The building industry's tool options are always improving—whether with longer battery life, more efficient operations, Wi-Fi connectivity, or simple pain point fixes. Here are a few of the new and improved work tool options available to builders this year:
DeWalt
DeWalt is adding two new 2V MAX Impact Wrenches—1/2-inch and 3/8-inch—to the Xtreme Subcompact series, designed for job access in tight areas. Both impact wrenches measure 5.2 inches long, weigh 2 pounds as a bare tool, and deliver up to 250 foot-pounds of max tightening torque and up to 400 foot-pounds of max breakaway torque. Features include a hog ring anvil for easy socket changes and an LED light ring for visibility in low-light environments. Both models are available in a kit or as a bare tool. dewalt.com
Milwaukee Tool
The M12 23-Gauge Pin Nailer provides professional-level performance without the need for pneumatic components like a compressor hose or gas cartridge. It drives 23-gauge headless pin nails ranging from 1/2 inch to 1 3/8 inches in length, and can fire up to 750 nails per M12 RedLithium battery pack charge. The double-action trigger and non-marring precision point tip allow for fine trim work, and the dry-fire lockout mechanism serves to prevent misfires. The tool body also features an LED work light, a battery fuel gauge, a reversible belt clip, and a magazine reload indicator. milwaukeetool.com
Stanley
The Utility Knife with 10-Blade Storage and Control-Grip Utility Knife are made for heavy-duty jobsite cutting applications, including drywall, shingles, flooring, and packaging. The Control-Grip Utility Knife features a retractable blade with recessed blade slider, a two-step blade release process and offset knife nose, and a tether loop for lanyard attachments. The Utility Knife with 10-Blade Storage features a slip-resistant handle and a curved shape to accommodate challenging applications. stanleytool.com
ToughBuilt
ToughBuilt GelFit Fanatic Thigh Support Stabilization Knee Pads provide stability, comfort, and support for industry pros while kneeling. The guard’s integrated thigh support prevents the knee from twisting out of its pad, and the lower platform lifts the shinbone off the ground, reducing pressure on the ankle. Ergonomic gel and foam supports conform to the wearer’s knee and upper shin shape to maximize pressure distribution. The joints are designed to allow a range of forward, backward, and side-to-side movement. toughbuilt.com
Bosch Power Tools
Bosch Power Tools is expanding its recently launched ProFactor lineup with two new cordless saw products—the Strong Arm right circular and the Surgeon miter saws, both powered on Bosch Power Tools’ Core18V battery platform. The Strong Arm saws offer a 2.5-inch cut capacity, designed to cut through two times the material across the entire 50-degree bevel range. The Surgeon saw features a tall fence design that supports cuts on taller materials, and features a 3.5-inch depth and 13.5-inch crosscut. boschtools.com
Makita
Makita is launching its new 40V max and 80V max XGT System platforms together with over 50 new cordless tools and equipment products, each one powered by either one or two 40V XGT rechargeable batteries. The tools’ brushless motors utilize a higher volume of copper windings and rare earth magnets to provide greater speed and longer tool life, according to the firm. New tools include demolition hammers, rotary hammers, miter saws, circular and reciprocating saws, angle grinders, impact drivers and wrenches, drills, and lighting. makitatools.com
Klein Tools
The Reusable Face Mask with Replaceable Filters is made to provide basic protection against non-harmful common airborne irritants, like nontoxic dust, pollen, mold, and dander. The mask system features adjustable head and neck straps, a nose clip for proper fit, and vent attachments for breathing comfort. It includes one filter and one storage bag, with replacement filters sold separately in a three-pack. kleintools.com
Ridgid
When connected to iOS, Android, or Windows devices and compatible Ridgid SeeSnake camera reels, the Ridgid SeeSnake CSx Via allows inspectors and other users to stream, capture, and share the SeeSnake’s capture footage. The CSx Via provides Wi-Fi capability for reels with an interconnect port, and connects to the HQx Live app to control the camera’s functions and features. Users can also mount their screen devices on a dock, sold separately, as either a freestanding unit or as an attachment to any Ridgid SeeSnake Compact Series reel. ridgid.com
Crescent APEX
Crescent APEX has curated three project kits designed to provide easy, less expensive solutions for jobs that require specific tools. The eSHOK-GUARD Ceiling Fan and Light Installation Kit includes 11 tools for ceiling fan and light fixture installation, including a ¼-inch bit holder with an isolation zone to withstand up to 1,000 volts of electricity. The 22-piece u-GUARD Drywall Anchor Kit features a 3.5-inch Phillips u-GUARD Covered Impact Power Bit with a non-marring, free-spinning sleeve, and the five-piece u-GUARD Quick Release Bit Holder and Vortex Bits are designed for scratch-free doorknob and hinge installations. crescenttool.com
