Toolbox

When it comes to jobsite efficiency, contractors know having the right tool for the specific application makes all the difference—and saving time means saving money. Now, a simple new product for the toolbox can help pros do both: T-Rex® Brute Force™, a ferociously strong, high-performance duct tape.

Traditionally, ropes or chains have been the only option for contractors and installers when they encounter jobsite tasks that require intense strength and durability. Until now as one 36-inch loop of new T-Rex® Brute Force™ can hold more than 700 pounds of weight and offers superior adhesion, so you can quickly secure, fasten and hold loads that you wouldn’t dare attempt with other tapes.

The high-bond, double-thick adhesive allows the tape to stick to rougher, dirtier surfaces and offers a durable, waterproof backing suitable for all-weather performance. Brute Force™ represents the next generation of high-performance duct tapes with patent-pending Forge-Link™ Technology.

“The unmatched holding power and strength of T-Rex® Brute Force™ fundamentally changes what you can do with a duct tape. Where regular duct tape is the go-to for everyday fixes, Brute Force™ is truly an engineering solution,” says Stephen Wagner, product marketer, ShurTech Brands, LLC, the marketers of T-Rex® brand. “The unique technology of Brute Force™ forges the way for the next generation of high-performance tapes.”

T-Rex® Brute Force™ is sold in 25-yard rolls and is available at national mass and hardware retailers. For more information, visit https://www.trextape.com/contractors.

New multifunctional tool aids in damage-free installation and easy adjustment

IRWIN® announces that the new VISE-GRIP® Pliers Wrench is now available. With more than 97 years of product innovation in the pliers’ market, the new VISE-GRIP® Pliers Wrench features smooth jaws that provide damage-free installation and IRWIN®’s new patented GrooveLock™ ratcheting up mechanism for easy adjustment in confined spaces.

Ideal for plumbing applications, the smooth, anti-marring jaws minimize harm to chrome and plated fixtures during installation. While traditional adjustable wrenches are difficult to access/adjust in confined spaces, the GrooveLock™ ratcheting up mechanism allows for fast and easy adjustment in tight working areas. The IRWIN VISE-GRIP Pliers Wrench also replaces metric and imperial spanners up to 1-1/2” (38mm) with one convenient tool, eliminating excess equipment on the jobsite, in addition to offering anti-pinching, bi-material ergonomic handles that help provide comfort and control.

Primary users for the IRWIN® VISE-GRIP® Pliers Wrench include plumbers and HVAC professionals. The tool is available now in 10 in. (IRHT82636) and 8 in. (IRHT82635) models.

“IRWIN listened to customer feedback about limitations of traditional adjustable wrenches and implemented several innovations to improve the user experience,” commented Matthew Grella, Product Manager. “We believe the modifications in the VISE-GRIP Pliers Wrench will allow plumbers and other tradesmen to work more efficiently and comfortably, while mitigating damage to work pieces being serviced.”

Makita XRH12

18V LXT® Brushless Cordless 11/16″ AVT® Rotary Hammer Kit, accepts SDS-PLUS bits, w/ HEPA Dust Extractor Attachment (XRH12TW) is a cordless concrete solution that features AWS™ capability for maximum efficiency and convenient dust extraction. The efficient HEPA filter captures 99.97% of particulates .3 microns and larger. The compatible Dust Extractor Attachment (DX05) with HEPA Filter is OSHA Table 1 compliant. It’s powered by 18V LXT® technology and an efficient brushless motor for maximum power, speed and run-time for corded demands, without the cord.

There is a 3-modes of operation: rotation only, hammering with rotation, and hammering only. The variable speed trigger enables the user to match the speed to the application. It is ideal for a range of trades including mechanical/electrical/plumbing contractors, concrete contractors, road and bridge contractors, utility workers, pest control, maintenance operations, and more. It accepts SDS-PLUS bits.

The Rotary Hammer is AWS™ capable with Auto-Start Wireless System, which utilizes Bluetooth® technology for wireless power-on/off communication between tool and equipped dust extractor. To activate AWS, simply install the Auto-Start Wireless Transmitter (198901-5, sold separately) and synchronize with an AWS-equipped dust extractor (sold separately).

For reduced vibration, it’s equipped with Anti-Vibration Technology (AVT®). More than just a padded handle, AVT is an internal counterbalance that uses air pressure to move counterweight pistons in the opposite direction of the drive piston to actively reduce vibration without a compromise in performance.

It’s part of Makita’s expanding 18V Lithium-Ion system, the world’s largest cordless tool system powered by 18V Lithium-Ion slide-style batteries. Makita 18V Lithium-Ion batteries have the fastest charge times in their categories, so they spend more time working and less time sitting on the charger.

For improved tool performance and extended battery life, Makita created Star Protection Computer Controls™. Star Protection is communication technology that allows the Star Protection-equipped tool and battery to exchange data in real time and monitor conditions during use to protect against overloading, over-discharging and overheating. For increased versatility, the tool can also be powered by Makita 18V LXT® and Compact Lithium-Ion batteries with the star symbol on the battery indicating Star Protection inside.

New Milwaukee Extreme Metal Band Saw Blades Make More Cuts with Less Blade Changes

Last May, at the annual New Tool Symposium (NPS) we got to test out the then announced extreme band saw blades coming from Milwaukee. Here’s a video from the event with the official news release announcing the blades and availability (below):

MILWAUKEE, WI- Milwaukee Tool announces Extreme Metal Band Saw Blades that cut 2x faster and last 3X longer than standard blades in thick and thin metals. When it comes to band saw blades, the biggest user frustration is the frequency of changing out the blade. Milwaukee’s new blades solve this frustration through a combination of enhanced high-speed steel and a variable TPI tooth design, making 2X faster cuts in thick metals and achieving 3X longer life in stainless steel. These features also unlock the ability to cut through cast iron!

The Extreme Metal Band Saw Blades will be available in two variations: Thick Metal Blade and Thin Metal Blade which are both available in all portable Milwaukee band saw sizes. The Thick Metal Blade (8/10 TPI) is optimized to provide best-in-class performance when cutting through thick/extreme metals such as black pipe and angle iron but has the additional versatility to cut common thin metals. The Thin Metal Blade (12/14 TPI) is optimized for best-in-class cuts in thin/extreme metals such as unistrut or EMT conduit but also provides strong performance in tougher thick metals.

The aggressive variable-pitched tooth design of these blades delivers the versatility to cut a wider range of materials with just one blade, providing much longer life in common and extreme materials such as strut, conduit, angle iron, threaded rod, and pipe, and even harder materials like stainless steel and cast iron.

Available Models 
Thick Metal
•    Deep Cut 8/10 TPI Extreme Metal Band Saw Blades – 3PK (48-39-0601)
•    Deep Cut 8/10 TPI Extreme Metal Band Saw Blades – 25PK (48-39-0605)
•    Deep Cut 8/10 TPI Extreme Metal Band Saw Blades – 100PK (48-39-0602)
•    Compact 8/10 TPI Extreme Metal Band Saw Blades – 3PK (48-39-0609)
•    Compact 8/10 TPI Extreme Metal Band Saw Blades – 25PK (48-39-0606)
•    Compact 8/10 TPI Extreme Metal Band Saw Blades – 100PK (48-39-0607)

Thin Metal
•    Deep Cut 12/14 TPI Extreme Metal Band Saw Blades – 3PK (48-39-0611)
•    Deep Cut 12/14 TPI Extreme Metal Band Saw Blades – 25PK (48-39-0615)
•    Deep Cut 12/14 TPI Extreme Metal Band Saw Blades – 100PK (48-39-0612)
•    Compact 12/14 TPI Extreme Metal Band Saw Blades – 3PK (48-39-0619)
•    Compact 12/14 TPI Extreme Metal Band Saw Blades – 25PK (48-39-0616)
•    Compact 12/14 TPI Extreme Metal Band Saw Blades – 100PK (48-39-0617)
•    Sub-Compact 12/14 TPI Extreme Metal Band Saw Blades – 3PK (48-39-0711)