Mag Reviews

This saw may be lighter but at the expense of strenght. Any saw will get damaged if it is used/abused, but this saw's foot plate (shoe?) is easily damaged if not treated with kid gloves. If you use a speed square to ride the edge of the shoe along for cross cuts, or you like to use the v-cut in the front for rips like I do then you know how important it is that it be in alignment (paralel)with the blade. The shoe on this saw will not take much of a bump before it gets out of alignment. Not only that, but because the shoe is made from aluminum, the bottom of the shoe scratches easily and will then leave marks on the wood that you are cutting; especially bad if you are trimming a door. I like the color, and yes it's a little lighter, but the saw that has proven throught the test of time is still the Skil HD77.

I have owned one of these for ten years, and a have cut everything you can think of from soft wood, to metal, to asphault and concrete this`saw is virtually indestructable.

I work construction and do plenty of research on tools. Skil currently makes less then par products, but with this exception. This saw is the industry standard. I see the MAG77 and the regular HD77 on every constructon site. I like the HD77 because it is a little heavier then the MAG77 due to the casing, which means no kickback and a stonger, more solid feel. Both saws are incredible and either purchase is an investment. Buy this saw if you plan on cutting a lot of lumber.

Need a flashlight? Contemplating whether to buy the El Cheapo plastic flashlight, or the Mag? Get the Mag if you can afford it. After all, you get what you pay for, and with the Mag, you get the embodyment of flashlight perfection.

Just the weight of the Mag with batteries in it gives me a sense of satisfaction (for some reason). It is a heft bugger, but that's why it's so durable. The light is also crisp and powerful.

Need I say more?

The best flashlight in the world. Almost too pretty to bang around the shop. All the pro's use them( police,fire,mt rescue etc)because these things are bullet proof and built to last. From it's self cleaning switch to it's on board bulb storage and rubber seals this thing is a work of art.Do yourself a favor and buy a Mag Instrument.

Now get out there and light up the night.

I own four of these 2 D-Cell mag lights. There's one in each of my cars, and one on each floor of my home.

They are bright, focusable, and it always turns on without fail. No more shaking your flashlight to keep it lit! It's well weighted, so you won't get tired by carrying it, and dropping it won't break the lens or the case.

We also purchased an orange plastic cone that attaches to the front like many police officers have for directing traffic, which makes this flashlight perfect for walking at dusk or at night.

Highly recommended!

Yeah, yeah. Everybody buys these Mini Maglites. Everybody says they're the benchmark, but I disagree, having owned one a number of years and having had time to document it's failings. For one thing, mine simply quit working recently, and when I visited the Maglite website, I learned that returning it under the warranty would cost more in shipping than it would cost to buy a new flashlight. How irritating. My solution was to toss the thing in the trash, and what a pity, as the quality of construction is quite good, notwithstanding the broken switch. But that brings me to my second point: the switch. This is the twist-on/off kind. Do you tend to carry a flashlight in your pack? In your pocket? Then avoid this model. The jostling that occurs during routine movement tend to turn the light on, a bit of a hassle when you're in the middle of nowhere only to find your light has turned itself on and exhausted the batteries. Now if only the manufacturer would adopt the same kind of push-button switch as on the larger models, and perhaps change the bulb to LEDs, then this model would be perfect rather than merely dated. A better bet is to pick up one or two cheap plastic Rayovacs at the hardware or discount store--better switch, comparable durability.

To start, I'm a tradesmen who has to carry his lifelines on his belt. Not only on the job, but I'm also the unnofficial handyman of this apartment complex. Every time I even move to take my workbelt off, it seems to be a signal for a neighbor to bang on the wall saying something is on fire or won't open all the way. And the Mini Mag is the universal flashlight. It's sold everywhere, including this fine site and even family stores, and despite its legendary quality and design, is at the most ten dollars with included holster. I prefer the classic AA design, where CAN'T you find AAs? I've used one of these on my belt for about four years. It's an excellent tool, and I've never had one wear out on me. The bulbs, however, are the Achilles heel. The rest of the flashlight is military, police and trade quality, for civilian price. But these dang bulbs go orange after a couple weeks and last a couple months of casual use. I was considering shelling out forty bucks for a small LED, just to save the money on bulbs.
Then, walking through a sports outlet, I passed the flashlight section. And next to the usual Mini Mag with holster, which I own close to six of, was a Nite Ize accessory designed for this same flashlight. An LED bulb. Now, I've seen these online for about twenty to thirty bucks, and this is a ten dollar flashlight! But this one just sitting around on a shelf was eight bucks, about a buck less than the flashlight's shelf price. What the heck, I got one. To quote another review, my trusty old Mag is now a state-of-the-art torch, with nearly triple battery life of the old bulb. And LEDs, as all Mag-haters know, don't burn out or even go out when bumped.
So, for a total of twenty bucks, you get an American-quality LED beam that competes and plain out whips fifty-dollar imports with plastic casings. I wouldn't recomend this flashlight if there wasn't there was a way to fix its biggest flaw. Just get your hands on this LED adapter, and put it in like you would the standard bulb. Replace the mirror reflector, and stomp the old bulbs into powder. You won't be needing them, ever again. There's also a combo pack availiable, for the same price, that includes a push-button adapter if you've ever wished you could tap a red button on the end instead of twisting it on and off. I haven't tried it, but it comes with the LED, and for eight bucks?
And hey, the flashlight itself comes in six different colors. These things are easily replaced if one gets banged up or your room-mate/girlfriend draws all over it with Sharpie while she's on the phone. I've had these work perfectly even they have been through Hades and back, but some prefer a more formal-looking flashlight. Just take the LED out and put it in the new one, those bulbs last forever. And now, so will this flashlight.

This flashlight is the perfect blend of power,performence, and toughness. My Maglite took a couple hard falls-the diffrence-nothing. The holster is very handy and tough and wont rip easily. The spare bulb in the end of the flashlight just adds to its brilliance.The light of this flashlight is more powerful than some flashlights twice its size. I have tried other Brand-Named flashlights but none equaled this Maglite . You'd buy it if your smart.

I have found this saw to be very dependable and comfortable for professional everyday use. The only problem is with the toolless quick-change blade system. This may be fine for homeowner use, but for a professional tool which I use every day, I would prefer the old-fashioned bolt and wrench.

The reason I selected this saw is that I had decided to get a circular saw and router precision guide system for my home shop. I have so little room that table tools are a problem. Anyway, while looking at the precision guide systems, I noticed that every single vendor pictured their guide system being used with this saw. I asked a couple of them about that and was told that the precision, power, ability to plunge cut and dust collection (if you hook it to a vacuum) rivals the Festool at less than half the price. So I got one and I am extremely pleased with it.

After my last Black and Decker toy bit the dust -- in the middle of a small backyard fence job -- I swore that I had finally learned my lesson with cheap, 3-month wonder immitation power tools.

So after shopping around for a quality replacement, I finally settled on the Porter-Cable. The fact that I didn't have to pay a quality price for it on Amazon was an added bonus. I can't believe how much saw just a little more money can buy.

After using this lightweight, well-balanced, powerhouse for the first time last weekend, I'm already spending more time looking around the ranch for new projects than I was previously in avoiding them.

One of the problems I'd always had with the cheap saws was the even cheaper blades that came with them. After only a few uses, it was usually used up. Ripping a board was always a hit-or-miss exercise in frustration. Until now. This P-C made me look good the first time out with a line so true it appeared as if I did it on a table saw. And as for power, I sliced right through a pressurized 4x6 like a hot knife through butter. Sweet.

I didn't buy this saw for the blade-change system, but it's nice to know that when the time -- or the right job -- comes around it will be a snap to swap it out. To me, that's just another example of the well-planned design that went into this outstanding American-made product.

These are great lights. I have had at least 5 Maglights in my life and each one has been there reliabily even after being dropped and on in the rain and in the mud...I am pretty rough on them. I even had one in the bedroom I found them so very useful. I am sure you will find them usefull too, no matter what size you get! Other than that, take care and good luck shopping.

This is the perfect size for around the house or in the car (we bought about 4 of them to keep them in both places). We use rechargeable batteries (2 - C size) and they work great. The light is just the right amount to see what you need to see without being a big bulky flashlight. Solid too - will lsat forever I think.

A typical example of a "good ole" American quality product! If you don't lose it I am sure your Grandchild will still be using it!

i needed to buy anotherone cause mine was stollen.....so i knew i couldn't go out without one of this....is very usefull and by the way is very practical to have one in the purse, in your car, in your kitchen cabinet.....any place, cause you never know....!!!

To start, I'm a tradesmen who has to carry his lifelines on his belt. Not only on the job, but I'm also the unnofficial handyman of this apartment complex. Every time I even move to take my workbelt off, it seems to be a signal for a neighbor to bang on the wall saying something is on fire or won't open all the way. And the Mini Mag is the universal flashlight. It's sold everywhere, including this fine site and even family stores, and despite its legendary quality and design, is at the most ten dollars with included holster. I prefer the classic AA design, where CAN'T you find AAs? I've used one of these on my belt for about four years. It's an excellent tool, and I've never had one wear out on me. The bulbs, however, are the Achilles heel. The rest of the flashlight is military, police and trade quality, for civilian price. But these dang bulbs go orange after a couple weeks and last a couple months of casual use. I was considering shelling out forty bucks for a small LED, just to save the money on bulbs.
Then, walking through a sports outlet, I passed the flashlight section. And next to the usual Mini Mag with holster, which I own close to six of, was a Nite Ize accessory designed for this same flashlight. An LED bulb. Now, I've seen these online for about twenty to thirty bucks, and this is a ten dollar flashlight! But this one just sitting around on a shelf was eight bucks, about a buck less than the flashlight's shelf price. What the heck, I got one. To quote another review, my trusty old Mag is now a state-of-the-art torch, with nearly triple battery life of the old bulb. And LEDs, as all Mag-haters know, don't burn out or even go out when bumped.
So, for a total of twenty bucks, you get an American-quality LED beam that competes and plain out whips fifty-dollar imports with plastic casings. I wouldn't recomend this flashlight if there wasn't there was a way to fix its biggest flaw. Just get your hands on this LED adapter, and put it in like you would the standard bulb. Replace the mirror reflector, and stomp the old bulbs into powder. You won't be needing them, ever again. There's also a combo pack availiable, for the same price, that includes a push-button adapter if you've ever wished you could tap a red button on the end instead of twisting it on and off. I haven't tried it, but it comes with the LED, and for eight bucks?
And hey, the flashlight itself comes in six different colors. These things are easily replaced if one gets banged up or your room-mate/girlfriend draws all over it with Sharpie while she's on the phone. I've had these work perfectly even they have been through Hades and back, but some prefer a more formal-looking flashlight. Just take the LED out and put it in the new one, those bulbs last forever. And now, so will this flashlight.

The AA Maglite is very bright for its size. With fresh batteries, it has the potential to lighten up a moderate sized room under very dark conditions. Mine has been 100 percent reliable, even when DROPPED several times. Accidents happen, and my Mini AA is all scratched up and beaten up (the black finish has partially come off from being dropped so often), yet it continues to work (even when dropped on cement from 5 feet up on multiple occasions). The only part I've had to replace are the bulbs. While not as bright as higher tech Surefires and similar flashlights, the Maglite AA is the MOST reliable and toughest flashlight I have owneed.

These are great lights. I have had at least 5 Maglights in my life and each one has been there reliabily even after being dropped and on in the rain and in the mud...I am pretty rough on them. I even had one in the bedroom I found them so very useful. I am sure you will find them usefull too, no matter what size you get! Other than that, take care and good luck shopping.

Everyone knows that maglite makes the best flashlights in the world. Now, with the silver finish, it looks as good as it works. I recommend this to anyone who wants to look good and perform good.

I have had this flashlight for a few years and would never buy anything else but a mag.

Mags take a beating and keep on ticking. I have dropped this on the concrete, pavement anything you could think of only a tiny scrach. It provides a very large light which you can adjust simply from the top for a more exact stream of light. I have yet to change the batteries(2 years) even though i use it constantly. The on/off switch has never failed or broke. Remember all the flashlights you have had when you have to keep hitting it every 10 seconds to get it to work? Not this one.

Great for working in the garage, anywhere outside or when the lights go out. If you want a real flashlight get a mag they are the best by FAR... Don't hesitate

I used this item several times to look around in my computer case (and many other computer cases) when little to no light was available. This little extremely portable light did the job just fine. I really so no other uses for it as the mini maglight is small enough for almost any job.

This is a real you-must-have-one item, I can�t remember my life before, I never left my home without my MAGLITE SOLITAIRE and my Leatherman MICRA.

I just bought a silver one of these maglite solitaires. The flashlight is incredibly small and lightweight. At first I thought it might be lighter than the key I attached it to! and, While on closer observation I was wrong, I think you'll find that you won't notice this flashlight on your keyring. For its size the light is pretty bright. Most keyring flashlights end up being only good for looking like a flashlight and not actually being one. This one is actually very handy. Its best feature is the candel feature (where you can unscrew the head of the flashlight and the bulb asks like the light of a candle). I definitely suggest you buy this product. I plan on purchasing more of these myself.

What else can I say? This is the best thing going as far as lights are concerned. The brightest two cell light on the planet. Plus, it looks so cool in your favorite color. Get it wet , no worry. Drop it, don't even give it a second thought.Pick it up and it's going to work. Is it possible to wear it out? By gosh I don't know. If they wear out it takes a good number of years. I've never been able to do it. Camping, working, emergency , you name it you need this light.As long as you have fresh batteries around , It's never going to let you down.

Mag Instrument's lighting products are of high quality in all aspects of the products' construction and function. The body of the lights are strong and durable. The interior workings last for years without fatigue that is found in most other flashlights. Fatigue in the springs and contacts cause intermittent light and eventually failure. Not so with Mag products. The switch is high quality and durable and offers many years of dependable use. The relflector and beam adjustment feature work well together and offer a wide range of beam dispersal. Mag flashlights are worth every penny and will continue to function for many years.

This is the last one you'll every need to buy. It is virtually indestrutible. mine fell on the street and got rolled over buy a dozen cars and trucks. When I went to fetch it, it still works. Amazing!

I use this saw on a daily basis and there is no other saw I would consider. I have tried both the DeWalt and Bosch versions of this saw and do not care for either. Although each of the saws cut well, the construction doesn't seem to be as sturdy as the Mag.

The Mag 77 is the smoothest and comfortable saw among the three. If this is your first saw beware the torque on start up, it will turn the saw in your hand a little, once you're used to it its not a big deal though. The weight of the saw will also help keep your cuts straight.

Any saw will bind up under too much pressure from any material. If this happens to the Mag, the motor will continue to spin and the blade will stop moving, this is a built-in saftey feature to prevent burning up the motor by seizing it with too much torque.

Skil made a few recent improvements to the table, or plate as many call it. Previously, it was just a flat piece of aluminum, but recently Skil rounded the edges which provides much more ridgidity and will prevent it from warping. I can attest to this as I dropped my newest saw 12 feet off a ladder and the plate is in perfect condition (except for a modest scratch)! I also highly recommend a rafter hook to prevent such occurances.

One other improvement on the latest Mag 77 is a fatter flange on the blade guard. This prevents binding on thinner material, especially when cutting at angles. Some professionals will pin or remove their guards due to this problem, I strongly recommend that the guard be left intact. Saftey is much more important than convenience. I would rather keep all of my limbs and deal with an annoying guard than the other way around. Accidents happen way too often without inviting them.

Overall I believe there is no better saw on the market. Whether you are a weekend warrior or a proffessional builder this is the saw to own and most in the industry agree, just look at the number of these saws on any jobsite.

Make sure you buy the package with the bag as it is the saw with the upgrades I mentioned (HD77M-22).

If you want the best for a lifetime get a Mag 77.

This saw made me a better carpenter. Combined with a Freud Diablo II blade, this saw handles 2 x dimension lumber so easily that you can make incredibly smooth and straight cuts. When cutting a 45 degrees through a 2 x 10, I cut a straighter line cutting freehand with this saw then with a "homeowner" quality level saw and a straight edge. The reason is the even power. You can get into a very smooth rhythm of feed rate based on the saw's power. It's worth every penny.

I own several other circ saws, including a Makita hypoid (Their name for worm drive) They don't even come close. If you can't spend the $190.00 for one of these saws buy a $50.00 black and decker and use a good Marathon blade in it, because everything else in my opinion is in the same class and you would be wasting the extra money. If it was possible to rate this saw with 10 stars I would. The black bag gets dirty easily and the saw doesn't fit with the blade installed, but who cares about that stuff!!!