A great tool can perform like an average one if you use a poor accessory. On the other hand, a great accessory can help an average tool punch well above its weight class. It’s a similar story with fasteners. From bits and blades to guides and extenders, here are your winners for the PTIA 2018 Accessories Awards!
Winner – Circular Saw Blades
Diablo D0736GP 7-1/4″ 36-Tooth Wood and Metal Saw Blade
What they said:
The new Diablo Wood and Metal blade for general-purpose applications is optimized for cutting clean wood as well as wood with nails. It also cuts metals ranging from 3/32″-1/4″ wall thickness and 1/4″-1″ diameter. Optimized for all corded and cordless saws, this innovative new blade allows for fewer tool and blade changes due to its ability to cut multiple materials with a single blade. The blade’s versatile design slices through wood and metal with ease, leaving behind clean, burr-free cuts with no rework required. The specially formulated Diablo TiCo carbide teeth withstand impact, reduce wear, and last longer than standard carbide in wood and metal for extreme life and durability.
What we say:
When you have to cut both wood and metal with a circular saw, standard procedure is to carry two different saws. That’s because it’s a pain to stop progress to swap blades. Diablo’s newest blade pulls double duty, so you can cut through clean or nail-embedded wood along with metal up to 1/4″ thick—even if you’re using a cordless model.
Price: $21.97
For more information, click here.
Winner – Jig Saw Blades
Lenox Jig Saw Blades With Power Arc Technology For Metal Cutting
What they said:
LENOX Power Arc Curved Jig Saw Blades deliver up to 2X the life of the previous generation. The blades feature a curved profile that optimizes the angle of attack for fast cutting and longer life cutting metal. The blades also feature LENOX’s patented T2 Technology for fast, efficient cutting. By lasting longer and cutting faster, users are more productive.
What we say:
A jig saw isn’t the first tool most people think of when it comes to cutting metal. It’s on the menu, though, and Lenox’ solution brings in a slightly curved design to give the blade a better angle of attack. The bottom line is that you get faster cuts and longer life, saving you time and money.
Price: $4.29
For more information, click here.
Winner – Metal/Chop Saw Blades
Diablo D1296N / 12″ 96-Tooth Medium Aluminum Saw Blade
What they said:
Diablo’s next generation Aluminum saw blades are optimized for cutting thin (up to 1/8”), medium (3/32”-1/4”), and thick (3/16”-7/16”) aluminum metals. Featuring the new specially formulated Diablo TiCo Super-Density Micro-Grain Carbide, these radical blades withstand impact, reduce wear, provide clog free cuts, and last longer than standard carbide in metal cutting applications. The specially-formulated metal cutting carbide teeth feature a Triple Chip Grind (TCG) Tooth Design for clean, burr-free finishes, virtually eliminating any type of rework.
What we say:
It’s tough to cut aluminum on a good day, and Diablo is making it even easier. Plus, they give you three different blades to choose from depending on what thickness you’re working with. The real magic lies in the carbide, which Diablo develops in-house. This time, Diablo dials it into what they call a Super-Density, Micro-Grain that gives it a longer life than you’ll find with other carbide metal cutting blades.
Price: $64.97
For more information, click here.
Winner – Miter Saw Blades
Diablo D12100X / 12″ 100-Tooth Ultimate Polished Finish Saw Blade
What they said:
Diablo’s new Ultimate Polished Finish saw blades feature an Axial Shear Face Grind (ASFG) that cleanly shears through materials for superior quality finishes on fine molding, hardwoods, softwoods, veneered plywood, melamine, and more. Also featuring Double-Side Grind tooth geometry, an incredible 200 additional grinds, this blade produces precise, polished-like cuts equal to that of 220-grit sandpaper or higher. Diablo’s proprietary TiCo Hi-Density Carbide is designed specifically to deliver extreme durability and 5X longer life on materials requiring polished-like finishes.
What we say:
Diablo’s Ultimate Polished Finish Blades put a lot of work in on the front end so you don’t have to. 200 grinds on the blade’s 100 teeth leave a finish that’s the equivalent of a 220 grit sandpaper finish. For many projects, that means no sanding on your cutting surfaces before you glue them up. And who wouldn’t like to spend less time sanding?
Price: $69.97
For more information, click here.
Finalist
Winner – Oscillating Multi-Tool Blades
Imperial Blades IBOA800-1
What they said:
Imagine having a blade with a calculated blade width and blade length that works together with the travel of the oscillation to cut the desired dimension in one cut.
- Depth gauges are designed into the body of the blade to help the user monitor the depth of their cuts
- Depth gauge increments reflect the different thicknesses of common drywall sizes and assist with cutting safely around plumbing, electrical, phone lines, etc.
- Shaver notches help remove excess drywall if a user is a little off on their cuts and wants a better fit.
- When doing a detailed cut you need a clean start. Piercing tips help start the cut by piercing through the drywall’s heavy paper.
- Dagger blades have been designed to be slim to really help in making very detailed cuts such as those used for allowing small pipes to penetrate drywall.
What we say:
Sure, you can patch drywall holes until you’re blue in the face when you cut into the pipe behind it by accident. But wouldn’t it be better if you just made an accurate cut to start with? Imperial Blades nails a design that’s perfect for Pros who need to know exactly how deep they’re cutting with increments dialed into common drywall thicknesses. And if you’re on the conservative side, shaver notches help make the hole a little wider. These blades are what you need to keep the patchwork to a minimum.
Price: $17.95
For more information, click here.
Winner – Metal Reciprocating Saw Blades
LENOX Lazer CT-Carbide Tipped Reciprocating Saw Blades
What they said:
LENOX Lazer CT is a carbide tipped reciprocating saw blade for hard to cut metals like Cast Iron and Stainless Steel. The blade delivers up to 10X the life of a bi-metal recip blade in the same application. Lazer CT features high-performance carbides that are welded (not brazed) to increase durability and prevent tooth loss. The blade also features a taller and thicker profile to deliver straight cuts in these demanding metal cutting applications. By cutting longer and faster in these materials, end users save time and money on the job.
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: $15
For more information, click here.
Winner – Wood Reciprocating Saw Blades
Diablo DS0903CP 9″ 3TPI Carbide Teeth Reciprocating Saw Blade for Pruning & Fast Clean Wood
What they said:
Diablo new Demo Demon Carbide pruning and fast clean wood blades feature an aggressive carbide tooth geometry. They deliver an unmatched 50 times longer cutting life, faster cuts, and increased productivity in pruning and clean wood cutting applications. These industry-first carbide blades are designed with large gullets and a strengthened, oversized blade body for fast chip removal. In addition, these blades feature Perma-Shield non-stick coating to prevent gumming and friction for fast, effortless cuts in some of the toughest wood-cutting scenarios.
What we say:
When the bushes get too thick for your hedge trimmer, most folks oil up the ‘ole chainsaw. It’s a whole lot easier just to grab your reciprocating saw, though. Diablo’s Carbide Pruning Blade takes care of the issue by cutting through thick branches quickly. You’ll be done before your neighbor even gets his chainsaw fired up. Since you have carbide teeth, one blade will give you a lot of cutting for the price.
Price: $8.97
For more information, click here.
Winner – Cutting & Routing Accessories
Rockler Woodworking and Hardware Pro Lift Router Lift
What they said:
Two patent-pending features raise the Rockler Pro Lift into a class of its own. You get ultra-fast ”Quick-Gear” height adjustments and also ”Snap-Lock” tool-free insert ring changes. Push the button to release the insert ring, then wind the Quick-Gear to raise the bit above the table in just seconds. Once the bit is installed, quickly lower it, click in the insert ring, and use the fine adjustment gear to set the final height to within 0.001”. All this is achieved more quickly, more efficiently, and more intuitively with the Rockler Pro Lift.
What we say:
Rockler’s Pro-Lift Router Lift helps bring precision routing to your router table at a price that won’t require a second mortgage. Two-speed adjustments let you raise your router quickly, then dial it into an incredibly precise height. Since you can zero the fine adjustment, you’re also able to maintain that high precision no matter what bit you have installed.
Price: $369.99
For more information, click here.
Winner – Cutting Guides/Plates
Bora Tool Quickcut
What they said:
The Bora Quickcut circular saw cutting guide is designed to achieve precise measurements and cuts each and every time. The large molded handle allows for a sure grip, and the ability to reference the guide against the edge of your material adds precision and accuracy. It has four common preset angles (90°, 45°, 60°, and 22.5°) with pre-marked slots. You can set the guide at 90 degrees and use it as a square or combine the use of the rule and the pre-set angles to measure distance along an angled line. There’s also the dual measuring markings—both imperial and metric—allowing you to work the way you want.
This is a convenient and often forgotten feature which means you need not carry two squares or guides. Best of all, the 14” aluminum guide rail is the ideal size for long, straight measurements and marks, and can be used as a saw guide. This is the Swiss Army Knife of cutting guides.
What we say:
What’s really handy here is the ability to use Bora’s Quickcut to make perfect crosscuts and common miter cuts without the need for a miter saw. Since the Quickcut is less than $25, it’s an easy addition to make for any Pro or DIYer who wants to use their circular saw for a wider array of cuts.
Price: $25
For more information, click here.
Winner – Drill Bit Guides
Big Gator Tools Metric V-DrillGuide-(10-14mm)
What they said:
The patented Metric V-DrillGuide is the fifth drill guide designed by Big Gator Tools. The drill bit guide is the largest Metric drill guide available on the market. This Metric V-DrillGuide is 100% American-made and will last for generations to come and includes a Lifetime Warranty.
The whole guide is made from alloyed steel that is heat-treated for durability, allowing a tight tolerance for drilling. The 90° “V-groove” is found on the entire bottom of the drill guide which ensures perpendicular alignment on round and cornered material. In addition, the hole alignment marks on either side of the guide allow accurate placement. The Metric V-DrillGuide has a rectangular shape to allow users ample room to clamp down before drilling.
The drill guide is easy to use: hold the drill guide on the material with the “V-groove” side resting on the drillable surface, clamp, and drill. Use the drill guide on corners, round, or flat parts. There are 9 smooth holes to guide various drill bits. These smooth holes, unlike drilled or reamed holes, allow less wear on your tools. Because the drill guide is made of the alloyed steel and is heat-treated, these holes will not falter with multiple uses. Time and money will be saved by drilling once with perfectly aligned holes on wood, plastic, or metal surfaces.
The drill guide has 9 hole sizes to use: 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5, 12, 12.5, 13, 13.5, 14mm. This tool really drills home for larger projects.
What we say:
Big Gator Tools takes their Pro Tool Innovation Award-winning design to another level with an expansion into metric sizes. The guide plus a clamp or two set up perfect holes without a drill press, even on corners and round workpieces. They back their build quality with a lifetime warranty and it’s a Made in the USA product. At $30, it’s a lot cheaper than a drill press and a heck of a lot more portable.
Price: $29.95
For more information, click here.
Winner – Wood Drill Bits
Milwaukee 13/16″ x 18″ SHOCKWAVE Lineman’s Impact Auger Bit
What they said:
Linemen need to drill holes into utility poles to fasten lines and hardware to existing poles, or to frame new poles for change-outs and the constructions of new lines. While completing these applications, they could be on the ground, up in a utility bucket or even climbing on the pole. Due to the variety of environments and orientations in which they drill, it is key that they are able to drill clean, fast holes in order to easily slip the hardware into the hole with little effort.
The new SHOCKWAVE Lineman’s Impact Auger Bits are engineered to deliver Cleaner, Faster Holes in wooden utility poles. A traditional ship auger is designed to cut through dimensional lumber and be robust enough to survive nail impacts. This type of design leads to slow, rough cuts in dense, treated utility poles, creating a lot of user frustration. The new Shockwave Lineman’s Impact Auger Bits are designed with key features to optimize them for swift, easy drilling in dense utility poles.
What we say:
Milwaukee tackles several key areas in making their SHOCKWAVE Lineman’s Impact Auger Bit a better fit for the utility sector than standard auger bits. There’s a single spur on the cutting edge that scores the wood, leaving a cleaner finish. A PTFE (nonstick) coating makes the drilling smoother in treated wood while the wide flute geometry allows chips to eject more efficiently. The feed screw and cutting edge are also more aggressive to bore quickly and keep your crew more productive. The result is an auger bit that lineman will reach for before ones with just dimensional lumber at the heart of the design.
Price: $36.99
For more information, click here.
Winner – Driver Bit Holders/Extenders
Milwaukee SHOCKWAVE 12″ Impact Locking Bit
What they said:
When searching for a way to hold a bit securely in place during fastening applications, many users turn to a C-ring bit holder with an internal clip that holds the bit. Unfortunately, C-ring designs don’t create as secure a lock as needed in certain applications. For years, manufacturers have tried to solve that problem through an array of locking bit holder designs, but each came with trade-offs. Some sacrificed size for more magnetism. Others created compact designs with a good amount of magnetic transfer but less durability.
The new SHOCKWAVE Locking Bit Holders are the most durable and strongest locking bit holders-without the trade-offs.
Each bit holder’s auto locking design allows it to fit all inserts and ¼” hex bits. These new bit holders feature two magnets to maximize magnetic transfer and holding power to the fastener versus the typical single magnet design. Their smaller profile and a Quick Release Collar also provide for easy one-handed bit changes. And just like all SHOCKWAVE impact duty accessories, each features an optimized Shockzone geometry to provide up to 30x longer life and absorb 3x more torque to prevent breakage.
What we say:
There’s nothing like driving a screw in an awkwardly tight location only to pull the extension out and realize you left the bit behind. Milwaukee’s Shockwave Locking Bit Holders deal with that frustration by using a combination of stronger magnetic hold and a 1/4″ quick release collar. Since fastening duties often fall to the impact driver, Milwaukee also made this part of their Shockwave line, taking advantage of a shock absorbing Shockzone. It might be time to stop wasting money on lost bits.
Price: $13.97
For more information, click here.
Winner – Specialty Drill Bits
Simpson Strong-Tie Deck-Drive DCU screw plug solution
What they said:
For composite or PVC decking, the Deck-Drive DCU Composite screw is engineered to provide beautiful fastening results for all types of composite decking while also offering greater ease of installation, a clean finish and superb corrosion resistance. The Deck-Drive DCU is the go-to-screw for all your composite decking applications, eliminating the need to mix and match screws to the decking they are suited for. These screws are offered in collated for the Quik Drive auto-feed screw driving system, or in bulk for hand-drive applications.
The DCU screw plug is made from deck and trim manufacturer materials for an exact color and texture match. It’s also resistance to weathering and approved for use with Trex composite boards. The Auto-Set Driver Bit is perfect for hand-driving Deck-Drive DCU Composite fasteners when using DCU screw plugs. It’s designed for use with impact drivers or drills and has a non-abrasive depth stop to minimize marring the board surface and control drive depth.
What we say:
Simpson Strong-Tie sets their sights on another Pro Tool Innovation Award by dialing in their DCU Deck Drive System in with features that will make a difference on your next deck install. You have plugs and corrosion-resistant screws, of course. But it’s the Auto-Set Driver Bit that takes it to the next level. It uses an auto-stop to help your drill set each screw to the perfect depth every time. The system is easy enough for the DIYer and solid enough for the Pro.
Price: Varies
For more information, click here.
Winner – Sockets
Milwaukee SHOCKWAVE Lineman’s Pole Step Socket 49-66-5131
What they said:
Pole steps were used in wooden utility poles to help lineman climb. Today, lineman use climbing gaffs or spikes to climb wooden utility poles. Old pole steps are now commonly removed to ensure the public does not climb on these utility structures. They are also seen as untrustworthy as the poles can be rotten on the inside and steps may pull out unintentionally.
Pole steps are most commonly removed using a screwdriver or wrench. Some crews, however, make homemade and expensive pole-removal products as well. As part of their SHOCKWAVE Lineman’s line of accessories, Milwaukee introduces a Pole Step Socket. This makes the process of removing pole steps much easier than ever before. The socket features a quick insert geometry for easy set-up in the tool. Rounded edges aid with safer removal of the pole step. Once the pole step is removed, the Socket’s hardware hook ensures that the step isn’t dropped (which is especially important from great heights).
What we say:
If your crew frequently deals with utility pole step removal, Milwaukee’s SHOCKWAVE Lineman’s Pole Step Socket should be in their hands. This specially-designed socket grabs the pole step so your crew can use a power tool to quickly and easily remove them. You’ll likely make back the $75 price in time savings on the first day for every crew that puts it to work.
Price: $74.99
For more information, click here.
Winner – Grinder Abrasive Wheels
Diablo DCX045060B01F / 4-1/2 in. 60-Grit Steel Demon Grinding and Polishing Flap Disc with Integrated Speed Hub
What they said:
Diablo’s new 4-1/2 in. Steel Demon Grinding and Polishing Flap Disc grinds and polishes simultaneously to help you scale down and smooth out metal and stainless steel surfaces. Featuring a new Speed HUB design, this flap disc can be changed quickly, without the use of tools. A conical shape and 60-grit (coarse) composition combine for 10X faster material removal, leaving behind a shiny surface that gives your workpiece a revitalized appearance and/or operational resurgence.
What we say:
There’s a reason Diablo is a leader in cutting and grinding accessories. While some people look at the flap disc and try to figure out some way to make it better, Diablo finds three. With the Steel Demon Grinding and Polishing Flap Disc, the really big deal is that it grinds and polishes in just one step and eliminates the need for a second accessory. You also get faster material removal and tool-free disc changes. So what are you waiting for? Give your current flap discs to your apprentice and start saving time and money.
Price: $9.97
For more information, click here.
Winner – Metal Hole Saws
Milwaukee Tool HOLE DOZER with Carbide Teeth 49-56-0720
What they said:
Building on the popular Hole Dozer bi-metal product, these new hole saws provide 50X life in extreme abrasive material applications and deliver the longest life in stainless steel, vastly outperforming standard bi-metal hole saws and other similar carbide-tipped solutions.
Typically, hole saw users need to keep on hand multiple ranges of products to tackle the diverse gauntlet of materials they encounter on the job site. Armed with the Hole Dozer with Carbide Teeth, users can cut easily in high speed through Nail Embedded Wood, Stainless Steel, Cement board, Fiberglass, and Plaster. Maintaining the thermoset coating, the new Hole Dozer with Carbide Teeth hole saws will experience reduced friction and drag during cutting.
For cuts that create plugs of material that become lodged in the hole saw, plug access can mean the difference between a quick cut and a frustrating loss of time. The Hole Dozer includes Plug Jack T-Slots, a slot design that allows full access during plug removal. These slots give access lower into the cup for thick material and higher towards the teeth for thin material. With multiple positions to apply leverage and better plug access, Plug Jack T-Slots increase productivity and eliminate wasted downtime between holes.
What we say:
Shop Tool Reviews director, Tim Johnson is super-stoked that the Milwaukee Carbide HOLE DOZER is our 2018 winner for metal-cutting hole saws. It has a massive appetite for more than just metal, though. The carbide teeth are appropriate for plaster, fiberglass, cement board, stainless steel, and more. With 50 times the life of a standard bi-metal blade, you’ll replace your metal hole saws much less frequently.
Price: $17.99
For more information, click here.
Winner – Wood Hole Saws
Milwaukee BIG HAWG Hole Saws
What they said: 
This hole saw provides extreme life and durability in both nail-embedded wood and abrasive material applications. The large carbide teeth outlast and outperform other competitive solutions giving end users 50X life and the ability to cut through 1000 more nails. With the addition of a uniquely engineered carbide-tipped multi-material pilot bit and optimized slot design, Milwaukee designed the BIG HAWG with Carbide Teeth for easy plug removal and 5X faster cuts. This allows users to get more holes done. Big Hawg with Carbide Teeth’s extreme life and durability paired with the increased material versatility makes this the best solution on the market.
What we say:
When we first saw Milwaukee’s new 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 other can’t.
Price: $29.97
For more information, click here.
Winner – Stands, Tables, & Bases
Rockler Woodworking and Hardware Convertible Benchtop Router Table
What they said:
The folding base on this Convertible Benchtop Router Table quickly reconfigures for benchtop use. The table also supports wall-mounting or it can collapse entirely for storage or transport. In addition, the unique router plate lets you quickly remove the router for freehand use, then dock it again for table use—the compact size of the plate makes it light and nimble in freehand applications. Compact and portable, yet fully-featured, the table is ideal for small shops and jobsite use. Triangulate the base and mount it to the wall of your shop or to stud walls on the jobsite. Use it on your benchtop or on the tailgate of your truck, then collapse it and tuck it under the bench or into the truck cab. The Mid-Size plate’s two-piece design lets you attach your router at the correct angle so that the handles fit through the table opening.
What we say:
What our team really loves about Rockler’s Convertible Benchtop Router Table is how versatile it is to use on a workbench or install against a wall. Add in the quick installation or removal of your router, and you have a recipe for a Pro-level, jobsite feel. All that at a price that’s within reach for hobbyist woodworkers and makers.
Price: $199.99
For more information, click here.
Winner – Step Bits
Milwaukee Tool SHOCKWAVE Impact Duty Step Bits 48-89-9249
What they said:
Milwaukee engineered their SHOCKWAVE Impact Duty Step Bits 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 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. Plus, these are Made in the USA.
Price: $85
For more information, click here.
Winner – Drill/Driver Attachments
DeWalt Right Angle Attachment
What they said:
The new DEWALT Right Angle Attachment is an upgrade to the existing right angle attachment. It has a substantially smaller footprint allowing users to access nearly every tight application. Not only will it have a smaller footprint, but it will be 2X more durable vs. the leading competitor. It also has increased fastener retention and increased magnetism for better bit retention and less dropped screws.
What we say:
DeWalt hits all right notes with their Right Angle Attachment upgrade. Getting the smaller footprint is key to getting into the tighter spaces that you want a right angle drill for in the first place. Additional durability and bit retention wrap it all up nicely for another 2018 Pro Tool Innovation Award.
Price: $17.99
For more information, click here.