DIY Life

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Robert Bosch Tool Corp., has announced a voluntary recall of about 9,700 Bosch Hammer Drills, model number 1191VSR, due to the fact that a risk of injury is posed to consumers if the hammer drill continues to operate after the trigger has been released.

Manufactured in Malaysia and sold at Menards and other hardware retailers and industrial distributors from July 2007 through April 2008 for about $100, the recalled hammer drill is blue and has "BOSCH" printed on its side. Only drills with a serial number that begins with a "7" are included in the recall. Please see the CPSC press release for more information.

Consumers are advised to stop using the recalled drill and contact Robert Bosch Tool Corp at (877) 472-0007, or visit www.boschtools.com to schedule a free repair.

The latest trend in rechargeable, portable power tools is Lithium Ion technology. Originally it was just the latest hi-tech tweak for the high end tool makers (read: Hilti, Dewalt, Makita). The extended run times, increased peak power output, lighter weight, and longer storage life were touted as time, and therefore money, savers on the job site. Chargers for the batteries also cut the recharge time down to 1/2 or even 1/4 the time it takes to recharge other cells. That's right, those wonderful psychos at Makita actually cut the recharge time for one line of their lithium cell tools form a full hour down to just 15 MINUTES!

Recently things have changed even more for the little Li spot on the periodic chart of the elements from high school Chem class. It started with Bosch introducing a 10v palm sized screwdriver that ran on lithium cells. Even at over $50, the little buggers flew off the shelves as contractors and DIYers found out that with the new tech batteries, it had the power to drive everything that the big 18v units could, and it didn't require breaking that big monster out of its cage. Just reach into your pocket and presto! That last niggling little detail was done, the customer (or wife) was happy, and you got paid (you pick the rhyming word for the DIYer)!

Welcome to day seven of Toolstravaganza, where we give away a new tool every day for 30 days. Today's prize is a 6.4 amp top handle jig saw from Bosch. The thing about jig saws is that they are a cross between a band saw and a scroll saw. The jig saw is useful and versatile, and this Bosch is one of the best. Corded for constant use, variable speed, the 1590EVSK features a cool one-touch release for the blades. That means you won't need a tool when swapping out blades, making cutting whatever you need a much simpler affair. And it's a Bosch, Swiss-made and sturdy with terrific power and control.

To enter, leave a comment on this post and check your email to verify the comment. One per person, contest is limited to the 50 US states, entry period for this prize is 5AM-11:59PM Eastern time. You can check out the full rules after the jump, or on their permanent home on our Toolstravaganza page.

Today's prize: Bosch 6.4 amp top handle jigsaw with 3 blades and a case.