Shop department

Apr 1, 2000 12:00 PM, FIN Staff

Several ratchet wrenches in one The new Pop Prow multi-ratchet wrench, made by Solsons Group in India, works with a self-tightening action that ratchets the wrench as you turn it. Featuring a nonslip grip, two tools allow you to tighten nuts or bolts of 12 different sizes: 1/4, 5/16, 3/8 , 7/16, _1/2, 9/16, 19/32, 5/8, 11/16, 3/4, 13/16 and 7/8 in. Price was not available at press time. Contact Central Purchasing Inc., Dept. FIN, 3491 Mission Oaks Blvd., Camarillo, CA 93010, 805/388-1000.

Pick a grip Milwaukee Electric Tool introduces a great improvement on the circular saw: Now you can move the handle into a position that's right for you.

The Tilt-Lok handle swings through eight positions to give you more control of the saw, especially in awkward places. Other features include a hefty 15-amp motor with 31/4 hp - the highest horsepower available in a 71/4-in. circular saw, according to the maker. The saw weighs only 10 lbs. 4 oz. Suggested retail price: $254. Contact Milwaukee Electric Tool Corp., Dept. FIN, 13135 W. Lisbon Rd., Brookfield, WI 53005, 414/783-8311, www.mil-electric-tool.com.

Saw bit bites through steel Put a hole through just about any hard surface including most steels, glass, concrete and ceramic (and even titanium) with the high-performance Hole Saw Maintenance Kit from Drill Bit City.

The saw bits are like a wide hacksaw blade, welded to form a circle. They may be used with a hand drill or drill press. The bits are made of nitro-carburized steel to handle high drilling temperatures while staying sharp much longer.

The Hole Saw set comes with nine bits ranging in size from 3/4 to 2_1/2 in., three different-size mounting arbors and one 1-ft. extension piece for hand drilling. Suggested list price: $273. Contact Drill Bit City, Dept. FIN, 37567 Hwy. 109, Winnebago, MN 56098, 800/950-3938.