Complete confidence in a tool and its functions are a major part of the selection process. Knowing that you can accomplish your task at hand without worrying about a back up or an additional tool is a big advantage. When it comes to brand loyalty I would have to say compatibility would be a factor. If I have three cordless tools I prefer they are all the same brand and battery size to eliminate the need for an extra charger or battery that is a different make.
Recently, I had the opportunity to visit Milwaukee Electric Tools in Brookfield, Wis. for my company J.C. Cannistraro. Taking the trip out to Milwaukee was an interesting eye opener in the world of power tools. It will influence the way I compare different tool products from now on. Just the way they compared their sawzall blades and cordless drills with the competition’s product was something I hadn’t seen before.
The tour of Milwaukee Tools corporate facility was very impressive. Getting to see some of the behind-the-scenes stuff was pretty neat, from product development to product testing. They have come a long way in the last couple of years with newer tools and accessories that are superior to their competitor's product. I was pleased with the direction they are heading with new products where they seem to be making things as user friendly and ergonomic as possible. I was really impressed with the Fuel line of cordless tools. More than anything the 18V drill/driver. When talking about cordless tools, the last thing you would probably think of would be a drill that communicates with its battery via computer chip, but this one does! Just that tech alone speaks for itself. Eventually we will have to consider a new line of cordless drills due to the old tech stem battery and this may be the one. The one thing that stuck with me the most was their ability to create an idea on paper, immediately transfer the image to a high tech computer and then print the product idea with a 3D printer and you would be able to hold it in your hand the next morning. They could also create resin models and very realistic replicas of these prototype tools overnight in order to render different ideas and adjust features for end user comfort. Very cool!
Overall, very impressed!
Matthew Mastandrea is Materials Coordinator, J.C. Cannistraro, a Boston-based mechanical contractor.
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