2018 Concrete and Masonry Awards

Where would we be without concrete helping us build on a firm foundation and create strong structures? Our world would look a whole lot different, that’s for sure! Mixing and forming concrete is one thing, but once it’s cured, we have cutting, drilling, fastening, and much more to do. Check out the winners for the PTIA 2021 Concrete and Masonry awards that are sure to make your concrete world easier to work in.

WINNER – ANCHORS

DEWALT Cast In Place Push In Thread (CIPPIT)

What they said: 

Cast in Place Push In Thread (CIPPIT) are Concrete Inserts used by Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Fire Sprinkler contractors to save time and money on their Hanger systems. CIPPIT does not require turning the threaded rod or threaded bolt during installation which can be ideal for applications such as mounting prefabricated hardware and hanger assemblies. It can accept burred or oiled rods, commonly available standard UNC threaded rods and is designed to eliminate thread misalignment. CIPPIT is at the forefront of labor savings time and safety for users, linking design, fabrication, and field Installation for MEP Hangers.

What we say: 

Cast in place concrete inserts are nothing new but they’ve certainly changed construction techniques compared to what they used to be. Taking things a step further, DeWalt’s Cast In Place Push In Thread makes threaded rod installation easier by simply pushing it in place instead of turning. You’ll see significant time savings and have a better shot at keeping your project on track. Find them as options on DeWalt’s Wood-Knocker II+ and Bang-It+ anchors.

Price: $4.00-$6.00

For more information, click here.


WINNER – CONCRETE FASTENING

Next Generation Tapcon Concrete Screw Anchors

What they said: 

Tapcon, the original inventor of blue concrete screw anchors is proud to introduce the next generation of the industry’s most trusted concrete fastener. The newly engineered design delivers superior productivity through fast installation and less downtime.

To further improve the speed of installation, Tapcon is shifting from Phillips to a Star flat head

The new Tapcon Star Head recess helps eliminate bit slip during installation. With six points of contact between the bit and the anchor, users can be confident in increased productivity, especially in high torque applications where Phillips bits are prone to slipping. The Tapcon Star Flat Head anchor is also stamped with the Tapcon name, providing assurance that the anchor is a genuine Tapcon. The new Star Flat Head anchors come with a color-coded star drive bit in all large 75 pack and bucket offerings. This includes the T-25 Star bit for 3/16” diameter and T30 for ¼” anchors. Bits are also sold separately and include in our updated Tapcon Pro Installation Kit.

The Tapcon Hex Head concrete screw anchor features new underhead ribs that resist anchor spin-outs and head snaps during installation. The underhead ribs limit over-torquing of the anchor during installation, reducing re-work and increasing productivity.

Both the Star Flat Head and Hex Head Tapcon anchors feature a unique thread design to provide reduced installation torque and a consistent drive across all concrete and masonry substrates. In addition, Tapcon’s Climaseal corrosion-resistant coating provides long-lasting quality and durability on the job.

What we say: 

We’re excited to see Tapcon roll out with Star and Hex heads to give us better bit engagement. They did more than that, though. Both styles have threads that require less torque to install and the Hex Head screws now have ribs under the head to ensure you don’t over-torque them. Masonry fastening has never been easier!

Price: Varies

For more information, click here.


WINNER – ACCESSORIES

Collomix AQiX Water Dosing Instrument

What they said: 

Quickly and accurately measures water for small-batch material mixing to produce the exact desired material consistency every time. The AQiX water meter measures from 10 fl/oz up to 24.75 gallons per batch at a flow rate of up to 10.5 gallons per minute and includes a standard 3/4″ quick connect hose adaptor. Program the amount of water you want on the screen and walk away as it automatically doses and shuts off when the exact amount has been reached. No more hauling buckets. The right water-to-material ratio is key to the functionality of your mixed material. The AQiX Water Dosing Device takes the guesswork out of the equation. When used with a high-quality paddle mixer, it provides fast accurate water measurements saving you time, money and the durability of your mix.

What we say: 

The Collomix AQiX might not seem like something you need, but after mixing buckets with a few different guys, they all came away impressed with how easy it is to use and how quickly it works. Collomix claims 50% faster water measuring, and that certainly seems to be the case in our experience.

In addition to the time savings, it makes your less-experienced helpers more competent and confident in their mixing duties. Whether it’s you or a member of your crew that’s making the mix, you eliminate the guesswork and end up with the correct mix that’s going to hold up the way the manufacturer intended it to.

Price: $245.12

For more information, click here.


WINNER – AUTOMATION

Hilti DD AF-CA H/L Autofeed

What they said: 

Designed to improve jobsite productivity, the DD AF-CA H and DD AF-CA L bring Hilti CutAssist technology to our most popular core rigs, the DD 250-CA and the DD 150-U diamond core drills. When paired with the corresponding diamond core drill, the DD AF-CA units give the operator a semiautonomous experience to diamond drilling by intuitively guiding the drill through the entire process.

What we say: 

Hilti’s Autofeed system is nothing short of amazing for core drilling. Once you set up, the Autofeed takes over, detecting the surface, starting the hole, managing water delivery, detecting and adjusting to rebar, sensing hole completion, and pulling the unit back to the starting position. One person can handle multiple core drills at once, making your crew more productive and with consistent results.

Price: From $1499

For more information, click here.


WINNER – CONCRETE/TUCKPOINTING BLADES

DEWALT 14-Inch Segmented XP4 All-Purpose Diamond Blade DW47424

What they said: 

Tackle the job with these highly durable XP4 All-Purpose Segmented Diamond Blades. Designed for 5X longer life, these extreme performance blades are built with 20% more diamonds than previous models, and with laser-welded segments, you’ll need to replace them less often. Quickly cut through hard concrete with a patented arrow blade design. Cut deep with aerodynamic vents that keep the high-alloy steel core cool for extended use. DEWALT XP4: Durable. Dependable. Designed for Action.

What we say: 

No one we’ve spoken to has ever call concrete cutting “therapeutic” and asked to take longer and we appreciate that DeWalt’s XP4 All-Purpose Diamond Blades make fast cuts. That’s not all they do, though. They have a much longer life compared to DeWalt’s HP diamonds, allowing you to save money by replacing blades less often.

Price: $159

For more information, click here.


WINNER – CORE DRILL

Milwaukee Tool MX FUEL Handheld Core Drill MXF301-1CP

What they said: 

Our MX FUEL Handheld Core Drill allows you to core with more confidence than ever before. A patented clutch and AUTOSTOP technology deliver a safer handheld coring experience. They provide you with maximum control and prevent over-rotation in case the core drilling machine gets bound up. The POWERSTATE Brushless Motor delivers you the power to core up to 6” holes in reinforced concrete. REDLINK PLUS Intelligence ensures maximum performance and protection from overload, overheating, and over-discharge.

An onboard LED level and performance gauge provide you with maximum efficiency while coring. These features, along with the option to wet or dry core make it easier for you to core anywhere. The MX FUEL REDLITHIUM battery pack powers through concrete and block almost anywhere, without the hassle of extension cords or tripping breakers. The cordless core drill is compatible with all MILWAUKEE MX FUEL REDLITHIUM batteries, giving you the hardest working and most reliable power for equipment. The diamond core drill is ONE-KEY Compatible. You can track, manage, and secure equipment from your mobile device or computer using the industry’s largest Bluetooth community tracking network. If your core drill is ever lost or stolen you can prevent tampering with remote lockout capability.

What we say:

Milwaukee’s MX Fuel Core Drill would have walked away with the Core Drill award this year just for producing a legitimate 6-inch cordless model, but they went so much further than that. An electronic clutch system reduces the risk of injury in a bind-up. You have an LED indicator that helps you manage the pressure put on the bit. Finally, Milwaukee builds ONE-KEY Technology into the tool. Powered by Milwaukee’s powerful MX Fuel batteries, it’s taking what you should expect from a cordless tool to another plane—and lets you core right through it.

Price: $2,649.00

For more information, click here.


WINNER – CORDLESS DEMO HAMMERS

Makita 80V max (40V max X2) XGT Brushless Cordless 28 lb. AVT Demolition Hammer Kit, accepts SDS‑MAX bits, AWS Capable GMH02PM

What they said: 

This class of hammer is an extremely high-volume model – you’ll see it chipping, breaking, scraping, and even digging with a spade bit. But when you see this hammer on a jobsite it probably has a cord. XGT will allow users to cut the cord on this widely used tool.

The 80V max (40V max X2) XGT Brushless 28 lb. Demolition Hammer Kit (GMH02PM) delivers up to 15% faster breaking than equivalent corded hammer (HM1213C).

Anti-Vibration Technology (AVT) for reduced vibration. More than just a padded handle, AVT is an internal counterbalance that uses air pressure to move counterweight pistons in the opposite direction of the drive piston to actively reduce vibration. For added durability in harsh jobsite conditions, Extreme Protection Technology (XPT) is engineered for improved dust and water resistance.

Auto-Start Wireless System (AWS) uses Bluetooth technology for wireless power-on and power-off communication between the equipped tool and dust extractor. Once connected via AWS, the AWS-equipped dust extractor will automatically power on or off when the AWS-equipped cordless tool starts or stops, running only when the tool is in use. This increases productivity on a single charge and reduces continuous noise at the job or work site.

Constant speed control that automatically applies additional power to the motor to maintain speed under load to complete challenging jobs and a variable speed control dial enables users to match speed to the application. Additional performance features include an electric brake, variable speed dial, built-in L.E.D. light, a soft-start to suppress start-up reaction, and Soft No-load function that automatically reduces the speed of the motor when idling.

What we say: 

Makita put all of their best hammer tech into one powerful package with the 80V max XGT Demolition Hammer. It starts with performance—20.2 ft-lbs of impact energy. That’s huge for a cordless hammer! Then they add one of the best vibration control systems on the market in AVT and automatic vac activation through AWS. It’s an impressive machine that clearly means business.

Price: $949 (kit)

For more information, click here.


WINNER – DEMO CHISELS & BUSHING

Hilti TE-YX (SDS Max) Chisels

What they said: 

Users will unlock the full power of the TE 70-ATC/AVR SDS-Max combination hammer with the optimized durability and exceptional strength of Hilti’s TE-YX bits designed specifically to withstand the power of this new tool.  

  • Self-sharpening cutting edge – work more efficiently and for longer with the same chisel, no resharpening or rehardening necessary
  • Ultra-robust – inductive hardening makes these flat chisels especially resistant to mushrooming, wear and bending
  • Improved reliability – dust cap helps to avoid downtime and improve tool lifespan
  • Certified quality – developed using ISO certified processes and more than 30 years of expertise in chisel design and production
  • Multiple lengths available – use shorter bits for best energy transmission and increased longevity, and longer ones for piercing deeper or reaching into tight spaces

What we say: 

When a product gets Hilti’s “Ultimate Class” designation, you’re going to have a tough time finding anything that can outperform it. That’s what we see with their newest TE-YX SDS Max chisels. Between their incredible toughness and self-sharpening edge, your crew spends time working more effectively and getting the job done more quickly.

Price: Starting at $122

For more information, click here.


WINNER – ROTARY HAMMERS

Hilti TE 70-ATC/AVR Rotary Hammer

What they said: 

The next generation TE 70-ATC/AVR is the most powerful SDS-Max combination hammer in its class. The new and improved tool will help commercial contractors and tradespeople drill up to 40% faster in reinforced concrete and demolish more concrete than the competitors in its class.

Understanding the importance of worker safety on a construction jobsite, the SDS-Max combination hammer includes Hilti’s exclusive Active Torque Control (ATC) technology, which stops the tool body from spinning uncontrollably if the drill bit jams. The tool provides users with the lowest vibration in its class while maintaining best-in-class performance. This will reduce the risk of potential injury during application and help increase daily productivity. The tool is also equipped with Hilti’s Active Vibration Reduction (AVR), a technology that makes it less tiring to use.

The TE 70-ATC/AVR is strong enough to take on the most challenging applications, without sacrificing performance or ergonomics. With the fourth generation, Hilti customers will experience a premium performance – a hard-hitting, faster drilling tool that will help get the job done quicker than ever before. The SDS-Max combination hammer also comes with a universal detachable power cord that fits eight other Hilti tools. The detachable power cord feature makes for quick cord changes and reduces repair downtime caused by cut or frayed cords. It also includes a brushless motor, which will increase the tool’s life, performance, and requires less service work compared to other brushed tool models on the market.  

What we say: 

Hilti keeps making the TE 70 better and it’s hard to imagine it getting much better than the TE 70-ATC/AVR. It starts with a brushless motor that delivers up to 10.7 ft-lbs of impact energy and 245 RPM on the business end. To keep that power from causing an injury, Hilti’s Active Torque Contol stops the motor from turning when it senses a bind up while Active Vibration Reduction brings the overall vibration down, leaving you less fatigued. Even seemingly small things such as a field replaceable universal power cord that reduces downtime show why so many professionals rely on Hilti for their rotary hammer needs.

Price: $1999

For more information, click here.


WINNER – CORDLESS ROTARY HAMMERS

Makita 80V max (40V max X2) XGT Brushless Cordless 2″ Rotary Hammer Kit, accepts SDS‑MAX bits, AWS Capable GRH06PM

What they said:

The GRH06PM is powered by two 40V max lithium-ion batteries, with an 80V brushless motor that delivers up to 27% faster drilling performance than an equivalent corded model. This hard-hitting performance is combined with advanced comfort and convenience features including Active Feedback-Sensing Technology (AFT), which electronically turns off the motor if rotation of bit is suddenly forced to stop. It is also equipped with Anti-Vibration Technology (AVT) for reduced vibration. More than just a padded handle, AVT is an internal counterbalance that uses air pressure to move counterweight pistons in the opposite direction of the drive piston to actively reduce vibration. In addition, the vibration-absorbing back handle and side handle are engineered to further reduce vibration. For added durability in harsh job site conditions, Extreme Protection Technology (XPT) is engineered for improved dust and water resistance.

The Rotary Hammer has dust extraction capability with an optional Makita Dust Attachment Kit (sold separately). For added efficiency, the GRH06PM is equipped with Auto-Start Wireless System (AWS), which uses Bluetooth technology for wireless power-on and power-off communication between the equipped tool and dust extractor (sold separately). Once connected via AWS, the AWS-equipped dust extractor will automatically power on or off when the AWS-equipped cordless tool starts or stops, running only when the tool is in use. This increases productivity on a single charge and reduces continuous noise at the job or work site.

Constant speed control automatically applies additional power under load for optimum performance. The torque limiting clutch is engineered to prevent gear damage by automatically disengaging the gears if the bit binds, and constant speed control automatically adds power to the motor to maintain speed under load to complete the most demanding jobs. It has 2-modes of operation-“Hammering with Rotation” or “Hammering Only”.

Additional performance features include an electric brake, variable speed dial, built-in L.E.D. light, a soft-start to suppress start-up reaction, and Soft No-load function that automatically reduces the speed of the motor when idling.

 What we say: 

Makita uses a pair of XGT 40V max batteries to run at 80V and help their flagship cordless rotary hammer produce 15.7 ft-lbs of impact energy to go with 310 RPM. From there, it’s all about safey and comfort with Active Feedback-Sensing Technology stopping the motor if your bit binds and Anti-Vibration Technology dampening the blows before they reach your arms. They wrap up the package with a gorgeous teal AWS bow that automatically starts and stops an AWS-enabled vac even though there’s no cord to trigger it the way traditional systems do. It doesn’t get much more advaced than this!

Price: $1499 (kit)

For more information, click here.


WINNER – CONCRETE/MASONRY DRILL BITS

Milwaukee Tool MX4 4-Cutter Rotary Hammer Drill Bits

What they said: 

Milwaukee Tool demonstrates their commitment to delivering productivity-enhancing accessory solutions with the introduction of their MX4 4-Cutter Rotary Hammer Drill Bits.

“Now offering a full lineup of masonry and concrete solutions, Milwaukee Tool continues to create products that will perform in the toughest applications, and our accessories are no exception,” said David Lincoln, Director of Product Marketing for Milwaukee Tool. “We are setting the bar once again with our new SDS accessories and drill bits, delivering a complete drilling solution for concrete and masonry applications.”

Equipped with solid head carbide, the new MX4 4-Cutter SDS-Plus and SDS-Max Rotary Hammer Drill bits deliver up to 5X longer life in concrete with rebar. The new bits are designed with rebar guards for maximum durability and sharp centering tips for exact spot drilling in concrete and metal decking. The 4-Cutter design prevents lock-up in rebar to reduce downtime while variable flutes remove dust faster, reducing heat and delivering up to 20% more holes per charge. Complete with a wear mark indicator, the MX4 4-Cutter Drill Bits show users when the bit no longer meets ANSI requirements. The new Rotary Hammer Drill Bits will be available in diameters from 5/32” up to 1-1/4” for SDS-Plus and 3/8” up to 2” for SDS-Max.

What we say: 

Blending the need for high-performance and durability in an age where cordless rotary hammers are a common sight, Milwaukee got our voters’ attention on several levels. Getting an accurate start with a sharper tip is important along with surviving multiple contacts with rebar. What ices the cake is the reduced heat build-up and longer runtime with cordless tools. Milwaukee MX4 rotary hammer bits are the complete package for anyone running a cordless operation.

Price: Starting at $8.47

For more information, click here.


WINNER – SURFACE GRINDERS

Hilti DGH 150 Concrete Grinder and Diamond Cup Wheels

What they said: 

The DGH 150 concrete grinder has undergone significant upgrades for tackling the most demanding concrete grinding jobs. We also improved the tool’s life to last up to ten times longer and deliver up to a 100% higher removal rate than standard angle grinders. The DGH 150 delivers first-rate ergonomics for heavy-duty handheld grinding, an outstanding material removal rate, superior control, more comfort, and nearly dust-free dry concrete grinding all backed by our industry-leading 20-2-1 warranty. Combine all these enhancements with the newly optimized 6” diamond cup wheels to experience increased material removal rate, greater labor efficiency, and best-in-class grinding performance.

What we say: 

Hilti pops a 2100-watt brushless motor into their DGH 150 Concrete Grinder, giving it up to 10 times the life of a standard grinder with a brushed motor and the torque to leave angle grinders in the dust for removal performance. Pairing the DGH 150 with Hilti diamond cup wheels makes it even better. So leave your angle grinder in the metal shop and start using a system that’s purpose-built for fast surface grinding.

Price: Tool from $1799, Cup Wheels From $199

For more information, click here.


WINNER – DUST COLLECTION/SHROUDS

DEWALT Cutting Grinder Dust Shroud DWE46125

What they said: 

The Cutting Grinder Dust Shroud features an adjustable shoe to provide easy depth-of-cut adjustment and multiple windows for blade visibility. The plunging system helps improve dust collection when starting and finishing the cut. The max depth of cut is 1-1/8″. It has a hose port with an OD of 1.66″ AND an ID of 1.51″.

What we say: 

One of the biggest problems we run into with grinder shrouds is visibility and DeWalt’s design offers several different angles to see the wheel. Depth adjustments are a piece of cake with the front-mounted lock and depth guide, and we really like the pivoting vac connection to help manage the hose while you’re cutting.

Price: $79 – $99 ($199 DWE46123 4-1/2 IN. / 5 IN. Grinder with Cutting Grinder Dust Shroud Kit)

For more information, click here.


WINNER – HAND TOOLS

DEWALT Woodknocker II+ Installation Tool

What they said: 

This is a new DEWALT Product that is used for Installation, pre concrete pour, of DEWALT Wood-Knocker II+ Cast In Place Concrete Inserts. Fits all thread or push-in styles. The Install Tool has a locking mechanism for safety which they can toggle, allowing users to pull the handle vertically before releasing downwards to “Knock” the Wood-Knocker II+ into the wood form. Magnetic Tip and Detent Pins are removable, replaceable worn parts that hold the concrete inserts onto the tool prior to usage. This product will save users time and money while increasing productivity and safety during Wood-Knocker II+ installations.

What we say: 

DeWalt’s Woodknocker II+ cast-in-place concrete insert anchors are already innovative on their own and the new Installation Tool makes them even easier to install. Instead of dropping down to one knee with a framing hammer, you can knock them in place accurately from a standing position. The yellow section holds the Woodknocker II+ in place while the handle works as a ramrod to knock it to your wood form. It’s effective and reduces fatigue on your body.

Price: $400.00

For more information, click here.


WINNER – POWER CUTTER SAWS

iQ Power Tools iQ914 Dry-Cut Power Cutter

What they said: 

The iQ914, the world’s first 14” dry-cut power cutter with integrated dust control, captures up to 90% of the dust right at the source, resulting in a cleaner, safer, and more efficient jobsite. This saw is a game-changer for construction professionals. It is a new and improved version of the iQPC912 cutter. The entire machine has been reengineered with an improved ergonomic design and upgraded dust collection system, designed around our innovative cyclone technology. Plus it offers a 14” blade.

The OSHA-compliant iQ914 features an 81cc German-engineered, two-stroke, high-performance engine and an anti-vibration system with five steel springs and a rubber-coated handle for fatigue-free operation.

The motor offers a choke-free easy start system and a one Push Stop-System that stops the engine and immediately prepares it for renewed operation. The 914 also features automatic oiling, a benefit where oil is automatically mixed with the fuel by an electronically-controlled pump. The user never again has to worry about having the correct fuel mixture.

The integrated, powerful vacuum sucks dust through a retractable blade guard. This dust containment has a capacity of up to 5 pounds, with the ability to connect to the iQ426HEPA Dust Extractor for additional dust collection capacity. There is also a bucket docking station accessory for efficient dust collection.

What we say: 

iQ Power Tools has been turning tools that require water for dust control into dry cut machines with incredible success and now they’ve improved their power cutter. Moving up to a 14″ blade, the dust cotrol is clearly the highlight, capturing as much as 90% of dust during dry cutting. You’d think the collection tank wouldn’t hold much, but it has enough room to hold 5 pounds on concrete dust. That’s a hefty amount of cutting before emptying. You can also connect it directly to a vac. Either way, if you’re serious about keeping silica dust in check and working more conveiently without water, iQ’s power cutter is the way to go.

Price: TBA

For more information, click here.


WINNER – ROBOTICS

Hilti Jaibot Drilling Robot

What they said: 

The Hilti Jaibot construction robot will help Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing installation contractors tackle productivity, safety and labor shortage challenges. Jaibot executes its tasks based on building information modeling (BIM) data. The robot is a completely cordless and easy-to-use system that doesn’t require expert skills. It locates itself accurately indoors, drills the holes dust-controlled and finally marks them according to the trade.

The productivity of the construction industry has been lagging behind other sectors for years. Margin pressure and shortages of skilled labor are already facts of life in our industry and make it increasingly difficult to overcome productivity shortfalls. But leveraging the opportunities offered by digitization will compensate for it. We do this by intelligently linking processes, teams and data.

Time and budget overruns are common, especially for large construction projects. Significant productivity gains are possible with digitally planned construction projects and their realization with the help of robotic solutions. BIM-enabled robotic solutions also make the construction process more transparent with improved execution speed, constant performance and fewer errors. Daily progress can be reported from the field to the project office via cloud computing.

Safety played an important role in the development of the Jaibot. It is designed to assist tradespeople in physically demanding, repetitive installation tasks such as drilling numerous holes overhead for many mechanical, electrical or plumbing installations. It is navigated by the worker via remote control and uses reference data from a robotic total station, the Hilti PLT 300.

What we say: 

The day has arrived that we are awarding the first construction robot in PTIA history. Hilti designed the Jaibot to take care of one of the more tedious tasks in commercial construction—overhead concrete drilling. Using BIM input, it accurately drills and even marks holes based on trade. There’s also a reporting system built-in so you know that you’re on track. With available support from start to finish, the Jaibot is ready to join both your system and your crew.

Price: Check with your Hilti dealer

For more information, click here.


WINNER – SPECIALTY

Hilti Concrete Sensors

What they said: 

Hilti Concrete Sensors will help commercial contractors manage and simplify concrete monitoring, potentially enabling schedule acceleration of construction projects. Using Hilti Concrete Sensors technology can help bring not only productivity but also cost savings compared to traditional monitoring methods.

Disconnected systems can cause a range of issues when it comes to cost, processes, and productivity. Hilti Concrete Sensors innovate by providing a seamless experience throughout the entire span of a construction project. It’s the only solution on the market that’s comprised of wireless hardware, software, and services, which addresses all major challenges of concrete monitoring.

A sensor embedded into concrete works with the easy-to-use software to provide real-time data on the concrete as it cures and dries. The mobile app can quickly share the status of the concrete’s estimated strength, temperature, and relative humidity. With a state-of-the-art in-house lab, the exact concrete mix can be more accurately tested enabling construction managers to make faster and more thorough decisions regardless of climate.

What we say: 

Concrete monitoring can be a pain, but it’s critical you get it right the first time. Hilti’s Concrete Sensors take any guesswork out of the equation. Just strap it to your rebar, pour, and then monitor temperature, strength, and humidity wireless through the mobile app. It’s that easy.

Price: From $145

For more information, click here.


WINNER – VIBRATORS

Milwaukee Tool MX FUEL Backpack Concrete Vibrator MXF371-2XC

What they said: 

Milwaukee Tool is proud to announce the most reliable concrete vibrator on the market, the first of many Milwaukee dedicated solutions for concrete contractors. Part of the new MX FUEL Equipment System, the MX FUEL Backpack Concrete Vibrator is the first modular concrete vibrator of its kind.

“It’s no secret that concrete vibrator solutions today are faced with multiple user frustrations, some of the biggest are centered around the problems of gas equipment – the starting, emissions, noise, regular maintenance, and vibration for example,” said Kevin Gee, Director of Product Management for Milwaukee Tool. “By harnessing MX FUEL technology, we can now deliver a concrete vibrator that is more consistent than gas solutions and has the power to push up to a 2.5” head and 70 cubic yards per charge.”

The POWERSTATE Brushless Motor delivers the power to push up to 2.5” heads at over 11,000 VPM for optimal concrete consolidation, even in the stiffest concrete applications. REDLINK PLUS Intelligence ensures optimal performance and provides overload protection to protect the concrete vibrator in the toughest applications, and the MX FUEL REDLITHIUM battery pack provides instant power. With a push-button start, users can start the MX FUEL Concrete Vibrator in seconds, getting up and running faster than ever before by eliminating the repetitive motions of priming, choking, and pull starting without sacrificing power or run-time.

The modular design allows users to easily remove the backpack harness when working on walls and columns. In addition, the elimination of extension cords enhances user safety by removing the possibility of trip hazards or cords near standing water. With up to 50% less noise and reduced vibration for increased user comfort, the battery-powered equipment also eliminates emission concerns and is safe to use both indoors and outdoors. As an added benefit, users can track, manage, and secure the vibrator from their mobile device through ONE-KEY, the industry’s largest Bluetooth community tracking network. If the backpack vibrator is ever lost or stolen, ONE-KEY provides the ability to prevent tampering with remote lockout capability.

What we say: 

Going cordless with your concrete vibrator makes a lot of sense. You don’t have the maintenance, noise, emissions, and starting of a gas engine and you don’t have to manage the extension cords of an electric model. Milwaukee’s MX Fuel Backpack Concrete Vibrator fits the bill with the power to run heads up to 2.5″ and the runtime to cover up to 70 cubic feet. Add to that One-Key tracking, management, and security along with the ability to release from a harness to operate sitting on the ground plus a remote control and you have one highly advanced, super-convenient concrete vibrator.

Price: $2,799.00

For more information, click here.


WINNER – PNEUMATIC TOOL ACCESSORIES

Makinex Lift Assist

What they said: 

The Makinex Lift Assist, LA90-350, is specifically designed to assist operators with the lifting of a pneumatic jackhammer. Actuating the JA90-350 with every cut allows the operator more control and ease of use while running the jackhammer.

The ergonomically designed Lift Assist reduces operator stress and fatigue; therefore dramatically reducing the risk of jackhammer-related back injuries as well as improving job efficiency and productivity. The innovative design of the Lift Assist is being recognized for its safety and increased productivity both domestically and worldwide. This product is truly revolutionizing the jackhammer industry.

What we say: 

Jackhammers are vibration monsters and with their weight, they can really beat you up over the course of a day. Makinex helps you take a load off with the Lift Assist designed for pneumatic jackhammers. It’s an attachment that installs to the hammer and borrows from the air supply using a coupler. When you reach the footplate while hammering, you actuate it and the Lift Assist pushes the tool up so you can focus on shifting to the next cut instead of working on your deadlifts.

Price: $1,290.00

For more information, click here.