Brands

Roger Bisby tries out the new Starlock range. It is fairly unusual to see rival power-tool companies collaborating in research and development but Bosch and Fein linked up to develop the Starlock system for their oscillating tools. It is an attempt to do what the SDS drill bit did for hammer drills, in other words a simple click lock system …

Bosch has launched a new generation of 18 V cordless screwdrivers; the new ‘dynamicseries’ and a ‘robustseries’ which are now available from specialist retailers from £236 to £405. All four models have new functions which Bosch says offer a higher level of comfort for professionals such as carpenters, electricians, plumbers and heating installers. The compact ‘dynamicseries’ range of tools combines …

DeWalt has confirmed that the DeWalt XR Flexvolt battery, a 54 v battery which can power even heavy duty construction power tools which the company unveiled earlier this week, will be available from August. Completely backwards compatible with existing DEWALT XR 18V products, the DeWalt XR Flexvolt battery is said to offer market-leading runtime in 18V products, with the option …

DEWALT is claiming to have “changed the game” in the power tool market as it unveils a range of 54V power tools that offer new levels of runtime and performance. With the new XR Flexvolt range Dewalt promises tradespeople they will be able to undertake heavy-duty construction applications without the need for mains power. This innovation means that you can …

Hitachi Power Tools (UK) has launched a new high capacity 6.0Ah Lithium-ion battery, which is compatible with the entire range of 18V cordless tools. The BSL1860 Li-Ion battery is the same size and weight as previous batteries but with greater capacity and working time. A multiplex protection circuit protects the cells from overload, overcharging and over discharge, ensuring a long …

DeWalt has launched an Android-powered smartphone meeting demand among trade professionals for handsets that will withstand the rigours of life on a construction site. The £379 DeWalt MD501 is waterproof, dustproof and weatherproof and is built to withstand drops from two metres onto concrete, extreme temperatures and barometric pressures as well as being resistant to chemical spillages and vibrations. The …

New from DEWALT is the DCP580 Planer which the power tool manufacturer says is the world’s first 18V brushless, cordless planer. The new technology pairs an efficient brushless motor with a high capacity XR battery, working in tandem to provide maximum output and excellent runtime. DEWALT says the DCP580 has enough runtime for a typical day’s work from just one …

If you're thinking of buying an 18v drill and you're wondering which 18v drill is best, Skill Builder has some useful resources that might help you to make a decision.

Roger Bisby believes that impact drivers are way too powerful for most jobs and many  lack the intelligence to know when less is more. Has Milwaukee got the answer in its M18 FID-0? I never thought I would say this but impact drivers have become a little too good at their job. As each respective manufacturer seeks to leapfrog the competition …

These days we tend to turn to diamonds whenever we need a large holes in concrete, brick or tiles. Personally I would not want to be without my diamond core bits but there are some jobs where I hesitate to get them out. If for example there is a possibility of hitting a wall tie I would rather get this …

Research by DeWALT  has shown that modern tradesmen and building contractors undertaking repetitive drilling and fastening work, require tools that offer reliable and powerful performance, a compact design, and ease of control. DeWALT has therefore expanded its XR 18V Lithium-Ion Brushless portfolio with the introduction of the DCD791 Drill Driver, DCD796 Hammer Drill Driver and DCF887 Impact Driver. Improved power …

Snickers promises a hard wearing garment that’s easy on the pocket with the new Snickers Core Range but does it live up to its billing? Skill Builder takes a closer look. If you are someone who has looked at Snickers trousers and decided that they are a bit beyond your budget you might just be stopped in your tracks by …

Dewalt has combined its power tool battery and laser technology know-how and added a 10.8V red and green beam self-levelling cross-line and 360° line lasers to its portfolio. The DCE088D1G and DCE089D1G are the first models in the DEWALT range to feature a green diode. Industry trends have shown that green lasers are the future for applications in construction, specifically …