Bosch PSB 700-2 RE Impact Drill Review

I was recently asked by the guys at Bosch to review their PSB 700-2 Impact Drill. I own a couple of other Bosch Power Tools and have always found them to be very reliable, and long lasting... even the lower priced tools that are targeted at the Home Handyman.

The first thing you get is a good quality carry case. It feels sturdy and up to the task of being thrown around in the back of a ute. This Impact Drill also came with a bonus set of 5 Masonary Drill bits in sizes of 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, 8mm and 10mm. Any free extras are always appreciated. The case also includes a handle and depth guage.

The first thing you do notice is that this drill feels right. It has the right amount of weight to make it feel like a serious tool that is solid and long lasting. It doesn't feel too light like some of the cheaper models that you can now buy in your local hardware store, and therefore you get the sense that something is missing.

This model also comes with a very good quality quick-release chuck. This is the best quality chuck that I have experienced on any DIY model drill. Its very easy to use and holds the drill bits as you would expect.

The PSB 700 has a 2-Speed gearbox with quite a reasonable top end speed and a lot more torque at low speed. The low speed is where you will mainly be when drilling into masonary and also steel. The faster speed comes into its own mainly when drilling into timber. Also, to help control speed there is a variable speed trigger included.


While using the supplied masonary drill bits to drill into a concrete slab, and also a brick wall, the PSB 700 did its job very well with all size drill holes. The impact action felt consistent and didn't slow down or stick in situation that I tested. Using the PSB 700 while drilling into 6mm steel was also very easy. Of course I made sure to use the lower speed and some wax lubricant to make life easier on my Quarter Inch (6mm) drill bit.


Overall a very good all round drill. The PSB 700 is strong and very reliable. Great for everyday use around the home. This Impact Drill will handle anything the DIY Handyman has to throw at it and should last quite a few years in the tool shed.


Click here to go to the product details on the Bosch website.

And below is some of the technical data for this model:




Technical Data
Power input - 701 W
Power output - 360 W
Max. torque (1st gear / 2nd gear) - 32,0 / 12,0 Nm
Idle speed (1st gear/2nd gear) - 0 – 800 / 2.600 rpm
Impact rate - 44.200 bpm
Machine weight - 2,4 kg

Drilling Range
Max. drilling diameter in concrete (1st gear / 2nd gear): 20 / 13 mm
Max. drilling diameter in steel (1st gear / 2nd gear): 13 / 8 mm
Max. drilling diameter in wood (1st gear / 2nd gear): 40 / 25 mm
Screw diameter max.: 8 mm

Functions
• Speed preselection
• Softgrip
• Forward/reverse operation
• Bosch Electronic

Chainsaw Sharpening and Maintenance

My chainsaw started to do something strange the other day. It started to cut on an angle to the left in a curved crescent shape. I am by no means a chainsaw expert and had no idea what was going on.

After searching on the web I found this great document on the Stihl website. My chainsaw is a Husqvarna, but the fundamentals in this PDF are relevant to all chainsaws.

My problem was probably a number of things. I had hit some dirt cutting into an old tree stump and one side of my teeth were a bit blunter than the other side. I may have also been sharpening one side more than the other. Plus my chain bar was wearing unevenly.

So either way the problem does exist and it is easily fixed by having the chain professionally re-sharpened and the bar filed even.

The PDF can be downloaded here:
http://www.stihllibrary.com/pdf/SharpAdvice110606.pdf

PullzAll - Portable Lifting and Pulling Tool

I just heard about this new product from Ateco Eqipment. It is a portable, and lightweight Lifting and Pulling Device called the "PullzAll".

The PullzAll has the ability to lift or pull up to 450KG. It comes in 2 models. A cordless (rechargable) version and a plug-in version. It has a 4.5 metres of 5.5mm diameter wire rope and a variable speed trigger, and an integrated directional switch that enables you to instantly change direction giving you precise control you need to stop and hold a load exactly where and when you want it.

The RRP of the PullzAll is $520 for the 230v Corded version and $865 for the 24v Rechargable version. (Prices are AUD inc. GST)

This is from the PullzAll website:

When you're in the shop, working near a power source, just plug in PullzAll™ and let it help you tackle those labour-intensive chores. Move heavy machinery. Hoist an engine block. Lift a load precisely into place, then nail it, weld it, whatever it. You think up the task, and PullzAll™ flat out revolutionizes the amount of work one man can do.

When work takes you to more remote locations, bring the mechanical muscle of the portable, cordless PullzAll™ with you. From tough tasks like pulling pipe to stretching wire fence, you'll come to count on PullzAll™ to get the job done quickly and effortlessly.

A strong motor and variable speed control allow you to move heavy items into place smoothly and precisely. These features equate to saving both time and money.

The PullzAll™ is for the tradesperson, farmer/rancher, or anyone that needs to lift or pull up to 450kg. This makes PullzAll™ ideal for construction, pipe fitting, iron work, equipment and plant maintenance, farm and ranch use, auto shops, garages, machine shops, home improvement, hunting, camping, and more.

Click here to go to the site for more info.

DIY Concrete iPhone App - Imperial Version Now Available

The Imperial version of my handyman iPhone app' DIY Concrete is now available on the iTunes App Store.

This version has a redesigned user interface and handles all the calculations you need to work out and order concrete for your project in cubic yards or in 80LB pre-mixed bags.

Click here to go directly to the iTunes App Store.

Click here to go to the DIY Concrete website.

DIY Concrete Imperial - is a handy, easy to use application to help you work out the volume and cost of concrete (cement) required for your project, in cubic meters or 80LB pre-mixed Bags.

DIY Concrete Imperial - is useful to the DIY Home Handyman as well as professional trades people, as a quick and simple way for working out concrete volume and price requirements.

This application calculates the volume you require when ordering for a large amount that will be delivered by truck, as well as a 80LB Pre-mixed Bag calculator for the smaller DIY Handyman projects.

As well as calculating the volume, you can also add the cubic meter price or bag price to give you an overall cost of the concrete order.

All you need to do is enter the Length and Width in feet and the Depth in inches. The price component is optional. Then press the "Calculate" button.

Click "Reset" to start again with clean empty fields.

Also included are a couple of DIY Concrete Tips for on-site 90 degree set-out and the ratio for a standard concrete mix.