chuck.

A very prominent centering pin.

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These bits are available in both imperial and metric sizes.  For the purpose of this review, I have been using the 16-piece imperial set. These bits can also be purchased separately.

Fisch Black Shark Forstner Bits Review Performance

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The performance of these Forstner bits is unlike anything that I have ever seen. They cut very clean and sharp holes in both hardwoods and softwoods but were specifically designed for cutting hardwoods. If you ever tried to cut holes in any real hard exotic woods like purple heart, you will quickly realize how hard they are on regular Forstner bits. After a few holes with a cheaper Forstner bit, you will quickly notice that there is more burning of the wood going on than cutting.

The Fisch Black Shark Forstner bits are manufactured in such a way that you can operate these bits at a 25% higher speed than other bits of the same size. This is possible due to the optimization of the cutting edges.

Fisch Black Shark Forstner Bits Review Value

Picking a value for these Fisch Black Shark Forstner bits is a little bit tough. At a price of about $399.00 for the complete 16-piece set found online, these can be a very hard sell for someone who is just playing around with woodworking. Most weekend woodworkers are trying to save up for their next piece of shop equipment they need and can’t justify that kind of price tag for a set of bits. Also if you are someone who has never used a bit of this caliber, it’s hard to imagine it performing that much better than a cheap set. This is where years of experience come into play.

For the woodworker looking to take his or her craft to the top level or someone who makes woodworking items for a living, these bits can perform at the level you wish to achieve. In this case, performance and long life can justify the price tag.

Fisch Black Shark Forstner Bits Review Final Thoughts

The Fisch Black Shark Forstner bits are by far the best Forstner bits I have ever used. As a matter of fact, they are THE BEST BITS of any type that I have ever used.

It seems strange to me to be this impressed with a drill bit, but after using these bits, I have come to find out what I have been missing all of these years.

I know many people out there will get sticker shock when they see the price of this full kit, but don’t give up. Chances are you won’t need to use every bit every time. You always have the option to purchase each individual bit when the opportunity arises. That way you can spread the cost of these bits out over time and only buy the ones you really need.

I am truly amazed at how well these bits perform and I am glad to know they will help me turn out beautiful woodworking pieces for a great many years to come.

The post Fisch Black Shark Forstner Bits Review appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

Every 18 Volt tool has its own specific power requirements. Grinders, for instance, require a large amount of power to perform at the level of their plug-in counterparts. The Ridgid 18 Volt Octane 4-1/2″ grinder is one of the latest battery-operated tools to attempt to reach the level of power and performance of corded tools. So let’s check out the Ridgid 18 Volt Octane 4-1/2″ Grinder Review.

There are actually two parts to achieving the level of performance of that a corded tool can provide.  One is the tool’s design and the other is the battery output. The trick is getting the two parts to work together in harmony. Ridgid has taken a huge step forward to achieving the performance of level of corded tools with their new Octane line of tools and batteries.

Ridgid 18 Volt Octane 4-1/2″ Grinder Review Overview

Ridgid is a tool company known for producing high-quality battery operated tools for advanced DIY’ers and professionals for quite some time. The price point for these tools is often lower than what you should expect for a tool that performs at the level that they Ridgid tool performs at.

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Every few years, Ridgid releases a new generation of tools where the tool and/or battery has been updated. The latest generation of their tools to hit the market is the Octane line. This latest generational upgrade is a complete rebuild of tools and batteries.  The batteries are able to recognize what tool they are trying to power and match the output to that specific tool.  You should see a better performing tool by matching the Octane tools with the Octane batteries. The great part of this is both the tools and batteries are backward compatible.

Ridgid 18 Volt Octane 4-1/2″ Grinder Review Features

A brushless motor provides higher power and maximum performance compared to older brushed models.

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The Ridgid 18 Volt Octane 4-1/2″ Grinder has a slide style power switch that is located on the top of the tool and can be locked into place.

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The blade guard is adjustable with the press of a button located on the guard. No tool required.

The blades can be changed out with the included spanner wrench.

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The grinder offers three positions where the auxiliary handle can be attached.

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A removable and washable filter fits nicely at the base of the handle.  This minimizes the amount of metal grinding dust entering the grinder.

The slim grip is a nice ergonomic option for comfort and extended use.

Ridgid 18 Volt Octane 4-1/2″ Grinder Review Performance

The Ridgid 18 Volt Octane 4-1/2″ Grinder is a big step up from its predecessor. When used in combination with the new Octane batteries, this unit really shines. There is no loss of power during grinding or cutting operations. This unit just hums along like nothing is going to stand in its way.

One of the design features I like most is the overall shape of the unit. I’ve used other brands that are much wider where you hold the unit making them a little more difficult to hold. The grip really stands out to me when I use a cutting wheel on it.

The tool-less guard adjustment is awesome. I always say that if a safety feature makes work cumbersome or is difficult to adjust, it will usually get removed from the tool. This, of course, makes a safety feature useless.

The only thing I am not a big fan of with this grinder is the power switch. This may have more to do with what I am used to over any real issue. I tend to prefer a paddle switch that is located on the body of the unit over a switch that I have to operate with my thumb.

Ridgid 18 Volt Octane 4-1/2″ Grinder Review Value

The price of the Ridgid 18 Volt Octane 4-1/2″ Grinder found on The Home Depot site is currently at $129.00. This price is for the bare tool. This is about what I would expect to pay for a grinder of this caliber.

It’s a grinder that works at a very high level and should for many years to come. If you follow the rules of the Ridgid Lifetime Service Agreement, (register the tool within the first 90 days after purchase) Ridgid will fix or replace your grinder that stops working due to any normal ware. If you factor in the Ridgid Lifetime Service Agreement and the quality of the Ridgid 18 Volt Octane 4-1/2″ Grinder, it may be the last grinder you ever need to buy.

Ridgid 18 Volt Octane 4-1/2″ Grinder Review Final Thoughts

For several years I have been impressed with most of the Ridgid battery operated tools. The 18 Volt grinder was one of the tools that I thought had room for improvement. The older models would tare through a battery in no time and underperformed a little bit.

Ridgid has addressed the power and runtime issues the older grinders had with the introduction of the new Octane grinder and Octane batteries. I look forward to where Ridgid goes from here. They continue to push the limits of battery operated technology and are heading in the right direction.

The post Ridgid 18 Volt Octane 4-1/2″ Grinder Review appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

If you haven’t heard of the company FastCap yet, let me give you a little background. It will help you understand why they make the tools that they make and then we can jump into the FastCap Easy Half Tape Measure Review.

FastCap is a tool company that was started by Paul Akers. Paul is a cabinet builder with over 20 years of experience.

Throughout the process of starting up a new company and the growing pains that go along with it, Paul learned a very important way to approach not just business, but life as well. Without going into too much detail, he was introduced to and became a believer in the LEAN process for manufacturing. He was then able to take the very most basic principle of LEAN and incorporated it into everything he does.

At its very core, the Lean process is about finding waste and eliminating it.  You can talk about all of the special charts and processes of Lean, but in the end, it’s about eliminating waste (wasted time, motion, material, etc.). FastCap is basically built on that core fundamental idea. They produce tools and other items that reduce waste, in return it reduces frustration which in turn, makes the user more productive.

Once I heard Paul talk about the process of recognizing and reducing waste, I realized I had kind of been doing this all along, but on a much smaller scale. So, now when I’m in my shop or working on some kind of project, I’m always looking for things that irritate me and once I find them, I try to eliminate them.  I’ve come to the point, whenever I am able to make one of these changes, I get pretty excited.

Once you know how Paul, his company FastCap, and his employees think, you will be able to recognize the little things that go into each of their products.

FastCap Easy Half Tape Measure Review Overview

Tape measures have been around for a very long time and are a primary tool for just about any job. Over the past 20 years, the biggest improvements and innovations for tapes have been wider blades, larger hooks, different styles of thumb locks, and stronger cases. Not really innovative if you ask me.

FastCap didn’t try to go the same route when adding innovation to tape measures. They were able to recognize the need for tape measures to fit particular tasks and styles of work. So, instead of offering one tape measure in different sizes, they have several tapes to fit the user’s needs best (available on Amazon). They have also taken the time to address some issues around tape measures that can slow down the process of using one.

Today, we are going to take a look at one particular tape measure created by FastCap. This tape is called the FastCap ProCarpenter Easy Half Tape Measure.

FastCap Easy Half Tape Measure Review Features

The tape’s blade is colored white with black lettering which makes it easy to read and has marks down to 1/16”. The blade has two scales which are divided right down the middle. One side has the actual measurement in inches.  On the other side is the one-half scale. This is used to easily find a center point of what you are measuring.

The blade hook is held onto the blade with 4 rivets.

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The tape case has a large white circle right in the middle of the tape where brands usually put their logo.  The white circle was put and left blank for a reason. It is there so that when you have notes or measurements you need to remember, you can write it right in the white circle with your pencil. After you no longer need this information, you can wipe it off with your thumb or pencil eraser. This is standard on every tape that FastCap produces.

Another feature that is found on all of the FastCap tapes is an onboard pencil sharpener. Broken pencil leads can be frustrating and cause wasted time. To reduce downtime if you break a pencil point during your work, you can fix it as you go.

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The tape has a standard thumb lock, an index finger lock, and a belt clip. The FastCap Easy Half Tape has a nice heavy-duty rubberized case to protect the tape.

FastCap Easy Half Tape Measure Review Performance

This tape does exactly what it is advertised to do and does it well. When you are reading the full-scale measurement, you can quickly see what the half-scale is. The entire blade is marked out in inches. There are no feet marks to deal with. Instead of seeing 2-feet 2-1/8 inches, you will see 26-1/8” on the full scale, and on the half-scale; you will see 13-1/16”. It keeps the math extremely simple.

The only improvement I would make on this tape would be to color code the blade. I would leave the full-scale white and then change the half-scale blade color to yellow or some other high-visibility color. This won’t change the workings of the tape at all; just make identifying the full and half scale a little easier.

The white circle writing surface works nicely. Pencils mark on it clearly and cleaning up the surface can be done without cleaning agents. I usually use an eraser and then wipe it down with my thumb.

The thumb and finger locks work as they should.

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The rubber case is a nice size. I’m not a big fan of the extremely large-size case most of the major tool makers have gone to. If I want to carry a tape measure in my pocket, the large cases make it more cumbersome than it should be.

I’ve had some mixed results with the pencil sharpeners found on the FastCap tapes. They aren’t perfect, but they are useful in a pinch.

FastCap Easy Half Tape Measure Review Value

The FastCap Easy Half Tape Measure isn’t what I would consider an everyday tape measure, so don’t expect this unit to replace every tape you already own. Where this tape excels is in tasks where you need to find the center of an item quickly. I use this tape a lot in my woodworking projects. When I’m making mission-style tables, I need to find the center point to line up my stiles. This tape reduces any chance of error I could make doing the math.

So, with a price point of $9.63 on the FastCap website, the tape is cheaper than most day-to-day tapes and I feel is priced right where it should be.

There are several FastCap measuring products available on Amazon as well.

FastCap Easy Half Tape Measure Review Final Thoughts

FastCap is a company that tends to recognize needs and finds a way to fill them. Their ProCarpenter Easy Half Tape measure is one of their products that originate from a need.

The Easy Half Tape measure isn’t going to be my everyday tape measure, but it is one of the tools in my arsenal that is going to be there to make my work process easier and hopefully error free.

The post FastCap Easy Half Tape Measure Review appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

With over 125 tools in the Ryobi 18-Volt One+ line of tools, it’s not surprising to find specialized tools in their lineup. A caulk gun would be a prime example of what I consider to be one of these specialized tools. These battery operated caulk guns are not necessarily new, but aren’t as widely known about and rarely displayed in the big box stores. Several power tool companies make battery operated caulk and adhesive guns, but none of them do it at a price point even close to what Ryobi has been able to do. So let’s take a look at the Ryob 18-Volt Caulk Gun Review.

Ryobi 18-Volt Caulk Gun Review Overview

Right now, I’m in the middle of a complete bathroom remodel job. This job includes ripping out all of the old plaster, tub, tub surround, flooring, and other stuff.

If you’ve ever tried to tackle a job like this yourself, you may find some of the tasks involved are easier than others. Each person is different and has their strengths and weaknesses in different areas.  For me, an area of weakness is definitely caulking the tub and tub surround. I’ve always used cheap hand operated caulk guns and as expected, always gotten subpar results.

Quite honestly, I’ve never really looked into battery operated caulk guns due to the high price of the contractor grade tools. Ryobi, on the other hand, offers an 18-volt option that is very affordable and has made it almost impossible for me to continue using hand-operated caulk guns.

Since I got the Ryobi 18-volt caulk gun, I’ve been looking forward to tackling all of the caulking I have to do in this bathroom. I’m expecting better results than what I have gotten in the past.

Ryobi 18-Volt Caulk Gun Review Features

The Ryobi 18 volt power caulk gun produces 500 lbs. of push force to handle higher viscosity materials. With all of this power, Ryobi has included a variable speed selector that allows you to adjust and control the rate at which the caulk is dispensed. By finding the rate that best suits you, you can produce perfect beads of caulk.

The switch lock features help prevent accidental start-ups of the unit.

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An all-metal plunger rod is used to handle many jobs and prolong the life of this tool.

An onboard puncture tool is there to break caulk tube seals. No more looking around for a 3-inch screw. 

Ryobi 18-Volt Caulk Gun Review Performance

The overall build of this unit is surprisingly stout. The metal plunger is heavy duty so that it can handle even the higher viscosity adhesives.

The variable speed selector works extremely well. This selector is fully adjustable from full speed to the lowest setting.  There are no preset stops, so dialing in the speed that works best for you is easy. Also, you can change your speed on the fly. There is no need to stop what you are doing to make an adjustment.

The switch lock is easy to operate and necessary in my opinion. Any accidental operation of the trigger, when not wanted, can cause a mess. It’s a simple feature to prevent the headache of cleaning up an unintentional mess.

The onboard puncture tool is stored out of the way when not needed and is extremely nice to have.

There is one thing I was worried Ryobi might overlook when designing this tool was a plunger release when you want to stop caulking. I am pleased to say, my concern was not warranted. As soon as you take your finger off of the trigger, the plunger instantly backs up a little bit to take the pressure off of the tube. This way, you won’t continue to have caulk coming out the end. I like the fact that this is automatic and I as the user don’t have to worry about releasing this pressure.

The all-metal plunger can be manually pushed in or out to make tube changeout quick and easy.

For someone that is not skilled at laying a bead of caulk, this gun simplifies the process. Due to my relative inexperience in caulking, I was able to dial the speed down to the lowest setting and get good results.

Ryobi 18-Volt Caulk Gun Review Value

On The Home Depot’s website, the Ryobi 18 volt power caulk and adhesive guns are listed at $44.00. For this price, you will receive the bare tool, and manual. The battery and charger are sold separately.

If you compare this to the bare tool prices for the other brands’ 18 and 20-volt tools, you will see that the Ryobi version sells for nearly $150 cheaper. Even the 12-volt versions from the other brands are about $80 more expensive than Ryobi’s 18-volt model.

WOW!  Now, this value compared to the other models, Ryobi hits this out of the park.

Did I forget to mention that the Ryobi unit is supposed to be able to push up to 200 tubes of caulk per single 4-amp hour battery? Even if you cut this number in half, or for that matter, one quarter, it’s still impressive to me.

Ryobi 18-Volt Caulk Gun Review Final Thoughts

Ryobi continues to impress me. I know their target audience is the homeowner, but with this type of performance and run time from their 18-volt platform, this is a tool I can easily picture on the jobsite.

With a price tag nearly 1/3^rd the cost of a “pro” model, it’s almost a no brainer for a contractor to purchase one or even two of these for jobs that require caulk or adhesive.

For a homeowner who just wants better results for their home remodeling jobs and will only be using it once in a great while, the low cost is justified by the great results you will see.

The post Ryobi 18-Volt Caulk Gun Review appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

Ridgid has been making pneumatic nailers for quite a few years now. Even though there is a big push now for battery operated tools, Ridgid has continued to produce and improve their pneumatic nailers. Ridgid has two different finish nailers to choose from depending on your need. The Ridgid R250SFF is a 16 gauge finish nailer and the Ridgid R250AFF is a 15 gauge angled finish nailer. Let’s check these new Nailers out in the Ridgid Finish Nailers Review.

Ridgid Finish Nailers Review Overview

Finish nailers are used for exactly what the name implies…finish work. Finish Nailers use a slightly larger fastener than a brad nailer which makes this tool perfect for installing trim and casing work. The larger fastener head provides a better hold than smaller nails and often does not need additional glue. While you will have more touch-ups when compared to a brad nailer. Since slight touch-ups aren’t usually as critical in finish work as they are in say, furniture work the benefit is certainly there. If you are using a nailer to create furniture and are concerned with a final finished look, then you might want to consider a brad or pin nailer.

Overall, these models are very similar with some slight differences. I will go over the features on both of these nailers and point out the differences as well.

Ridgid Finish Nailers Review Features

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First off, the Ridgid straight finish nailer uses a 16 gauge finish nail and the angled nailer using a 15 gauge DA style (34 degree) angled nail. The 15 gauge fastener is slightly thicker than the 16 gauge fastener.

Both of these nailers have a range of 1-1/4” to 2-1/2” nails that they can fire.

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Each Ridgid finish nailer has a rear loading magazine with a by-pass pusher. This allows the operator to easily view the number of fasteners in the nailer and quickly load new fasteners.

The biggest feature the new Ridgid nailers are promoting is their Clean Drive technology. This feature gives you a small nose contact for better visibility and drives fasteners flush even at angles. Ridgid claims they are able to drive their fasteners 17 times more accurately than its competition with this feature.

The selectable trigger allows a user to quickly change between contact actuation and sequential firing.

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Ridgid has made clearing jammed fasteners a breeze with this new unit. They have incorporated a tool-free jam clearing door on both units. Many years ago, in order to remove jammed fasteners, you would have to use an Allen wrench to gain access to the jammed nail.

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The depth of drive adjustment is controlled the same way on both units. There is a dial that you turn to adjust the depth that your nailer is sinking nails. Turn it to the left to increase the depth the fastener is driven and turn it to the right to have the opposite effect.

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Each nailer comes with three no-mar pads. One attaches to the workpiece contact point and the other two are stored on the nailer.

The dry-fire lockout feature is found on both units. This has become standard on all of the nailers I have seen in the last 10 years. This feature extends motor life and prevents misfires.

The oil-free operation means you don’t need to add oil to the nailer before or during use. It also eliminates any oil from splattering on your work surface.

Both the straight and angled nailers have belt hooks that can be rotated. I can’t imagine me ever using the belt hooks due to the weight of the nailers though.

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On the back of each unit, you can adjust the direction of the exhaust air by rotating the exhaust port.

As on most of their other tools, Ridgid has added their Hex Grip handles to these tools for added comfort and control.

Ridgid Finish Nailers Review Performance

Both nailers are simple to load, unload and operate just like every other finish nailer I have used.

The selectable trigger is a nice feature that is easier to operate then ones I have seen on other finish nailers. It’s simple to operate and at a glance, quick to indicate which mode you are in.

The tool-free jam clearing door is right up there with the easiest to operate jam clearing mechanism I have seen and used. I had to use this feature a few times as I used the angled finished nailer during a project. I did not have to use this at all on the straight finish nailer, but it operates the exact same way as the angle finish nailer.

The rotating exhaust port is a nice feature. Sometimes you are in a position where the exhaust can be pointed right at your face. It’s never fun to get a blast of air in your face when your mind is focused on your task.

The Ridgid 16 gauge straight nailer operated completely error free. It drove every fastener consistently and was easy to adjust every feature on the tool. It worked exactly as it should, consistent and easy to operate.

When I started working with the Ridgid 15 gauge angled finish nailer, I was seeing quite a few jams.  This was due to an error on my part.  I was using nails I use in a Bostich nailer.  Come to find out, the Bostich nails are an “FH” style nail.  This means the string of nails is connected at a 25-degree angle,  The Ridgid unit uses “DA” style nails.  These nails are connected at a 34-degree angle.  It is critical to the performance of the nailer to match the correct type of nails with the unit you are using.  Once I realized my mistake and switched over to the proper type of nail, the unit worked flawlessly.

Ridgid Finish Nailers Review Value

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On The Home Depot’s website, the Ridgid R250SFF Straight Finish Nailer is listed at $167.27 and the Ridgid R250AFF Angled Finished Nailer is listed at $169.00. Each of these units come with a carrying bag and 200 2-inch fasteners.

These prices are comparable to most of the other nailers on the market and slightly less expensive than Ridgid’s previous offerings. Now, if you don’t mind dealing with an air hose, these units a considerably cheaper than the battery operated units found on the market as of this time.

With the way these units perform, the features they offer and the price they are listed at, they are a decent value for both Professionals and Homeowners.

One thing to keep in mind.  Both of these units come with the Ridgid’s Lifetime Service Agreement.  As long as you register the tool in the timeframe Ridgid requires, these units are covered for life. That is something to consider when considering value.

Ridgid Finish Nailers Review Final Thoughts

I’ve had great luck with all of my Ridgid power tools. Most of them I own are battery operated, with the rest of them being mostly pneumatic. I have always had good luck with Ridgid nailers and expect the same long term performance from these two new models. They feel extremely well built and durable. Couple that with the Ridgid Life Time Service agreement and these should provide a long life of dependable use.

The post Ridgid Finish Nailers Review appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

Ridgid has been making pneumatic nailers for quite a few years now. Even though there is a big push now for battery operated tools, Ridgid has continued to produce and improve their pneumatic nailers. In my 15+ years using nailers, I’ve seen a few “innovations” added to new models. Some of these innovations are true breakthroughs and some are just cosmetic improvements. Ridgid’s new version of their 18 gauge brad nailer (Model# R213BNF) has some nice improvements providing the user with a trouble-free and productive experience. Let’s see what these changes are all about in the Ridgid Brad Nailer Review.

Ridgid Brad Nailer Review Overview

The very first nailer I got was a Ridgid 18 gauge brad nailer that my dad bought me about 14 years ago. I still have that nailer and as a matter of fact, it is my very favorite nailer. If I had to venture a guess, I must have shot several thousand nails through that unit. To my recollection, I have never had a fastener get jammed. I can’t say enough good things about that nailer.

With my infatuation of Ridgid’s old brad nailer model, it’s going to be tough for their new design to take over as my new favorite nailer. Going forward with this review, as I take a look at the features of this nailer, I will also talk about how important I find these features and sometimes compare them to the older model.

Ridgid Brad Nailer Review Features

At first glance, it is obvious the new Ridgid 18 gauge brad nailer has gotten a cosmetic facelift. The size and weight are very similar to my older unit. I’ve always found the 18 gauge brad nailers to be the most comfortable units to work with. They aren’t nearly as heavy as a finish nailer and unlike pin nailers, aren’t so small as to feel like a toy.

Ridgid Brad Nailer Review

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The Ridgid brad nailer accepts and fires 18 gauge nails of the following sizes… 5/8”, 1”, 1-1/4”, 1-1/2”, 1-3/4” and 2-1/8”. This is a huge range and covers everything you would need in a brad nailer.

Ridgid Brad Nailer Review

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The nail compartment is made of a durable plastic that has a transparent smoke tint. This is a nice touch. Being able to see when you are running low on nails can allow you to add nails at your convenience. I always find it annoying when I’m in the middle of nailing a piece into place and I run out of nails. It can be frustrating.

Ridgid Brad Nailer Review

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The selectable trigger allows a user to switch between single nailing, and bump nailing.  They call this bump nailing contact actuation mode. It’s very easy to switch between modes and at a glance, easy to see what mode you are in. This feature is not a new one, but it is nicely executed.

Ridgid Brad Nailer Review

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Ridgid has made clearing jammed fasteners a breeze with this new unit. By pulling up on the latch label located on the front, it will open the jam release. This allows for extremely simple and fast removal of jammed nails. Many years ago, in order to remove jammed fasteners, you would have to use an Allen wrench to gain access to the jammed nail. This took a lot of extra effort that slowed down production.

The depth of drive adjustment is simple to operate. It is a wheel that you turn to adjust the depth that your nailer is sinking nails.

This nailer comes with three no-mar pads that attach to the workpiece contact point and has onboard storage for the two spares. I find this really nice. My old nailer’s no-mar pad is split and falling apart. Do you think I can find any spares….nope. And finding a new one to order isn’t as easy as you might think.

The Ridgid 18 gauge brad nailer has a dry fire lockout feature which prevents misfires and extends motor life.

The oil-free operation means you don’t need to add oil to the nailer before or during use. My old unit is oil-free as well and is still running strong.

On the back of the nailer, there is a belt hook, an adjustable quick connect hose fitting and a stationary exhaust port.

Ridgid Brad Nailer Review Performance

The Ridgid 18 gauge brad nailer performance is as I expected. It is an updated version of the older model that I have and performs flawlessly.

Ridgid is touting a Clean Drive Technology on this nailer. They are claiming this unit will produce 17 times more consecutive perfect drives than the competition which in turn means you can spend less time fixing and more time working. I’ve never liked statements like this because it’s impossible to compare when you don’t know who the competition is. What I can say is this unit does a remarkable job driving its fasteners and does so without many (or in my case, any) misfires.

Everything else on this nailer is very intuitive and easy to operate.

Ridgid Brad Nailer Review Value

On The Home Depot’s website, this nailer is listed at $99.00 which includes a carrying bag and 200 1-1/4” nails to start you off with. This price is lower than what my dad paid for my older Ridgid brad nailer 14 years ago ($119.00 I believe).

Because many people are starting to move more and more to battery operated tools, lower prices on corded and pneumatic tools are becoming more commonplace. Because this tool is so much lighter than its battery operated counterpart, in a shop setting, I prefer to hook up to my air hose with my Ridgid 18 gauge brad nailer.

At $99.00, this is a tool that will last you for quite a few years and give you exceptional results. For professionals needing constant use from their nailers, this is a great value. For homeowners, Ridgid produces a great product that won’t break the bank.

Ridgid 18 Gauge Brad Nailer Review Final Thoughts

It’s hard for me to believe, but I may just like this new Ridgid 18 gauge brad nailer may take over my top spot on my favorite nailer. The improvements that Ridgid made to this unit isn’t anything that is groundbreaking, but all of the changes and improvements that they made are just that….Improvements. If you do a lot of woodworking and want a brad nailer that is going to perform day after day at a very high level, then look no farther. The Ridgid 18 gauge brad nailer is that tool.

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When most people think of ceiling fans, the first image that will jump into their heads is some fan blades mounted on a motor, and they would be right. This leaves the rotating fan blades exposed. The Stile Andersen ceiling fan is set up a little differently. The fan blades are enclosed by a 360 degree LED light setup. It’s a nice way to hide the fan blades without taking away that functionality and give you a clean and stylish light fixture only look. So how does this unique ceiling fan perform? Let’s take a closer look in the Stile Andersen Ceiling Fan Review.

Stile Andersen Ceiling Fan Review Overview

Ceiling fans have been around for a very long time. As a matter of fact, the very first ceiling fans date back to 500 BC and were found in India. Jump ahead to the 1860s and 1870s to find the first rotating ceiling fans in the USA. These were not powered by electricity though. They were powered by a stream of water that moved a turbine connected to a series of belts. The version of ceiling fan powered by electricity that we are most familiar with was invented in 1882.

The Stile Andersen LED Indoor/Outdoor ceiling fan is an exclusive item found at The Home Depot. Stile is a newer brand with the Andersen ceiling fan as their only option to date. That might not sound very promising, but just know that this brand is owned by Techtronic Industries (TTI). TTI owns many other well-known and respected companies such as Hoover, Homelite, AEG, Milwaukee, Ryobi, Stiletto, Hart, Oreck, and Dirt Devil to name a few.

The Feature that attracted me to this LED lighted ceiling fan is where the fan blades are. With a much smaller footprint and elegant design, the Stile Andersen ceiling fan was an intriguing option for our bedrooms. As a homeowner finding what works for each space is important, both looks and function come into play. After 6 months of use, I have a great feel for where this ceiling fan excels, falls short and who might this appeal to.

Stile Andersen Ceiling Fan Review Features

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Dimmable long-lasting LED lights rated for 50,000 hours of use. The LED lights give you 360 degree of light with a diameter of 22 inches. The LED light output is 500 lumens with a temperature rating of 2700K (warm white light).

The Remote Control has 3 fan speed settings and on/off for the light. At the lowest setting, the fan moves 445 CFM of air. At the middle setting, it moves 584 CFM and on the high setting, it will move 1437 CFM.

The fan is reversible by a flip of the switch located on the unit. This allows you to blow the air up to the ceiling in the winter and then down in the summer.

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A decorative metal grate covering the blades is removable for easy cleaning of the blades.

Stile Andersen Ceiling Fan Review Performance

The performance of the Stile Andersen LED Indoor/Outdoor ceiling fan depends on what you are looking for in a fan. A better way of answering this question is to explain how this fan works and how it differs from traditional fans that have the exposed blades.

Traditional fans that have exposed blades tend to move a lot of air evenly in a room. The Stile Andersen fans have much smaller fan blades that act more like a box fan than a ceiling fan. What I mean by this is the airflow is directed in a more focused column of space. So, if you are standing off to the side of the fan, you might not feel a lot of air movement, but directly under the fan, you will feel a much stronger breeze than traditional fans. Now, this is most apparent when the fan is blowing down. When it is reversed to send the airflow to the ceiling, there is no perceptible difference. The fan can still move a lot of air, it just depends if you like a more focused column or you want the air to be spread out.

Traditional fans are extremely quiet. Because the Stile Andersen fan has much smaller blades, it has to rotate faster to move the air, thus causing it to be louder. The sound produced is very much the same as a box fan. This can be a bad thing or a very good thing depending on how you sleep. A lot of people need to have a box fan or white noise making machine to sleep. On the low or middle setting, this fan creates a nice level of white noise for people who need that. On the highest setting, the fan can be quite loud.

As I mentioned above, the blades on this fan are smaller and fit within the 22-inch span of the unit. Traditional fans have a large range of fan blade diameters depending on what size room you want to install them in. Therefore, the Stile Andersen fan is really best suited for small rooms. I wouldn’t recommend this fan for a large family room.

The Stile Andersen fan come completely assembled and installation is extremely simple. Unlike traditional fans, there is no need to balance the blades after installation. The unit is wobble-free and I can confirm this with all three of the units that I have installed.

Because the fan blades are inside the light unit, there is no strobe light effect when the fan is on.

The LED light on this ceiling is extremely nice in my opinion. It spreads the light out evenly in a room and is much brighter than any other fan I have used. It’s not overpowering, but bright. It is a much-needed lighting upgrade to our bedroom.

The Andersen Stile light is rated for covered outdoor use, so this makes a nice option for any covered deck or patio. In the hot summers, I think the focused air movement from this fan would provide a better relief from the heat.

The Remote on this unit works very well and as expected.

Stile Andersen Ceiling Fan Review Value

On The Home Depot’s website, the Stile Andersen LED Indoor/Outdoor Ceiling Fan lists at $199.00.This price is not the lowest or highest of the other fans. It sits somewhere in the mid-cost range.

The Stile Andersen fan is built very well with a lifetime motor warranty. If it is a style that appeals to you then I believe it is a good value.

Stile Andersen Ceiling Fan Review Final Thoughts

The Stile Andersen LED Indoor/Outdoor Ceiling Fan is not the norm when it comes to ceiling fans and I think that is a big reason why it appeals to me. I love the 360 degrees light that it gives off. The white noise it produces and the small footprint works well in small rooms.

It would be great if these units were available in more sizes and if they didn’t focus the majority of the downdraft in such a tight column. Overall, I like this fan for our bedrooms and the kids agree as well.

The post Stile Andersen Ceiling Fan Review appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

Track saws are much more than just a circular saw with a straight edge. When used properly, a track saw can do just about everything a table saw can do. In some cases, a Track Saw can even do it faster and safer. While there are some exceptions, Track Saws are surprisingly versatile, especially on a busy job site. DeWalt’s Flexvolt 60-volt tools are performing at the level of corded tools and it only makes sense they add a track saw to their lineup. With only a few brands offering the versatile tool, the options are slim. Let’s check out all DeWalt has to offer with theirs, in the DeWalt Flexvolt Track Saw Review.

DeWalt Flexvolt Track Saw Review Overview

DeWalt added a track saw to their already impressive line of 60-Volt Flexvolt tools in the first quarter of 2018. By using the 60-volt platform, DeWalt has been able to achieve the power of a corded track saw without all of the hang-ups of a corded model.

A track saw is an excellent addition to just about any workshop/worksite. If you are going to cut large sheet goods with a table saw, you will either need to have another person helping to support the material, or you will need a lot of outfeed and infeed support. Neither one of these options is the best possible way of making those kinds of cuts. Even though it can be done these ways, (I’ve done them both) you risk an inaccurate cut, creating a kickback, and losing control of the material. The last two of these situations can change a person’s life in a matter of seconds. Safety should always be the most important thing in a shop or worksite.

With a track saw, you can set up your large sheet goods on a set of sawhorses, on some other type of work support, or even on the ground if you have some sacrificial piece under the sheet goods. By moving the saw across the workpiece instead of feeding into the table saw blade, controlling the cut is much easier. Easier usually equals safer with better results.

The genius of a track saw is the way a cut is made. As the name implies, in order to use this saw accurately, you need to run it on a track. When you place the saw on the track, the saw blade runs right along the rubber edge of the track making cut setup a breeze.  Once you plunge the track saw into the workpiece, the track that the saw is attached to keeps your saw in a straight line yielding results good as or even better than a table saw.

DeWalt Flexvolt Track Saw Review Features

The DeWalt Flexvolt track saw is powered by a cordless, brushless motor and a 60-volt 2 amp hour battery to drive the 6-1/2″ blade.

A riving knife is a standard safety device found on most table saws to prevent kickback. DeWalt has smartly included one on this unit to prevent kickback when the saw blade is cutting. There is also an anti-kickback feature located on the bottom of the shoe which can be turned on or off by a dial on the top of the shoe.

DeWalt Flexvolt Track Saw Review

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When used with the DeWalt dual-edged tracks, perfectly straight cuts (in both directions) are very easy and fast to set up.

DeWalt Flexvolt Track Saw Review

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An enclosed low profile blade guard provides an extremely efficient dust extraction capability. When a dust collector is connected to the 1-1/4 inch swiveling dust port, 90 percent dust collection efficiency can be achieved.

A straight plunge mechanism is different from other track saws, so it takes a little getting used to but has better ergonomics.

Cut depths on this saw when it is used with the DeWalt dual-edged tracks are a 2-1/8 inch at 90 degrees and 1-5/8 inch at 45 degrees. The depth of cut is controlled by a thumb screw and has imperial measurements instead of metric which many other manufacturers use.

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Bevel knobs are located in the front and back of the saw allowing you to set cuts up to 47 degrees.

Blade speed can be adjusted using the dial located at the top of the handle.

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The t-stack case with molded foam stores and protects the saw, charger, and battery nicely.

DeWalt Flexvolt Track Saw Review Performance

Prior to getting the DeWalt Flexvolt Track Saw, I had used a lot of different systems that work with standard circular saws to break down and work with large sheet goods. I was trying out these systems to make my work safer, faster and to prevent having to take large sheets of plywood into my basement. I’m getting older and muscling ¾” sheets of plywood isn’t fun anymore.

What I found was even though these systems worked and were cheaper, setting up a cut took a long time and I wasn’t always confident in the results. This always made me feel uneasy when I was trying to make cabinets. Screwing up a cut could cost me money buying new material and time to go get it.

The DeWalt Flexvolt Track Saw is an absolute dream to the other systems I have used. Laying out the track to make a cut is extremely quick and the saw rides on the track very smoothly.

I was leery of the rubber strips on the back of the tracks that are meant to hold the track in place, so I bought the optional DeWalt clamps. I quickly found out that with my plywood cuts, these are unnecessary. The tracks stay in place very well and I never once had the track wander on me.

DeWalt has three options for tracks. They have a 46-inch, a 59-inch and a 102-inch length of the track. Tracks can be lengthened with the use of an optional connector piece. I have gone the connector route in the past with other systems and I really don’t like the amount of time it takes to connect and then to disconnect when I’m in the middle of a project. Both the 59” and 102” track that hang on my garage wall. I love the fact that I can quickly switch between tracks whether I’m cutting down a sheet of plywood lengthwise or widthwise.

The power of the 60-volt saw is impressive, to say the least. This saw cut through everything I threw at it and never had to baby it at all.

The runtime with the 60-volt 2 Amp/hour battery is actually surprising.  According to DeWalt’s runtime numbers, they were able to cut 298 linear feet of ¾” birch plywood before needing to recharge.

As for my experience with the saw, I never once had to stop my jobs this summer to charge the battery. Every day after I was done working, I just put the battery on the charger and it was ready for the next day of work. Now, I can’t say this would hold true on a busy job site, but if you demand more runtime DeWalt makes 3 and 4 Amp/hour 60-volt batteries as well.

The DeWalt Flexvolt Track Saw uses a slightly different mechanism for plunging the saw into the workpiece. It is designed with a parallel linkage that causes the user to have to push the handle forward to plunge instead of rotating downward like many other saws. It takes a little getting used to at first, but now that I am comfortable with it, I like it.

The gauge used for setting blade cut depth is easy to adjust and I like that it is labeled in imperial measurements instead of metric.

The T-Stack case the saw comes with is very nice. The molded foam holds the saw in place snuggly and the case is very tough. This case is a huge step up from the Makita Track Saw case in my opinion.

The riving knife that plunges with the blade is one of my favorite features. Anytime you use a circular saw or table saw, there is a chance for binding the blade in the material that you are trying to cut. This can be caused by operator error or internal pressures found in the wood you are trying to cut. Either way, it happens, a bind can quickly make a cutting task very dangerous. A riving knife is one of the easiest and effective ways to prevent kickback due to binding. I love that DeWalt included this on their track saw.

When used with a shop vac or dust extractor, you can really minimize the amount of worksite dust your saw produces.

DeWalt Flexvolt Track Saw Review Value

The kit as I have it Model #DCS520T1 includes the saw, 1 battery, charger, and T-stack case,  is currently priced at The Home Depot at $499.00. You can also purchase the same kit with a 59-inch track, Model #DCS520ST1 for $579.00. This is comparatively priced to the corded version of the DeWalt track saw, Model #DWS520K which is priced at $424.89.

Because the DeWaltFlexvolt track saw does nearly everything a table saw can do, without a cord and most of the time safer, I find this a very good value for not only the professionals but to the weekend warriors as well.

DeWalt Flexvolt Track Saw Review Final Thoughts

Now that I have used the DeWaltFlexvolt 60-volt cordless track saw to cut down large sheet goods, I don’t know I could ever go back to what I used to do. I love this saw so much that I am always showing it off to people who come over. They can tell by my excitement how much I really like this saw.

Uncharacteristically of me, I’ve loaned this tool out to close friends a few times. The unanimous response when it comes back is “Wow! What a great saw.” I couldn’t agree more.

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Bessey makes some of the best woodworking clamps. I’ve used their parallel clamps and bar clamps for years. Recently I expanded my wood clamp collection to include the Bessey 90-Degree Angle Clamps and the Bessey Cabinetry Clamps. The quality of the clamps Bessey turns out is typically top notch. The question that needs to be answered is whether or not the Bessey Cabinetry Clamp reaches this same level of quality. Let’s investigate in the Bessey Cabinetry Clamp Review.

Bessey Cabinetry Clamp Review Overview

A face frame clamp isn’t going to be for everyone. It is going to be useful to a very specific audience, so it makes sense to call this a specialty tool. It always surprises me that specialty tools ever get made since there isn’t a mass appeal or need for them. Since specialty tools, do make life easier for the people who use them, I am selfishly glad a company like Bessey makes them.

Bessey Cabinetry Clamps are used for getting the best results possible when installing face framed cabinets. The face frame stiles can be tightened, aligned, pre-drilled and fastened when this clamp is used. This face frame clamp takes multiple steps and combines them into one. It sounds really simple and this process is if you use these clamps. Try to do it without these clamps and the results may vary.

Bessey Cabinetry Clamp Review Features

Heavy-duty steel construction makes these clamps really strong. They weigh in at about 1.6 lbs and measure in at 2.5 inches wide, 4.5 inches tall by 8 inches long.

The aluminum alignment plate is used to align the front of the cabinets.

Acme threads are used for each of the clamping directions.

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Adhesive felt pads are included to prevent any marring of contact surfaces.

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A pivoting pilot-hole drilling guide is located on one end of the clamp allowing you to drill, and drive screws to connect the cabinets without having to remove the clamp.

Bessey Cabinetry Clamp Review Performance

I was really surprised at how well these clamps actually worked. I had gotten decent results in the past when I didn’t use these clamps, but far from perfect. There was always some portion of the face frame joint that didn’t quite line up. Now that I’ve used these clamps a few times, I notice the flaws even more.

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The Bessey Cabinetry Face Frame Clamps will work on face frames that are up to 1-1/4 inch thick and stiles from 1-1/2 inch to 2-1/2 inches wide. The Acme threads allow you to achieve clamping forces from about 300 to 600 lbs.

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At first, I thought the drill guide hole was just a minor feature added to these clamps, but I have now come to the conclusion that I was wrong. The pilot-hole drill guide feature is extremely useful and convenient. By using a small drill bit, you can pre-drill a hole into the side of one of your face frame stiles. Then, flip the drill bit guide out of the way to drive the screw so you can fasten the two cabinets together. This feature is super easy to use and I’m glad Bessey added it to the clamp.

The adhesive felt pads are a really nice addition. When you are installing expensive cabinets that you spent your hard earned money on, no one wants to look at scratches or dings when the work is completed.

Bessey Cabinetry Clamp Review Value

The Bessey cabinetry face frame clamps run right around $22 dollars a piece and you can find them at The Home Depot. Whether you are a weekend warrior or you are a pro, $22 per clamp cost is worth the professional results you will see.

Bessey Cabinetry Clamp Review Final Thoughts

We all know Bessey makes clamps and they do this exceptionally well. What most people don’t know is how many different types of clamps they make and how specialized some of these clamps really are.

The Bessey Cabinetry Clamp fits comfortably into the specialized category. If you want professional cabinet installation results at any experience level, this clamp can certainly help you out.

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When I think of the company Bessey Tools, I instantly think of a company that builds some of the best parallel and bar clamps available to woodworkers. This is a true statement, but it doesn’t cover the whole scope of what Bessey does. Bessey is a manufacturer known for making specialized clamps for all kinds of woodworking and metalworking applications. I’ve recently found out that Bessey makes an angle clamp for woodworkers that not only yields impressive results but can speed up build time for many different types of 90-degree joints. Let’s take a look at the Bessey 90-Degree Clamp Review and see how these clamps perform.

Bessey 90-Degree Clamp Review Overview

I have an infatuation with clamps as most woodworkers do. I’m sure you have heard of the phrase, “You can never have enough clamps”. That is a rule I like to live by.

When I first used pipe clamps, it felt like someone opened up a door into a world of woodworking opportunities. I couldn’t believe it was possible to join two pieces of wood together without some kind of mechanical fastener. I guess I was just skeptical of wood glues. Luckily, I worked with some seasoned woodworkers that were able to guide me in my early years.

My obsession with clamps progressed even further when I learned of the parallel clamp. Of course, the first clamp of this type that I used was made by Bessey, the K-Body clamp. This is how I was first introduced to Bessey Tools and I’ve been impressed ever since.

With an arsenal of parallel clamps and some jigs, I felt I could create just about anything. Sometimes achieving a quality glue-up can be a challenge that takes up a good amount of time, especially when making cabinets.

About a year or two ago, I took a chance and bought 4 angle clamps from Rockler. I was happy with the results I got with these clamps, but they weren’t perfect. I was able to keep my cabinet carcasses squared up, and at the time, I was blissfully ignorant.

This summer I was introduced to the Bessey Angle Clamp WS3+2K. This clamp is a significant step up from the Rockler angle clamp I was using and I have now seen the light.

Bessey 90-Degree Clamp Review Features

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Operating the angle clamp is a breeze to operate with its plastic coated ergonomic handle that is attached to an almost 5-inch Lead style screw. This large screw allows for materials up to 2 inches thick to be used in this clamp.

The die-cast aluminum body has a plastic covering that prevents marring delicate workpieces.

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Pivoting screw and clamp head automatically adjusts to accurately two different sizes of wood together.

A set of TK-6 table clamps are included in this kit in case you want to clamp your WS-3 angle clamp to a work surface.

Bessey 90-Degree Clamp Review Performance

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The single handle style used in this clamp is very similar to the handles found on Bessey’s parallel clamps. They allow the user to achieve a high amount of clamping force with minimal effort. The Rockler clamps use 2 round style knobs that I found to be less effective than the style Bessey is using

The die-cast aluminum body makes the clamp feel extra sturdy without being overly heavy.

The pivoting screw and head, in my opinion, is what makes this clamp so extraordinary.  Since this clamp adjusts to different thicknesses automatically, the operator can concentrate on keeping the joint squared up properly.

Bessey 90-Degree Clamp Review Value

Usually, I consider the price for clamps to be unnecessarily high, particularly parallel clamps. With that being said, I now own over 15 of these style clamps. I can admit I have an illness and it’s called……, well I don’t think it has a name, but let’s just say I like clamps.

The Bessey 90-degree angle clamp is one of the few clamps that are priced fairly in my opinion. It’s a rugged, well-built clamp that produces extremely good results that are priced right around the $20.00 on Amazon. I have four of these clamps which allows me to do all 4 corners of a cabinet at one time. Not having to fight my pieces from falling over during assembly is worth this price alone. If you’ve ever been there, you will know what I’m talking about.

Now there are other brands of 90-degree angle clamps that use the same design as the Bessey WS-3 clamp, but they all tend to be a little higher in price. To me, even if they were the same price, I would go with the company that is known for producing some of the highest quality clamps out there.

Bessey 90-Degree Clamp Review Final Thoughts

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I really enjoy the way these clamps perform. Building the cabinets for my recent garage remodel project was one of the most enjoyable tasks of the project. These clamps exceeded all of my original expectations.

Because of my experience with the Bessey parallel clamps, I shouldn’t have been surprised at how well the WS-3+2K angle clamp set work. These will be my go-to-clamp for my future 90-degree clamping projects.

The post Bessey 90-Degree Clamp Review appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

Ryobi has become one of the most well-rounded battery operated tool lines on the market today. They cover not only the basics like drilling and cutting, but they have a huge offering of specialty tools as well like lighting, inflators, glue guns, fans, drain augers, transfer pumps and as of recently, a drywall screw gun. Let’s check out this addition to Ryobi’s cordless lineup in the Ryobi Drywall Screw Gun Review.

Ryobi Drywall Screw Gun Review Overview

Traditionally, the only time you would see a drywall screw gun is if a professional contractor is hanging drywall. Most homeowners who take on drywall projects tend to use their drill driver or impact driver to hang drywall. These items will accomplish the task and I have used them myself for drywall jobs, but they’re not the best option.

So, why would anyone need or want a drywall screw gun over a drill? Simple, they are designed to do the job faster and with better results. You will see what I mean when you get to the features section of this review.

You may be asking, who was this drywall screw gun designed for and does it have any real value. Ryobi does a great job building and pricing tools for the homeowner, but I think this tool can extend past the homeowner market pretty easily.

Ryobi Drywall Screw Gun Review Features

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The Ryobi 18-Volt Brushless Drywall Screw Gun’s removable and adjustable nose cone is designed for increased accuracy over regular drills. This feature allows an operator to control the depth at which they drive the screws. By setting the correct depth, screws can be set at a depth that prevents a user from driving too deep which tears the drywall paper.  If a screw is not set correctly, it can significantly increase the time needed to mud. To me, this is the biggest reason to use a drywall screw gun.

Ryobi has designed this drywall screw gun with a brushless motor which yields more battery runtime, more torque and longer tool life over a typical brushed motor.

The Ryobi 18-Volt Brushless Drywall Screw Gun has a variable speed trigger that has a lock on feature.

Ryobi’s QuietDrive technology eliminates noise in between driving and it prolongs battery charge. When QuietDrive is turned on, the drywall screw gun will start to drive whenever the tip of the drill bit is pushed in. Basically, whenever you engage the drywall driver bit to the screw and push, it will start driving. It will stop when you quit pushing.

The Ryobi 18-Volt Brushless Drywall Screw Gun has a built-in magnetic holder for extra screws and bits.

The Grip Zone over mold makes using the drywall screw gun comfortable to hold in an optimal way. This is another area where a drywall screw gun differs from a drill driver.  Instead of holding the screw gun from the handle, you position your hand directly in line with the screw to make sure each screw goes in straight. The web between your thumb and index finger should be positioned up top behind the motor. This is important because if you drive a screw crooked, you may end up with the screw head sticking up a bit on one end which will need to be addressed before mudding.

The screw gun comes with a LED light that is located down at the base and shines on the work surface.

The Ryobi 18-Volt Brushless Drywall Screw Gun has an included PR2 Phillips bit. The PR2 bit is essentially a #2 bit with a narrow diameter and is designed specifically for use with drywall screws. PR2 bits help reduce paper tear from screwing in the drywall, which helps maintain the drywall’s strength and protection. PR2 bits are also made of harder metals to withstand the torque and increases driving power when using drywall screws.

With a fastener-free belt clip, you can flip the clip to either side of the screw gun quickly and easily.

Ryobi Drywall Screw Gun Review Performance

The Ryobi 18-Volt Brushless Drywall Screw Gun’s variable trigger operates between 0 and 4,700 RPM and when used with a Ryobi P108 battery (4.0 Ah) you can expect to drive about 3,000 screws before recharging. Being able to drive 3,000 screws on one battery is impressive, but I think this tool is better served with a lighter weight compact battery. Even though this reduces the number of screws you can run by about 1/2, your arm will be a lot less tired.

The QuietDrive feature is nice and once you get the hang of it, you can really drive screws quickly. The nose cone is easy to adjust and is removable allowing convenient access to the PR2 bit. Overall the design on this screw gun is well thought out and easy to use.

The Ryobi 18-Volt Brushless Drywall Screw Gun has just about every feature the more expensive brands have and it performs at a surprisingly high level. The only optional feature this screw gun does not have is a collated screw gun attachment. This is a feature you would only expect to find on a professional drywall crew’s equipment.

Ryobi Drywall Screw Gun Review Value

When looking into a new tool, most people will ask themselves if they can justify the cost. Most homeowners don’t have a huge need for a drywall screw gun. They can get by with the drill driver that they use for about everything. The results might not be as nice and it will probably take longer to hang and mud, but it can get done.

The Home Depot offers this tool for $99.00 (bare tool) the Ryobi 18-Volt Brushless Drywall Screw Gun is a great timesaver and value to a homeowner who is only going to use it a few times. I think it would be even more of a value to a contractor who does the occasional drywall job.

Ryobi Drywall Screw Gun Review Final Thoughts

With the $99.00 price tag Ryobi has on their 18-Volt Brushless Drywall Screw Gun, a person that is in, or looking to get into the Ryobi battery line should give this tool serious consideration. It is a high performer at a very reasonable price.

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