stductwork

What Bosch system is that? Last time I'd taken a Bosch battery apart the technology was so primitive I was surprised it lasted as long as it did.

Really surprised when I saw this. I'd imagine it'll cost a small fortune.

I don't have much information other than what's attached but it looks like makita are coming out with a brushless OMT with Starlock

http://images1.freshpatents.com/imageviewer/20170062877-p20170062877

I've been digging further and a patent application has been made by Makita JPN for a new device that could potentially double as a new style charger but in the description it mentions the use of a pass code to disable the use of the battery and the logic process requests a secondary auth code to operate the tool, so this could be the controller.

See attached, from US Market.

The app has been on there for months. I installed it and posted about it on my instagram in November last year trying to fish for information but all I've found out so far is the newer 'B' indicator batteries are hiding technology that could communicate via NFC, however I've tried a few different devices and from what I can gather, an intermediate device is needed from Makita to activate it. Some of the US tool boxes include documentation about this but no one I've spoken to seems to know anything about this device or how the technology works in practice.

Had one of those bit holders for a while. When I saw it on the net I thought it looked like a bit of a gimmick but no, it's really nice and the magnet is strong. Nice that you can remove the outer sleeve to move any dust or crap that might get stuck to it.

Bought a Milwaukee Rocket Light and 5ah battery. Picking it up tomorrow.

That's a dangerous line of thought.

No. It's no different to 2x18v batteries only split down into smaller form factors. That's why the makita 36v batteries are slowly disappearing. They were heavy, bulky and would take an age to charge. I think the highest 36v battery was about 2.6 ah. With 2x18 you can achieve 6ah.

Not heard anything of one. I'd imagine they'll be looking at a higher capacity battery release first and it might be something on the 18x2 line up.

Not really. Barely seen on-site in the UK. Might be more so in mainland europe but again doubtful. They're too expensive to use for site work and risk damage or theft.

Absolutely. I've attached what I carry around with me every day. I've heard a lot of different arguments for and against using lasers and I find those who are against are the lifers in trades, stuck in their ways who've made their money and done their time. Not always the case though. It all comes down to how you find the best method of working to be productive and profitable in your trade. For me, it's to use laser equipment. For others it might not be. They're certainly not something DIYers really need unless they're just looking at spending money on something for the sake of it but for people who are on the tools all day every day installing things that need to be level, I would recommend them to.

And just for a little comparison this is the sub compact along side the DHP481, taken just after I received the smaller in the post.

I can't give an opinion of the impact driver that is offered with the US sub-compact kit because it's not available in the UK, otherwise I'd perhaps tried it but thinking about it, I find it to be a completely pointless offering. Looking at it, it's perhaps lighter but lacking in features and power over the TD170, but certainly no great deal smaller. The drill however I can comment on. It's part of my daily kit along side the DHP481 and DF332. While the 18v sub drill is heavier than the 12(10.8)v it has a massive reduction in size and weight so it's worth while if you need a high RPM drill with plenty torque behind it for a drill of its size without completely replacing the need of something like the DHP484 or DHP481. That is also something worth while if you're looking into smaller driller. the 12v Brushless has plenty grunt for a drill of its size and with a 2ah battery I can get a couple of days average use on it. As for drivers to complement the drills; if you're looking at the 18v sub compact, like I said, I can't see the point in just using your standard brushless driver as there's no real size benefit, only a slight reduction in weight while having a massive reduction in power. If you're looking at the 12v line instead the TD111 brushless is a brilliant piece of kit and well worth getting along side the 12v BL drill. Providing it's available where you are.