Power Supplies Reviews

Belt sanders may be one of those power tools that aren't pulled out often, but when you need to remove large quantities of stock, you will want to have one. The 9403, 4x24 sander is powerful, has good balance, good belt tracking and easy belt change. This Makita also picks up a very decent amount of sanding dust, has comfortable handles, a nice soft-start, and, most importantly, chews through stock with ease. This belt sander is possibly the best 4x24 on the market. I am very, very pleased with it.

It is a genuine pleasure to operate this Makita, compared to my old Craftsman 3x21 which I had received as a gift years ago. I spent as much time adjusting the belt tracking on the Craftsman as I did sanding, but since I used it infrequently, I just put up with the excessive noise and generally less than stellar performance. After using the 9403 for 2+years, I shake my head everytime I use it, wondering why I waited so long to replace my old one. I find myself pulling this sander out and using it more often. Long cords are always a big plus for me, often eliminating the need for extension cords in the shop. I just can't find anything negative to say about this machine yet.

Note: Being advertised as 'quiet' at 84dB is pretty relative since >90dB for sustained periods will deafen... hearing loss is cummulative over time around high dB power tools (routers, table and miter saws, plate joiners, etc.) even if rated under the 90dB threshold... wear ear protection [Check out Peltor H10A Professional Earmuff Hearing Protectors].

I love power ! This tool delivers boat loads of it. But you know what ? It doesn't sound like it. I was never able to use a belt sander before without earplugs. This one runs at only 84 Db. It's the quietest on the market. It's also the smoothest I've used.I've used all of the 4x24 sanders and the Makita just seems to do more work faster. Maybe it's the fact that it has the highest speed of any , maybe it's the high tech , powerful motor ,the efficient drive train. Whatever it is , it kicks butt . The dust collection system is also top notch. For small jobs and fine work , I prefer my Bosch 1274 dvs. It's much lighter ,compact and easy to control. For extended use or heavy sanding though , you cannot beat this tool.

One great sander. This sander is quiet, it starts soft, the belt stays centered, it has comfortable handles, the cord is very long (What a concept, put on a long cord so you don't have to use an extension most of the time.), it only draws 11 amps so I can run it with my shop vac with out tripping the breaker. They spent time at the drawing board no this one. A tool thats a joy to use, at a good price.

Our company bought a few of these drills about 5yrs ago. They are all still going strong (the Bosch drills have burned up). Most drills rated by the manufacturers for 7/8" say they can handle 7/8" drilling periodically, but their mainstay is 1/4-1/2". These Milwaukee drills have been put through the wringer with our guys using up to 1&1/8" hammer bits going through solid block walls with very little effort. Milwaukee's 3/8" hammer is also a strong workhorse that is worth every cent.

This Milwaukee 1\2" 5370-6 Hammer Drill gets the job done! I had a DeWalt cordless hammer drill for 3 years and except for masonry mortar work, it was just a good drill that was a play toy at cracking and drilling concrete! When I found this Milwaukee model at a close out price, I purchased it and sold the cordless. I shouldn't have waited this long . I always wanted the Milwaukee drill. Powerful, reliable, lightweight, built like a tank and indestructible! It will drill through anything I can put in front of it. This is a very high quality tool with a Great reputation. I though I could kill two birds with one drill?! NOT! Got a new "Cordless Drill" separately for convenience and this Milwaukee to lay the hammer down! Would have been worth the full price 3 years ago, but I'll live and learn!

This Milwaukee #5370-6 1/2" MAGNUM hole shooter is the absolute best in drilling in masonry or brick. It chews it apart with little effort on the user! This tool uses the masonary bits and drives them two steps further in the implemantation of drilling holes for either fasteners to be placed inside or holes for your wires to run through. I have pysically wasted two other well known brand name drills {AEG! } because they just were not TOUGH ENOUGH. This Milwaukee drill IS tough enough to do the job and I just wish I had bought this in the first place. If you are going to do a job: use the right tool and go to Milwaukee Tools as they have the toughest tools that outlast the jobs!

For more than ten years this tool has never failed to function perfectly. I like the forward and reverse rocker switch. When used by a "lefty" the switch is easily operated by the index finger. For right hand operation the thumb is used. Another great feature is the lock switch which prevents the tool from accidentially being turned on. For example, if you want to snug up a screw by hand you can lock the switch off. Locking the tool before placing it in your tool box prevents accidential turn on while in storage. The battery removes easily and seems to always run longer than I expect it would. Of course, in ten years I have replaced them from time to time. The adjustable torque is a great feature too. It's a great tool for electrical work, electronic equipment repair, and working on door locks, etc. I have not missed variable speed since a quick on/off works well. I often underestimate its power. The two speed model might be worth checking on if you want to drill with it. My two single speed units give me good control. These tools have seen a lot of service and I have never regretted the purchases!

Fantastic tool for the truck or auto tech,this is definetly a case were less is better, reffering to the voltage of the unit.It is very compact yet has a nice balance between power and it's ability to get into very tight spaces.The driver is very well constructed, so is the charger ,all of which are produced in Japan,which means you are getting quality.The package also includes a jabobs chuck and chuck key, 2 batteries, a high impact carrying case and some assortyed bits.Add a good bit selection for some real versatility
.From the use I have had so far I can tell you the batteries are long lasting and the unit has been trouble free.I would recommend the offset as an assesory,it comes in very handy.Don't let the lower voltage fool you,this is a very effective tool.If your looking for a more powerful unit look to the Dewalt driver, but is is not as nearly as compact ,the price paid for more power.I personally have both of the drivers and each has it's place.This is a killer package from Milwaukee, and a must have addition to your tool chest,you will not be sorry with your choice.

This is the best screw driver I have ever used for working on computers. With the clutch set at 1 I can drive screws in any computer component with out fear of over tightening. I have been using this screw driver for 7 years now on all things computer related and have absolutely no complaints. I have even driven screws into plastic with out stripping them.

The two speed setting is great most of the time I leave it in high with the clutch on one and don't think about it. There are the times with the occasional sticky screw where you might need to turn the clutch up and set the speed to low but the screw driver has the ability to do that with in easy reach of your thumb.

The rocker switch between forward and reverse makes it easy to take the screw back out that you just mistakenly put in.

I can't think of a more essential tool for working on computers that this screw driver

We recently bought a DLP TV, and, not wanting to risk a $350 bulb failure due to a power failure, we decided to invest in an UPS. We chose this one because of its ability to turn off the TV, then provide power for the cooling fan to cool the TV's bulb.

Upon receipt, I let the unit charge up for 24 hours, as the manual recommended. After that, it took less than 30 minutes to set up and program the UPS with the TV's remote. Most of that 30 minutes was spent trying to find my TV's IR receive eye, which I finally figured out was behind the screen... (the UPS includes an IR blaster which needs to be located in front of the TV's IR eye). The test button simulated a power failure and verified all was working.

A couple of week's later, an actual power failure while I was watching a movie put the unit to a real test, and it worked as advertised.

I am very happy with this purchase. The item is very compact and is an excellent way to protect your HDTV DLP system in the event of a power surge or power failure.

It is important to note to all HDTV owners that if you are watching your HDTV television and you have a power failure, the television will continue to run until the battery power in the Monster HPUPS500 is fully exhausted. This is not the intent of the Unit!!!

Please remember, that it is VERY IMPORTANT for you to turn "OFF" the television as soon as the power is lost. This will preserve the battery power in the Monster HTUPS500 to keep the fan running for a short period of time that is necessary to preserve the bulb life in your HDTV.

If you don't shut the power of your television "OFF" during a power outage, the television AND internal fan will continue to operate and BOTH shut down at the same time when the Monster HPUPS500 exhausts all of its power. The intent of this unit is to power the fan for a short period of time (not the entire television) necessary to cool the bulb.

Hope that helps.

gbh

I highly recommend the Monster Cable HTUPS 500 2-Outlet UPS if you own a DLP HD Television. The UPS is worth every penny. The protection it affords is fantastic. Through Amazon and Beach Audio, I received the UPS promptly. From the box to the TV and setup was less than 30 minutes. Effortless installation. If the power goes the TV is protected and the backup allows the set to keep the internal fan running on batteries till the set cools down.

Beach Audio was also very helpful. I recommend this to anyone with a HD TV. Without it your investment could become toast.

I have used this sander for almost 10 years and it does an excellent job - swirl-free consistent finish if used correctly. I wouldn't use it for aggressive stock removal, that's not its strength. The dust-collection feature on other models doesn't really do much for me, I've found it cumbersome and ineffective. One caution - it has some kind of balance mechanism, so if you drop it, it's trash. If you don't drop it, however, it will last a long time.

I have used the Porta-Cable 332 for approximately 20 years and have just ordered my 3rd one. The first one I sold (it's still in use, the 2nd is used every day on the job. This sander is light weight and gets into some very tight places. My wife and I buid cabinets and trim houses, so this sander it used constantly.The reason for the 2nd sander?---she's getting tired of doing all the sanding. The best feature is no dust bag that comes off or limits the places you can get into. Again an excellent pice of equipment!!

The Porter Cable 332PC5" random orbital sander is an execellent buy.I have worked with these for the past several years and have allways been satsified with their durability and their performance.I work in the artmarket furniture business and put these sanders to the test every day.They are simple and sturdy in design and have an excellent feel in your hand.You don't have to look any farther for a great sander.

This wonderful little grinder is amazingly powerful. It doesn't overheat or bog down on even tough jobs like grinding down high spots in concrete. I've owned mine for three years now, have used it a lot and have been perfectly satisfied.

A little safety warning. Grinders are extremely dangerous power tools because of the exposed very high speed spinning grinding wheel, and because of the great torque force when the wheel meets resistance. I was grinding through some angle iron when the wheel caught the material, ripping the tool out of my hands. I wasn't wearing gloves, was too lazy to screw in the side handle which would have given me a better grip, and was wearing shorts. My right knee was ripped open. I have a great looking ragged scar that took months to heal. On another occasion, when grinding concrete, I stood up and relaxed, and the still spinning wheel cut my left hand to the bone, barely missing a tendon. When using grinding or cutting tools, ALWAYS have solid footing, wear protective clothing, use the side handle or other safety devices if available, and try to stay alert. Duh!

In summary, this is a great tool. It has an excellent two position side handle. The switch has a constant-on option to allow full use of both hands. The gear case is metal and the housing is high impact plastic. It's powerful, well built, well designed, and unbelievably inexpensive. If it was stolen, I'd replace it with the same.

This thing is very easy to use. It is light, and the wheel turning acts like a gyroscope, steadying it. It cuts, grinds, sands and anything else you could think of without boging down. It was also very cheap. It is high quality and I expect it to last a long time.

Well Well Well...

These are the exact words we hear when customers see the hair line micro fine miter cuts this blade can produce! Nothing beats the compliments you get when were finished on the job!

I now must give Freud his due!

Expert Or rookie either way this blade makes you the HERO! Butter never gets better when you blaze thru solid red oak!
Piano smooth cuts! No fringe on any wood we ever cut with these blades! Ever!

Bring a bigger check home for your saw work! Get the Diablo D1080X 10 X 80-Tooth ATB Cutoff blade!

In fact we have a saw blade wall! on this wall you will find 24 of these in a row! All brand new! Why? its all we will ever use!

$50 or better is to much for you? Nonsence!

This blade will pay for its self and 5 more!

The first time I used this blade, I couldn't believe the outcome. Every time since then it still amazes me. Glass Smoth finishes.. So smoth, that on several occasions, I had to scuff up the surface to provide the glue something to grab onto - it's almost TOO SMOOTH! Don't use for ripping, it strains the machine and can burn your stock.

This impact driver does everything my 12v Makita did at a fraction of the cost. It feels nice and substantial, not cheap by anymeans. you would think for the money that it would. My only gripe is the battery life. It is aweful!! The 2.6ah NiMh in the Makita would run forever, this one goes limp embarassingly fast on the jobsite. 2.0ah NiCd is sad. Other than that it is highly recommended. Nothing at Home Depot can touch this in the $129 range.

i've worked with the 18v dewalt and a 14.4 makita and this 12v bosch is more powerful that both, the makita's battery outlasted the bosch but the bosch is more compareable to the 18v dewalts battery life, belt clip and led light are good ideas too. would buy it again in a heartbeat, maybe the 14.4 next time...

This driver is amazing. I am a contractor in Delaware and have used many types of drills and drivers. I have been using a 18v bosch drill for about 2 years and love it. I bought the bosch b/c I use almost all bosch tools now and am very pleased with both their performance and with the customer service. With this drill driving lag bolts and heavy fasteners has always been a chore. The torque on the 18v drill requires you to really have a good grip on the tool when driving lags. With this 12v driver you can drive lags alll day one-handed. Almost none of the torque is transferred to your wrist and it drives 1/4 by 3in lags into 2by4 in 2sec with no effort on my part. The only downside to this is the level of noise (hammer mechinism is loud by its nature), but if you are working for a prolonged period on a job site you should have some type of hearing protection anyway. This tool is the best thing to hit the market since the cordless drill.

THIS COMPACT MAGNETIC DRIVE GUIDE WAS A GOOD ADDITION TO MY DEWALT TOOL. IT WORKS VERY EASILY. IT'S OF STURDY CONSTRUCTION.IT'S VERY HANDY AND SAVES TIME.

When driving screws, you normally slip off the screw on occasion, driving the drive bit into your project. Also, when your drive bit wears out, they are expensive to replace.

The magnetic drive guide solves those problems and another.
1) It uses short, cheap bits - so you spend less on replacement parts.
2) You can hold the outer barrel of the guide (it doesn't spin with the drill) so you can guide in long screws without the bit slipping off.
3) It's magnetic, so it holds screws. You can point your drill down, and the bit stays on.
4) The outer barrel makes using slotted screws more manageable (although I usually only use it to take them out and replace them with phillips screws).

I've been using them for the 10(?) years that they've been on the market. I've worn a few of them out, but I try and never drive a screw without one.

I first discovered these drive guides as part of a deck building pack offered by a local home center. That was at least eight years ago and I have been using these ever since. They do what they are designed to do - allow you to drive screws one handed. I have had great success driving every length of screw up to and including 4" with this driver and my 9.6V DeWalt cordless drill. I have never worn one of these out while using it for its designed purpose, but when I used it in a pinch to drive hundreds of metal barn siding fasteners (I removed the bit and was using the guide as a socket drive) the end mushroomed out and lost its shape.

In the end, when you are on the end of a tall ladder and you would rather be holding onto the ladder than holding onto the screw so you can drive it, this is the tool for you. Also, if you will be driving a lot of screws in wood and you don't want the skin of your fingertips worn off as you steady each screw for driving, buy one of these!

DONT BE TAKEN IN BY LIGHT WEIGHT AND FLEXIBILITY. THESE AIR HOSES KINK UP AND COIL UP VERY EASILY. AND MOST OF THE TIME YOU HAVE A BIRDS NEST OF AIR HOSE WRAPED AROUND YOUR FEET.THEY ARE NOT VERY CUT RESISTANT EITHER.

This hose is a MUST for anyone who uses air tools on a regular basis. It is super-light and flexible, making it much easier to carry around attached to your nailer. Try using a standard rubber hose hooked to your nailer while nailing above your head all day. It is so easy to drag around and use while on a ladder or pick. Cold weather doesn't affect these hoses, they stay flexible. If you get a hole in the hose, just cut off the bad section and use a repair coupler or re-use the removeable end fitting, it is very easy to do and it's leakproof. If you're still using the old-fashioned rubber air hoses, try a Flex-Eel, you'll love it!

I've been using a 3/8" rubber hose forever until I read about the flexeel hoses. The 1/4" line drives my framing nailer with no problem...I might end up needing the bigger rubber line for air hogs like a spray gun. Anyway, the flexeel is awesome!! It really does stay flexible in cold weather and after using a rubber hose it feels like I went hoseless! Besides losing the weight of a rubber hose, I don't constantly have to fight with this hose to keep it from twisting itself into a rat's nest.

I purchased mine at a local tool supplier for a better price than Amazon. I noticed that Lowe's is carrying PVC hoses that look like the flexeel, but I am skeptical. The flexeel is polyurethane.