Tool launch report: the latest tools and trends from this year's National Hardware Show - News

Tools of the Trade, Nov-Dec, 2003 by Mark Clement

August was a big tool month this year in and around Chicago's National Hardware Show. There was lots of action: hungry new competitors, revamped tool lines, innovative technology, and smart inventions--all of them vying for room in your gang box.

Competition. The biggest ripple in the water was Ridgid's feet-first jump into the portable power tool market. Adding to its lines of stationary tools and jobsite saws, Ridgid has designed and built what it calls "best in class" portable power tools, including compact cordless drill/drivers, a jig saw, corded and cordless circ and recip saws, a tough-feeling angle grinder, and a drill/hammerdrill with a "pulse" action for drilling in tile or extracting stripped screws. The company also beefed up its existing tool line. While many of the models present a high-end fit and finish and come in at competitive prices--particularly the contractor and portable table saws, jointer, and cordless drill/drivers--some handled like they might bridge the gap between the cost-conscious but demanding pro and the high-end DIYer. Ridgid says the tools will sell both through pro channels like STAFDA houses as well as through their exclusive home center partner, The Home Depot.

Technology. Bosch unveiled some tight new tools, too, including a well-designed portable vacuum, a solid-feeling tuck-pointer, a terrific 6-inch right-angle sander, and a much-improved 7 1/4-inch sidewinder. The real breakthrough, though, is the company's first-ever adaptation of lithium ion battery technology into a cordless tool, the Dremel Model 800. Bosch, which owns Dremel, says the unit's 10.8-volt battery has 50 percent more torque and 40 percent more speed than the 9.6-volt model, and the cordless tool's performance matches the corded version's output. While it will still be a while before we see lithium ion--powered recip saws and drill/drivers, Bosch has made the first big move.

Nextel added an excellent feature--PowerSwipe--to its mobile communications suite. In addition to all of the standard Nextel features, you can now use your phone (with an accessory unit mounted on the back) to accept and process credit cards the second you finish a job. Also, Nextel says that the processing fee for using PowerSwipe is cheaper and faster than most fees and costs currently in use. Beam a signal to the wireless printer and your customer can sign their receipt on the spot.

Numbers Game. Porter-Cable/Delta released a truckload of improved tools. While they debuted redesigned routers, dust-hungry aircleaners, and re-tooled shop equipment, the real punch for jobsite work was their overhauled sidewinder, recip saw, and pneumatics line, including the company's high-pressure framing equipment. The circ saw I tried was still a rough-around-the-edges prototype, but it seems like a significant leap forward for the line. The unit has improved dust ejection, a new handle, and comes in left-blade or right-blade models, with or without a brake. The recip saw has a useful articulating handle and aggressive orbital cutting action. Also, the tool settles in at a more affordable price than the company's fully articulating Tiger Claw. Porter-Cable's new roofing nailer also looked great--light, well-balanced, and tough. A new nail-feeding system, the company says, ensures that every nail lies flat on the shingle and the nailer runs jam-free.

Hot Finds. Finally, the tradesmen-inventors and on-the-ground product developers hit NHS with ideas born on the jobsite. Check out foul" of these fresh ideas in our Hot Finds section.