Launch time: here are some of the newest tools the industry has to offer

Building Products, Jan-Feb, 2005 by Katy Tomasulo

Every fall is launch time in the tool industry, and manufacturers haven't disappointed, recently introducing enough new products to keep even the biggest tool hound excited. What's more, the latest tools, accessories, and equipment are packed with cool features and details that will make your work easier, faster, and in some cases, safer.

So whether you're in need of a high-tech stud finder or hunting for the perfect lightweight cordless drill, check out this collection of new wares selected by the editors of TOOLS OF THE TRADE magazine, a sister publication of BUILDING PRODUCTS. The blustery cold days of winter may be here, but the tool market is as hot as ever.

Festool

With a compact design, light weight, and interchangeable chucks, TDK CE cordless drills work well in small spaces, the maker says. Interchangeable chucks the quick-change Centrotec chuck; a FastFix right-angle chuck for working around corners; and a FastFix eccentric chuck for working closer to inside corners. The tool features 42 torque settings for better control, reduction gearing for high speed or high torque, and a smart charger. 888-337-8600. www.festool-usa. com. Circle 28S.

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Triton workshop systems

The 18-volt cordless plunge drill features a multi-function plunge base attachment for center-line drilling of round, square, and rectangular sections; an adjustable fence; a telescopic plunge mechanism that locks quickly out of the way when not needed; a 24-setting torque clutch; and 1/2-inch Jacobs single-sleeve keyless chuck with auto shaft lock. It comes with two 2-amp-hour batteries, a one-hour charger, and case. 888874-8661. www.tritonwoodworking.com. Circle 286.

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Leica geosystems

The latest in the Disto line of laser distance meters, the Disto Classic a sports a new ergonomic design and an extended measuring range from .7 inch to 650 feet with 1/16-inch accuracy. Other features include automatic calculation of area and volume, and remote measuring using the triangulation function; an integrated telescopic viewer; a raised keypad and raised buttons; and built-in bubble level. 770-447-6361. www.disto.com Circle 287.

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Metabo

The PSE1200 reciprocating saw has a non-slip rubber-coated handle that can be rotated through four positions without a tool and a blade that can be rotated 180 degrees for upward cutting. The unit features tool-free blade changing, selectable orbital action, an adjustable blade stop, and a 1,200-watt variable-speed motor that delivers up to 2,600 spin. It weighs 93 pounds. 800-638-2264. www. metabousa.com. Circle 288.

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Ridgid

The R82233 12-volt right-angle impact driver takes the power and lighter weight of an impact driver into tight spaces. The unit features a 2,150-rpm motor that delivers 650 inch-pounds of torque, a variable-speed reversing switch, a 1/4-inch quick coupler for faster bit changes, and an ergonomic paddle switch. The tool weighs 4.7 pounds. It comes with a Rapid Max 20-minute battery charger. 866-539-1710. www. ridgid.com. Circle 290.

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Warn industries

The first all-in-one portable winch/carrier combination, the 3200AC-R comes ready to plug in right out of the box, says the maker, with all of the necessary accessories already assembled. The unit is pre-mounted to a carrier and includes an integrated mounting plate, roller fairlead, carry handle, and built-in dock for the remote. It has a pull capacity of 3,200 pounds and runs off of a standard wall socket. 800-543-9276. www.warn.com. Circle 289.

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Zircon

The industry's first center-finding stud finder, the CenterVision MultiScanner OneStep, eliminates the need for users to use a dual scan and mark procedure to find the center of the stud, the company says The unit can locate studs, joists, metal and rebar and can detect and trace hot electrical wires. It finds studs and metal up to 1 1/2 inches deep and rebar in up to 3-inch-deep concrete. It features a backlit LCD screen, a non-slip grip, and high-impact yellow case. 800-245-9265. www.zircon.com. Circle 291

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Hitachi

The C12LCH 12-inch compound miter saw boasts an LCD digital miter and bevel scale on the front, allowing for quick and accurate setting of miter and bevel angles. The saw also features an adjustable laser line indicator, 15-amp motor with 1,950 watts maximum output power, a pivoting aluminum fence, a miter range from 0 to 52 degrees right or left, and thumb-actuated positive stops. 800-706-7337. www.hitachipowertools.com. Circle 292.

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Freud

Combining the technology of a shaper with the portability and versatility of a router, the PKC0026 Router Table System Combo Package includes the RTT01 table top that measures 32 inches by 24 inches by 1 inch and includes 3/4-inch T-track for miter gauges and accessories. The kit also comes with a 3 1/4-inch variable-speed plunge router, a router mounting plate, a router table fence system, and a variable-height stand. 800-334-4107. www.freudtools.com. Circle 294.