40V HP Brushless Whisper Series 22″ 2-Stage Cordless Electric Self-Propelled Snow Blower (model RY408150)

Ryobi 40V 22-inch, 2-Stage Snowblower

3.5/5

Manufacturer: Ryobi
Model number: RY408150
Power source: Cordless
Motor size: 40V
Weight: 136 lbs

Specifications & Features | Ryobi 40V 22-inch Snowblower

Specifications

• Clearing width: 22 in
• Stage Type: 2 stage
• Motor Power: 40 Volts
• Auger diameter: 10 in
• Auger Material: Steel
• Chute material: Plastic
• Run Time (2x *Ah batteries): Avg. 30 min
• Discharge chute turn radius: 180 degrees
• Plowing capacity: 1900lbs/min
• Max throw distance: 45 ft.
• Ideal surfaces: Paved or gravel, even or uneven
• Total Weight: 136 lbs
• Self Propelled: Yes; variable forward and reverse
• Light: Single LED, Auger top-mounted

Features

• Brushless motor, advanced electronics, and lithium batteries to provide more power, runtime, and durability
• Whisper series snow blower is engineered to be 44% quieter than gas snowblowers
• Variable speed, self-propelled drive system
• Variable speed all steel auger for heavy-duty clearing
• Dense & Deep (up to 18 in) snow capable and panel-based, lever-controlled, 180° directional chute
• High-intensity LED headlights allow you to blow snow at dawn or dusk

Overall Power & Performance

The true test of a snowblower is wet snow and luckily (or unluckily) we get plenty of that in Cape Cod where we tested out the Ryobi RY408150 snow blower. We used this to clear 6″-8″ of heavy wet snow and it easily threw the white stuff 35+ feet when needed. This Ryobi 40V 22-inch Snowblower sports a high-torque, brushless motor that self regulates voltage to maintain consistent power throughout the battery run-time. We varied the auger power/speed and the chute top angle to max out around 35-40 ft of max distance. Why does this matter? This allowed us to throw snow across our driveway and/or far enough straight ahead to not double clear the snow. It gives you more options when clearing snow.

Run-time

One of the positive surprises of this snowblower was the run-time. On the above-mentioned snow, we found the included 2x 8 Ah batteries actually allowed us to clear snow for about 35 mins total before running out. This slightly exceeded the stated 30 mins and represents a 17% performance increase over what we expected. More importantly, we had enough run-time to finish clearing our main (gravel) driveway that is approximately 12 ft wide x 30 ft long. This Ryobi 40V 22-inch Snowblower has 4 battery spaces; 2 for active batteries and 2 storage spaces (the 2x 6Ah batteries were ones I already had).

Shear Pin Replacement

Fortunately (at least for review purposes) we did shear a shear bolt while testing out this snowblower. It gave us a chance to test out the shear pin replacement factor and it was not more complicated than required. We appreciated that Ryobi supplied an extra set (4 bolts) or replacement shear pins. And we really appreciated that there was an integrated and easily accessible storage spot between the chute and control panel. We sheared the pin when a few pieces of larger crushed rock got caught between the auger and housing which is not a knock on this snowblower as it comes with the territory of having a crushed rock driveway vs. paved.

LED Light

The placement and brightness of the LED were both effective and appreciated. We did a second clearing just after dusk to specifically test the night operation of the snowblower and it worked great. The LED light is not a full light bar. It is just a centrally mounted LED assembly, but still proved adequate for homeowner/residential use. There is no option to turn off the light.

Control Panel Design & Overall Ergonomics

The overall design of the Ryobi 40V 22-inch Snowblower is pretty standard. It has bottom mounted skid shoes to allow for depth settings on pavements or hard ground surfaces. These are made of heavy-duty plastic as opposed to steel so, while less expensive to replace, have the potential of becoming brittle and breaking in the extreme cold. There is a lever-style control for the chute top angle (controls throw distance) on the top control panel. It was easy to operate with gloves and preferred over a manual adjustment design. There is also a crank-style lever underneath the handle assembly used to adjust the chute throwing direction. This was preferred to other crank handle-style chute controls we’ve tested on other snowblowers.

While the auger and self-propelled drive levers are a standard, handle integrated design, we did run into issues with them during use. In particular, we had to clean out frozen/packed snow accumulation approximately 10 mins into our first run on 6″ heavy snow. The snow build up prevented the plastic handle from fully depressing the activation switch on the bottom of the control assembly, pictured below, preventing the auger from engaging. This was an easy fix but unnecessarily frustrating issue.

We appreciated the self-propelled power but found the lower end speed setting to still be slightly faster than desired. Of note, with a plastic body composition and total weight of 136 lbs, there was a learning curve on gravel surfaces to keeping the auger intake from getting stuck and the tires from spinning. The all-steel auger and intake housing design meant that the high wear components (minus the skid shoes) are rugged and able to clear packed snow and intermittent ice chunks as expected.

Snowblower Safety Features

This Ryobi 40V 22-inch Snowblower has the standard style cleaning tool integrated into the tool body housing. This is a standard yet essential feature as every year there are multiple instances of snow blower operators losing fingers from cleaning out clogged chutes using their hands. It stayed securely in place and was easy to remove and store again.

One of the major benefits of switching to a cordless snowblower is the decrease in noise and fumes. The Ryobi RY408150 snowblower exemplifies these traits. We used it without hearing protection as the only real source of noise is the auger churning through snow. And even then, we were able to have a conversation without yelling. The lack of fumes and post-use ear ringing are real benefits and fall into the long-term safety category.

Final Thoughts | Ryobi 40V 22-inch Snowblower

The Ryobi 40V 22-inch Snowblower (model RY408150) is a mid-sized yet powerful option with basic features and overall solid performance. It is ideally designed for small-mid sized paved driveways and sidewalks. It provides straightforward adjustability with a solidly performing motor. The run-time with the provided 8Ah batteries was on par with the manufacturers advertised performance and sufficient for most of the snow blowing we used it for. At $1200, which is an average-range price, we’d like to see a more robust design in the lever-based auger and self-propelled controls though. The decreased noise and fumes are huge benefits to a cordless snowblower. If you regularly snow blow, and already have Ryobi 40V tools, then this is a no brainer.

Ryobi 40V 22-inch Snowblower Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Milwaukee New SHOCKWAVE Drill Bits 2024 Released at World of Concrete

The ToolBoxBuzz Crew has been given early access to the new releases from Milwaukee for the World of Concrete 2024 expo. We wanted to highlight Milwaukee’s newest drill bits – the extended length 12 in. SHOCKWAVE & 18in. Bellhanger Drill Bits. Both of these bit series will be debuting this week in Las Vegas. Milwaukee continues to expand both their MX & M18 FUEL line ups and is offering these PRO ready SHOCKWAVE and Bellhanger bits to pair with them.

12 in. Extended Length Multi-Material Drill Bits

Okay, you may be asking what’s the big deal about drill bits?  Well, Milwaukee’s SHOCKWAVE bits feature a solid carbide tip with an edge designed to be used on a wide range of materials. These bits are tough and not prone to breaking in rugged materials like steel or concrete. And because they actually work well for a bunch of tasks as well as in standard chuck drills and 1/4 in. impact drivers alike, they save time from unnecessary bit swap outs.

The 12 in. extended length is optimized for through hole drilling applications. Of note, the multi-material design works great for stacked materials. So if you have a steel plate on a sole plate with a poured concrete floor… a single bit will handle them all with ease. They will be available February 2024 in 1/4, 5/16, 3/8, and 1/2 in. diameters.

18 in. Extended Length Bellhanger Drill Bits

If you’ve ever tried drilling small diameters holes in studs and headers to run small diameter wires then you know what a pain it can be. Especially when trying to fit a fish tape through them after drilling in finish work. Bellhanger bit are long bits with a small hole slightly inset from the tip of the bit. The hole lets you attach and fish a wire through the fresh hole(s) as you pull the bit back out.

These bits feature aggressive tip geometry for faster cutting and non-stick, coated flutes for fast chip removal and reduced binding. Specifically, Milwaukee is launching 4 new Bellhanger drill bit options in an 18 in overall length. They include diameters of 1/4, 5/16, 3/8, and 1/2 in. and will be available February 2024.

World of Concrete 2024

This is a brief overview of newest Milwaukee drill bit additions that will be unveiled at World of Concrete 2024. ToolBoxBuzz will be covering these tools in more depth and detail once they are available. Make sure to follow our website and YouTube channel for more updates. Also, check out our coverage of Milwaukee’s other new tool announcements for the expo.

Below is a link to our friends at Home Depot where you can order any of the new tools announced at World of Concrete 2024.

Milwaukee New SHOCKWAVE Drill Bits 2024 is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Lund Duraloader Arched Aluminum Folding Loading Ramps

Lund Duraloader Arched Aluminum Folding Loading Ramps

5/5

Manufacturer: Lund by Realtruck
Model number: Duraloader Arched (Model 602013)
Weight: 28 lbs

Specifications & Features | Lund Duraloader Loading Ramps

Specifications

• Size: ‎71″L x 13″W x 6″H
• Load Capacity: 750 lbs (each ramp)
• Weight: 28 lbs
• Material: Aluminum (6061)
• Producing Country: USA
• Warranty: Limited Lifetime

Features

• Folds in half with integrated carrying handle for easy loading/storing
• Raised edge help prevent wheels from sliding off,
• Extruded “cleated hole” surface provides traction
• Rubberized tailgate protector protects vehicles finish

Folding Arched Design

The largest factor in decreasing the overall effort of loading and unloading a truck bed is the load angle. Vertical lifting of really heavy items (like an ATV or refrigerator) can be near impossible. So, a ramp (and hand truck as required) is an essential tool to help you complete heavy loading. The Lund Duraloader Arched Folding Ramps are an industry best at 10 ft! This means they offer the best load angle which is further pronounced with their arched design. The advantages of an arched design may not seem obvious at first, but they allow for a near horizontal load angle at the edge of the truck tailgate. This decreases any risk of catching a mower deck on the edge of the tailgate or bouncing an ATV if you accidentally give a bit too much gas when transitioning from ramp to bed.

But a 10 ft long ramp can be awkward to move and store, which is why these ramps conveniently fold in half. When folded, the overall length is 71 in. This easily fit into a short bed truck bed (at an angle) as pictured above. The handles were decently placed along the folded ramp’s center of gravity, so they didn’t twist or pull too awkwardly when carrying them.

In addition, these ramps have a stable and padded ramp tongue to make sure that they don’t scratch your tailgate or slide while loading. These were both greatly appreciated features. The only suggestion we had after testing them out though was for Lund to consider beveling or grinding down the edge. It was pretty sharp and naturally protrudes forward when setting up or carrying the ramps around.

Design & Construction Features

Besides a stable and long ramp, we also looked for key safety features. And the Lund Duraloaders again had what we were looking for. First, they had a very effective extruded “cleat grip” design. All this really means is they had upward-punched holes so the hole edges provided grip. It also has the added design feature of making sure liquids flow down and away from the grip surface which is especially important with ice in the winter. Secondly, these ramps have ridged edges to help guide/keep wheels from rolling off the side of the ramp when loading. They are especially effective for smaller wheels (like a hand truck) vs larger wheels like an ATV.

Lund’s Duraloader ramps also have a securing chain to add an extra layer of protection from the ramps unexpectedly pulling away from (and falling off) the truck tailgate. We didn’t use them much when we tested out these ramps though because the foam padding on the bottom of the tailgate tongue worked well for us. Plus, most of our testing was on gravel at a jobsite so the risk of ramp slippage was decreased. But it’s a nice feature to highlight and, in some cases, can play an important role.

Overall Takeaways

Lund Duraloader Loading Ramps make an awesome work truck accessory. They are heavy duty ramps that feel stable and secure even under heavy loads. the cleated traction combined with the extended length make for a secure footing and low load angle that protect both you and your truck from slippage and bottoming out. This is further supported with the raised edges to help keep caster and dolly wheels from rolling off the sides of the ramp. The 6061 extruded aluminum will surely withstand even the harshest elements. And the folding design with the built in carrying handle made it pretty easy to move these around the jobsite and into/out of our work truck. Other than a few sharp aluminum edges to be cautious with we really only had positive takeaways from these Lund Duraloader folding aluminum ramps. They are an overall great investment!

Lund Duraloader Loading Ramps Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz

2023 Holiday Tool Gift Guide

This year’s TBB’s 2023 Holiday Gift Guide will help you pick out the perfect gift(s) for that hard-to-buy-for tradesperson in your life. Especially if you’re shopping for someone who just wants tools but already seems to have too many. Or that special person talks about tools and hardware even when they know you don’t have a clue what they are talking about. Yeah… we’re here to help!  Whether you need that last small gift or are looking to start off with a big bang, we have you covered. We go through the heartache, pain, and suffering of testing out some of the industry’s uniquest (yep, that’s a real word), most practical, and just plain coolest tools and job site gadgets to create a full-spectrum holiday gift guide.

To help you out, regardless of your budget, we broke down the tools by price categories which are:

• $30 and under:  The Simple gift
• $30-75:  The Perfect gift
• $75-200:  The Surefire gift
• Over $200:  Santa’s REALLY nice list!

And all of the tools in our 2023 Holiday Gift Guide are ones that are in our job site kits or our Pros’ workshops. So hang some lights and then get ready to hang out with us for a bit.

$30 and under Gifts | The Simple gift

• DEWALT Elite Ceramic-Coated Abrasives

If you are trying to think of something small to finish off your list or throw in a stocking these DEWALT abrasive discs are awesome. They come in a variety of sizes to fit a wide range of angle grinders. The ceramic abrasive quality is second to none. It may not seem exciting but having discs on hand that don’t burn out in a hurry is awesome when you’re in the middle of metal fabrication of any kind. It’s a fun way to let someone try a new brand or style of something they may already buy on a regular basis.

Purchase at DEWALT for $8-20

• Kobalt 24 & 48 in. Levels

We’re sure you builder has calibrated eyeballs (just like us) and doesn’t always need a level. But when they do… have them reach for one of these Kobalt levels. The 24″ level is great for most common indoor tasks like hanging pictures or shelves. And the 48″ level is great for more intense tasks like leveling framing or as a straight edge for plywood or drywall sheets. The bubbles on these Kobalt levels are easy to see, they are durable, and best of all the price is reasonable.

Purchase at Lowes for $18-25

• Milwaukee Tape Measure 2-Pack Set

We will probably never have a holiday gift guide without a tape measure. This year it’s the Milwaukee tape measures that caught our eye. They are the most essential tool at hand and one that typically wears out from such frequent use. These tape measures are easy to read, have a solidly designed locking lever, and are rugged as hell. They have great extension rigidity until they hit their fold point. They are sure to last until you decide to replace them next holiday season (and beyond). You cant go wrong with a Milwaukee tape measure.

Purchase at Home Depot for $20

• Gerber Zilch Knife

If you’ve relied on any of our previous holiday gift guides you’ll know that we love a good pocket knife. Chances are your tool lover may as well. Look for further than the Gerber Zilch. This is a sharp-as-hell out of the box, straightforward folding knife. There are multiple color schemes to choose from (we loved the tactical coyote brown and black knife). Its lightweight and sports a great belt clip. The locking mechanism is a standard inside handle locking tab design and it works great.

Purchase at Gerber for $25

• Elgin Firebolt Flashlight

The Elgin Firebolt is a well-rounded flashlight in every way. First, it features a tough yet lightweight metal case. And the case is hex shaped to prevent it from rolling off work surfaces. It also has a magnetic integrated into the side so you can stick it on a close metal surface to work hands free. Second, its satisfyingly bright (~100 lumens) for a single LED light. And third, the battery life (2x AAA batteries) is surprisingly efficient. And the IP66 rating means it’s actually quite weatherproof. Shoot, get a couple to leave in the shop or in some vehicles and you’ll be reaping the rewards of a solid holiday purchase for a long time to come.

Purchase at Elgin USA for $25

• Ryobi USB Rechargeable Inflator

Having an inflator in your vehicle can be a literal lifesaver. The Ryobi USB-battery digital readout inflator works wonderfully. It’s the most compact battery powered inflator we’ve used and includes an integrated inflator needle if you need to fill up a ball. The USB battery is recharged using a Type C USB cord which is pretty universal these days. Getting the tire pressure low warning on a cold winter morning is no fun but skipping a quick trip to the gas station or firing up your air compressor saves time and frustration.

Purchase at Home Depot for $30

• Milwaukee Hex Key Set

There are few things more annoying than having a missing hex key when you are in the middle of a task involving small bolts or fasteners. This Milwaukee hex key set eliminates that hassle by conveniently mounting common hex key sizes on a flip out style handle. The handle, unlike some cheaper versions, is sturdy and won’t crack under the torque applied from breaking free stuck fasteners. They are compact and easy to store too with hardened metal that won’t strip easily. These make a great small gift or stocking stuffer for sure!

Purchase at Home Depot for $30

$30-75 Gifts | The Perfect gift

• Craftsman Versastack Tool Box

A good storage option is always appropriate. And the Craftsman Versastack Deep Tool Box is a great option in the storage department. It checks all the boxes we look for — weather protected (IP54 rated), stackable, reconfigurable, durable, and cost effective. The last thing we want is to spend more on the toolbox than the tools inside them. But the Versastack is not a compromise as much as its a innovative solution. It allows you to fit a variety of tools and parts in mutliple compartments to make getting them safely to and from a jobsite hassle free.

Purchase at Lowes for $38

• KREG Rip Cut System

For those of us that may not have a panel saw set up in the garage or want to go through the hassle of laying out and fitting up a track saw… check out the KREG Ripcut System. This system incorporates a universal base to house your circular saw and a sturdy, adjustable guide bar to quickly and easily Rip panels to desired widths. It takes up hardly any space and is surprisingly accurate for rough carpentry jobs. And in this price category it probably doesn’t break the bank either.

Purchase at Home Depot for $40

• Microjig Dovetail Ratchet Clamp

One of our shop Pros recently needed some quick-adjusting clamps with a dovetail-compatible foot for a table saw rail and CNC table hold-downs. He tested out these Microjig Dovetail Ratchet Clamps and loved them. The foot securely slides along a T-Track or dovetail groove. The foot firmly ratchets into place and includes a spring mechanism to allow it to maintain its setting despite gravity’s best efforts. The angle of the foot is designed to work with a 14-degree dovetail as well so this clamp allows for completely custom jig and clamp designs that can be reconfigured with ease.

Purchase at Microjig for $42

• KREG Drawer Front Mounting System

We couldn’t decide which KREG tool we loved more (see above) so we decided to include the KREG drawer front mounting system as well. This custom jig set makes quick, accurate, and repeatable work of mounting drawer fronts on custom drawers. So not only does this work great for new build projects on the horizon but can also help with renovating current installs with easy drawers’ front swaps to upgrade your current abode. It’s another space efficient, low cost, unique tool that your tool lover might not realize they’ve always wanted.

Purchase at Kreg for $50

• Gearwrench 3-Ton Jackstand Set

Does your tool hound like to get under a hood and turn a wrench? If so, or if they aspire to, then check out the new Gearwrench 3 ton jack stands. They have a double pin locking feature for an added safety feature to make sure the vehicle you’re working on stays where it should – above you! They are rugged and offer an industry standard wide base and ratcheting adjustment design. Plus the yellow powder coat finish looks great… especially if your gift getter has other gold toned tools in the shop!

Purchase at ACME Tools for $50

• Garret Wade Caliper & Compass set

Fine craftsmanship and finish carpentry require precision. So whether your making sure the thickness of your substrates and materials is exactly the same or ensuring that multiple work points have the same center radius offset, these Garret Wade precision tools are perfect. They are crafted from solid back steel with brass fittings. So they not only are designed well but look outstanding. They come in a convenient storage box that will ensure they stay in place to be handed down to the next generation of woodworker in your family line.

Purchase at Garret Wade for $50

• Ryobi USB Rechargeable Soldering Pen

You know what we don’t love? Contorting our bodies into confined spaces while doing plumbing or electrical work and THEN having to manipulate a hot soldering iron and cord with Flux and wire. So we love a cordless option here to make maneuvering to secure (or resecure) a tight to reach pipe or wire connection. The Ryobi USB soldering iron incorporates a Type-C USB rechargeable, 2 Ah battery into a compact design to create a functional yet lightweight and comparatively inexpensive option to benefit any homeowner DIYer. It’s definitely worth considering!

Purchase at Home Depot for $70

$75-200 Gifts | The Surefire gift

• Bosch Colt 1-HP Palm Router

Palm or trim routers are very useful tools to ensure smooth laminates or layer-ed glue-up tasks. As far as routers go, they are lightweight and portable. The Bosch Colt 1-HP palm router is impressively powerful and smooth and stands out in this compact router class. It is great for small shops where power and outlets are plentiful. It is also an excellent choice for any CNC router tools and investments which is a task we tested heavily while trying out the Bosch Colt. The variable speed dial is responsive and stays in place despite constant vibrations which is an important feature. The collet was easy to access, and the quick release collar was well designed and easy to adjust. All in all, this is a great trim router option with all the core features we look for in a corded option.

Purchase at Lowes for $79

• Elgin Rampage Headphones

We’ve had Elgin USA hearing protection on our shops for years and are as impressed with them today as we were when we first put them on. And we appreciate a variety of designs to match a variety of tasks. So, while we love Elgin’s REBEL earbuds for welding and grinding, the RAMPAGE headphones are awesome for tasks like cutting and nailing. They fit snugly over your ears without becoming uncomfortable after hours of use. They offer a respectable 25 dB noise rating (OSHA compliant!) and connect to a phone via Bluetooth. Best of all though the button design was designed in an easy-to-operate-even-with-work gloves way. Use it to adjust volume or make calls with the integrated mic. These is truly a well thought out piece of hearing protection.

Purchase at Elgin USA for $85

• Go Rhino HS-30 Hitch Step

Not all of those getting gifts are young and spry. So if your gift target might be a little slower or more careful reaching into the bed of their truck these days, check out the Rhino hitch step. It’s a straightforward design that fits into a standard 2 in. female hitch receiver. Between the heavy-duty steel, powder coat finish, and non-slip surface treatment, this is a rugged and practical gift that will earn its keep time and time again. Even better? The angled-corners design of the HS-30 means that if you forget it’s mounted at walk into it (not that we ever do that) you are less likely to hobble away with a serious injury.

Purchase at Real Truck for $86

• Bosch BLAZE 165 ft. Green Laser Measuring Tool

When you need to frequently take long distance measurements this is the tool for you. But this Bosch BLAZE (GLM165-25G) does way more than just straight liine measurements. Integrated features include: Fixed/Continuous measurement, area, volume, indirect height, and wall area calculating among others. The green laser is extremely bright and easy to see even in full daylight at distance. And if you’re skeptical on its precision don’t be; this laser measurement tool is accurate to +/- 1/16 in.  Bosch included a haptic vibrate feature so even if you’re on a loud jobsite, you can still feel confirmation of button presses even if you can’t hear the audible beeps. Lastly, the BLAZE is a rugged design ready for the elements with an IP65 weather-protected rating and reinforced housing. This is a great investment for PROs and folks doing onsite estimates and measurement with regularity.

Purchase at Home Depot for $97

• Gerber FAST Tanto Knife

Does a knife enthusiast ever have enough knifes? Nope, no way. So if you’re looking for a good knife option with some unique features you should consider Gerber’s FAST Tanto knife. Gerber has an assisted opening design, called FAST, that makes this knife as fun to open as it is to use. It’s got a great textured grip that helps keep it firmly in your grip. And the black Tanto-style blade is different than your average round edged blade and really stands out. And at $99 its a mid-range option that feels more high end than that!

Purchase at Gerber for $99

• Kobalt Utility Cart

There is nothing more frustrating than setting down a tool mid task only to turn around and have it disappear. We blame it on shop Gremlins… Having a utility cart that easily rolls from task to task is a life saver for keeping the Gremlins at bay. This Kobalt cart makes it easy to sort and store your tools and accessories as you go. It saves you time and frustration. And can even prevent you from losing or accidently breaking pieces and having to re-buy them. It’s a great option that may not be the first thing they think of or ask for.

Purchase at Lowes for $119

• Husky Liners Weatherbeater Floor Mats

We admittedly put our work trucks through their paces. So, one of the first things we make sure they have is some heavy-duty rubber floor mats. These Husky floor mats fit like a glove and are built to stand up to the rigors of a work crew. But that doesn’t mean that they are only for work trucks. They look so good that they are an instant upgrade to any vehicle – cars, vans included. The only vehicle we wouldn’t put them on is a motorcycle. They are a breeze to pull out and hose or power wash off as well. And the sectioned design means that spills of mud won’t spill off the edges of the mat. Grab a set for an easy win.

Purchase at Real Truck for $60-199 ($125 as shown)

• Gearwrench Rolling Mechanics Seat

Sometimes it’s nice to get off your feet in the workshop. And when you can do that in a seat designed to make shop or mechanic work easier than all the better. This Gearwrench rolling mechanics seat features an adjustable height air shock and full 360-degree swivel to allow you to adjust to any angle or position required by the task at hand. Its powder-coated steel finish and rubberized, solvent-resistant seat are built to last. And maybe best of all? The base hoses 5 magnetic pie-shaped storage trays to conveniently hold your small parts as you work. Don’t wait to load one up so your holiday recipient can take a load off.

Purchase at Home Depot for $135

• Craftsman OVERDRIVE 121-piece Mechanics Tool Set

Another staple we like to include for gift guides is a well thought out hand tool set. And Craftsman’s OVERDRIVE mechanics set is a great option. It has all the common wrenches and sockets your tool lover will need to tackle any nut and bolt-based task they can dream up. It has a wide range of both metric and SAE sizes conveniently packaged in a hardshell clam case to keep them secure and accounted for. The gunmetal grey style finish looks great too. Plus, these sockets and wrenched meet or exceed all AMSE certified tolerances so they are plug and play for any commercial uses as well. You can’t go wrong here with this mechanics set from Craftsman, especially with an extra $50 off for the holidays.

Purchase at Lowes for $149

• Garret Wade 333 drill/driver Bit Set

Can we ever have enough drill and driver bits? No… we cannot. And this Garret Wade 333-piece drill and driver accessory set is a huge step in ensuring you always have the drill and driver bits you need on hand. The case makes for secure and organized storage which can be a huge timesaver vs. hunting for a loose accessory. Drill bit styles include: long and short masonry, long and short spade, TiN twist, black oxide twist, and brad point bits. Driver bits include: 100 hex shank drivers of every description, a drill sizer, multiple nail sets, drill stop collars, a countersink, and a dozen fractional socket drivers. Yeah, it’s a complete set for sure!

Purchase at Garret Wade for $160 (on sale)

• Danner Bull Run Chelsea Boots 6 in.

When you’re on your feet for hours at a time, usually on hard, rocky, or uneven surfaces, a good pair of work boots makes a world of difference. Enter the Danner Bull Run Chelsea boots. They look great and feel just as good. The Ortholite sole and steel shank keep your foot well supported and protected, as does Electrical Hazard protected sole (ASTM F2892-18 rated). In addition, the traction is oil and slip resistant while the lace-free slip on design means that wood or metal shavings and slag won’t get trapped in the tongue or laces. These boots are a great value considering they’re under $200. And if the person receiving them is inclined to get them re-soled vs replace them down the road then that’s even an option as well. There’s a reason Danner has a great reputation and these boots definitely live up to it!

Purchase at Danner Boots for $173

• Ryobi 18V Cordless Drill & Driver +2 Combo Kit

There was no way we could put together a gift guide without featuring a cordless too combo. We were still surprised to be able to put the tool combo in this price category though. Here’s the kicker though; this 2-tool Drill Driver combo comes with 2 free additional tools to choose from. Besides that, this Drill Driver combo kit is worth the cost on its own. It makes easy work of 1/4 in. hex shank bits and round bits up to 1/2 in. diameter while providing ample power for any DIY task you throw at it. Ryobi’s ONE+ 18V lineup has countless compatible tools so this is a great starting point for anyone looking to get into a cordless DIY lineup!

Purchase at Home Depot for $199

• Helly Hansen Insulated Oxford Work Jacket

Having to work outside on a cold jobsite in the winter can be miserable. So, we are always open to outdoor workwear to keep up warm and comfortable so we can focus on our work and not the weather. The Helly Hansen Insulated Oxford Jacket is a heavy-duty option that is warm and comfortable. We were impressed that it didn’t impede our overall mobility as much as other winter workwear we’ve tried out. Plus, It looks awesome so you can wear it out on weekends, and it will still impress. Helly Hansen is a go to brand for us because they deliver great looking, tough clothes that are built with the details in mind. And the insulated Oxford Jacket exemplifies these traits.

Purchase at Helly Hansen Workwear for $199

• Gearwrench 3 & 3.5 Low-Profile Ton Jacks

So, if you’re considering 3-ton jack stands why not up the ante with a heavy-duty jack from Gearwrench to go with it? Whether you opt for a standard 3 ton or 3.5-ton low profile jack, they’ll be thrilled. These are automotive tech geared, professional-level floor jacks. They offer exceptional speed and ease of lifting in a rugged piece of equipment. The protected handle is a nice feature to prevent accidental automotive paint scratching while the dual pistons create a smooth and easier lifting action. They even have an integrated small parts storage spot to throw small parts so they don’t get lost. Lastly, these jacks are certified to the ASME PASE lifting standard to keep any commercial uses industry safety compliant.

Purchase at ACME Tools for $190-220

$200+ Gifts | Santa’s REALLY Nice List!

• Milwaukee M18 Cordless Finish Nailer, 18GA

Here’s a simple fact… waiting for air compressors and dancing around air hoses is not ideal. So when we tested out the Milwaukee 18V finish nailer a while back, it didn’t take long for us to fall in love. This nailer is as smooth and reliable as any pneumatic one we’ve used without the hassle. and with approx. 1500 nails on a single 2Ah battery, the battery life won’t hold you back. It offers versatility and performance in a compact design that upholds Milwaukee’s standards of excellence. it is a great addition to the M18 lineup and would make a great gift for the handyperson on your shopping list. It also made it a great inclusion in our 2023 Holiday Gift Guide.

Purchase at Home Depot for $249

• Dovoh 3-plane 360-degree H3 laser level

We were very impressed with Dovoh’s new 3-plane, 360-degree laser. It has all the features we hoped for — super bright (110mw), green laser lines with fantastic optics (up to 197 ft!), rugged construction with a secure case and good rechargeable battery life up to 18 hrs (plus it comes with a spare battery).  The Dovoh 3-plane laser gives you the ability to easily switch between auto level mode or angle lock mode for non-level line projections. And it’s among the best as far as level accuracy goes (±1/13 in. at 33ft). It comes ready to mount on a standard tripod 1/4 in. x 20 threat mount. The magnetic base with the fine adjustment design allows you to easily get the exact alignment you need. And if you’re hesitant about going with a new brand, know that Dovoh backs their products with a 2-Year Quality Warranty + 5-Year Accuracy Warranty!

Purchase at Dovoh for $279 (10% off w/ code SASOFF10)

• DEWALT 20V Cordless Belt Sander

Most woodworkers have a variety of sanders, and a few of them are likely to be cordless. But a belt sander is often thought of as a corded tool and may not be one of them. The DEWALT 20V cordless belt sander (Bare tool) may just change this assumption. It proves power on par with mane 110V corded belt sanders. Better yet it features a swiveling shop vac port that provides good flexibility and a dust decreased (never free) environment. They lock-on button is easy to use, and the variable-speed trigger and dial settings allow for a wide range of speed settings. Loading new sandpaper is easy with the quick release lever too. and the 3×21 in. roll size is comparatively large for a cordless belt sander. This is on Santa’s really good list for a reason; it’s a really good sander!

Purchase at Lowes for $299 (Tool Only)

• Lund Duraloader Arched Aluminum Folding Truck Ramps

We load/unload a lot of tools and equipment into our work trucks. So anything that makes that job easier and lowers our risk of breaking them or hurting ourselves while doing it is a great thing. The Lund Duraloader Arched Folding Ramps are priceless when it comes to loading your truck. And if your gift receiver regularly loads an ATV, dirt bike, lawn mower, or other power equipment with wheels into a truck and doesn’t have a good set of ramps then just commit to these ramps now. They are long (10 ft.) and arched to provide a shallow entry angle and prevent bottoming out while loading. They only weigh 17 lbs yet can support 750 lbs per ramp. And they fold in half for easy truck bed storage. They are made of durable aluminum and have a great grip design to prevent slips and falls even in slick conditions.

Purchase at Real Truck for $299 (per ramp)

• Kobalt 7 in. 20V Cordless Wet Tile Saw

We were thrilled to test this tool out since the versatility offered by a cordless tile saw is phenomenal. cutting tile is not something that many folks think cordless for but after testing out the Kobalt 24V tile saw, you may want to reconsider. The water basin design does a good job of catching spray to recirculate while the full sliding top is smooth and allows for repeatable and accurate cuts to a variety of sized tiles. This tool is a godsend when working in a renovation with no power. It limits trips to and from the saw to remeasure tile fit since you can easily bring the saw right to your tiling location. And you don’t have to fight for generator outlets or drags cords to get there. Awesome!

Purchase at Lowes for $380

HAPPY HOLIDAYS… | 2023 Holiday Gift Guide!

We know shopping for tool lovers is definitely a labor of love. It makes you ask “What do you get someone who seems to already have everything?” Just trust TBB’s 2023 Holiday Gift Guide to give you some great suggestions whether you are looking for the perfect small gift or that one unbelievable, big gift. Happy Holidays from the Tool Box Buzz Team!

2023 Holiday Gift Guide is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Metabo HPT 18 GA Cordless Multivolt 2 Inch Brad Nailer (Model: NT1850DFQ4)

Metabo HPT 18 GA Cordless Brad Nailer (Model NT1850DFQ4)

4/5

Manufacturer: Metabo HPT
Model number: NT1850DFQ4
Power source: Cordless Li-Ion
Motor size: 18V
Weight: 4.4 lbs

Features & Specifications | NT1850DFQ4

Features

• Air spring drive system
• Tool-less depth of drive adjustment
• Single LED light
• Side lock switch prevents accidental firing
• Warranty: Lifetime Tool Warranty, 2-year battery warranty, and 1-year charger warranty

Specifications

• Power Output: 18V
• Nail Size: 18 Gauge.
• Nail Length: 5/8 – 2 in.
• Nails/Charge: 1,300 (w/ 2.0Ah Battery)
• Magazine Capacity: approx. 100
• Multi Nail Speed: 3 fasteners/second
• Battery Type: 18V Li-Ion (or 36V w/ Multivolt)
• Weight: 4.4 Lbs

Power & Performance

The major highlight of the Metabo HPT 18 GA. Cordless Brad Nailer (Model: NT1850DFQ4) was its overall performance in the shop and on the jobsite. This finish nailer had zero jams or hangups during our testing. There are very few cordless finish nailers we can say that about. And while a jam is bound to happen, this speaks to the overall quality of this Metabo HPT finish nailer. In addition to performing reliable, it also exemplified satisfying power. Whether 3/4 in. or 2 in. nails in pine or cherry, this nailer consistently produced flush to slightly inset nail-heads in line with the desired settings. The fastener depth setting is a standard depth collar integrated into the tool body just above the non-marring tip.

We were also extremely pleased with the battery life of the NT1850DFQ4. Metabo HPT advertised this finish nailer as driving 1300 nails on a single 18V 2.0Ah charge. And while we are in the habit of throwing our batteries on their chargers as part of our daily site clear up process, we can attest to a full workday of regular use on a single 18V battery. As with any nailer, framing or finish, the stopgap was the standard fun of loading more fasteners.

Ergonomics & Design

The Metabo HPT 18 GA. Cordless Brad Nailer is a very well balanced, light, and comfortable cordless finish nailer. The molded over grip provided nice tack for reach-required overhead tasks. Loading nails was easy with a well-placed integrated trigger-switch-style release. The battery status indicator on the back of the battery made it easy to see, mid task, how much juice the battery had left; although as explained before we didn’t have to do that often at all. Finally, this Metabo HPT finish nailer auto turns off after 30 mins which was a good amount of time to not shut off in the middle of a task when I set it down. It also prevents showing up to a jobsite to find a dead battery in a tool that someone forgot to plug in or turn off.

Loaded Nail Strips

Loading/Release Trigger

Metabo HPT also includes a spot to store extra non-marring tips. Since these are a small consumable part that is easy to lose it was a nice touch. The tips also stayed in place with little “walk” even when fastening at angles. This can make a difference in select fine finished tasks so it worth pointing out.

Control Panel

This cordless nailer also features an integrated control panel to turn on/off the tool and change the mode settings. The controls are not as intuitive as found on other cordless finish nailers we’ve used. There are only 2 battery status indicator lights which are shared LEDs with the power indicator. But really if you need to check the battery you just press the indicator on the battery itself which 1) Is MUCH more accessible and 2) has 4 vs. the 2 bars. The right button and lights is for the mode using a single blue LED. Solid means single shot mode and blinking means multi or bump shot mode. The buttons are also recessed into the trigger/grip area and are not convenient to press in the middle of a task. It IS effective and there is very minimal chance of accidentally hitting buttons while using so we give it points for that.

Integrated LED

This Metabo HPT cordless finish nailer features a single integrated LED light on the right side of the main tool body. The placement of the LED is less than ideal however. It causes shadows to be cast on the left side of the tool where the light is obstructed by the tool body. It is almost halfway up the tool body as well so the light blocking is quite noticeable. This is also different from other cordless finish nailers we’ve used where the LED tends to be closer to the tool tip.

LED Placement in the Tool Body

LED Shadowing During Use

Key Takeaways | Metabo HPT 18 GA Brad Nailer (NT1850DFQ4)

The Metabo HPT 18 GA. Cordless Brad Nailer very quickly stood out as a consistent performer. Unlike other cordless 18GA brad guns we’ve used, the Metabo HPT experienced no jams in the first week of use. This is an exceptional performance rate on the job site and saves valuable time. We used both the single and contact actuation (bump) settings without any issues. Both modes are set via a button on the base. We weren’t huge fans of the indicator light placement and design since the LED indicator is very close to the battery status indicator light. But once its set it wasn’t a big deal. And since it performed well in both modes it was a preference vs a design issue. If you are already a Metabo HPT 18V user or looking to switch cordless nailers, this is a great option at $265 to choose from.

Metabo HPT 18 GA Brad Cordless Nailer Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Ridgid 18V Cordless Sub-Compact Barrel-Grip Jigsaw (Model R86346)

Ridgid 18V Sub-Compact Barrel-Grip Jigsaw (R86346)

4/5

Manufacturer: Ridgid
Model number: R86346
Power source: Cordless
Motor size: 18V
Weight: 3.9 lbs

So they always have a place on our job sites. We were curious to see how the R86346’s lighter weight and smaller size would affect the saw’s overall performance. Another key aspect we focused on was the overall ergonomics and value. So keep reading to see all the details.

Specifications & Features

Specification

• Grip style: Barrel grip
• Dimensions (HxWxL): 7 3/8 x 3 1/4 x 11 1/8 inch
• Bevel Range: +/- 45 degrees
• Strokes (SPM): up to 3200
• Stroke length: 1 inch
• Motor: Brushless
• Chuck: Keyless for T-shank blades
• Speed Settings: Automatic + 1-6
• Orbital Settings: 0ff + 1-3
• Power switch: Locking slide switch (left side only)

Features

• Dust blowing integrated with motor operation
• Single LED light
• Vacuum attachment compatible with 1-1/4 in. and 1-7/8 in. attachments
• Lifetime Service Agreement with registration within 90 days of purchase
• Keyless blade change and onboard Allen wrench for bevel adjustment

Overall Power & Performance

This Ridgid 18V Barrel-Grip Jigsaw features ample power for most standard carpentry applications. We primarily tested it on 5/8 in. plywood and  3/4 in. poplar boards. it cut through boards without hang ups or overextending the battery. Ridgid’s website lists the R86346 as running for approx. 150 linear BF on a single 4.0 Ah, 18V Li-Ion battery. This proved true in our field test with a mixture of substrate materials to cut through.

Orbital Settings & Performance

We also saw a distinct difference, as expected, on the edge cleanness vs. cut speed based on the orbital setting. Cranking the orbital setting to the max setting of 3 made a significant difference on material removal speed while leaving an acceptable rough but workable edge. We were impressed with the average crispness of the edge with the orbital setting on 0 which demonstrates an acceptable tight blade to guide clearance. However, there was no tear out insert for this saw. Also of note, the ‘integrated blower feature’ (a standard on many cordless jigsaws) worked decent but not great. We still had to blow some dust off the cutline to maintain an unobstructed line of sight. But it wasn’t a deal breaker.

Adjustable Speed Modes

This jigsaw also has a variety of speeds measured in strokes per minute (SPM) plus an automatic sensing mode. We adjusted the speed modes based on the material to be cut. Be aware that the R86346 has a set on/off switch vs a variable speed trigger. Once you set the speed its either on or off at that speed. But this also means that all of your grip and attention is on the saw body and not a mix of handle and trigger. It’s just a conscious design feature so if you need maximum mid-cut adjustability the on/off switch design may not be for you. This is similar to a paddle switch vs. a sliding switch on an angle grinder… it’s really just a user preference!

Overall Cut Accuracy

The last area we looked at was the average squareness of cut. And overall, this Ridgid 18V Barrel-Grip Jigsaw maintained a uniformly accurate cut. It was within 0.5 degrees when set to square and within 1 degree (on average) when set to a max bevel of 45 degrees left or right. Most of the time the tolerances were even closer than that. Bottom line is that for the rough carpentry applications we used it on it was more than accurate and consistent enough for reliable and repeatable cuts.

Ergonomics & Design Features

Grip design & Feel

This is where the Ridgid 18V Barrel-Grip Jigsaw really shined; ergonomics. The overall handle and head shape are great. It made for a very natural and comfortable grip angle which had us nicely centered over the tool. This meant less fatigue and chatter over extended use. This was further aided by having full grip on the saw body (see switch notes above). The only real improvement we noted would be for Ridgid to add a thicker and softer rubber over-mold grip. The barrel handle provides a solid grip but it is a bit on the harder side.

The Ridgid 18V Barrel-Grip Jigsaw Shines When It Comes To Ergonomics – Great Handle and Head Shape Make It Comfortable to Use

LED light

Another feature the R86346 includes is an integrated LED light. But there is a minor drawback to the LED design; it’s recessed too far behind the blade change lever to provide maximum line-of-sight lighting in front of the blade. The lighting is good from the blade contact point to about 1 inch in front of the blade though, which makes this a minor note. Ridgid should consider lowering the placement of the light or mounting it on the front vs. inside of the saw body to allow for better overall luminescence.

Adjustability & On-Board Storage

We appreciate the common tool-free blade change lever and its easily accessible placement. While the lever worked fine, we noted a bit of play. The molded polymer lever also feels less-than-sturdy and may become an initial failure point over jobsite or daily use. But it did not break, crack, or fail at all during our test.

We were also glad to see that, even though the shoe bevel angle requires an Allen wrench to adjust, the Allen wrench storage is integrated into the back end of the tool for onboard storage. We hate when a required tool can’t be securely stored on the tool itself. So, this wasn’t a real knock on the R86346. The rest of the dials and switches were located in ergonomically-friendly spots where we could easily reach. Be aware that if you are a left-handed user though the switches are located with a right-hand centric design in mind (i.e. the power switch is only on the right-hand thumb side of the tool).

Final Thoughts | Ridgid R86346

This Ridgid 18V Barrel-Grip Jigsaw is a basic yet comfortable barrel grip jigsaw that performed solidly. It was not as light as other sub-compact jigsaws we’ve used but the well thought out grip design was worth the size trade off. The orbital and variable speed features worked without any issues. However, the automatic sensing setting seemed to only initially sense the material resistance/hardness and didn’t adjust throughout the rest of the cut. The vacuum attachment and integrated dust blower worked fine, while the LED light was placed a bit too far inside the housing to provide max light along the line of sight. At $179 it feels a bit overpriced for an entry level PRO jigsaw. But if you already own other Ridgid 18V tools then this is a great addition!

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Ridgid 18V Barrel-Grip Jigsaw Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz

InoKraft MaXpray M3 Plus Airless Paint Sprayer with Stand

InoKraft MaXpray M3 Plus Airless Paint Sprayer

4/5

Manufacturer: InoKraft
Model number: MaXpray M3 Plus
Power source: 110V
Motor size: 3/4 HP
Weight: 31 lbs

Specs & Features

• Motor (Hp): 3/4
• Weight (lbs): 31.3
• Pressure Control Type: Adjustable
• Pump Sleeve Material: Stainless Steel
• Inlet Paint Strainer: 30 Mesh Stainless Steel Screen
• Maximum Flow Rate (GPM): 0.33
• Maximum Tip Size (in): 0.017
• Maximum Working Pressure (MPa/PSI): 20.7 / 3000
• Minimum Generator Power (W): 2500
• Fluid Outlet Size (in): 1/4 NPSM

Features

• Equipped with an ‘AtoMax Spray Tip’ for minimal overspray
• Spray directly from 1 or 5-gallon paint buckets onto any surface without thinning.
• Swivel joint offers precise for even coverage.
• Flush-Ease valve enables direct, hose-connected cleanup
• Includes high-reach tip extension & cleaning kit

Overall Performance

An airless paint sprayer is a relatively straight forward tool to operate and the MaXpray M3 airless paint sprayer proved no different. Plug it in, put the uptake hose into the paint, prime the lines, and spray away. Typically clean up can take a few extra minutes but is more than offset by the time savings of much faster large-area coverage. But the quality of the finish is highly dependent on very minor details of two primary areas: pressure control and spray shape & consistency. If air bubbles get into the line, or the tip clogs, or the pressure fluxuates while spraying… the finish is sure to be uneven across the surface being painted. So, we focused on the fine adjustment of the spray pressure and the tip quality & seating and ability to resist clogging during our testing.

Adjustment Quality

Overall, the InoKraft MaXpray M3 airless paint sprayer performed very well across all of these areas. The pressure setting knob stayed in place and was satisfactorily responsive to fine adjustments. It was also clearly marked to make it easy to adjust from priming to spraying to cleaning. The motor was very responsive to spraying. It didn’t run excessively when we released the trigger and the system had to come back up to pressure. This indicated that the line pressure was constant, and hose and tubes were air bubble/clog free. This will extend the motor life and eliminates line clearing down time which is always appreciated! Most importantly, we noticed that the consistent pressure and paint feed created a very even finish coating on first pass and overlap coverage alike.

Finish & Spray Pattern

The tip stayed securely seated, even with repeated adjustments to the fan shape wings on the tip. And the spray pattern was overall on par with others guns we’ve used. We were able to do rough edging with minimal taping. But we would not do interior or exterior painting with this sprayer around “no-paint areas” without first taping/sealing off the areas not to be painted. The manufactures claims of almost no overspray were slightly exaggerated. The following picture shows overspray with 1 in. painter’s tape but even 2 in. would have left overspray lines.

Also of note, even with a heavier viscosity exterior water-based latex paint, the tip resisted clogging as well as any spray tip we’ve used. This likely helped limit drips as compared to a thinner viscosity paint. This was an important test factor as other airless paint sprayers can often clog more easily with heavier viscosity paint. There was some paint drippage around the tip likely due to an imperfect seal. Once we removed the tip and reseated it, we encountered minimal paint leaks.

Ergonomics & Design Features

The integrated stand worked great. It easily fit a smaller 1-gallon paint can as well as a 5-gallon bucket. It was easy to move around as needed with the wheels. Plus, the hose was long enough at 25 ft. that we didn’t have to move it too often.

The knobs were conveniently located and well-shaped so that even if we had some paint on our hands, we were still able to easily see, grip, and adjust them. They were well marked. There is a twist-knob to adjust the pressure and a separate lever-knob to switch between priming and spraying actions. The initial priming action also requires you to press a prime button on the bottom of the unit which was less conveniently located.

The MaxPray M3 airless spray gun is a standard design. The trigger pull pressure was comfortable throughout our extended use. This can make a difference if you are using the gun for large area surfaces i.e. exterior walls. It was also very light with a comfortable shaped 4-finger tang that was easy to grip. It has the integrated top-located hanging hook as well as side mounted safety switch. The switch is a rotational vs. lever-based switch which makes it a little trickier to work with just your thumb. The spring-designed hose swivel was smooth and allowed for easy automatic positional adjustment of the hose as we moved around the painting area.

Ease of Clean Up

One of the highlight features of the MaXpray was definitely the Flush-Ease adapter valve. It allows you to hook the intake tube directly to a hose for a faster and easier clean up. Typically clean up requires multiple, dedicated clean-water buckets and a dirty flush bucket. It was pretty simple to hook up and worked well. We did note though that connecting and disconnecting the fitting would be much improved if a swivel action (vs. hose clamp) was integrated. This would allow for twist-free hose manipulation. It would also likely extend the connector life. But having it as designed is still a nice added benefit and much appreciated at clean up time.

The MaXpray also includes a reversible tip to help automate the nozzle clearing action. When combined with the clean setting (which decreases the spray velocity) it allows water to pass from the smaller to larger nozzle opening. This means the water can clean the outside edges of the tip too. It is also much faster (and cleaner) than either having to soak the tip or use a brush to scrub it out after each use. The tip made of stainless steel, so we were less concerned about water-based cleaning introducing rust and decreasing spray tip longevity. But at $11 it’s not a big deal and tips are planned consumables on our job sites, so we keep spares handy regardless.

Final Thoughts | InoKraft MaXpray M3 Airless Paint Sprayer

It’s hard to find any major faults with the InoKraft MaXpray paint sprayer that aren’t common to all airless sprayers. At $350 it’s a very reasonably priced unit. The finish is smooth and the pressure regulation worked great throughout all our tests. We also appreciated the Flush-Ease valve which made clean up much easier despite our note that a swiveling connector would be an appreciated design improvement over the hose clamp currently used. The stand worked well and the overall lightweight and well-swiveling hose made repositioning painless. Lastly the gun was easy to adjust with a satisfactorily tight spray pattern for a wide variety of finish applications. If you are in the market for an entry level airless paint sprayer with high upside, then the InoKraft MaXpray is a great option!

InoKraft MaXpray Paint Sprayer Video Review

InoKraft MaXpray Paint Sprayer Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Festool Wireless Bluetooth Earbud Hearing Protection, NRR 25 dBs (Model GHS 25)

Festool GHS 25

5/5

Manufacturer: Festool
Model number: GHS 25
Power source: Wireless

Features and Specifications | Festool Wireless Earbuds

Features:

• Active Noise Cancelling w/ noise isolating microphone
• OSHA compliant
• Conversation mode
• Touch-based controls

Specifications:

• Noise Rating (dB’s): 25 (NRR) / 32 (SNR)
• Connection Type: Bluetooth 5.2
• Element Rating: IP67 (water/dust)
• Battery: 13 hrs (earbuds) / 25 hrs (case)
• Charge Cable: Universal Type-C USB

Design & Comfort

Comfortable Fit

The Festool wireless earbuds (model GHS 25) fit great.  We wore them for multiple days in the shop on the job site for hours at a time and never found them uncomfortable. Unlike other earbuds we’ve used, the molded housing is slightly narrower that the radius if the foam or silicone tips. This means that the plastic isn’t digging into your inner ear over time, keeping them snug yet comfy during prolonged use. This was especially true when wearing them with other safety headgear like safety glasses, welding helmet or grinding shield.

The GHS 25’s also come with a variety of foam tips to adjust to ear canal size for any user. Festool also includes a set of silicone tips. The tips also fit over a threaded stainless-steel stud which seemed like a high-quality design. It made it easy to find the right size and material for the user and job at hand. Re[lacement and/or additional tips can be purchased from the Festool website.

Touch Controls

We also loved the touch based (vs button) design of the controls. It can get uncomfortable pressing the earbuds into your ear when trying to press the button. A light touch is all that is required to work the integrated controls for the GHS 25. We had zero issues operating the controls and even used them with gloves on a time or two.

Hard Case

The most frustrating part of case rechargeable earbuds is often how they fit into the case to recharge. A poor fit results in bas connections with the spring-loaded charging points. The Festool GHS 25 were exceptional in this regard. The magnetic connection uses an extremely strong magnet to align and secure the earbuds in the case. It was seriously impressive and appreciated. In fact, we could almost drop the earbuds into the molded channel, and they would secure themselves. They also easily fit even with the largest foam and silicone tips on which is another problem we’ve had with other NRR-rated earbuds.

Overall Performance

Sound Quality & Noise Protection

The sound quality of the Festool GHS 25’s is great. We listened to music often while running tools and could with zero complaints. It’s hard to quantify the NRR effectiveness. But after running planers, jointers, grinders, nail guns, miter saws and more for mutiple hours, our hearing was ringing-free and felt great.

Conversation Mode

The GHS 25 earbuds also have a conversation mode which uses the microphone to suppress background noise and allow you to hear a person talking. We were surprised at how well this feature worked. We were able to have a normal conversation easily even with an angle grinder running in the background!

Active Noise Cancelling

We loved the Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) feature as well. There were a handful of times when the ANC feature briefly struggled when we turned our head and because both earbuds weren’t equally picking up background noise. But it was very brief, maybe 2-3 seconds each time, and automatically kicked back on when we repositioned. This is on par with any other earbuds we’ve used though.

Final Thoughts | Festool Wireless Earbuds

The Festool GHS 25 earbuds are a great addition for any professional or handyman. They offer excellent hearing protection with very effective active noise cancelling. They were extremely comfortable through prolonged use. And we loved the easy and secure connection to the hard case. At $180 they are on the higher end for hearing protection, but we wouldn’t hesitate to make the purchase based on overall performance and comfort!

Festool Wireless Earbuds Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz

TBB’s 2023 Father’s Day Gift Guide

TBB’s 2023 Father’s Day Gift Guide will help you pick out the perfect gift(s) for that tool-loving dad or father figure in your life. And that can be a tall task if they already seem to have ALL the tools. But have no fear… Whether you just want a small gift or are looking to go big, we’ve got you covered. To help you out, regardless of your budget, we gave you a wide spectrum of gift options. So sit back, relax, and let us help your crush Father’s Day this year!

Plus, the tools in this 2023 Father’s Day Gift Guide are ones that are in our job site kits or our Pros’ workshops. So rest assured we’re recommending products we know and love and not just popular picks we’ve never tested. Ok, now on to the gifts!

TBB Gift Choices

• Microjig Grr-Ripper2 Go Push Block

Table saws can be dangerous, so we’re always interested in table saw accessories that make work easier AND safer. Enter the Grr-ripper2 Go from Microgig. It’s a specially designed push block that allows the blade to pass through open space while giving a solid grip to push materials through the blade. The offset design means that rotating the block 90 degrees is all it takes to “adjust” the open space positioning. It’s now our go-to table saw push block for good reason.

Purchase the Grr-ripper2 Go for $30

• Crescent G2 ShockForce Night Eye Tape Measure

Tape Measures may seem pretty standard and unexciting. But the attention to detail on the Crescent G2 Night Eye will make you reconsider. The Night Eye marking features a high-contrast, high luminescent paint scheme that makes it incredibly easy to read in low light settings. The ShockForce design is built to last with protective steel guards built into the case. And the belt clip even has a thumb tab to make it easier to open and limit wear and tear from repeated use. As far as tape measures go, this is the best of the best.

Purchase at Lowe’s for $28

• Dust Right FlexiPort Power Tool Hose Kit

Dust control is a never-ending task. So why make it even harder fighting to connect a shop vac to a cutting or sanding tool? The Dust Right FlexiPort hose kit helps solve this problem. It provides a universal and flexible solution to help you quickly hook up a range of shop vac outlet sizes to a range of dust port diameters. The Flexi design helps prevent mid task disconnecting as you maneuver around a worksurface or materials. Its an easy option that is sure to get a lot of use on a number of projects.

Purchase at Rocklers for $30

• Rockler Silicone Project Mat (15 x 30 in.)

Glue ups are an essential part of earning a workshop project badge. But this Rockler silicone mat means that scraping the dried glue off a wooden workbench when you’re done doesn’t have to be a part of the process. This mat gives you a slip-free surface to work on. And it also makes it a snap to remove dried glue. Its super easy to clean and rolls up so you can tuck it away when you’re not using it.

Purchase at Rocklers for $30

• Crescent 20 Oz. Steel Hammer

If the tool loving father (or father figure) in your life needs an upgrade to their hammer collection then check out the Crescent 20 oz. steel hammer. Its full forged steel head and handle mean it’s also incredibly rugged. Yet the hammer neck also features effective vibration dampening design features to limit fatigue from prolonged use. The Crescent steel hammer also has a magnetic nail quick starter molded into the hammer head. Overall, it’s well balanced and ergonomically comfortable. And at $26 it won’t break the bank either.

Purchase at Home Depot for $26

• Helly Hansen Manchester Service Shorts

A great Father’s Day gift can be more than a great tool. These Helly Hasen work shorts provide a great fit. They are also durable and functional on any job site or in the workshop. The blended materials have a slight stretch that allows better movement when reaching, lifting, or climbing. They even have a convenient ID card lanyard loop and reflective elements making them more construction friendly. If you want to get some clothes for Father’s Day for home or work then you should check out these Helly Hansen service shorts.

Purchase at Helly Hansen for $45

• Gerber Custom Pocket Knife (Savvy Pictured)

We love knives. They are practical and fun. We also love custom stuff that stands out. So when we got our hands on a custom Gerber knife that combines these options, we were very impressed. Gerber has a range of knives at various price points to work with a spectrum of Father’s Day gift budgets. We opted for the Savvy with a custom logo on both the handle and the blade. We also customized the hardware, blade, and handle colors. The web-based design interface at Gerber.com is super user friendly. It also allows you to upload custom images in additional to offering some really cool stock patterns and text options. So if your guy likes knives this is an easy surefire winner!

Purchase at Gerber for $55-$170

• Craftsman 20V Drill/Driver Set

We thought it was worth highlighting a great cordless option from Craftsman for those looking to start building a DIY-friendly cordless kit – their 20V Drill/Driver kit. This is an affordable 2-piece kit that provides ample power via Craftsman’s 20V Li-Ion battery platform. It’s a great starter kit that can easily be added onto with other Craftsman 20V tools as needed. It comes with a carrying case and 2 batteries providing you everything you need for a wide range of drilling and driving needs. It’s also on sale for 33% off so grab one while there are still some available!

Purchase at Lowe’s for $99

• Rockler Rock-Steady Knock-Down Table Saw Outfeed Kit

A table saw is an essential staple in any woodworking workshop or garage space. But often times your guy/father’s workshop may also be limited on square footage. If this is the case, consider buying Rockler’s Rock-Steady Knock-Down outfeed table as a great table saw accessory gift. It easily mounts on a wide range of table saws. And its fold down storage design means it won’t take up extra space when it’s not in use. Better yet, it will drastically improve the accuracy and safety of cuts when compared to a table saw without an outfeed option. It prevents longer boards from cantilevering down at the end of the cut. This can force the blade to come off the desired cut line. Rockler has designed a great option with this one and it’s a surefire Father’s Day winner!

Purchase at Rocklers for $120

• Craftsman 3-drawer Socket Set (1/4, 3/8, & 1/2 in.)

A socket set is a must have for any novice tool guy and beyond. But it’s pretty easy to lose a socket, ratchet, or extension piece. The Craftsman 3-drawer Socket Set is awesome because it’s as much of an organization system as a full-scale, 230-piece socket set. It features 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 inch sockets. Every piece has its own labeled storage spot for easy organization of small round parts otherwise easily lost. Better yet, the drawers lock with a top-mounted knob. This stops the drawers from sliding open when moving the set. The best part is that this set is on sale for $129 (usually over $200) for Father’s Day so don’t wait if you’re considering it.

Purchase at Lowe’s for $129

• Danner Lead Time Work Shoes

Safety is a top priority, especially for those we love the most. And while hands, eyes, ears, and fingers get lots of attention, we focused on Footwear. Specifically, if your guy or father is doing construction in hot weather, then consider a pair of work shoes. This is a great alternative to boots which can cause more fatigue due to increased weight. They also tend to be less flexible and breathable. So while work shoes don’t offer that same ankle support, they have distinct advantages. And the Danner Lead Time work shoes are at the top of our list. The Vibram soles and carbon fiber toes keep their wearer safe and comfortable. And in our opinion they look pretty good too. They are definitely worth the price!

Purchase at Danner for $160

• DEWALT 4-Port, 12/20/60V Battery Charger

If your guy’s workshop, toolbox, or work trailer features lots of DEWALT black and Yellow, then consider choosing the DEWALT 4-port charger as a great accessory gift. It allows the user to load up to four 12V, 20V, or 60V batteries at a time. The charger will then charge them all simultaneously. It also automatically shuts off when the charge is completed to ensure that your batteries aren’t overcharged and damaged. It also makes transporting batteries between worksites or projects a snap. The through mounting holes and integrated cord wrap hooks make set-up and portability even easier. This is a great charger to support some great tools.

Purchase at Lowe’s for $299

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY

We know gift shopping can be stressful. So just “trust the Pro’s” in the Tool Box Buzz team. We know our 2023 Father’s Day Gift Guide is sure to give you some great suggestions. So good luck and happy hunting. And Happy Father’s Day from all of us at TBB!

TBB’s 2023 Father’s Day Gift Guide is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Evolution Powertools 14 in. Metal Cutting Miter Saw, 120V/15A (Model S355MCS)

Evolution Powertools 14" Metal Miter Saw

5/5

Manufacturer: Evolution Powertools
Model number: S355MCS
Power source: 120V (Corded)
Motor size: 15 Amp
Weight: 77 lbs.

Features and Specifications | Evolution Powertools Chop Saw

Features:

• Pivoting cutter head saves space and decreases overall material handling
• 3-position cutter head can be adjusted for various materials
• 3x Quick release clamps (1x top & 2x front) w/ slide on V-blocks
• Height-adjustable front clamp rail
• Removable ‘V’ block for secure clamping of round & square tube
• Ambidextrous handle design
• Material is secured by knurled fence & base includes bench dog holes

Specifications:

• Motor: 120 Volts/15A
• RPMs (No Load): 1450
• Bevel Range: +/-46 degrees
• Positive Stops (+/-): 0°, 15°, 22.5°, 30°, & 45°
• Blade diameter: 14 in.
• Mild Steel Plate (Max Thickness): 1/2 in.
• Square Tube at 90°: 4 3/4 x 4 3/4 in.
• Square Tube at 45° (ML): 4 x 4 in.
• Square Tube at 45° (MR): 1 3/4 x 1 3/4 in.
• Rectangle Tube at 90°: 6 1/2 x 4 in.
• Rectangle Tube at 45°: 4 1/2 x 1 3/4 in.
• Round Tube at 90° (D):  4 3/4 in.
• Round Tube at 45° (D):  4 in.
• Tool body weight: 77 lbs.

Power & Performance

Torque and Motor Performance

Sustained power and torque and critical factors in metal cutting since blade slowdown or torque loss can have a variety of negative effects. Since the Evolution Powertools Metal Cutting Chop Saw (Model S355MCS) is a corded, 120V 15A tool, we expected consistent power from the motor. That’s what we got. This saw smoothly cut all shapes and sizes of steel we used it on. The motor never bogged down or seemed to strain to cut. The lower RPMs helped optimize the torque in this respect. So when Evolution Powertools explains that they found 1450 RPMs to be just right for mild steel cutting, the performance backed it up. In addition, the motor didn’t get overly hot even during prolonged cutting periods.

As a general fact (and as explained in a previous review on the S380CPS) cold cut saw blades vs. abrasive cut off saw are quite expensive ($80+ vs $6-8). But you get what you pay for… and for a few reasons:

• Longer Life. The 14 in. Evolution blades provided have Tungsten-Carbide tips and are very easy to load
• Cleaner edges. This is because the blade doesn’t flex mid cut like a 14 in. abrasive cutoff wheel. This produces accurate and ready-to-weld cuts
• Heat dissipation. Heat is transferred to the metal shavings vs. the blade. Extends blade life and creates less warpage over prolonged use

Blade Alignment

One of the issues we’ve noted with other metal chop saws is the blade alignment. They are sometimes not centered on the blade slot. This makes eyeball alignment trickier. The Evolution S355MCS blade was about 1/16 in. left of center from the blade recess slot. The S355MCS also doesn’t yet have a laser or shadow line alignment feature integrated into the saw. After a few cuts we were mentally calibrated to the 1/16 in. off set and were cutting within 1/64 in. without individually blade-measured cuts in no time. For the $850 price point, we would love to see Evolution Powertools add in an alignment system for increased (measured) cut accuracy. As currently designed however, operators can quickly be repeatedly accurate with minimal training.

Miter Gauge Performance

This earned its own section for a reason since this is what sets the Evolution Powertools Metal Chop Saw (model S355MCS) apart in the metal cutting business. The ability to use pre-set detents to accurately and quickly adjust your cutting angle is something previously offered by a high-end, liquid cooled cold saw or metal cutting band saw. Those cost much more that the S355MCS.

And the accuracy of the miter gauge is spot on. We used our handy digital angle finder to double check the S355MCS’s accuracy out of the box and found it to be 90.0° on the dot. Equally impressive is the vertical gap minimization. Simply out, this exceeds any accuracy required for an immediate production-quality tack and weld.

Even more so than a wood miter saw, the mitering function of the S355MCS is a real time saver. Why? Because moving comparatively heavy pieces of steel is not as easily done as their lighter wood counterparts. And until this saw was introduced a saw operator had completely remove the material, adjust the cutting fence, and then reload and secure the piece of metal to be cut. It was time consuming. And it meant handling heavy materials (and usually support stands) more frequently.

Material Size Limitations

There is one drawback to the miter design when cutting full 45° cuts with the saw blade tilted to the Right. And it first caught our attention when looking at the saw specs. The S355MCS can’t cut material wider than 1 3/4 in. on this side because unless the motor is set to the furthest back position the saw head protrudes past the fence. This is an issue when cutting angle since cutting mirror angles in any angle over 1 3/4″ wide will require you to flip and brace the piece to cut the opposite angle. To Evolution Powertool’s credit this is not a hidden but flaw but an openly acknowledged design limitation. We’d also like to point out that the standard chop saw design with an adjustable fence (not cutter head) only adjust in a single direction. So even with the limited range on the right side its still a great upgrade.

Key Design & Ergonomic Features

3-Position Cutter Head

Not only does the cutter head pivot to each side but it also adjusts forward and backwards. Before you make too many comparisons to a wood-cutting miter saw though, it does NOT slide. It can be locked into one of three positions. These positions increase overall safety and maximize the material size to be cut. You just adjust the blade so it’s as centered as possible on the material. Changing the position is extremely easy (and tool-free). First, release the locking lever and pull the spring-loaded pin back while sliding the cutter head assembly. The back balance foot also serves as a rail endcap to prevent the operator from sliding the cutter head off. Its a simple but very secure and effective design. Centering the blade greatly reduced material chatter keeping the operator as safe as possible. We like that!

Quick-Release Clamps

The quick release clamps on the S355MCS are one of the best features of the whole saw. They offer adjustability like no other clamps we’ve used. The clamps are fully adjustable in both height and horizontal positioning. They accomplish this by sliding along a front, height-adjustable rail. The height is adjusted via thumb screws so there is no tool to lose. The posts also have detent markings every 1/4 in which makes evenly aligning both sides very simple.

Our favorite aspect is that both clamps can be secured on the same side of the blade. This means that a piece of metal can be secured at 2 points on the same side of the blade. Dual clamping severely reduces moving and rotating of the piece during cutting. This means a much cleaner and safer cut. All 3 clamps also include a slide on/off v-block which works wonderfully to secure round or angled materials for cutting!

The hold-down clamp is ALSO quick release and can be mounted in one of five positions. We wish the wood miter saws would incorporate this feature, although truth be told we don’t use a hold down clamp when cutting wood nearly as much as when cutting metal.

One note however is that when mounted in the left side holes, the hold down post obstructs the motor housing, preventing the saw from completing a cut. We’re not sure why a hold location was included here… We were able to complete all our tasks using the vertical hold down mounted on the right so it wasn’t a deal breaker.

Knurled Fence

In addition to the clamps, the Evolution Powertools Metal Miter Saw (S355MCS) features a knurled fence. This is more than a visual feature. A knurled fence increases the overall contact pressure of the material against the fence. This creates a more secure hold and also gives a better gripping texture. This is an excellent safety feature when cutting round metal. As the blade teeth “bite into” the material some of the rotational force is transferred from the blade to the material. If not securely clamped there is a risk of the material spinning in the saw. Not good! The knurled fence greatly reduces this risk and makes for a cleaner cut too.

Chip Deflector

The S355MCS is designed with a chip deflector as opposed to a vacuum port. This is not a knock on this saw. Because flying pieces of metal are heavier than smaller pieces of sawdust, they often have enough force to escape the vacuum suction zone. Even for a high CFM rated dust collector. They also pose a greater risk to a vulnerable human eye. The chip deflector is designed to project the chips away and downward from the operator. Evolution Powertools also sells a magnetic pick up tool which is the preferred option for collecting ferrous metal chips.

With this being said, the deflector worked ok keeping the chips away when cutting. It might work a bit better if the back was angles more aggressively downward with a bigger exit port. Our estimate that about 85% of the chips ended up behind and under the saw. Of the 15% that ended up in front, few were directed upwards towards our faces.

Blade Replacement Design

The blade replacement design is pretty standard for a chop saw. And thankfully Evolution Powertools includes on-tool storage for the required Allen wrench. It is a 2-part process. First, free up the arbor cover plate. Then use the locking pin to secure the blade from rotating and loosen the Allen bolt holding the blade in place. We like the arbor cover plate as it helps keep the Allen bolt hole cleaner from debris.

Portability & Versatility

The S355MCS is not a light saw at 77 lbs. But it is definitely light enough to bring on a job site as required. It is also designed to fit onto a universal miter saw jobsite stand. Evolution Powertools has yet to release one specifically designed for this saw… but it’s coming. If we get the chance to mount this on one we’ll add additional comments then. For now, be confident that this is an easily portable (via a rugged top carry handle) and stand-mountable saw that can be used on a jobsite with minimal effort. Also be aware that it does NOT fit onto the Evolution Powertools Universal Chop Saw Stand. So if you already have one or have looked at one you will need to go another route.

The last versatility feature we would be remiss in not mentioning is the integrated bench dog design. The base, on both the left and right sides have a total of 7 benchdog holes built into them. This gives the user even more options for securing material during cutting. We were pretty impressed with the clamp system though and didn’t use them in the course of our jobs. But they are there and may pay dividends in different circumstances.

Final Thoughts | Evolution Powertools Chop Saw

The Evolution Powertools Metal Miter Saw (model S355MCS) is a no brainer for any metal fabricator or PRO builder who finds themselves cutting metal on the jobsite. It allows for repeatable and accurate cut on par with any wood cutting miter saw. The cut edges are burr-free and installation or weld ready with no grinding required. This means considerable time saved and work completed. The pivoting head also means less material handling in constricted spaces. And the highly-adjustable QR clamps combined with the knurled fence keep your materials firmly in place so you can cut with peace of mind. At $850 this is a great value and one that we think many of our followers will thank us for making!

Evolution Powertools Metal Miter Saw Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz