Masons have one of the toughest jobs in construction. It’s not just the fact that they work with concrete, but the foundation of the entire structure depends on the quality of their work. They use some of the most powerful gas and electric tools in the industry all the way to some of the most basic hand tools. The 2017 Pro Tool Innovation Awards Concrete and Masonry division sees some new players in the field and further expansion of cordless tools. As always, there’s room for improvement on those classic tools as well.
Winner – Concrete/Masonry Trowels and Floats
Ridgid Magnesium Concrete Float
What they said:
RIDGID introduces a complete line of concrete and masonry hand tools. These list of tools consists of London Brick Trowels, Pointing Trowel, Margin Trowels, Stainless Steel Finishing Trowels, Blue Steel Pool Trowel, Magnesium Float, Aluminum Float, Zinc Groover, Blue Steel Edger. These concrete and masonry tools give you the ultimate job experience by supplying solid shanks through the handles, golden stainless steel, overmold handles, pre-ground edges, handle strike surfaces, and many more throughout this series.
What we say:
What Ridgid does well is offer Pros meaningful innovation at an attractive price point. They’re doing it again with their new line of concrete and masonry hand tools. Take the new Magnesium Float for example. Magnesium lowers the overall weight and Ridgid also gets away from the two contact point handle design with a single contact point that offers a more ergonomic grip. The shaft goes all the way through the handle so it’s not in danger of breaking through while an overmold gives you more comfort and security in your grip.
Price: TBA
For more information, click here.
Winner – Concrete/Masonry Hand Screeds
Milwaukee REDSTICK Concrete Levels MLCON48
What they said: 
Designed with a magnesium base and new-to-world SHARPSITE Vial Technology, the new REDSTICK Concrete Levels are the most durable and easy to read concrete layout solutions for professional tradesmen-delivering precision accuracy within 0.029 degrees. A magnesium base provides a dedicated concrete working edge, with a rounded edge for forming and smoothing, and a squared edge for screeding & striking. An ergonomic keyhole frame delivers maximum durability and continuous grip across the entire level.
What we say:
There’s a reason you don’t see masons use their levels for screeding duties. They only work once unless you clean them right away. And even if you do, you still get dried concrete here and there that eventually kills the accuracy of your level. Not to mention they’re not the best tool design for it in the first place. That all changes with Milwaukee’s Restick Concrete Levels. These are specifically designed to effectively screed concrete and clean off completely and easily – even if they sit until the next day. Best of all, Milwaukee’s SharpSite vials make checking for level work simple.
Price: $89.99-$229.00
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Winner – Concrete/Masonry Fastening
Hilti DX 5 Powder-Actuated Tool
What they said: 
The Hilti Powder-actuated tool DX 5 is the next generation of better, smarter, powder-actuated tools. The DX 5 can be used for fastenings on high strength steel and concrete base materials and is ideal for fastening 2 x 4 wood, plywood and drywall track as well as insulation board, waterproofing membrane and grating applications. But what sets the DX 5 apart from other powder-actuated tools on the market is the new Smartool feature. Using Bluetooth connectivity to the Hilti Connect App users have easy access to data and information anytime, anywhere. This means that users can check usage information, number of fastenings performed, last recorded location of the tool, their warranty, access repair records and fastening point tracking for preventative maintenance planning
What we say:
Hilti enters the smart tool race by bringing Bluetooth connectivity to the concrete division in a rather unexpected way – powder actuated fastening. There’s a variety of information available to help stay on top of routine maintenance schedules and tool tracking. With concrete tools being some of the most expensive in the industry, seeing this feature move into the sector is very exciting.
Price: $1,069
For more information, click here.
Winner – Concrete/Masonry Electric Power Cutter Saws
Skilsaw 7″ MEDUSAW Worm Drive for Concrete SPT79-00
What they said:
SKILSAW launched its first concrete cutting saw as part of its commitment to professionals and jobsite productivity. With MEDUSAW, we built features into the tool so you don’t need a second person to hold a vacuum or water hose to collect the dust; or a third person to hold a board down onto the surface to make a straight cut.
We are very excited to watch MEDUSAW revolutionize the way workers cut concrete in a way that creates jobsite efficiency and cost savings by combining all of the attachments of aftermarket products into a single, dedicated tool.
What we say:
What the Skilsaw Medusaw does is take all the attachments you normally have to buy separately and put them onto a dedicated concrete scoring machine. What’s the big deal about that? Even though it has a very specific use, it reduces the cost associated with making the conversion yourself and reduces the workload down to a 1-person job.
Price: $399
For more information, click here.
Winner – Concrete/Masonry Specialty
Hilti DSH-P Gas Saw Water Pump
What they said:
The Hilti Integrated water pump DSH-P is the first of its kind in the industry and provides unparalleled dust control portability. No more being limited by distance from a pressurized water source. Simply fill-up a bucket of water or use another static water source and attach a DSH-P integrated water pump system to your Hilti gas-powered handheld saw to control dust on the jobsite.
The Hilti integrated water pump DSH-P leverages the power of the Hilti gas saw to produce pressurized water and helps ensure better dust control, wherever the jobsite may be. The Hilti integrated water pump comes with 10 feet of hose and is compatible with Hilti gas-powered 700-X and 900-X handheld saws.
What we say:
Most of the time, your power cutter’s ability to do wet cutting relies on the length of your hose and having a pressurized water source nearby. Hilti eliminates that need with an add-on water pump to fit their newest power cutters. Now all you need is a bucket of water and you’re good to go. We love that this attaches to the saw you already own rather than having to purchase an entirely new model just to get the feature.
Price: $299
For more information, click here.
Winner – Dust Extractors
Hilti VC 300-17 X Universal Wet and Dry Vacuum Cleaner with Automatic Filter Cleaning
What they said:
The Hilti Universal vacuum cleaner VC 300-17 X is built with an impressive 300+ CFM of power delivered by two turbines and protected by a tough, field-tested casing, this universal wet and dry vacuum has an automatic filter cleaning system and can pack in 17 gallons of debris. And, when it’s full it’s easy to empty the tank and change the filter. The VC 300-17 X is ideal for dust extraction from grinding, cutting, slitting, drilling and dry coring tools, removal of slurry during wet coring applications, and cleaning wet and dry. It also has a transport handle, sturdy trolley and large wheels that allow for optimum site mobility.When paired with Hilti power tools and accessories, Hilti universal vacuums complete a comprehensive dust removal system, helping construction professionals reduce dust exposure and increase productivity, and when applicable, comply with OSHA’s 1926.1153 respirable crystalline silica dust regulation
What we say:
300 CFM may seem like overkill for a dust extractor, but this is no ordinary collection system. Hilti’s VC 300-17 X can handle wet and dry debris on a different level. At the time of this writing, the September 23rd deadline is looming for OSHA silica dust compliance. This model is ready to go. Its dual-turbine power level makes it an effective tool for the wet cleanup as well, including concrete slurry resulting from core drilling. Simply put, you get a powerful portable extractor that leaves everyone else…dare we say it? In the dust.
Price: $1,499
For more information, click here.
Finalist
Winner – Cordless Dust Extractors
Makita 18V X2 LXT Lithium‑Ion (36V) Brushless Cordless 1/2 Gallon HEPA Filter Backpack Dry Dust Extractor/Vacuum
What they said:
The Makita 18V X2 LXT Lithium-Ion (36V) Brushless Cordless 1/2 Gallon HEPA Filter Backpack Dry Vacuum is a powerful and portable clean-up solution that eliminates extension cords that trail corded backpack vacuums. It’s also a powerful and portable dust extraction solution for contractors that bridges the gap between low-capacity on-board dust extraction systems and larger capacity but less portable wheeled canister job site vacuums.
The XCV05Z is ideal for cleaning crews in janitorial/sanitation (“jan-san”), as well as for construction applications when used as part of a dust extraction system . The XCV05Z is powered by two 18V Lithium-Ion batteries for 36V power and performance but without leaving the 18V LXT battery platform. The efficient BL Brushless Motor generates 53 CFM of suction and 28.5” of static water lift for fast clean-ups and improved dust extraction, with no cord to pull along or get in the way.
What we say:
When it comes to jobsite and shop cleanup, dust extractors leave a lot to be desired. Sure, you can get the vacuum attachments and roll them around the shop, stopping to unplug it and find a new outlet to work from. Makita’s backpack vacuum cuts the cord while still offering the power to effectively clean up the area before calling it a day. It also makes for a great solution for portable dust collection on the job site. Take that in consideration with the powerful Makita 18V platform and integrated HEPA filter, and you’re left with zero excuses.
Price: $339
For more information, click here.
Winner – Dust Collection Shrouds
Dustless DustBull & Universal Mounting Kit
What they said:
The DustBull is designed to capture harmful silica dust without using water. It captures dust at the point-of-origin, eliminating the messy and dangerous airborne dust created when cutting concrete and stone.
This shroud has been third-party tested and verified to comply with OSHA’s Silica Rule and will keep the jobsite safe, clean, and regulation-compliant when used with a vacuum with sufficient air-flow and filtration, such as two of the Dustless Technologies’ Wet+Dry or HEPA vacuums.
Consistent with the Dustless design philosophy, this new shroud is designed to work with as many major brand high-speed gas saw models as possible. Many companies try to persuade users to buy all new power tools in order to comply with OSHA’s new silica rule. Dustless knows that most contractors already have perfectly good power tools, and is on a mission to help them enjoy a Dustless work environment without breaking the bank.
What we say:
It’s all about OSHA when it comes to dust collection and the DustBull from Dustless gives you a way to start collecting when you have dry cutting to do with your power cutter. In addition to collecting more than 90% of the dust you create, it doesn’t affect your cutting depth so you can still get the job done right the first time.
Price: $379
For more information, click here.
Finalist
Winner – Cordless Rotary Hammers
Hilti TE 6-A36-AVR 36V Cordless Rotary Hammer
What they said:
Featuring Hilti Active Vibration Reduction (AVR) technology, the Hilti Cordless rotary hammer TE 6-A36-AVR outperforms similar corded and cordless rotary hammer drills. The TE 6-A36 has two battery options, the Hilti B36/5.2 CPC Li-Ion industry class battery for the most work-per-charge performance and the B36/2.6 Li-Ion compact class battery for operators who need to reduce the tool’s operating weight, especially when working overhead. The tool’s ergonomic design with a D-grip for comfort over long periods of time and built-in AVR, keeps operators working longer more comfortably.
The Hilti TE 6-A36-AVR includes a chiseling feature for light-duty corrective chipping and can be converted to virtually dust-free operation by adding the optional TE 6-A dust removal system (DRS). It delivers 1.5 ft-lb of single impact energy and a 1040 rpm gear speed for exceptional drilling and hammering in concrete or masonry. Using an optional quick-release chuck, this cordless rotary hammer can also be used on steel, wood, and plastic.
What we say:
Lithium-ion technology has taken us to a point when we can almost completely leave corded SDS-Plus rotary hammers behind. For light-duty work, Hilti’s TE 6-A36 is really the sum of its parts. 1.5 ft.lbs. of impact energy combines with Hilti’s 36V battery pack and outstanding Active Vibration Reduction to make a rotary hammer that’s one of the best when it comes to reducing fatigue enough to work long days.
Price: $899
For more information, click here.
Finalists
Winner – Concrete/Masonry Core Drill
Lackmond Beast/B+BTec Professional Handheld Core Drill
What they said:
Lackmond’s new Beast/B+BTec Professional Handheld Core Drills, Rigs and Bits are manufactured in Europe and made with the highest quality raw materials utilizing the most advanced manufacturing technology. The BCR130/5BG is a hand held core drill with a back-grip making it ideal for drilling vertical holes. It is equipped with a 2.6HP motor with 3-speed gearing for optimal drilling performance at any diameter. The Beast/B+BTec Core Drill can accept core bits ranging from 3/8”diameter to 5-1/8” diameter.
The Beast B+BTec hand held core drill comes standard with an LED Motor Overload Protection System and has a built in water level which aids the operator in keeping the machine level during operation. It is equipped with a water flow indicator and the water valve faces backwards to prevent damage. The powerful aluminum motor housing is extremely durable yet lightweight making it user-friendly.
What we say:
Core drilling with a handheld tool takes a steady hand and really durable tool. Any flaw will be exposed quickly in this kind of application. Lackmond teams up with B+BTec to bring their BCR130/5BG over from Europe to North American users. It starts with high-quality raw materials that filter into manufacturing processes that go well beyond the basics to make a tool that can stand up to tough concrete and steel drilling.
Price: $1,499
For more information, click here.
Finalist