Extending their 18V Lithium-ion range of 3-speed combis, drill/drivers, and impact drivers, Makita has launched two new 18V SDS+ rotary hammer drills. The BHR240 and BHR180 Lithium-ion powered cordless hammers offer 1.9J of impact energy and drill 18mm in masonry, 26mm in timber, and 13mm in steel. Two body lengths are available, the BHR240 - measuring 410mm from chuck to back of body - and the 352mm BHR180.

The drills provide up to 4,000 impacts per minute with a three-function operation of rotary hammer, hammer only, and rotary only. Ergonomic development has resulted in a rubberised handgrip surface that allows for comfortable operation and a reduction in HAV risk to the operator. A non-slip, soft-grip side torque control handle which can be adjusted through 360 degrees around the chuck has also been included, alongside a torque limiter incorporated to disengage the drive should the bit snag.

Technorati Profile

Sold as a single unit, Makita is extending its multi tool kit which contains a variety of products that come complete with batteries, charger, and rugged carry case.

The latest kits feature the expanded Lithium-ion powered 18V tool range and the 3-speed LXT combi drill - included in all of the new kits - that generates up to 80Nm of torque and drills 16mm in masonry and 13mm in steel.

Additionally, the LXT600 six-piece kit includes the 165mm cordless circular saw, the BTD140 impact driver that delivers up to 145Nm of torque, the BJR181 recip saw with tool-less blade change, the 115mm angle grinder, the 18V torch with rotatable lamp unit, three 3.0Ah Li-ion batteries, and the Makstar smart charger. The kit is delivered in a rugged toolbag that has a shoulder strap, handgrip, trolley wheels and extendable handle.

A smaller LXT400 kit includes a circular saw, impact driver, torch, combi drill, batteries, and charger, while the LXT202 has a similar combination of products without the circular saw or torch, and is delivered in a hardshell carry case.

Recently introduced to the tool market are two new cordless jigsaws from Makita - the 14.4V BJV140RFE and the 18V BJV180RFE - that use new Lithium-ion battery technology.

Lithium-ion cells provide longer life-cycle operations, charging at any time, and a lighter weight. Both of the new jigsaws also have the company's tool-less blade changing system.

A 2,600 stroke per minute rating and a 26mm length of stroke allows for the jigsaws to offer a maximum cut of 135mm in wood and 10mm in steel. Ergonomically, the rubberised top grip handle reduces the risk of HAV and the variable speed control trigger switch is comfortably located below the grip handle. The BJV jigsaws weigh 2.7kg.

Adding to their already extensive lithium-ion cordless drill range, Metabo has launched two new additions.

Both the SBZ 18 and SBZ 14.4V Combi drills include a high torque motor, two gear settings, the company's impuls mechanism for removing damaged screws, and a metal single sleeve keyless chuck.

The SBZ 18 Impuls Li-ion is supplied with two 18V 2.2 A/h batteries and a ACS 15 Plus fifteen minute charger, while the SBZ 14.5 Impuls Li-ion is supplied with two 14.4V batteries and a ACS charger.

The second generation of Metabo's PowerMaxx product, the PowerMaxx PRO Li, has been launched by the company.

A 7.2V lithium-ion drill/driver, the product is suitable for kitchen/shop/office fitters, workshops, garages, and builders who require access to awkward spaces but still need the power necessary to get the job done. Features include a two speed gear box, 2.2 Amp/hour batteries that can drive in up to 1250 screws on a single charge, a 60 minute charger, and a 6.5mm keyless chuck.

For use with normal and high speed applications, DeWalt has launched the 12V 13 mm Heavy Duty Drill Driver with three speed settings for optimum performance in high torque.

It has a 22 position adjustable torque control, for uniform results and optimised precision when screwdriving, with up to 48 Nm of sustained torque. A 13 mm single sleeve keyless chuck with automatic spindle lock for quick and easy bit change has also been provided.

Other features include an electronic brake for added control, one of the company's fan cooled motors with replaceable brushes, and all metal gearing for efficient power transmission and longer tool life.

Launched to provide a balance between depth of cut and accessibility, Black & Decker's new 125mm small angle grinder offers a 701W motor, a three position side handle and a tool free safety guard that makes guard adjustment speedy.

A lock-on switch and an ergonomically designed back handle adds to comfort. In order to access work areas without the requirement of an extension cord, a three metre cable is also supplied with the product.

Offering an increased power at 710W, and a 'labyrinth' construction protecting all ball bearings from dust and debris, Makita's 9553NB 100mm Angle Grinder has been made with protection and durability in mind.

The product's armature is coated with a protective 'zigzag' varnish and field coated with powder varnish to protect motor from dust and wire breakage to provide durability during masonry cutting. An auxiliary handle is also supplied with the grinder.

Claimed by the company to be the world's first TCT Steel Cutting Circular Saw, Evolution's 180 has a 180mm TCT blade, 1200w motor and a 55mm depth of cut.

The product's compact dimensions and light weight of 7kg make it suitable for use on or off site. It is supplied with a side handle, fence guide, safety googles, ear plugs, 6mm hex key and a carry case.

Suitable for a range of applications, Hilti's TE 35 combihammer can be used for hammer, rotary drilling, and chiselling.

With variable hammer and speed control, it provides precise hole starting and a slip clutch which offers increased operator safety.

The combihammer can be used for: drilling anchor holes and penetrations with a drill bit size of 6 to 32mm diameter; universal chiselling with TE-T chisels; drilling masonry with core bits up to 90mm diameter; drilling into wood and steel using a quick-release chuck for twist drills; and setting HVA adhesive anchors, HKD-S flush anchors, and HSC undercut anchors.

Supposedly allowing for the process of compacting soil in ditches, canals, and dams to be quicker and more efficient, Wacker's WAV 40 attachment compactor has high compaction performance and depth to ensure that progress is made at speed.

An eccentric rotator axis provides long reach and good guidance while a flat design offers superior handling.

Subgrade is not required in ditches and operation from within the cab reduces stress from noise and vibration.

Recently added to Stanley Tools' product range is the Heavy Duty TR250 Staple Gun/Brad Nailer.
The product provides pinch point free design for safety and a handle which is easy to push. An Aluminium cast housing creates greater durability while a lock down handle means that the gun can be stored into tighter spaces.

Quick and easy access for staple insertion offers faster loading times, and the gun accepts staples and brads for multiple applications. An internal wire guide offers a superior level of accuracy.

Suitable for all interior applications, the compact Stanley XP 180 Cross Line & Laser Plumb offers lines projected up to 10m in length.

With three leveling screws and four bubble vials, the product is easy and quick to set up. A 180° head rotation allows the user to quickly transfer points from floor to wall to ceiling.

It projects cross laser lines and emits a bright beam.

Recently launched by Stanley tools, the FatMax measuring product is available in either 5m by 32mm or 8m by 32mm tapes.

The product's wide blade offers up to 3.35m horizontal stand out for one person measuring. Its anti abrasion Mylar coating increases the life of the blade by up to 10 times compared to traditional blades, the company claims.

A three-rivet anti-wrenching end hook is provided with a double catch system at the top of the hook for catching blade above and below surfaces. The hook is protected as the tape returns due to the use of a shock absorber. In order to accommodate heavy use, the product is supplied with a bi-material anti-shock ABS case which has a elastomer cover for user comfort.

Thermoplastic 'Blade Armor' covers the tape for the first 14cm in order to reduce wear and tear.

Offering blade switching quickly and efficiently, the 10-788 Instant Change Knife by Stanley Tools is a retractable blade knife with a number of features.

With an ergonomic bi-material body for precise guiding and comfort of use, the knife provides frontal changing of the blade through pressure on a button.

An eight blade storage holder, accessible without tools, is also supplied, alongside an anti-sliding support for the thumb.

Now available from Irwin Industrial tools are the company's Blue Groove 157mm Long Flat Drill Bits.

As well as a parabolic scoop that offers control and the removal of wood chips, the drill bits have an increased relief angle that ranges from 12 to 17 degrees.

The company claims that its patented Groove Point and Cutting Edge 'cuts' the wood up to four times faster.

Its 10% larger shank provides durability.

For use with gluing applications, the Quick-Grip XP bar clamps by Irwin offer up to 2.5 more clamping force than the older version of the clamp, the company claims.

With an increased clamping depth of 95mm, the product also includes a free sliding I-Beam bar to pre-adjust the clamp and prevent bending under load.

The 'Quick-Change' jaw release clip mechanism converts easily to a spreader and the 'Non-Explosive Release Mechanism' (NERM) offers a smoother release.

Long nose pliers are now available from Irwin Industrial Tools. The product has long grip jaws in a groove direction and an induction hardened cutting face to stay sharp.

A cable cutter, it can cut through 1.6mm cables. Chromium Nickel Steel provides durability on the gripping and cutting face. It has a moulded one component handle that is resistant to pulling.

DeWalt's DW849 1150W 178mm Variable Speed Right Angle Polisher offers an abrasion protected high power motor for durability as well as dust sealed bearings and components for a longer product life.

The product also provides full power variable speed electronics with constant speed control and heat treated precision gears for smooth power transmission. A spindle lock allows for quick wheel changes and cut-off brushes prolong motor life. Protection from scratching the work piece is achieved with a top rubber bumper.

Suitable for both drilling and screwdriving applications, the DC980KA 12V drill/driver by DeWalt offers three speed settings for performance in high torque, normal use, and high speed applications.

With a 22 position adjustable torque control, the tool delivers up to 45Nm of sustained torque. A 13mm single sleeve keyless chuck with automatic spindle lock is also supplied, which is useful for easy bit change with one hand.

An electronic brake only adds to usability, and provides good additional control. All metal gearing provides efficient power transmission and means that you should be able to keep the tool for quite a few years.

Technical Specification:

Voltage: 12 V
Battery: NiCd 2.4
Chuck Capacity: 1.5-13 mm
Power Output: 300 Watts
No Load Speed: 0-450 / 0-1400 / 0-1800 rpm
Max. Torque: 45 in-lbs
Max. Drilling Capacity [Wood]: 38 mm
Max. Drilling Capacity [Metal]: 13 mm
Weight: 2.2 kg
Length: 254 mm
Height: 241 mm

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Product on DeWalt website

For fastening to steel, concrete, and sandlime-masonry, Hilti offers its DX 460 product. The product has a redesigned magazine and automatic piston return system.

Forming can be put in place or braces secured quickly with the tool alongside the fastening of insulating material or steel building components.

The new MX72 magazine for hard use on building sites can be used with nails which are 14 to 72mm long. As an integral part of the design of the DX 460, it can also be taken apart and reassembled without the use on any tools, reducing maintenance work to a minimum.

The hand-held Hilti DD 100 D for dry drilling into masonry provides low noise, low vibration, and no dust.

It offers two specifications for masonry and brick and can be used for wet drilling in concrete from 8 to 42mm diameter when hand-held or 8-82mm diameter when using a drill stand. Mobile and suitable for one-man operation, it has a power output of 1600W.

The unit comes with chuck and key, lubricant spray, safety goggles, and fitted plug.

An 'all-in-one' tool is offered by Fein with the company's Multimaster product, which has accessories for sanding, scraping, cutting, polishing and rasping.

The product has the ability to perform a variety of functions due to the its oscillating motion at an angle of 3.2" with speeds up to 21,000 OPM.

Three versions of the product are available for purchase: the Multimaster Start, Select and Top. The Start package provides a MultiMaster FMM 250, one sanding pad, five sanding sheets - each grit size (K 60, 80, 120), one Universal E-Cut saw blade (29 mm), one fixed spatula, and a wrench and tensioning screws; the Select is the same with the inclusion of one carbide-tipped segment saw blade and a HSS saw blade; and the Top offers a Multimaster FMM 250 Q quick action system in a plastic case with the same accessories as the Start package but also includes a perforated sanding pad, five of each type of sanding sheet - grain 80, 120 and 180, perforated, one dust extraction device, one carbide rasp, perforated, and a profile sanding set.