New Tools and Product Media Event
2013 Stanley, DEWALT, Bostitch and PorterCable Media Event
We recently attended a media event in New York where four major tool brands shared some of their latest and greatest tool and accessory releases. With over 450 new releases this year you can imagine how excited we were to be part of it.
STANLEY Brand:
The event started off with the folks at Stanley sharing their new logo change that is designed to help them stay new and replant with new customers, while still staying true to their brand. I liked the new logo, it’s clean and modern looking.
Stanley is celebrating their 170th year in business – they must be doing something right! Check out their new logo and multi-media website.
Stanley Tools:
We saw all sorts of tools from Stanley from improvements to the Fat Max tape to anti-vibration hammer to cool and innovative storage solutions. Probably the coolest thing I saw was their lasers and more specifically the QuickLink mounting system.
Stanley has three new lasers for the DIYer all the way up to the residential pro and specialized pro. The Cubix cross-line lasers, models STHT77340, STHT77341, and STHT77342, respectively range from $69.99 to $129.99. All three lasers each feature a locking pendulum when the product is in the off position to help protect the internal components while being transported. Two laser the Cubix and Cross90 lasers allow the user to be able to lock the pendulum with the laser still on giving them the ability to set angled lines at a preferred pitch.
I was very impressed with the QuickLink mounting system. It allowed the three lasers to be quickly and easily mounted to many surfaces and more importantly the articulating arm allowed easy micro adjustments. I sincerely hope Stanley offers this as a stand alone accessory. Residential contractors like me who already own a nice laser would benefit from the QuickLink bracket!
As a small construction company owner I was also impressed with the Stanly Guard system. The Stanley Guard system is an advanced way for site supervisors to manage inventory, protect their tools and help to prevent theft.
The Stanley Guard Inventory Control System, model STST310010, provides the overview needed to control the site and assets and track valuable equipment even when not on the jobsite. With a master control unit fitted securely in the storage area, container, job box or warehouse, each worker and every tool is registered on the system with a unique FOB key. the ICS system tracks who enters the container.
Tools can be individually tagged with RFID tags as well. The rugged and compact object tracking tag is constructed with a steel core for maximum security. Unauthorized tag removal triggers the alarm. When the ICS detects unauthorized tagged-object removal an alarm will sound. For further inventory management, Stanley® has developed management software, providing a broader overview of object movement, enabling supervisors to issue reports, manage advanced settings, and collect data.
The Stanley Guard™ ACS The Stanley® Guard™ Access Control System – model STST321010 – monitors the entry to closed spaces. This lock is available in either standard FOB keys or Bluetooth connection. This system allows managers to program close and open times and authorize users who can unlock the device.
The ACS and ICS will be available in the independent channel and will retail for approximately $350.00 and $750.00, respectively.
DEWALT Brand:
Our friends at DEWALT continue to strive to maintain their battle cry of “Guaranteed Tough.” According to Bob Welch, VP, Industrial Design & Brand Marketing, Professional Power Tools, “DEWALT has a mission of relentless improvement through innovation that matters!” DEWALT has been around since 1922 when Raymond Dewalt introduced his iconic radial-arm saw. [I still have one] One impression that sticks with me is that DEWALT has not wavered in their quest to address job site problems and relentlessly working to introduce solutions to construction problems.
DEWALT Tools:
DEWALT kicked ass this year! They launched three new 10” Job Site Table Saws with their Site-ProTM Modular Guarding System and all On-Board Storage.
The Site-Pro guarding system is a huge advancement toward table saw safety and allows for tool-free adjustments of the guarding components and even allows thin rips without having to remove the guard.
The table saws are all 15 amps and are designed to maximize cutting capacities, as well as store all accessories on-board. 2 ¼” dust collection port on the rear of the table saws and also on the blade guard provide efficient dual location dust collection. All three saws have the DEWALT rack and pinion fence system that we all love!
The compact DWE7480 job site table saw has a 24″ rip capacity and weighs only 45 pounds making it easy transport. The rear feet on the compact table saw are adjustable and are designed for adjustment on uneven surfaces.
The DWE7490X job site table saw includes a compact, folding scissor stand, and a 28-1/2 ” rip capacity. The DWE7490X weighs 57 pounds and has the same foot print as its lighter brother. A no-volt switch protects from this saw starting up if left on during a power failure. This type of a switch requires the user to cycle the switch if the power is lost to the saw while turned on.
The DWE7491RS job site table saw includes an easy to open and close rolling stand designed for easy storage and for transporting the saw on and off the job site. The DWE7491RS is capably of making a 32 ½” rip due to its innovative fence system. With the stand this saw weighs 90 lbs and features the no-volt switch as well.
The DWE7480, DWE7490X, and the DWE7491RS will retail for $369.00, $499.00, and $599.00, respectively, and will be available in September this year.
Another exciting launch was the expansion of the DEWALT TSTAK with three new storage solutions.
A clear top organizer, model DWST17805, incorporates small parts and comes with nine removable compartments for small parts storage or, when removed, power tool or hand tool storage. constructed with heavy-duty polycarbonate, clear, impact resistant lid locks the compartments into place and will retail for approximately $34.99.
A deep box organizer, model DWST17806, provides users with storage capacity for larger power tools and hand tools. A removable tray is included and this will retail for approximately $34.99.
A 4 wheeled cart, model DWST17889, features four 360-degree swiveling wheels and allows up to five TSTAK units to be stacked and lock together for transport. The cart will retail for approximately $59.99. Later in March 2014 expect to see a different version of the cart with a handle. Similar to the “two-wheeled” movers dolly, this cart will have two larger wheels and two smaller wheels.
Bostitch Brand:
Bostitch has been a fastening icon for a long time and the company has been around since 1896. This year Bostich is introducing a hand and automotive mechanic tools as well as a full line up of power tool. Yes I said power tools, including a cordless drill and impact driver.
Bostitch is introducing a basic line of corded power tools with aggressive price points to include: circular saw, reciprocating saw, jig saw, drill, hammer drill, and grinder. It is clear to us that Bostitch is going after the mid-range market of power tools.
Bostitch is relying on their brands reputation for durability to expand into the category of professional power tools that the folks at RIDGID have enjoyed all alone for some time. If I were RIDGID I’d be concerned.
I played with these tools for some time and they are no frills, solid and durable. It seems that they are borrowing on earlier DEWALT technology and using stuff that works well and has a proven track record.
Bostitch Tools:
This new line of professional power tools includes two 18V Cordless tools: a Drill/Driver and Cordless Impact Driver and six corded tools. These tools are the most basic tools in ones repertoire and include:
- 1/2 inch Hammer Drill,
- 7-1/4 inch Circular Saw,
- Orbital Jigsaw,
- Reciprocating Saw,
- 4-1/2 inch Angle Grinder,
- 3/8 inch Corded Drill.
These new power tools feature durable motors, components, and housings that can take a beating on the job-site while offering comfortable ergonomics, and sought after light-weight tools.
Porter Cable Brand:
If I didn’t like Porter-Cable tools before I went to this event I do now, in fact anybody would. Especially after watching the Wil Granger speak. Wil, Porter- Cable’s Group Product Manager, for Tradesman, is like a one armed paper hanger for the tool brand. He gave and exhilarating and intoxicating talk on who Porter Cable is and where they are going. according to Wil, “Porter-Cable, just got awesome!”
Porter-Cable is releasing six new 20 volt, lithium-ion, cordless tools to compliment their recent drill and driver. These tools are aimed at contractor on a budget the premise her is value that is based on three principles:
- Performance: speed, better motors and optimized transmissions
- Features: ergonomics, ease of use, lithium ion batteries
- Value: priced to compete at mid-level PRO tools
Porter-Cable Tools:
PORTER-CABLE new cordless tools include the Reciprocating Tiger Saw, 6-1/2 inch Circular Saw, Oscillating Tool, Cut-off Tool/Grinder, Jigsaw, and Pivoting Flashlight. The lithium ion batteries will maintain a charge for up to 18 months, so the tools are ready to go when you are.
Probably the most impressive tool was the cordless reciprocating saw, I was amazed at the tools power and how compact in size it was. This tool has a 1″ blade stroke so I’m sure plumbers will enjoy this tool as well!