Its coming to the end of 2010 and Toolstop is proud to announce the inaugural Toolstop Power Tool Awards, or as we call them, The Power Tool Oscars. We’ve taken our top selling tools from 5 of the top power tool manufacturers and are asking YOU to vote on what is your personal favourite. First up it’s the Makita BJV180Z 18 volt lithium ion Jigsaw. We’ve found this to be a great value jigsaw, fantastic balance, power and functionality. Then it’s the Bosch GOP10.8V-LI Multitool. This is one of the most versatile products you can have in your toolbag. It grinds, cuts, sands and scrapes with ease. Next up is the Dewalt DW304PK Reciprocating Saw. We think this is hard to beat when it comes to cutting capacity, stroke length and power. The penultimate candidate for the award is the Metabo KGS216 216mm Compound Mitre Saw. This mid-range mitre saw has come on to the market and within a year has become one of the leading in it’s price bracket. Last, but not least, we have the Hitachi NR90GC2 Gas Framing Nailer. Using similar technology to Paslode, this nailer has become a firm favourite on the job site. Get your vote in now by selecting your top tool below. Voting closes on the 10th December 2010 and we will announce the winners and present the prizes the week before Christmas. 
Thursday, 28 October 2010
The Power Tool Oscars 2010 – Cast Your Vote Now
Wednesday, 27 October 2010
Metabo W 18 LTX Li PowerExtreme Grinder
First up;
Sparks fly
It’s the Metabo W 18 LTX Li PowerExtreme Grinder. A couple of things stand out about this grinder. Firstly, the battery. Metabo have slapped a 3 year warranty on these batteries, and they’ve got the technology to make that warranty sensible. Plus the battery pack is rotatable, meaning you can adjust the angle of the battery while it’s slotted into the grinding. That allows you to gain access to tight, awkward spaces. Metabo have also programmed their batteries with ‘ESCP’, their own brand of cell protection. Basically, your batteries are going to run longer per charge, they’re not going to over cook and they’re going to have a longer working life.
Metabo claims their batteries will give you more cuts than any other professional grinder on the market. They say, “that’s 17 more cuts than the worst result from the 5 major pro competitor’s products we’ve tested”.
Another feature that stood out to us as we tested the grinder was the ability to change the guard, meaning you go from having a 115mm grinder to a 125mm with just a flick of a quick release lever. Metabo have also fitted a Metabo Quick Nut for tool-free disc changing. Maintaining the tool is easy due to the ‘Easy Access Carbon Brushes’, so you’ll be able to service the tool yourself. These grinders aren’t cheap (what professional tool is?), the ability to look after them and prolong their work-life is vital.
Grinding and cutting can be dangerous. Metabo have programmed the motor in the W18LTX PowerExtreme with an overload cut out. If the grinder’s put under too high of a load it’ll simply stop. To start it up again you need to physically turn it off and then back on again (watch out for this in the video). This doesn’t only help protect you, it protects the motor of the grinder.
This safety feature is coupled with a thermal overload cut out. The motor has a thermal sensor fitted and if the grinder gets too hot while you’re working with it, it’ll slow down with a red LED light displaying on the handle. Basically, you need to remove the grinder from the work piece, keep it running so that the air passing over the motor cools it down. You’re then able to get working again. Again, this protects you and the machine.
And finally, just listen to the motor in action; Metabo claims it doesn’t sound like a battery powered grinder but more resembles, to the ear, it’s corded cousins.
But what do you think? Ready to give the Metabo W 18 LTX Li PowerExtreme grinder a go?
Friday, 22 October 2010
Toolstop Podcast Edition #50 – it’s a half century, featuring Bosch and Makita
Unfortunately, DeWalt weren’t able to be represented, but we were joined by;
We thoroughly enjoyed our chat about the recent developments we’ve seen from both power tool companies (Makita and Bosch), including lithium-ion battery technology, the fact that power tools are getting smaller at the same rate they’re gaining power, the favourite tools of each of the guys and the sort of tools they’d recommend you on the job site should be adding to your kit.
We’d love to know your thoughts on what John, Tony and Malcolm had to say, leave a comment here!
Thursday, 21 October 2010
Toolstop Podcast Edition #50 – it’s a half century, featuring Bosch and Makita
Unfortunately, DeWalt weren’t able to be represented, but we were joined by;
We thoroughly enjoyed our chat about the recent developments we’ve seen from both power tool companies (Makita and Bosch), including lithium-ion battery technology, the fact that power tools are getting smaller at the same rate they’re gaining power, the favourite tools of each of the guys and the sort of tools they’d recommend you on the job site should be adding to your kit.
We’d love to know your thoughts on what John, Tony and Malcolm had to say, leave a comment here!
Toolstop “highly praised” at the Scottish Retail Excellence Awards 2010
click to enlarge
Congratulations to M&Co, you may have won this time, but our blog is still better…!
Wednesday, 20 October 2010
Hulk v Hulk; Power Tools Up Against the Might of Marvel
Our source at the Hollywood Reporter says;
“Marvel describes that particular shade as “confusingly similar” to the one used for its Green Goliath, and the logo as “nearly identical” to its own Hulk products.”
However, the Evolution “Hulk” we tried and tested in the video below was a tangy orange colour.
Either way, Twitter is all a-buzz at Marvel’s indignation. Maybe Marvel is feeling like Dr David Banner: “Don’t make us angry, Evolution power tools. You wouldn’t like us when I’m angry.”
Friday, 15 October 2010
Toolstop Podcast Edition #49b – A Recap of the Past Year
This week we hear from;
- Eric Streuli (Bosch)
- John Stark (Makita)
- Suzi Perry (Gadget Show)
- Lira Luis (architect)
- The Soundman
Download the podcast.
Also, listen back to edition #43 to hear Chris Elseworthy’s experience on BBC’s Dragon’s Den.
Next week on edition #50 we’ll be joined in the study by representatives of Bosch, Makita and DeWalt for a celebratory podcast about all things power tools.
Subscribe on iTunes to make sure you don’t miss it! And make sure you give us your feedback in the comments, just click here.
Wednesday, 13 October 2010
Bosch GSR MX2Drive Professional
Get the m4v and ogv versions of this video. All of our videos are available via iTunes.
Bosch have continued to innovate throughout 2010 and in their Q4 series of new power tools they haven’t disappointed. In this instance we have their new screw driver, the GSR MX2 Drive. Among other features, it has a 2-speed gear box operating from the 3.6v power pack. The video demonstrates how the gear box works, but according to Bosch, you start in 2nd speed (which has a variable speed of 0-580rpm) then switch to 1st speed (steady speed of 150rpm) as you meet resistance. This gives you a smooth, non-stop gear shifting. Just watch the video if you want to see it in action!
This driver is perfect for tight spaces not only because of the short head length but the LED job light. Of course, the GSR MX2Driver is powered by Bosch’s workhorse lithium ion battery technology.
- highest torque in class: 10Nm
- highest speed in class: 0-580rpm
- most compact in class: 158mm x 127mm
Is this a viable tool for your kit? What sort of jobs would you envisage using the GSR MX2Drive for on the job site? Let us know in the comments.
Tuesday, 12 October 2010
Evolution Rage 3 Multipurpose Sliding Mitre Saw
Download the m4v version. All of our videos are available on iTunes.
The element of this mitre saw that puts it in the position of being able to (attempt) to answer the question is the blade. It’s a tungsten carbide tipped blade that can – and does, as the video demonstrates – cut through wood, aluminium and steel. It also makes short work of wood with nails/screws in it. And you’ll notice that it leaves the metal cool enough to touch immediately after the cut.
- Max Depth Cut (90° Bevel): 75mm
- Max Depth Cut (45° Bevel): 40mm
- Max Width Cut (90° Mitre): 300mm
- Max Width Cut (45° Mitre): 210mm
What are your thoughts on this mitre saw? Is it the ideal, multi-purpose, job-site companion? Let us know in the comments.
Thursday, 7 October 2010
Toolstop Podcast #49 – Rambling With DIY Donny
Download the podcast.
We admit to rambling a bit on this edition of the podcast, but hopefully you’ll find it as entertaining and enlightening as you always do…
You may also want to check out the Toolstop eBay shop, which you can find here! You never know, you may just pick up an absolute bargain power tool.
Tuesday, 5 October 2010
BRAND NEW – Bosch GML 20 and GML 50 Job Site Radios
We’ve put together a series of “60 Seconds With…” these new Bosch power tools for professionals, the first of which you can find here.
Download the m4v and ogv versions of the video.
These are the long waited for jobsite radios, featuring either 20 or 50 watts via 4 surround sound speakers, plus the industries only subwoofer on a jobsite radio. Not only that, Bosch have packed in a digital, multimedia station allowing you to play your mp3 player or even music via SD or MMC cards. The GML 50 features backlit buttons and it’ll charge your 14.4v or 18v batteries when attached to the mains. Both radios can be powered by battery.
I have to say, I was truly impressed by the power of these radios and they truly are 360 degrees, with a speaker on four sides of the cube, plus a beefy subwoofer underneath. They have to be heard to be believed!
See photos from the event here.
Pick one up today and be the entertainment saviour on the jobsite.
About Toolstop
- Toolstop
- Toosltop are one of the biggest distributers of power tools in the UK. We blog about the latest power tools, plus we bring you exclusive video footage from Makita, Bosch, DeWalt and more. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel!