The PC70THD 1/2-in. corded two-speed hammer drill weighs only 5.1 lb and is 14.25 in. long, allowing the lightweighttool to be used in tight spaces. Its 7-amp motor has variable speeds of up to 1,100 rpm and 3,100 rpm. The hammer drill can be used in drilling concrete, tile, brick and mortar block. A molded handle is intended to reduce user fatigue, while metal gear housing aids in dissipating heat and extending the life of the hammer drill. Porter Cable; 888-848-5175; www.portercable.com
Milwaukee's new test-and-measurement lineup is expanding since the segment was introduced a few years ago. The latest addition is a thermal-imaging tool designed specifically for mechanical trades, inspectors and diagnosticians; at a list price of $2,500, the device is about half the cost of similar tools on the market. Available at the end of November, the 1.6-lb Model 2260-21 Thermal Imager Kit can operate in extreme temperatures and survive a 2-meter drop on solid concrete, says the company. The handheld tool scans surface temperatures, from –10° C to 350° C, and is accurate to 0.1°C for each of the pixels on the 160- x 120-pixel screen. A 1.3MP digital camera records a JPG-format image for subject identification. A menu button allows the user to toggle between the thermal scan and the visual image on the screen. The device saves the data on an SD card, with a 2GB card holding about 3,000 scans. Milwaukee's PC-based software package allows users to import data, mark it up and print out custom reports. A 12-volt lithium-ion battery powers the unit, which also features a built-in LED flashlight. Most users will use the tool's automatic mode, but those needing extra detail can set different color palettes and temperature ranges. The tool comes with a battery, 30-minute battery charger, memory card, SD card reader, USB cable, software CD and carrying case. Milwaukee Electric Tool Corp.; 800-729-3878; www.milwaukeetool.com
The NET-AX series of automatic total stations has an auto-pointing feature that sights the prism closest to the telescope's center of focus, even if other reflectors are visible. It has an accuracy range of up to 11,480 ft with a prism and 1,310-ft without a reflector. Useful for underground mapping, the station is able to automatically locate reflectors even in low-light conditions, when the reflectors cannot be recognized by the human eye. The NET05AX has 0.5-in. accuracy, while the NET1AX has 1-in. accuracy. Sokkia Corp.; 913-492-4900; www.sokkia.com
