DIY Answer Guy » Cordless Tools

Can A Cordless Drill Have Too Much Power?

Michael — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 22:05:21 +0000

Milwaukee gets serious about cordless drill power

Apparently, racing pit crews need cordless drills with A LOT of power. And it looks like Milwaukee was happy to oblige as is shown in this funny racing pit stop commercial.

My only question is, “Where do I get one?”

www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzoFqumBCvY

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Can A Cordless Drill Have Too Much Power?

Review: Hitachi DS14DVF3 14.4v 3/8″ Cordless Drill/Driver Kit

DIY Answer Guy — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 19:01:07 +0000

The best cordless drill for the beginning DIY’er.

If you’re into do-it-yourself projects there’s one tool you must have, a cordless drill.

From hanging shelves, to building decks and porches the cordless drill is the tool to own for the beginning DIY’er.

As you may already know from reading other parts of my site, I’ve had a lot of experience with tools and have a knack for spotting the right tool for the project at hand. So today I’d like to offer my choice for the best all around starter cordless drill kit. The Hitachi DS14DVF3. Quite the long designation, hey.

When looking at all the cordless drill/drivers available out there what stands out with the Hitachi is all the great features for such a reasonable price.

Starting with the compact and lightweight design (just 4 lbs) makes it great for the Ladies, and guys with smaller hands. It’s that compact design which makes it very easy to handle, and easy to get into those tight spaces.

But don’t let it’s light weight fool you, it’s magnetic motor produces 300-inch-pounds of torque, and that translates into plenty of power to get through the toughest jobs.

It also has a two speed transmission which allows you to set the speed of the drill for precise control. For even more control the 22-stage clutch offers easy adjustments from high torque, for driving deck screws, to lower stetting for lighter less demanding jobs. For added convenience it has a keyless chuck, which allows for quick and easy bit changes, and a belt hook with an integrated bit holder. So no more searching for where you laid down that bit.

The Hitachi charger will fully charge the batteries in just 35 minutes, and you can expect about 300 charges over the life of each battery. No stopping in the middle of a project to wait for the batteries to charge. Of course, that would be a good excuse for a break.

The Hitachi DS14DVF3 cordless drill kit includes, a stand up flashlight (excellent when you don’t have an extra hand around), a seven-piece bit set, two quick charging batteries, battery charger, and a hard case for easy transport and storage. And to top it off, Hitachi’s 5 year warranty, guaranteeing that this proven workhorse will give you years of trouble free service.

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Review: Hitachi DS14DVF3 14.4v 3/8″ Cordless Drill/Driver Kit

Review: Makita DF030DW Compact Cordless Impact Driver

Michael — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 02:56:38 +0000

The Best Ultra Compact Impact Driver for traveling professionals, cabinet installers, and the DIY Ladies is finally revealed.

For the traveling professional, Lady DIY’ers, and maintenance techs looking for a high quality, light weight impact driver, look no further I’ve found just what you need.

At only 6–3/16 inches long and weighing in at only 1.9 lbs. this ultra compact impact driver not only reduces operator fatigue, but can get into the tightest places with ease. And while in those tight spots the built in LED light illuminates the work area brilliantly.

Worried about power? Well don’t, as this little gem has a two speed variable transmission for precise control, and produces 200 in/lbs of torque! Enough power for most jobs you’ll come across.

This ultra compact impact has become a favorite of maintenance professionals, electricians, cabinet installers, traveling professionals, and the smart DIY ladies out there because it provides everything you need in such a brilliant ultra compact package.

The kit includes two 10.8V lithium-ion batteries, which last longer and charge faster, an ENERGY STAR rated battery charger for fast efficient charging, tool holster, and a hard travel case for easy transport and storage.

With Makita’s 3 year warranty I think you’re be totally covered on this one.

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Review: Makita DF030DW Compact Cordless Impact Driver

Review: Hitachi CJ110MV Top Handle Variable Speed Jig Saw

DIY Answer Guy — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:40:09 +0000

The DIY hobbyist best choice for cutting the curves, is an excellent jigsaw with all the useful features you’ll need to succeed with speed.

Having a nice variable speed jigsaw around the house or shop is great for cutting curves, notches, circles, and is also a very popular tool with hobbyist. So when I went looking for a reasonably priced DIY jigsaw, I found just what you’ll need in this Hitachi top handled model.

I like the top handle model, with the Elastomer grip, and D shaped handle, as it provides comfort and control. The ladies will really like this feature too, as many tools have to large of a handle to be comfortable and easy to control.

The top-mounted LED light makes for easy cutting in any light, and the powerful dust blower substantially improves visibility of your cut line. Both very important features when choosing a jigsaw.

DIY Tip: Wipe the top and bottom of the foot of the saw with a fabric softener sheet to help prevent dust build up.

The powerful 5.8 amp motor, and electronic speed control allows for easy controlled cuts in most materials including; including wood, steel, aluminum, copper, vinyl, and stainless steel sheeting. And all these features come in a jigsaw that weights under 5 lbs! Remember, less weight means more control. Very nice. Oh, I forgot to mention the tool-less blade change system. Just flip the lever, pop the blade out and replace. It’s just that easy.

With all these great features and Hitachi’s 5 year warranty you can be assured that your money has been well spent.

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Review: Hitachi CJ110MV Top Handle Variable Speed Jig Saw

Review: Makita BTD142HW Cordless Impact Driver Kit

DIY Answer Guy — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 22:11:35 +0000

For the do-it-yourselfer or professional this Makita impact driver has all the useful features you’ll need for completing your home improvement projects with ease.

If you’re looking for the best light-weight impact driver, here it is– the Makita BTD142HW 18v Lithium-Ion Cordless Impact Driver Kit.

I’ve owned this fantastic cordless impact driver ever since it first came out, and use it commercially on a regular basis. One of the reason I switched from my cordless drill to the Makita cordless impact driver is less weight (under 3 lbs). Less weight means less fatigue, and wear and tear on your wrist and forearm.

But don’t let it’s light weight fool you, this impact’s variable speed motor has plenty of power (with over 100 ft. lbs of torque)! Now that’s enough power to get through most any DIY project. Plus, being only 5–3/4 inches long makes it so easy to get into those tight spots, and the built-in L.E.D. light brilliantly illuminates the work area.

Makita’s lithium-ion batteries provide two and a half times as many batter cycles as standard Ni-Cad batteries, and the rapid charger safely charges a battery in as little as 15 minutes. That means you’re always ready to go. If you haven’t used an impact driver yet, you really must give it a try.

These amazing tools can drive fasteners of all sorts, drill and even drive lag bolts with ease, and no more stripping while driving or removing screws. Plus the best part is less effort on your part, as this tool does most all the work for you.

The Makita cordless impact driver kit includes two 18V compact lithium-ion batteries, 15-Minute Rapid Optimum Charger, and hard tool case for easy storage and transport.

The travel case also has a convenient spot to hold a small case of your most used bits, and a built in holder for a standard keyless chuck.
For the casual do-it-yourselfer, traveling professional, or building contractor this is definitely the wise choice for the best cordless impact driver.

One last note; I do think Makita should consider incorporating a belt hook on next years model.

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Get an extra 18V Lithium-Ion battery for your Makita.

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Review: Makita BTD142HW Cordless Impact Driver Kit

Circular Saws. Are You a Righty or Lefty?

DIY Answer Guy — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 14:30:31 +0000

A great tip about circular saws.

First off I just want to say thanks to everyone for all the great feedback about the The Best DIY Home Improvement Books. Also, thanks for the list of topics you would like me to cover. I’ll do my best to get to as many as possible.

I’ve also received many questions about tool boxes and it just so happens I discovered a fantastic tool box, totally by accident. In fact, I now use this tool box exclusively to carry all my essential hand tools. I just wish I’d found this tool box long ago — it’s the best tool box I’ve owned and would have saved me a lot of money from buying all those other expensive tools boxes.

One more thing, don’t hesitate to tell me what problems you’ve had, or are having, with your DIY projects, as I’ll be happy to offer solutions to help you get your project back on track. Please let me in on your accomplishments too.

Today’s Essential DIY Tip

Are you ready to buy, upgrade, or having a bit of trouble using your current circular saw?

Are you having trouble getting your cuts straight or just feeling a bit uncomfortable with your saw?

Don’t be discouraged because you’re not alone. This is a case where having the right tool for your do-it-yourself project is so important.

Did you know that these saws come in right– and left-hand models? You probably didn’t as this is a little known fact and probably the reason you’re having difficulties using your current saw.

I’m going to show you the differences between these saws and why having the correct saw will make you life easier.

So here we go.

Here is the type of saw used by most right-handed do it yourselfer’s (well most DIY’ers) — but this is a left-handed saw.

If you are anything like me, you probably just picked up or bought a circular saw and starting using it. And with most things, you just became comfortable what you were using. But many of us just can’t seem to get our cuts to come out straight.

Well I’m right-handed and I did the same thing, but then I noticed that some circular saws have the blade on the other side. What is up with this I thought?

So what makes this circular saw a left-handed saw?

When you’re holding the saw in your left–hand you can easily see the cutting line, guide, blade and your work, making it a snap to cut a straight line. But if you are holding the same saw in your right–hand you have to look over the saw to see the cutting line, guide and blade, thus making it quite difficult to see your work — let alone cut a straight line.

So, the solution for us righty’s is a right-handed circular saw, and here it is!

Now with the handle in your right-hand you don’t have to look across your arm and the circular saw to see. The blade, guide, cutting line and your work are easily visible. So cutting that straight line will be a breeze—not to mention safer too.

Recommended Corded Circular Saws

If you’re looking for a new, corded circular saw for your DIY projects, my personal recommendation is one of these two. Both are high quality, right handed circular saws.