Tool News
September 2008
The IRWIN® Unibit® Cobalt Step Drill - The latest breakthrough from the inventor of the step drill
IRWIN Industrial Tools® continues its commitment to improving jobsite performance through innovation with the introduction of the Unibit® cobalt step drill bit.
Made of M35 grade cobalt high speed steel, the IRWIN Unibit cobalt step drill outperforms the competition, providing tradesmen a bit that lasts up to six times longer than the bit they use today. And contrary to other step drills in the market, the latest IRWIN innovation allows professionals to drill through the toughest of materials such as cast iron, carbon steel, alloyed steel, and 16 gauge stainless steel.
In addition to being the longest lasting step drill on the market, the IRWIN Unibit cobalt step drill replaces an entire twist drill set with just one bit. With just one Unibit cobalt step drill, tradesmen can drill up to 13 different hole sizes without ever changing chucks.
“It’s great to finally provide professionals with a drill bit tough enough to repeatedly drill through stainless steel,” said director of sales and marketing, Bill Craig. “Now the versatility of Unibit step drills is paired with the durability of M35 cobalt steel.”
IRWIN Unibit has been the most innovative and trusted name in step drill bits since its invention in 1972. Every Unibit step drill is engineered with a single, radial concave flute to provide the greatest control while drilling the truest, most round holes in various materials. Laser marked sizes, 3-flatted shanks, minimal vibration and patented Speedpoint™ tips are features built into all Unibit step drills.
The Unibit cobalt step drill is available at industrial construction distributors and at Canadian Tire. The suggested retail prices range from $29.00 to $82.00. A three piece set is also available for $109.00.
Stanley-Bostitch Unveils A New Professional-Grade Compressor
Stanley-Bostitch introduced today a new professional-grade compressor – model CAP2000P-OF to the Canadian market. Director of Product Development Gary Blanchette said, “This new compressor is ideal for a variety of construction applications … whether it is framing, finish work or any other construction project.”
The Stanley®-Bostitch® model CAP2000P-OF is a 6-gallon oil-free pancake compressor providing 2.8 cubic feet per minute (CFM) @ 90 pounds-per square inch (psi) with a maximum operating pressure of 150 psi. In essence, this unit delivers enough airflow to operate multiple finish nailers/staplers simultaneously. It can also drive a large framing nailer with power to spare. Its 2 horsepower (peak) motor draws only 12 amps to prevent 15 amp circuit breakers from flipping as the motor cuts in and out.
The CAP2000P-OF’s features makes it the ideal unit for trim carpenters installing molding, cabinetry, or window/door casings. For example, its recessed control panel protects the gauges against damage if the unit accidentally tips or rolls over. Weighing only 39 pounds, it features an ergonomically-designed in-line handle to offer a comfortable grip and easy maneuverability.
Other features of the CAP2000P-OF include four oversized rubber feet to minimize vibration, increase stability, and prevent the unit from creeping across the floor. Its durable ball-type drain valve proves more reliable over long periods of use due to the elimination of easily-worn parts such as o-rings.
As concerns over noise and jobsite communication continue to mount, Stanley-Bostitch responds with a dramatic noise reduction down to only 72 decibels, which is surprisingly comparable to standard household vacuum cleaners. Its integrated cord wrapping system conveniently secures the electrical cord and/or pneumatic hose around the base of the shroud for fast and easy transportability.
Available in September 2008, the CAP2000P- OF is expected to retail for approximately $179.
Combo Kits Provide Everything Pros & DIY’ers Need To Plug & Play
Stanley-Bostitch recently introduced three nailer/compressor combo kits to the Canadian market. The new line-up includes three different finish/trim kits, a single roofing combo kit, and a single kit for framing applications. Director of Product Development Gary Blanchette said, “These new combo kits from Stanley-Bostitch offer exceptional value without any compromises. End-users can expect the same award-winning quality that earned Stanley-Bostitch its reputation as the preferred brand among professionals.”
CPACK1850BN Brad Nailer Combo Kit:
The Stanley®-Bostitch® CPACK1850BN is a one-tool brad nailer kit that includes a 2˝ 18 gauge brad nailer (model SB1850BN); a 2 horsepower (peak) 6-gallon oil-free compressor (model CAP2000P-OF); 1,000-pack of 2" brad nails; 1/4" x 40' PVC air hose, plastic carrying case; and owner’s manual. Available in construction supply channels in October, the CPACK1850BN is expected to sell for approximately $229.
CPACKRN46 Roofing Nailer Combo Kit:
The Stanley®-Bostitch® CPACKRN46 is a one-tool roofing nailer kit that includes a coil roofing nailer (model RN46); a powerful 2 horsepower (peak) 4-gallon stack tank compressor (model CAP2040ST-OL); 3/8" x 50' PVC air hose, fittings; and owner’s manual. Available in August at construction supply stores & home centers, the CPACKRN46 is expected to sell for approximately $499
CPACKF28 Framing Nailer Combo Kit:
The Stanley®-Bostitch® CPACKF28 is a one-tool framing nailer kit that includes a wire-weld framing nailer (model F28WW); a powerful 2 horsepower (peak) 4-gallon oil-free compressor (model CAP2040ST-OL); 3/8" x 50' PVC air hose, fittings; and owner’s manual. Available in August at construction supply stores & home centers, the CPACKF28 is expected to sell for approximately $449.
Stanley-Bostitch Ratchets Up A New Level of Performance & Durability for Manual Hardwood Flooring Nailers
Stanley-Bostitch introduced today its new manual hardwood flooring cleat nailer – model MFN201 – to the Canadian market. Mark Tadros said, “This is the perfect tool for professionals and DIY’ers who want to install hardwood flooring without the hassle of a compressor or hose.”
The Stanley®-Bostitch® MFN201 features a ratcheting drive mode, which allows the user to strike the driver multiple times if the cleat is not set flush after the first blow. This reduces the re-work from fasteners that are not fully driven thanks to a functional, more forgiving design than non-ratcheting models. Its tool-free selectable drive mode allows the user to switch from a single blow option to multi-blow in just seconds.
The MFN201 offers the new FloorGuard™ set of features to protect delicate work, such as pre-finished flooring, from clumsy mishaps that often leave permanent marks on expensive flooring. They include rubber bumpers on the sides and front of the tool to ensure that an occasional tip-over doesn’t leave a lasting effect. Its new and improved manual flooring mallet touts a harder material to help transfer as much energy as possible during the swing to help drive cleats flush.
The tool’s graphite mallet uses the same technology that makes Stanley®-branded Hammers so popular. For example, it offers a graphite shaft for long-life durability and accepts a replaceable soft face (model HFMF-SW) to provide a more suitable option for pre-finished applications. Its contoured rubber grip improves the feel and offers a firm grip. The base of the shaft is intentionally bell-shaped to help prevent the mallet from accidentally slipping out of the user’s hand. A patented head-to-handle connection ensures the face is permanently affixed for extreme durability.
The MFN201 installs both pre-finished and unfinished flooring (thicknesses of 1/2˝ to 3/4˝). With a magazine capacity of 120 fasteners, this tool accepts standard 16 gauge “L”-shaped flooring cleats ranging between 1-1/2˝ and 2˝ long. Weighing only 8.6 pounds, the MFN201 is cast from aluminum for added durability and less weight. Its ergonomically designed rubber grip works in tandem with a long-reach handle to help maximize comfort and minimize fatigue. The MFN201 comes complete with the basic tool (factory calibrated for 3/4" flooring), graphite mallet, plastic carrying case, and additional foot plates for 1/2˝ and 5/8˝ flooring.
Available this fall, this product is expected to sell for approximately $349.
Stanley-Bostitch Swings A New Line of Soft-Face Graphite Flooring Tool Mallets
Stanley-Bostitch introduced today two new graphite flooring mallets – models HFM-3 and HFM-4 - to the Canadian market. Product Manager Mark Tadros said, “Pre-finished flooring has become extremely popular; however, it is more delicate and less forgiving to install than unfinished hardwood flooring. These new soft mallets were designed with that in mind … they help installers achieve better results, higher productivity, and a much needed reduction in waste.”
Hard-face wooden mallets are known to cause expensive errors because they sometimes dent the tongue and/or beveled surface. Even a slight dent can cause enough damage to require rework. Conversely, the new Stanley®-Bostitch® mallets feature a softer material to cushion the surface of pre-finished flooring as users position it into place by the mallet. According to Tadros, “This new launch was met with great enthusiasm and interest from flooring professionals during the 2008 National Wood Flooring Association Show in March.”
Function was not the only goal of these new mallets; comfort and durability were also critical. For example, these mallets use the same technology that makes Stanley®-branded Hammers so popular. They offer a graphite shaft for long-life durability and a replaceable soft face (model HFMF-SW) for affordable long-term use. A contoured rubber grip improves the feel and allows the user to maintain a firm grip. The base of the shaft is intentionally bell-shaped to help prevent the mallet from accidentally slipping out of the user’s hand. A patented head-to-handle connection ensures the face is permanently affixed for extreme durability.
Weight and length are only the differences between the two new mallets. The lighter mallet is intended for use with the pneumatic flooring nailers because less energy is required to sink the cleat/nail flush. The HFM-3, weighing 45 ounces (14.8˝ long) is currently available and is expected to retail for approximately $55.99. The heavier mallet is designed for use with manual flooring nailers to deliver more energy with each swing. The HFM-4, weighing 59 ounces (16.1˝ long) is currently available and is expected to retail for approximately $55.99.