Cordless outdoor power equipment [OPE] is not entirely new but the application of today’s battery technology coupled with the performance of highly efficient and powerful brushless motors has created a whole new level of tools for both residential and commercial use. Although Dewalt’s DCCS670X1 FLEXVOLT 60V MAX brushless chainsaw is considered the homeowner’s Read more
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Cordless outdoor power equipment [OPE] is not entirely new but the application of today’s battery technology coupled with the performance of highly efficient and powerful brushless motors has created a whole new level of tools for both residential and commercial use.
Although Dewalt’s DCCS670X1 FLEXVOLT 60V MAX brushless chainsaw is considered the homeowner’s tool, separate from the 40V MAX commercial lineup, this chainsaw further expands the usefulness and value of investing into the FLEXVOLT tool platform. Arguably more agile than the 40V MAX chainsaw given the more compact battery pack [60V, 3Ah] it weighs in a full pound lighter [12.2lbs]. As one of three 60V MAX OPE tools this model is equipped with a low kickback 16” Oregon brand bar. Chain break, auto oiling and tool-free chain tensioning round out the saw’s main features.
Ratings from the Dewalt engineering team have it set at approximately 70 cuts per charge on 6”x6” pressure treated pine. Our tests shown in the video included various diameter log and stump cutting ranging from 5” to 14” oak. Our time in the woods allowed for 100 cuts, requiring one battery change at cut number 64. In total the saw consumed 1 & 2/3 batteries.
This isn’t plumbing related…
A few of our friends on social media have asked why we’ve been showing the cordless OPE so much this spring, noting it isn’t plumbing or hvac related. While I’d totally agree these tools are a bit off our scope of product and trade focus I’d offer up the fact that most people have a use for these tools at home AND on the job site. The blowers for example are a huge time saver over a push broom, the chainsaws could prove useful as well but overall I find them truly exciting because of how well thought out and powerful they are. Given I already have invested heavily into cordless tools for my business, expanding the utility of my own batteries into helping me get some work done around the yard is attractive. Besides, who wants to deal with the incessantly fickle 2-stroke motor with its annual carburetor issues? With these battery tools you just insert a battery off the truck, pull the trigger and go. Very cool indeed plus tools like the chainsaw ans trimmer are extremely quiet allowing for that one last pass thru trimming up the yard at 9:30pm, likely without your neighbors even knowing it!
Back to it
The saw performed flawlessly in everything we threw at it. Honestly I was impressed over and over at the power available as I pushed the saw searching for it’s limitations. The oak hardwood was fell earlier this spring but only cleared to make way for a future building site, no rot was present which made these tree trunks prime for challenging the saw.
So you may be wondering if the newest generation of battery operated outdoor power equipment is worthy for the pro jobsite and to that I’d have to honest and say these tools will not completely replace a gas engine model in all instances but as you can see in the video Dewalt’s chainsaw has packs some power and provides a considerable runtime overall. I own other Flexvolt batteries and will consider this my new chainsaw of choice because of the power and agility it offers. Add to that the fact that this electric motor comes complete without a 2-stroke carburetor and the hassle of annual starting issues. As the battery OPE offering continues to expand by all major tool brands we are looking forward to testing out additional tools as they come to market so please watch for those reviews soon.
Dewalt’s OPE warranty as stated on their website is as follows: 3yr Limited, 1yr Free Service, 90day Money Back Guarantee.
Local retail pricing (Minnesota): $329.00
Available online and in stores now. Check out @acmetools or Home Depot for this and other FLEXVOLT tools by Dewalt.
Not paid content. This review is one of many performed by the mechanical-hub.com ProStaff, a team of skilled trade professionals who love tools and sharing info with our industry friends. A special thank you to Heather Aune, my lovely wife for helping with not only the camera work for this review but also testing out the saw herself, a significant task given she’s never even touched a chainsaw in her life before this test!
The DEWALT XP™ Tape Measure (DWHT36225) is re-engineered from the inside out. The result is a compact, professional-duty ergonomic tape with a case designed for a better fit in the user’s hand. I got my hands on the new XP tape this week, a couple months before it will be available for sale and I Read more
The DEWALT XP™ Tape Measure (DWHT36225) is re-engineered from the inside out. The result is a compact, professional-duty ergonomic tape with a case designed for a better fit in the user’s hand.
I got my hands on the new XP tape this week, a couple months before it will be available for sale and I have to say Dewalt may have hit it out of the park with this one. Here are some highlights:
- Impact-resistant PC/ABS and rubber case is engineered to survive drops up to 60 feet.
- 9″ of heavy-duty thermoplastic coating at the beginning of the blade to provide 3X more blade protection, reduces blade breakage near the hook.
- Three-rivet fastened, extra large end hook grabs construction material from all four sides making grabbing objects while taking measurements easy.
- “Dual-Core Technology” internal return spring [dual springs that are more compact and powerful]
- Availability: Canada- May, US- July 2017
- Retail price: $29.95 US
I have a thing for tough, well made tape measures. There are a lot of poorly made, poorly engineered tapes out there but the new XP has zero traits in common with any of those tape measures in my opinion. From the moment I picked it up and felt the heft in my hand to the last time I threw it in my tool bag for the day I could feel the quality and engineering built into the XP.
The large hook end is designed to grab from all four sides, this type of design has long been an area of contention for many. Some people prefer a smaller hook to fit inside pipe or smaller openings, others like that a large hook will grab the end of material easily with the blade extended. I understand both arguments but in the end I guess I prefer the convenience of the large end and being able to easily hook the end of a pipe quickly. For insertion measurement I’ll just stick to grabbing my folding ruler, I feel more comfortable with that in the situation.
Inside the rugged exterior are two internal recoil springs. Dewalt is calling the new compact return spring system “Dual Core Technology”. The more compact design allows for a more powerful return of the tape from longer extensions but allows for a smaller design overall compared to other tapes already in the marketplace. The snap back as the tape returns for 10′ extension is enough to jolt your hand a little, the power is noticeable.
This closeup shows the end of the thermoplastic coating applied to the top of the blade. The coating is engineered and place there to extend the life of the highest wear-point of the blade. Its hardly noticeable except for the slight gloss added. Time will reveal whether this coating will mar with use but no visible distortion is present otherwise.
Overall I really do like the feel of the tape in my hand. The rubber and plastic exterior had just the right amount of grip in my bare or gloved hand. The steel belt clip seems more than adequate, though it is the straight metal design that tends to tear clothing if used regularly.
As a Stanley Black & Decker brand, DEWALT has created a rival to the longtime industry champion Stanley FATMAX tape with the new XP. If I’m honest I admit that the MADE IN THE USA labeling excites me. Dewalt could easily have manufactured this overseas, no matter where the materials were sourced, but they aren’t and ultimately that means jobs for our neighbors. Nice work, Dewalt.
A post shared by Mechanical-Hub (@mechanicalhub) on Feb 20, 2017 at 6:51pm PST At nearly half the decibels and almost twice as fast the new Milwaukee M18 FUEL Surge hydraulic impact driver smoked its predecessor, the M18 FUEL ONE-Key impact driver in a head-to-head tool fight. As I explained in the video above both impacts Read more
At nearly half the decibels and almost twice as fast the new Milwaukee M18 FUEL Surge hydraulic impact driver smoked its predecessor, the M18 FUEL ONE-Key impact driver in a head-to-head tool fight. As I explained in the video above both impacts were loaded with fully charged 5.0Ah battery packs and had new Irwin Speedbor MAX 1/4′ hex chuck drill bits. The 2″X stacked Douglas Fir replicates typical wood framing found in residential and some light commercial structures. The Surge is a quieter, faster and stronger impact driver. I almost never drill small diameter holes with an actual drill. I do this because the impact driver is by my side all the time and the drilling performance is excellent. Carrying another tool into the job, chucking up bits and charging more batteries slows me down and time is money.
Tools tested:
M18 FUEL Surge 1/4″ Hydraulic Impact Driver 2670-22
M18 FUEL ONE-Key 1/4″ Impact Driver 2757-22
Sometimes in order to get a true sense of how a tool stacks up against others in it’s category there is no better way to find out than pitting it against other tools in a head-to-head battle. You may have read a recent review of the Bosch 12V impact driver (PS42) here on The Hub Read more
Sometimes in order to get a true sense of how a tool stacks up against others in it’s category there is no better way to find out than pitting it against other tools in a head-to-head battle. You may have read a recent review of the Bosch 12V impact driver (PS42) here on The Hub and if you have you’ll know there was mostly positive feedback from the three ProStaffers who worked with the PS42 but also a couple notes of contention from myself. Mainly my reservations against the Bosch impact driver were based on my longtime work experience with the Milwaukee M12 Fuel impact driver [2453-22] and its now almost five years at being one, if not the best in the 12V category. So naturally I was curious if my claims of under-powering were true about the Bosch 1/4″ driver.
Some notes on the comparison:
Both impact drivers are built with brushless motors. The EC Brushless motor and drive system puts out no-load rpm numbers of 0-2600 [speed 2] and beats per minute (bpm) of 0-3100 [speed 2]. Typically the telling rating of torque is what most buyers will look at which the Bosch puts out 975 in. lbs.
The Milwaukee on the other hand puts out a class leading 1200 in. lbs of torque with the FUEL motor and drive system. No-load rating for rpm’s are 0-2650 [speed 2] and bpm 0-3550.
Each impact was mated to a 2.0Ah battery pod, and each were fully charged. My personal preference for drilling small diameter holes for water piping and heating lines has me constantly reaching for my 12V impact driver and loading it with the Irwin Speedbor MAX tri-flute self feed drill bit. Each of the impacts were loaded with unused 1′ diameter, 1/4′ hex chuck drill bits.
The test I used was that of a typical residential or wood-frame commercial wall in which I stacked two 2″x8″ Douglas Fir boards in my Rockwell JawHorse vise. With identical bits, fully charged battery packs and identical requirements I started both impacts at the same time in a head to head match. Here is the test:
I never expected that!
To be completely honest I expected the M12 to win. By the numbers it had every advantage but in this case the rpm’s of the Bosch and the smooth motor and drive technology may have been the difference that kept pace with the er hitting Milwaukee. My view on the Bosch has changed slightly from our PorStaff review; I have always maintained that the PS42 by Bosch is well built but now I feel my comments of being under-powered were slightly misguided. I have used the impact for a few months and at times felt it fell short of my previous favorite (the M12 FUEL) but I did know the ratings and hadn’t pitted them in a head-to-head battle. Both are very impressive tools and worth a look without a doubt. A lot of professionals skip the 12V tools and write them off only to insist that anything less than 18V power is not worthy of their time or money. Honestly, that’s a result of experience with old outdated technology and misinformation or lack of new tool education. Today’s brushless 12V tools are powerhouses that get the job done in a lot of arenas. I’m happy we were able to test the Bosch because now I have a second favorite impact on the truck!
Here’s a quick look at the Milwaukee Tool Cheater pipe wrench 48-22-7314. When I first got my hands on the Cheater wrench I was blown away by its simplicity. I thought “Why hadn’t someone thought of this decades ago?!” This wrench had the potential to replace my traditional, fixed-length wrenches but it’s not there just Read more
Here’s a quick look at the Milwaukee Tool Cheater pipe wrench 48-22-7314.
When I first got my hands on the Cheater wrench I was blown away by its simplicity. I thought “Why hadn’t someone thought of this decades ago?!”
This wrench had the potential to replace my traditional, fixed-length wrenches but it’s not there just yet. Milwaukee is pushing the fact that this wrench takes the place of three wrenches but I’m not yet convinced. To me it’s either a short, medium length or too long of a wrench for 1/2″-1″ pipe sizes.
I’d prefer some modification to the handle to increase grip and control. With some improvement I’d be more inclined to use it up high or overhead. Check out a related Instagram post for more thoughts and comments by many of my followers.
If you look close you’ll see some chipped paint on the wrench head. I’m not sure if this is epoxy or powder coat but it’s chipped in about ten spots, rust will form there no doubt. I’ve had this wrench since June/July ’16. It’s been used weekly at least. I should have included this in the video: This wrench retails for $99. That’s a bit high in my opinion. I get why the pricing is set there, marketing it as a 3-n-1 but it doesn’t truly replace three wrenches and therefor I’d say the current price is upwards of $30 too high. Just my opinion. Please click the video below for a look.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijoqAGaZ2CY
