DeWalt introduces compact cordless tool line

DeWalt’s new 12 Volt Max* tool line, from left to right: DCF610S2 1/4" screwdriver, DCF815S2 1/4" impact driver, DCL510 LED work light, DCD710S2 3/8" drill/driver, DCF813S2 3/8" impact wrench, DCT410S1 inspection camera and the DCT414S1 infrared thermometer.

DeWalt’s new 12 Volt Max* Li-ion battery platform was introduced to the press just before issue closing and we’ve been able to sneak this brief report in about the new tools.

The new cordless tool line, which includes seven tools and two combo kits, delivers comfort, control and versatility with industry-leading features. The tool line’s moniker, 12 Volt Max*, includes the asterisk because there’s more to the story. The 1.3 amp-hour battery pack is rated at 12 volts at maximum initial battery pack voltage, but under workload, it delivers a nominal 10.8 volts.

In head-to-head demonstrations, these compact tools outperform screwing, drilling and tightening jobs in half the time it took similarly sized competitive models. From a design standpoint, the tools stand on their own – literally. The flat base battery pack and overall tool balance allows the tool to sit squarely on its base, reducing the chance of nicking or damaging surfaces.

Many of the tools have a simple belt clip that make them easy to carry. Most of the tools weigh in the 2.3 lb. range --about the same as a 18volt Ni-Cd battery pack by itself. The compact design allows the tools to fit into tight work areas, many of the units have a tri-LED light that illuminates the work area.

All products use the new 1.3 amp-hour battery system that charges in 40 minutes. The tools, except for the flashlight, come with the tool, two batteries, charger, contractor bag and specific accessories. They will be available in 4Q 2010 and are expected to retail from $139.00 to $299.00. They have a three-year limited warranty, one year free service contract and 90day money back guarantee.

Click on the Learn more link to view the product's press release

Fixed ladder fall protection system

Capital Safety’s Railok 90 vertical rail system provides improved safety for workers ascending and descending fixed ladders. The shuttle travels smoothly along the entire length of the rail, allowing the user to climb the ladder without snagging or resisting the climber’s motion. In the event of a fall, the shuttle locks on the rail to arrest the fall while minimizing fall distances and load forces on the user. The system does not restrict foot space on the ladder rungs, and offers users complete freedom of movement as they climb.

www.capitalsafety.com Learn more

Gasoline-powered pumps

SPX Hydraulic Technologies introduces an upgraded PowerTeam PG30 Series gasoline pump with a 4-cycle, 2 hp Honda engine with the lowest weight-to-horsepower ratio of all gasoline driven pumps, sources report. Ideal for remote location work, the units work well with single- or double-acting cylinders up to 75 tons at pressures to 10,000 psi. Pumps are available with a pop-off style relief valve for use in crimping applications.

www.powerteam.com Learn more

Back up pads

Sandit back up pads by Diamant Venturi use an advanced polyurethane for optimal performance and longevity on a wide range of sanding, grinding and polishing applications. Its dense foam composition is firm and flexible, delivering utility and control on natural stone, concrete, metal and wood applications. They allow the operator to follow the contours of each crafted material edge to maximize coverage and efficiency rates. Available in 5” and 6” diameters in vinyl, hook and loop and cloth backs.

www.diamantventuri.com

Close-quarters cutter

The Ridgid 2-in-1 Close Quarters Autofeed cutter combines the Ridgid Model 118 Close Quarters Autofeed cutter with a ratchet handle for easier cutting in tight, restricted spaces. It can be used alone or with the light and ergonomic ratchet handle. The ratchet steps as little as 10 degrees so it can operate in tight spaces and can be used on hard and soft copper, aluminum, brass and plastic tubing.

www.ridgid.com Learn more

Low-profile saddle box

Knaack LLC introduces its new Weather Guard all-steel, low-profile saddle box. Secure, durable and convenient, the box fits just above a truck’s bed rail for better rear-window visibility, especially on trucks with higher bed rails. The all-steel box comes in two sizes for full-sized or compact trucks. The box has a heavy-duty steel construction with a black or white powder-coat finish. The box can be installed easily with crimp-free/drill-free mounting brackets. Its Extreme Protection lock and full weather seal keeps out thieves and moisture, even in extreme conditions. It also has a weatherproof power cord pass-through for easily accessible power to charge tools stored in the box. The gas shocks ease the lid open at the push of a button. When fully open, the lids sits at a 90-degree angle for unhindered content access. www.weatherguard.com Learn more

Scaffold wrench

Wright Tool introduces the #4488 WrightGrip SB ratchet for safer scaffold installation. The U.S.-made 10 1/2” ratchet features a 1/2” drive, 7/8” open-head ratchet, replaceable hammer with brass or steel inserts and a 7/8” open-end wrench on the end of the handle. It has an interchangeable 2” deep socket for final tightening on smaller scaffold diameters. Its advanced opening profile places more metal in high-stress areas to stiffen the jaws, which increases tool strength and reduces permanent jaw spread for better reliability. The precision-broached serrations keep the wrench seated on the fastener to increase torque and reduce slippage. Comes with a lanyard ring so it can be tied off and can slide up and down the handle to keep the lanyard out of the way while the user works with either end of the tool. www.wrighttool.com Learn more

Tap drill annular cutters

Hougen recently added a cutter kit of five “tap drill” Rotabroach 12,000-Series annular cutters. The diameters of the 2” D.O.C. tap drill cutters were selected to accommodate the most widely used taps and include 7/16" for 1/2-13 threads, 17/32" for 5/8-11, 21/32" for 3/4-10, 25/32" for 7/8-9 threads and 7/8" for 1-8 threads. The sturdy plastic case keeps the five cutters and three pilots organized and protected from damage Made with hardened, precision-ground M2 high speed steel the cuttesrs cut clean holes and ensure tapping thread accuracy. www.hougen.com

Personal fall limiter

MSA offers its Workman personal fall limiter, a lightweight yet durable engineered thermoplastic housing device with rugged impact-absorbing protective bumpers with a choice of cable or web lifeline. It is designed for durability and ease of use and can be used with a multitude of connector choices. It also features a 400-lb. working capacity, no annual recertification requirement and an integral load indicator.

www.msanet.com Learn more