This week, Makita announces more additions to their XGT lineup, Tim shows off the new M12 Detail Sander, and we crown the king of the baby chainsaws! Plus, we find the best installation drill for 2023. This is your Power Tool Week in Review.
PROJECT FARM | Baby Chainsaws!
Todd over at Project Farm gathered a group of single-handed chainsaws from brands like Milwaukee, Ryobi, Kobalt, Black & Decker, Craftsman, DeWalt, Makita, HART, Bauer, and Stihl. As a tool enthusiast, I was a little jealous—only owning 4 of those brands!
Todd tested torque, cutting speed, and even compared them to a Stihl hand saw (which I’m still confused about). He divided the chainsaws into two categories: tiny and 10” plus. Without giving too much away, I was thrilled to see my HART and Milwaukee saws at the top of the tiny charts. If you’re looking for the best baby chainsaw, Todd has the buying advice you need at Project Farm.
Shop Tool Reviews | Milwaukee’s M12 Detail Sander
Milwaukee recently launched the M12 FUEL Orbital Detail Sander, and Tim got his hands on it first! The 2531 M12 Orbital Detail Sander may be small, but it’s packed with features.
The sander was first revealed earlier this year at the Milwaukee Pipeline event, overshadowed by the Track Saw and new Gen 3 and 4 impacts and drills. But as Tim points out, this little tool is mighty. It includes 4 speed settings, a variable speed trigger, a contour pad interface, and a pad saver (which Tim recommends you never sand without). With 14,000 OPM, it’s perfect for detailed sanding. It’s not perfect, but it might be perfect for you. Check out the full review at Shop Tool Reviews.
RIDGID | Launch of an OPE line
This week, RIDGID surprised us by launching a full line of outdoor power equipment (OPE). While TTI (the parent company of RIDGID) already owns Ryobi and HART, they’ve decided to step it up.
The new OPE lineup includes a 14” string trimmer with a variable speed trigger, a 12” chainsaw with automatic oiler, and a 22” hedge trimmer. They’ve even introduced an 8” auger with anti-kickback, a 4-gallon backpack sprayer, and a 1 ¼” pruner. Plus, there’s a 510 CFM blower. It’s an interesting mix of tools that seems geared toward both prosumers and DIYers. While we haven’t tried them all yet, RIDGID’s reputation for quality tools makes us optimistic.
Tinker with Tools | Installation Drill Drivers
Installation Drill Drivers are versatile tools with replaceable attachments, making them ideal for a variety of jobs. Taylor at Tinker with Tools wanted to determine which brand makes the best one.
Taylor tested the best models from Milwaukee, DeWALT, and Bosch, using attachments like a hex, chuck, right-angle, and offset for getting into tight spots. While all brands performed well, one stood out. Find out which one comes out on top by checking out Taylor’s full review.
Torque Test Channel | Air Hammers
If you’re wondering which air hammer has the most power, Torque from Torque Test Channel is the expert to turn to. This week, he tested several air hammers to determine which one packs the most punch.
Air hammers are indispensable for mechanics working with rusted bolts and fasteners. These tools use air pressure to drive out tough-to-remove fasteners. Torque’s review shows just how much power these hammers can deliver. If you ever need an air hammer, you’ll know which one to pick after watching his test.
Makita | New XGT Tools
Makita’s 40V XGT lineup continues to grow. In just 19 months since its launch, Makita has added over 100 tools to the XGT family. This month, several new tools were announced, including:
GRH08Z XGT Rotary Hammer: A 1 3/16” SDS-Plus rotary hammer with constant speed control for consistent RPM under load.
GAG11 & GAG13 Angle Grinders: 5” X-Lock angle grinders for metalworkers, offering up to 60% faster cutting of rebar compared to the LXT models.
New Chainsaws: 16”, 14”, and 12” top-hand chainsaws for arborists.
Vacuums and Dust Extractors: New 40V MAX vacuums, including a backpack model and compact stick vac with HEPA filters.
3 ¼” Planer: A new XGT brushless planer with 15,000 RPM.
Jobsite Lights: New lights ranging from 1,250 lumens to 10,000 lumens.
Hot Water Kettle: A 40V kettle that boils water and shuts off automatically.
Makita’s expanding XGT lineup shows they’re serious about delivering quality tools for a variety of trades.
Production Crew Giveaway
We’re giving away two prize shelves to our production crew on December 12th at 8pm EST. Two random production crew members will get the chance to choose their shelf and receive a full set of SPYDER bits, blades, and accessories. Don’t miss out on this fun giveaway!
PLATINUM Tool Deal!
This week’s PLATINUM Tool Deal features the Metabo 12V PowerMaxx Drill Kit! Spend $100 at Ohio Power Tool, and you could receive this compact drill kit for free. It includes a ¼” hex, ⅜” chuck, and right-angle attachment, with 354 inch-pounds of torque. But hurry—this deal is limited to 25 customers.
Coming Soon!
Stay tuned for exciting new content in the coming weeks, including the launch of Season 6 on January 6th. Don’t miss out—be sure to subscribe!
We want to thank FLEX and Spyder for sponsoring this episode. We couldn’t do it without you! And remember, do something kind for a neighbor this weekend. See you next week!
