Cordless tools may be all the rage, but corded tools still do the heavy lifting when you need an unending supply of raw power. There are also significant steps forward in safety and some clever designs to talk about this year. Check out the winners of the PTIA 2019 Corded Tools Awards!
Winner – Grinders
Metabo 9″ Electronic Angle Grinder with Brake (WEPB 24-230 MVT)
What they said:
- Metabo Long-life motor with patented dust protection for long service life
- Highest user safety with mechanical disc brake and deadman switch: disc stops in 2.5 seconds after release, even during a power failure
- Electronic safety shutdown of the motor reduces kickback if the disc stops unexpectedly
- Rotating main handle and side handle can be mounted in 3 positions for optimal handle position, even while cutting
- Tool-free adjustable guard; twist-proof
- Starting Current Limitation with Soft Start prevents fuse being tripped upon start
- Electronic overload protection and restart protection
- Metabo VibraTech (MVT): integrated damping system and side handle to reduce vibration in order to protect the user.
- Metabo safety switch prevents unintentional start
- Auto-stop carbon brushes to protect the motor
- LED signal on triggered restart protection or overheating
What we say:
Large angle grinders spin up a lot more mass than small angle grinders, and that’s why it’s such a big deal that Metabo fitted their WEPB 24-230 MVT with a mechanical disk brake. The fact that Metabo can stop a 9″ grinder wheel from 6,600 RPM in just 2.5 seconds, including due to power failure, is a huge safety factor for Pros that use it day in and day out.
Price: $329
For more information, click here.
Winner – Surface Grinders
DeWalt 5 in. Brushless Surfacing Grinder Kit w/ Kickback Brake (DWE46253)
What they said:
- By utilizing the variable speed option with surfacing shroud, users can slow down the speed on edges and chamfers to collect additional dust versus using at full speed.
- DEWALT designed brushless motor requires no brush changes, high durability through demanding applications, and constant speed under load.
- Kickback Brake works with E-CLUTCH system to automatically shut down the tool and quickly bring the wheel to a stop when a pinch/stall is detected.
- E-CLUTCH system Activates in less than a tenth of a second when a pinch/stall event is detected.
What we say:
In a tight vote for the surface grinder award, DeWalt’s DWE46253 takes the win thanks to two design considerations. Their E-Clutch system is a significant addition to help on the safety side, activating in less than 1/10 of a second in a bind-up.
DeWalt also gets on the AC brushless train, giving you a low-maintenance, long-life brushless motor to work with. You don’t have to worry about when your carbon brushes need changing and you’ll get a longer service life out of the motor.
Price: $219-319
For more information, click here.
Finalist
Hilti DGH 130 Diamond Grinder with SPX Diamond Cup Wheels & Finishing Pads
Winner – Networking & Connectivity Products
DeWalt DCT100 Jobsite WiFi Access Point
What they said:
Extend WiFi access from the trailer to the rest of the job site with the DEWALT Jobsite WiFi Access Point. IP67 rated to protect against dust and water, the Access Point is built tough and able to withstand rugged job sites. The Access Point is simple to set up in the field using the DEWALT WiFi mobile app, without the need for additional IT support. The system also adapts to the changing job site, with the ability to reconfigure automatically as building progresses.
The adaptable mesh network will also repair itself if one unit goes down, to maintain optimal performance. Contractors that installed the WiFi system report increased productivity, collaboration, and efficiency because the field crew can access data, collaborative software, and project management programs in real-time without having to leave the site to find reliable Internet access. The DEWALT Access Point is proudly Made in the USA with global materials.
What we say:
Staying connected on the job site is absolutely necessary, and large commercial projects have a variety of devices and equipment that need WiFi access. DeWalt takes a big step forward with their IP67-rated WDCT100. Instead of relying on a series of routers and access points designed to be in air-conditioned office spaces, DeWalt gives you a solution that’s designed specifically to thrive in real-world job site environments.
Price: $1500
For more information, click here.
Winner – Drywall Sanders
FLEX GE7 Giraffe Drywall Sander
What they said:
FLEX is redefining the standards yet again with the new FLEX Giraffe GE 7. Never before has it been possible to do so many things when effortlessly working on ceilings and walls: even more flexibility in the choice of applications, even greater efficiency when sanding, even better technology from the smallest detail to the system as a whole. It is simply unrivaled in every aspect. And has been so for more than 20 years.
What we say:
The Flex GE 7 Giraffe Drywall Sander is the world’s first drywall sander with interchangeable heads. The simple push-button release lets you easily change between round, edge, and orbital heads. It’s quick, easy, and takes less than 5 minutes to learn, even for an apprentice.
Flex hits ergonomic considerations as well, moving the motor into the handle and shifting weight toward your hands instead of keeping it out at the end.
Price: $999
For more information, click here.
Winner – Electric Sanders
FLEX BSE 14-3 INOX Set
What they said:
The Flex BSE 14-3 INOX Set is for optimum finishing of various materials: burnishing, texturing, polishing, brushing, smoothing, de-rusting and deburring steel and stainless steel surfaces. Plus, it has microprocessor control allowing for speed selection, tachogenerator constant speed control, soft start, restart protection after a power failure, overload protection, and temperature monitoring.
What we say:
Flex has a lot going on as they push deeper into the US market, and the BSE 14-3 INOX Set is a metalworker’s dream. This combination burnisher/pipe sander uses two attachments that switch out on what is essentially a grinder with the head turned 90°. The heavy-duty metal connection requires no tools to lock or release, making changes quickly and easily. It’s one tool that replaces two with German-engineered quality that’s tough to beat.
Price: from $1,075
For more information, click here.
Winner – Miter Saws
SKILSAW SPT88-01 12-in. Worm Drive Dual-Bevel Sliding Miter Saw
What they said:
A mightier miter saw. Backed by legendary Worm Drive gearing, the 12 In. Dual-Bevel Sliding Miter Saw combines dependable quality and lightweight portability into one powerful tool. The time-tested Worm Drive provides relentless power with a 15 AMP Dual-Field motor that keeps cool on the job, increasing longevity and work efficiency. Dual bevel capabilities allow for both left and right cuts, paired with adjustable bevel stops and 4 x 14 cross-cut capacities to let you handle any joints on the job site. This saw is the lightest in its class – making for easy transportation. Feel the might, with SKILSAW.
What we say:
By going with a worm drive instead of a standard belt drive system, the Skilsaw Worm Drive Miter Saw is able to make really smooth cuts with a powerful feel to them. It’s a full-featured saw that competes well against anyone’s flagship model in performance. We love the class-leading 51-pound weight and the use of an LED shadow cut line indicator.
Price: $599
For more information, click here.
Winner – Specialty Saws
SKILSAW SPT55-11 16-in. Worm Drive SAWSQUATCH Carpentry Chainsaw
What they said:
Make impossible cuts, possible. Backed by legendary Worm Drive gearing, the 16 In. SAWSQUATCH Carpentry Chainsaw combines power and durability for extraordinary productivity. Our 15 AMP Dual-Field motor keeps cool on the job, letting you tackle even the most difficult jobs. The full house chain provides precision, giving you cleaner, accurate cuts in a fraction of the time. Featuring magnesium built construction, this chainsaw delivers a lightweight design – allowing for maximum control and efficient handling. The impossible is possible with SKILSAW.
What we say:
Circular saws lose more than half of their diameters when cutting, even with blades more than 16″. When you want to make ridiculously large cuts with an impossibly easy to manage saw, turn to Skilsaw’s Worm Drive Carpentry Chainsaw. The latest addition to the Sawsquatch lineup gives you more than 14″ of cutting depth, making it perfect for engineered beams, large stacks of lumber, and large timber beams.
Price: $699
For more information, click here.
Winner – Tile Saws
FLEX CS 40 Wet Tile Saw
What they said:
This tile cutter is made for use in the stone, tile and glass industries. The powerful, 12-amp motor makes it possible for the saw to cut through any tough material. Includes a side handle for more stability and accepts a curved cutting blade. Curve cutting operations are safer and easier with the CS 40 Wet Saw. The wet stone cutter is also equipped with a high-quality water-feed system that will eliminate the harmful dust particles which are common in dry cutting applications. Another safety feature included is a built-in GFCI.
What we say:
The Flex CS 40 Wet Tile Saw features a much different design than other handheld tile saws that go for a circular saw look. It brings the trigger and side handles closer together with an offset that makes it easier to guide the blade through each cut. Combined with the fence, it gives you a much better shot at making sliding table accurate cuts than almost any other handheld option available.
Price: $159.99
For more information, click here.
Winner – Dust Collectors Vacuums
Rockler 1250 CFM Wall-Mount Dust Collector
What they said:
The unique wall-mount design collects dust while conserving floor space and provides enough power to plumb a whole shop. This product includes a Y-adapter inlet for multiple hoses and a remote for easy on/off from anywhere in your shop. Customers will spend less time attaching and detaching hoses. The unit mounts easily to the wall with keyhole slots, saving valuable floor space in your shop. The motor features a sealed shaft and bearings for quiet, long-lasting operation. Includes a 30-micron bag with a clear window on the side so you can see whether it’s full. A zipper in the bottom of the bag makes emptying convenient.
What we say:
We love the Rocker DustRight system’s whole concept of attaching to the wall and saving floor space. Now with 1250 CFM of available suction power, it’s capable of covering a lot more shop space. We also really like the remote control. Dust collection isn’t quiet at this level. Whether you’re trying to communicate with coworkers or stopping to teach valuable lessons to an apprentice or woodworking class, you’ll save time by avoiding the walk to and from the power switch.
Price: $529.99
For more information, click here.
Winner – Dust Extractors Vacuums
iQ Power Tools iQ426HEPA Dust Extractor
What they said:
The new iQ426HEPA is a dust extractor unlike any other. Less than 1% of the dust ever reaches the filter. This powerful vacuum has a 4 stage cyclonic filtration system that can suck up 50lbs of drywall dust is less than 30 seconds. The iQ426HEPA offers the following:
- 190 CFM (OSHA-compliant with a 7-inch grinder)
- Tool plug-in receptacle
- iQ Power Management System self manages amp pull between vacuum and tool
- 4 Stage Cyclonic Filtration System – One large cyclone, 4 smaller cyclones, iQ Dura Bond filter, and a HEPA filter
- Steel rolling cart with high-flotation tires and 5 accessories included
- 10’ anti-static hose
What we say:
We got our first taste of iQ’s cyclonic filtering system on their dry cut tile saw and it’s a fantastic design. We’re excited to see them apply the technology to a dedicated dust extractor. The big deal is the way it uses cyclonic air movement to pull in and deposit heavier particles on its way through. The main benefit is that so little of what you collect reaches the filter, greatly extending its life. When you’re working with more expensive HEPA filters, it saves both time and money.
Price: $999
For more information, click here.