Concrete builds the world, so anything new and innovative in this industry immediately draws our attention. Working with concrete can take a lot of backbreaking energy, so advances in power-to-weight ratios, ergonomics, and runtime really make a huge difference. These innovations can affect how long a person can stay in the industry and whether that work might affect their long-term health.
Whether you’re mixing, forming, cutting, or curing concrete, the following tools are designed to enhance efficiency. The winners also provide solutions for post-curing activities such as drilling and fastening, along with various other concrete and masonry tasks. The 2026 Pro Tool Innovation Awards for the Concrete and Masonry category showed off a lot of tools this year—each one geared toward letting you work longer and with greater efficiency and results.
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Winner – Demo Hammers
Hilti TE 600-AVR SDS-Max Demolition Hammer
What they said:
The Hilti TE 600-AVR SDS Max demolition hammer replaces the TE 700-AVR with a tool that delivers higher demolition performance, significantly lower weight, and improved user comfort. Designed for heavy-duty wall chiseling, renovation, and corrective demolition in concrete and masonry, the TE 600-AVR helps contractors complete demanding applications with greater efficiency and control.
A key innovation is the tool’s power-to-weight ratio. At just 13 pounds, the TE 600-AVR weighs approximately 25% less than the TE 700-AVR while delivering greater demolition performance. The tool generates 8.8 ft-lbs. of impact energy, operates at up to 2,700 impacts per minute, and delivers up to 1,200 cm³/min of chiseling performance. The TE 600-AVR serves as the direct replacement for the TE 700-AVR, building on more than a decade of proven performance while introducing meaningful improvements in power-to-weight ratio, user comfort, and tool control.
What we say:
Hilti has always been at the top of its game when it comes to hammers. The TE 600-AVR SDS-Max demolition hammer replaces the TE 700-AVR, but does so while losing none of its performance and dropping 25% of the weight! It brings 8.8 ft-lbs of impact energy at up to 2,700 impacts per minute. Use it to quickly remove concrete and masonry—including both floor and wall applications. Features like User Force Control, instant chisel rotation, and Active Vibration Reduction (AVR) make this a tool that delivers comfort and control in one single package.
Price: $1,429
For more information, click here.
Winner – Cordless Demo Hammers
Hilti TE 3000-22 TE-H Heavy-Duty Cordless Jackhammer
What they said:
The Hilti TE 3000-22 TE-H Heavy-Duty Cordless jackhammer can match the performance of Hilti’s corded TE 3000-AVR TE-H heavy-duty electric jackhammer and 45 kg (90 lbs.) air-powered breakers while eliminating the need for compressors, hoses, extension cords, and temporary power sources.
Producing 62.7 ft-lbs. of impact energy and up to 9 tons of chiseling performance per hour, the TE 3000-22 is engineered for applications that have traditionally relied on larger pneumatic or corded equipment. Using one pair of Nuron B 22-290 batteries, the system is capable of demolishing up to 1.8 tons of concrete per charge. Active Vibration Reduction (AVR), soft-start functionality, and two fully decoupled handles help improve control and reduce vibration exposure during extended periods of work.
What we say:
The Hilti TE 3000-22 TE-H brings full-size breaker-class demolition into a cordless format with 62.7 ft-lbs of single-impact energy that can accomplish up to 9 tons of chiseling per hour. Hilti has made a demo hammer that can replace much larger corded or pneumatic breakers while eliminating the need for compressors, hoses, and temporary power. The AVR vibration control extends to the dual decoupled handles, and you can combine this tool with Hilti’s newest Nuron packs and chargers to get almost continuous use when cycling two sets of batteries.
Price: $2,769
For more information, click here.
Winner – Drill Bits
Spyder SDS-Plus 4-Cutter Full-Carbide Rotary Hammer Drill Bit
What they said:
Unleash maximum drilling power with the SDS-Plus 4-Cutter Full-Carbide Rotary Hammer Drill Bit. Built for extreme durability, its structurally engineered full-carbide 4-cutter head delivers unmatched strength, heat resistance, and performance in cement-based materials-even rebar-embedded concrete. The SDS-Plus shank ensures secure engagement with lightweight rotary hammer drills for optimal power transfer and efficient impact energy delivery. Combined with optimized spiral flute geometry for aggressive dust removal, this bit drills faster, runs cooler, and lasts longer, making it the ultimate solution for heavy-duty professional applications.
What we say:
Spyder goes after longer-lasting bits by reducing heat buildup and handling impacts with rebar. It starts at the tip, where the new SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer Drill Bit uses a full-carbide 4-cutter head. Continuing down, the SDS-Plus shank has been designed for consistent power transfer and stable hammer-drill engagement. A spiral flute geometry helps clear dust and reduce friction during long cuts. Spyder is so confident, they claim up to 12x longer life over competitive four-cutter SDS-Plus concrete bits.
Price: $9.98-98.80
For more information, click here.
Winner – Concrete Anchors
Hilti KH‑EZ IQ Push‑to‑Connect Screw Anchor
What they said:
The Hilti KH-EZ IQ Push-to-connect screw anchor features innovative push-to-connect technology that allows threaded rod to be secured simply by inserting it into the anchor. This streamlined approach helps eliminate a time-consuming installation step, enabling contractors to work faster and more efficiently when performing overhead installations.
Designed specifically for repetitive anchor applications, the KH-EZ IQ is particularly well-suited for prefabricated trapezes, single rod hangers, cable tray supports, conduit racks, pipe supports, and HVAC installations. By reducing the effort required to connect threaded rod overhead, the system helps improve installation speed while simplifying workflows for mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection contractors.
What we say:
The innovation behind the Hilti KH‑EZ IQ Push-to-Connect Screw Anchor is how easily it lets you hang threaded rod once it’s installed. The push-to-connect design completely eliminates manual threading. On a larger jobsite, that could literally save you hours of work. Featuring a small 1/4-inch drilling diameter, you’re less likely to encounter rebar, improving the installation step as well. In case you think the design means it’s not as sturdy, Hilti has ICC and FM approvals that make the KH-EZ IQ system a code-compliant solution for cracked concrete and seismic applications. Who knew a new fastener could save you both time and money!
Price: $200 (50 pcs)
For more information, click here.
Winner – Battery Power Cutters
Hilti DSH 900-22 ATC 14″ Battery-powered Cut-off Saw
What they said:
The Hilti DSH 900-22 ATC 14″ Battery-powered cut-off saw expands Hilti’s portfolio of Nuron-powered concrete saws with the ability to cut up to 6 inches deep using a 14-inch blade. Engineered to match the cutting speed and feel of a 90cc gas cut-off saw, the DSH 900-22 delivers the performance contractors expect without many of the drawbacks associated with gas-powered tools, including exhaust fumes, pull-start operation, engine maintenance, and higher vibration levels.
New 3D Active Torque Control (ATC) can detect sudden kickback events and stop the saw in less than one second, while a fast-acting blade brake stops the blade within four seconds after the trigger is released. The DSH 900-22 is designed for a wide range of applications, including road construction, utility work, floor construction, paving, and general concrete and masonry cutting. The DSH 900-22 can be paired with the DSH-FSC Floor saw cart, which includes a 4.5-gallon water tank and allows operators to cut concrete and stone slabs without crouching down.
What we say:
The Hilti DSH 900-22 ATC is their flagship cordless concrete saw, and its 14-inch blade handles depths of up to 6 inches in concrete, masonry, asphalt, and steel applications. This rear-handle cut-off saw matches the cutting speed, feel, and power of a 90cc gas tool while eliminating exhaust fumes, pull starts, and the typical engine maintenance you encounter with those tools. Lastly, we love the addition of 3D Active Torque Control, which quickly stops the saw during a kickback event.
Price: $1,789
For more information, click here.
Winner – Rebar Tying Tool
Makita U.S.A. GRT01 40V max XGT® Brushless 16 Gauge Rebar Tying Tool
What they said:
The GRT01 is the world’s first 40V 16-gauge Rebar Tying Tool, delivering up to 65% stronger ties and bringing a new level of performance to the market. Makita has worked diligently with its ironworker partners to deeply understand their needs. Ideal for a range of trades and applications, from commercial buildings, road and bridge, and tilt-up construction to pool and residential building, electrical conduit installation, pre-cast, and more. Delivers up to 65% stronger ties with 16-gauge wire with deep capacity to tie wire mesh by wire mesh, as well as #3 x #3 rebar, up to #9 x #8 rebar. The GRT01Z can deliver up to 3,600 ties of #3 x #3 diameter rebar per charge using a 40V max XGT® 2.5Ah Battery.
The GRT01 features 6 tie strength settings to match various tension strength requirements. It also features a lock-off button that helps prevent accidental start-up. The side hook fits up to #6 rebar for ease of storage on a jobsite. The Rebar Tying Tool is being released alongside key accessories that will allow concrete pros to deliver stronger ties faster. Users who have multiple ties to perform will benefit from the Makita Rebar Tying Stand Up Extension Handle (1915N6-8), which is engineered to perform close-to-ground rebar tying applications from a standing position, which reduces user fatigue.
What we say:
Makita’s GRT01 40V max XGT Brushless 16 Gauge Rebar Tying Tool gets a big nod for having the world’s first 40V cordless rebar tying tool. It’s a great follow-up to their 18V rebar tying tool and features an even more ergonomic design, shifting some weight from the top of the tool to the front base. It produces both tying consistency as well as up to 65% stronger ties. It can tackle anything from wire mesh up to #9 rebar, and gives you six different tie-strength settings. The tool handles everything from activation to dispensing the proper amount of wire per tie. Plus, you can get up to 3,600 ties per charge—that’s all-day use.
Price: $3,015
For more information, click here.
Winner – Cordless Rotary Hammers
Hilti TE 70-22 Cordless Rotary Hammer
What they said:
The Hilti TE 70-22 Cordless rotary hammer combines cordless mobility with the drilling and demolition performance required for applications such as heavy-duty anchor installation, reinforced concrete drilling, wall breaching, and demolition. Hilti’s most powerful cordless SDS Max rotary hammer, the TE 70-22 delivers 10.7 ft-lbs of single impact energy while maintaining a favorable power-to-weight ratio.
The TE 70-22 also incorporates Active Torque Control (ATC) and Active Vibration Reduction (AVR) technologies. ATC helps reduce the risk of uncontrolled tool rotation during binding situations, while AVR helps minimize vibration exposure during extended drilling and chiseling tasks. By delivering Hilti’s most powerful cordless SDS Max rotary hammer to date, the TE 70-22 expands the range of demanding drilling, anchoring, chiseling, and demolition applications that can be completed using cordless equipment while maintaining the convenience and flexibility of a cordless platform.
What we say:
The Hilti TE 70-22 is simply the company’s most powerful cordless rotary hammer. It delivers an eye-opening 10.7 ft-lbs of impact energy but weighs just 19.6 lbs. It features a dust-sealed design and reinforced battery housing for longer life for the tool. Users may get some “longer life” as well with the addition of Active Torque Control (ATC) and AVR vibration reduction. If you had to choose only one rotary hammer, this should be your easy go-to choice.
Price: $1,429
For more information, click here.