Coming up next, A couple of our favorites his 200k, PTR proves that not all batteries are the same, and Dan mixes up his riding and push mowers. This is your Power tool week in review.
It was a big week for a pair of our favorite power tool channels, each of which hit a major subscriber milestone. VCG Construction and Skil Builder both hit a staggering 200k subscribers this week on youtube. Skil Builder just 2 years ago was sitting at 37k subscribers, while VCG at the same time only had 3 thousand. In the last 2 years both channels have been producing entertaining and educational power tool and builder content that the Youtube community has quickly embraced. If you’re not following either one of these, be sure to subscribe! Congrats guys!
Eric over at tools in action is struggling to mow his lawn with a new Greenworks Pro Electric lawnmower. Not because there’s a problem with the mower, but because Dan won’t get off the thing. The TIA crew has been testing lawnmowers for some time now, and they were plenty impressed with the new offering from Greenworks. They singled out ergonomics, power and the longevity of the 60V battery platform, which works in over 40 tools now. For the whole review, head over to Tools In Action on Youtube.
Last year Sarah and I walked you through the full line of Milwaukee Batteries, including the High Output packs. Do they really make a difference? Clint and Kenny decided to find out. The PTR testers decided to run a series of detailed tests, utilizing the M18 Hammerdrill, equipped with both a CP 2.0Ah battery, packed with the old 18650 cells, against a CP3.0Ah High Output version, featuring the newer 21700 cells. Then they move on to an M18 Super Sawzaw, where they pit the 9ah HD verses the 12ah High Output version. Naturally the High Output versions do a better job, but the interesting part is discovering exactly how much better. To do that, you’ll need to head over to Pro Tool Reviews on Youtube.
And finally, we can always count on Rob Robillard and the Tool Box Buzz Crew to highlight tools and accessories we never knew we needed. This week Rob highlighted the Pactool Snapper Shear Pro, which is a drill mounted accessory for he uses to cut Fiber Cement Backer Board. He uses the board for tile underlayment in wet areas (Why doesn’t amirite?) , but the material is difficult to score and cut, and it creates a lot of silica dust. The Snapper solves these problems with a rotatable head that makes even 90 degree cuts with no stress or mess. That means they can cut right at the point of installation, instead of taking it outside on the job site. If you cut a lot of fiber cement backer board (again, who doesn’t), you’ll want to catch Rob’s review over at tool box buzz on YouTube.
It’s time for a quick stop over at construction junkie for our industry news. This week the AGC (Associated General Contractors) of America, recommended a national coronavirus Safety STand Down yesterday, and here’s why. There are still many jobsites that continue to stay open during the ongoing pandemic. And the employers who chose to remain open, have a responsibility to protect their workers from jobsite hazards, including the potential spread of the virus. So the AGC has recommended a national Safety Stand Down yesterday. A stand down is a more formal way of pausing production, and bringing everyone’s attention to the same matter at hand, in this case, the pandemic. They even provided resource materials for assisting in your stand down conversation. If you missed it yesterday, it’s not too large to hold your own stand down on your jobsite, and the materials are still available. For more information and the rest of your industry news, visit construction junkie dot com.
On over at Instagram, The tool pig was showing off his third Makita Oil Impulse Impact Driver. He’s so happy with the power and lack of noise, that after receiving 1 test model, he bought 2 more
The Toolaholic has had time to put his Bosch Flexiclik to the test and came away “Really impressed with the stability of the attachments”
Mark Thomas Builder found a sunny day and some green grass to get his CubCadet Ultima ZT1 moving, and shard a video with instructions for changing the blades.
And finally Nate reminded us that every Friday at 5pm, it’s also beer oclock. I agree.