The right blade, bit, or saw can increase efficiency, save money, or make a job take a lot less time. It can take an average tool and give you the ability to produce outstanding results. On the other hand, putting the wrong accessory in a tool can cost you in both time and materials. From bits and blades to guides and extenders, here are your winners for the PTIA 2019 Accessories Awards!
Winner – Band Saw Blades
Lenox ARMOR VP Carbide Tipped Band Saw Blade
What they said:
LENOX ARMOR VP Carbide Tipped Band Saw Blade for industrial high production applications increases users productivity by achieving extreme cutting rates in a wide range of materials.
Increase productivity up to 2X faster cutting rates. Armor VP utilizes a proprietary AlTiN coating along with HONEX technology to deliver consistent performance across all cutting applications, enabling users to lower their costs and increase productivity. ARMOR VP is utilized by industrial customers found in the Automotive, Oil & Gas, and Aerospace industries.
What we say:
Carbide is a game-changer in cutting accessories. Applying it to band saws is a move that lets you cut longer and faster than standard band saw blades. Beyond just carbide, the combination of aluminum, titanium, and nitrogen in the coating helps resist heat build-up to keep you working longer without stopping. At the end of the day, you’re simply more productive—and that means higher profitability.
Price: $550
For more information, click here.
Winner – Circ Saw Blades
DeWalt 7-1/4″ Framing Circular Saw Blade (DWA171424)
What they said:
The exclusive, patent-pending ToughTrack tooth design on our framing blades is engineered to deliver straight, accurate cuts over the life of the blade. Patented Body Slots reduce vibration, which works with the blade’s thin kerf design to deliver exceptional user feel. High-Density Tungsten Carbide teeth are tough, wear-resistant, and provide long life. The reinforced shoulder is designed for strength and durability by providing impact resistance, especially in nail-embedded wood. These blades come with ToughCoat anti-stick coating to reduce friction and gumming. Optimized for use on both corded and cordless circular saws.
What we say:
The main talking point about this DeWalt framing blade revolves around the ToughTrack technology the design team incorporates into the blade. This new tooth design uses an ATB+R tooth grind.
The “R” here stands for “Raker”. Every third tooth is flat on top, which allows for better tracking and straighter cuts by straightening the blade between the left and right ground teeth. The DeWalt’s raker tooth is actually higher than other manufacturer’s ATB+R blades. This helps in clearing debris from the cutting path, allowing for better tracking.
Price: $9.99
For more information, click here.
Winner – Metal/Chop Saw Blades
Diablo 7-1/4″ x 48T Cermet Saw Blade (D0748CF)
What they said:
Diablo’s new 7-1/4” 48-Tooth Steel Demon Cermet saw blade redefines metal cutting on the job site. It introduces exclusive innovation that allows users to cut both mild and stainless steels for up to 40X longer life versus standard carbide-tipped metal cutting saw blades. The specially formulated Cermet (Ceramic and Metallic blend) teeth provide high heat tolerances and increased hardness for superior wear and ultimate cutting life. This one-blade solution delivers the ultimate metal cutting performance and unmatched value, forever changing the metal cutting industry.
What we say:
We’re huge fans of Diablo’s Cermet blades on our 14″ metal cutting saws and we’re stoked to see it on a 7-1/4″ blade for handheld metal saws. Cutting mild and stainless steels usually requires separate blades, but this can handle them both. Still not convinced? Check out some of the capacities on this blade’s diet:
- Up to 1/4″ angle iron
- Up to 1/2″ plates and bars
- Up to 1-1/2″ rods
Price: $29.97
For more information, click here.
Winner – Multi-tool Blades
Tusker Sidetooth Plunger TSP-101
What they said:
Tusker Sidetooth Plunger makes plunge cuts faster and does precise side cuts too. Front teeth are made of high-speed steel that is long-lasting and can cut nails. Side teeth enable precise side cutting when coupled with an easy sawing action. Side teeth remove sawdust for faster cutting, easier blade withdrawal, creating enlarged slots and shaving down cut-outs. Universal mount fits AEG, Bosch, Craftsman, DeWalt, Dremel, Einhell, Makita, Mastercraft, Milwaukee, Ridgid, and Skil.
What we say:
Making a side cut with a standard wood-cutting oscillating tool blade is tough, but Tusker’s Sidetooth Plunger can keep you from switching blades to move from plunge cutting to side cutting. The side teeth just need a little help from you with a sawing motion to keep them moving. Since you’re not having to hold your multi-tool at a harsh angle to cut, you can still maintain a straight cut without too much trouble.
Price: $12.95
For more information, click here.
Winner – Recip Saw Blades
Lenox LAZER CT Carbide Tipped Reciprocating Saw Blade
What they said:
The new LENOX LAZER CT carbide-tipped reciprocating saw blades deliver the highest performance in metal-cutting applications. LAZER CT features high-performance carbides. The teeth are welded to the backing steel to deliver up to 50X life versus standard LENOX bi-metal recips cutting cast iron and rebar. The proprietary welding process increases durability and prevents tooth loss to cut longer and faster. LAZER CT is the first carbide-tipped recip blade to feature a Titanium Nitride Coating. The TiN coating prevents heat build-up. This makes the teeth more wear-resistant so they stay sharp for faster cuts in stainless steel, cast iron, and black pipe. LAZER CT offers a taller, thicker blade profile to deliver straighter cuts in large-diameter materials.
What we say:
In a tight race in carbide thick metal reciprocating saw blades, Lenox sets themselves apart. Their Lazer CT blades are both taller and thicker to give more stability in thick metals. Also, the welded carbide teeth resist breaking off better than competing brands using brazing methods. If you have thick metal to cut, this is the blade you want in your reciprocating saw.
Price: from $12 to $22
For more information, click here.
Winner – Cutting & Routing
CircSaw Technologies SkatePlate & SkateGuide Combo Kit
What they said:
The SkatePlate is an accessory for Sidewinder and Wormdrive Circular Saws and could set the standard for circular saw users in the construction industry and for Do-It-Yourself enthusiasts. It consists of a Rolling Plate that attaches to circular saws and is secured with screws and brackets. It also includes a SkateGuide that is an adjustable rip fence with rollers. The rollers on the SkatePlate and the SkateGuide allow the saw to glide along the materials being cut (wood, stone, tile, etc.). In essence, it creates a multi-functional portable table saw for use in a wide range of situations at the job site or in your backyard.
What we say:
If you’ve ever used a circular saw that likes to stick a bit too much to the material you’re cutting, you know how hard it is to make an accurate rip. CircSaw Technologies’ SkatePlate and SkateGuide combo creates a low-friction base and fence system that glides across materials easily. Whether you’re making repeat production cuts or looking for accurate custom cuts, SkatePlate and SkateGuide make your circular saw better than it can be on its own and fits most popular circular saws.
Price: $79.95
For more information, click here.
Winner – Concrete/Masonry Drill Bits
DeWalt SDS MAX High Impact Carbide Masonry Bit
What they said:
DEWALT SDS MAX High Impact Carbide Masonry Bits deliver 2X longer life than the previous generation bit. The bits feature IRON BLAST Technology. This high-speed blasting process strengthens the bit to increase fatigue resistance and minimize breaks. The bit also has a redesigned carbide head with 4 cutters to remain stable under high impact forces. The increased durability allows DEWALT to provide its users with a NO BREAK GUARANTEE! If the bit breaks for any reason before the wear mark is gone, DEWALT will replace the bit free of charge.
What we say:
Running 3/4″ to 2″ for SDS Max rotary hammers, DeWalt High-Impact Masonry Bits are tougher where you need them to be—when hitting rebar is a guarantee. We love the 4-cutter design and the increased carbide strength DeWalt packed into these bits. Backed up with a replacement guarantee if you break it before you work past the wear mark, there aren’t many excuses not to give them a shot!
Price: $35.99 – $146.67
For more information, click here.
Winner – Wood Drill Bits
Bosch NAIL STRIKE Wood-Boring Bits NS5006
What they said:
Bosch Nail Strike: the first-ever wood bit built to drill through embedded nails and not break. Nail Strike Wood-Boring Bits take a new spin on the well-known and trusted Daredevil Spade Bits. Now, we finally have bits that are designed to strike and cut through nail-embedded wood – a common situation that can’t always be avoided on the job. Nail Strike lets users stay with the same bit for tougher applications without having to immediately resort to an auger bit. The bits feature reinforced dual cutting edges for extended life through heavy-duty use as well as a fully threaded cone tip and a paddle design for fast cordless drilling. The hex shank is designed to reduce bit slippage in the tool, which makes it suitable for use with a number of drill and driver types, including impact drivers for wood drilling only.
What we say:
Most of the time, you know where the nails are and can simply avoid them. That’s obvious. Where Bosch Nail Strike spade bits come into play is when you don’t know for sure what lies behind the wall or within a board. Older and DIY construction might not meet the modern standards we’re used to. It’s those just-in-case times that using a Nail Strike can save your standard bits (and your wrist).
Price: Individual: $6.99 – $12.99
3-Piece Set (5/8″, 3/4″, 1″): $21.99
6-Piece Set (1/2″- 1-1/4″): $34.99
For more information, click here.
Winner – Driver Bits
Mac Tools Rounded Bolt Removal Technology Bits
What they said:
Rounded Bolt Removal Technology (RBRT) is a technology designed to prevent the rounding of fasteners. Anti-slip dual-directional drivers are effective at removing compromised fasteners. S2 tool steel bits are precision machined for use on standard or compromised fasteners.
When MAC TOOLS RBRT encounters a fastener that is too damaged or too compromised, the next step is to use RBRT Extractors. Available with or without the innovative Foreign Object Removal (FOR) sleeve that easily removes the extracted fastener. MAC TOOLS RBRT Extractors are extremely effective at removing compromised or damaged fasteners.
What we say:
Most of the time, you deal with bolt extractors when you come across a rounded bolt, but proactively preventing rounded heads? That’s something special. Also effective at working with rounded bolt heads, Mac Tools RBRT sockets will help you keep working instead of reaching for your extractor set, letting you finish jobs faster and with less hassle.
Price: $89.99-$499.99
For more information, click here.
Winner – Holders/Extenders Driver Bits
Milwaukee PLUS-LOK SDS-Plus Extensions
What they said:
Milwaukee Tool continues to enhance productivity on the jobsite with the introduction of the new PLUS-LOK SDS-Plus Extensions. These accessories can be used for extended reach and deep hole drilling and are universal with all SDS-Plus rotary hammers and accessories, including drill bits, chisels, core bits, and rebar cutters. When drilling holes for concrete anchors, it’s not uncommon to encounter obstructions, such as a previously installed pipe. This can create a tight fit for the rotary hammer. In these situations, users have had to create their own solutions to get more reach. The PLUS-LOK SDS-Plus Extensions change all of this by easily locking into the bit for a tool-free connection, allowing users to finally achieve the reach necessary to drill the hole in the desired location without the need for long drill bits. Each extension also outlasts several drill bits and is built to withstand aggressive applications such as side-loading or drilling through rebar in concrete.
What we say:
When you need to drill a hole in an awkward space that has more obstacles than you like, it often means calling for a long, expensive bit. Of course, you’ll need one for every size hole that’s on your list. With Milwaukee Plus-Lok SDS-Plus Extensions, you have a one-size-fits-all solution to get holes drilled across the entire SDS-Plus range. Whether it’s working around other installation work or reaching into a tight spot, keep one or two on-hand to drill where your hammer won’t reach!
Price: $89.97
For more information, click here.
Winner – Impact-Rated Driver Bits
DeWalt MaxFit Impact-rated Bits
What they said:
New DeWalt MaxFit features a CNC-machined, optimized torsion zone which helps reduce breakage and wear in both hard and soft joint applications. It also has a unique tip geometry that gives a precise fit and reduces cam-out. Lastly, the design allows for a screw retention collar to be attached to the bit which enables magnetism, therefore, reducing dropped fasteners.
What we say:
The biggest advantage a driver bit can give you is a great fit. When a quality screw head pairs perfectly with your bit, you have fewer camout issues and more perfectly set fasteners. DeWalt MaxFit Impact-Rated Bits do exactly that and combine quality torque absorption to give your impact driver jobs a great finish without a ton of frustration.
Price: $2.97 to $65.00
For more information, click here.
Winner – Specialty Driver Bits
DeWalt IMPACT READY Cleanable Nut Drivers
What they said:
DEWALT IMPACT READY CLEANABLE Nut Drivers enhance the overall life a nut driver by allowing users to detach the nut driver from the shank to clean off debris, such as metal shavings, that accumulates from use. Robust magnetism provides fastener retention for greater ease of use in all hex-head fastening applications.
– Detachable nut driver design allows users to clean off debris, enhancing the overall life
– Magnet provides fastener retention for ease of use
– Universal shank accepts detachable nut driver sizes from 1/4-in to 1/2-in
– Engineered for use in impact drivers
What we say:
We hate the build-up of metal shavings inside our magnetic nut drivers. They’re frustrating to try and clean out and fill up way too quickly. That changes with DeWalt’s Impact Ready Cleanable Nut Drivers. Just push the button up to push the shavings out past the nut driver tip and clean them off. It’s simple and quick. Even better, the 1/4″ hex shank design is happy working in both drills and impact drivers.
Price: $14.98
For more information, click here.
Winner – Dust Collection/Shrouds
DeWalt Stop Bit Head Nozzle Kit (DWH003SBH)
What they said:
This Stop Bit Head Nozzle Kit works with our DEWALT Onboard Dust Extractors for the DCH273 Rotary Hammer, allowing for tool-free Bit Head Replacement. The included nozzles are tuned for up to 1/2 in. diameter bits and all stop bits up to 1.5 in. shoulder. When you need to change or replace a worn Bit Head, simply remove the old one and snap on a new one in seconds. Use this kit with our D25303DH or DWH303DH Onboard Dust Extractors for an OSHA Table-1 compliant solution when drilling to install virtually any concrete anchor system, including MINI-UNDERCUT+ and Smart DI+.
What we say:
Having tools that keep you productive on the job goes a long way in improving your efficiency. More efficient maintenance plugs some of the remaining gaps. That’s where DeWalt steps in with their Stop Bit Head Nozzle Kit. When you’re using DeWalt’s onboard dust extractor, swapping the heads takes just a few seconds with an easy off, snap-on installation. Whether you’re switching out because of wear or to accommodate a different size bit, you’re back up and running faster than it takes to refill your coffee cup.
Price: $39.99
For more information, click here.
Winner – Abrasive/Grinding Grinder Wheels
Metabo Speed-Flex Grinding Wheel
What they said:
Aggressive like a grinding wheel with the flexibility and comfort of a flap disc. Improved surface quality results and blending. Extreme performance, fastest removal rate, lightweight, cool operation, reduced noise and dust during operation.
Uses:
• Weld seam removal
• Mill-scale removal
• Beveling
• Hardened metals
• Stainless steel
• High tensile alloys
• Contaminant Free
What we say:
The beauty of Metabo Speed-Flex Grinding Wheels is all in the build. Three layers of fiberglass fabric collect under the label to provide additional safety while you grind. The business end gets a resin fiber that tackles aggressive material removal. The result is a grinding wheel that cuts like a traditional grinding wheel with the finish and comfort of a flap disc. Is it magic? You could call it that. We just call it great engineering.
Price: TBA
For more information, click here.
Winner – Metal Hole Saws
Lenox SPEED SLOT CT Hole Saw
What they said:
LENOX SPEED SLOT CT Carbide Tipped Hole Saws deliver superior performance when drilling holes in wood, steel, stainless steel, cast iron, and abrasive materials. The high-performance carbides are welded to the cutting edge for up to 50X the life of a LENOX bi-metal hole saw in stainless steel. The proprietary welding process increases the carbide-to-steel bond strength for added durability and to prevent tooth loss in demanding cutting applications. SPEED SLOT CT has an aggressive tooth design that is versatile enough to drill through wood, metal, fiber cement and plaster to make it a true step-up to a bi-metal hole saw that can reduce the number of saws in a contractor’s bag. True to its namesake, SPEED SLOT CT features LENOX’s patented staircase design with multiple leverage points for fast, easy plug removal.
What we say:
Carbide takes a Lenox hole saw from being ordinary to extraordinary by giving it the ability to cut through a wide variety of materials, including stainless steel and cast iron. It has a ridiculously long life compared to bi-metal hole saws to go with its aggressive tooth design. Lenox wraps up this high-performance accessory with their Speed Slot, making plugs that much easier to remove.
Price: $17 to $185
For more information, click here.
Winner – Wood Hole Saws
Milwaukee BIG HAWG Hole Saw w/Carbide Teeth
What they said:
Since BIG HAWG was first introduced in 2008, they have been the highest-performing hole cutting solutions on the market due to their speed and longevity in rough-in wood applications. Now we’re setting the bar for hole saw performance even higher by combining our unique tooth design with our own carbide technology. By optimizing the widely popular BIG HAWG hole cutters with advanced carbide technology, we’re able to make the best rough in-hole saws even better – giving them unparalleled versatility and life in wood, wood with nails and abrasive materials.
What we say:
When we first saw Milwaukee’s Big Hawg Hole Saws, they looked like most any other carbide-tipped hole saw made for wood cutting. Closer examination reveals much larger carbide teeth. These not only stand up to nails but also roofing and masonry. They even optimized the pilot bit for drilling through multiple materials. The design may look like a wood hole saw, but the BIG HAWG makes holes where others can’t.
Price: $30.97
For more information, click here.
Winner – Pocket Joinery
Armor APJ1400 Auto-Jig Pocket Hole Jig Set
What they said:
The Armor Tool Auto-Jig is changing the landscape of pocket hole joinery and the way the end-user makes pocket holes. The patented Auto-Jig self-adjusting pocket hole jig sets the Drill Guide height and Drill Bit Collar depth based off of the thickness of the piece clamped into the Jig. No more manual setting, measuring, or adjusting and ultimately guesswork.
The Auto-Adjust clamp allows you to clamp varying thicknesses without readjusting the Auto-Jig. Simply put another workpiece and Drill Bit into the Jig and Clamp and the Auto-Jig adjusts to a new thickness. Remove the Drill Bit with Collar tightened, and the end-user is ready to make pocket holes in the new workpiece.
The Jig deck is at the height to allow standard 2×4’s as extension wings and it can easily be affixed to any surface for a more permanent work station.
The Color-Coat all-weather coated screws are color-coded, making easy to match the screw size to the thickness and depth of the pocket hole (when joining workpieces of same thickness). Color-Coat offers anti-corrosive protection to any indoor or outdoor project made using Armor Tool’s screws.
What we say:
Simplifying pocket holes to make them easier for beginners with the quality of a seasoned woodworker? Yes, please! We love the auto adjustments that set as you change the size of the material you’re working on. It’s a time-saving, mistake-reducing innovation that makes teaching the next generation of fine woodworkers a breeze!
Price: $139.99
For more information, click here.
Winner – Tables & Bases Stands
Rockler 53061 Convertible Benchtop Router Table Spindle Sander Base Plate for Triton Oscillating Spindle Sander
What they said:
Turns Rockler’s award-winning Convertible Benchtop Router Table into a spindle sander. Just mount this baseplate to your Triton Handheld Oscillating Spindle Sander and slip it into the Convertible Benchtop Router Table. Not only will you have abundant workpiece support, but you’ll also be able to go seamlessly from handheld use to table-mounted use—no need to switch baseplates. Designed to replace the sander’s original baseplate, it’s even compatible with TSPSP650 accessories. Now the original Convertible Benchtop Router Table can be used as both a router table AND a spindle sander.
What we say:
Not content to walk away with just one Pro Tool Innovation Award, Rocker is improving on last year’s winner by adding additional functionality to their Convertible Benchtop Router Table. This one is specifically for Triton’s Oscillating Spindle Sander, allowing it to install in the convertible table so you can use it as a spindle sander and router table. Brilliant!
Price: $19.99
For more information, click here.
Winner – Step Bits
Milwaukee SHOCKWAVE Impact Duty Step Bits
What they said:
Milwaukee’s SHOCKWAVE Impact Duty Step Bits are engineered to deliver the most durable and fastest cutting step bits in the market. Made in the USA, these bits have best-in-class performance in impact drivers and the versatility to be used in drills. The ¼” hex shank and optimized SHOCKZONE provide the industry’s most durable shank, helping to eliminate premature shank failure. The Titanium Aluminum Nitride (TiAlN) coating delivers 5x longer life, while the Rapid Strike tip and dual spiral flute produce 2x faster holes.
What we say:
Milwaukee’s newest step bits get some durability help from a titanium-nitride coating. Claiming to be the fastest-cutting step bits available, Milwaukee also gives them a 1/4″ hex shank with a license to slap it in your impact driver, and our resident electrician prefers it that way. Plus, these are Made in the USA.
Price: $85
For more information, click here.
Winner – Track Rail
Bora Tool NGX Clamp Edge Saw Guide
What they said:
BORA NGX gives you track saw precision without the hefty price tag. The NGX saw plate with three quick-lock clamps and adjustable horizontal fence bring your cuts to the next level. A precisely designed, replaceable non-chip strip allows you to quickly align your saw blade on every cut.
It’s never been easier to rip and cut down material than with the all-new BORA NGX Clamp EdgeTM System. No more fumbling with adjustable clamp ends on opposite sides of the straight edge—the adjustable clamp is connected to the handle. Simply hook the Clamp Edge across your board, line it up with your cut, and clamp it down—all without moving your feet.
Clamp edges come in varying lengths and can be extended up to 100in to handle a full sheet of material. Innovative accessories like the new saw plate with non-chip strip provide pro results in a portable setup that caters to contractors, installers and woodworkers alike. Step up to the next level and let the BORA® NGX Clamp EdgeTM System improve your panel cutting capabilities on-site and in the shop. Get the track saw precision you deserve for quick, accurate, and easy cuts every time!
What we say:
Track saws are gaining popularity thanks to the number of cuts they can replace a table saw on. That trend isn’t lost on the Bora Tool crew and their new NGX Clamp Edge Saw Guide helps transform your current circular saw into an accurate-cutting track. While this isn’t a brand new idea for Bora Tool, they’ve made this update their easiest to use so far. Easier use means you’re more likely to use it and finish with higher-quality results.
Price: $124
For more information, click here.
Winner – Air Hoses
Ridgid R5025LF Lay Flat Air Hose
What they said:
RIDGID introduces the 1/4 in. 50 ft. Lay Flat Air Hose. This is everything you’ve ever wanted from an air hose. All the benefits and none of the hassle of rubber, hybrid, and PVC hoses. The RIDGID Lay Flat Hose has a unique lay-flat design that allows it to keep its shape, is kink resistant, is non-tangling. At just over 3 lbs. for a 50 ft. hose, its lightweight design makes it easier for you to maneuver around your workspace.
Heavy-duty 360° swivel fittings with bend restrictors make the usual weakest point, one of this hose’s strengths. The durability of the bend restrictors provides extra support to increase the life of the hose. Unlike other hoses, the Lay Flat hose is able to flex in cold weather, which allows you to keep working regardless of your climate. Its 100% field repairable which saves you time and money in case of an accidental tear. With a 300 Max PSI capacity, the RIDGID Lay flat Hose can be used for heavy-duty applications.
What we say:
The best of all the major air hose materials in one? By combining the characteristics of kink resistance, no-tangle, light weight, durability, and cold-weather flexibility, Ridgid has created an air hose that every Pro is going to want. They’ve even solved that annoying issue of wear and breaks at the connector. Uh, yeah, we’ll take 6!
Price: $44.98
For more information, click here.
Winner – Drills/Drivers-Attachments
PacTool SS724 Snapper Shear Pro
What they said:
Currently, there are 3 ways to cut backer board. Using a circular saw generates a cloud of silica dust which is not only extremely messy but also hazardous to your health. The score-and-snap method is tedious and arduous. Lastly, there are powered shears that produce minimal dust, but they can be expensive and require electricity/cords on your job site. All 3 of these methods also only cut backer board in straight lines.
The Snapper Shear Pro can cut circles and curves down to a 3″ diameter, as well as straight and 90° cuts. It is designed to fit on any cordless drill platform and is as easy as changing out a bit. This new, unique cutting shear makes backer board cuts fast and easy indoors, with less mess and airborne silica dust. Ideal for cutting shapes for toilet flanges, hardware, outlets and corners in kitchen and bathroom installations or remodels.
Existing fiber cement shear retails range from $130 to $279. The SS724 Snapper Shear Pro retails at $99.97.
Features Include:
• Cut ¼”- ½” HardieBacker fiber cement backer board indoors with less mess
• Cut straight, curved, circle and 90° cuts with ease, as small as a 3” diameter
• Attaches to any drill motor (recommended 18V and above)
• Durable and replaceable steel blades
• Adjustable left or right handle
What we say:
This $99 power tool accessory fits onto any cordless drill and lets you easily cut HardieBacker fiber cement boards. You can do straight cuts, curved cuts, or even circles down to 3-inches in diameter. It maneuvers easily, rotating freely on the front of any cordless drill. That gives you the flexibility to move it along almost any path and make cuts without the bulk (or cost) of a full shear. We only wish this tool had been available during our recent siding remodel this past Spring!
Price: $99.99
For more information, click here.
Finalist
Simpson Strong-Tie Quik Stik Rafter and Truss Fastening System
Winner – Decking Drills/Drivers
National Nail CAMO Drive Tool with EdgeClips
What they said:
CAMO’S New Stand Up CAMO Drive Tool for 5X Faster Installation and Featuring New EdgeClips for Grooved Boards. Contractors saw the numerous benefits of the CAMO Drive tool in action at the International Builders Show and the response has been overwhelmingly positive—it further validates that CAMO Drive, as well as the new EdgeClips that work with it, represent the next generation of deck fastening.
Contractor frustration with clip systems prompted National Nail to develop clips that don’t slip or easily fall through gaps and that fasten quickly with the new CAMO Drive tool or with a hand drill. No pre-drilling of the screw is required.
As an option for angled pattern deck boards, contractors can also opt for the EdgeXClip – simply squeeze the wings and insert into the groove and drive it in with the CAMO Drive tool attachment. Yes, we’ve thought through every issue! Engineered with insights from decking pros, the CAMO Drive tool was designed to overcome key challenges faced by today’s professional deck builder.
What we say:
What’s not to love? It starts with CAMO’s Drive Tool that uses the drill of your choice and gets you off your knees to a standing position. From there, the newest EdgeClips help you hit the nail on the head, er, screw on the joist accurately every time whether you’re using a standard 90° or angled installation pattern with grooved deck boards. No pre-drilling, no sore knees, just great results!
Price: $169
For more information, click here.
Winner – Sawhorses & Tables
Bora Tool Portamate PM-4500 Speedhorse
What they said:
When you need to visit multiple worksites in a day, you need equipment that’s fast and easy to set up, take down, and transfer from one location to another.
The Bora Portamate PM-4500 Speedhorse is the ultimate upgrade for your job site, workspace, or workshop. Shave valuable time off-site setup and teardown so you can get to work faster and complete jobs more efficiently. The Speedhorse deploys 30x faster than conventional sawhorses — just pull the release button in the middle of the frame!
Designed for flexibility in a wide variety of environments, this sawhorse is built tough to withstand heavy projects ranging from construction and carpentry to furniture builds. And when the job is finished, simply pull the levers and fold the legs up — doesn’t matter which order.
This contractor-grade sawhorse will revolutionize your worksite to help you work more quickly and efficiently while continuing to produce professional results. Each sawhorse is able to hold 1500lbs each – that is 3,000lbs per pair! Construct work tables or custom setups at your work site in minutes. You can also use it as a traditional sawhorse as well. Don’t compromise your setup or your ability to be on the move – get a Speedhorse.
What we say:
The team responsible for the Bora Speedhorse clearly put some real thought into the design and there’s a lot to like. This is one of the easiest folding leg sawhorses we’ve used and it’s significantly better built than the cheap plastic ones running around.
Price: $79.99
For more information, click here.
Winner – Metal Screws
Elco Drilit Self-drilling Fasteners
What they said:
Drilit self-drilling fasteners eliminate separate drilling and tapping operations for faster, more economical installations. They eliminate separate drilling and tapping operations. The fasteners are coated with Stalgard and Gray Stalgard finish and typically show no red rust or other base metal corrosion on significant surfaces after 1000 hours of 5% neutral salt spray exposure (per ASTM B117). Fasteners coated with Gray Stalgard are compatible with ACQ-treated lumber with retention levels no higher than .25 pcf. They’re available with EPDM Bonded Sealing washers in multiple sizes and configurations for applications requiring a weather-tight seal.
What we say:
Self-tapping screws aren’t a new invention (although they’re incredibly handy!). One of the things we love about Elco Drilit Self-Drilling Fasteners is their environmental durability. Resisting corrosion with a 5% salt spray is no small feat – average saltwater levels only contain 3.5%. Even better, these self-tapping fasteners crank up your installation speeds by 40% over comparable Buildex versions. Faster productivity means higher profitability, giving you a better shot at needing these for your own oceanfront vacation property!
Price: Varies with size, style, and quantity
For more information, click here.
Winner – Wood Screws
FASCO America SubLoc PRO SCRAIL
What they said:
FASCO America is proud to announce that IAPMO’s Uniform Evaluation Service has issued Evaluation Report 344 (ER-344) to our parent company, The BECK Fastener Group, for their innovative construction fastener, SubLoc PRO SCRAIL, as a substitute for 8D and now 10D fasteners in seismic areas, such as the West Coast for vertical and horizontal diaphragms. As of June 2019.
- Easy, fast and fewer reloads vs competitive product (screws & squeak-free nails)
- Fits current framing nailers
- Adjustable
- Benefits of a Nail & Screw
- Code compliant ER-344
- Saves time and money and eliminates call-backs in the process
- MFG approved
- Squeak-free assembly
What we say:
Codes are a big deal everywhere and seismic areas have heightened ones over other parts of the country. So it’s a big deal that the new SubLoc PRO SCRAIL is an acceptable substitute for 8D and 10D fasteners in those areas. Of course, gaining that stamp of approval is only part of the equation for subfloor installs. You also have to give Pros a fastener that holds the floor down without squeaks. The team at FASCO pulls it off and wraps it up another Pro Tool Innovation Award to add to their collection for their efforts.
Price: Varies
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Finalist