Channellock
The 369CRFT lineman’s plier features a 12 AWG wire stripper and 12 AWG recess to create wire loops quickly, a crimper/crusher for insulated and non-insulated wires, laser heat-treated knife/anvil cutters, and a joint path that guides fish tape without kinking or breaking, the company says. Other details include a non-binding neck joint, cross-hatched teeth for maximum gripping, and an electro-coated finish to prevent rusting. Price: $28?$30. 800-724-3018. www.channellock.com.
Makita
The BDF452HW 18-volt lithium-ion 1/2-inch cordless drill/driver kit provides the best power-to-weight ratio in its class, the company says, delivering 450 inch-pounds of torque but in a compact size that weighs only 3.5 pounds. The tool’s battery charger charges in only 15 minutes. Other features include an ergonomic shape, a 1/2-inch single-sleeve metal chuck, no-load speeds of 0?450 and 0?1,500 rpm, an all-metal gear box, a four-pole motor, and an LED light. Price: $229. 800-462-5482. www.makita.com.
Freud
Premier Fusion General Purpose saw blades feature a unique tooth geometry that combines a double grind design to produce glass-smooth side finishes and a Hi-ATB design for chip-free top and bottom surfaces in ripping and crosscutting applications, the company says. The blades also include an anti-vibration design that eliminates vibration while the blade is under load, says the manufacturer, and a non-stick Perma-Shield coating for protection against corrosion, gumming, and buildup. Price: $100. 800-472-7307. www.freudtools.com.
DeWalt
The D55168 workshop compressor features EHP technology, which combines an efficient hybrid motor with a high-pressure, high-flow pump, allowing for a large volume of air in a small tank, says the company. The unit offers a high level of performance with 200-psi maximum pressure, 5.4 scfm at 90 psi, and a 15-gallon tank, ensuring longer air tool runtimes with quicker recovery, the firm says; in testing, the unit had longer runtimes than competing models of 26 to 30 gallons. It features a high-flow regulator and quick connect to further maximize runtime, a metal console panel, a roll cage, and an oil-free pump. Price: $359. 800-433-9258. www.dewalt.com.
Bostitch
The HFN1 oil-free flooring cleat nailer kit features a tool-free, adjustable, steel-reinforced handle with rubber grip, a tool-free adjustable shoe that sets the flooring thickness between 1/2 inch and 3/4 inch easily, a pre-finished adapter to protect flooring during installation, and an oil-free engine to avoid stains. The tool’s compact design allows it to fit closer to the wall to lay an additional course. The tool, which weighs 11.5 pounds, has an operating pressure of 80 to 120 psi and accommodates 16-gauge flooring cleats from 1-1/2 inches to 2 inches. Price: $529. 800-556-6696. www.bostitch.com.
Pull’R Holdings
The Dead On Tools Exhumer nail puller has undergone an overall redesign for more strength. It features more surface steel on the head for strength and a greater radius. The tools have a saw wrench as well as an improved bottle opener and a new Extractor nail pick. Four sizes are available. Price: $18?$27. 888-797-7855. www.deadontools.com.
Klein Tools
The company has expanded its Tool Tote line with a 17-pocket Tool Tote and a seven-pocket Tool Tote. Made of 600 by 300 denier polyester, the bags resist jobsite wear and tear; they are waterproof and have a durable molded bottom with drain holes. The bags come with 2-inch-wide carry handles with a leather wrap. The 17-pocket bag (shown), which also comes with a contoured, padded shoulder strap, has seven interior and 10 exterior pockets, including a closeable front pocket. The seven-pocket model has seven exterior pockets. Price: 17-pocket, $104; seven-pocket, $77. 800-553-4676. www.kleintools.com.
Desa
The Remington R360 powder-actuated tool features added comfort and control for easier, more efficient heavy-duty fastening, the company says. The single-shot tool includes a cushioned, 360-degree rotating handle for precision and comfort, a cushioned pistol grip to absorb recoil, a protective knuckle guard, and a trigger lock. The unit uses .22-caliber loads and accommodates washered and non-washered power fasteners from 1/2 to 3 inches long. Price: $100. 800-858-8501. www.desaint.com.
Maze Nails
With a thick coating of zinc and ring shanks with holding power, the company’s Stormguard double hot-dipped galvanized ring shank roofing nails are now Miami-Dade County product control approved for use in coastal areas where high corrosion protection and high wind uplift resistance are needed, says the firm. The nails exceed ASTM G85 testing protocol. Price: $86?$92 per carton. 800-435-5949. www.mazenails.com.
Irwin
The company has extended its line of GrooveLock pliers to include 16- and 20-inch models in addition to the 8-, 10-, and 12-inch sizes already available. The pliers feature a Press-n-Slide button that allows for 50 percent faster adjustment than traditional groove joint pliers, the maker says, and doubles the available groove positions. The all-purpose jaws grip flat, round, hex, and square surfaces. Price: 16-inch, $50; 20-inch, $65. 800-464-7946. www.irwin.com.