Tool Reviews - October 2025
- Matt Weber
- Oct 13
- 5 min read
Here is a look at some handy new tools we've been putting to use on a variety of projects this fall. -- M. Weber
Dust Deputy Low-Pro Lid Separator
At 4 inches tall, the Dust Deputy Low-Pro is Oneida Air Systems’ most compact separator, able to fit underneath a workbench and in other tight spaces. Uniquely designed to offer up to 50 percent more airflow (CFM) and allow debris to pass through unobstructed—two common limitations of other lid-style separators—the anti-static Dust Deputy Low-Pro excels in its ability to collect a variety of materials, from wood dust to trash, and more.
Like the original Dust Deputy cyclone, the new Dust Deputy Low-Pro pre-separates up to 99.9 percent of dust and debris before it reaches your vacuum's filter, eliminating clogging and suction loss while extending the life of your filter. Made from clear, durable resin and designed for vacuums with 2.5-inch hoses, the Low-Pro lid separator attaches to any standard 5-gallon bucket with included latches.
The deluxe kit includes a clear collapse-proof 5-gallon dust bucket, free-rotating caster wheels with on-board accessory storage, two elbows, and a 2x3-inch wire-reinforced vacuum connection hose.
This is the third type of Dust Deputy kit we have reviewed over the years, and this model not only performs as advertised, but it’s much easier to store with its compact design, and it’s easier to move around with an improved caster system.
Made in the USA, the Low-Pro Dust Deputy is a high-quality and affordable dust-mitigation system for woodworkers, handymen, and DIY’ers of all types. It connects to your existing shop vacuum and works with nearly any type of material; wood dust, drywall dust, concrete dust, clay/silica dust, blasting soda, metal shavings, cooled ash and more.
Bosch GTS18V-08N14 Professional Table Saw
A professional-grade table saw in a small, portable package, the ProFactor GTS18V-08N14 Professional Table Saw delivers the power of a corded table saw plugged in at the workshop with true mobility. This is the first contractor-capacity table saw that is compact and lighweight enough by hand. There is not need for a mobile cart; just set it up on any available flat work surface. I carry it with two hands, but it's built with a single-handle design.
The Biturbo Brushless Technology includes a high-performance motor and drive-train system engineered to take full advantage of the additional power generated
by Core18V batteries, delivering a powerful 5,500 rpm with corded-like performance. The fence allows for easy adjustments with a rack-and-pinion dial, without having to tap it into place. The table top features an ample 25-inch ripping capacity right of the blade while being able to tackle 2x materials. The on-tool storage holds the rip fence, miter gauge, Smart Guard System and push stick. Restart protection helps prevent accidental tool startup when switching batteries, overload protection reduces the risk of the motor overloading or overheating, soft-start technology reduces startup torque to ease into the workpiece, and the blade safety features include an easy-to-use modular blade guard, anti-kickback pawls, and a riving-knife system. This portable table saw is backed by a five-year warranty and is part of the AMPShare battery system designed to be multi-brand compatible across many cordless.
Bosch GDR18V-215N Professional Impact Driver
Bosch is known for high-quality pro-grade tools and the company’s new 18V cordless lineup is engineered to impress. The new GDR18V Impact Driver has a powerful, brushless motor that delivers up to 1,900 in-lbs. of torque and 3,800 impacts. That’s a lot of muscle for such a lightweight, compact design—only 4.9 inches of head length. The tool features two speed/torque settings and a 1/4-inch quick-change hex driver. It offers easy touch-button access to modes, speed-settings, tool-status feedback and LED light control. It’s covered by a a five-year limited warranty, and the AMPShare battery system is designed to be multi-brand compatible across many cordless.
Bosch GSB18V-65N Professional 1/2” Hammer Drill/Driver
The trend in power tools has long been the pursuit of more power in a smaller package, and the compact new Bosch GSB18V-65N professional hammer-drill/driver delivers 575 in-lbs. of maximum torque. Features include KickBack Control to reduces the risk of sudden rotational torque reaction in a bind-up scenario, plus a Rapid Mode Selector to swiftly shift between hammering, drilling and driving modes without the need to adjust the clutch. Dual LED work-lights illuminate the working area for better visibility, and two speed settings optimize the tool for high-speed and high-torque applications. The tool is built with an allmetal chuck and has 20 clutch settings. A member of the AMPShare battery system, this pro-grade hammer-drill is covered by a five-year limited warranty and is engineered for driving fasteners or drilling holes in wood, masonry and more.
Metabo HPT 18V 15-GA Angled Finish Nailer, NT1865DAA
I ordered the new 15-gauge Metabo HPT 18V Angled Finish Nailer for an upcoming ceiling project but I could not resist unboxing to use on some window trim I had been working on. The NT1865DAA features Air Spring Drive Technology to feel and perform more like a pneumatic, it is 13-percent lighter (5.9 lbs. without battery), smaller, and more powerful. You can now flush drive 15-GA finish nails up to 2-1/2 inches into all finish materials including hardwoods and fiber cement trim. I have followed the evolution of cordless nailer technology for 25 years, and although the tools varied in performance, I can vouch that this one offers all the power and reliability of a high-quality pneumatic gun. The new narrow tip design allows for work in tight corners. It can drive up to 700 nails per charge with the included 18V 2.0Ah battery with fuel gauge. As part of the expanding MultiVolt System from Metabo HPT, you can choose the lightweight 18V batteries or a MultiVolt battery, which powers both 18V and 36V tools, effectively doubling your runtime with up to 8.0Ah per charge.
Scrigit Scraper
The Scrigit is an inexpensive, pen-sized, non-scratch cleaning device that provides a quick and convenient way to remove small amounts of unwanted substances from household and automotive surfaces, edges, and grooves where a metal scraper would scratch or damage the work surface. It can be used instead of fingernails and metal tools to quickly clean off small areas of unwanted substances, such as grime, caulk, putty, wax, latex paint,
dried food, adhesive stickers, labels and tape.
The flat-edged tip is best for getting into tight spaces and cleaning off unwanted materials from flat surfaces, edges, corners and door tracks. For woodworking projects, however, I use it as a small putty knife for filling nail holes. The small blade size scoops less putty so it applies less putty around the nail hole, which reduces cleanup and conserves product. Plus, the flat resin blade won’t scratch or gouge wood the way a metal blade can do. Two sizes are available made in the USA of a durable plastic resin that easily washes clean and won’t conduct electricity.