The EHT staff had the opportunity to test some cool new home-improvement products and wanted to share the news with our readers.
MetalTech 4-in-1 Scaffold Bench
I’m facing a lot of roof-line work in my near future, involving gutter maintenance, soffit vent replacement, and repairs to the eaves of my house. This means I’ll be spending a lot of time off the ground. When working atop a ladder on projects like this, I spend half the time moving and repositioning the ladder. To save time, provide a wider platform, and give myself a little elbow room, I’m using the new 4-in-1 Multi-Purpose Scaffold Bench from MetalTech (sold exclusively at the Home Depot).
Thanks to its large locking casters, I can roll the Scaffold Bench right where I need it and adjust the height of its wooden work platform up to 6 feet. And although this is a new product, it appears MetalTech has plans to offer extensions, guardrails and outriggers to access even higher working elevations (I see myself ordering those in the future). The bench has an 1,100-lb. capacity, and the deck allows for a stable footing and a large standing space of 29 in. x 72 in.
When used as a workbench, the included rails and attachment brackets can be used to install any brand of miter saw or table saw, along with accessory outfeed roller supports that attach to the end of the bench. The workbench can be easily moved around the jobsite, then locked in place for stability.
After the work is done, the Scaffold Bench can be configured as a two-shelf storage unit for the garage or workshop. The included storage shelf includes a ventilated metal grid and side braces (200-lb. capacity) that can be adjusted to any rung height along the ladder sides.
With the large easy-rolling casters, the 4-in-1 Scaffold Bench can also be used to cart equipment and supplies around the jobsite.
Weighing a 161.5 lbs., this durable steel bench is solidly built to withstand the daily rigors of a demanding work site. The unit is sold in a flat box for convenient shipping, but assembly is easy and requires no tools. The shelves adjust with handle-pull cotter pins, which simplifies assembly and day-to-day operation. The new 4-in-1 MetalTech Scaffold Bench would make a nice tool for the DIY’er or pro craftsman—as long as they have a garage, shed or workshop to store it when not in use. Learn more at www.homedepot.com.
DeWalt Wet/Dry Vacs
For cleanup around the home, jobsite or workshop, DeWalt’s 12-Gal. Poly Wet/Dry Vacuum delivers excellent suction power and quiet operation.
The EHT staff had the opportunity to test the vacuum, and we can report that not only does the motor run more quietly than most vacuums, but the rubber wheels enable it to roll quietly across the floor without excess noise. Featuring a single-stage motor and plenty of drum capacity, this powerful shop vacuum reaches 5.5 peak horsepower and comes with a 20-ft. cord and a 7-ft. hose. The unit is easy to assemble right out of the box. It is designed with a built-in drain and blower port and includes a washable cartridge filter. The vacuum is also packaged with a variety of accessories—a hose, utility nozzle, floor brush, crevice tool, washable cartridge filter, two extension wands, hose adapter, disposable dust bag, and removable accessory bag.
The DeWalt 12G is lightweight, easy to maneuver, and makes a fine choice in vacuum for messy spills and big cleanups. But for smaller applications, DeWalt offers the 4G PolyWet/Dry Vac.
The DeWalt 4G weighs less than 13 lbs. and is shaped like a toolbox, which makes it easy for anyone to grab it by the easy-carry handle and tote it where it’s needed. With its powerful 5-peak horsepower motor, this little vac provides surprising suction power for heavy-duty pickup. It features a fine-dust cartridge filter for small, dry debris and wet materials, a large on/off switch with a water-resistant design, and a built-in 20 ft. power cord and accessory storage compartment.
The 4G’s “Ultra-Flexible” 7-ft. hose easily bends a tight radius for maneuvering into cramped spaces to reach nearly any job. The built-in blower port is power-ful enough to blow sawdust and debris to clear off a work area. Additional accessories include a utility nozzle, crevice tool, and two extension wands. Learn more about DeWalt’s new wet/dry vacs at www.dewalt.com.
