Electronic Components

Manufacturer: Milwaukee
Model: 2457-21
Price: $150

At the 2011 Milwaukee New Tool Press Event, Bobby Shaw who, contrary to popular opinion is NOT a famous rock star, revealed the new M12 Cordless 3/8″ (2457-21) Ratchet kit. This tool is seriously designed to replace pneumatic tools of the same type – and it has the torque to pull it off. It puts out 35 in-lbs of torque and spins at up to 250 RPM. This is a compact cordless ratchet that packs a punch while maintaining a very nice power-to-weight ratio. Physically, there are some nice features, like how Milwaukee recessed the forward/reverse switch so you can’t accidentally bump it. There’s an LED light to keep the work area visible – and with a ratchet, this is super-handy. Lastly, a battery gauge lets you know how much juice is left so you don’t get stuck with a dead tool.

Retailing for around $150-$160, the M12 Cordless 3/8″ Ratchet may just be one of the most popular 12V tools the company releases all year (there is also a 1/4″ version). It appeals to a wider variety of tradesmen and brings the automotive users into the world of 12V. We think the tool will be well-received because it’s only 10-3/4″ long and weighs just 1.9 lbs, making it an ideal fastening solution for auto mechanics and anyone doing routine maintenance or repair work. The portability factor of these tools is almost unbelievable until you pick one up and realize that you don’t have to drag a hose to get your work done (not to mention service the air compressors).

The tool has a very compact 3/4″ low profile head design so you can insert the head into the tightest of spaces and get your work done. This is a huge concern for auto mechanics in particular. The M12 3/8″ Ratchet Kit (2457-21) comes with one M12 RedLithium battery and charger but you can also get the tool-only model (2457-20).

Specifications, Kit (2457-21)
 

• 35 ft-lbs of torque
• 250 RPM
• 3/8″ Ball Detent Anvil
• Length: 10-3/4″
• Weight: 1.9 lbs
• Includes 2457-20 M12  3/8″ Ratchet, (1) M12  RedLithium Battery, 3/8″ to 1/4″ Adapter, 30-Minute Charger & Carrying Case

Specifications, Tool-only (2457-20)
 

• 35 ft-lbs of torque
• 250 RPM
• 3/8″ Ball Detent Anvil
• Length: 10-3/4″
• Weight: 1.9 lbs
• Includes 2457-20 M12  3/8″ Ratchet (battery and charger sold separately)

Is this tool on your radar? It should be. The 3/8″ Ratchet Kit from Milwaukee is one of the most impressive tools we’ve seen all year, if only because of what it represents: cutting the cord. And anytime we can do that and still get the job done right, we’re all for it.

Specs

• 3/4″ head
• 3/8″ ball detent anvil
• Torque: 35 ft-lbs
• Speed: 250 RPM
• Variable speed metal trigger
• Fuel Gauge
• Built-in LED light
• Re-inforced steel housing

Manufacturer:
Model: C1010
Price: $115
Buy Now

Porter-Cable’s new C1010 1 Gallon 135 PSI Max Quiet Trim Compressor is perfect for smaller projects due to its compact size, convenience and mobility. It’s lightweight and very manageable, at just 24 pounds. On top of that, there’s a protective steel roll cage that also doubles as the carry handle, allowing the compressor to be carried in an upright position. Probably the biggest feature of this little compressor is that it is oil-free and quiet. Normally you can’t say both of those words in the same sentence when talking about compressors. Somehow the engineers at Porter-Cable figured out how to make this little guy maintenance free and you can stand to be in the same room with it when it is running. Our plan was to find out if it really is as good as they say
it is.

 

We
often use trim compressors to do smaller projects because of their
compact size, convenience and mobility. The Porter Cable C1010 1
Gallon 135 PSI Max Quiet Trim Compressor is all of that and more.
Overall weight is a very manageable 24 pounds and there is a
protective steel roll cage that also doubles as the carry handle,
allowing the compressor to be carried in an upright position.
Probably the biggest feature of this little compressor is that it is
oil-free and quiet. Normally you can’t say both of those words in the
same sentence when talking about compressors. Somehow the engineers
at Porter-Cable figured out how to make this little guy maintenance
free and you can stand to be in the same room with it when it is
running. Our plan was to find out if it really is as good as they say
it is.

When
we first heard about the The Porter Cable C1010 compressor, we were
slightly skeptical because all the oil-free compressors we used in
the past had one thing in common and that was the annoying and almost
painful loudness at which they operated. To combat this
“oil-free-is-bad” stigma, Porter-Cable did a commendable
job of delivering an oil-free compressor that operates at levels that
are equal or less than their oiled pump counterparts. The reason that
oil-free is a great way to go is that, for one, there is no required
maintenance other than draining the air tank when not in use. Also,
it makes portability and storage easier since there are no problems
in how you position it (there is no oil to leak out). The motor has a
really low 3.5 AMP draw at start up which makes for easy start-up in
cold weather or when using extension cords. There is no fear of
tripping breakers with this compressor. The C1010 produces air at a
rate of 0.75 standard cubit feet per minute at 90 PSI with a 135 PSI
maximum pressure. There is a quick 20-second recovery time, an easily
adjustable high-flow regulator and a single quick-connect coupling.

The
compact design of the Porter Cable C1010 is well-suited for
contractors that don’t mind carrying their compressor around a work
site. At about the size of a small carry-on, it is only 9” wide and
weighs 24 pounds. There are thick rubber feet on the bottom and the
roll cage carry handle is positioned so that it is easily transported
with just one hand. A metal control panel covers the air manifold
and surrounds the gauges so that all the critical components are
well-protected. To facilitate easy tank draining, there is a 1/4 turn
ball valve at the bottom center of the tank.

Testing
and Use

Obviously
with claims that this oil-less compressor is quiet, we were pretty
eager to plug it in and give it a listen. When the compressor
arrived, it didn’t require any set up or assembly. Quite simply, we
tore open the box, took out the compressor and plugged it in. Our
first impression of the noise is that we were, well… impressed. We
were working on a small bathroom remodel project that required all
new trim work. This was a great place to use this little compressor
because of the tight quarters. Our decibel readings for this
compressor, which we measured at our standard 3 feet distance, was a
low 75 dBA. Now this is a tad higher than the published reading of 71
dBA which was measured by the ISO3744 standard that sets the
measurement distance at 25 feet away. For our own internal testing,
we feel that in many, if not most situations, the tool user is in
fairly close proximity to the tool so we have been using three feet
as our standard. Just to give you an idea of just how impressively
quiet this compressor is, here are a few other compressors we have
looked at and their noise levels all measured at our standard three
feet distance:

• Bosch
  4 Gallon Oil-Lubed Twin Tank Compressor: 80 dBA
• Emglo
  4 Gallon Oil-lubed Twin Tank Compressor: 88 dBA
• Hitachi
  4 Gallon Oil-Lubed Twin Tank Compressor: 93 dBA

Once
we had the noise level out of the way, the next thing we needed to
check on was the air delivery performance. We had a few different
trim nailers in for review, so we tried it out with a Hitachi 15
Gauge angled finish nailer, a Porter Cable Pin nailer and a Paslode
16 Gauge flooring/finish nailer. We found that for these nailers,
this compressor was an ideal match. Air delivery was consistent and
the recovery time was very fast. Just for fun, we had a few nails to
put in with a Duo-Fast angled framing nailer, so we hooked it up and
it was able to run this nailer as well, but we quickly found that
using the framer with bump fire mode, depletes the little one gallon
tank faster than the compressor can keep up. We are not at all
advocating that this be used for framing, but in a pinch, when you
have just a few framing nails to drive, this compressor can help you
out for sure.

Conclusion

The
Porter Cable C1010 1 Gallon 135 PSI Max Quiet Trim Compressor is a
good choice for work in any trim job. We loved the fact that we could
talk and actually hear ourselves while the compressor was in-use. Not
having to do periodic maintenance or use caution when storing or
transporting this compressor are also big features that we liked
thanks to its oil-free design. For our Performance Rating, we gave
this compressor a high score of 7/10 thanks to its built-in roll
cage, sturdy construction and super quiet operation. For our Value
Rating, this compressor earned a very high score of 9/10 because it
will be hard to find a better value given its low street price and
features. Aside from going cordless, or using a larger oil-lubed
compressor, this compressor is probably one of the best ways to go
for doing trim work.

Specs

• Quick-Connect Couplers: 1
• Voltage: 120 V
• Running Horsepower: .3 HP
• Tank Size: 1 gal
• Product Weight: 24 lbs
• Gauges: 2
• Regulator: 1
• Decibel ISO3744: 71.5 dBA
• Pump Lubrication: Oil-free
• Amps: 3.5 Amps
• Air Delivery @ 90 PSI: .75 SCFM
• Cut-In Restart: 105 PSI
• Cut-Out Max: 135 PSI

Manufacturer: Paslode
Model: 900600
Price: $329
Buy Now

 Going
cord-free with trim nailers is the way to go, and the Paslode 900600
Cordless 16-gauge Angled Finish Nailer makes this easy to do. This
nailer is best suited for the pro that focuses on remodeling and trim
work. With an excellent line of sight and an angled nail magazine,
getting fasteners into difficult-to-reach places is easy and can be
done with great precision. The idea of not having to drag around a
compressor, cords and hoses is a very compelling argument for going
cordless. Not to mention, this Paslode is lightweight, compact,
comes with a built-in hanging hook and is incredibly easy to use.
This nailer makes our list of must-have tools!

The
Paslode 900600 Cordless 16-gauge Angled Finish Nailer arrived in a
very sturdy blow molded carry case that provides space for the
included nailer, battery, charger, fuel cell and even a pack of
nails. Beyond these items, there is additional space for another
battery or two and spare fuel cells. This nailer weighs in at just
under 5 pounds when completely loaded with the battery, fuel and
nails. That’s super light, particularly when you remember that you’re
not dragging a hose. At the heart of this nailer is Paslode’s
patented fuel and battery system which gives some pretty impressive
results since the Ni-cad rechargeable battery will drive 4,000 nails
on one charge and one of the Short Yellow Trim Fuel Cells will drive
a total of 1,200 nails. The main body of the nailer is mostly made of
a durable plastic with metal parts in critical areas like the
magazine, the internals, and where the nails come out. The grip angle
is comfortable to hold and there is a reversible belt hook that comes
in very handy when going up and down ladders. The nailer drives
1-1/4″ to 2-1/2″ 16-gauge 20 degree angled nails and the
magazine holds up to 100 nails (two strips). To prevent blank firing
which can damage the internal mechanism, there is a 10-nail lockout
and the tip comes with a quick-latch cover that makes clearing jams a
tool-free and almost instant process. The tip of the nailer is
designed to offer a very open line of sight and it includes two
no-mar tip covers. Depth of drive is also tool-free and the nailer
operates in a single fire mode only which is actually safer (and for
all the guys out there that think that they need a trim nailer that
works in bump mode, how often do you really use that anyways?)

Easy Depth-of-Drive Adjustment

Testing
and Use

We
had the perfect project to try out the Paslode 900600 Cordless
16-gauge Angled Finish Nailer to show off why you want one of these
(come on, we know you want one!) It was a bathroom renovation project
where we found ourselves in extremely tight quarters and had a window
to trim out and crown to install. It is one thing to work in a large
open space, but when in a cramped area, with limited access, less
clutter and things to drag around all of a sudden become serious
considerations. In this particular case, we also had to squeeze in a
6 ft step ladder to reach the 10ft high ceilings for the crown trim.
Before we even attempted using the nailer, we threw the battery on
the included charger to make sure that we were operating the tool at
its peak potential. Loading the fuel cell was pretty easy in that it
only required a little bit of careful attention to the orientation of
the fuel cell discharge and manipulation of the latch on the back of
the tool. The battery slips neatly into a cavity that is at the
bottom of the magazine. Loading the 2” long nails was easy as well.
They enter the magazine from the back and, once the nails are
inserted, all that was required was to pull back the nail tensioner
to force them forward. In a spare piece of wood, we set the depth of
drive which was done by turning the thumb wheel just behind the tip.
Now we were ready to work and we started with the crown trim. For
those that might not be familiar with fuel/battery powered nailers,
there is a pretty loud pop when the nail is fired which is a little
different than some of the other cordless nailers on the market.

Compact,
convenient size makes trim work easy

One
thing that quickly became evident was that this nailer does not have
a problem with driving nails to the proper depth when dealing with
different materials. The reason I mention this is that in this
particular 1920′s home that we were working on, the walls are made of
up multiple layers of materials that included rock hard fir 2×4′s,
lath, plaster and drywall. Never once in hanging the crown did we
have to go back through and set any nails by hand. We had the same
results with the window that we trimmed out as well. What we also
like about this nailer is that the 16 gauge nails are a perfect
compromise between the larger 15 gauge finish nailer and a 18 gauge
brad nailer. The 16 gauge nails have a slight head which made it easy
to “suck” the trim in when it was against uneven walls and hold
it in place once nailed. The nail heads are small, though, which made
it very easy to putty and patch before we painted. Something else
that we quickly found ourselves using was the belt hook which was
very handy when working up on the ladder. We were able to hang the
nailer on the ladder and keep it within easy reach without fear of it
falling. In the batch of nailing that we did, there were no misfires
or jams to report.

Conclusion

When
selecting a cordless nailer, there are a few things to look for, like
size, weight, power and ease-of-use. With Paslode’s 900600 Cordless
16-gauge Angled Finish Nailer, we think that they did a great job in
all these areas. On the surface it might seem that this tool might
cost more than corded nailing solutions. If you take into account the
cost of a compressor, a nailer, cords and hoses, you might be
surprised to find that the Paslode is actually a truly viable
solution. This is not to mention the space that is saved in your
truck or job site trailer and the convenience of not having to drag
all those other things with you. For our Performance rating, we gave
this nailer a near perfect 9/10 since it performs well, weighs little
and is easy to use. Our Value rating gave this tool a very high score
of 8/10 since we think that its worth is really contingent on the new
level of convenience that is found. Cordless is the way to go and the
Paslode 16-gauge Angled Finish Nailer is a great choice.

Specs

• Weight: 4.9lbs w/battery
• Nail Capacity: 100 (2 strips)
• Nail Range: 1 1/4″ – 2 1/2″
• Magazine Angle: 20º Angled Collation
• Nail Type: 16 Gauge – Smooth, Galvanized
• Fuel Type: Short Yellow (#650039)
• Warranty: 90-day normal wear parts, 1 year limited

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