dewalt tools : Our tester compares 10 cordless drill (3)

Drilling Capacity: High and Low Speed

For drilling shallow holes, I use spade bits and set my drills at high speed for fast cutting. For deeper holes in double and triple studs or joists, the tool needs more low-end torque to power through the material and evacuate chips from the hole. For these holes, I switch to an auger bit and set the tool to low speed.

To determine each tool's drilling capacity in both speeds, I put a new bit on each tool and drilled until the battery's power delivery trailed off. In high speed I drilled holes in a single 2x4 stud with a 1-inch spade bit. For the low-speed test, I drilled through a double 2x4 with a 15/16-inch auger bit. Each time I looked for the tool that drilled the most holes on a single charge.

High Speed, Single 2x4. The 18-volt tools rule the roost for number of holes drilled. The Bosch drilled so many holes—79—I couldn't believe it, so I recounted them. The Milwaukee tore through 89 holes and I wondered if its battery was nuclear instead of Nicad. Porter-Cable's 19.2-volt drill, at 74 holes, did great too. Each of these tools cut quickly and smoothly, and they didn't feel like they were jumping out of my hand when the going got rough.

The DeWalt drilled 68 holes but was the fastest of the group. Makita came in close behind at 64. The Craftsman made it through 56, and Metabo's bottomed out at 50. The Panasonic tool, at 15.6 volts, drilled 45 holes, but heated up noticeably. Hilti's 15.6-volt tool drilled 43 holes, and Hitachi's 18 volter knocked out 39 holes.

During this portion of the test, it became clear that the DeWalt model is geared not just for high speed, but for really high speed. No drill got close to this tool's 2,000 rpms, which makes a world of difference on site. The rest of the tools' top ends range between 1,400 and 1,700 rpms; the Bosch is the slowest at 1,300 top-end rpms.

Low Speed, Double 2x4. When you need less speed and more torque for deeper holes in doubled- or tripled-up framing, these drills still deliver. This time, the Bosch sunk 40 holes while the Porter-Cable, Milwaukee, Makita, and Metabo sunk 36, showing great low-end torque. DeWalt muscled 34 and Craftsman 32. The 15.6-volt Panasonic and Hilti models delivered 29. Hitachi's tool drilled 20 holes.

Extras

The Makita, Bosch, and DeWalt tools come with battery end caps to protect the battery terminals when not in use. I wish all the tools shipped with these; they help your battery terminals last longer, especially if you carry bits together with the batteries.

Bosch's unit comes with a neat metal D-ring, like a carabiner, so you can hang the tool from belt hooks like the Monster Hook or Bigg Lugg. You also can hook right to your belt. DeWalt has the only three-speed tool in the bunch, which enables you to customize your speed and torque to match your work.

And a few of the tool companies actually provide good tool boxes with their drills. My ideal storage box is made of heavy-duty blow-molded plastic, opens easily, and has obvious compartments for a booklet, extra bits, drill, batteries, and charger. I also want it big enough (but not too big) to hold the drill with a driver or short drill bit attached. Unfortunately, I haven't seen my ideal box yet. Milwaukee and Bosch provide tough boxes with stout clasps and include good bit carry-alls inside. Makita and Metabo thought ahead, allowing room to store the drill with a short auger or spade bit attached. And while Craftsman includes a bit storage container in its box, it could use some improvement.

Winners

Choosing a winner from this bunch is tough. My final four include the Bosch 33618, DeWalt DW987K-2, Milwaukee 0622-24, and Porter-Cable 9984. The Milwaukee's great power, all-metal chuck, outstanding handle, and slick battery exchange give it the edge in my book. Next comes Porter-Cable's 19.2-volt drill. It's got top-notch power and, again, an all-metal chuck. The Bosch and DeWalt models tie for third in my mind. The Bosch tool drilled more holes than the DeWalt and has the best low-end torque, but that's countered by DeWalt's super fast cutting speed. Each of these tools performed so well, however, that these distinctions are small. You can't go wrong with any of these four tools. Following these are the Hilti 15.6-volt tool, Metabo's 18-volt model, and Panasonic's 15.6 volter, and then the Hitachi, Craftsman, and Makita tools.

By Rex Cauldwell

dewalt tools : Our tester compares 10 cordless drill (2)

Balance. Once a drill/driver gets over 14.4 volts, battery location, orientation to the motor housing, and handle length can affect a tool's feel and balance. The motors on the DeWalt, Panasonic, Porter-Cable, and Craftsman models are parallel to the horizontal battery and each, except the Craftsman, has fine balance. The Craftsman's balance gets thrown off by its large battery, which is way out at the end of its long handle. The Bosch, Hilti, Hitachi, Makita, Metabo, and Milwaukee tools cant the battery down, creating an angle between the motor housing and battery, which provides a little better balance for me; I find those tools more comfortable to use.

Battery Exchange. Metabo wins the blue ribbon for easy battery exchange. Depressing one large button on the back of the handle with your palm releases the battery, which then literally falls out. Nothing is easier. Craftsman's and Milwaukee's front-slide batteries exchange nicely, too, and Milwaukee's battery is reversible. Porter-Cable's system is a rear slide-in that takes some practice to get right.

The 18-volt Hitachi and 15.6-volt Hilti use long vertical batteries. The extra-long Hitachi release tabs are easy-to-reach and the battery slides out nicely. The short Hilti tabs are hard to reach from underneath, so you must access them from the rear of the tool, making battery exchange slightly more difficult. The Panasonic, Bosch, DeWalt, and Makita have the typical “pinch-and-pull” system that has worked well for years.

Switches. All of the trigger switches felt secure and solid. I prefer large triggers, which are easier to use when wearing gloves or in awkward positions. All but the Hitachi model provide nice oversized triggers.

The reverse switches on all the drills were located at thumb level. The Bosch, Milwaukee, Hitachi, Craftsman, and Porter-Cable switches are big and easy to press. The DeWalt, Makita, and Panasonic are a little too small for my liking, but are pretty easy to press. The Hilti switch is tapered to match the tool body's curvature. It worked fine, but I didn't feel like I had solid contact with it when I used it. The Metabo switch was too far forward, making it hard to reach.

Chuck & Clutch

Chuck. Keyless chucks have seen some serious advances in recent years. Milwaukee, Porter-Cable, Bosch, DeWalt, Metabo, Hilti, Craftsman, and Panasonic have chucks that easily ratchet down and lock onto the bit. This means no more burned palms from cranking the chuck to insert or remove a bit. Bits don't jam nearly as easily, either. The Hitachi and Makita models still use older designs that don't tighten and release as surely, and this resulted in some bits jamming during the high-speed drilling test.

Plastic chucks can cause problems, too. I've cut raised grooves into several of them by inadvertently drilling too close to a proud nail head or hunk of metal. The grooves are sharp and make tightening the chuck downright painful. The all-metal Milwaukee and Porter-Cable chucks—the only all-metal, ratcheting/locking chucks in the test—won't have this problem and seem indestructible. The Bosch, DeWalt, Craftsman, Panasonic, Hilti, and Metabo drills all have ratcheting/locking chucks, but they aren't all metal, they're a plastic/metal combination. The Makita and Hitachi chucks are mostly plastic.

Clutch. All the drills have a multi-position clutch ranging from 16 positions (DeWalt) to 22 (Hitachi). Personally I don't see the need for more than six positions. The Makita requires you to press a tiny button to bypass the clutch for the drill position on the clutch dial. It wasn't easy to use barehanded and was impossible to use with gloves on. Hilti's black-on-black clutch settings are almost impossible to see.

By Rex Cauldwell

dewalt tools : Our tester compares 10 cordless drill (1)

As both a master plumber and master electrician, I drill more holes for pipe and wire in a day than most tradesmen might in a week. It seems like I've got a drill in my hands most of the day, and more often than not it's a cordless tool. Using cordless drills improves convenience, safety, and speed for most of my jobs, and unless I'm drilling large-diameter or very deep holes, my cords stay in the van.

Test Criteria

Tool manufacturers sell the most cordless drills in voltages between 14.4 and 24. For my needs, 14.4-volt models are a little underpowered and 24 volters seem a bit heavy, so I tested 10 tools with batteries of 15.6, 18, and 19.2 volts. I tested the Hilti SF 150-A and Panasonic EY6432GQKW 15.6-volt tools. At 18 volts, I tested the Bosch 33618, Craftsman 27124, DeWalt DW987K-2, Hitachi DS18DVB, Makita 6347DWDE, Metabo BST18 Plus, and Milwaukee 0622-24. I also tested the lone 19.2-volt model, the Porter-Cable 9984.

I tested the tools on my jobsites and then in my shop running some speed and duration tests. I compared each model's balance, weight, and comfort. I also evaluated how easily I could reach and operate the switches. But the two most important test criteria for me were chuck quality and the number of holes I could drill at high and low speeds.

Design Features

A tool that's easy to move and position makes a big difference over time, especially if you spend a lot of time reaching between joists to sink holes. Tool size, handle thickness, balance, battery exchange, and battery orientation all affect a tool's feel. So do placement and movement of switches.

Size. Compact tools can feel lighter—even if they're not—and they're easier to maneuver and use. All the drills in this test, except the Craftsman model, are lean and compact and roughly the same size. The 15.6-volt Panasonic is the most compact of the bunch and is good for tight spaces or small hands.

Another handle feature that makes a tool easier to use is a non-slip surface. Most of the tools have comfortable non-slip surfaces that provide a better grip. Hitachi's handle is made up almost entirely of non-slip materials, so it's good for gripping. Metabo's all-plastic handle has no gripping surface, which makes it a bit tougher to hold when you're tired or if your hands are sweaty.

Balance. Once a drill/driver gets over 14.4 volts, battery location, orientation to the motor housing, and handle length can affect a tool's feel and balance. The motors on the DeWalt, Panasonic, Porter-Cable, and Craftsman models are parallel to the horizontal battery and each, except the Craftsman, has fine balance. The Craftsman's balance gets thrown off by its large battery, which is way out at the end of its long handle. The Bosch, Hilti, Hitachi, Makita, Metabo, and Milwaukee tools cant the battery down, creating an angle between the motor housing and battery, which provides a little better balance for me; I find those tools more comfortable to use.

By Rex Cauldwell

dewalt tools : post-race transcript

2006 ALLSTATE 400 AT THE BRICKYARD PRESS CONFERENCE
Matt Kenseth, Kevin Harvick, Clint Bowyer
Sunday, Aug. 6, 2006, Indianapolis Motor Speedway

MODERATOR: The runner-up in the DeWalt Power Tools Ford, that's Matt Kenseth. In third place, running a strong race in the #29 Reese's GM Goodwrench Chevrolet, was Kevin Harvick. And in fourth place in and our Raybestos Top Rookie, with a strong performance out there his first trip around the Brickyard in the #07 Jack Daniels Chevrolet, Clint Bowyer. Let's start with opening comments by Matt, Kevin and Clint. Matt, take us through the race out there this afternoon.

KENSETH: Take you through the whole race?

KENSETH: We had a pretty solid day. It seemed like most of the day, the #31 and the #29 were better, and we kind of gauged off of them. Kevin was still better than us at the end, but it seemed like we started to get better than the #31, and the #48 came out of nowhere and blew by us and won the race.


HARVICK: Well, my day was really good. We had a good car all day. We were able to go up and lead laps and keep the car up front all day. The guys did a great job, and we just got back there. We knew we needed four tires at the end and couldn't afford to gamble with everything that was going on. We thought that was our best chance to win the race. They just got through traffic a little better, and we just finished third. So, we didn't have anything for the #48, he (Johnson) pretty much had us covered.


BOWYER: It was good. It was fun to come here and qualify on the front row and finish in the top five. It was a struggle. The boys had a bit of a rough time in the pits. But them boys were under a lot of stress coming to a race like this sitting on the pole (front row), and they do a lot of things right and I'm not going to bad mouth them whatsoever. But, we had a great day, I'm really proud of Gil (Martin) for making a gutsy call, and it paid off.

Copyright © 1994-2006 Motorsport.com

dewalt tools : 3 col wide dropdeck

At 5:30 Tuesday night, the two Pinckney residents were first in a line of 700 people who were proudly wearing orange wristbands, which would allow them a few minutes with Stewart and Matt Kenseth, the 2003 NASCAR champion.

Stewart, who drives his No. 20 Chevrolet for sponsor Home Depot, said fan loyalty like this is "the highest compliment'' a driver could have. Stewart and Kenseth are in Michigan for Sunday's GFS Marketplace 400 race at Michigan International Speedway. Kenseth drives the No. 17 Ford for sponsor DeWalt power tools.

"I can't think of anyone I'd camp over night to see to get their autograph,'' he said. "Especially not mine,'' he said with a grin.

But for Amanda LeFehr, it was worth the wait.

"My heart, my stomach. I can't believe it,'' she said after getting Stewart's autograph.

"Tony told me I was crazy to be here at 12 a.m. to see him,'' she said. "It was great to be here. Both of them were really nice and I want to thank them for their time.''

Lori LeFehr said she was there for her husband, Mike, a Putnam Township firefighter, who is a huge Stewart fan.

BY LISA ALLMENDINGER

dewalt tools : Jimmie Johnson on a mission to reverse previous August finishes

As the mid-way point of the Race to the Chase for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series title approaches Sunday at Watkins Glen International, leader Jimmie Johnson (No. 48 Lowe’s Chevrolet) is looking to do something he has had difficulty achieving the past two seasons – maintaining the series lead during the month of August.

Johnson, who solidified his top spot in the standings with an impressive win last Sunday at Indianapolis, has either led the series standings or been among the top five during the late summer months for the past three seasons. However, a string of misfortunes have resulted in some considerable heartburn the past two years.

* In 2004, Johnson experienced engine failure at Indianapolis, Watkins Glen and Michigan that resulted in him slipping from the top spot to second place.

* In 2005, Johnson began the month of August with a 38th-place finish at Indy and ended with a 36th-place showing at Bristol. In between, he finished fifth at Watkins Glen and 10th at Michigan, but remained second in the standings.

But if Johnson’s performance last Sunday is any indication of things to come, that trend could be reversed in 2006.

Johnson’s first opportunity to “kiss the bricks” at fabled Indianapolis Motor Speedway translated to his fourth victory of this season and the 22nd of his NASCAR NEXTEL Cup career. He enters Sunday’s event at Watkins Glen, with 10 top-10 finishes in his last 11 races. As he continues his quest for his first NASCAR NEXTEL Cup championship, Johnson knows he must keep up the pace in order to stay at the top.

“It’s too early to say we have broken the pattern,” he said, “but you know, this is a great start. I think we are all going to learn together as these next few weeks unfold. We got over a big hurdle; one that has really plagued us in the past. But, it’s too early to get confident about anything.”

While he will be seeking for his initial road course win, Johnson has had reasonable success at The Glen. His Driver Rating (117.7) is actually his best for the remaining five tracks in the Race to the Chase and ranks second among series regulars. Johnson has a pair of top-10 finishes in his four career starts there (fifth in 2005 and fourth in 2003), but struggled to a 40th-place finish in 2004. As he enters this week’s competition with a 107-point lead over second place Matt Kenseth (No. 17 DEWALT Power Tools Ford), Johnson looks to ride the wave of momentum that has permeated his race team since his season-opening victory at the Daytona 500.

by: BGerhart

dewalt tools : Police Blotter

A North Burlington Road resident reported Tuesday morning that her vehicle's windshield was damaged while parked behind the state building on East Broad Street.

The victim told police she had already contacted a glass company, and was informed it will cost $130 to replace the windshield.

Brian K. Taylor, 27, of Vine Street, was arrested Tuesday on a failure to appear warrant, and was released after posting the required amount of $516 bail.

A South Giles Road resident reported Tuesday morning that someone broke out the passenger-side window to his work truck and stole the following: a DeWalt air compressor, valued at $750; a DeWalt drill, valued at $200; a Milwaukee drill, valued at $150; a DeWalt table saw, valued at $500; and a Milwaukee portable work radio, valued at $50.

©2006 New Jersey On-Line LLC. All Rights Reserved.

dewalt tools : Father Time winds down

CANTON Tony Carlone is a throwback, just like many of the antique watches and grandfather clocks he brought back to life during the last 64 years.

The 86-year-old still loves to work his craft. But his eyes have failed him. After surgery, his vision is improving. But sharp eyesight is essential to working with tiny pieces and parts.

It’s the main reason Carlone is shutting down his watch shop at 334 Fourth St. NW between Dewalt and Cleveland avenues. Monday was his last day, ending an era and one of the area’s longest tenured businesses.

“My hand is still steady,” he said, extending his right hand as proof. “But it’s my eyes.

“I could still do the work if the eyes were good.”

DYING ART

Carlone is a dying breed — a watch doctor. He sits on a custom-made chair, about a foot off the floor. Extra padding in the chair arms provides relief as he meticulously labored on watches and clocks for up to 10 hours a day.

“I feel bad I can’t serve my customers,” he said. “This business is dying like the horse and buggy.”

“We’re not modern,” he boasted of his business, as if it’s a badge of honor. “We’re still back in the ’40s. I wish we could go back to those years.”

He has fixed Dueber-Hampden watches, relics from the old factory in Canton that produced timepieces in the early 1900s. He also has worked on watches damaged in World War II.

In fact, Carlone learned the trade “from a guy who worked at Dueber-Hampden” who opened a jewelry shop in Minerva when the factory closed. Following a back surgery mishap, Carlone lost the use of his legs when he was 19 years old, then opened his own shop in his early 20s.

“I kept moving,” he said.

LOYAL CUSTOMERS

Carlone knows his customers, even if he can’t see them as well as he used to.

On Friday, when somebody walked through the door, Carlone could not clearly make out the woman standing in front of the counter. The shopkeeper shut his eyes, bowing his head and clasping his hands, concentrating to recognize the patron by voice.

Carlone will miss his customers.

“I love them all,” he said. “Thanks for your business.”

Despite the decline of the watch-repair trade, many customers have kept coming back, even as battery-operated watches and cell phones with built-in clocks became popular.

These days, most watches aren’t built to last, Carlone said. “In the old days, they could give a watch to you for graduation and you could hand it down to your grandchildren, and it would last you that long.”

He’s sold jewelry, but his specialty has been fixing “old, old wristwatches,” with assistance from his 89-year-old brother, Biaggio.

As of Friday, his tools were still everywhere. Pliers, a dozen or so screwdrivers. A flashlight, toothbrush, fingernail clippers, small hammer, magnifying glass. Scissors and brushes overflowed from a coffee cup. More than 50 small plastic drawers were stocked with watch parts.

Nothing compares to the job, Carlone said: “It’s an achievement that you’ll get gratitude out of, like breathing new life into something that was dead.”

WHO GETS A WATCH FIXED?

So who in today’s world gets a watch or clock repaired?

Carlone balks at the question. Sure, business has slowed since he opened in the early 1940s. But a few days before closing the shop, customers — or friends as he affectionately calls them — trickled through the door, walking underneath the faded, handmade sign hanging outside the entrance. Not to say goodbye; most didn’t know Carlone was closing the cozy and cluttered shop.

They stopped in for a new battery or with the intention of dropping off a windup watch to get repaired.

“The service he’s given me pans out,” said Wilbert Coleman, 76, of Canton. “It lasts.”

Clocks and watches also may hold sentimental value. A grandmother passes on a watch to a granddaughter. An antique clock is part of an estate. Some folks grow fond of a particular watch. Others simply don’t like to buy a new one unless it’s the only sensible option.

Some are not sure where to turn now that Carlone is retiring.

“I don’t know what I’m going to do now,” lamented Ruby Adams, a customer of about 20 years. “I have no idea. He’s the last of the original craftsman in watch repair, because people who are craftsmen and who really know these jobs ... they’re all gone, you can’t find them anymore.”

By ED BALINT

dewalt tools : Black & Decker Sales Slip

Although Black & Decker reported a higher second-quarter profit, sales slipped and the tool maker cut its full-year earnings forecast blaming a more modest U.S. economic climate.

The manufacturer of DeWalt drills, Kwikset locks and Price Pfister faucets said operating profit margins would likely decline in the third quarter because of higher costs of oil and raw materials. It said price increases were planned for later this year.

Sales growth in power tools is slowing down somewhat but the real story is weakness in locksets and faucets, due to a slowing down of construction activity in the U.S. and higher raw materials costs, said one industry analyst. Black & Decker has benefited in recent years from a boom in U.S. construction spending, but that is now changing.

The company said second-quarter earnings from continuing operations totalled $152.2 million, up from $150.9 million a year earlier. Sales were $1.697 billion, down slightly from $1.699 billion a year earlier, as growth slowed in Black & Decker's three major divisions. In the key power tools segment, sales were up just 1 percent, compared with a 35 percent rise in the year-earlier quarter, as consumer products group sales fell. Black & Decker said some retailers cut inventory. Hardware and home improvement sales fell 6 percent as key lockset retailers did not increase orders.

© 2006 Business Information Group. All Rights Reserved

dewalt tools : Lowe's join to educate women about construction

Irene Gomez placed her weight on a yellow Dewalt nail gun, pushed down and pulled the trigger.

Once. Twice. Three times she tried. The nail didn't budge.

Then Nancy Johnston stepped in, having Gomez step aside while she demonstrated. Johnston has an advantage: She works at Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse.

"Not as much on the trigger," Johnston told Gomez. Then she handed it back for Gomez to try.

Gomez was among about 75 women who came to a free building clinic sponsored by Habitat for Humanity and Lowe's on July 20. Of those, only about 15 to 20 were brave enough to get their hands on a nail gun or drill.

Gomez tried two more times before she got the nail through the block of wood.

"This is not as easy as it looks," she said to onlooking friends who teased her.

She's used drills before, the 42-year-old postal worker said. "I'm just nervous."

Gomez showed up to the first building class for women after her husband, who volunteers for Habitat for Humanity, told her about it.

Clinics are held every Thursday through the end of August to give women a taste of the kind of work they would do for an upcoming Women Build project.

Only women will be building Kelly Galindo's new house at 7415 Sam Bowen Court N.W. That means no husbands or boyfriends.

Even Galindo, who attended the first clinic, must put 500 hours of work into the project.

"My goal is not to have any men on the build site - except for crew leaders," said Val Shulfer, job captain of Women Build.

Shulfer is the only female crew leader working for Habitat for Humanity. Habitat officials hope more women will step into leadership positions, like crew leader, as part of the project, said Joe Martinez, director of programs for the Greater Albuquerque Habitat for Humanity.

Men won't be turned away from clinics, but the classes are meant for women who may not have much experience working with power tools or roofing, Martinez said.

Melissa Goldman came because she's interested in volunteering for Habitat. She grew up around tools, but thought she could use "the basics again."

Topics include framing, painting, insulation installation and use of power Dewalt tools, among others.

At the first clinic, Shulfer and Johnston covered safety, cutting drywall, the proper way to swing a hammer and how to use a nail gun and drill.

"A lot of this stuff women could do on their own. they just need someone to show them," Shulfer said.

Men have the advantage, she said, because they grow up learning building and construction skills.

She said giving women a chance to be part of a building project gives them a sense of empowerment.

"They're the ones building it," Shulfer said. "They'll swing the hammer, and they'll lift the trusses when we do the roof. When all is said and done, they've built a house for someone to live in."

A Women Build project and clinic was attempted about two years back but wasn't successful, Shulfer said. Women stopped building after about three weeks.

"We are bound and determined to keep women from start to finish," Shulfer said.

Martinez, who joked he was the only man at the clinic, was pleasantly surprised by the turnout at the first seminar.

"We were ready for a big crowd," he said. "But that was impressive."

Not only did a lot of women show up for the clinic, but more than 200 have signed up just to be part of Women Build, he said.

So many have signed up that Women Build may have another project in the near future, Martinez said.

"I don't think women know what they are capable of until they get out there," Gomez said. "It's such a male-dominated field."

She'll be practicing her nail gun skills at home.

By Rivkela Brodsky

dewalt tools : Punters give tools test run

Customers at a pub were allowed to get tooled up last week but only to try out a range of power tools.

Russells DIY and Trade organised the day at the Kings Head pub in Tooting so people could try out Dewalt and Tool Bank tools.

Tooting town centre manager Audrey Helps hoped the day demonstrated how local businesses can work together for mutual benefit.

continued...
Russells staff showed people at the pub how to operate the tools and served free food and drink all day on Thursday last week.

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