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With the holiday shopping season just around the corner, many gift givers are seeking the perfect present for everyone on their list. In order to give a gift that will truly delight the do-it-yourselfer on your list, it's important to take note of some of the current DIY and home project trends to find a gift that's both functional and unique. For those looking for the "complete package," SKIL Power Tools has many new additions to its line of tools that take the worry out of both home improvement projects and holiday shopping.
Lithium Ion- The Power Source for the 21st Century
When it comes to power tool batteries, lightweight yet powerful is the way of the future. NiCad batteries have long been used as a power source for tools. Although effective, these batteries lose their charge relatively quickly and are bulky and heavy.
Lithium ion batteries, used in everything from cell phones to hybrid cars, have replaced NiCad in a number of tools, making them among the most sought after for holiday gift givers. Lithium ion batteries are lightweight and ready to go whenever it's time for a project. The battery holds its charge for up to 18 months, even if the tool is left off of the charger, making lithium ion perfect for unexpected or infrequent projects.
By replacing large NiCad battery packs with compact, lightweight lithium ion batteries, tools that were previously impossible or impractical to engineer are now being introduced. One such tool is SKIL's new Lithium Ion Power Wrench. This unique and innovative tool can be used in hard to reach areas to perform tasks that previously required a manual wrench. This tool not only fastens the bolts and screws you needed a ratchet for in the past, but it also can be converted into a close-quarters driver. If it isn't on gift lists for others, parents should be scrambling out to purchase one for themselves - it will save hours of time when they start assembling toys this holiday season.
"People are always looking for the right tools to make their projects easier," said Dean Peterson, product marketing and development director for SKIL Power Tools. "Lithium ion battery technology allows us to make smaller, more flexible power tools to help make difficult tasks easier to handle."
In addition to the Power Wrench, SKIL's new line of lithium ion tools includes a full suite of drill/drivers, ideal for projects ranging from replacing hardware on a cabinet door to installing a new deck. The line includes the 7.2V-Li Power Driver ($59.99), the 14.4V-Li Variable Speed Drill/Driver ($89.99), and the 18V-Li Variable Speed Drill/Driver ($99.99). Both the 14.4V and 18V models include removable battery packs and a 15+1 adjustable clutch for tougher jobs.
For quick and easy jobs around the house, SKIL also offers the iXO palm-sized screwdriver ($39.99), the perfect stocking stuffer for even the most novice DIYer. This 3.6v screwdriver comes with 22 bits and easily fits in a kitchen drawer or cabinet so it's always in reach for repairs.
SKIL's lithium ion power tools have environmentally-friendly benefits as well. All SKIL lithium ion batteries contain soft metals that are safe for disposal, while NiCad batteries contain metals that can cause health risks when disposed of improperly. Also unique to SKIL is the SKIL Smartcharge System, which provides overcharge protection to the batteries. Users can store their tool on the charger for any length of time without affecting battery life or drawing unneeded energy by shutting off power when the battery is fully charged. Thanks to this energy efficient technology, SKIL's Smartcharge System battery charger has earned Energy Star certification.
X-Bench: Setting the Stage for Project Success
Once you've got your power tools in hand, it's time to get busy on those long awaited projects. Because today's DIY enthusiasts are involved in a wide variety of projects around the house, often in close quarters, it's important to have a work surface that makes multiple projects possible. That's where the SKIL X-Bench, the ultimate portable workstation that makes a multitude of projects possible, comes in handy.
The SKIL X-Bench ($149.99) comes folded for easy storage in tight spaces. It unfolds to create a work surface that measures 53" x 23". The steel legs are independently adjustable, allowing users set the table at the height level that best suits their needs, from 24" up to 34".
Once you're set-up with the X-Bench, it's time to take advantage of the wealth of features. The new and innovative cut channel makes cutting materials quick and easy. No other portable workstation provides this type of cutting solution in the industry. The table top pulls apart in the middle to expose the cut channel, which has a deep hinge that can be used with circular saws up to 7-1/4". The table top is constructed from a tough MDF (medium density fiberboard) material and features a peg holes that accept the wedge dog clamps (2 included with table), allowing users to secure materials to the table. Ruler markings are provided on the work surface for accurate measurements. Additional features include a miter gauge slot and a bump-off power switch.
The versatility of the X-Bench can be seen once you add one of the many accessories that make drilling, staining, painting, sanding and more possible. The SKIL Insert Plate System is available for SKIL jigsaws, routers and sanders. By utilizing each of the individual tool insert plates, users are able to convert a portion of the workstation into a scroll saw, benchtop sander, or router table. Other add-ons include a drill press, downdraft table which eliminates dust during sanding, a clamping kit, tail vise, finishing tray for painting or staining, and a shelf and tool bag for under-table storage. Accessories range in price form $14.99 to $99.99.
About SKIL Power Tools
SKIL Power Tools is a leader in portable electric power tools and accessories serving the consumer and professional construction markets. SKIL is proud to deliver a complete line of power tools that are designed and engineered to help DIYers turn their houses into homes, while providing professionals tough, cost-conscience tools for the jobsite. For more information about SKIL Power Tools visit www.skil.com or call toll-free 877-SKIL-999.