Press Releases - Hot Tools for 2008

Toronto, ON (February 5, 2008) – Every year manufacturers release great tools that make “getting the job done” easier and more practical. This year selecting the top contenders for the Most Innovative Tools list was more difficult than previous years.

Two of the most significant trends include lithium-ion battery technology and the DIYer’s demand for high tech tools to stock their toolboxes. The latest in lithium-ion battery technology has not only revolutionized high power tools and their portability, they are now available at very affordable price points. Canadian Home Workshop magazine editor, Douglas Thomson says, “the trickle-down of seriously high-tech tools into the average DIYer’s toolbox is quite remarkable.” Thomson reveals some of his top picks for 2008 below.

No Messing Around:
The RIDGID WD2450 vacuum is revolutionary in the world of shop vacs. Why is it so much better than previous shop vacs? First, you don’t have to worry about it toppling over. This cordless shop vac is battery powered - either by 18-volt nickel cadmium or the 24-volt lithium-ion – and can go anywhere there is a mess. Secondly, it’s a wet/dry vac, which means that it’s great for cleaning in the shop or, bring it indoors for jobs around the house.

Snake Charmer:
The RIDGID SEESNAKE is bound to make your next renovation project a breeze. Now you can peek inside your wall for wiring, plumbing or studs. Take a look under floorboards, into ducts or down the drains. The high-resolution camera on the end of the 3 ft. long cable sends an image of what’s ahead to a 2 ½” colour screen. The view can also be modified by using the adjustable dimmer dial of the LED lights on the camera lens.

Tons of Torque:
The Milwaukee 28-Volt ½” IMPACT WRENCH is so powerful (325 FT. LB. of torque) that it will spin a rusty lug nut off your car with ease. Actually, that’s enough torque to drive your car! All this power is available from a 28-volt lithium-ion battery that packs one mighty punch making it powerful, fast and long lasting. It weighs 6.5 lbs.

High Performance Porsche:
The Porsche P7911 Hammer Drill will have no problem drilling through stone, wood or metal, but what’s most impressive is its design. Developed as a co-operative project between Porsche Design and power toolmaker Metabo, its casing is a sleek mix of shiny aluminum and matte carbon fibre, giving this tool the respect it deserves in the garage. The innovative handle-trigger combination is positioned so that you instinctively pick it up in an upside-down fashion, and once you get a grip on it, you’ll love the new, natural, well-balanced positioning.

Right Light:
DEWALT DCO22 features a 38-watt fluorescent bulb, hinged on an arm that can be positioned to shine exactly where you need it. The florescent bulb won’t heat up like other super hot halogen lights. The DCO22 is powered by the same batteries as DeWalt’s cordless power tools. As an added bonus, when plugged in, the light can charge the batteries and provide power to other tools through a GFCI-protected plug.

Combo Kit:
What better way to outfit your toolbox than with HITACHI’s 18-volt kit? This DIYer’s dream come true comes complete with a ½” hammer drill that boasts 570 in. lb. of torque while the impact driver pushes a powerful 1,330 in. lb.; a lightweight 6 ½” circular saw features tool-free blade changes and a flashlight that can be switched between fluorescent area light or a battery-saving LED beam. All powered by the latest in lithium-ion battery technology, this cordless combo kit comes to you at about half the cost of buying each tool individually!

The Canadian Home Workshop Show takes place February 29 - March 2, 2008 at the International Centre, 6900 Airport Road, Mississauga, ON. It is the largest show of its kind in Canada and the only one-stop shop to find everything that’s new in innovative tools at great prices.

For further public information, please call 416-218-3545