DEWALT 60V Cordless 12in Sliding Miter Saw Kit – Model DCS781X1

DEWALT 60V 12in Sliding Miter Saw Kit

4.5/5

Manufacturer: DEWALT
Model number: DCS781X1
Price: $849.00
Power source: 60V Lithium Ion
Weight: 50.9 LBs

The DCS781 is DEWALT’s 2nd generation FLEXVOLT cordless miter saw. This GEN 2 has three big upgrades to cover. First, this saw now runs off just one 60v battery, whereas the first generation saw used two. Secondly, this saw has new Regenerative Braking Technology. Lastly, DEWALT claims it will deliver 20% more power than other cordless saws.

Features & Specs

Out of the Box | Square

Most saws, not all, require the user to “dial in” the precision out of the box. Squaring the saw  90° up and down and 90° to the fence required no adjustments on this miter saw once removed from the box. The robust packaging appears to have kept the saw well calibrated during transit.

Kit Components

The DEWALT DCS781 can be sold either as a bare tool (DCS781B) or as a kit (DCS781X1) The kit contains the following items:

• DEWALT 12″ 60V Sliding Miter Saw (DCS781B)
• 20V/60V MAX* FLEXVOLT Battery (DCB609)
• 6amp Charger (DCB1106)
• Fine Finish Blade – 60-tooth
• Blade Wrench
• Material Clamp
• Stabilizer Bar
• Vacuum adapter
• Dust Bag
• Base Extensions (2)

Portability

The DEWALT DCS781 is heavy and not a tool you want to have to move around often. This saw weighs 50.9 Lbs as a bare tool. The saw does have a large carrying handle at the top of the saw as well as handle indentations on each side of the saw to assist with transportation. These handle areas are well placed, sturdy, and could easily be used when you have larger bulky gloves on.

Due to this saw being large and heavy, an easier means of transportation from job site to job site is the DEWALT Rolling Miter Saw Stand. DEWALT does offer a stabilizer bar and has easily adjustable table extensions on both sides if you are using it on a solid surface.

Cut Capacity Specifications

The DEWALT saw has a maximum horizontal cutting capacity of 12-3/16″. It can cut baseboard up to 6-1/2″ vertically, and crown molding up to 6-1/2″ nested.

• Maximum Crosscut Capacity at 90° – 3″x 12-3/16″
• Maximum Crosscut Capacity L/R at 45° – 3″x8″
• Maximum Bevel Cut Angle to Left – 49°
• Maximum Bevel Cut Angle to Right – 49°
• Maximum Cutting Thickness – 6-3/4”

Regenerative Braking Technology

Similar to how an electric automobile utilizes its motor as a generator to recover wasted energy during braking and reroute it back into the battery, the saw’s regenerative braking system does the same. Instead of turning the braking energy into heat in the motor, the saw uses some of the energy lost when stopping the blade to recirculate it back into the battery. The material being cut will determine how much energy must be extracted from the motor for the operation, affecting the run-time benefit.

The DCS781 is equipped with an automatic electric blade brake which stops the saw blade within 5 seconds of trigger release.  This is the same time frame as the first-generation dual battery miter saw.

Note

On a few occasions, it was noted that there was a delay after the trigger release for the brake to engage. In the operations manual, DEWALT does mention that this can occur and offers a solution to fix the problem. They state ” If a delay or “skipping” occurs, turn the saw on and off 4 or 5 times. If the condition persists, have the tool serviced by an authorized DEWALT service center.” They do not explain as to why it could occur.

Number of Cuts on Single Battery | Run-time Test

A run-time test was conducted on the DEWALT DCS781.  DEWALT proclaims “exceptional run-time” stating it this saw can deliver up to 675 cuts on 3-1/4” MDF baseboard molding and up to 255 cuts in 4”x4” lumber.

For the run-time test, repetitive cuts were made using 2×6 KD lumber until the battery was exhausted. The saw was started and brought up to full speed. The saw was brought forward, the cut was made, and waited for the blade to stop.  3/4″ cuts on the lumber were achieved by using a positive stop and a DEWALT vise clamp. The cut piece was removed and then the process was repeated.

The test was conducted with a fully charged 9.0 Ah FLEXVOLT battery, which is included in the kit. It’s important to note that DEWALT has larger amp-hour batteries which will extend run-time significantly. The results of our test were 243 cuts in 2×6 KD lumber.

DCS781 | Job Site Performance

The DEWALT DCS781 did a stellar job on the 3-1/4″ primed finger-jointed baseboard trim remodel. There were a couple of special mitered cuts to accommodate a waterline behind a toilet.

This miter saw was used on a custom bedroom headboard project and noted clean and crisp cuts on our 1×8 pine shiplap

Capturing Dust at the Source

The DEWALT DCS781 saw has a built‑in dust port proprietary to their dust collection systems. It is called “Airlock” because of its twist-locking mechanism that allows the user to quickly connect and disconnect from tool to tool. It is simple to use and it swivels 360° to prevent the hose from becoming twisted during use.

If you are looking to hook up any DEWALT tool to a non-DEWALT brand shop vac or extractor, you are going to have to use some type of adapter to be successful. DEWALT does offer a universal dust extraction kit that has several adapters that most likely will fit the hose of your vacuum or extractor.

DEWALT claims a 94% dust capture at the source when using a dust extractor. During our run-time test, it was noticed that there was a good amount of dust left on the surface after the 243 cuts were made. It is safe to say there was more than 6% that was not captured, even while using the DEWALT DEWALT DWV012 10-gallon wet/dry HEPA Dust Extractor.

Crown Molding Bevel Pawls

The saw is equipped with pawls set to 22.5 ° and 33.9° bevel angles, left or right.  This allows you to quickly and accurately set the saw to cut at these bevel angles. When cutting crown molding laying flat, the saw can accurately and quickly set a crown stop, left or right. The crown bevel pawl can rotate to make contact with the crown adjustment screw. The saw is factory set to cut normal crowns in North America (52/38).

LED Cut Line

Miter saws with lights on both sides of the blade to create a kerf width shadow is a significant improvement in precision cutting technology. DEWALT is the original designer of this LED Cutline and now many manufacturers are following their direction. This LED cut line technology provides users with clear and exact cut lines, resulting in unmatched accuracy.

LED work light can be turned on by the momentary switch that will automatically turn off within 20 seconds if the saw is not in use. The light is also activated automatically every time the tool’s main trigger is pulled. The LED work light begins to flash when the battery is near the end of its useful charge and/or when the battery is too hot.

Single Battery Operation

This 2nd generation FLEXVOLT miter only requires a single 60v battery whereas the previous model required two. This is great for two reasons. First is the obvious, it only takes one battery to operate so users can have one battery on the charger while using one battery, therefore realistically cutting all day long with no interruptions.  The second reason would be the price reduction. FLEXVOLT batteries are very expensive, so reducing the cost of purchasing this saw as a kit, without reducing the power of the saws by losing a battery is something you will appreciate.

Single Battery Downfall

One downfall of the single battery operation is not having the ability to use a plug in adapter. The previous two battery model operated on two 60v batteries, essentially giving you 120v of power. This made it really easy to have a plug in converter. 60 Volts is much harder to do, and likely why there is not a plug in version. Yes this makes the saw kit cheaper, but not having a plug in adapter is a big hit in our crew’s opinion for a larger saw like this.

Final Thoughts

The DEWALT DCS781 is an excellent job site or shop miter saw. While a lot of our work can be done with a smaller-diameter saw, not all of it can and that’s where the DCS781 shines! You can always cut smaller with a bigger bladed saw, but not the other way around.  The three big improvements on this saw were the Regenerative Braking Technology, more power offered, and uses one less battery. If you are already using the dual battery miter saw, you have just reduced the need for 2 extra DEWALT FLEXVOLT batteries while maintaining all-day run-time.

DEWALT 60V Cordless 12in Sliding Miter Saw Kit Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz

22 Hilti SIW 10-22 3/4″ High-Torque Cordless Impact Wrench

Hilti NURON SIW 10-22 Impact Wrench

5/5

Manufacturer: Hilti
Model number: SIW 10-22
Price: $420
Power source: Li-Ion
Motor size: Brushless
Weight: 6.4 lbs (Bare Tool)

Specifications and Features

• Anvil Type: 3/4″ through hole with friction ring
• Maximum Torque: 627 ft-lbs (1); 1180 ft-lbs (2)
• Nut Busting Torque: 1475 ft-lbs
• Full Hammering Frequency: 2500 impacts/minute
• Number of Gears: 2
• No Load RPM: Gear 1: 1000 rpm, Gear 2: 1250 rpm
• Dimensions: 8.5″ x 3.4″ x 9.3″
• Tool Weight: 6.4 lbs (Bare Tool)
• A-Weighted Emission Sound Pressure Level: 97 dB
• Brushless Motor

High-Torque Performance

The Hilti SIW 10-22 3/4″ High-Torque Impact Wrench isn’t adorned with fancy controls or features. However, it’s a straight forward powerhouse for really difficult fastening applications. The combination of the robust brushless motor and the new NURON battery platform result in one of the most powerful cordless 3/4″ impact wrenches.

Sending tools to the fleet mechanic in the quarry usually results in a short life. The environment and shear size of the equipment makes it the perfect testing location for high capacity tools like the Hilti SIW 10-22 Impact Wrench. One of the most impressive things about the SIW 10-22 is the nut busting capability of this wrench. It can break free many bolted connections that some 1″ cordless impact wrenches can’t do.

It’s so powerful that it will break fasteners. Hilti publishes a warning on their site stating that there is a risk of over-tightening and damaging fasteners. This impact wrench broke off several 5/8″ fasteners with very little effort, therefore users should be careful on small fastener applications.

The SIW 10-22 doesn’t have many features which is refreshing with an impact wrench. The SIW 10-22 has a well placed LED light just above the battery that provides good light for the work surface. There is a simple switch to change between speed 1 and 2. It also has a simple green LED light to designate which gear its in.

For those that work at height and require a positive retention for sockets the SIW 10-22 has a  through hole friction ring anvil. It’s a pretty simple system and works well.

Final Thoughts – Hilti SIW 10-22

The Hilti SIW 10-22 High-Torque 3/4″ Impact Wrench is outstanding. It’s built like a tank, it has very impressive torque, has a great price point, and it offers one of the best warranties on the market. This is an exceptional cordless impact wrench for steel erectors, fleet mechanics and anyone working with large diameter fasteners.

Hilti SIW 10-22 3/4″ High-Torque Impact Wrench Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Hilti NURON Cordless 1/2″ High Torque Drill Driver – SF 10W-22

Hilti NURON SF 10W-22 Cordless Drill Driver

5/5

Manufacturer: Hilti
Model number: SF 10W-22
Price: $289
Power source: Li-Ion
Motor size: Brushless
Weight: 4.1 lbs (Tool Only)

Specifications & Features

• Maximum Torque: 841 in-lb (soft joint), 1062 in-lb (hard joint)
• No Load RPM: gear 1: 330 rpm; gear 2: 560 rpm; gear 3: 1300 rpm; gear 4: 2230 rpm
• Clutch Settings: 15
• Dimensions: 9.4 x 2.6 x 8.7 inches
• Tool Only Weight: 4.1 lbs
• Brushless Motor
• Full Metal Chuck
• Optimized Cooling
• Active Torque Control (ATC) helps prevent uncontrolled spinning if the drill bit sticks
• LED Work Light

Picture above is the speed selection switches that give this drill a huge range of control. The chuck also has a traditional clutch setting from 1-15 and a drill setting.

Hilti continues to build quality tools with less of the “bells and whistles” that some manufactures crank out. The SF 10W-22 has an all steel chuck with really good knurling on the chuck surface. The keyless design is simple and straightforward and locks bits into place really well.

The SF 10W-22 comes with a LED light mounted just above the battery which provides decent light for the work area. It also comes with a removable, multi-position side handle which is very useful considering the torque this drill produces.

Performance That Packs a Punch

There are lots of tools out there that continue to get smaller and lighter. The Hilti NURON SF 10W-22 isn’t small and it isn’t light. This is a large, powerful 1/2″ drill that not only delivers great torque for difficult drilling applications, but it also has a 15 step clutch, and 4 speed settings that allows users to also deal with delicate drilling applications. This much improved 1/2″ drill boasts a powerful brushless motor that cranks out the torque when paired with Hilti’s NURON line of batteries.

The torque that the Hilti SF 10W-22 produces is impressive to say the least. It mixes drywall compound easier than this drywall crews electric 1/2″ drill. The crew was impressed with the power and speed. The SF 10W-22 is impressive drilling wood as well. Designed for bits up to 6″ this drill can tackle any drilling applications that require the power of larger drills.

Final Thoughts – Hilti NURON SF 10W-22

Hilti’s updated NURON line-up has been impressive. The NURON SF 10W-22 1/2″ Drill Driver isn’t full of fancy extras, it’s a robust, quality built 1/2″ drill driver built for demanding drilling applications. Hilti continues to impress with really well built tools that are designed to take punishment on busy jobsites and keep working day after day. If you are looking for an extremely powerful 1/2″ drill this is one to consider. Priced at $289 for the bare tool, it’s a good value for the quality of this drill.

Hilti NURON SF 10W-22 Cordless Drill Driver Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz

FLEX 12″ Dual Bevel Cordless Miter Saw Kit – Model FX7141A-1J

FLEX 24V 12" Dual Bevel Miter Saw Kit

4.5/5

Manufacturer: FLEX
Model number: FX7141A-1J
Price: $799.99
Power source: 24v
Weight: 48.1 Lbs (bare)

FLEX, a tool manufacturer founded in 1922, developed the world’s first angle grinder in 1954.  FLEX has its headquarters in Germany and still operates independently, despite joining the parent company Chevron in 2013.  In North America, FLEX delivers power for professional contractors through their 24V cordless platform.

Features

• Voltage – 24V
• Blade Diameter: 12″
• Blade Arbor Hole – 1″
• No-Load Speed – 4,000 RPMs
• Max Miter Angle – L:0-52° / R:0-60°
• Max Bevel Angle – L: 0-48° / R:0-48°
• LED Shadow Line
• Weight – 48.1 Lbs (Bare Tool)

Kit Components

The FLEX FX7141A-1J miter saw kit comes with the following:

• Miter Saw – FX7141X
• 10Ah Stacked Lithium-Ion Battery – FX0341-1
• FLEX 24V 280W RAPID CHARGER – FX0421-2
• Dust Bag
• Dust Elbow
• Material Clamp
• On-board Allen wrench

Robust Design

The FLEX FX7141X Miter Saw weighs in at 48.1 lbs as a bare tool. All the moving parts on this saw are made of solid metal. Once the lever locks are engaged, neither the fence nor the table extensions move or wiggle. The fit and finish of the moving parts are excellent, as noted by the lack of slop or movement when secured in place.

Size

The FLEX miter saw has a large footprint that requires ample space to operate. The depth of the FLEX FX7141X measures 41-1/2″. That is from the front handle to the back of the sliding rail.  The measurement side to side with the base extensions fully open is 39-7/8″.  The height of the saw when closed and locked is 17-3/4″, however when open the height is 29-1/4″.

The miter saw has a top carrying handle as well as side carrying handles for the option of one or two-handed carry. These handle locations are comfortable and easy to use with gloves on. You should not carry this saw by the table extensions while they are extended.

When compared to other 12″ cordless miter saws, this FLEX saw is similar in size and weight.  Most remodeling contractors do not want to lug around a large, heavy saw like this. Our opinion is if you have this saw on a mobile stand to assist with transportation you should be ok. If not mounted on a mobile stand, this saw is better suited in the shop.

Spindle Locking Mechanism

The FLEX miter saw comes with a unique spindle locking mechanism lever which is different than your typical push button spindle lock.  FLEX calls it SpindleStop and the operator no longer has to hold down the spindle lock button while trying to loosen the blade bolt.

To remove the saw blade simply push the spindle lock lever down and rotate the blade slowly until it fully seats into its locked position. Then use the on-board Allen wrench, which is stored behind the right fence, to remove the blade bolt. This process is super simple to achieve. Because this feature stays locked in place until the level is returned back, FLEX has built-in a safety feature. When the main switch is pressed while the spindle lock is engaged, the LED shadow light will flash as a reminder to disengage the spindle lock.

Handle Design

The main switch has a lock-off safety lever that must be moved to the left to be able to depress the main switch. The safety lever keeps the saw from accidentally being turned on. The handle is large with a large opening allowing easy access for the operator to have gloves on.

The LED shadow light system is controlled by the shadow light switch and is independent of the miter saw main switch. This switch is located on the handle and can easily be engaged while holding the handle. This handle is comfortable for both left-handed and right-handed users.

Run-Time Test

FLEX claims that this saw will make 630 crosscuts in 3-1/4” MDF baseboard trim.  This run-time test is based on the saw running on a 10.0 Ah Stacked 24V lithium-ion battery. A run-time test was conducted on the FLEX FX7141X.

For the run-time test, repetitive cuts were made using 2×6 KD lumber until the battery was exhausted. The saw was started and brought up to full speed. The saw was brought forward, the cut was made and waited for the blade to stop. Cuts made were 3/4″ wide on the lumber using a positive stop and a vise clamp. The cut piece was removed and then the process was repeated.

The test was conducted with a fully charged 24V 10.0 Ah battery, which is included when you purchase the kitted version.  The results of this run-time test were 222 cuts in 2×6 KD lumber. After the 222nd cut, the saw would not turn back on. The LED light just flashed indicating a dead battery.

AC/DC ADAPTER

The FLEX miter saw is AC/DC compatible and uses an AC battery-like adapter. This feature is designed for long-duration remodeling jobs where constantly changing and charging batteries can be avoided or at the end of the day when your batteries are depleted but there is still more work to be accomplished.

The connection at the adapter pivots to eliminate wear and tear when the saw is angled or beveled. The FLEX adapter comes with a 12-foot cord section that allows for freedom of movement for various workspaces and applications. The adapter is also wall mountable, perfect if you are using the saw in your workshop.

Dust Collection

The FLEX FX7141A-1J kit comes with two options for dust collection. When purchasing, the users get a saw dust bag and a vacuum adapter. The vacuum adapter accepts vacuum hoses with diameters 1¼” (32mm) or 1½” (38mm).

The saw features a large rubber chute that collects dust, which functions adequately. It was observed that a considerable amount of sawdust accumulated on the back of the saw following the completion of the run-time test. A dust extractor, which had recently been emptied and fitted with new filters, was connected to the saw during the run-time test.

Ease of Use | Bevel and Miter

The miter gauge is easy to read with black letters on the silver plate. The gauge can be easily adjusted with a set screw and the on-board wrench (same tool as the hex key for blade change). The saw did require some adjusting of the set screw to get the blade perfectly dialed in.

The miter saw will bevel 52° to the left and 60° to the right. There are several positive detents at the common angles of 0°, 15°, 22.5°, 31.6°, and 45° both right and left. There is a button to press to eliminate the positive detents and set it to the desired angle. You can push the handle down to lock your non-detented angle.

The bevel adjustment handle has stages. If you pull the handle up one click, it will loosen the handle and it will stop at the next positive detent in the direction left or right. When you pull the handle forward completely towards you, it allows you to move to the desired angle. Once you have reached the desired angle, push the handle back down to lock it into place.

Positive Bevel Detents

• 0°
• 22.5° Left and Right
• 33.9° Left and Right
• 45° Left and Right

Cut Line | LED Light

Miter saws with lights on both sides of the blade to create a kerf width shadow is a significant improvement in precision cutting technology. This LED cut line provides users with clear and exact cut lines, resulting in unmatched accuracy. Many Tool Box Buzz crew members prefer the LED light shadow line versus a laser line. 

LED work light can be turned on by the momentary switch that will automatically turn off after 1 minute if the saw is not in use. One minute is too long for the light to stay on. 20-30 seconds is more than enough time to illuminate the work surface. The light is also activated automatically every time the tool’s main trigger is pulled. The LED worklight begins to flash when the battery is near the end of its charge.

FLEX FX7141X | Buying Options

The FLEX FX7141X is sold in two options; bare tool or in a kit.  The bare tool option gets you the saw, a dust bag, a vacuum adapter, a material clamp, and a blade change wrench for $599.99. The kitted version will give you the same as the bare tool but adds a 10Ah stacked lithium-ion battery (FX0341) and the 280w charger (FX0421) and costs $799.99. The AC/DC power adapter (FX0511-Z) is not included in the kitted version and sells separately for $199.00

Overall Thoughts

FLEX continues to impress the Tool Box Buzz Crew with its well-designed, well-thought-out power tools. FLEX continues to make waves not only in the power tool category but also in the lighting, accessories, and tool storage areas. We were impressed with FLEX’s cordless miter saw with a long run-time on a 24V 10Ah stacked lithium-ion battery with the option of AC/DC power. Their power tools are always finishing near the top on our Head-To-Head tests and we feel that when we do another large Cordless Miter Saw Head-To-Head this FLEX FX7141X will not be any different.

FLEX 24V 12″ Dual Bevel Miter Saw Kit Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Ridgid 18V Cordless 16GA Straight Finish Nailer – Model R09893B

Ridgid 18V Cordless 16GA Straight Finish Nailer

4/5

Manufacturer: RIDGID
Model number: R09893B
Price: $269.00
Power source: 18V
Weight: 5.6Lbs

The finish nailer is a vital tool for any carpenter’s toolbox. A finish nailer is especially beneficial for installing baseboards, hardwood flooring, cabinet trim, door and window casings, chair railing, crown molding, and any trim that requires larger finish nails. For smaller more delicate applications users would lean towards a brad nailer or pin nailer to not damage trim pieces with blowouts and splitting.

In quarter 1 of 2024, Ridgid released their second generation cordless straight finish nailer, the R09893. This finish nailer is sold as a bare tool or in a kit with a 2.0 Ah battery. It should be noted that for this review, Ridgid sent us the R09893B finish nailer with a larger 4.0 Ah battery to test which is currently not available in any kit combination.

Ridgid R09893B Specifications

• 16ga straight finish nails between 1-1/4″ – 2-1/2″
• LED Light
• 1,700 nails per 4.0 Ah Battery
• Tool-free depth of drive adjustment dial
• Single Fire or Sequential Mode
• Tool-free jam release
• Dry-fire lockout

Setting the Power

The Ridgid R09893B has a unique feature that allows the user to control the power delivered when the nail is fired. This feature would function similarly to regulating the pressure on a compressor. The amount of power required will depend on the size of the nail and the workpiece material. This is especially useful for driving fasteners into soft materials like MDF or pine to prevent blowouts or splits in softer wood trim. This feature can be utilized in conjunction with the nailer’s nose-mounted depth of drive adjustment.

Power Test on Pine

We tested the power function using 2″ 16 ga straight finish nails on both pine and poplar. We wanted to see if we could find the “sweet spot” between the power setting and depth of drive. During the pine test, we started on max power and max depth of drive and noticed that the nails sank too deep. We turned the power down to the lowest setting and kept the depth of drive to the deepest and noticed the first couple of nails did not set at all.  We were able to achieve our “sweet spot” with both the Power and the Depth of Drive set in the middle.

Power Test on Poplar

Poplar is a hardwood that remodeling contractors find themselves using quite a bit. We conducted the same type of test as we did on the pine wood. Starting at half the power and max depth of drive the nails sat flush with the wood. We got the same results when we upped the power to full and the depth of drive to half. With max power and max depth of drive, we were able to fire several nails that sank just below the surface. We also did a rapid bump fire test with 2″ nails, shooting 20 in a row with perfect depth.

Depth of Drive Adjustment

The depth of drive has 26 depth settings between the shallowest setting and max depth. The knob is knurled and easily located at the top right side of the nailer but is smaller than other finish nailers we have used.

The results of the depth of nails fired were consistent. Once we located the sweet spot for both the air power and depth of drive our nails set to the correct depth. We feel that the depth of drive adjustments was cumbersome while wearing gloves due to it being recessed lower than the housing next to it, making it harder to turn.

Ridgid R09893B | Compact Size

Ridgid has made impressive cuts in size and weight without sacrificing power or functionality. In comparison to the previous model R09892B, the newer R09893B is 10% more compact.

Ridgid R09893B vs. R09892B

12.20″  High    |    12.40″ High
13.10″ Wide    |    14.12″ Wide
3.90″ Deep      |    5.11″ Deep

The new Ridgid R09893 is 15% lighter than the previous model R09892.  The new model weighs 5.60 lbs versus the older model’s 6.60 lbs weight. When paired with the 4 Ah battery the nailer is still heavier than a pneumatic nailer. We feel that this is the price to pay when going cordless.

The nailer has a small nose with a no-mar tip which is great for user visibility. The R0989B comes with onboard storage for an extra no-mar tip that is located on the magazine of the tool. We thought the extra no-mar pad might become loose or lost during use or transportation but found it secure and still in place after a month of using the nailer.

Tool Free Jamb Release

Jambs can happen for a majority of reasons. Clearing the jamb from the nailer is simple to accomplish.  After removing the battery and releasing the strip of nails in the magazine, the Ridgid R09893B has a quick-release latch at the top of the nailer. „ Pull up on the latch and open the jam release. Remove the bent finish nail, close and secure the latch, install the nails, and resume fastening. If a nail or fastener becomes jammed in the tool, remove the battery pack and keep the tool pointed away from you while clearing the jam.

Loading the Nails

The Ridgid R09893B has its nails fed into the magazine from the bottom. After sliding the nail strip in and far enough up, slide the pusher to the rear of the magazine. Release the pusher and allow it to push the nails up to the top of the magazine.  The pusher will stop when it rests against the end of the nail strip.

The crew likes that the Ridgid R09893B has an open design magazine. It allows the operator to easily see the amount of nails remaining. The R09893B has a dry fire lockout feature. When the magazine has 6 nails remaining, the dry-fire lockout feature will not allow the user to continue to fire until the nails are reloaded. The LED light will flash when the dry fire lockout feature is engaged.

Ridgid R09893B | LED Light

The Ridigid R09893 has a bright LED light at the tip of the nailer and provides good work area coverage. There is a switch on the grip of the nailer that allows the user to turn on the LED without the need to press the firing trigger.

The small nose and LED light to provide a great line of site and nails hit exactly where they need to”

Nailer Firing Modes

This finish nailer has a single sequential actuation mode and contact actuation mode. Single sequential actuation mode provides the most accurate finish nail placement.  Contact actuation allows very fast repetitive fastener placement which typically is not necessary in finish carpentry.

Kitted or Bare Tool Options

The Ridgid R09893B is a bare tool option that comes only with two no-mar tips and a user guide and sells for $269.00. The kitted version is model R09893K which includes the 18V Brushless 16 Gauge Straight Finish Nailer, (2) No-Mar Tips, (1) R87002 2.0Ah Battery, (1) R86093 Charger, and Operator’s Manual. The kitted version sells for $319.00 exclusively at the Home Depot.

Conclusion

Do not forget their Lifetime Service Agreement which offers free parts and service for life. For Ridgid’s Lifetime Service Agreement details click here: Ridgid Life-Time Service Agreement

#HomeDepotPartner

#MyHomeDepot

Ridgid 18V Cordless 16 GA Straight Finish Nailer Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Ryobi 40v Hybrid 20″ Air Cannon – Model RY40HF01

Ryobi 40v Hybrid 20" Air Cannon

4/5

Manufacturer: Ryobi
Model number: RY40HF01B
Price: $229.00
Power source: Hybrid [40v + AC/DC]
Weight: 30 Lbs

Ryobi sent us their new 40v Hybrid 20″ Air Cannon to test and evaluate. Fans are the unsung heroes of our daily grind on long, hot days. Not only are fans useful on hot Summer days, but they are extremely useful working in warm rooms like mechanical rooms and poorly ventilated spaces.

Ryobi RY40HF01 | Specifications

• • 6,300 CFM on High Setting
  • Hybrid Option: Battery & AC/DC capabilities
  • 34 hours of run-time on low w/ RYOBI 40V 12Ah battery
  • Durable metal construction
  • 180° pivoting head
  • Pivoting handle
  • 6″ all-terrain wheels
  • Low / Med / High |speed settings

Noise

With the name “Air Cannon” most people will likely assume this fan is loud. The Ryobi RY40HF01 is part of their Whisper Series line and is extremely quiet. Ryobi has several tools in their Whisper Series line. These include; cordless blowers, lawnmowers, string trimmers, and fans. Ryobi continues to cut down the noise, while still delivering the power needed to get the job done.

We performed a decibel test with an app on an iPhone called “Decibel X”. We have used this app on other tool testing and the results on those tests were extremely close to what the MFG specs were. The phone was placed at the user’s ear height and 8′ away from the fan but in the fan’s wind path. The fan was set on the ground and the fan pivoted towards the user.

Decibels Recorded

• • • 77.1 was the max decibels recorded on HIGH.
    • 65.5 was the max decibels recorded on MEDIUM
    • 44.8 was the max decibels recorded on LOW

Whether employed in a workshop or inside the household,  this fan operates very quietly, allowing for uninterrupted conversations or unexpected phone calls. Surprisingly quiet, it improves the workspace as a whole, creating an ideal environment for uninterrupted work.

CFMs Per Settings

The Ryobi RY40HF01 Air Cannon comes with four operational settings. There is a large speed switch on the right side of the fan. On this speed switch, there is 0-Off, 3-High, 2 – 2-Medium, and 1-Low. Here is a list of the CFMs per Ryobi on each setting.

• • High – 6,300 CFMs
  • Medium – 4,450 CFMs
  • Low – 2,850 CFMs

Ideal Usages

The Ryobi RY40HF01 Air Cannon fan proves invaluable in many different applications. Whether it is keeping the air flowing through the workshop, or expelling paint fumes or dust, this air cannon has got it covered. Outdoors, it transforms into a cooling beast, offering relief from sweltering temperatures. Having the air cannon handy for that backyard BBQ or weekend camping trip is a must. With the rugged wheels and portability, we feel that this fan would be delightful at the beach on a hot summer afternoon.

During renovations, the fan can efficiently clear demolition dust. The large volume of airflow can quickly displace particles ensuring a cleaner workspace.

We used it in the shop to provide ventilation and cooling and to assist in drying cedar clapboards that we pre-painted indoors due to the colder outside temperatures. We can also see the Air Cannon being useful when used to dry wet spaces or floors due to cleaning, or water leaks.

The versatility of the Ryobi RY40HF01 air cannon extends beyond just air movement, making it essential for comfort, safety, and efficiency in various environments and tasks.

Air Cannon | Run-Time

The Ryobi RY40HF01 has an impressive run-time. Ryobi says it will get 34 hours of continued run-time on the lowest setting using a 40v 12Ah battery. As you can see in the diagram above, times reduce roughly in half when going to a 6.0Ah and three-quarters when running with a 4.0Ah battery.

AC/DC Capable

One nice feature of the Air Cannon is that it is a “hybrid fan,” meaning it has AC/DC capability. If you need continuous operation you have the option to plug in an extension cord. [Cord not supplied] This plug is located inside the bottom of the battery compartment.

TBB Crew member Rob was so impressed with the Air Cannon that he is going to put it in his shop as a permanent fixture, permanently plugging it into line voltage.

Adjustment Knob | Pivoting The Fan

The Ryobi Air Cannon has one large-sized adjustment knob for fan pivoting,  located on the left side. To modify the fan head’s angle, loosen the adjustment knob. When loosened, this knob allows for 180° of pivot. To secure, select the desired position and tighten the knob.

Portability

The Air Cannon comes with 6″ rubberized wheels which assist with maneuverability and portability on the job site. These wheels required assembly after unboxing. One bolt and 3 washers per wheel and set up was complete.

We found that the Air Cannon rolls easily over grass, gravel, and concrete.  To assist in transportation there is a large, collapsible handle on the top of the unit, the handle folds down when not in use. This handle is robustly constructed with ABS plastic and metal pivot pins. The handle rotates off a stationary [black colored] crossbar that we found useful for securing cam straps to when transporting this fan in our work van.

Two-Handed Carry

On the opposite side of the fan, just above the battery location is an indent designed to assist as a “built-in” handle when lifting the fan with two hands.

Sturdy Construction

The Air Cannon is constructed mostly of metal components and some ABS plastic. Ryobi used metal where it counts; on the frame, axle, fan shroud and fan grill.  Its clear that some thought was put into the use of metal as it appears robust and designed to withstand transportation and falls, ensuring durability and longevity in your investment.

Room for Improvement

We’d like to highlight one potential improvement idea. The recessed carry handle on the battery side could benefit from being larger. We noted that a few of us found it too narrow for our hands when carrying the unit from a van or trailer.

Overall Thoughts

When it comes to the Ryobi 40v line of equipment, we feel that they continue to get it right.  Our crew has always been impressed with the outdoor power equipment, and this hybrid air cannon fan is no exception. With three speeds, the option for all-day run-time, and the ease of portability, your scorching job sites will soon be tolerable and might even have you reaching for that long-sleeved sun shirt. It is really quiet and will not interfere with your normal job site conversations or make you turn the volume up on the radio.

#HomeDepotPartner

#MyHomeDepot

Ryobi 40v Hybrid 20″ Air Cannon Video Review

Ryobi 40v Hybrid 20″ Air Cannon Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz

RYOBI 18V ONE+ Bucket Top Wet/Dry Vacuum PCL732

RYOBI 18V ONE+ Bucket Top Wet/Dry Vacuum

3/5

Manufacturer: Ryobi
Model number: PCL732
Price: $60.00
Power source: 18 Volt
Weight: 4.25 lbs

When I review a cordless or corded vacuum, I’m looking to check off four boxes:

1. Does it have good suction? (CFM/Airflow, and water lift)
2. Does it have a comprehensive array of attachments?
3. Does it have a sturdy build quality?
4. Is it portable?

RYOBI Bucket Top Vacuum  | Overview

This new Ryobi cordless vacuum excels in handling both wet and dry cleanup tasks. It comes with a crevice nozzle but lacks a wider vacuuming head.

A notable feature is the convenient storage solution for all components, including the hose, on-board crevice tool, battery, and charger, fitting neatly inside the bucket. Noticeably missing was a 4″ or 6” floor sweep nozzle and a squeegee nozzle for water pick up.

While equipped with a blower port like many shop vacuums, its practical utility is questionable for most vacuum users.

The vacuum boasts a maximum airflow of 45 CFM. However, it’s important to note that the term “max” in marketing materials often suggests variable performance and may not be sustained throughout the battery charge. It’s rated to have 32 inches of water lift (IOW), a measure of static suction pressure at no net flow, indicating how many inches the vacuum will vertically lift 1 inch of water.

Weighing 4.25 lbs. and featuring a 4-foot by 1-1/4” diameter hose, this vacuum also includes a filter bag for dry vacuuming. The battery inserts on top of the unit alongside a rocker-style power switch. It has a decibel rating of 72.4 dB(A).

RYOBI Vacuum Specifications

• 4′ x 1-1/4″ hose
• Wet/dry capability
• Maximum airflow of 45 CFM
• 32 inches of water lift (IOW)
• Sound level as low as 72.4 dB(A)
• Weight: 4.25 lbs.
• Blower port
• Compatible with most 5-gallon buckets

Ryobi Vacuum | Run-time and Efficiency Testing

The vacuum was tested in a shop environment, primarily with sawdust and clean water. I will note that on two occasions I plugged the hose into the blower port and either blew dust or water all over the place. Ryobi should label the intake port better.

When paired with the 4.0 Ah battery, the vacuum can operate continuously for approximately 12 minutes.

I decided to test it’s water suction capability using clean water from a separate bucket and placing the hose directly into the water. Suction was great and I was able to suck up 3.62 gallons [bucket capacity] in 12 seconds [average time]

I repeatedly transferred the water back and forth until the vacuum lost suction, which occurred after 30 cycles. Impressively, it managed to remove a total of 108.60 gallons of water on a single 4.0 Ah battery charge. I was unable to test the vacuum with a wider squeegee sweeping nozzle.

For the sawdust and particulate pick up I used the crevice nozzle. The suction was decent, not great, and about what I expected from a $60 vacuum. I was unable to test the vac with a wider sweeping nozzle.

Ryobi Vacuum  | Suggested Improvements

While I love the innovative bucket top design, Ryobi could enhance it’s appeal to professionals and serious enthusiasts by improving durability, motor strength, airflow system.

I’d like to see some accessories offered such as a 4” sweeping and squeegee nozzle, and an efficiency filter capable of capturing particles down to 1 micron at 99% efficiency.

Lastly, offering a model that offers AC/DC functionality, with a 20-foot power cord would be amazing, especially when cleanup needs exceed the battery run-time.

I recognize that all the items I just described come with an associated increase in cost. While some may be hesitant to pay this premium, there are many who recognize and appreciate the value they bring.

Who knows, maybe HD will allow them to make a premium model?

Price

One of the most appealing aspects of this vacuum is its affordability, priced at $60 as a bare tool (PCL732B) and $119 for the kit, which includes the vacuum, a 4Ah battery, and a charger.

Conclusion

The bucket top design is a commendable idea, at the end of the day consumers looking for a cordless wet/dry vacuum still want.

• Good suction (CFM/Airflow, and water lift)
• A comprehensive array of attachments
• Sturdy build quality
• Portability

Ryobi comes real close to achieving this, but falls a little short. Despite its shortcomings, this vacuum sells for $60, and represents a commendable option for consumers seeking low cost, convenience and functionality.

With slight improvements in the areas I described, Ryobi holds the promise to emerge as the preferred choice for those seeking a versatile bucket top vacuum solution. Let’s hope Home Depot provides the platform for Ryobi to elevate to a premium vacuum and establish itself as a “new standard” in wet/dry vacuuming.

#HomeDepotPartner

#MyHomeDepot

RYOBI 18V ONE+ Bucket Top Wet/Dry Vacuum | Video Review

RYOBI 18V ONE+ Bucket Top Wet/Dry Vacuum Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Top Cordless 1″ SDS Plus Rotary Hammer | Head-To-Head

In our head-to-head comparison, we focused on 1″ SDS-Plus rotary hammers with drop motors, catering to the largest group of SDS-Plus users. These drills are widely utilized by mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and building trades for tasks such as installing 3″ drop anchors, wedge anchors, screw anchors and chipping concrete.

Why Drop Motors?

The 1-inch SDS-Plus drop motor hammers are among the most popular drills on the market due to their compact size and versatility. They offer versatility and efficiency for various applications, making them a preferred choice for many users across different industries. Despite the rise in popularity of drop motor designs, some users still prefer the traditional D-handle style for specific applications such working in concrete forms or for ceiling and floor work.

SDS stands for Slotted Drive System or Slotted Drive Shaft, it was invented by Bosch in 1975. SDS and SDS-Plus are interchangeable, SDS-Plus is a newer standard featuring 4 splines for a more secure chuck fitment.

Our Objective

For us at Tool Box Buzz, our goal is to empower you to make informed decisions when selecting the best SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer Drill.

By providing comprehensive reviews and insights into the performance, features, and usability of each rotary hammer, we hope to assist you in finding the perfect tool for your projects. Whether you prioritize compactness, power, versatility, or ergonomics, we’re here to help you make the right choice.

Cordless SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer Lineup

Eleven manufacturers have submitted 15 contenders for the 1-inch SDS-Plus category, all designed for use on their 18-volt to 60-volt cordless platforms. Not every manufacturer labels their SDS-Plus drills as precisely 1 inch, so the range of testing spans from ⅞ inch to 1-⅛ inch.

BOSCH 18v Bulldog

Model – GBH18v-24C
Voltage – 18v
Size – 1”
RPMs – 980
BPMs – 0-4,350
Blow Energy [Ft-Lbs] – 1.80
Weight – 8.7 Lbs
Price – $270.00

DEWALT XR

Model – DCH273
Voltage – 20V
Size – 1”
RPMs – 1,100
BPMs – 0-4,600
Blow Energy [Ft-Lbs] – 1.55
Weight – 7.1 Lbs
Price – $329.00

DEWALT Flexvolt

Model – DCH416
Voltage – 60V
Size – 1-¼”
RPMs – 540
BPMs – 0-4,200
Blow Energy [Ft-Lbs] – 4.5
Weight – 12.25 Lbs
Price – $499.00

FLEX

Model – FX15511A-Z
Voltage – 24V
Size – 1”
RPMs – 980
BPMs – 0-4,350
Blow Energy [Ft-Lbs] – 1.9
Weight – 9.45 Lbs
Price – $299.00

HILTI Nuron

Model – TE 6-22 DRS
Voltage – 22V
Size – 1”
RPMs – 1050
BPMs – 0-5100
Blow Energy [Ft-Lbs] – 1.9
Weight – 8.1 Lbs
Price – $434.00

KOBALT

Model – KRH 124B-03
Voltage – 24V
Size – ⅞”
RPMs – 1,400
BPMs – 0-4,500
Weight – 6.15 Lbs
Price – $99.00

MAKITA 18v LXT

Model – XRH01Z

Voltage – 18VSize – 1”
RPMs – 950
BPMs – 0-4,700
Blow Energy [Ft-Lbs] – 1.7
Weight – 7.55 Lbs
Price – $379.00

MAKITA 36v LXT

Model – XRH05Z
Voltage – 36V (18v X 2)
Size – 1”
RPMs – 1,250
BPMs – 0-5,000
Blow Energy [Ft-Lbs] – 2.2
Weight – 10.3 Lbs
Price – $519.00

MAKITA 40v XGT

Model – GRH01Z
Voltage – 40V
Size – 1-1/8”
RPMs – 980
BPMs – 0-5000
Blow Energy [Ft-Lbs] – 2.8
Weight – 9.44 Lbs
Price – $589.00

Metabo

Model – KH18LTXBL28Q

Voltage – 18v
Size – 1-⅛”
RPMs – 1,000
BPMs – 0-4,470
Blow Energy [Ft-Lbs] – 3.0
Weight – 9.8 Lbs
Price – $361

METABO HPT 18v

Model – DH1826DALQ4
Voltage – 18V
Size – 1”
RPMs – 1,050
BPMs – 0-3,950
Blow Energy [Ft-Lbs] – 1.9
Weight – 8.05 Lbs
Price – $209.00

METABO HPT 36v

Model – DH3628DAQ4
Voltage – 36V
Size – 1-⅛”
RPMs – 950
BPMs – 0-4,300
Blow Energy [Ft-Lbs] – 2.3
Weight – 9.4 Lbs
Price – $279.00

MILWAUKEE M18 FUEL

Model – 2912-20
Voltage – 18V
Size – 1”
RPMs – 1,330
BPMs – 0-4,800
Blow Energy [Ft-Lbs] – 2.0
Weight – 9.25 Lbs
Price – $349.00

RIDGID

Model – R86712B
Voltage – 18V
Size – 1”
RPMs – 1,400
BPMs – 0-5,000
Blow Energy [Ft-Lbs] – 1.5
Weight – 8.05 Lbs
Price – $269.00

RYOBI

Model – P223
Voltage – 18V
Size – 1”
RPMs – 1,380
BPMs – 0-5,000
Blow Energy [Ft-Lbs] – 1.5
Weight – 7.45 Lbs
Price – $189.00

Head-To-Head Testing Criteria

Our team meticulously evaluated these cordless SDS-Plus rotary hammers, across five categories and ranked them.

1. Performance Test – Speed at drilling various size holes in concrete.
2. Efficiency Test – Run-time test of recommended battery normalized for Watt-Hour capacity.
3. Size and Weight – Size matters and weight can get cumbersome. We measured the dimensions and weight of each concrete drill as tested with batteries. [not factored in overall ranking]
4. On-Board Dust Collection – we tested and ranked features.
5. User Experience- Combination of features, ergonomics and subjective user evaluations.
   Additionally we included price, and best value charts for your consideration.

Silica Dust

The Tool Box Buzz Team recognizes the significant dangers that exposure to silica dust can pose to workers. While we always strive to use any and all personal protective equipment, there are times when we may omit certain PPE during testing. We want to remind anyone that uses concrete cutting and drilling tools to use proper protective equipment to prevent silica dust exposure.

Performance Evaluation | Drilling Test

This test evaluated the speed in which the tools could drill 3-inch deep holes into concrete with 4 different bit sizes. The drilling substrate used was 3,500 psi concrete blocks, 12” x 24” x 4.5″ deep. These concrete blocks had cured for 6-months.

Performance Test Procedure

Drill Sizes Evaluated: ¼”, ⅜”, ½”, and 1″ SDS-Plus rotary drill bits.

1. Five holes drilled to a depth of 3” using a depth rod and blue tape for accuracy.
2. Each hole was timed, and an average recorded.
3. All drills equipped with new Milwaukee SDS-Plus rotary drill bits.
4. Operators instructed to maintain consistent pressure and let the drill do the work.
5. Dust extractors were not utilized.
6. Technique emphasized to ensure fair comparison.

Performance Test Winner – Milwaukee

Milwaukee dominated three out of the four speed tests, earning an impressive overall score of 5. DEWALT’S 60V FlexVolt secured second place with an overall score of 15, excelling particularly with the 1-inch bit test. Hilti and Ridgid claimed third place with an overall score of 18. Metabo followed with a score of 21. The Metabo was not a remarkable tool, but was a consistent “power-house performer.”

Individual Test Results | Top 3

¼” Rotary Bit Results

• Milwaukee: 4.19 seconds
• DEWALT 60V: 4.63 seconds
• Hilti: 5.49 seconds

⅜” Rotary Bit Results

• Milwaukee: 4.93 seconds
• Ridgid: 5.24 seconds
• DEWALT 20: 5.88 seconds

½” Rotary Bit Results

• Milwaukee: 4.36 seconds
• Ridgid: 5.43 seconds
• Hilti: 5.57 seconds

1” Rotary Bit Results

• DEWALT 60V: 14.52 seconds
• Milwaukee: 21.63 seconds
• Metabo: 24.04 seconds

Note on DEWALT FlexVolt 60V Rotary Hammer

The DEWALT Flexvolt was an extremely powerful and heavy tool allowing it to shine in the 1-inch drill bit test and subsequent chipping evaluation.

Efficiency Evaluation | Normalized Run-time

Although run-time becomes less critical with sufficient battery capacity, we acknowledge it’s importance in specific scenarios such as with commercial users, installing numerous drop anchors in a day. With so many tools, battery voltages and sizes, we normalized run-time and investigated the efficiency of the tools energy available. Obviously some battery packs contain much more potential energy so it’s important to try and compare them based on the “size of the fuel tank”.

Efficiency Testing Procedure

1. Vacuums removed for this test.
2. All tools equipped with fresh batteries.
3. 1/2″ Milwaukee drill bits drilled to 3″ depth.
4. Operators instructed to maintain consistent pressure and let the drill do the work.
5. The total number of drilled holes were counted and scored.

Holes Drilled Per Watt-Hour – Winner Makita 18V

The Makita 18V drill claimed the top spot, surprising us all with it’s performance. This drill managed to complete 66.5 holes with a single 4 Ah battery with a 0.92 holes drilled per watt-hour.

Interestingly, the Makita 36-volt model, despite having twice the available watt-hours, only completed 82 holes, representing just a 23% increase in hole count which equated to only drilling 0.57 holes per watt-hour. This unique comparison between the two Makita drills highlights a design prioritization of efficiency vs power.

The Metabo 18 volt came in second place with 0.85 holes per watt-hour. Third place went to the DEWALT 20 volt with 0.82 holes per watt-hour.

Size and Weight – Not Used In Final Rankings

In the realm of SDS-Plus rotary hammers, size matters to some users. We measured the dimensions and weight of each drill, as tested (with Batteries / handle), and ranked them accordingly.

We felt the two most important factors for these drills were the weight and head length. Having a lightweight tool coupled with a compact size can be an important factor for some users. While we didn’t include this ranking in the final scoring we did account for the size and weight in our user experience rankings below. It’s interesting to see that most of the smaller / lighter tools didn’t perform as well as the heavier tools in the speed testing. Likely this is due to the size of the gear boxes, motors and housings.

In this category, the Kobalt drill boasted the shortest and lightest stature among all drills tested, clinching the top spot. Following closely in second place was the DEWALT 20V, which also showcased a compact form factor and lightweight design. The Ryobi drill secured third place in this ranking.

On-Board Dust Extractor Evaluation

On-board dust extractors are designed to be used as a system. Eight of these tools were sent with compatible on-board dust extractors to evaluate.

Dust Extractor Procedure

We tested the on-board dust extractors, ranking eight criteria:

1. Capacity – We drilled ½” x 3” holes until we saw dust “ant-hills” form around the hole. At that point we consider the capacity of the dust extractor full.
2. Visual inspection of capacity.
3. Filter cleaning – Self cleaning or manual function
4. Filter replacement – ease of removal.
5. Depth of hole with attachment.
6. Depth guide – ease of adjustment.
7. Replaceable head.
8. Weight.

On-Board Dust Extractor – Winner Hilti

The Hilti came in first place in the on-board dust extractor category. It was feature rich with its replaceable head, depth guide, and filter cleaning options. Despite clinching the top position, the team collectively noted that the dust canister could be improved by being translucent for better visibility, and the filter could be easier to detach from the canister.

In terms of “capacity” performance, the Hilti canister maintained dust extraction efficiency for 14 holes. Milwaukee drilled 10.5 holes, and Makita 40V managed 15 holes.  Surprisingly, the Metabo HPT drilled 21.5 holes, and the DEWALT 20V drilled 22 holes, but didn’t excel  in other feature comparisons.

User Experience – [Tie] Winner Hilti and Makita 40V

User experience (UX) encompasses the overall satisfaction and ease of use that a tool provides to its users. In this category, our team of Pro users provided subjective rankings for the user experience while handling these rotary hammers. This ranking was based on various factors experienced, including grip, balance, vibration, line of sight, ease of use, fatigue factor, and overall comfort.

The team identified four drills as top performers during testing. The Hilti and Makita were tied for first place, closely followed by a tie between the DEWALT 20V and Milwaukee 18V. All four of these tools exhibited commendable performance in our testing and were noted for their user experience.

Rotational Force | Bind Test – Not Ranked

When a drill binds, it has the potential to violently spin the tool around potentially injuring the user.
To assess the performance in binding situations, we conducted a subjective test by drilling a 1-inch diameter, 8-inch, deep hole in concrete and side load force.

3 Types of Safety Shut-Offs in Rotary Hammers

1. Accelerometer – An electronic component integrated into the tool that detects sudden rotation and initiates an automatic shutdown.
2. Mechanical – Utilizes a straightforward mechanical clutch mechanism whereby the tool continues to run, but the bit stops spinning when the clutch is engaged.
3. Electronic Overload – An electronic overload function is activated either before the mechanical clutch or during specific binding scenarios. This electronic overload serves to safeguard the electronics, motor, and battery, while also acting as a safety feature in certain situations.

Rotational Force Findings

During our testing, all of these tools effectively shut off when the tool was bound up and the user had a firm grip on both the tool and the auxiliary handle.

Standout tools featured all three safety mechanisms, predominantly found in higher-end models such as those from Bosch, Hilti, Makita (40-volt) and Milwaukee. These tools successfully incorporated all three mechanisms that we were able to activate during field testing.

Chipping Test – Winner DEWALT 60V

Our chipping testing methodology was primarily subjective in nature. We employed our drill testing blocks to conduct the chipping tests.

TBB Crew users utilized the rotary hammers to break up the test blocks, after which they provided feedback via a form detailing their chipping experience.

The consensus from our testing suggests that there’s a “secret sauce” combination of impact energy and beats per minute (BPM) that yields optimal chipping power. This mix of factors seems to be instrumental in achieving productive chipping results.

The DEWALT 60V was the largest and heaviest tool in the group and with 4.5 FT-LBS of energy, it’s no surprise that it excelled at chipping, taking first place

The DEWALT Flexvolt was a “jack hammer disguised as a drill  ~ TBB Crew Wes Bartosik

The Makita 40V came in second. It has tons of power and minimal vibrations felt, due to its well throughout decoupling. The Milwaukee 18V came in third place. It delivers an incredible amount of energy on impact and was very controllable while cutting scribe lines.

SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer | Price – Not Included In Final Scoring

Most manufacturers offer these rotary hammers in kit form, bundling the tool with a battery optimized for performance while maintaining a manageable weight. Achieving the best user experience hinges on finding the right balance between weight, balance, and power to accomplish tasks efficiently.

For your reference, we have listed bare tool pricing below, although this wasn’t factored into our final scoring. As an illustration of the cost range, the Kobalt is available as a bare tool for $99.00, while the Makita 40-volt model is priced at $589.00. Please refer to the attached chart for further details.

Best Cordless 1-Inch SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer – Winner Milwaukee 18V

While impact energy undoubtedly influences a tool’s performance, it’s crucial to recognize that it’s not the sole determinant of effectiveness. Other factors, such as RPM and BPM, also play significant roles in achieving the desired outcome for the user. Harmonizing impact energy, RPM, and BPM is essential to optimize the tool’s overall efficiency and effectiveness.

Decisions should be based on considerations related to ergonomics, safety, and mechanical performance. Balancing these aspects ensures that the tool not only performs well but also prioritizes the safety and user experience of the user.

It’s noteworthy that when ranking our categories, we assigned double weight to performance scores, considering it the most valuable category.

Milwaukee claimed the top spot in performance, secured second place in dust extraction, and ranked third in both user experience (UX) and chipping. Its overall performance stood out as the clear winner.

Second Place honors go to the Makita 40V.  This Makita excelled in UX, chipping and dust extraction. The Makita 40V was a favorite among the crew, tying with Hilti for the top spot in UX.

Hilti rounded out the podium in 3rd place.  The Hili was also heavily sought after by the crew and ranking first in the UX category, boasting the best dust extraction, and coming in eighth in performance testing and fourth in chipping.

Tied for fourth place was Metabo and DEWALT 60V. Metabo stood out with it’s second place in efficiency and scored well in both user experience and chipping. The DEWALT 60V was impressive in the chipping tests and performance.

Best Value 1″  SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer – Winner Ridgid

This category winner often strikes a chord with users as it showcases an SDS-Plus drill that performs admirably while being more budget-friendly. In many respects, it’s a category of significant importance, sometimes overshadowing the top-ranked contender, crowned king of our 1″ SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer Head-to-Head Test.

The Ridgid 18V, priced at $269 as a bare tool, claimed victory in this category. Despite landing in seventh place overall, it delivered commendable performance, securing a solid fifth place rank in our performance testing. We often refer to Ridgid as the “hidden gem” of the tool industry.

Best 1″ SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer | Closing Comments

1″ SDS-Plus rotary hammers are essential tools for contractors seeking efficient, versatile, and reliable solutions for drilling and hammering tasks in concrete and masonry materials.

We often receive inquiries about our final rankings and understand that there are numerous ways to compare tools.

Our primary goal during testing is to attain repeatable and consistent results. We make sure to share all the data from our tests so that users can re-rank the tools according to their preferences. If there’s a specific aspect you don’t find relevant, feel free to remove it from the matrix above and re-evaluate the rankings accordingly.

We hope you find this Head-To-Head comparison useful when considering the purchase of a 1″ cordless SDS-Plus rotary hammer. Please take a moment to explore our other Head-to-Head tests at ToolBoxBuzz.com.

Thanks, “the TBBCrew.”

Best 1-inch SDS-PLUS Rotary Hammer Video Review

Best Cordless 1 Inch SDS Plus Rotary Hammer – 2024 is a post from Tool Box Buzz

RIDGID 18V Hybrid Drum Fan Model R860722B Review

RIDGID 18V Brushless Hybrid 18” Drum Fan

4.5/5

Manufacturer: RIDGID
Model number: R860722B
Price: 199.00
Power source: Hybrid
Weight: 26LBS

SPECIFICATIONS

• Airflow: Up to 4,000 CFM and 600 FPM
• Head Rotation: 225°
• 6′ Extension Cord Included
• Weight: 26 LBS
• Height: 26.5”
• Width: 24”
• Depth: 14”
• Warranty: Lifetime Service Agreement

RIDGID 18V Brushless Hybrid 18” Drum Fan Overview

Once I picked up the RIDGID fan by the large, easy-grab handle, I immediately noticed the appealing construction. The front of the metal drum is lined with heavy-duty plastic to protect it from damage on the job site. The fan blades are also protected by a front metal grate.

The feet have the same heavy-duty plastic which will keep the fan securely resting in place, whether placed on the ground or mounted to the wall.

Additionally, the legs have pre-drilled holes for easy wall mounting. This attachment method allows the fan to get up off the floor and provide airflow at any desirable height.

Extension cord storage tabs are molded into the legs for easy storage and organization.

The speed selector dial makes it easy to choose between the 6 available speed settings.

Fan angle adjustments can be made easily by loosening the large turn knobs which allows the fan to angle freely.

RIDGID R860722B Battery testing

The RIDGID 18V Brushless Hybrid 18” Drum Fan has 6 speeds. Although this fan can be plugged into any extension cord, I was curious to see the run-time when powered by a battery. I used a RIDGID 12.0Ah battery for testing, although any RIDGID 18V battery can be used.

• On speed 1 the fan ran for about 14 hours.
• On speed 3 the fan ran for about 11 hours.
• On speed 6 the fan ran for about 4 hours and 15 minutes.

The more blades a fan has, the more power it requires to spin. Also, having a brushless motor helps extend the battery time and fight the drag from having 5 blades. We all have different needs when using a fan. I consider speed 3 to be medium. Having a fan powered by battery power on a medium-speed setting for 11 hours is respectable.

RIDGID 18V Brushless Hybrid Drum Fan Decibel Testing

I also performed decibel testing to see how quiet the fan is. Testing was performed with a cell phone decibel testing app. The phone was placed 8 feet away from the fan, and directly in the fan’s path.

• On speed 1 the fan registered 50 decibels.
• On speed 2 the fan registered 53 decibels.
• On speed 3 the fan registered 55 decibels
• On speed 4 the fan registered 57 decibels
• On speed 5 the fan registered 61 decibels
• On speed 6 the fan registered 64 decibels.

The more blades a fan has, the quieter it usually is. At higher speeds, the decibel lever will increase slightly as expected. Therefore, the decibel range that this fan puts out is fairly quiet.

Impressions of the Ridgid Hybrid Drum Fan

In conclusion, the RIDGID 18V Brushless Hybrid 18” Drum Fan is a good fan and will be a solid purchase. This fan can powered by a battery or extension cord. RIDGIDS’ new fan is extremely quiet and the brushless motor allows for longer run times when battery-powered. As you can see by the testing performed, this fan has a good run time when powered by a 12-ah battery.

How to purchase

The RIDGID 18V Brushless Hybrid 18” Drum Fan can be purchased soon, directly from Home Depot for $199. While this price may be slightly more than other drum fans, I think it is worth it. RIDGID is known for its quality products as you can see in our other product reviews. In addition, RIDGID offers free parts, and free service for the life of this fan if you register this product.

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RIDGID 18V Hybrid 18” Drum Fan Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Best New Products from World of Concrete 2024

Every year the World of Concrete show produces some awesome tool releases. Big companies have the opportunity to showcase what’s new in the coming months of 2024! Now that the dust has settled and the crew has collected our thoughts, we have put together what we feel were some of the best newly released tools shown at World of Concrete.

Of course, there were hundreds of new and innovative tools that we checked out, but these are the ones we think make a huge impact on the industry. We are going to try and get our hands on these and many more for independent reviews or in our Head-To-Head Testing.

Bosch 12v Inspection Camera

Bosch has upped their game with the release of the new 12V Max Connected 5 Ft. Handheld Inspection Camera (GIC4-23C). The GIC4-23C Inspection Camera has a high-resolution, easy-to-see 4 in. LCD that takes color images and can store up to 30 videos and photos. The buttons and menu are simple, properly marked, and user-friendly.

The inspection camera has a rubber housing combined with an IP67 (camera cable) and IP54 (tool) rating, offering the user enhanced protection on the job site. Pictured here is TBB crew Rob using the inspection scope inside a makeshift wall a the Bosch booth. The LED screen is 1280×720 pixels.

This inspection scope is one of two that Bosch will sell in a kit. Bosch will also offer an 11′ camera cord option. This will be model GIC5-27C. Both kits include a camera, batteries, charger, and a Bosch L Box with molded insert.

Diablo Amped Rebar Demon Masonry Drill Bit

A few years ago, Diablo introduced the Rebar Demon masonry drill bit solution for SDS Plus and SDS Max with a full carbide cutting head. The Rebar Demon combined Diablo’s great concrete drilling solution with the ability to cut through rebar. While those bits were definitely a game changer, they didn’t address the need for a better dust control solution. Dust control is an extremely important issue when it comes to worker health, jobsite cleanliness, and proper hole preparation for adhesive fasteners.

The Diablo Amped Rebar Demon addresses the dust control features that were missing in the original Rebar Demon. The Amped Rebar Demon has a new design that includes an exceptionally high-quality full carbide head and a stainless-steel sleeve for dust control. The innovative shaft design allows for the seamless suction of dust through a hose adaptor, resulting in a clean and efficient operation.

Diablo anticipates these Amped Rebar Demon bits to retail between $50 and $60 each and is set to be released mid to end of Quarter 2 2024.

Milwaukee Dual M18 Battery 9 Gallon Dust Extractor

The new M18 FUEL PACKOUT Dual Battery 9 Gallon Dust Extractor runs on two M18 battery packs and features twin automatic filter cleaning to maximize suction performance. The M18 FUEL Dual Battery 9 Gallon Dust Extractor combines cordless convenience with corded performance.

For more productivity on the job site, users can activate the M18 FUEL Dual Battery 9 Gallon Dust Extractor from a remote or tool thanks to VACLINK, an incorporated wireless dust control feature. In order to ensure optimal performance and maintenance of airflow levels, the M18 FUEL Dual Battery 9 Gallon Dust Extractor has an incorporated low-flow alarm that notifies the user when the airflow reaches a point where dust extraction is no longer effective.

The crew likes the PACKOUT compatibility on the top of the vacuum. This allows us to “stack and go” with the vacuum accessories or tools we need for that specific application.

The M18 FUEL PACKOUT Dual Battery 9 Gallon Dust Extractor is set to be available in quarter 3 of 2024.

DEWALT POWERSHIFT Battery Platform

DEWALT unveiled their new POWERSHIFT Battery Platform and associated power tools that use the new batteries. Here is a brief breakdown of the DEWALT POWERSHIFT batteries and power tool options coming soon.

POWERSHIFT Battery & Charger

The new DEWALT POWERSHIFT offers a high-power battery with 554 WH of capacity. This battery has pouch cell technology which allows for a more compact, lightweight design, and weighs 11.5 lbs.  DEWALT’s POWERSHIFT standard high-rate chargers can charge these large batteries in less than one hour.

POWERSHIFT Plate Compactor

The new POWERSHIFT Plate Compactor offers 3,370 ft-lbs. of force. The compactor has a large, 15.7″ plate. The controls are mounted on an ergonomically designed folding handle for increased user control and comfort. The compactor comes with a wheel kit for ease of maneuverability. It also features a water tank which will assist in keeping the dust levels lowered.

POWERSHIFT Rammer

The new POWERSHIFT rammer weighs in at 132lbs. It features 2,660 ft. lbs. of impact force with anti-vibration technology. The rammer has a patent soft start and has mounted controls on the two-position handle for ease of use operation. The Rammer and the Plate Compactor have the same control panel buttons for operator familiarity.

POWERSHIFT Backpack Vibrator

DEWALT’s POWERSHIFT Backpack Vibrator is lightweight, weighing  25 lbs with the DEWALT POWERSHIFT battery installed. This backpack vibrator provides 60 minutes of continuous run-time. The pack itself has a durable roll cage with a fully adjustable high visibility harness for safety.

Vibrating head size options for both the backpack and the power pack are as follows:

• 2-3/8″ vibrating head
• 2″  vibrating head
• 1-3/4″ vibrating head
• 1-1/2″ vibrating head

POWERSHIFT Powerpack Vibrator

The POWERSHIFT Powerpack Vibrator has a manual switch but also can be activated remotely through DEWALT Wireless Tool Control.  The pack is carried with an over-body harness with the same high visibility material as the backpack vibrator. The pack has the same style of roll cage as well for protection.

Shaft length options for both the backpack and the power pack are as follows:

• 7′ shaft
• 10′ shaft
• 16′ shaft
• 21′ shaft

POWERSHIFT Power Screed

DEWALT’s POWERSHIFT Power Screed features fully adjustable handles for customizable height and width for user comfort. In addition, ambidextrous controls can be mounted on either handle for user preference. This power screed will run up to 90 minutes on continuous full throttle on a single battery. The screed has the power to pull a 16′ bar.

POWERSHIFT Core Drill and Stand

DEWALT’s POWERSHIFT core drill can be removed from the stand and used with a 60v FLEXVOLT battery independently. The core drill can wireless connect to the water tank with a water flow dial on the handle of the core drill so the user does not have to take their hand off the handle, allowing for a safer operation. The core drill has anti-rotational technology to prevent over-rotation in bind-up situations.

The DEWALT Core Drill will be available in September 2024. DEWALT’s new line of core drill bits will launch sometime between February and March. Additionally, the connectable water tank will reach stores this March.

POWERSHIFT Adapter

DEWALT continues to focus on backward tool battery compatibility. The DEWALT POWERSHIFT adapter allows for a FLEXVOLT battery to be inserted for additional run-time on all POWERSHIFT equipment. All DEWALT FLEXVOLT batteries will work in the adapter. DEWALT recommends larger packs such as 15Ah or 9Ah for longer additional run time.

Milwaukee MX FUEL ROCKET Dual Power Compact Tower Light

Milwaukee’s latest offering in equipment lights is the new MX FUEL ROCKET Dual Power Compact Tower Light. This light provides faster set-up and maximum portability. This compact tower light is PACKOUT compatible. According to Milwaukee, this light tower gives off  five times more usable light than the Milwaukee 2131-20 M18 Rocket Dual Power Tower Light.

Features

• 15,000 Lumens
• 49.5 lbs with battery
• 2,300 SQ FT Coverage

MX Rocket Dual Power Tower Light Run-time

The MX Rocket Dual Power Compact Tower light has an AC power option if power is available on-site for unlimited run-time. Here are the projected run-times according to Milwaukee on an XC406 (XC6.0), FORGE XC8.0, and FORGE HD12.0

Setting Lumens

With the kitted XC406 (XC6.0) battery here are the lumens per setting.

• Low – 5,000 lumens
• Medium – 8,500 lumens
• High – 15,000 lumens

The tower light is IP56-rated for water and dust. The light also features Milwaukee’s One Key technology for tool crib management, lockout, or theft. The MX FUEL ROCKET Dual Power Compact Tower Light is set to be available in quarter 3 of 2024.

Availability

The majority of these tools will be available over at ACME TOOLS in the coming months! Check them out here: Acme Tools

Best New Products from World of Concrete 2024 is a post from Tool Box Buzz