Give these tools some respect
By: Beverly Allen - October 30th, 2007
Remember that to-do list you made in January? The one that’s turning yellow on the fridge door? Well, time is running out to get to those tasks before the calendar changes for the last time this year. If you need some motivation, imagine yourself making a spanking new list of chores for 2008 on a pristine piece of paper. If that doesn’t work, try treating yourself to a cool new tool as an incentive. Here are a few that might help you get to the bottom of your chore list.
DeWalt has introduced a new line of cordless impact drivers that come in 18-, 14.4-, 12-, and 9.6-volt models. Claudio Chiapetta, product manager at DeWalt, will be watching consumer response to this tool with interest because, so far, he doesn’t think the impact driver gets the respect it deserves.
“There’s a huge demand for them in China,” says Chiapetta, “but I don’t think consumers here are that well acquainted with them. That may change with this new generation, though, which are smaller, lighter and more powerful than what’s come before.”
Part of the problem may be that lots of DIYers still seem to think that impact drivers are primarily an automotive tool. In fact, they’re suited to any job that requires attaching lots of metal, wood or lag screws, or that need spade bit drilling up to 2.5 cm.
One of the most important design features of DeWalt’s impact driver is that most of the torque is at the business end of the tool where it can turn the screw. That means less torque travelling back up the user’s wrist to cause fatigue and pain, especially in applications with lots of repetitive motion.
Weights for the line range from 1.5 kilograms for the 9.6 volt to 2.1 kilograms for the 18-volt version, which makes one-handed use easier. And, as every DIYer knows, an extra hand is always helpful.
DeWalt’s new impact driver is also about 35 per cent shorter than its cordless drill, which makes it good for hard-to-reach spots. My husband John, who’s a teacher, recently used one to loosen and then retighten the screws on about 30 desks, on which the heights needed changing. He appreciated how quickly and easily he could get his great big hand — and the tool — into the tight corners under the desks. I found it useful when loosening all the bolts that attached our old kitchen countertop to the cabinets beneath, since I could lie on my back and hold it above my shoulders without difficulty. (Tip to others who try this – be sure to remove your coffee cup from the counter before beginning work.)
Prices for the new line start at about $250 for the 9.6-volt model, and go up to about $330 for the 12-volt model. They are widely available at hardware and home improvement stores.
The Dremel rotary tool is another tool that may get the attention it deserves. 
But given that it can do everything from cut rusty bolts off toilets to engrave your sweetie’s name on a crystal glass, it may be just the thing you need to power your way through a lengthy list of chores.
The Dremel’s main claim to fame is its speed —about 35,000 rpm —and its light weight —just over than half a kilogram. It makers say that combination make it perfect for jobs that require dexterity and precision, such as polishing nicks out of glass or engraving a variety of materials. On top of that, there are attachments which convert it to a dedicated purpose, such as sharpening blades, or removing old grout from between tiles.
Until fairly recently, a screwdriver was needed to change bits, but Dremel has tweaked the tool by adding a one-piece mandrel that eliminates the need for a screwdriver. It’s also added new accessories that work with the mandrel, including wheels that cut ceramic and wood, and a shaping wheel, which can cut wooden letters.
Prices for Dremel’s single-speed tools start at about $70 and run to about $170 for a full kit. Prices for the new EZ-Lock accessories run between about $10 and $20.
A power saw is another tool that can help with a variety of home repairs. Black & Decker has just launched the VPX cutsaw, a compact cordless saw that’s designed for lighter use inside and outside the home. It should be appearing on store shelves with the next few weeks.
T his tool is one of eight new cordless tools that use either one or two of Black & Decker’s interchangeable 7-volt lithium ion batteries, which are about 60 per cent lighter than the company’s conventional Ni-cad batteries. They also hold a charge for up to 18 months.
Currently, the line includes 14- and 7-volt drills, a screwdriver, hand vacuum, air inflator, power source, and flashlight, but there are plans to add more tools, kitchen and cleaning appliances, electronics, and yard maintenance products.To begin with the 14-volt drill, cutsaw, screwdriver and a starter set that includes the screwdriver, cutsaw, and flashlight, include one battery and charger. Prices for these basics start at about $70 for the screwdriver and cutsaw and run to about $130 for the drill and starter set.