By Kathryn Bender, Star-Bulletin
Santa takes a break from his post at Aloha Tower
Marketplace to show the kind of toy big kids might get
for Christmas if they were nice.

Here’s the drill on

These professional-grade
tools can take on those
tougher tasks

By Tim Ryan
Star-Bulletin

IF the handyman, or woman, in your life has ever tried to get a screw into a brick or concrete wall only to have his or her new battery-powered or plug-in screwdriver break down, it may have been a case of having the wrong tool for the job.

With the holidays around the corner, one gift option is to replace that homeowner-grade tool with a higher-powered professional model. Sure there is significant cost difference between nonprofessional and professional models, but the benefits of higher priced tools may be well worth the price, especially if you are planning any heavy-duty projects.

Professional-grade tools are built stronger, have more power, and bigger motors with four to five amps; homeowner models are lighter, with two to three amps. Inexpensive power tools also are usually made of low-grade plastic, which can flex when heated from use or overheat on tough jobs.

By Kathryn Bender, Star-Bulletin
Professional cordless tools by Panasonic:
Above, metal cutting saw EY3530.

Professional power tools are encased in strong plastics unaffected by extreme temperatures or chemicals; they also have minimum vibration and are easier to hold, or more ergonomic. They also have other features: a depth clutch, which automatically drives a screw to a predetermined depth; speed control; and reverse mode for removing screws.

Price? Professional electric drills cost around $60 to $200; more for cordless models; homeowner models start at $20.

Now, whether you select a cordless or plug-in model is mostly a matter of personal taste. But when working outdoors cordless makes a better option so you can avoid extension cords or exterior outlets.

The power tool industry is focusing on cordless tools, said Stacy Matsuda, an account rep for Panasonic in Hawaii. That's because tool users are demanding more durable, yet portable power equipment.

"Cordless technology has improved incredibly the last few years which is making these sort of tools attractive not only to the homeowner but to professionals as well," he said.

Although the cordless side of the power tool business began with a simple drill, today cordless means circular saws and rotary hammer drills like Panasonic's 24-volt model.

But it's been advances in battery technology that have helped cordless power tools make an even greater difference on the job site, Matsuda said.

"Battery technology is probably where there's been the biggest advancement in the last several years," he said.

By Kathryn Bender, Star-Bulletin
Panasonic cordless rotary hammer.

Whereas charge time used to be an hour, that's dropped to a standard 30 minutes, or the 15-minute "coffee break" recharging battery that Panasonic now offers. Not only do these batteries recharge faster but they run tools longer, a result of an increase in the battery's capacity measured in amp-hours, Matsuda said.

Even with this increased capacity, the size and weight of the battery cell has remained fairly constant, allowing users to work longer and with less fatigue.

In selecting a cordless power tool there are important design features to consider, including internal cooling fans that reduce wear on the motor, and the use of proper metals to increase durability, Matsuda said.

A buzzword in the power tool industry is ergonomics.

Tools have seen a significant progression toward more user-friendly, ergonomically correct designs, focusing more on weight, vibration and handle design, Matsuda said.

Today's common design for cordless drills is the T-shape. That means the placement of the handle is in the middle of the drill which displaces the tool's weight more evenly, balancing the drill and reducing the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome, Matsuda said.

There's a tool out there just for you Panasonic, a relatively new player in the United States tool market, has an array of new cordless tools for professionals and serious do-it-yourselfers. Some of the tools are available in kit combinations at a discount from the prices listed as follows. A 15.6-volt wood saw, about $319, features a 5-3/8 inch blade; 6.6 lbs. The 15.6-volt metal cutting saw, $349; 6.8 pounds. The blade cuts clean reducing the need for deburring and there's little heat generated in the area cut. The saw uses a special heavy duty C-6 tungsten carbide-tipped 24-tooth blade. A unique 2.4-volt cordless drill and driver kit, about $80, easily converts from straight to pistol form and is reversible; about a pound. The 15.6-volt Cordless Drill and Driver, $229, features an internal cooling fan for heavy duty jobs, a 22-stage clutch for precision, a rotating support handle for better control, variable speed and is reversible; 4.7 lbs. A speed control function, an internal automatic mechanism, changes the motor speed according to how much pressure is on the trigger switch. This makes it possible to perform specific jobs like centering to drill into material with a slick surface, or tightening long screws with greater ease and accuracy. Other products available are: Makita's 18-volt cordless saw, $259.95, which has a 61/2-inch blade and can cross cut up to 47 2-by-1Os from a single charge. It has a large aluminum wraparound base for stability, electric brake for quick adjustments, externally accessible brushes for easy replacement, large knobs for easy bevel and depth adjustment. Makita's 18-volt half-inch Cordless Driver-Drill Kit, $259.95, is well balanced for easy handling, a 2-speed gear selection (0-450 rpm or 0-1,400 rpm), industrial metal gear housing, also exclusive externally accessible brushes for easy replacement, 18 torque industrial half-inch keyless chuck, and conveniently located forward/reverse button. Dewalt's 14.4-volt 5-3/8 inch Cordless Saw Kit has a fan cooled motor, replaceable brushes for longer motor life and a "Left Side Blade for Maximum Visibility." Check out Slim's Power Tools at 1626 Republican St. or Wesco at 1030 Mapunapuna St. for these items.

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