2018 Plumbing and Electrical Awards

The 2020 Plumbing and Electrical Awards category reveals tons of new innovative products. From expensive dedicated trade-focused tools to feature-rich P&E hand tools, each product addresses and solves a specific problem. Focusing on everything from safety to powerful new ways to work, these PTIA 2020 Plumbing and Electrical Awards go-to tools that every tradesman can appreciate!

Winner – Electrical Accessories

Greenlee Knockouts

What they said: 

Emerson is proud to introduce an entirely new family of knockouts by Greenlee that are made in the USA and are optimized for the widest range of materials and drivers. The next generation of Greenlee knockouts requires fewer parts reducing the risk of loss, feature laser marking for quick part identification, and include unique die alignment markings for improved punching accuracy. The new knockouts can tackle up to 10-gauge mild steel, 12-gauge stainless steel, and can effortlessly handle aluminum, brass, copper fiberglass, and plastics. The taller die design eliminates over-punching, preventing damage to parts. A knurled edge on the punches provides a better grip, while the draw studs feature a unique “dog-point” tip that prevents cross-threading while protecting the threads.

What we say: 

Greenlee’s newest knockout family got our attention. We attribute this to a minimal design that still retains the ability to punch through 10-gauge mild and 12-gauge stainless steel. By reducing the number of parts, the new knockouts are easier to use, easier for new electricians to learn, and less likely to have parts go missing on the jobsite. We also like the laser markings that help align and identify them. While being made in the USA isn’t necessarily innovative, we certainly appreciate Greenlee’s commitment to American manufacturing.

Price: $515 – $3,167

For more information, click here.


Winner – Cordless Wire Crimpers

Milwaukee Tool 2877-22 M18 FORCE LOGIC 750 MCM Dieless Crimper

What they said: 

The lightest in its class, the M18 FORCE LOGIC 750 MCM Dieless Crimper features an in-line design and 180-degree rotating head for easiest alignment. A fully-enclosed high-speed hydraulic pump provides for the fastest dieless connections. When equipped with an M18 REDLITHIUM CP2.0 Battery Pack, the tool delivers up to 90 crimps per charge. A pre-crimp battery check prevents users from starting a crimp the tool cannot complete due to insufficient battery charge, ensuring a full crimp every time.

The new M18 FORCE LOGIC 750 MCM Dieless Crimper is fully compatible with the entire M18 line, now offering more than 180 power tool Milwaukee Tool is proud to unveil the simplest way to crimp without dies. The M18 FORCE LOGIC 750 MCM Dieless Crimper utilizes an industry-first, groundbreaking technology called Auto Distance Control. Auto Distance Control enables the tool to sense the instant it contacts the connector, applying a precise pressure for each size based on crimp distance. This revolutionary technology delivers optimal compression for each individual size allowing for one crimp UL Classified connections and uniform crimp appearance across the entire capacity range.

The beauty of this technology is that it acts entirely behind the scenes. Everything is done simultaneously and instantaneously without the user ever having to stop, slow down, change settings, or do anything different than how they would operate any of the dieless tools they may have used in the past. It truly is the simplest way to crimp products and is a true testament to Milwaukee’s focus on investing in game-changing technology that truly delivers breakthrough solutions for users.

What we say: 

While we’re impressed with Milwaukee’s ability to make a lightest-in-class dieless crimper, the major innovation here is definitely Auto Distance Control. A sensor in the tool detects when the ram contacts the connector and measures the outside diameter. In less than a blink of the eye, it determines the connector size and calculates the distance it needs to travel for a correct crimp. The result is the quality look of a 4-point dieless crimper with the capacity of a single-point. It’s not magic, it’s Milwaukee Force Logic.

Price: $4,599

For more information, click here.

Finalist


Winner – Cordless Wire Cutters

Greenlee Gator Insulated Battery Cutters

What they said: 

The new Greenlee Gator Insulated Series of cutters and crimpers which can help protect a professional from up to 1000 volts, helping to save the lives of professional utility and electrical tradesmen while on the job. Its crimpers are UL and cUL classified with seven major brands of lugs and splices. The innovative battery-powered Gator Insulated Series of cutting and crimping tools can help reduce the operator’s field of movement and exertion, which can improve precision and safety in these hazardous and confined work conditions.

A patent-pending tri-insulation barrier impedes voltage from discharging between the head and the body of the tool. The Insulated Gator Series features a brush guarded head aimed at helping to avoid accidental contact with conductors, and a 360-degree rotating head for improved agility in confined workspaces. The new Gator Insulated tools feature a double-tap trigger option which can help prevent the unintentional operation of the tool, an enclosed impact-resistant housing to protect the tool from debris, and an over-molded grip for easy, comfortable handling and control. They are powered by an 18-volt Lithium-ion 4.0Ah Makita battery platform which enables users to accomplish more cuts and crimps per charge. New Gator Insulated crimpers also feature Intelli-CRIMP technology. This innovative feature allows the professional to monitor each cycle of use to ensure crimping force is achieved. If the complete crimping force is not reached, the tool will notify the professional with an audible alarm and visual alert, and the OLED screen will show a description of the tool problem.

The new Insulated Gator Series tools are Bluetooth compatible and work with Greenlee’s innovative i-Press app. The i-Press app platform allows professionals to view the battery charge, last service date, last five pressure measurements, tool temperature, and the number of cycles completed with a connected tool. Users can create a project within the i-Press app to save and combine crimping operation data and track tool performance. When the project is complete, an overview report is generated and sent as a PDF.

What we say: 

Greenlee’s Gator Insulated Cutters take safety to the next level. Through their innovative tri-insulation barriers, brush guards, and 360° rotating heads, any voltage that reaches the head has no chance to make to the handle and through your body. Greenlee even covers maintenance and recertification every 2 years/5000 cycles at no additional charge. Combined with proper safe work setup and your PPE, Greenlee Gator Insulated Tools add another layer of protection against accidents.

Price: $1,884 – $3,738

For more information, click here.


Winner – Fish Rods/Tape

Milwaukee Polyester Fish Tapes

What they said: 

Our Polyester Fish Tapes feature a high flexibility tape for the easiest fishing. The triple strand design won’t kink after repeated use and delivers a more durable tape. The non-conductive tip allows you to safely handle wire and cable in electrical applications. A low-friction case provides you with a smooth payout and easy rewind. The fish tape features a multi-position handle allowing you to comfortably use the fish tape in any job site scenario.

What we say: 

The triple strand design of the Milwaukee fish tapes offers the best of both worlds. You get greater stiffness for payout but low friction for rewind. It’s a solid fish tape design, getting to the endpoint faster and coming back easier. The low-friction assists the tape inside the case as much as inside of conduit. Virtually gone are the tough pushes and pulls that can make wire installation so tedious. And the case’s wide, inside grips are excellent. Overall, Milwaukee has done a great job with this tool.

Price: $84.99-$174.99

For more information, click here.


Winner – Powered Fish Rods/Tape

Milwaukee Tool 2873-20 M18 FUEL Angler Pulling Fish Tape

What they said: 

The M18 FUEL Angler Pulling Fish Tape is the world’s first battery-powered fish tape solution. This new battery-powered fish tape puller is more efficient with an automatic feed that pushes through bends faster for maximum jobsite efficiency. AUTO-RUN Powered Feed & Retract completely eliminates manual operation with a simple trigger pull. The M18 FUEL Angler completely replaces hand tool fish tapes and begins to bridge the gap between fish tapes and pullers with its ability to pull wires and its Interchangeable Fish tape System.

What we say: 

Let’s go fishing! Milwaukee takes the hard work out of pulls by letting their M18 battery system provide the muscle with the M18 Fuel Angler. It’s capable of both feeding and retracting steel and non-conductive tapes. The drums can also be swapped out to match different conditions or preferences. In the event that your line gets tangled, just flip the latches on the drum to access it and get your line back in the water, er, conduit.

Price: $369.99

For more information, click here.


Winner – Cordless Knockout Tool

Milwaukee Tool 2677-21 M18 FORCE LOGIC 6T Knockout

What they said: 

When Milwaukee introduced their Knockout System in 2014 they brought a fresh perspective to hole-making, essentially redefining the entire process to promote better ease of use and productivity. The 10-ton tool gave a wide range of commercial and industrial users the speed, hole quality, and capacity they needed. But because that range was so wide, it became increasingly important to provide an optimized compact solution for the breadth of applications that service and MRO professionals deal with which require maneuverability.

The addition of the 6-ton solution, 40% lighter than their 10-ton offering, provides these users with a reliable tool that they can easily navigate within these tight spaces and deliver the capacity to punch up to 4″ holes in 14 gauge mild steel.

What we say: 

While you can use heavy-duty tools for light- and medium-duty applications, there are some cases where light, more compact tools are more desirable. That’s certainly the case with knockout tools. Milwaukee answered the call by bringing their M18 FORCE LOGIC technology into a more compact 6T tool. This knockout tool shaves off the weight and still gives you up to 4-inch capacity. It will save your arms and cover the majority of knockout needs for MRO crews and residential electricians.

Price: $999

For more information, click here.


Winner – Cable Pullers

Greenlee G10 TUGGER

What they said: 

The Greenlee G10 TUGGER features a two-speed custom-designed motor that is capable of continuously pulling up to 8,000 pounds and a maximum pulling force of 10,000 pounds. The improved motor helps increase productivity by reducing downtime, while the force indicator display helps prevent damage to the puller and cable. The innovative motor board design on the G10 TUGGER efficiently uses electricity to create a better pull performance. Additional key features include:

  • Force Indicator Display – Visually shows the operator the pull in increments of 1,000 pounds, giving the operator more control.
  • Right-Angle Sheave – Designed to help keep operators outside the direct line of the pull.
  • Multi-Purpose Foot Switch – Empowers the user to select between high or low speed, as well as starting and stopping the pull, while keeping the operator outside of the direct line of the pull.

The G10 TUGGER is cULus Listed and compatible with the Greenlee ULTRA TUGGER mounting systems, allowing contractors to easily adapt the new cable puller to existing equipment. Mounting options include the Mobile VersiBoom providing fast, one-person set up; the chain mount for tighter spaces; or the floor mount, which provides the ultimate flexibility for pulling applications. The G10 TUGGER can be purchased individually or with any of the mounting systems.

What we say: 

Pulling wire and cable may be a rite of passage for electricians, but that doesn’t mean they don’t welcome all the help they can get. Greenlee’s G10 Tugger helps with a Herculean 8,000-pound continuous pull force and 10,000-pound momentary while still running on a 115V, 20A outlet. We’re drawn to the ease of setup, the versatility of the setup options, and the two-speed operation with Force Indication Display that gives the user constant feedback.

Price: $9,920

For more information, click here.


Winner – Wire Strippers

Ripley Tools Miller MB04 “Twister” FTTX Drop Cable Slitter

Ripley Miller MB04 Cable SlitterWhat they said: 

Patent-pending design slits both sides of FTTX drop cable jackets on end or mid-span applications, and allows for precise, safe, and easy access to fiber buffer tube.

  • The unique articulating hinge allows accurate end AND mid-span stripping without disassembling the tool — simply close the tool over the cable and pull to slit jacket
  • Shielded blades promote safe operation and prevent cuts and lacerations
  • Ergonomic design with convenient opening tabs fits comfortably in hand and requires minimal effort to use
  • Comes with two installed reversible blades plus two additional replacement blades stowed conveniently in the tool
  • Lightweight and durable polymer construction
  • Replacement blade kit comes with 4 blades

What we say: 

When you have to access fiber buffer tube mid-span, you can’t afford mistakes from a blade accidentally slipping and cutting where it shouldn’t. Ripley Tools solves that issue with its MB04 FTTX Drop Cable Slitter. By simply closing the tool where you want to start your access (including the ends), you pull the tool in the direction of the arrow for the distance you need. No surgeon-like hands are necessary! In addition to the FTTX ULW Drop Cable Slitter, there’s also a Flat Drop Cable Splitter option available.

Price: $39.99

For more information, click here.


Winner – Cordless Wire Strippers

Milwaukee Tool 2935 M18 Cable Stripper

What they said: 

The M18 Cable Stripper vastly improves the cable stripping experience. With no exposed blades, the tool provides safer stripping than with a knife. Its compact, right-angle design helps users maneuver it more easily in tight spaces with less strain on the wrist. Built with an innovative bushing design, it makes cleaner more accurate strips.

What we say: 

Milwaukee expands its electrical line with a cable stripper on the M18 battery platform. They give it a tight head to reach into tight spaces and a right angle drill-esque form factor keeps things ergonomic for your wrist and arm. What sets this tool apart from other cordless models on the market is the bushing design. It leaves you with a more accurate strip so you can focus on making the connection and not cleaning up what the tool was supposed to do in the first place.

Price: $269.97

For more information, click here.


Winner – VDV

IDEAL Electrical 33-507 & 85-377J Feed-Thru Termination Hip Kit and CAT6 Feed-Thru Modular Plugs

What they said: 

The IDEAL Feed-Thru Termination Hip Kit and CAT6 Feed-Thru Modular Plugs are designed to simplify and improve the consistency of cable to connector terminations. The Hip Kit includes the FT-45 RJ-45 crimping tool, scissors, and cable jacket stripper in a compact pouch. The FT-45 crimps Feed-Thru, standard, and shielded plugs ranging from CAT5e through CAT6A.

It is a simple, versatile, compact, and highly effective crimp tool for installers and techs who terminate RJ-45 connectors regularly. It can replace multiple crimp tools carried by installers due to its connector compatibility range and smaller size. The blade cleanly shears the excess conductors and leaves a smooth, flat finish to the end face of the connector and lasts for over 2,000 cuts. When used with the 85-377J CAT6 Feed-Thru modular plug, the need for traditional multiple-piece connectors is eliminated. The conductors can be pushed or pulled into the connector within ¼” of the contact to ensure that the twisted pairs are as close to the pin contacts as possible and that the jacket is seated beyond the primary strain relief for a secure connection.

This 100 piece Jar can also be used on CAT5e cables as the CAT6 connector design is backward compatible with CAT5e conductors. These products simplify the once complex and error-prone assembly of field terminated modular plugs.

What we say: 

Ideal’s Feed-Thru Termination Hip Kit combined with their CAT6 Feed-Thru Modular Plugs is all about simplifying connections and reducing mistakes. With the range of the connector types it works with, you can have your crew up to speed faster or simply make yourself more efficient on the next job. Fewer mistakes and greater efficiency makes you more profitable and instills a greater sense of trust from your clients.

Price: $77.00

For more information, click here.


Winner – Cordless Augers

Milwaukee Tool MXF501-1CP MX Fuel Sewer Drum Machine w/ POWERTREDZ

What they said: 

Our MX FUEL Sewer Drum Machine with POWERTREDZ simplifies sewer calls by providing POWERTREDZ Lift Assist technology and the power to clear roots at 200 ft out while containing the mess with a fully closed drum. POWERTREDZ Lift Assist technology allows you to perform one-person transportation of the machine up and down stairs as well as in and out of a service van.

The POWERSTATE Brushless Motor gives you the power to clear roots up to 200 ft out in 3″-8” sewer lateral lines. This provides you with full power at the maximum capacity of the machine.

The drum is fully enclosed providing you with the best protection against the mess. The sewer machine features CABLE-DRIVE Automatic Feed & Retract, which reduces your fatigue by eliminating the need to pull back the cable from the pipe. The RAPID STOP button quickly releases the CABLE DRIVE bearings to prevent the cable from binding. REDLINK PLUS intelligence improves your control with an integrated drum brake, slowing the power sewer machine faster than competitor drums.

The MX FUEL REDLITHIUM battery pack allows you to power through multiple jobs on a single charge, delivering cordless mobility, safety, and power supply to the drain cleaning industry. It is compatible with all MILWAUKEE MX FUEL REDLITHIUM batteries giving you the hardest working and most reliable power for equipment.

The drum sewer machine is ONE-KEY Compatible. You can track, manage, and secure your equipment from your mobile device or computer using the industry’s largest Bluetooth community tracking network. If the sewer machine is lost or stolen you can prevent tampering with remote lockout capability.

What we say: 

Milwaukee’s MX Fuel Sewer Drum Machine has the power to clear large lines up to 8 inches out to 200 feet. Its automatic feeding and retraction system saves a lot of effort and we like that there’s a simple button to release the bearings and avoid bind-ups. All of those things make this a very capable auger, but it’s the PowerTredz that our judging team is really excited about. Anytime you’re climbing or descending stairs or loading the machine into a truck, hefting the weight of a machine like this is slow, fatiguing, and can potentially damage finishes. Milwaukee’s assisted lifting system helps avoid those issues and reduces the risk of lifting injuries.

Price: $3,499

For more information, click here.


Winner – Cordless Drain Snakes

Milwaukee Tool 2772-21XC M18 FUEL Drain Snake w/CABLE DRIVE Kit

What they said: 

Our M18 FUEL Drain Snake with CABLE DRIVE Locking Feed System represents the next level in performance for handheld machines and is the first to bring brushless motor technology to the drain cleaning industry. The POWERSTATE Brushless Motor provides more clearing power than corded competitors for tough jobs through 3-inch drain lines. REDLINK PLUS Intelligence ensures maximum performance under load and improves control throughout the entire process. The REDLITHIUM battery pack powers through multiple jobs on a single charge, delivering cordless mobility, safety, and power supply to the drain cleaning industry.

MILWAUKEE CABLE DRIVE Locking Feed System maintains the selected feed speed, and its twist-lock design auto-adjusts to all compatible cable sizes, giving you the best cable grip when feeding and working the clog. Our drain snake is the professional solution for unclogging sinks, bathtubs, showers, and more. M18 FUEL Drain Snake has a fully enclosed drum to ensure you get the best protection and mess containment. This kit includes a 5 Piece Small Cable Head Attachment Kit with RUST GUARD Plating, a ¼” X 35’ Inner Core Bulb Head Cable with RUST GUARD Plating, a ⅜” X 35’ Inner Core Coupling Cable with RUST GUARD Plating, an M18 REDLITHIUM XC 5.0 Battery Pack, an M18 & M12 Multi-Voltage Charger, and a storage bucket.

What we say: 

Moving from the M12 to the M18 platform on Milwaukee’s newest Drain Snake means there’s more power available—enough to clear 50 feet down the line. Additionally, the Cable Drive Locking Feed System helps by maintaining the feed speed, and the twist-lock automatically adjusts to 1/4″, 5/16″, and 3/8″ cables. On the safety side of things, the drum is fully-enclosed which also helps contain the mess. When you go with the 2772-21XC kit, you get the M18 Fuel Drain Snake, 5-piece small cable head attachment kit w/Rust Guard plating, 1/4″ x 35′ inner core bulb head cable w/Rust Guard plating, 3/8″ x 35′ inner core coupling cable w/Rust Guard plating, 5.0Ah battery, M18 and M12 charger, and a storage bucket.

Price: $659

For more information, click here.


Winner – Cordless PEX Expansion

Milwaukee Tool 2633-22HD M18 FORCE LOGIC 2″–3″ ProPEX Expansion Tool

What they said: 

The M18 FORCE LOGIC 2” – 3” ProPEX Expansion Tool combines with the M12 and M18 ProPEX Expansion Tools to deliver the industry’s most consistent commercial installations. Its powerful hydraulic system expands up to 3” Uponor PEX pipe, and like its M12 and M18 predecessors, features an auto-rotating head that expands pipe uniformly and maximizes installation speed. A single trigger pull initiates the tool to rotate, expand, and reset automatically, ensuring consistency across the entire installation. Its intelligent design provides the user optimum balance in overhead connections and can also be flipped over to sit squarely on a table-top for extended use on-site or in the shop. Featuring Milwaukee ONE-KEY Technology, track your tool within 100 ft. range of any phone with the ONE-KEY App, view tool usage, receive notifications for recommended maintenance, and sync information wirelessly to the cloud.

What we say: 

When you have large diameter PEX installations, life gets a bit tougher than your typical single-family residential install. Milwaukee’s M18 Force Logic ProPex Expander covers 2″–3″ PEX installations with automatic head rotation to ensure you get an even expansion. One-Key integration helps you keep track of your tool while keeping your maintenance schedule in check.

Price: $2,500

For more information, click here.


Winner – Pipe Cutters

Milwaukee Tool 48-22-4263 Close Quarters Tubing Cutter Set

What they said: 

When Milwaukee launched a lineup of copper tubing cutters in 2018, they focused on delivering solutions with the very best durability and cut performance in the industry. They’ve further enhanced this line by giving users another option when they need to make cuts in the tightest spaces.

No matter if you prefer the adjustability of the original Mini and Constant Swing Copper Tubing Cutters, or the even more compact nature of the new Close Quarters Tubing Cutters, Milwaukee has a range of solutions to accommodate the most common sizes of tubing.

What we say: 

We like Milwaukee’s Constant Swing Copper Tubing Cutter and the Mini, but sometimes you struggle in tight spaces. Milwaukee delivers an even more compact set of options to get the job done. You still get chrome rollers to keep the durability high and weep holes which allow water to drain before it can do damage. These are available in 1/2″, 3/4″, and 1″ sizes along with a 3-piece kit option.

Price: $49.99

For more information, click here.


Winner – Cordless Pipe Cutters

RYOBI P593 18V ONE+ PVC & PEX Cutter

What they said: 

RYOBI introduces the 18-Volt ONE+ Lithium-ion Cordless PVC and PEX Cutter (Tool Only). The 2 in. stainless steel blade allows clean cuts from 1/4 in. to 2 in. thick in plastic tubing. This blade is also replaceable for continued performance. Featuring a quick blade release and a tool-free, one button blade change, this tool provides users with maximum efficiency. Power is no problem when pairing this ONE+ PVC and PEX Cutter with a ONE+ 2.0 Ah Battery (not included), providing 300 cuts on a single charge. Best of all, it’s a part of the RYOBI ONE+ System of over 175 Cordless Tools that all work on the same battery platform. Backed by the RYOBI 3-Year Manufacturer’s Warranty, the 18-Volt ONE+ Lithium-Ion Cordless PVC and PEX Cutter includes an operator’s manual. Battery and charger sold separately.

What we say: 

Cutting up to 2-inch PVC and PEX, Ryobi’s P593 makes pipe cutting much easier than manual and ratcheting cutters. It has a tool-free replaceable blade that saves time when you need to make a change in the field. With the ability to make 300 cuts on a 2.0Ah battery, you can get through an entire day’s worth of cuts without stopping to recharge. Great for DIYers, plumbers, and irrigation technicians, it’s a handy addition to the 18V ONE+ platform.

Price: $99

For more information, click here.


Winner – Pipe Threaders

Milwaukee Tool 2874-22HD M18 FUEL Pipe Threader w/ONE-KEY

What they said: 

Our M18 FUEL Pipe Threader w/ One-Key is the industry’s first cordless pipe threader, revolutionizing the pipe threading process. The cordless pipe threader features AUTOSTOP technology that senses severe kickback and automatically shuts the tool off. It also has a die head retention lock preventing die head ejection and a side grip to eliminate the need for you to hold the spinning die head when starting threads.

The portable pipe threader delivers unmatched tool control and functionality and allows you to thread faster than the corded competition. Featuring a multi-speed selector, this powerful pipe threader threads faster than corded competitors, maximizing your productivity without compromising thread quality. The metal pipe threader gives you the power to thread up to 2” black iron pipe, stainless steel, and rigid metal conduit (RMC). The handheld pipe threader is compatible with One-Key Technology and is the industry’s first pipe threader that wirelessly connects to a smartphone to track the tool’s location, manage it in inventory, and lock the tool out for added security and protection to your investment.

What we say: 

Without a doubt, the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Pipe Threader was one of the most anticipated tools for plumbing and electrical crews following the brand. The prospect of leaving hand threading and cords behind for a threader that’s just as fast as corded models is exciting. Milwaukee takes things even further with a kickback control that keeps plumbers a little safer as they increase productivity. Including ONE-KEY in the system for tracking, inventory management, and lockout features also adds value to the tool.

Price: $1,699

For more information, click here.


Winner – Cordless Press Tools

RIDGID RP 342-XL Press Tool

What they said: 

One tool. Any material. Every size. The new RIDGID RP 342-XL Press Tool boasts the widest range of applications of any press tool on the market.

No two jobs are created equal, but the RIDGID RP 342-XL Press Tool is built for them all: Its lightweight design packs major power and it allows you to press ½” to 4” copper, stainless steel, and carbon steel pipe, and ½” to 2” PEX pipe – in 10 seconds with one trigger pull.

The lightweight RP 342-XL features QuickSwitch technology that allows you to quickly switch from Standard to Extended 32kN applications to press 2 ½” to 4” carbon steel. Adding to the tool’s versatility and usefulness on the job, the RP 342-XL is compatible with the RIDGID full line of Standard 32kN Press Tool applicators, including the StrutSlayr Strut Shear Head, Press Snap Soil Pipe Cutter, and all MegaPress jaws.

It also offers the lowest initial investment for contractors whose goal is to press up to 4” copper, stainless steel, and carbon steel pipe.

The RP 342-XL comes with the RIDGID Full Lifetime Warranty.

What we say: 

Ridgid asks you to paint the following picture in your head: imagine using just one press tool over a wide range of sizes for pressing and cutting. If that seems too good to be true, prepare for your skepticism to get dashed against the hard rocks of this present reality. The Ridgid RP 342-XL Press Tool is about to make your wildest pipe dreams come true with a monster range that presses 1/2-inch all the way to 4-inch pipe (up to 2-inch on PEX). Covering copper, stainless, carbon steel pipe, and PEX, its interchangeable head system lets you press, cut, and shear all with one cordless tool.

Price: $2,464.95

For more information, click here.


Winner – Cordless Plumbing Specialty

RIDGID StrutSlayr Strut Shear Head

What they said: 

The RIDGID StrutSlayr Strut Shear Head creates clean, square strut cuts free from chips and burrs with a single pull of the trigger — and in five seconds or less. Plus, it easily attaches to equipment many pros already have in their arsenal: the RIDGID RP 340 Press Tool.

The only mobile dedicated strut tool on the market, StrutSlayr is field-ready and designed for efficient operation. It’s also easy to use with its built-in measuring guide and 13/16-inch, 1-5/8-inch or combo quick-change dies. It’s also TRISTAND mountable. With StrutSlayr, contractors get enhanced cut quality and safety—critical benefits on today’s jobsites.

In the past, when contractors were working with strut in the field, they have either had to make cuts with tools not designed for strut or make additional trips to the fab shop for more cut strut. Either way, pros had to choose between quality cuts or getting the job done quickly. With RIDGID StrutSlayr, contractors get both quality and efficiency. They don’t have to sacrifice a thing.

The StrutSlayr comes with the RIDGID Full Lifetime Warranty.

What we say: 

We’ve seen plumbers and electricians use a lot of different tools to cut strut in the field, and they all have trade-offs. Ridgid’s StrutSlayr combines the benefits of a handheld cordless tool with accurate and burr-free shearing. And because it’s part of Ridgid’s line of interchangeable heads, it makes tools such as the RP 342-XL even more versatile. As you think about long-term time savings and increased efficiency, the Ridgid StrutSlayr can move your installations along more quickly.

Price: $845.20

For more information, click here.