Combing through the facts: The Advantages of Brushless Motor Technology

Nowadays, you will find almost every major power tool manufacturer adopting brushless motor technology. Indeed, Dewalt, Makita, Milwaukee, Hitachi and the likes are all putting an emphasis on brushless; it’s the veritable it-girl of the motor world, and, so it seems, with good reason! So, what is “brushless” technology? It’s not just a buzzword: it’s a whole lot more than that, in fact.

If a power tool has brushless technology, it typically means that the motor has permanent, rotating magnets, along with a fixed armature. These features eliminate the problems you may encounter with a brushed motor, associated with connecting current to the moving armature. A brushless motor contains an electronic controller, which continually switches the phase to the windings to keep the motor turning. This feature distributes power in timed intervals by using a solid-state circuit, as opposed to the system which can be found in a brushed DC motor.

Some notable advantages that come with brushless technology are:

• No brushes, which- of course- means no you longer have to change them. 
• Less friction/resistance, which means a longer life for your tool and motor. Some manufacturers claim up to 10x longer than other brands! 
• More efficient use of battery – brushless tools are smarter: the battery and motor communicate with one another and work in tandem, with the battery distributing an accurate amount of power to the motor as needed. 
• Less heat build-up and longer run-time. 

You can find lots of brushless tools in our newest Hardware Investor Flyer, and, check out these manufacturer resources to learn more:

• Milwaukee Brushless Tools
• Dewalt Brushless Tools
• Makita Brushless Tools
• Hitachi Brushless Tools

And for more on the science of brushless motor technology, see here:

• http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/brushless-motor.htm
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brushless_DC_electric_motor

So, though brushless tools are a wee bit pricier than their predecessors, the longer life of the brushless tool you buy will likely recover your initial costs. As you can see, the numerous advantages of a brushless tool make it a technology worth trying!

IHL’s Summer Hardware Investor Showcase!

Hello summer! This season certainly snuck up on us, didn’t it? And, right there with it, came a brand new Hardware Investor.

This season, in true IHL form, we have plenty of amazing deals to bring to the table. Included in this are some great offers on Makita, Dewalt, and Milwaukee items. When you purchase select kits from one of these all-stars, you will receive special pricing on select bare tools of the same brand! We’re always looking for ways for you, our valued customer, to get more bang for your buck! Here's a glance at three of the bare tools included in this special deal:

Another all-star in our Hardware Investor flyer is Bosch. In the past, Bosch tools were often found by the user to be heavy and cumbersome.  Always listening to their users’ needs, Bosch has refashioned their tools to be lighter, faster, and more durable and robust. In fact, the Durashield housing technology found in Bosch’s 18v tools ensures they survive the drops, bangs and bumps that come hand-in-hand with the building profession. 18v tools featuring Bosch’s Durashield technology can survive up to 25 drops!

In our Summer Investor, we also have a Bosch Li-ion laser distance measurer, complete with 600mm level attachment. The GLM80 measurer works independently, or in tandem with the R60 digital level. With precision distance and angle measuring technology, this set saves you time and money, allowing you to quickly measure and calculate distance, perimeter, volume, and more.

Now, when it comes to levels, we all know there is nothing more important than an accurate read.  While Stabila is a prominent and trusted name in the measuring world, this Investor features quality products from Sola. On par with Stabila, Sola provides you with accurate readings, easy to read, rounded, glow-in-the-dark vials, and shock absorbing end caps.  Made in Austria, Sola sonically welds their viles to the frame as opposed to gluing. This process means a vile that stands up to heat and cold better than glue. In our Summer Hardware Investor, we are pleased to provide you with a FREE 10” aluminum box level with the purchase of a Sola Big Red Box Level, or Aluminum Screed Level.

Finally, let’s have a look at a brand new product from Duradrive. Duradrive recently introduced their line of Duradized fasteners. What is “Duradized” you ask? Well, Duradized (more commonly known as Sheradized) fasteners are made with process that is a cost effective, high performance alternative to hot dip galvanizing. Rather than submerging the metal into a bath of molten zinc, Duradized products are coated with zinc powder, which is vapourized and diffused into the surface, making them suitable for high-strength materials and for threaded parts.

So, if you haven’t seen our full Investor yet, you can access it through our webstore at IHLCanada.com, in-store, or here directly.   

IHL’s Spring Hardware Investor Showcase!

After weeks of hard work, we are thrilled to present our newest Hardware Investor Flyer to the world! This season, we have so many wonderful offers for our loyal customers that I thought I’d put together a showcase of some of the Investor’s best and brightest deals.

Firstly, beginning April 27^th, when you buy a 20V kit from Dewalt, you receive your choice of: a 12V-20V/ 7.2-18V Dual Charger, a 20V Impact Driver, or a 3.0 ah battery – FREE!

Dewalt always strives to be number one in their field, and the fact that they are continuously evolving to meet their users’ needs certainly reflects this. The dual charger they are offering is a great example of this: the charging station- which houses spots for both their classic stick (XRP) battery, and their newer, faster, lighter, stronger, slide pack battery- ensures that no battery format is ignored.

This FREE giveaway is for the first 200 customers only, with the purchase of a 20V kit, so, come Friday, don’t delay!

Another great deal found in our Investor is from another brand customers know and trust- Makita. Makita is offering a $50 or $20 Manufacturer’s Instant Discount on their 18V LXT218 2-Tool Kit, LXT608 6-Tool Combo Kit, or their 18V LXT ½” Hammer Drill Kits!   

  

Pioneers of the 18V motor, Makita recognizes the needs of their users, and have strived to deliver the best performance from their tools. Makita’s motors allow heavy and prolonged use before their batteries run-out, and lasts longer than the competition!

This Manufacturer’s Instant Discount is not available in the box stores, and you can take advantage of these great prices throughout the Spring season!

Finally, I want to bring your attention to some of the quality products in our Investor from Stabila.  Stabila is a company who, for more than a century and
 a half, has produced innovative, precision-made tools
 in the time-honored tradition of 
German craftsmanship.

One of the best deals in our flyer, the Stabila 10” Torpedo level- with a heavy-duty, die-cast aluminum frame, multiple and adjustable viles, and a magnetic and v-grooved bottom for fitting on pipes- comes with a free 27’ measuring tape, for only $39.00! This tape measure has measurements on both sides, an 8’ standout, heavy nylon coating, and a shock absorber for fast recoil. 

The amazing prices and great deals in our Investor are certainly not limited to the products discussed above- download our flyer here, or pick it up in-store to see everything the Spring Hardware Investor has to offer! 

If you aren’t already on our mailing list, email alison@investmentshardware.com with your email or mailing address to receive future issues of the Hardware Investor, and other great offers from IHL!

Big Changes in the IHL Showroom Ensure the Customer is #1

With Spring comes rebirth and change: this theme is certainly in concert with the changes we have been experiencing here at the IHL Showroom and retail store over the last 9 months. Although in operation since 1985, IHL has only resided at 127B Aviva Park Drive for 7 years, and after much thought and careful planning, the redesign of our 10,000 square foot Showroom is one which we know will help us serve you better, and more efficiently, than ever.   

Our IHL Showroom: before

I’m sure you’ve noticed big changes in the layout of our store since Summer 2011: this was the beginning of our store redesign- all done with you, our valued customer, and your best interests in mind.

As with any project of this size, there have been several stages and phases. To start, of course, we had to do a lot of research and planning. There were a few months of back and forth brainstorming, but when it came down to it, Joe Martino, CEO, knew what he wanted to accomplish.

Though the physical changes began just last summer, the research, planning, and redesign discussions began well before then. Our IHL Hardware Investor flyer has dramatically increased its circulation over the years and has successfully brought in new clientele. With the influx of customers, we began to notice that our Showroom needed a serious makeover. A major problem we encountered was that we would advertise a product in the flyer and many customers would walk in and not be able to find it… what’s the point in that? With a lot of teamwork and some internal restructuring, we are working to ensure this won’t be an issue any longer!

The redesign project hopes to accomplish several other goals and objectives, namely:

The ability to better highlight opportunities for savings and sales: IHL has the Construction Industry’s Best Deals, and we think everyone should benefit from all of the great products- and great prices- that we offer!

With this, we realized a need for better signage and flow: we want to make your shopping experience at IHL as easy and informative as possible. The changes to our Showroom will only serve to help you locate the products you want, and need.

As you know, our staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and approachable. We wanted to emphasize this, and, as part of the redesign, we now have dedicated floor staff to answer your questions and get you what you need. Paul and Slawek, our floor associates, have combined industry experience of over 20 years, and are in-store- and always on-floor- to help!

After the research and planning stage came Phase Two: construction. Last year, we began with the removal of the old racking system, construction of a new checkout center, and the allocation of space for the suppliers in the most demand. Security, as in any retail business, is an important issue to consider, so the decision to move the sales counter closer to the door was an easy one. A positive side effect of this move is that this new location makes it easier for us to greet you as you come through the door!

Most recently, within the last month, we have built an elevated platform at the east end of our store to showcase our major power tool suppliers like Dewalt, Bosch, Makita and Milwaukee. Now the brands you know and trust are displayed in a way you can’t miss!

Before our elevated platform

After! 

Next, we will be working on implementing the proper signage: aisle signs and hanging banners will ensure that your favourite store is easy to navigate, and the construction supplies you need are easy to find. Alongside this, new item racks will be introduced in order to feature a consistent design throughout the Showroom. The old Showroom was half occupied by tall racks, towering nearly to the roof: it had a real “warehouse” sort of feel to it. Now, with our new design, you can see the whole store, from one end to the other, without heavy and bulky storage racks impeding your view.

 The old Showroom's towering shelves

The New Showroom so far: looking good!

The IHL Showroom redesign project is set to be complete by the end of 2012. After that, we will be focused on perfecting our ecommerce store, www.ihlcanada.com: the only way to access the Construction Industry’s Best Deals 24/7!    

So, if you haven’t already, stop by soon and check out the evolution of our Showroom; we’re certain you’ll be impressed with the changes implemented so far, and the changes that are yet to come. See you there!

Caulk is Cheap, and other Quick March Break Renovation Tips

As you may know, March Break is just around the corner. If you do know this, chances are you have kids, and if you have kids, chances are you may be taking a few days off to be home with them. A few days off from work is the perfect chance to start- and finish- a quick home renovation!

Renovations can often feel like a daunting chore. If you’re not in the market for a full-on home reno,  but want to make your home look and feel like a more modern version of its old self, a weekend or a few days can be the perfect time frame for a quick spruce-up of any room.

Changing the floor of a room can make a phenomenal difference on how you look at a room (and even how much time you spend in it). IHL has knee pads, gloves, nail pullers, tape measures, and whatever else you may need for pulling up that old carpet, or lifting that scuffed and worn floor. Out with the old and in with the new!

Are you thinking about updating the laundry room or back porch, but working on a budget? Have a look on Craigslist for secondhand cabinetry. Make them your own by sanding them down, painting, and adding new hardware.

Get rid of brown and brittle, mildew-y caulk in your bathroom or kitchen in a flash. You’ve heard that talk is cheap, and luckily, so is caulk (okay, okay, I didn't make that up, but it's funny, right?). Recaulking your kitchen or bathroom takes only a few hours, and will instantly brighten the room, even on a shoestring budget.

Don’t just focus on the inside of the home this March Break. Spring will be here before we know it, so why not take advantage of our mild winter, and clean up the yard? This Garant rake will do the trick, as will this Erie wheelbarrow. These items will surely come in handy in the warm, landscaping months ahead!

Eager to get started, but unsure about how to use a certain tool, or what you may need to get the job done? Come into our store and chat with one of our helpful and knowledgeable staff: we’re here to help!  

Even if you’re not taking any time off work next week, you still have the weekend: so get a head start on spring and start those home renos and spring cleaning! Search the web for ideas on how to make a quick DIY renovation work for you and your home. Sites like thisoldhouse.com can offer plenty of tips and tricks for your one or two day renos, and, as always, all of us at IHL are here to help you get the job done!

Happy renos everyone!

Toolio's Top 10 Specials: on Now until March 13th !

Hi everyone,

Toolio here. It's been a while, so I thought I should update you all with some of the amazing deals we are currently offering.

My Top 10 Deals are back and in full swing! This time around we have plenty of amazing offers, with a little something for everyone. These deals are only available until March 13th, so don't delay! Here are a few of Toolio's Top 10 Specials:

Keep everything you need handy, and get the job done (at a great price!) with:

As we can see by the weather this week, winter isn't over just yet! Keep dry AND warm with these Baffin insulated rubber boots:

I know you've had your eye on this Milwaukee Compact Lithium Ion Impact Driver Kit... now's your chance to save!

But that's not all: take a look at the rest of the great deals we are offering, and don't forget: you can shop with us in-store, or 24/7 on the web, at www.IHLCANADA.com!