I and several contributing editors have been on the lookout all year for new tools and technologies that show promise in helping us do better work – faster, and more easily. To that end, we attended tradeshows and media events, scanned social media and the web, and stayed in close contact with the people and companies that develop new tools.
We can’t include every tool or product that drew our attention since last year, but here are 14 we felt are worth showcasing. Some are new-to-market concepts soon to be released, some improve on an existing technology, and all are worthy of special recognition. As always, this list is completely unbiased and not sponsored by any manufacturer. We put most of these tools to the test (with few exceptions, limited by availability). Be sure to click on the images to flip through slideshows for each product.
Festool USA
The sanders can be used with a BP 18 Li 3.1 ERGO battery pack sl…
Festool Cordless/Corded Sanders
Festool’s new hybrid sanders feature a brushless motor that can be run from a battery or from a cord. Cordless power is provided by a BP 18 Li 3.1 Ergo battery pack ($70 ea.), a new slide-style battery that works with the Festool TCL 6 charger. Corded power is provided by the ACA 100-120/18V Ergo main adapter ($115 ea.), which integrates with Festool’s Plug-It cord system. There are three sanders available: a 5” round random orbit sander (ETSC-125), a detail sander (DTSC 400), and a rectangular orbit sander (RTSC 400). Each sander has a no-load rpm of 6,000 to 10,000 rpm, depending on the speed setting you choose (like the ETS EC 125 that Tim Leahy reviewed, there are six speed settings to choose from for tasks ranging from light sanding of plastic to heavy stripping old paint). Festool reports a 30-minute runtime for each of the sanders when powered by a fully-charged battery. Each sander weighs about 3 pounds (including battery). Click on the slideshow for pricing and kit configuration options.
Tim Uhler
Pros of cordless on a wet site. According to Makita, its “Extr…
Makita Rear-Handle Cordless Circular Saw
The Makita XSR01PT rear-handle saw is nearly identical in layout to all the other blade-left in-line and hypoid saws we’ve reviewed over the years, except that it’s cordless. Instead of running off of a worm drive, the saw runs on a brushless motor that’s small and compact and powered by two 18V batteries for a total of 36V. The small motor spins the blade at 5,100 rpm, which is slightly slower than a corded Skilsaw (5,300 rpm), but contributing editor Tim Uhler didn’t notice a difference during daily use. The saw features soft-start (so it doesn’t “kick” like a traditional wormdrive) and an electronic brake, as well as thermal overload protection. When asked if this saw can replace the corded worm drive for framers and concrete formers, Uhler declared an emphatic “Yes!” As a kit, the XSR01PT sells for about $360, which includes a charger, two batteries, saw, and bag.
Tim Uhler
The Martinez M1, left, is slightly smaller than the Stiletto TiB…
Martinez M1 Titanium-Handled Hammers
The Martinez M1 is a titanium-handled hammer that features a replaceable steel head (as Martinez puts it: “Titanium where you need it, steel where you want it”). The head is available in either milled or smoothed face ($50 for each). One big change in the design of this hammer is that the face is slightly angled, which is meant to create a more solid strike on the nail head (if you were to watch a hammer face as it approaches a nail, you would see that it comes in at an angle due to the arc of your swing; Martinez designed the face to work in conjunction with that arc). The grip, which is also replaceable, is available in either a curved or straight style ($30 each). Martinez worked with the company that makes grips for Taylor Made Golf and Harley Davidson to create a grip that is slightly tacky and comfortable enough to prevent over-gripping, which can lead to problems in tendons and ligaments. Uhler notes that it took him about a month to get used to the size and balance of the hammer, but now he absolutely loves it. He also noted that it’s the last hammer you’ll ever have to buy.
Chris Ermides
PM40MG – multi green line laser level. Has 360 degree horizontal…
Hilti Multi-Line Green Laser
I got a glimpse of this laser level while visiting the Hilti headquarters in September. Several things impressed me about the unit. As a start, the PM 40-MG, runs on a single 12V 2.6Ah battery with a reported runtime of 10 hours (with all lines on at once) – which is more than ample, especially when you consider that the batteries charge in 15 to 20 minutes. Like the red PM 4-M, the PM 40-MG has a 360-degree horizontal and two vertical lines. The vertical lines intersect with the horizontal at 90 degrees. The unit has a plumb dot down and cross at the top where lines intersect. Accuracy is impressive at 0.07 inch over 33 feet. It has an IP 54 rating, rotates on the base, and includes a fine adjustment knob. Max operating distance is 65 feet without a receiver, and 165 feet with a receiver. It comes with Hilti’s 20-2-1 warranty – which covers 20 years for materials and workmanship defects, two years for wear and tear and one free calibration per year for the first two years, and a one-day turn-around for repair service. The unit is expected to sell for $790 kitted – one battery, charger, and a case. Expected release: January 2018.
Graco
Prep-to-Finish pro painter Scott Burt of TopCoatReview recently reviewed Graco’s new handheld sprayer line, called Ultra, which comes in a couple of reasonably-priced options particularly suited to remodeling contractors. Burt likes the convenience of handheld sprayers for small jobs like built-ins, doors, and spindles, or anything else that would otherwise take a longer time with a brush and not necessarily justify pulling out a large sprayer setup. Available in either a cordless or corded version (and a cordless Ultra Max, for hot solvents), the Ultra handhelds deliver 2,000 psi of spray without the hoses. Burt likes the cup assembly of this series, which is made of two components; an open housing that holds a disposable, clear flexible liner makes priming as simple as squeezing the air out via a small valve on top of the cup. Because of this setup, the sprayers can be used at any angle, including upside down. The FFLP tip – a new tip series from Graco particularly useful to pro painters because of its compatibility with other airless sprayers – allows users to work at a lower pressure, producing less overspray and a better-defined fan pattern. Pressure can be dialed in between 500 and 2,000 psi, offering extra control. The Ultra Corded model (17M359) comes with a case, the RAC X FF LP 514 tip, and four liners. Cost: $400. The Ultra Cordless, model (17M363) comes with a case, the RAC X FF LP 514 Tip, four liners, two DeWalt 20V Max batteries, and a charger. Cost: $500. Burt says you can expect to get about four cups (approximately one gallon) worth of paint on a single charge.
Truewerk
Truewerk T-2 Work Pant
In his article “Honor Your Craft” (republished on our site from ThisIsCarpentry), carpenter and JLC contributor Gary Katz argues for the importance of making a good first impression with clients. Among Katz’ list is the importance of appearance. When it comes to appearance, pants are paramount. And while there are a number of good options that are available that transcend the common riveted canvas-style pant, Truekwerk’s T-2 have proved a viable option for both professional and clean appearance, and also for work-related features. The pants feature a four-way stretch fabric that is immediately comfortable (meaning, it doesn’t take days or weeks to break in). Water-repellent (though not waterproof) technology means that they don’t soak with water at the first splash from the sky, a puddle, or water line. It’s composed of a single layer that the company says is ideal for three seasons, but not the hottest or coldest days. After wearing them consistently for about six months, I can confirm that they’re incredibly comfortable and lightweight – and the Wolf Grey coating seems to reflect the sun because the pants don’t heat up in direct sunlight. They seem to repel stains – some of the toughest come out after several washes. The gusseted crotch makes them easy to work in, and there are seven pockets for knife, pens, and the like. There are built-in suspender loops, as well, for added support so you can forego a belt. At $109, they aren’t inexpensive but from what I’ve heard from other users, they are built to last. I found them to be very durable.
Hitachi Power Tools
The Hitachi C10RJ- 10” Jobsite Table Saw features a powerful 15-amp motor with soft start and electric brake that produces a no-load speed of 4,500 rpm. It comes with a rolling stand equipped with folding legs; one of the legs includes an adjustable foot to aid in leveling the saw on uneven surfaces. The top measures 28-3/4 inches by 22 inches; telescoping arms extend the rip fence to either side of the blade for a 35-inch capacity to the right (the largest rip capacity in its class) and 22 inches when set on the left. Bevel capacity ranges from 0° to 45°; the max depth of cut at 0° is 3-1/8 inches and at 45° is 2-1/4 inches. It can take a dado stack up to 8 inches by 13/16 inch. The C10RJ also includes overload protection with automatic shut off to prevent damage to the motor. Additional features include blade adjustment access from the table top and
a quick-release blade insert. The Hitachi C10RJ 10” Jobsite Table Saw with Fold & Roll Stand is available for
$479.99.
Chris Ermides
A hand-held CNC machine from Shaper – another Festool partner (t…
Shaper Origin Hand-Held CNC Machine
Though it was originally introduced last year, we didn’t see the Shaper Origin in action until a recent visit to Festool Connect. The unit is indeed a hand-held CNC machine, with a spindle that is made by Festool. The $1,899 pre-order price point (expected retail will be $2,399 when it hits the market in January) sounds like a lot until you see what you can do with it: The Shaper allows you to cut any image or shape into wood that you can put on a flashdrive. The features on this are incredible – not the least of which is the fact that you can’t screw up the pattern because it’ll pull the bit up immediately once you “color outside the lines.” The technology is powered by computer vision, using an on-board camera that reads marker tape, which you install on the work surface. Scan the surface once the tape is down, then the unit knows where to go from there. Watch the unit in action to get a better understanding of how this all works.
Metabo
Metabo 9” 36V Cordless Grinder
Metabo brought its cordless 9-inch grinder to the market this year. The WPB 36 LTX BL 230 is equipped with a brushless motor and runs off of Metabo’s new 36V LiHD battery platform. The 36V batteries feature larger cells than previous versions, allowing for more Watts output and runtimes that can power such a large cutting wheel. It has a large grip and paddle switch, and the handle swivels so you can adjust it to run at multiple angles. It also includes Metabo’s fast brake system. The motor has a no-load speed of 6,600 rpm and the tool weighs a little over 13 pounds (with battery). Check out this video to see it in action at the World of Concrete. Check out this video to watch it work as a core drill. The grinder kit sells for $1,199 and includes: guard, 2x LiHD 36V 6.2Ah batteries, a quick charger, and case.
Bosch Power Tools
Bosch Cordless Reciprocating Saw
The Bosch GSA18V-125 18V cordless reciprocating saw is designed to be more ergonomic than the saws you’re used to using. I used it in a head-to-head test that I participated in with ToolBoxBuzz this fall and was impressed by how smooth and powerful it felt. I and Robert Courtney, who’s been testing it in the field for us, feel like it is a serious contender as a replacement for a corded saw. With three orbital settings (0,1,2), a dial for setting the max speed, and a variable-speed trigger, you can fine-tune how aggressively the saw cuts. It produces 0–2,500 strokes per minute with a 1 1/4-inch stroke length and is outfitted with an oversized rafter hook, an adjustable shoe, and large blade-change mechanism that’s operable even for gloved hands. The EC brushless motor is designed to be more efficient and last longer than previous 18-V motors, and an internal counterbalance system reduces vibration. The saw’s electronics offer overload protection separately for the battery and the motor so that they won’t overheat, and monitor the load to maintain constant speed. Two LED lights—one on each side of the blade—illuminate the work surface. Though the saw will run on any of Bosch’s 18V batteries, Bosch recommends the CORE18V platform for performance on par with a corded recip. The kit includes a CORE18V Lithium-ion 6.3-Ah battery, an 18V Fast Charger, two 6-inch bi-metal blades, and a carrying case. Cost: $400 (kit); $300 (tool only).
Stabila
LA180L Layout Station with Auto Alignment
The Stabila LA180L Layout Station is designed for “long range layout” for applications between 10 feet and 300 feet. Stabila says it’s geared for drywall, framing, HVAC, masonry, concrete, and top-end landscape contractors. The laser allows you to quickly establish square, even when the slab or foundation you’re working on is out of square. Contributing editor Tim Uhler recently reviewed this for us and voted it to the list. As he points out, one thing all tradespeople can agree on is the importance of an accurate layout. When layout is accurate, then each trade takes less time compensating, which leads to a better, less-expensive product (less expensive than if the layout hadn’t been perfect). As a general contractor, Uhler points out that he can lay out the location of a house on the building lot quickly, easily, and perfectly. When he moves onto the foundation, Uhler says that it’s easy to quickly square it, even if the lot is stepped. The same thing goes for framing and any elevated decks. Uhler notes that it can also shoot level, meaning that with this laser you may not need to buy a rotary laser. The kit comes with magnetic target plates, a REC410 Line RF Receiver w/bracket, batteries (4D), laser goggles, and hard shell case. Cost: $1,499
Milwaukee Electric Tool Corp
The Packout System with: Rolling Tool Box($129.99) Large Tool B…
Milwaukee Packout Storage
Without a doubt, the new product that got the most buzz and attention by attendees at this year’s New Product Symposium was the Packout Modular Storage System. The system allows boxes, organizers, and totes of multiple sizes and configurations to easily stack and lock together. There’s a rolling box with handles, which is meant to serve as the foundation piece for this system. It has a telescoping handle, wheels, weather seal and IP65 rating, and a dedicated place inside the lid for mounting a Tick, and is rated for 250 pounds. There are two storage boxes of various sizes, a couple of organizer sizes, and then three sizes of totes as well. It’s easier to understand on a video how this system works. The units are all IP65 rated, so they will keep rain, dust, and other jobsite debris from getting inside. Each box locks tightly to the one below; view feet on the box’s bottom and a spring loaded clip in the front just under the handle. You can roll tools, batteries, fasteners, parts, totes with hand-tools from your van, trailer, or truck onto the jobsite — in one trip. To learn more, watch ToolBoxBuzz / A Concord Carpenter Rob Robillard explain the system in this video. Options and pricing can be found in the slideshow to the left.
Ridgid
Ridgid Cordless Propane Heater
The brushless R860424B forced-air propane heater from Ridgid runs on either one 18V battery or on a regular extension cord. It has a variable-power dial that allows you to adjust between 30,000 and 60,000 Btu. According to the manufacturer, the heater will run for up to 12 hours on low heat or 7 hours on high when equipped with a 5-Ah Hyper Lithium Battery. It uses .30 gallon of propane per hour and will heat up to 1,350 square feet. The unit is UL certified, has overheat protection and an electric ignition switch, and comes with a 3-year limited warranty. Cost: $129 (bare tool only).
DeWalt Industrial Tool Co
DeWalt FlexVolt Cordless Compressor
The DeWalt FlexVolt cordless 2.5-gallon air compressor features a brushless motor and oil-free pump. It is powered by one FlexVolt 60V Max battery and weighs just under 24 pounds when equipped with a 6Ah battery. According to the manufacturer, the compressor can fire up to 1,220 brad nails per charge; it has a maximum tank pressure of 135 psi and delivers 1.2 SCFM @ 90 psi, which is plenty to run finish nailers and set an occasional framing or roofing nail. Operational noise level is reported to be 79 dBA. Available currently, the compressor sells kitted with one 6.0Ah battery and one fast charger for $299. It’s made in Jackson, Tenn., with global materials.
