Here are some details and opinions on the latest tools Home Depot sent our way for review consideration (as part of our paid partnership).
Ridgid MegaMax Octane
The new Ridgid MegaMax heavy duty modular tool system has hit stores. I was sent their new high-powered 18V Octane brushless base system, which resembles the rear half of a reciprocating saw, and two attachments.
There are three attachments so far – a SDS rotary hammer head, a 1/2″ right angle drill head, and a reciprocating saw head.
I’m intrigued by the concept, and regret that none of my recent projects could have benefited from the power the new base handle and heavy duty attachments promise to deliver.
The connection is robust, perhaps surprisingly so. When a tool head is attached, the Ridgid MegaMax combo feels as if it were a one-piece tool.
The Ridgid MegaMax Octane system has 2 benefits – at least. First, brushless reciprocating saws, right angle drills, and SDS-Plus rotary hammers are not inexpensive. With this system, you get the functionality and performance of up to 3 tools, without having to pay for 3 heavy duty premium tools.
But also, the MegaMax motor connection allows for the tool heads to connect in more than one direction. The reciprocating saw, for example, can be positioned blade-down, or blade-up. That could potentially get users out of a tight spot, or into a tight spot if so desired.
The tool is best paired with a HyperOctane battery pack, such as the new 6.0Ah.
Buy Now(Ridgid MegaMax via Home Depot)
Buy Now(Ridgid 6.0Ah battery via Home Depot)
Dewalt Parts Organizers
Dewalt’s 10 compartment deep organizer has been quite popular over the past few years. Its removable bins are sized for construction supplies, such as bulk fasteners, wire nuts, small parts, and other such components. You can attach multiple units together, via the side locking tabs.
Personally, I prefer shallower organizers with smaller bins, but that’s also due to the nature and size of the parts I need to have sorted and easily accessible.
There are also other Dewalt organizers compatible with the same latching system, such as this smaller 10 compartment organizer. It features removable dividers that can allow for very flexible customizations.
I still haven’t put mine to use, but I have a few ideas that I’ll explore during my next supply cabinet cleanup.
Buy Now(Deep organizer via Home Depot)
Buy Now(Short organizer via Home Depot)
Bosch Favorites
There are several tools that Bosch is my go-to brand for, and laser distance measuring tools is one of them.
Home Depot sent over the Bosch Blaze GLM 50 CX, featuring ±1/16″ accuracy, a 165 foot range, full color backlit display, and Bluetooth connectivity.
While I don’t use Bluetooth layout devices for my own measurements, but the tech is becoming increasingly popular.
This is Bosch’s fully-featured laser distance measuring tool, offering a variety of calculations and measurement modes beyond similar “A to B” distances.
I have always been pleased with the accuracy and user-friendliness of Bosch’s laser distance measuring tools, and this one is no different.
For my own use, I’d buy a less expensive model from Bosch’s lineup, because the range and some of the features of this model are lost on me. But, it’d definitely still be a Bosch.
Buy Now(via Home Depot)
I also received a 12pc set of Bosch Daredevil spade bits. This is a good set to buy year-round if you need to replenish your kit, but this time of year? There are bound to be promo sets.
Ah – found one. There’s a 19pc set with pouch, for the same $20.
Buy Now(19pc set with pouch via Home Depot)
Bosch is my choice of spade bit, and I tend to stock up every November.
Diablo Reciprocating Saw Blades
Sweet! Diablo’s carbide-toothed Demo Demon pruning reciprocating saw blade came out last year, but I haven’t tried it out yet. I still haven’t, but I’m happy to have the chance.
I spent a lot of time with Diablo (non-carbide) pruning saw blades last year, and they worked great, aside from the first of a pack of 5 that I bent up. I went through two blades since last Spring, and have been pleased with their performance.
This carbide blade will cut through a lot more per blade, which I’m sure that heavier users will likely appreciate.
See Also: Your Go-To Tree Branch Pruning and Cleanup Tools?
Buy Now(via Home Depot)
Dremel Multi-Max and Accessories
I received a new Dremel MM-45 MultiMax oscillating multi-tool, along with a couple of accessory packs.
Dremel is a good choice for DIYers, and their accessories work decently, are affordable, and easy to find. Bosch is my preferred oscillating multi-tool accessory maker, but I’ve used Dremel on occasion due to the mentioned reasons.
This is Dremel’s most powerful multi-tool, also featuring a tool-free Quick lock blade change mechanism.
I have always found Dremel’s MultiMax tools to be a good choice for DIYers, homeowners, and others who want the most bang for the buck out of a multi-tool, and some quick work with the MM-45 leads me to maintain that position.
Buy Now(via Home Depot)
Ryobi 18V One+ Cordless Bolt Cutters
Ryobi came out with new 18V One+ bolt cutters, designed to replace 14″ manual cutters. Ryobi says that it can cut through chains, locks, bolts, fencing, and wire shelving, and other such materials up to 3/8″ diameter. It can make up to 200 cuts per charge when paired with a high capacity battery pack (which usually means 4.0Ah).
I can’t say I’ve come across a good application to test this on, but I think it’s the kind of tool that someone like a closet outfitter might appreciate. Wire shelving isn’t hard to cut, but it can get tiresome to cut lost of shelves to size.
What kinds of ways would you use a tool like this on?
Buy Now(via Home Depot)
It’ll probably work even better with one of these new 6.0Ah battery packs.
Dewalt Cordless 21° Framing Nailer
I don’t believe we covered this yet, but Dewalt recently came out with a 21° framing nailer. Featuring dual speeds, the DCN21PL nailer is said to be ideal for fencing, framing, and decking applications. It can drive fasteners 2″ to 3-1/4″ long.
For all you framing nailer users out there, do you use 21° or 30-34° nailers?
Buy Now(via Home Depot)
