BuffaloFeeds » Toolmonger » November 22, 2010

Toolmonger (4 unread)

Reader Question: Brand-Name Accessories For Oscillating Multi-Tools?

Posted: November 22nd, 2010, 3:20pm MST by Chuck Cage

We’ve loved the explosion of Fein-style oscillating multi-tool knockoffs in the last few years, and it’s great to know that Dremel, Bosch, Craftsman, Ridgid — and lots of others — now produce models, each with a slightly different feature set and price. But it’s made things a bit confusing when it comes to accessories. Do you need to buy Dremel accessories for your Dremel multi-tool? In short: No. With some limitations.

Most manufacturers now offer an adapter of some sort to allow you to mix and match accessories from various manufacturers with your oscillating multi-tool. Dremel, for example, makes a universal adapter that allows you to use all their Multi-Max accessories (except the flexible extension) with other tools. We know that Ridgid offers one, too, though it’s a bit difficult to find via Home Depot’s search. But just look in the accessory section and you’ll find it.

Bottom line: Make sure you either already own the adapter or snag one from the accessory wall, but don’t worry about buying all the same color accessories. Most big box stores aren’t going to carry every model from every brand anyway.
Keeping Warm in The Shop

Posted: November 22nd, 2010, 2:23pm MST by Sean O'Hara

Longtime reader and friend of the Toolmonger shop Beano-t took in this view in his shop and thought, “This looks like a project.” We couldn’t agree more. It’s pleasant here in the South when the days aren’t kicking up to triple digits, but for many it’s already freezing-ass cold in the work area (and we aren’t far behind). I’m curious what you guys in the North do to keep the cold at bay while out in the shop?

In Texas we more often than not just don’t go in the shop when it’s under 40 degrees out. Keeping cool in the summer is more our game. However, because I’d rather not lose the valuable time in the lull of late December when the work slows down and the shop stays empty, I wonder what the best strategy is, short of full heating. I look to the Toolmonger readers to set me straight.

So how about it? I’m guessing, “dress in layers and stop being a sissy” will rank up there, but what else have you got? Let us know in comments.

Toolmonger Photo Pool (Beano-t rocks) [Flickr]
Preview: Ridgid’s 2-in-1 Tri-Stack Compressor

Posted: November 22nd, 2010, 2:08pm MST by Chuck Cage

Ridgid’s engineers asked themselves “What’s the biggest pain in the ass about small compressors?” Their answer: Carrying it onto the jobsite. And they have a point. Though the units we employ to power small nailers are pretty light compared to older models, they’re still not light, especially when you sling all the weight from one arm. So they split the compressor in half, dividing and balancing the load. You can carry the motor and one small tank in one hand and the other two larger tanks in the other.

They took the concept a few steps further by adding a second regulator attached to the large tanks, allowing you to drive two tools (or sets of tools) at different pressures — handy as hell if you’re dealing with pneumatics that depend on PSI adjustment to determine how far fasteners sink. But there’s another benefit, too: You can separate the motor and small tank to carry it off for a second job, leaving the big tanks to powerdrive a few more nails. Or you can dump the motor and small tank outside and connect the larger tanks via a long hose, keeping the noise out of house or condo jobs.

Stats are what you’d expect from this size compressor: 4.9 SCFM at 90 PSI with 150 PSI max delivery from a total 5-gallon storage. It’s an oil-free compressor. It’s available right now at Home Depot for $280.

Street Pricing [Google Products]
Get The Party Started With Bosch’s Cork Screw

Posted: November 22nd, 2010, 12:42pm MST by Benjamen Johnson

Bosch is missing out on a big market here in the U.S. by not selling their IXO Vino lithium-ion cordless screwdriver with corkscrew attachment. I mean, if you had a choice between a cordless screwdriver and a cordless screwdriver with a corkscrew, which tool would you choose?

Setting the corkscrew aside, the screwdriver has an integrated LED to illuminate fasteners in poorly lit areas and a built-in charge level indicator. It can be operated in forward, reverse, or locked mode for hand driving. The one thing that disappoints me is Bosch integrates the lithium-ion battery into the tool iPhone-style, so when the battery dies, the screwdriver is about as useful as a door stop.

Bocsh’s IXO Vino (get it?) cordless screwdriver comes with the corkscrew adapter, 10 driver bits, and a battery charger all shipped in a wooden wine box. It will run you £40 ($64) before shipping if you can convince Amazon UK to ship it stateside.

Cordless Screwdriver with CorkScrew [Amazon UK]