While the tools and equipment available to builders are as varied as the needs of a jobsite, the newest iterations all have one thing in common: features and designs aimed at solving old pain points and creating new benefits.
Read on to learn how these new tools, power sources, storage solutions, and work wear products below are designed to play a role in making job site work faster, safer, and more efficient:
Milwaukee Tool
The MX Fuel lithion ion battery platform, designed for light construction equipment, aims to eliminate the hazards traditionally associated with gas-powered models – including emissions, noise, and vibration. The system includes products in six light equipment categories: a 14-inch cut-off saw, breaker, hand held core drill, 3600W/1800W power supply, and tower light/charger. Like the M12 and M18 lines, MX Fuel products will feature Milwaukee Tool’s Powerstate Brushless Motor, RedLink Plus Intelligence, and a RedLithium Battery Pack. milwaukeetoolcorp.com
Klein Tools
The Tradesman Pro Tool Station Backpack contains 21 pockets for hand tool storage, as well as a fold-out workstation center for easy tool access on the jobsite. The pack is made of 1680d ballistic weave materials, and features padded adjustable shoulder straps, as well as a water bottle pouch, tape measure clip, and tape thong. It is available with or without a removable flashlight with worklight, which can be hung by an elastic loop to illuminate the pack interior. kleintools.com
Pelican Products
The Pelican Air Case line now includes four new cases in longer and deeper size configurations. The new cases provide space for fragile equipment, with enough room to store cinema-grade cameras upright. All four options feature a watertight O-ring gasket, a crushproof and dustproof exterior, stainless steel hasp protectors, over-molded rubber handles, and tough latches. Each one is tested for impact, drop, submersion, and extreme temperature resistance. The 1556, 1606, and 1626 cases feature a pull trolley and wheels. pelican.com
Metabo HPT
Instead of a traditional pneumatic hose system, the 3½-inch Gauge 21-degree Cordless Framing Nailer uses a sealed compressed air system to drive round head 21 degree plastic strip collated nails from 2 inches up to 3½ inches in length. The Air Spring Drive System drives 400 nails per charge on Metabo HPT’s compact 3.0 Ah Li-ion battery, at a rate of up to two nails per second. The tool delivers a similar recoil to that of a pneumatic nailer, and does not require any refilling of the air tank. metabo-hpt.com/us
DeWalt
Dewalt is launching its new Power Detect technology, which identifies the battery a tool is paired with and adjusts power output to match, with a series of four new 20V Max XR Brushless Tools. When paired with a 20V Max 8.0Ah Battery, the 7¼-inch circular saw achieves up to 54% more power than its predecessor; the reciprocating saw up to 44% more power; the hammer drill up to 40% more power; and the 5-inch angle grinder up to 29% more power. Each of these new tools also features upgraded motors and components. dewalt.com
FLIR Systems
The MR277 combines a thermal-enabled moisture meter with Flir’s IGM thermal imaging system. The system is designed to help building management professionals find moisture, air leaks, and insulation voids with visual detail enhancements to IGM thermal images. The display screen is 50% larger than previous models, allowing users to easily identify problem areas or view multiple parameters at the same time. The tool can store up to 15,000 images, and can display and record in MSX, thermal, and visual modes. flir.com
Red Wing Shoe Co.
The Tradeswoman Boot is designed for women in construction, light manufacturing, and warehouse/distribution industries. The boots are purpose-built to fit womens’ feet, offering all-day jobsite safety and comfort, according to the manufacturer. Each model features an oblique toe shape, a dual density footbed, and a PU midsole for added comfort. The VersaTrax rubber outsole and lug design provide improved traction and durability. Optional safety features include electrical hazard resistance or a non-metallic toe. redwingshoes.com
Spyder
Spyder Products has added several new circular saw blade configurations, ranging from 6½ to 12 inches in size, for use in miter, table, and portable saws. Each blade is ringed with triple-sharpened nickel colbalt teeth with an alternating tooth bevel design and interfused anti-friction coating, which protects against heat and corrosion. Taken together, the blade is designed to provide a clean, smooth rip or crosscut. Polymer stabilization vents are included to reduce noise and vibration. spyderproducts.com
Crescent APEX
Each of the patented bits, bit holders and nutsetters in the Crescent APEX Industrial u-GUARD series enables users to grab directly onto the drive tool as it spins inside an outer cover. According to the manufacturer, this reduces contact from the tool on the surface and increases the user’s fastening control. The core of the product line is the black oxide Crescent APEX Industrial screwdriving bit, which features a full body design and optimized geometry. crescenttool.com
National Nail
The STINGER CN100B Cap Nailer offers improved performance over its predecessor, including improved reloading, an expanded 200-nail capacity, and a longer usable life. The nailer shoots 1 by .083-inch ring shank nails with 1-inch, collated plastic caps. It features a 360-degree tool-free exhaust, a tool-free depth of drive adjustment, and bumpfire and sequential operating modes. The CN100B Cap Nailor has received the 2019 “Pro Tool Innovation Award” in the Pneumatic Tools & Nailers category. nationalnail.com
Portacool
The Portacool Cyclone 140 portable evaporative cooler combines water, ambient air, and the manufacturer’s specialized Kuul Comfort evaporative media to cool down up to 900 square feet of space. The 40-gallon water reservoir may be manually filled or connected to a hose, and features a water level indicator and automatic low water level shutoff. The cooler is recommended for jobsite use as a spot cooler or cooling station for breaks. Accessories include a specialized hard water treatment, if necessary. portacool.com
Bosch
The Bosch CORE18V Variable Speed Brushless Cordless Impact Driver combines the functions of a wrench and impact driver in one tool. The impact driver’s EC Brushless cordless motor provides up to 1,800 in.-lbs. of torque, while the hammer-and-anvil system provides up to 0-4,200 impacts per minute. Its two-in-one bit/socket includes both a 1/4-inch hex shank and a 1/2-inch square drive. The tool runs on a CORE18V battery, and can connect wirelessly via Bluetooth to the Bosch Toolbox app to customize settings and provide feedback. boschtools.com
