toolsandshopequipment_april2022 - 18

POWER TOOLS
Tool Review
AIRCAT 115 degree Angle Die Grinder, No. 6295
Reviewed by John Baumgardt III, owner
of Baumgardt's Auto Repair in Fillmore, Indiana
Q: How did the tool/equipment function
as far as saving you time?
A: The angle of this grinder helped me
get into areas that a straight or a 90-degree
die grinder wouldn't.
Q: What kind of setup was involved
before using the product?
A: Screw on an air fitting, a few drops
of oil and a couple squeezes of grease
into the side of the head and it was
ready for a 1/4 " accessory.
Q: How easy was it to use?
A: It was simple to use. The flapper
trigger has a safety feature that I would
normally remove, but this one actually
worked well and I could easily release
it as I was ready for the power. You can
rotate a collar at the base and adjust
where the exhaust blows out instead of
just blowing straight back along your
hose. I ran this thing full blast for 15
minutes and my hand didn't get cold
like it does after just a few minutes
with my others.
Q: How was its packaging? Did it
come with any accessories?
A: I opened the glossy black and red
box and found the grinder nestled in
its own black AIRCAT cloth pouch.
It came with a wrench to change out
accessories, pocket guide to whet
your appetite for your next AIRCAT
purchase after you try this baby out, a
manual, and a thank you card welcoming
you to AIRCAT ownership (which I
personally think is pretty cool).
Q: What features did you like?
A: I like being able to control where
the exhaust is going. I really like the
button that locks the head so you only
Makita LXT 1/4 " and 3/8 "
Cordless Ratchets
Reviewed by Eric Moore, fleet manager
at Griffin Pavement Striping in
Columbus, Ohio
Q: How did the tool/equipment function
as far as saving you time?
A: The LXT lineup is the current top
dog by Makita. This ratchet is great
for mobility and functionality. The
versatility to use either 1/4 " or 3/8 "
greatly increased the range of jobs it
can be used for. No dragging air lines
around or losing time in tight spaces
where a traditional hand ratchet
wouldn't have range of motion. Its
slimmer profile helps it get into more
restricted places.
Q: How easy was it to use?
A: With a charged battery, the LXT
ratchet is pretty much point-andshoot.
Place the desired socket on the
18 Tools & Shop Equipment * April 2022
need one wrench to change out
the accessory, because using two
wrenches and trying to hold the tool
is a pain. The composite body letting
my hand stay warm is pretty darn
cool too.
Q: How has using this tool impacted
your shop's profitability?
A: Being able to get into awkward
spots saved time, which means I can
move on to the next project faster.
Q: On a scale of 1 to 10, how would
you rate this tool overall?
A: I give it a nine. It is a great tool.
Lightweight composite body, adjustable
exhaust deflector, quiet. It would
be great if it was bi-directional to be
able to better control the debris.
To read the full review, visit
FleetMaintenance.com/21259618.
mer profile than other cordless ratchets,
making it easier to use in tight
spaces. We appreciate how the battery
mounting is in line with the profile.
Q: Is there any way you could think
to improve or add to this tool?
A: If Makita is going to stick with the
interchangeability of the drive heads,
adapter, apply it to the fastener, select
a direction and pull the trigger.
Q: How was its packaging? Did it
come with any accessories?
A: It was packaged in a branded carboard
box. The LXT ratchet comes with
the tool, rapid charger, one battery, 1/4 "
and 3/8 " interchangeable adapters, and
a branded canvas carry bag.
Q: What features did you like?
A: The Makita LXT ratchet has a slimI'd
like to see a positive locking feature
and a good secure storage option for
the remaining drive head. Maybe
make the heads opposing, so have 1/4 "
on one side and the 3/8 " on the flip? It
would make the trigger possibly awkward
on the flip, so maybe allow for
the head to be flipped and indexed? I
know of traditional hand ratchets like
this out there.
Q: On a scale of 1 to 10, how would
you rate this tool overall?
A: With the thin profile, interchangeable
heads, higher rpm, and overall
balance, we feel confident that this
tool rates a solid nine.
To read the full review, visit
FleetMaintenance.com/21259619.
http://www.FleetMaintenance.com/21259618 http://www.FleetMaintenance.com/21259619
toolsandshopequipment_april2022

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