Hanging pictures, shelves, and TVs requires finding those hidden heroes within your walls – the studs. And stud finders have come a long way since their humble beginnings. Early models relied solely on magnets to seek out metal nails or screws used to attach drywall to studs. As technology improved, electrostatic stud finders became the standard, sensing density changes to locate studs.

These days, the world of stud finders is more exciting than ever. Radar-based models, like the Walabot DIY 2, offer unprecedented accuracy and even the ability to “see” through your walls. This revolution in stud finding means you can locate pipes, wires, and more alongside traditional studs!

Of course, not everyone needs the bells and whistles of a radar stud finder, sometimes you just need a stud pop. When choosing the best stud finder for you, consider these key factors:

What to Consider When Choosing a Stud Finder

• Clarity and ease of use
• Detection technology
• Detection capabilities
• Scanning Depth
• Extra Features

Clarity and ease of use

Stud finders and wall scanners use various ways to tell you that there’s a stud – or other object – lurking within the wall. Some feature classic digital readouts which are OK, if a little basic, others rely on audio signals, which can be confusing, and one even offers an intuitive visual display that shows you what’s there – right on your smartphone screen. 

Detection technology

Electrostatic models are the most prevalent for basic stud finding. Radar offers the most versatility but often comes at a higher price. And you can still find very basic magnetic stud finders on the market. These rely on detecting nails within the drywall and are the most affordable option.

Detection capabilities

We tested the devices in this article on their abilities to locate a range of in-wall elements:

• Metal Studs: Drilling into metal studs requires specialized drill bits and screws, so it’s vital to be able to tell what kind of stud you’ve detected.
• Wooden Studs: Devices that can directly detect wood are ideal for this use case. But stud finders that rely on detecting nails in wooden studs are a bit of a compromise: this approach often works, but it’s by no means 100% reliable and sometimes misses the stud altogether.
• Pipes: Dependable pipe detection is a must if you want to avoid a potentially catastrophic flood.
• Wires: Some devices detect only live wires, while others identify all wires, including low voltage and audio.

Scanning depth

Studs are usually going to be flush against your drywall, but in rare cases where they’re not – like at the end of wall where they may be recessed – you need a device that can “see” deeper than a couple of inches. Pipes and wires, meanwhile, will never be attached directly to the wall surface. They can often be found as deep as four inches inside the wall.

We classify wall scanner depth detection as follows:

• Normal: 1-1½”
• Deep: 2”
• Extra deep: 4”

Extra Features

Look out for integrated rulers, levels, live wire detection, expert or deep scan modes, the ability to detect the unexpected, and other handy additions depending on your DIY needs.

With that background in mind, let’s dive into the five best stud finders in 2024.

Walabot DIY 2: Best Detection & Unique Visual Display

The Walabot DIY 2 goes beyond basic stud finding. It uses radar technology to detect a wide range of hidden objects within drywall. Walabot shows you exactly what’s inside your wall by translating the radar signal into a real-time animation displayed on your smartphone screen. This is a game-changer for both casual DIYers and professionals as it eliminates doubt, preventing DIY disasters. It could even save your life. That makes it one of the very best stud finders out there.

Pros

• High-accuracy detection of studs, pipes, any wire – live, ground, neutral, low voltage, or audio
• Unique real-time visual display 
• User-friendly app interface with multiple display modes
• Deep scanning: up to 4 inches
• Distinguishes between metal and wooden studs
• Expert mode for detection of complex objects such as hidden boxes, rodents, and more  

Cons

• Higher price point than basic models – although it comes in at a fraction of the price of dealing with a flood caused by a ruptured water pipe
• Needs recharging – but you get a whole working day of scanning off one full charge

Bosch D-TECT 120: Ideal for Heavy-Duty Use

This device detects ferrous and non-ferrous metals, power lines, and wooden substructures. It features both an internal and external battery, so you’ll never have to down tools for a recharge. If the D-TECT 120 detects electrical wires, pipes, or other objects, it will alert you with both an audible and visible signal. The simple buttons that allow you to choose different measurement types make this radar-based scanner very user-friendly. 

Pros

• Flexible powering
• User-friendly

Cons

• Hard to use for casual DIYers
• Pipe detector isn’t dust- or splash-proof
• Very high cost

Dewalt DW0150 1-1/2: Entry-level Budget-Friendly Option

The Dewalt DW0150 offers an exceptionally economical approach to stud finding. Its compact design and simple LED display make it a great choice for occasional DIY projects.

Pros

• Affordable stud finder for drywall
• Compact and lightweight design

Cons

• Limited detection depth of 1-1½”
• May struggle to find objects deep within walls
• Unreliable for detecting pipes
• Audio signal isn’t the clearest indication

Franklin ProSensor M210: Simple to Use 

The Franklin Sensors ProSensor M210 is designed for hassle-free stud finding. It also detects live wires and offers a comfortable grip, a ruler, and a level for added utility.

Pros

• Well-designed ergonomics
• Integrated ruler and level for added convenience

Cons

• Lacks versatility – limited to basic stud detection
• Less accurate on thicker drywall
• Cannot detect pipes 
• LED lights make it impossible to distinguish what element is actually detected

Zircon A200 MultiScanner: Detects Live Wires

The Zircon A200 combines a very basic LCD display with audio/visual alerts for detected objects.

Pros

• Live AC wire detection
• Precision stud-finding capabilities in drywall

Cons

• Lacks the ability to detect dead wires
• Detection isn’t as deep as some other options on the market
• Struggles to distinguish between metal studs and conduits

Comparing the Best Stud Finders of 2024

We placed the best stud finders of 2024 side-by-side to help you pick the best one for you.

General Pro Tips: How to Use a Stud Finder

• Test on a known stud: Before tackling your project, locate an obvious stud (near outlets or light switches) and test your device. This familiarizes you with how it works and if it’s functioning as expected.
• Mark as you go: Once you find a stud, mark the center and the edges with a pencil. This helps with alignment and spacing if you’re hanging multiple items.
• Sweep multiple times: Stud finders can be finicky. Sweep horizontally a few times at varying heights to confirm your stud’s location.
• Consider wall thickness: Thicker walls might hinder stud finders. Choose a model with a deeper detection range if you’re working with thick walls.

General Pro Tips: How to Use Different Kinds of Stud Finders

• Electromagnetic Stud Finders: These are sensitive to electrical fields. Be aware that live wires near where you’re scanning can give false readings.
• Radar-based Stud Finders: Calibrate the device as per the instructions to ensure optimal accuracy when visualizing what’s inside your wall.

Hope you enjoyed our run-down of the best stud finders in 2024. Whichever one you decide on, best of luck with your upcoming projects and happy scanning.

Post sponsored by Walabot

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Are you tired of having to pour dry concrete into a wheelbarrow, add water, hand-mix it, and then move that to where it needs to be poured? I know I was. Concrete is heavy and I was in need of something that would help ease the home projects I have been doing. Let’s check out the Ryobi Portable Concrete Mixer and see how well this took off the physical stress of mixing and pouring concrete.

Ryobi Portable Concrete Mixer Overview 

Aside from the typical Ryobi tools that you may already be aware of or currently using, this concrete mixer held up to all of my expectations. As a fan of Ryobi, I was eager to get my hands on this tool and put it to use. This mixer is 5.0 cu. ft. and utilizes a powerful 1/2 HP drive motor. The tilting and pivoting drum makes for easy maneuvering and durability. By integrating the wheels and steel construction, there was increased stability to the base of this mixer.

Ryobi Portable Concrete Mixer Features 

The Ryobi RMX001 weighs in a 110 lbs and has a 5.0 cu. ft. drum capacity. With the all-steel construction, there is increased durability with this mixer.

With the 1/2 HP 120V electric motor, this concrete mixer was able to easily handle two 90lb bags of concrete like a champ. The direct-drive gearbox is also easily accessible with a simple switch to turn the mixer on and off.

This plate helps to lock the drum in place for stability and also is utilized for the dumping and pivoting mechanism of the mixer.

Ryobi Portable Concrete Mixer

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The durability of the wheelbase has integrated wheels with safety pins that lock them in and help easily move the mixer.

Ryobi Portable Concrete Mixer

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The 5.0 cu. ft. of this mixer held two 90lb bags of concrete with more room to spare. With the two mixing tines, it was a breeze at not needing to hand mix the concrete and be able to get the project done much quicker.

Ryobi Portable Concrete Mixer Performance 

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Ryobi created a well-built concrete mixer. The simplicity of it was one of my favorite components, considering it was both easy to assemble and use. It was light enough for me to move myself, but if on an uneven surface, I would add weight (such as sandbags) on the base to help keep it sturdy. Overall, I feel this Ryobi concrete mixer was able to get the job done efficiently and met all my expectations!

Ryobi Portable Concrete Mixer Value 

You can buy this at The Home Depot for $299. In looking at what I got for the price, I feel it was appropriately priced. Not only does this portable mixer save time, the physical demand that hand mixing and moving the concrete takes was also eliminated. Being able to use the 120V electric motor to do the mixing was worth the price alone. As long as you use the right amount of water, the mixing is done efficiently and can save you money in the long run.

Ryobi Portable Concrete Mixer Final Thoughts 

In the end, I highly recommend the Ryobi RMX001 Portable Concrete Mixer. I would say this is meant for more of the homeowner DIY project rather than a large, commercial project, as the drum capacity is only 5.0 cu. ft. For what I needed it for, it was plenty of space. Just a thought to consider.

Overall, I felt it was a high-quality mixer, maintaining both its durability and stability. With the integrated wheels and tilting/pivoting function, it not only transported well, but it was able to rotate easily to where I needed it to be poured. If you want to save time and your body, Ryobi has the solution for you with the portable concrete mixer.

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This was the first cordless rotary hammer that I’ve had the opportunity to play around with. After using the Ridgid, I will not be going back to a corded rotary hammer. The tool is compact, lightweight, and comfortable which does not go unnoticed. Let’s take a look into the Rigid SDS Octane Review.

Rigid SDS Octane Review Overview

Home renovations are never-ending and this compact, multi-functional rotary hammer has been put to great use. This is my first time utilizing a cordless rotary hammer and I was blown away with the power that this hammer packs. With its lightweight, this three-mode selector rotary hammer can tackle anything you throw at it in comfort. I could see myself using this for light concrete work, demolition projects, and more.

Rigid SDS Octane Review Features

Rigid SDS Octane Review

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With the extreme vibration that comes from the force of this rotary hammer, a comfortable grip is necessary. The Hex Grip is designed to increase both comfort and control when using this tool. The anti-vibration mechanism minimizes the overall tool vibration, creating less fatigue and more productivity.

With three different modes, this tool is quite versatile. Whether you need the hammer, chisel, or drilling function, these are interchangeable. As you rotate through each function, you will hear it click into place, decreasing the chance that it would slip out when using the tool.

With a tool-free adjustable depth gauge, you are able to get precision each and every time. By simply pushing on the orange lever, you can adjust the depth in a matter of seconds.  

The days of having to engrave your name into your battery packs are over. With the new Bluetooth battery and phone app duo, you have the capability to lock and unlock the battery, locate your battery, and run a full diagnostic on the pack itself.  With the cost of batteries these days, it is awesome that Rigid is allowing the consumer to protect their investment.

Rigid SDS Octane Review Performance

When it comes to performance, this Bluetooth rotary hammer held out strong. It was able to push right through the stack of concrete blocks.

Rigid SDS Octane Review

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With the SDS bull point tip, these concrete blocks had no chance. I was surprised at how easy it was going through the blocks at the angle I did.

Rigid SDS Octane Review Value

For the tool only, The Home Depot has it for $219. I think that this is a fair price considering the durability and variability that this tool offers. The battery is a separate charge, but to me seems well worth the investment, considering the technological advances Rigid has created with Bluetooth technology.

The $219 price tag is well within reasonable charge for this tool and here are my thoughts why.

First, the tool is light and compact. When considering what types of projects this would be used for, especially those at home, this device is capable of getting into tight spaces.

Second, the cordless component is essential to increased productivity. Let’s be honest, it’s great not having to drag a cord around or move it from outlet to outlet when working on a project.

Third, when you pair it with Rigid’s new Octane battery lineup, you not only have yourself a powerhouse of a tool, but you can stay up on the functionality of it as well.

As you can tell, I would argue that the price tag is well worth it, considering the tool you are getting and the options you have as well.

Rigid SDS Octane Review Wrap Up

So, would I recommend buying it? I sure would. The Rigid Rotary Hammer offers over 50% faster drilling than seen in previous models. With this increased speed production, the extreme vibration mechanism and hex grip design allowed for a more comfortable tool overall. If you want a tool that can be used all day long, well here you go.

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*Sponsored Post

Site Survey for Home Standby Generator

Step One When Purchasing a Standby Generator

Automatic home standby generators provide peace of mind since they operate whether you are home or not. A properly sized and installed home standby generator will protect your home and family during a power outage. But where to start? We recommend getting some expert advice before making a commitment to a specific product and the expense of having a unit installed.

A site survey is a great start. It takes the confusion out of purchasing a home standby generator system because knowledge is power.

Authorized Champion Power Equipment dealers can provide a site survey to help you learn exactly what’s involved with the purchase and installation of a home standby generator. A Champion dealer will walk you through the installation process from start to finish, and you will be equipped with all the details you need, including a customized estimate.

During a site survey: What you will learn

The dealer will meet with you at your home to conduct the site survey and ensure there is a complete installation plan so potentially costly mistakes are avoided. The dealer site survey determines the placement, installation and materials needed for your home standby generator system and addresses the following questions.

Where can my generator be installed?

Determining location isn’t always easy due to the various local codes and proper safety precautions that must be considered. An experienced dealer knows exactly how to make recommendations resulting in an efficient and cost-effective installation. Champion home standby generators are rated for installation as close as 18 inches from the outer wall of your home (where code allows), saving wiring and plumbing costs. A home standby generator should never be installed closer than 5 feet to an opening in the home, including windows, doors, and vents, and should also never be installed under decking.

Do I need a concrete pad?

Depending on local code, some installations may require a concrete pad, although home standby generators are usually installed on graded landscape rock or pea gravel to allow for drainage. Pre-formed pads are also available.

How much plumbing will I need?

A Champion generator must be connected to your home’s fuel source (NG or LPG) in order to generate electricity. The installer will determine the best standby generator placement based on several factors, including the location of the gas meter, to minimize the fuel pipe required. An optimal installation uses under 20 feet of pipe.

Do I need a meter upgrade?

This will be determined during the site survey. In order to prevent your generator’s fuel requirements from starving the other appliances in your home, a gas meter upgrade may be required through your gas utility.

Where will the transfer switch be installed?

A home standby generator is connected to the home’s electrical distribution system through an automatic transfer switch. Depending on where the distribution panel is located, your home may need a transfer switch installed either outdoors or indoors.

How much wiring will I need?

The amount of wire you’ll need depends on the location of the electrical meter and main distribution panel. The dealer will determine the best placement to help minimize the electrical wire and conduit required. The optimal wire run is under 20 feet.

Do I need a load module?

Up to 2 air conditioners (load dependent) can be managed without a load control module (LCM). An optional LCM can be sourced to help manage whole house power. This load management technology manages larger electrical demand items that use 240-volt double pole breakers such as electric cooking ranges or electric clothes dryers. Managing these items with an LCM allows you to use a smaller generator by intelligently controlling when each appliance can start, saving money on fuel consumption and the cost of buying a larger generator.

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Before a site survey: What to know

When estimating installation costs, it’s helpful to know the size of your home in square feet, the size of your home’s electrical panel, and whether your home’s fuel supply is natural gas (NG) or propane (LPG). Your home’s electrical service size in Amps can be found at the main circuit breaker in the distribution panel of your home.

There are two main types of systems to consider:

• Whole House: For Champion Whole House managed power systems, if your home is under 4000 square feet, typically, it may be managed with a Champion 14kW generator, while homes below 3000 square feet can normally be managed with a 12.5kW generator.
• Emergency Essentials: Champion’s Emergency Essentials select circuit systems require you to preselect items you want to power during an outage. Sizing requirements are not based on the square footage of your home, but on the demand of the circuits that will be used.

The costs for purchasing and installing a home standby generator system will include:

• The generator itself.
• An automatic transfer switch.
• Any power management modules needed for high demand appliances (e.g. electric cooking range, electric clothes dryer).
• Placement and installation of the system by an authorized Champion installer, including materials related to electrical connections and natural gas (NG) or propane (LPG) plumbing, fittings and connections and batteries.

Once purchased and installed, ongoing costs are fuel and maintenance. Your Champion dealer can size your generator to minimize fuel consumption costs and provide scheduled maintenance support. The installer will teach you how the system operates and, once installed, will demonstrate the features of the unit.

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SawGear – Overview

SawGear is the simplest in TigerStop’s product line. It is a very simple and intuitive automated stop for your miter saw. The SawGear is an exceedingly portable system that can be quickly set up on a mobile job site or permanently positioned in a brick and motor workshop. The SawGear’s Powerhead attaches to the measuring bar with integral locking handles. With a precision shaft matching up with the mechanism in the measuring bar, the flip-away bar/stop bar will be positioned once the user enters the dimensions into the Powerhead control panel. After getting the unit in place, the user quickly makes a cut, measures the cut-off, enters that into the calibrating function, and the SawGear is ready to rock and roll!

SawGear – Features

Don’t let the simple nature of the SawGear fool you. Yes, it is simple and intuitive to use but has some exciting features.

Accuracy – The SawGear’s number one feature is accuracy. With a simple push of a couple of buttons, the Powerhead will move the stop into position within +/- .008”. With that type of accuracy, training becomes easier, parts are spot on, and wasted material is a thing of the past.

Flexibility – The SawGear is a powerful tool that can easily go on your job sites with you. Using the optional SawGear legs, the unit can be attached to your mobile miter saw stand and set up right there with you on the job site. If you are someone like myself that runs a cabinet shop in a stationary workshop, I mounted it right to my miter saw station work-surface.

Crown + MiterPro Software – SawGear has Crown+MiterPro^TM software that calculates part angles and lengths so the user doesn’t have to do complicated math. This makes it easy for anyone to install crown molding with minimal training because the process is so much easier.

Easy Miters – With a little calibrating to your miter saw’s miter geometry, your SawGear will easily speed up and increase the accuracy of your mitered cuts with the Miter buttons.

Inches or Metric – Whether your shop or job site runs on the imperial system or metric system, the SawGear has you covered.

Increment button – Is your part a little long? Want to shave a hair off of it? Use the integrated increment button to precisely take a sliver off your workpiece. The increment button can be programmed to move a specific amount to match your construction preferences.

Built for the demanding user – The SawGear can be configured for a max length of 16 feet (4.8 meters), comes with a 1-year bumper to bumper warranty, and attaches to almost any miter saw, and comes with an integrated anti-theft mechanism.

Five Languages – The SawGear supports English, Spanish, French, Dutch, and German

SawGear – Performance

When I decided to bring in the SawGear into my professional cabinet shop, I wanted to remodel my miter saw station wall. We built brand new lower cabinets, support wings, and a custom lumber rack that makes the space worthy of the SawGear. Being a CNC and technology nerd, I knew the SawGear was going to have a big impact on the shop and how we handled certain operations, specifically face-frames, shaker drawer fronts, and doors but I was underestimating the impact in other areas. I would like to break this down and focus on a couple of different areas.

Part Accuracy – With CNC experience and having systems in the shop that the performance is controlled by a computer, I understood the accuracy that would be involved with the SawGear. What I underestimated was how easy and intuitive it was going to be. It is as easy as pressing a couple of buttons and you are in business. By far faster than other high-tech tools that I have in the shop.

Time Savings – This is one thing that I absolutely underestimated. I wanted the SawGear in my shop for part accuracy and ease of training but the time savings of cutting parts is by far the biggest value for me in the shop. Not having to manually measure with a tape measure or move my Kreg Tools stop system and just entering in the dimension that I want and hitting start is unquestionably faster.

Training – I am getting to the point in my woodworking shop that I need to bring on additional help. When summer was here, I was able to get my nephews for a few days a week. Training a 14 and 15 year old on the miter saw station was thought to be a daunting task but with the SawGear, it was a breeze. Why? Because I didn’t have to worry about part accuracy. Only safety. I wanted my nephews comfortable with the saw and process and to go home at the end of the day with all their fingers. The SawGear allowed me to focus on safety and breeze over the SawGear operation and that made me very confident in the process we established in the shop.

SawGear – Value

Boy oh Boy, where do I start? Is this tool valued at the MSRP? Absolutely, no questions asked. Is it right for you? That is hard for me to shed any light on as I don’t know the variables within your business or operation or your financial situation. What I do know is in the short amount of time the SawGear has been in the shop, it has sped up production, increased accuracy, reduced stress, and increased the safety of our miter saw operations. My only regret with my current setup is the 8’ length limit. That was due to having space limitations in my current shop. In my next shop, I would love to increase that to 12’.

SawGear – Final Thoughts 

My final thoughts on the SawGear are very simple and to the point. We make a lot of cuts on our miter saw in our woodworking shop. We build everything from cabinets and tables to bookcases but no matter the project category, the miter saw station will get used. Prior to having a manual stop system on our saw, we would measure with the tape measure, mark, and cut it. Then we moved to a manual stop system and that was a big improvement in speed and accuracy. At the time, I didn’t think we could improve the process. I was flat out wrong. The SawGear instantly increased production, reduced my labor costs, reduced my material costs, decreased my training stress, and increased the safety of our miter saw operation.

I would absolutely buy it again.

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SKIL 10in Drill Press Review Overview

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always had a benchtop drill press at my disposal. This was mostly due to the fact that metalworking and/or milling was near and dear to me growing up. Naturally, even if you aren’t a metalworker, a drill press is a very valuable tool to have around the shop for all kinds of random hole poking projects.

Granted, for anyone starting out in “making” or with a penchant for beginning to tinker around in their shop, a handheld drill will get you through basic projects. On the flip side, the case for a benchtop drill press can be made very easily. Clean, precise drilled holes would be the main motivation, but also ease of use. I prefer a drill press because I know that my workpiece is secure, and not going anywhere. This main concern comes from just how torqued up most drill/drivers are now. Around the shop, you’re more likely to see me planning where holes will be drilled in order to set them up on the drill press, rather than improvising with a handheld drill.

In addition to this, if you aren’t punching a hole the entire way through the workpiece, a drill press is key. Depth of holes can be critical in some projects, and guessing is hardly successful. Lastly, and most importantly, are angled holes. Rather than investing in fancy gauges and jigs, an adjustable deck is handy. This allows you to clamp your work piece down and drill at precise depth and angles. I’ve found success in this when making multiple picture frames at one time, since the 45-degree angles are the same, and my depth gauge can also be preset.

With all of this being said, the SKIL 10in Drill Press is an ideal, budget-friendly answer. As we’ll demonstrate, this tool gets the job done on everyday jobs with no difficulty. The bench top drill press is packed with features, well built, and certainly reliable from an operational standpoint.

SKIL 10in Drill Press Review Features

The X2 2-Beam laser makes figuring precise holes very easy and uses (2) AA batteries

The angled base assists with making accurate holes from  0-45 degrees. The gauge is also very easy to see with the white background.

The adjustable depth stop is handy, and key for repetitive drilling

SKIL is going to make sure that we never lose our chuck key ever again!

With safety first, a bump switch is prevalent in the front of the drill

To access the belt and adjust speed, it is easily accessible on top of the unit.

The drill has a belt-adjustable 5 Speeds, from 570 – 3,050 RPM

The chuck can accommodate up to 1/2 drill bits just enough for small/medium size projects

General build quality on the SKIL is fantastic. For the value, it is one of the most well-built drill presses I’ve used to date.

The cast iron construction aids with plenty of weight to make the unit very sturdy

As with most presses, the deck is also Y-axis adjustable for height

Even though the deck on the SKIL is great, I opted to upgrade the unit by bolting a Bessey drill press vice. The SKIL comes ready with a pattern allowing for such an upgrade as most do. Overall, I was impressed by the clearance on the bottom side that allowed for large bolts.

The 3/4hp motor is more than enough to get through most DIY and maker projects. I found it extremely resilient after long use punching through hardwood picture frames

SKIL 10in Drill Press Review Performance

I tested the SKIL against both metal, and wood during my evaluation, and have used it since on many materials. With wood, obviously, the SKIL excelled. Hardwoods for picture frames and some random projects were no chore. The SKIL bored through even at the steep 45-degree angle. Cold 1/8in rolled steel was a bit more difficult as expected, but the SKIL handled it respectably. With a liberal amount of WD-40 and a slower depth pace, the SKIL did just as well as any other mid-level drill press I’ve ever operated. I expect that prolonged use of the SKIL with steel would be a challenge. However, as long as you pace yourself, the 3/4hp motor will treat you just fine.

SKIL 10in Drill Press Review Value

Through various sellers, you can find the SKIL from anywhere between $110-$130. To me, especially against competitors and extra value brands, the SKIL takes the cake. The features, in conjunction with the general performance, make for a great value drill press. In fact, I would argue that the SKIL would excel past most competitors on features, performance, and build quality up to the $160 range as well. All in all – I can’t complain, the SKIL just does it for me. I could recommend this to anyone who has a home shop, or even to more serious makers that use many different types of materials when doing projects.

SKIL 10in Drill Press Review Final Thoughts

As stated above, the value is what really sets the SKIL 10in Drill Press apart from its peers. The feature-packed unit is both sturdy, reliable, and evenly priced. This makes it an easy choice for someone like myself who has a very high use case for a drill press but doesn’t want to spring for a flagship brand. Historically, the SKIL brand has a fantastic reputation, even with budget-priced tools. With that being said, I trust the brand, and I certainly trust this drill press.

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Ryobi Hybrid Soldering Station Review Overview

To me, soldering is kind of a lost art. Not many folks need to solder nowadays unless you have a specific use case for either occupation, hobby, or project. On that same sentiment, soldering comes in a few different forms, one of which involving a soldering iron, or soldering gun. In most plumbing circles, soldering is still active in copper pipe. However, for that trade, usually a torch  is used to fuse the solder joint, rather than a soldering gun or iron.

With that being said, one may ask why someone needs a soldering iron, or even a complete station. The answer is fairly simple – anything involving jewelry, intricate work, or for me, electronics. A complete soldering station is an all in one solution when working around things that require precision when soldering. Where a bulky soldering gun, or a simple plug-and-play soldering iron may not excel, a complete station does the job.

The reason behind this is pretty simple – temperature control, and ease of use. Being able to control the temperature of your soldering iron is key in managing the flow of the solder, depending on your method. Another advantage is ergonomics, and ease of operation. Having a solder coil, a place to easily drop hot irons, and a method of cleaning the tips can make things much easier during a precision job. With all of this being said, the Ryobi Hybrid Soldering Station Excels in all of these areas, and more. I’ve been so excited to own and use this soldering station, given its versatility and features. Hopefully I can pass the same on to you.

Ryobi Hybrid Soldering Station Review Features

First and foremost, the design of the iron is ergonomic, yet simple

The solder coil makes it very easy to sit down, locate, and safety remove the iron even when having attention on your workpiece

The temperature adjustment range is 300 (F) to 900 (F), making it perfect for managing the solder joints on your project

The Ryobi is equipped to take the ONE+ 18v batteries, making this the most unique set-up on the market for being mobile. If you opt to use it bench-top without a battery, you can also plug the unit into the wall!  The hybrid feature makes this a more dynamic solution.

Onboard, tip storage is key for switching irons during projects.

The cleaning sponge is a great addition to the unit and makes getting slag off of the iron tips very easy

The cord is 3ft in total, giving quite a bit of freedom to move around away from the unit during projects

Ryobi Hybrid Soldering Station Review Performance

I have to humbly admit, being an electronics nerd, I’ve done my fair share of soldering. Over the years, and growing up though, I’ve mostly used set temperature irons. So with that being said, variable temperature alone was so nice to have!

When testing this unit out, and usually casually since, it has exceeded expectations. I solder a pretty fair amount of PCB’s and small electronic components, and the tips, ergonomics, and temp control are exactly what I would suggest for this type of work. All in all, precision is key, and this unit delivers. When the unit cools down, an LED that is lit “when hot” shuts off, and I can know when to safely walk away from the station. This was a great feature and one that made operation just that much easier. From an operators perspective, I couldn’t ask any more from Ryobi. Tending to the battery and bench-top crowd with precision and ergonomics in mind is an overall win!

Ryobi Hybrid Soldering Station Review Value

The Home Depot has the RYOBI 18-Volt ONE+ Hybrid Soldering Station (Tool-Only)
priced at $79. When you consider the overall features, reliability, and innovation of the unit, that’s a very fair price. I’ve known some controls technicians in my life that would love to have this unit on their truck because of the battery option! With that in mind, compared to other stations of a similar type, the Ryobi is one of the less expensive, yet feature-packed options in its class.

The best part about the Ryobi is exactly the value it brings to professionals and hobbyists. The unit being mobile makes things many worlds different, and the station caters to the various soldering needs of someone in the market. I would recommend this item to almost anyone that solders on a regular basis over other brands that can run double the price.

Ryobi Hybrid Soldering Station Review Final Thoughts

To close things out, this tool simply makes my hobby easier – which makes me very happy. The feature-packed, innovation-minded, and safe operation is a triple win for me. I would hope that professionals and hobbyists see this value too. The price really makes things a game-changer, especially if you’re already in the Ryobi battery environment. And of course if not, you can always plug it in!

Look for this unit to make things easier on your precision soldering projects, and any project involving the skill in general. It has easily replaced my old soldering irons and sent them into storage, that is for sure!

*This is part of the THDPRoSpective program

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I’ve had the Bosch Rotary Hammer GBH18V-26K24GDE on site and available to the crew for a little over a month.  With all of us using it for long days the last couple of weeks, it’s easy for me to say that this kit is impressive.  The size and power have been more than enough for the applications of this rotary hammer.  The included on-board dust collection attachment is also a must have on most of today’s construction sites.  It helps us meet OSHA crystalline silica exposure standards while maintaining a clean work site.  The dust collection also does its job wonderfully without adding too much bulk and battery drain to your cordless hammer drill.  Let’s have a look.

Expectations

First of all, this is NOT a review.  Consider it an overall impression of the tool and how it worked for me on actual job sites in actual conditions. To be honest, I had unfair expectations for this rotary hammer.  It all started with what I would consider my first “real” power tool purchase circa 2006.  I had finally gotten sick of breaking off-brand hammer drills.  The decision to spend some extra money on the original Bosch Bulldog rotary hammer was made.  Thirteen years, four sets of brushes, and tens of thousands of holes later, it is one of the only corded tools I have left.  I just can’t kill it, or part with it.  So, naturally, I expected the same power, comfort, and durability that I associate with my first Bulldog.

Performance

The rotary hammer performed exceptional all by itself. It has three modes of operation – hammer only, drill only, and hammer drill.  I found the vibration control to be more than adequate, and the kickback control to be pretty effective as well.  The necessity for these features to be good (or better) is especially evident when being used for extended periods of time.  There’s nothing like a twisted wrist to really ruin a day or WEEKS!

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The EC Brushless 18V motor provides plenty of power.  Combine that with the EPC (electronic precision control) feature that allows slower ramp-up time for controlled starts, and the drill will stay right where you want it.

Pairing all of that with Bosch’s CORE18V 6.3ah batteries we saw exceptional run time and zero overheating issues.  The included BC1880 18V charger provides 80% charge in 41 minutes, and a full charge in 55 minutes for the 6.3ah CORE 18V batteries.

Dust Collection

The included GDE18V-16 dust collection attachment is a must for 99% of the job sites I work at.  It is also exceptionally effective.  The vacuum is not overly loud, doesn’t demand too much extra power from the battery, and collects nearly all the dust.  I’ve actually started to use the dust extractor more often.  Even when not required, I use it to minimize cleanup and increase professionalism on the job.  The attachment is easy to install and remove from the tool.  All of the depth stops and bit length adjustments are intuitive to use.  The filter assembly and canister are also easy to remove, dump, and clean.  This brings me to my one complaint.  In regards to the attachment, you need to remove it from the tool in order to store it. I’d prefer the option to store it in the case both on and off of the tool.  As it is, I actually tend to store it loose (out of the case) because of this.  This just adds premature wear and tear.

Final Thoughts

All in all, the GBH18V-26K24GDE kit is thoroughly impressive.  I welcome the user-friendly features, especially with repetitive use.  The dust collection worked very well.  It worked even when paired with novice operators who paid little attention to the collection canister and filter.  YIKES!  The time spent developing great battery technology is also very apparent. I feel that this cordless version has definitely surpassed the power and durability of my old corded Bosch Bulldog.  More power, dust collection, and being cordless is definitely a winning combination.  If you’re in the market for a hammer drill kit with included dust collection attachment, this is a great option.  If you don’t have any Bosch cordless tools yet, don’t worry.  The batteries and tools are a very good investment, and the future for this industry leader looks bright.

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As the rest of the tool and home appliance world gets “smarter” one must pose the question of when the rest of our everyday devices will integrate? Between Bluetooth speakers, Bluetooth batteries, and wireless systems in our homes, our world is connected more now than ever. With all of that in mind, the systems that run a “smart” home can be very critical to the ease of owning and operating a home. Recently, we reviewed the Guardian Leak Prevention system. This system made it easier for homeowners to recognize, and diagnose leaks near water mains and other areas of the home. This type of system and others such as cameras, smoke detectors, and security systems are all part of one realm – IoT. IoT is the acronym for “internet of things.” It comes as no surprise that all of our everyday systems we use are now connected to WiFi or Bluetooth in one way or another.

So as a homeowner, integrating systems to which they can be controlled and monitored from a smartphone or tablet is key. This creates an easy way to schedule events, record events, and keep track of trends on the system. For some, even controlling the way these systems work via Google or Amazon. All of the above reasons are exactly why the review of the Yardian Smart Sprinkler was incredibly interesting and successful.

Yardian Smart Sprinkler Review Overview

First and foremost, the Yardian is a robust, attractive option to use for any home. The sleek design, coupled with great build quality makes for a nice setup. For me, installation of the unit, and integration to my existing small system was very simple, Altogether, it required less than an hour of work. Certainly, larger systems may take more time. With that in consideration, placing the Yardian should be strategic, unlike other systems, as the Yardian has an integral 720p camera. This is a fantastic addition for a system like this, given the amount of coverage some yards need!

Like most sprinkler controllers, the Yardian has a terminal block that connects to various sprinklers throughout your property. The block also has integration for sensors as well, making it very well rounded. The terminals output 24VAC, the standard voltage for sprinkler systems. Aside from the obvious outer protection from elements, the Yardian protects the terminal block inside via a plastic cover that has a rubber gasket to ensure there is no water intrusion.

On the technical side that we’ll explore later, the Yardian’s app has many features, allowing users to set schedules, and utilize best watering days depending on the weather forecast. This includes looking at metrics on water use. The various zones that can be set up can also be enabled at any time, depending on preference. The app also integrates the video feature, giving a live stream option, and 24hrs of playback based on motion sensed events. These events are stored on the cloud, for free, and can be downloaded to preserve on your device’s local storage. Most importantly (to me!) the Yardian has Google Assistant integration capability. Admittedly, all of my smart devices, with the exception of two, run straight from my Google ecosystem. What this means, is that I can utilize voice commands to water zones and perform other functions on the Yardian – pretty awesome!

Yardian Smart Sprinkler Review Features

The Yardian is fully weatherproof, and 7.875” L x 7.875” H x 2.75” W. Perfect for mounting to areas with limited space.

Mounting is easy, and hardware is included so that it can even be installed into concrete.

The Terminal blocks have a nice array to accommodate up to 12 sprinkler heads, with two common terminals, and a set of terminals for a rain sensor.

The block is protected nicely by a water-resistant cover, and accompanying gasket to keep moisture and water out.

In the app, you can input various settings, such as plant type, sprinkler head type, soil type, slope and exposure to elements.

Zones can be specifically controlled and scheduled based on preference, making it easy to give certain areas of your lawn the care it needs to grow properly, or for areas with heavy plant cover.

In the app, the camera live stream is easily accessed, as well as past motion events.

As a nice complement to the camera, an animal repellent system is integrated when motion sensors are tripped near sprinklers.

The Yardian can integrate into both the Google Assistant, and Amazon Alexa environment for easy voice operation, among other benefits.

Yardian Smart Sprinkler Review Performance

In using the Yardian, I certainly felt the ease of having a sprinkler system that can be more easily tailored to my preferences. First and foremost – it was super simple to set up! Legacy systems were more difficult to program, and sometimes even manual – so the Yardian is a big improvement. With that said, the Yardian is an even bigger upgrade on most other “smart” systems that I’ve seen on the market. The build quality, features, and app make the Yardian an industry leader. Build quality might seem silly to some, but to those in an area where the elements vary greatly, and weather can be harsh, I rest assured that the Yardian will stand up just fine – and it has. As for features and the app, that’s where the Yardian shines. The app and unit have more features, settings, and preferences than any other unit I’ve set eyes on. Don’t let that scare you though – the app makes things easy to understand, and simplifies with helpful icons and tips throughout.

Based on all of this, I can’t complain. A system that integrates peace of mind, and a systematic way to control even complicated sprinkler layouts all in one is something great to have, and Yardian has done it. The enhanced application, as noted, is the highlight that I cannot get over. It was so simple to use, and set up, that I would recommend this product to anyone that can connect to a WiFi router – it’s just that easy.

Yardian Smart Sprinkler Review Value

As far as getting your hands on the Yardian, it couldn’t be easier! Amazon sells the 12 zone unit for $179.99, and 8 zone at $159.99. Compared to other units in the industry, this is an absolute steal. The integration aspect, app features, unit settings, quality, and CCTV with FREE cloud storage are great. Could I rave more?

In fact, the Yardian comes in at a lesser price than most competitors that have even less features. Some units that do basic scheduling can run around the $220 mark, which is pretty crazy. The Yardian offers a lot more at a fraction of that price. That is a testament to the product since the settings are nearly limitless in terms of a complex sprinkler system. Overall, the Yardian is a very fairly priced unit that delivers a big bang for the buck!

Yardian Smart Sprinkler Review Final Thoughts

Overall, the Yardian was a great solution to a long-standing issue that I’ve had. The simple problem – not having everything integrated into my home IoT ecosystem. Also – it added another CCTV camera to our setup, which provides us with more security. With those two things in mind, it’s a complete win in my book. Any system or process that can be streamlined with a “smart” system pays dividends over time. For this conundrum, the Yardian is no exception. For the average homeowner with a need for a sprinkler controller upgrade, the Yardian is a safe bet.

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When we first hear the name Bora Tool, our minds instantly think of their classic tools. Their edge clamp guides and mobile bases are easily identifiable at a quick glance. Bora Tool didn’t stop there. They added accessories to their edge clamp guides and delivered even more creative products to the world like their folding miter saw stand. Bora Tool is a global manufacturer of power tool accessories that make your tools work better. They offer a variety of accessories for the tools you already have and standalone tools that are unique in their own way. From a folding miter saw station to excellent quick clamps, Bora Tool makes a full line of tools to make your work go a bit faster and easier. They are not done though, they just released the Bora Portamate PM-4500 Speedhorse. If you are someone that needs a secondary space setup quickly, you may want to stick around.

Bora Portamate PM-4500 Speedhorse – Overview

The sawhorse is nothing new or complicated. It can be as simple as a few 2×4’s and some screws and you have something to lay your material on and cut, sand, or paint. Bora Tools loves to add their own creative, efficient, and productive twists on products or accessories. Over the years sawhorses have someone stagnant in the product development arena Bora Tools has decided to change that with bringing the PM-4500 Speedhorse to market. It is the Cadillac saw horse with some extra horsepower. It is the perfect solution that will save you precious time on setup and teardown so you can work faster and more confident. The Speedhorse deploys 30x faster than conventional sawhorses — just pull the release button in the middle of the frame.

Bora Portamate PM-4500 Speedhorse – Features

Unit Weight: 17.9 lb
Working Height: 31.5″
Length of top: 45″
Width of top: 3.25″
1500 lb weight capacity

• Quick-deploy and quick-collapse legs — Instant setup is 30x faster than conventional sawhorses. Both setup and teardown take mere seconds.
• Best-in-class weight capacity — Each individual unit can support 1500 lbs. — 200 lbs. more than the leading competitors.
• Non-sequential leg folding — To tear down your worksite, just pull the levers on each end and fold the legs up — doesn’t matter which order.
• Longer, pre-drilled top — More length means more stability. The pre-drilled metal top allows you to screw in a 2×4 as a sacrificial top, saving your equipment from damage.

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Bora Portamate PM-4500 Speedhorse – Performance

When I first saw pictures of the Speedhorse, my eyebrows instantly went up. I was excited at the thought that someone took the classic sawhorse and made it better. I was really hoping that it would be done right and not geared towards the guy that just bought his first drill. Boy oh boy was I wrong! When the package showed up to my front door, even before opening the box I knew they were made well. The heft told me they were metal and not plastic. A big win for a job site or someone that is going to use these many times a day.

I brought the set of Speedhorses to my shop and they sat leaned up against a wall for a day or so until I had the first opportunity to put them to work. I was assembling cabinets and needed more waist-high space to set cabinets and install hardware. In a matter of 3 minutes I had an extra 4’ x 8’ surface to set cabinets and install hardware. With only two Speedhorses, two two-by-fours, and a sheet of shop plywood, I was able to have an auxiliary space in a snap of the fingers. And better yet, when I was done, the setup tore down in less than 4 minutes.

The quick-deploy and quick-collapsing legs are the clear feature that make the Speedhorse so speedy. With their solid construction, I have no doubt in my mind that I will never put these Speedhorses close to their 1,500 pound capacity.

Bora Portamate PM-4500 Speedhorse – Value

Whether you are a contractor on a job site or a professional woodworker, time is money. We are big fans of a tool or accessory that saves up time or money. Focusing on my point of view in my professional woodworking shop, the PM-4500 Speedhorse does exactly that. When I need a secondary space to store assembled cabinets, paint face-frames, or do other tasks, I need a solution that quickly deploys and setups to decrease the time tasks switching takes. With the PM-4500, I can easily grab the two Speedhorses deploy the legs and place a piece of OSB on top and I am ready to go. With the price of $179.00 for two Speedhorses, I find it at an exceptional value. Compared to your standard sawhorse products or shop made units, it is a bit pricey but with the low time of deployment and other features, I think it is going to quickly pay for itself. Especially if you are a mobile contractor and creating multiple spaces a day.

Bora Portamate PM-4500 Speedhorse – Final Thoughts

At first, I was a bit skeptical on how a company could bring a standard saw horse to the next level. After having the set of Speedhorses in my shop for over a month now, I can assure you they have been used more than a dozen times. I am fortunate enough to be able to use some square footage in my brother-in-law’s farm shop and he even has put them to use on farm and cattle equipment! He might be able to get them close to their capacity.

Okay, enough rambling. The real question is would I buy them? Absolutely. Should you buy them? That depends, do you find yourself needing additional space from time to time but don’t have the room? If so, then what are you waiting for? Go get a pair! If you are someone that frequents jobsites and are looking for a better and faster solution to your grandpa’s wooden sawhorses that take up too much of you pickup bed or job trailer? Then go get one!

The Speedhorses are very well made and well thought out. My favorite feature is the Non-sequential folding legs. This means you don’t have to fold one side before the other. Whatever leg you grab first, pull the lever and push the leg into the body and do it to the other side. No thinking or keeping track of the orientation of the Speedhorse.

You can check out the product page on their website – Speedhorse

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Metabo HPT is solidifying itself as a leader in cordless tool technology, innovation, and durability.  Already a construction industry leader in pneumatic tools, their new MultiVolt line adds to an already impressive 18v offering.  It all starts with the ability to give the end user the power of a corded tool with the freedom of a cordless one.  Having a state-of-the-art dual voltage battery system, and an AC adapter available is only part of the solution.  You also need to have some impressive tools to utilize that technology.  Let’s take a look at the 36V MultiVolt Brushless 1-9/16″ SDS Max Rotary Hammer, the DH36DMAQ2.  

Metabo HPT 36V MultiVolt SDS Max Rotary Hammer Review – Overview

The 1 9/16” rotary hammer class is a big one, and this is one of the most powerful on the market.  Not only does it offer tons of power cordlessly, but it is the only one that allows you to run on AC power as well.  That’s especially useful for some of the power-hungry tasks such as large hole drilling and chipping.   This hammer drill’s unique features make it a great option for demolition, concrete, plumbing, HVAC, and Electrical trades.  

Metabo HPT 36V MultiVolt SDS Max Rotary Hammer Review – Features

The DH36DMAQ2 is an SDS Max rotary hammer with a ton of user-oriented features.  Powered by a brushless motor and delivering 7.7 ft-lbs (10.5 J) of impact energy, it is up to the biggest tasks. The two modes of operation (hammer drilling and hammer only) offer flexibility for a wide range of applications. 

It offers 4 speeds of rotation (260rpm – 2860rpm) covering every application, and RFC (reactive force control) to sense tool overload and stop it from rotating.  The LVH (Low Vibration Handle) has a soft grip and a vibration absorbing effect making it extremely comfortable during extended use. 

Finally, the ability to run on a MultiVolt battery as well as an AC adapter makes this the ultimate tool for every jobsite.  If you have power available, or an application needing long run time, the AC adapter (ET36A) will give you that option.  It has a flexible cord connection point allowing the most comfortable position for the application.  It also has 20’ of total cord length giving you maximum reach and flexibility.  The MultiVolt batteries also bring the same performance as the AC adapter with the freedom and portability of a cordless tool.  Running off of 21700 lithium-ion cells, the MultiVolt battery provides 4ah’s at 36V when connected to a MultiVolt Tool.  The battery is also backward compatible. It provides 8ah’s at 18V when connected to any of the wide range of 18V tools available. 

The charger has some great features as well.  It has four different color LED’s that correspond to a different status during charging.  I find this much easier than the flashing LED’s on other chargers.   It comes with a USB connection for charging mobile devices and charges a MultiVolt battery in only 52 minutes. 

Metabo HPT 36V MultiVolt SDS Max Rotary Hammer Review – Performance

The overall performance of this drill has been impressive.  I prefer to run it on battery power for all of my drilling applications, and on AC power for all of my chipping applications.  It has the power to handle a huge range of drilling tasks and the impact energy to remove its “fair share” of material when chipping.  Battery life with the MultiVolt batteries has been above average for the class. I’ve also experienced zero thermal overload issues.  When plugged into AC power via the adapter, I’ve not noticed any loss of power vs battery either.  Overall, it has become the preferred drill on site for concrete drilling and removal.  

Metabo HPT 36V MultiVolt SDS Max Rotary Hammer Review – Value

The investment into this platform might seem steep to some.  First of all, the tools are sold as bare tools only.  That being said, they currently come with either a battery starter kit or the AC adapter for free.  Personally, I like this type of introductory offer.  Instead of only offering a cordless or corded option they give the end user the choice of which power source they want.  The offer also works to offset the sticker shock of a bare tool for $749.  For that price, though, you get a premium rotary hammer drill with a premium battery.  A battery, that retails for the fantastic price of $99 as a 4ah-36V or 8ah-18V.   

Metabo HPT 36V MultiVolt SDS Max Rotary Hammer Review – FINAL THOUGHTS 

I was honestly skeptical about this rotary hammer to begin with.   After the first couple of uses, however, all skepticism was gone.  The ability to run off of AC power is a game changer for me and my typical job sites.  I no longer have to worry about progress stopping or being delayed due to dead batteries, and yet I maintain the freedom to run wherever I need to with the cordless option as well.  The MultiVolt batteries are as impressive as the AC adapter with the feature-rich rapid charger, 21700 cell technology, and backward compatibility.  If you’re looking for a premium hammer drill, with premium features, then look no further.  Corded or cordless, this one can do it all.  

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Regardless of industry or hobby, light is valuable. For the longest time, flashlights ruled as portable handheld options. In the mining days, hardhats donned mining lights for hands-free use. For us, this convenience has not died. As a gadget enthusiast, I’ve got a lot of headlamps. One true thing about headlamps is that they are not all created equally. I own some strictly for hobby use with super concentrated LEDs, some for biking trails at night and camping, then, of course, some for rough use. With that being said, I had to test out the Milwaukee. So let’s jump into the Milwaukee 475 Lumen Headlamp Review.

The Milwaukee is a smart choice for any hobbyist, pro, or homeowner. In the weeks that I’ve had it, it’s proven to be one of my favorite headlamps I own and my go-to for use on projects. The easy operation and charging contribute to an overly impressive product, typical of Milwaukee.

Milwaukee 475 Lumen Headlamp Review Overview

As stated above, light is valuable when doing work in low light areas, or just simply to enhance visibility in your workspace. Even more important, is being able to work hands-free. It goes without saying that most homeowners and pros value a good headlamp. For me, I value one that’s not only bright but durable and comfortable.

The Milwaukee (model 2111-21) covers these requirements and surpasses them. First and foremost, the 475 lumens LED mode is more than enough to do the job. But, if that is too bright, there are other options that aren’t as intense. On the flip side, they also don’t affect your run time as much. The selector switch on the unit lets you cycle through 475,300,150, and 20 lumens, respectively, in both spot & flood beam mode. Run time’s for those options vary from 2 hours at 475 lumens, down to 24+ hours at 20 lumens, which is pretty great efficiency. Powering all of this are the Milwaukee Red Lithium rechargeable batteries, contained within the unit. The batteries are removable, so in the odd event that one would go bad, the unit is serviceable. On top of the power and performance, the unit is comfortable. A lot of headlamps on the market are heavy, clunky, and generally, don’t fit well, but Milwaukee has done this one right. The light is both durable and lightweight, with a quality elastic band to securely hold the unit on either your head or hardhat.

Milwaukee 475 Lumen Headlamp Review Features

The head lamp’s elastic band is both strong and features a rubberized honeycomb design that provides plenty of grip.

The beam is extremely bright at 475 lumens, and sufficient for any job, especially with the other settings.

A sticking point between myself and headlamps (literally!) is always the forehead grip. Milwaukee has put a gigantic piece of padded rubber as this piece and actually serves quite well even against sweat and moisture.

The strap is robust as well on the Milwaukee. While most companies cheap out for a slender and thin piece of elastic, the Milwaukee is built with a very thick and sturdy piece to keep the light attached to your head or hardhat.

The included hardhat clips are made so that the light can easily attach to all hardhat types. The clips are made of a thick polymer plastic that will hold up against almost any bump or thud.

As seen on the buttons and around the LED housing, the rubber is meant to keep debris and moisture out. This light specifically is rated at IP54, against water and dust intrusion.

My favorite feature on modern headlamps is the ability to charge via USB, and Milwaukee is no exception. This headlamp uses a standard 5v micro USB for charging, which is perfect for out in the field, or at home.

The array of LEDs across the business end are protected by a rubberized guard, and thick plastic to prevent cracking and breaking. The entire housing is impact, debris, and water resistant.

Like most headlamps, the Milwaukee can be canted up, and down to give you the best field of view with your light. Even after cycling the 6 positions canting ability a ton of times, it was still nice and tight and didn’t get bumped out of place when working underneath vehicles.

Milwaukee 475 Lumen Headlamp Review Value

At around $60, this light is no cheap date. However, what you do get is a limited lifetime warranty on the unit itself, with a 2-year warranty on the RED Lithium battery. To me, and compared to other lights made specifically for harsh environments – that’s pretty darn good. What you also get is the tangible feel of a Milwaukee product. The toughness, durability, and a reputation comes with any Milwaukee tool. I was pleased when opening the packaging to find that the light itself, strap, hardhat clips, and even woven USB charging cord were all top quality. You simply get what you pay for with this light. It’s impressive and leads the pack against competitors.

Milwaukee 475 Lumen Headlamp Review Final Thoughts

All in all, I usually have some criticisms when reviewing tools, but I can’t find any for the Milwaukee Headlamp. Even in terms of areas of improvement, the Milwaukee doesn’t leave much room! It simply checks all of the boxes on durability, build quality, run time, battery, and features. With the price in mind, it might be hard to suggest this unit for the homeowner, but it will certainly last them a long time. For pros or enthusiasts, the Milwaukee is a no brainer. With all of this being said, I can’t wait to continue to put this headlamp through the ringer, and maybe even take it camping to test that IP54 rating!

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Tree pruning stands out to me as one of those jobs that usually needs multiple tools that basically do the same thing. Small branches can be cut with hand sheers, large sheers or loppers are needed for medium branches, and large branches usually need some type of saw. Our Craftsman Cordless Lopper Review showcases a new tool that encompasses all of those tools into one.

Craftsman Cordless Lopper Review Overview

Craftsman has jumped head first into the 20v market with their re-branding. They seem to be going after not only the professional customers but also the home users as well. This cordless lopper kit is a great example of that. The small bar can get into tight spaces between branches and tear through limbs quickly and effortlessly.

This Craftsman Cordless Lopper combines the motion of a large pair of loppers with that of a small chainsaw. While this concept is not new, this release is in the Craftsman 20v line of tools.

Craftsman Cordless Lopper Review Features

The handles are large and easy to grip/hold. They’re big enough to easily grip and use while wearing gloves. The triggers have to both be depressed to turn the lopper’s motor on. That is easy to do since they’re so long. You can easily press them no matter where your hands are on the large handles.

The handles lock securely together to keep the chain and bar covered for safety. The lock is also easy to engage and disengage.

The chain and bar are covered by hefty metal guards. One of which is spring loaded so as to cover the chain but still allow branches to be easily cut.

The oiler was a little messy and cumbersome to fill. You have to fill the included bottle first. The hole to fill the oiler only accepts the tip from the included bottle (or something similar). There is no way to tell how full the oil reservoir is.

Wood chips are expelled through a large opening at the base of the bar. I did not experience any issues with it getting clogged up with chips and shavings from the chain.

The chain is tensioned automatically with a spring-fed lever at the end of the bar. This makes it easy to tighten up the chain, as all you have to do is loosen up the two bar nuts and then tighten them up again after the spring tightens the chain.

Craftsman Cordless Lopper Review Performance

I was quite surprised by the power this little fella had. My trees, unfortunately, did not need to be trimmed, so I used some scrap wood and some mesquite firewood.

The saw tore right through them with surprising ease. I was able to get the chain to bog down if I squeezed the handles together forcefully. The force I had to exert was way more than what is required for typical use. As with all cutting tools, you just need to keep enough pressure on the tool to allow the cutting bit, blade, or chain to do its job.

What was also impressive about this tool is that the woods I used for the testing were harder than what you would generally use this tool for. I can only imagine how easy it would slice through softer green limbs.

The power buttons are large and easy to depress, and using the tool as a whole feels natural. It uses the same form to operate as regular loppers. This makes it easy to pick up and use for the first time, without having to learn a new operation.

The chips were expelled well, and although at different angles they may not fall out as easily, there seems to be ample room to keep the saw from jamming up on chips.

The oiler was difficult to fill. You have to fill the included bottle to then be able to fill the saw. There also is no way to know what the oil level is. This makes it difficult to know when to add more, and how much to add. Additionally, since the short bar is covered it is next to impossible to tell if the oiler is working. You are unable to hold the saw near the ground and see an oil spot appear like you can with a traditional chainsaw.

I found the battery life to be more than adequate. As with all of the Craftsman V20 line, the batteries are interchangeable like other cordless lines, so you can easily amass numerous batteries by purchasing one or two more tools.

The included bar nut wrench almost broke when trying to loosen the nuts. I eventually got them off with the wrench, but it suffered some damage.

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Craftsman Cordless Lopper Review Value

This kit is available on Amazon for $129. The kit includes a 2.0ah battery and charger. While significantly more expensive than a pair of manual loppers, it can do way more work. Additionally, the ease of use on larger branches makes this investment worthy.

I hope to see this available as a tool only option as well. If you are already invested in Craftsman’s V20 line, tool only options are a great way to economically add more tools to your collection.

All in all, I think the $129 is a good price for what you get and for how much work it does.

Craftsman Cordless Lopper Review Final Thought

This little tool packs a lot bigger punch than I had expected. The price is right, and the performance is impressive. While probably not able to withstand commercial use, that is not the intended audience. This tool is great for homeowners who need a fast and easy way to prune trees and large shrubs seasonally.

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Anyone who works with wire, cable, and cords knows Southwire Manufacturing.  Most of those same people, when installing those products, know Southwire’s Tools and Equipment division.  Southwire Tools and Equipment provides a comprehensive line of not only hand tools, but also meters, testers, and (my favorite category) contractor equipment.  Their newest addition to the contractor equipment category is the Maxis XD1 Extreme Duty Circuit Puller.

Maxis XD1 Extreme Duty Circuit Puller – Overview

The XD1 is exactly what it claims to be, and then some.  It is an extremely portable and yet capable wire puller, powered by most commercial full-size cordless drills. The XD1 also boasts an impressive 600 lbs continuous and 1000 lbs peak pulling force.  Really, it aims to fill the gap between pulling wire and cable by hand and the need for one of the larger wire pullers such as the Maxis 3k or 6k.  The ability to efficiently and quickly pull circuits with the help of a cordless drill will work to lessen the number of workers compensation claims associated with back and hand injuries as well.

Maxis XD1 Extreme Duty Circuit Puller – Features

Firstly, It’s rugged.  The housing, “fit and finish”, and overall construction of it is impressive.  It’s heavy, yet not awkward, and feels very sturdy during use.  Being well built is a necessity for a cordless drill powered circuit puller even on the average job site.  This type of equipment, by its own nature, will take a lot of abuse.

That’s why I’m especially thankful for the field replaceable parts. Having used drill powered equipment before, it’s nice to know that when the drill adapter wears out you can replace it with minimal downtime.

The puller arm and capstan are also removable.  This aids in not only preventing costly downtime but, also in helping you adapt to the particular pulling task at hand. Being able to remove the capstan also allows you to remove string and rope much easier.

The notch and stud on the inside lip of the capstan is a great feature to allow you to capture a rope or string if letting them wind up on the capstan during the pull.

The final feature I found extremely helpful is the ability to “out of the box” extend the puller arm from 19″ to 34″ and “field” extend it up to 10′ with a piece of IMC or GRC conduit.  This proves especially nice when needing an extra tail from the conduit location to final termination point.

Maxis XD1 Extreme Duty Circuit Puller – Accessories

The accessories included with the XD1 cover a lot of the different scenarios one might run into while pulling.

Included attachments, for the end of the XD1, are 2 different sizes “crows feet” conduit adapters (I found these to be invaluable when pulling overhead), and a conduit “cleat” that allows you to better center the pulley over larger size conduits.

It is worth mentioning that the pulley head, without any attachments, does have a notch to allow you to position it on a connector or nipple relatively easily.

Another great feature is the machined 3/4″ hub in the bottom of the puller.  This allows you to install a connector or piece of rigid conduit to use as a monopod or kickstand to allow for greater control during pulls.

Your cordless drill of choice attaches to the XD1 with a velcro strap that holds the handle against a contoured “stock”.

Maxis XD1 Extreme Duty Circuit Puller – Practical Application

With the XD1 setup is simple. I’ve used it to pull everything from long branch circuits, and small feeder runs to parking lot lighting.   It definitely won’t take long to realize an increase in efficiency and decrease in necessary labor, making it easy to suit your particular areas of expertise.

Maxis XD1 Extreme Duty Circuit Puller – Value

Trying to quantify value is tricky with a tool like the XD1.  Mostly it comes down to the type of work that you do and the frequency of that work.  For me, personally, my favorite example of how well it works is also the same experience that sold me on the unit.  Our task was pulling in parking lot circuits (7 x #4 copper conductors) through 330 degrees of bend to an 8″ auxiliary wireway.  The run was 215′ of 2″ pvc conduit.  Our total pulling time with the XD1 and a cordless drill was 1 minute 57 seconds. To say that I was impressed would be an understatement.

Maxis XD1 Extreme Duty Circuit Puller – Final Thoughts

At first, I was unsure of what the right applications were for the XD1.  I don’t think I understood it’s place in the hierarchy of wire pulling equipment.  Over the last 18 years, I’ve learned that wire pulling falls into two categories. You can (and therefore WILL) pull it by hand, or you ABSOLUTELY need a wire puller.  Having the XD1 means having the ability to scale down the size of the equipment necessary, power it with a cordless tool every electrician has on site already, and still pull with enough force to eliminate the more labor intensive percentage of “hand pulls”.  I highly recommend the purchase of the XD1 for a majority of electrical contractors.  I also highly recommend that any undecided contractors contact their local Southwire distributor and schedule a demo.  Once you see the quality, power, and portability of this product, I believe you’ll agree.

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DeWALT is a Power Tool Manufacturing giant, producing a wide range of tools for trades of all kinds. Recently they have announced quite a few tools directed towards woodworkers and carpenters, but their classics remain well-loved in the community. A while back I took a look at the DeWALT Scroll Saw, a tool that fits in a unique niche in the woodworking tool world as providing performance you couldn’t match within its price range. This Planer is an incredibly popular tool from DeWALT, and with good reason. Let’s take a closer look at this tool in the DeWLT Planer Review.

DeWALT Planer Review Overview

Planers are a staple in any woodshop. Most woodworkers will invest in one at some point as they begin to advance into more complex production. One of the major costs for woodworkers is materials, in fact I would say this is the biggest investment most woodworkers make on a consistent basis. Being able to mill your own materials can cut those costs drastically though. Two tools are generally needed for this, a Planer, and a Jointer. These tools easily pay for themselves in savings alone, but they are also convenient to have.

The DeWALT Planer is a truly unique machine. Generally, portable planers come in a lunch box style, like the Ridgid Planer. These are great tools, but often professional woodworkers find their needs quickly outgrow them and seek the next step up in Planers. On the other side of the spectrum are the truly industrial Planers. Not only do these take up a significant amount of space, but they are also incredibly costly, generally running several thousand dollars. So, what happens when neither option is quite right? Well, that my friends is where this DeWALT Planer comes into play.

DeWALT Planer Review Features

DeWALT’s Planer offers a 20,000 RPM Motor with a 10000 RPM Cutter head speed. The 15 Amp Motor offers enough power to effectively plane wider pieces of wood without bogging down.

This planer can remove up to 1/8 of an inch at a time. Maximum wood width is 13 inches, and 6 inches deep.

This planer offers two speed selections for ultimate customization. Users can select between 96 or 179 cuts per inch depending on whether they want a dimensional cut, or a finishing cut.

The three-knife cutter head has upgraded blades for a longer usable life. The top of the machine is removed using an attached wrench to access the blades for maintenance.

The larger base sets the DeWALT apart from other planers in its class, featuring a 19-3/4-inch aluminum base, allowing twice the support of standard ten-inch bases on lunchbox style planers.

The depth stop is a standout feature on the DeWALT Planer, the large turret-style stop provides an accurate way to use common material thicknesses with ease.

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The thickness scale provides an accurate depth measurement right off the bat, with extra definition for easy visibility. The set screw is easy to adjust as well, something important for long-term accuracy.

The chip ejector uses a fan to assist in removing chips from the carriage and allows for connection to dust extractors.

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DeWALT Planer Review Performance

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I tested this Planer on everything from softwoods like Pine to hardwoods like IPE, Mesquite, Maple, Walnut, and Zebrawood. It is truly missing nothing from its ability to perform no matter what you throw at it. I loved having two settings to give you the best performance for the type of planning you needed, the dimensional planing provides 79 cuts per inch and worked well at achieving an initial thickness for the bulk of planing needs. The finishing setting though was a huge addition to this planer. It provides a beautiful finish on wood that simply can’t be beat and is something woodworkers of all levels will appreciate.

When comparing other Planers in this class, this Planer is no lightweight. Weighing in at 92 pounds this Planer is designed for serious work. Without a doubt, you have a few select features that truly stand out from the crowd. One such feature is the actual base, where the wood actually contacts the cutter head to remove material. DeWALT opted for a larger base, at 19-3/4 inches compared to most Planers having only ten inches of base contact. In my opinion, this is largely what allows the DeWALT to perform at the level it does and gives it a distinct edge over other models on the market.

The automatic carriage lock engages the wood when inserted for reduced instances of snipe. While snipe is present to some degree in every planer, I did feel this feature made a significant reduction in it over other planers I have used. As well, I think by design this combined with the large table makes a big difference in adding stability to keep snipe at a minimum. For tips on further reducing snipe, be sure to check out our suggestions on How To Reduce Planer Snipe.

Additionally, the chip ejection on this Planer is also well designed. While some debris will still remain on the table, the vast majority is quickly and powerfully ejected. In fact, that would be one piece of advice, unless you want quite a mess, be sure to connect to a vacuum or dust collection to this planer as it is designed to do.

The material removal gauge was a great addition to this planer as well. This is important as removing too much material at once will reduce the quality of the finish, but also can damage the planer over time. This gives you a visual of what the planer will remove in that pass, making adjustments an option when needed. The depth stop was also more effective and secure than most other depth stops as well. The ability to turn the large knob to quickly set a desired thickness for consistent results

Adjustments and maintenance are both simple on this Planer too. The adjustment knob has a smooth feel and consistent depth change with each revolution. While often planers have some give to them, the DeWALT was very stable once a depth is set. I appreciated being able to easily adjust the thickness scale as well, so that with use you have the ability to recalibrate by adjusting the screws. It was also very easy to read with visibility being a priority in its design. To replace blades, you simply use the included tool to remove the screws in the top of the tool, then remove its top. The blades are right there with easy access to remove and replace when needed.

DeWALT Planer Review Value

The DeWALT DW735X runs right at $599.00 at The Home Depot. and there are several other DeWALT planer models on Amazon. This planer also includes the infeed and outfeed tables, as well as an extra set of blades. I think the DeWALT Planer is an exceptional value, offering exceptional performance and a unique design that doesn’t occupy too large of a footprint. Essentially for both professional woodworkers who do not need the capacity of extra-large planers and hobbyists, this Planer is a great value for its performance and feature set.

DeWALT Planer Review Final Thoughts

DeWALT makes exceptional tools, and the Planer is by no means an exception. This model from DeWALT gives a user everything they could need and then some. The footprint allows even small shops to have a planer outside an entry-level lunchbox model. The adjustments are accurate and incredible, giving the user ultimate control and stability over the tool. Additionally, the option to switch between a dimensional cut and a finishing cut makes all the difference in ensuring it will give you the finish you need.

The DeWALT Planer is nothing short of a shining performer. Much like the DeWALT Scroll Saw, this tool is a woodworker’s dream, providing incredible performance without taking up a huge footprint in the shop or breaking the bank. As well this Planer is priced incredibly well for the performance it offers, something you wouldn’t find from other Planers in its class. All in all, there is truly nothing negative to say about this planer. It is easy to use and adjust, performs exceptionally, and has a strong feature set. The cut quality and performance are incredible and for a wide range of users, this Planer is a perfect workhorse to have in your shop.

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