Home Improvement & Repairs brings you the latest news on tools and supplies with our latest product roundup—straight from our office mailbox.
TopZero Rimless Sinks
TopZero is a global brand by Ukinox USA that offers the only true seamless, rimless undermount stainless steel sinks for kitchen and bathrooms. Undermount stainless steel sinks are preferred to drop-in sinks due to their practical advantage, but even undermount sinks have a joint between the countertop and the underside. That joint is sealed to the countertop with silicone, creating a bead which is tough to keep clean. With all the moisture around the sink area, this bead can promote bacteria growth and the eventual degradation of the actual silicone. In response, the TopZero system utilizes a rimless stainless-steel edge that reaches the surface level for a flawless, vanishing-edge appearance against almost any solid surface material, including granite, quartz, and engineered stone. Learn more at https://topzero.com/.
Sunflare Peel-and-Stick Solar Panels
After investing in the home of their dreams, many homeowners cringe at the thought of seeing large, bulky solar panels on the roof, yet there haven’t been many options without undergoing a full roof replacement. In response, Sunflare has created the PowerFit 20 peel-and-stick solar panels that are light, thin, flexible and nearly invisible from the ground when installed on a standing seam metal roof. The new PowerFit 20 lies flat and nests in between the ridges of your standing seam roof. Sunflare panels produce more energy and are more storm- and damage-resistant than traditional silicon panels, which can be cracked by hail or damaged in extreme heat or cold. Sunflare guarantees the reliability of the PowerFit panels for 25 years. Learn more at www.sunflaresolar.com.
Oscillating Blades from Arrow Fastener
all-new professional-grade oscillating blades from the pros at Arrow. Our new oscillating blade assortment is the culmination of our commitment to innovation and manufacturing excellence. Arrow’s state-of-the-art blade manufacturing technology ensures a sharp, durable edge capable of tackling any job. And best of all, our universal fit anchor allows for seamless use with major oscillating multi-tool brands such as Dremel®, Milwaukee®, DeWalt®, and more. Arrow’s Multi-Material Blades are engineered for cutting wood, wood with nails, PVC and drywall. Also available are blades for hardwood, metal-cutting, sanding and scraping, as well as specialty blades for applications such as grout and mortar removal. Visit https://arrowfastener.com/.
Bosch 12V Max Brushless 3” Angle Grinder
The Bosch GWS12V-30 12V Max 3 In. Angle Grinder is ideal for the pro who needs a compact powerhouse to get to those quick, difficult cuts in tight spaces other tools can't. With its brushless motor design and optimized gear structure, this efficient grinder produces 19,500 no-load rpm at only 1.5 Lbs. (tool only, not including battery). The grinder was engineered to fit the palm of a user’s hand, for outstanding ergonomics and control. This versatile tool is powerful enough to cut threaded rod, strut, conduit, tile and more. It features an innovative gear-mount design for fast wheel change; just pull the locking clip and unscrew the spindle screw. The grinder has restart protection to help prevent accidental start-up and overload protection to reduce the risk of the motor overloading or overheating. It also features fast braking time, stopping the wheel after the grinder is turned off. Visit www.boschtools.com.
V-System with SMART Boost
Choosing the best dust collector for your shop can be difficult, especially when you start combining mixed/undersized dust port and long runs of ducting or hoses. Oneida Air Systems' patented SMART Boost® technology offers the only solution that can adapt to nearly any shop layout. Where traditional dust collectors are fixed in speed and performance—unable to adapt to different port sizes, duct runs, and requiring careful blast gate management—the new V-System's SMART Boost variable-speed technology automatically adjusts to deliver up to 2-3 times more airflow to your tools. With its compact shape and sound dampening features, the V-System is perfect for garage and basement shops where size and noise play a significant factor. This new system will help you maximize your investment and ensure that your shop is running at peak-efficiency for years to come. Visit V-System with SMART Boost (oneida-air.com).
Wood-Mode Custom Cabinetry
Wood-Mode Fine Custom Cabinetry introduces two new transitional door styles: Arlington and Burlington, as well as a new tool to help facilitate the customer design process: the Wood-Mode 3D Door Visualizer. This new website feature allows a customer to select a door style and a color from Wood-Mode’s standard palette and then view this door and color combination on screen. Wood-Mode places high priority on designs that offer flexibility for a wide range of personal design preferences. This transitional approach lets designers enjoy a virtually unlimited design palette when combining a door style with a painted or stained finish and options in glazing, distressing and other custom characteristics. Visit www.wood-mode.com.
Tando Architectural Sill and Sill Corner
Tando, a brand of Derby Building Products, is featured in Professional Remodeler Magazine's Top 100 Products of 2022 in the Exterior category for its Architectural Sill and Sill Corner. Available in three colors, Architectural Sill's deep profile adds the look and feel of authentic stone for enhanced curb appeal. It is lightweight and easy to cut, allowing for quick, one-person installation with standard tools. Designed with moisture management in mind, Architectural Sill features a forward slope to guide water away from the structure. Tando’s Architectural Sill includes an integrated nailing flange that can be repurposed as a starter strip to allow easy installation beneath windows along with breakaway spacers that can be used as shims to transition to other products that require additional clearance. And the Architectural Sill Corner offers the flexibility to be used as an outside corner or can be cut on either side to act as an end cap. Visit www.tandobp.com.
Metabo HPT 18V MultiVolt LED Work Light
The new 18V MultiVolt LED Work Light (model UB18DDQ4) features extraordinary brightness from 216 white LED’s with 15 adjustment levels (1,000 up to 10,000 Lumen). The housing is weatherproof, water- and dust-resistant and IP65-rated. It operates with to 14.5 hours of runtime, and you can connect and charge smart devices with USB port for convenience. The work light accepts both 18V and 18V/36V MultiVolt batteries from Metabo HPT (batteries and charger sold separately). Visit www.metabohpt.com .
Harbor Freight Hercules Cordless Tools
Tools is expanding its popular professional quality HERCULES® line with the introduction of two new brushless, cordless power tools. Designed and built for professional use, both are backed by a five-year limited warranty and can be powered by any of the HERCULES 20V batteries available, including the all-new 8- and 12-Ah Extreme Performance Battery packs, which are backed by a three-year limited warranty. The new additions include the 20V 1/2” Brushless High Torque Cordless Impact Wrench and the 20V 1/2” Brushless Ultra Torque Cordless Impact Wrench. Both have a powerful three-speed motor with Auto Mode to provide more control, torque, runtime and durability than traditional brushed motors. Auto Mode provides the ultimate in control and includes a shut-off mode to prevent fasteners from being over-tightened, while the Bolt Removal Mode provides more control after bolt breakaway. The third speed delivers maximum speed and torque when working on tough jobs, particularly in hard-to-reach areas. Visit www.harborfreight.com.
Ladder-Lock
Ladder-Lock is a ladder conversion kit designed to increase the safety of its users by improving an extension ladder’s overall stability. Compatible with most 16- to 24-foot extension ladder models with hollow rungs, its patented technology significantly decreases the users chances of serious injury and even death. Ladder-Lock is currently available by special order only at ladder-lock.net and retails for $399. Created for everyone from professionals to DIY home renovators, the Ladder-Lock features two adjustable legs that connect at the ladder midpoint and two adjustable arms that anchor to the ladder's lowest rung, creating four points of contact that eliminates kicking out, sliding and tipping, and supports more weight than a ladder alone. Aluminum rods are inserted through the hollow rungs of both sets of legs and braces generating an ultra-sturdy base capable of bearing loads over 450lbs. Visit https://ladder-lock.net/.
Milwaukee Cutting Pliers
New cutting pliers provide users with the easiest cuts and feature an optimized pivot point design that gives maximum leverage to cut through tough materials. Built to last, these cutting pliers have laser-hardened edges and are engineered to deliver the smoothest open and close experience with no break-in period required. Offered in comfort grip with lanyard hole and dipped grip with a split-ring hole, these cutting pliers are tether-ready for complete tie-off while working on the jobsite. Designed for the trades, Lineman’s Pliers feature a reaming head for ½-inch to 1-inch conduit. Select models include an integrated crimper for insulated and non-insulated terminals, #6 and #8 bolt cutters, and straight fish tape puller or an integrated thread cleaner. Long Nose Pliers are designed to deliver the best grip featuring cross-hatched, laser-hardened teeth for maximum grip in pulling or twisting applications. They also feature a fish tape puller and a reaming head for ½-inch to 1-inch conduit. Visit www.milwauteetool.com.
WORX Nitro 20V 4-1/2 in. Circular Saw
The new WORX Nitro 20V Power Share 4-1/2 in. Circular Saw with high-efficiency brushless motor speeds crosscutting 2x4s and ripping plywood. At 4.6 lbs. (with battery), this compact saw has greater mobility without the bulk of a full-size 7-1/4 circular saw, plus it’s not dependent on an electrical outlet for power. In concert with the saw’s brushless motor, WORX engineered the saw’s circuity so its power under load increases up to 55 percent, based on material hardness it encounters. Power automatically increases when cutting hardwoods such as oak and maple, and readjusts when cutting softwoods like pine or wafer board. The saw’s circuitry technology is designed to conserves run time while increasing battery life. The compact saw is ideal for do-it-yourselfers and professionals Visit www.worx.com.
SENCO Joist Hanger Nailers
SENCO has introduced two new, powerful metal connector nailers that fire 2-1/2-in. nails commonly required in hurricane and seismic zones. The JN91P1 and JN91P2 pneumatic metal connector nailers are used for fastening pre-punched metal structural connectors like joist hangers, seismic/hurricane straps and rafter ties. They deliver 10 percent more power than competing nailers and previous-generation tools. The increased power allows consistent, complete sinking of nails in ultra-dense engineered lumber commonly used for structural beams. Both of the new tools shoot 1-½” to 2-½” nails ranging from .131 to .162 inches in diameter. The JN91P1 features a short magazine that holds a single rack of 34° paper tape-collated nails, offering a high degree of mobility between joists and rafters. The JN91P2 has an extended magazine that can accommodate two racks of nails, allowing users to maintain higher production rates with fewer reloads. Visit www.senco.com.
Barrette Outdoor Living DIY-Friendly Aluminum Pergola
Barrette Outdoor Living, Inc., offers a DIY-friendly aluminum pergola featuring a matte black finish. With a quick assembly time and requiring minimal tools (an Allen wrench/hex key is included), the 8-by-8-ft. pergola was designed with both the DIY’er and smaller spaces in mind. The Pergola is customizable by adding Barrette Outdoor Living’s compatible Decorative Screen Panels to the roof and optional side walls. Available in a wide range of patterns and colors, the addition of Decorative Screen Panels gives homeowners the ability to add their own personal style while also providing shade and increasing privacy. The Pergola comes standard with Cam Lock brackets that enable rooftop Decorative Screen Panels to be easily installed and removed with a simple twist — allowing homeowners to easily install panels, remove them during the winter months or completely swap out panels with different patterns and colors. Visit www.barretteoutdoorliving.com.
Makita Outdoor Adventure 18V LXT Blower Kit
Blow away dust and debris with the Outdoor Adventure 18V LXT Blower Kit (ADBU05ST1). It reaches fast speeds of 219 MPH and features a Makita-built high-torque motor with three speeds. The blower weighs just 4.1 lbs. (with battery) with a more compact design at 20-3/8-in. long and an ergonomic shape for reduced operator fatigue. The kit includes one 18V LXT 5.0Ah battery and 18V LXT Rapid Charger. For improved tool performance and extended battery life, Makita created Star Protection Computer Controls, a communication technology that allows the Star Protection-equipped tool and battery to exchange data in real time. This technology monitors conditions during use to protect against overloading, over-discharging, and overheating. Visit https://www.makitatools.com/.