Using an innovative blade, bit, or saw could help you cut, drive, or fasten more quickly. That can turn into more profit, less time on the job, or a reduction in call-backs. Use the right accessory or fastener, and it can help you produce fantastic results. Of course, the opposite holds true. That’s why the Pro Tool Innovation Awards stays on the lookout for, and awards, the year’s most innovative accessories and fasteners. From bits and blades to guides and extenders, here are your winners for the PTIA 2022 Accessories Awards!
WINNER – Band Saw Blades
LENOX Armor GT Band Saw Blades
What they said:
ALLOYWOLF ARMOR GT is a coated bi-metal blade made to increase productivity enabling faster cuts and longer blade life aided by an advanced Aluminum Titanium Nitride coating. ALLOYWOLF ARMOR GT has an ARMOR barrier on each tooth which will protect against heat, giving users more cuts per blade. The shallow gullet design gives ALLOYWOLF ARMOR GT additional beam strength allowing for straighter cuts in large diameters. The bi-metal construction of ALLOYWOLF ARMOR GT with enhanced manufacturing process performs well on saws not suited for carbide.
What we say:
Carbide may be king of saw blade teeth, but not all band saws or budgets are suited for it. LENOX ALLOYWOLF ARMOR GT strikes a balance with a bi-metal foundation that benefits from an aluminum titanium nitride coating combined with what Lenox calls their ARMOR barrier on each tooth. The result is a longer-lasting band saw blade that resists heat well. Additionally, it has a gullet design that gives it more strength, producing straighter cuts.
Price: TBA
For more information, click here.
WINNER – Circ Saw Blades
Crescent Tools NailSlicer Framing Circular Saw Blade CSBFR-724
What they said:
The Crescent Tools NailSlicer Framing Blade combines innovative solutions with premium laser cut technology for tough demands on the jobsite. High Impact carbide teeth power through nail-embedded material delivering 8X blade life, while the Active Shield protective coating reduces gumming to
provide 70% more cuts per charge for less downtime.
Crescent Tool offers a complete lineup of industry-focused saw blades including FineCut Finishing, SteelSlicer Metal, Aluminum, General Purpose, and an assortment of Specialty for greater productivity.
What we say:
We saw several demos of Crescent’s NailSlicer framing blade and were genuinely impressed with the performance. Then we got our hands on them and managed to cut through rebar and sheet steel in a torture test. Of course, that’s not what the blade is designed for, but it showed us that the NailSlicer’s tooth design is super-tough and can stand up to anyone’s wood framing needs.
Price: $8.99
For more information, click here.
WINNER – Multi-tool Blades
Milwaukee Tool Extreme Materials Titanium Enhanced Carbide Teeth Oscillating Multi-Tool Blades
What they said:
Our Universal Fit OPEN-LOK Titanium Enhanced Carbide Teeth EXTREME Materials Blades for Oscillating Multi-Tools are designed for use in the most extreme material cutting applications. For use in wood, screws, nails, cement board, plaster, and other cutting applications, the Titanium Enhanced Carbide Teeth Extreme Materials Blade is complete with a thinner blade and unique aggressive tooth design that offers faster-cutting performance in wood when compared to the standard carbide blade. The Extreme Materials Carbide Teeth Blade lasts up to 50X longer than standard bi-metal blades and can be used in a wide range of materials. These Milwaukee multi-tool blades are designed and made in the USA with global materials.
What we say:
If titanium coating makes bi-metal better, does it make carbide better, too? Milwaukee’s Extreme Materials oscillating blade does just that by taking and carbide blade and enhancing it with a titanium coating. They didn’t just coat the blade and call it a day, though. Its thinner profile has to remove less material to dive in faster and aggressive teeth speed up your cuts significantly. Wrapping it all up, you can expect to use just one of these blades to replace up to 50 bi-metal ones. Cha-ching!
Price: $19.99
For more information, click here.
WINNER – Recip Saw Blades
LENOX WAVE EDGE Bi-Metal Reciprocating Saw Blades 20566618R
What they said:
With up to 50% longer life*, industrial pros can lead the pack with WAVE EDGE Bi-Metal Reciprocating Saw Blades to tackle more work before needing a replacement blade. This high-performance saw blade was made for fast, efficient cutting with groundbreaking WAVE EDGE technology designed to enhance cutting life and blade endurance. Perform quick, clean plunge cuts with ease thanks to the blade’s high-speed cutting edge and spring steel backing that assists in strengthening the blade to reduce breaks and unplanned work stoppages.
*versus prior LENOX generation.
What we say:
LENOX WAVE EDGE blades depart from traditional reciprocating saw blade design with a cutting edge that has gentle crests and troughs, just like a wave. That’s not something we’ve seen before and LENOX promises these bi-metal blades can last up to 50% longer than its previous generation of bi-metal blades. That means you need to buy 50% fewer blades over the course of the job and that’s money in the bank.
Price: $21.48-$34.98
For more information, click here.
WINNER – Clamping
Frictionworks Vise Jaws SH80 4-Inch High Torque 100062
What they said:
Frictionworks was started due to our own challenges finding quality, USA-Made, polymer-based tools and accessories, starting with protective soft jaws for bench vise. We went through a number of competing products and consistently found:
- Poor fit and finish.
- Vastly under-specced magnets that cause the vise jaws to shift and even fall off the vise.
- Magnets are over-molded in softer products where the flex causes them to pop out.
- Magnets are simply glued in place in harder products and tend to pop out of the jaws.
- No specs provided. Very difficult to understand their usage characteristics and application.
- No usage guide or instructions.
- All imported. Only USA-made options are specialty jaws or are made on a home 3D printer.
- No warranty or guarantees.
Frictionworks Vise Jaws
- Cast using our proprietary processes and fiber-reinforced polyurethane blends to provide quality fit and finish, durability, and the ability to utilize over-molding for innovation. Easy and fast to modify and roll out new products and designs.
- Different shore hardnesses for different uses; currently SH80 for higher torque/tougher jobs and SH60 for jobs where a lower torque/more ‘give’ is desired. Softer rubber jaws and ‘anti-roll’ designs are currently in process.
- N48 Spec magnets force rated at 7lbs each, 4 per jaw, 8 total. Nothing comes close and keeps these jaws properly in place.
- Our exclusive magnet retention system locks in the magnets to an over-molded internal bracket using a stainless nut and bolt, alleviating the biggest problem faced with all other competing products; namely, keeping the magnets from coming out of the jaws.
- The only vise jaw manufacturer providing information on Vise Jaws and how to use them. See white papers on our website at Frictionworks.com:
- A Short Guide to Magnetic Bench Vise Soft Jaws
- Magnetic Vise Jaws Usage Guide
- Magnetic Vise Jaw Selection Guide
- We offer a limited lifetime warranty, in writing.
- Made with pride in the USA.
What we say:
Bench vises are indispensable tools and most do a great job of clamping down on material. Unfortunately, those metal jaws also do a great job of marring many of the materials you clamp down on. When a softer, non-marring touch is what you need without losing grip, Frictionworks’ magnetic replacement jaws not only get the job done well, but they also deal with a myriad of issues other third-party jaws suffer from. Plus, they’re made in the USA.
Price: $27.88
For more information, click here.
WINNER – Cleaning
KLIIN Twist & KLIIN™ Biodegradable Cleaning Pods
What they said:
An innovation in cleaning, KLIIN’s new high-performing, effective, highly biodegradable, and recyclable concept of cleaning bio-pods is designed to minimize the environmental impact of waste, reduce the amount of plastic and minimize carbon footprint. Simply twist the pod onto the bottle and watch as the concentrated formula dissolves into the water.
Over time, KLIIN’s product line has expanded in keeping with its mission: to offer efficient, eco-friendly products of exceptional quality.
What we say:
If you’re in janitorial services, here’s a wake-up call for you. KLIIN’s pod-based design has pre-measured concentrated cleaning agents that twist onto the spray bottle. Fill the remaining volume with clean water and get to work. The empty pods are recyclable, the cleaners are biodegradable, and the concept can save you a ton of space over bulk quantities of ready-to-use cleaner.
Price: $3.99 – $9.99 for various KLIIN Twist pods
For more information, click here.
WINNER – Drill Bits Guides
General Tools Precision Drill Guide 3638
What they said:
The new 3638 Precision Drill Guide features a new upgraded bearing system for smoother and faster drilling, a unique innovation for this type of item. Made for 3/8″ and 1/2″ power drills, the 3638 is great for drilling at angles, on round stock, doweling, for precise holes, and even routing. The guide easily adjusts from 0 to 45 degrees in either direction and has an adjustable depth setting for accurate depth control. The integrated spring arm also allows for quick returns during repetitive drilling. The cherry on top? This tool also folds flat for easy storage.
What we say:
We’re big fans of products that make the tools you already own even more versatile and General Tools turns your handheld drill into a more precise tool with its Precision Drill Guide. This isn’t the first iteration, though. With upgrades to the bearing system that results in smoother and faster drilling characteristics, it’s an accessory that can replace the need for a drill press on a wide range of projects.
Price: $55.49
For more information, click here.
WINNER – Metal Drill Bits
KnKut 29-Piece Mechanics Length Step Point Drill Bit Set 29KK10
What they said:
KnKut USA-Made Step Point drill bits combine a split tip point with a step drill design for accurate starting without the need of a center punch. This distinctive design reduces heat to increase the tool life of the drill bit and can be used to enlarge existing holes without damaging the drill bit point. The shorter Mechanics Length gives you a sturdier drill bit with 3-Flats on the shanks, sizes 3/16″ and above, to help eliminate slippage in your chuck. Our KnKut Step Point Drill Bit is great for hard steel, brass, sheet metal, and acrylics.
- Made In USA
- Great for hard steel, brass, sheet metal, and acrylics
- Split point step design starts on contact, self-centers, and eliminates the need for a center punch
- Can be used to enlarge existing holes without damaging the point
- Mechanics length provides a shorter sturdier construction
- 29 Piece Set Sizes: 1/16 – 1/2 by 64ths
What we say:
KnKut combines the concepts of a step bit and a twist bit to create an ingenious metal drill bit. A split point that reduces walking leads directly into a step bit widening section before reaching the full diameter at the flutes. Aside from easier starts, switching to a larger size is no longer a problem and you can feel confident knowing this is a Made in the USA drill bit set.
Price: $362.48
For more information, click here.
WINNER – Attachments Drills/Drivers
Simpson Strong-Tie Quik Drive PROHSD75
What they said:
The Simpson Strong-Tie Quik Drive PROHSD Wood-to-Steel solution is a fast, reliable, and ergonomic fastening system for wood-to-steel applications. It is designed to boost efficiency and performance while providing the perfect combination of speed and ease for many jobs that require attaching wood to steel — from truck and trailer beds to any high-paced manufacturing environment and beyond. The Quik Drive PROHSD solution consists of a family of auto-feed screw driving systems and wood-to-steel fasteners. The PROHSD75M has been enhanced with a new nosepiece that provides greater stability when driving the robust Strong-Drive TF Wood-to-Steel fasteners. It is recommended for heavier-duty applications where steel member thickness is 1/4″ to 15/32″. To improve the performance of the PROHSD solution, Simpson Strong-Tie provides a variety of extensions to ensure more ergonomic, stand-up driving. A new optional footstep has been designed that attaches to the extension and allows for additional pressure to be applied while driving through the steel member.
Features:
- Stabilizing, non-skid nosepiece positions the screw on the board, ensuring consistent vertical fastener driving from a standing position•Sure-grip guide tube increases stability for a broad range of screws
- Expanded depth settings for high-density flooring materials
- Extension for better ergonomics
- Optional footstep accessory allows additional force to be applied while driving through metal
- Extension enables ergonomic, stand-up screw driving, saving time while easing stress on knees, back and shoulders
- Patented Quik Drive auto-feed mechanism provides hands-free screw advancement, eliminating the extra time involved in handling individual screws
- No special certification is required to operate Quik Drive systems
- Limited lifetime warranty on the Quik Drive system
What we say:
Simpson Strong-Tie’s Quik Drive system meets a need for fastening wood to metal that other screwdrivers and screwdriving attachments don’t. Designed with the durability to drive into 1/4-inch to just under 1/2-inch steel using an auto-feed system, two accessories make your life much easier. First, the extension gets you off your kneed and standing up straight. Then a footstep offers better leverage to help the screws cut into the steel and set more easily.
Price: Starts at $189.99
For more information, click here.
Finalist
WINNER – Drills/Drivers Kits
FLEX 10-Piece Carbide-Tipped Multi-materials Drill & Drive Bit Set FAM10601-10
What they said:
Tackle whatever the jobsite throws at you with the FLEX 10 pc. Carbide-Tipped Multi-Materials Drill Bit Set. Punch through metal, wood, tile, brick, block, and more with the Multi-Grind Tip with Sharpened Carbide Edge. Built for the most demanding applications, High-Density Carbide and Hardened Alloy provide maximum strength for unrivaled bit life and sharpness. Five key fastening bits are included to ensure you have the correct bits to drive fasteners after drilling. The set comes packed in a FLEX STACK PACK storage case for customizable organization and easy accessibility in any case in the STACK PACK lineup.
What we say:
Just because you want to cover the basics doesn’t mean your accessories have to be basic. FLEX’s 10-piece carbide-tipped drill and drive set covers the five most common drill bits most people use along with three common screwdriver bits and two nut driver bits. Whether you’re using the multi-material bits to drill through wood, metal, concrete, or something else, you’ll have the driver bits on hand to set your fasteners without having to grab another box. Plus, the case fits brilliantly in FLEX’s innovative STACK PACK storage system.
Price: $34.98
For more information, click here.
WINNER – Holders/Extenders Driver Bits
Crescent Tools VORTEX Bit Holder CAVBH3
What they said:
Crescent Tools is bringing a spin to toolboxes everywhere with the innovative, industry-leading VORTEX Drill Bit Tools and Accessories. The VORTEX Bit Holder features a state-of-the-art Dual Impact Torsion Zone, specially-designed to absorb shock and stop screw stripping. This magnetic, made-to-last bit holder also extends bit lifetime by up to 500x and stands up to heavy-duty applications. It doesn’t stop there – this bit holder is also compatible with all Crescent Tools VORTEX Impact Torsion Zone Drive Bits. These durable bits are designed to deliver maximum power and performance—thanks to their unique-steel formulation. They also have laser etching markings for easy visibility and feature optimized tip geometry that promotes fastener retention and reduces cam-out.
What we say:
500 times greater bit life is a bold claim, but in test after test, we had bits fail quickly on their own and last far long when installed in the Crescent Vortex bit holder. Inside the silver housing, the shock absorption takes place in what Crescent calls its Dual Impact Zone. When you combine that with an impact-rated bit that has its own impact-absorbing properties, Crescent’s testing data shows up to 500 times the life of the bit alone. If you’re frustrated by broken bits, you have to give it a shot.
Price: $9.98
For more information, click here.
WINNER – Impact-Rated Driver Bits
RYOBI 1″ DIAMOND BIT SET (22 PC) A962203
What they said:
With 20X LONGER LIFE, these Diamond Grit Bits deliver unmatched durability and performance. Diamond Grit Technology delivers users improved fitment into Phillips head screws for greater driving control and 2X STRONGER GRIP. Improved fitment and grip will deliver LESS STRIPPED SCREWS. These bits will be available in 1”, 2”, and 3-1/2” length Phillips head bits. Diamond Grit bits are an ideal solution for veteran pros and first-time users, reducing frustration while driving Philips head screws.
What we say:
Bit breakage is an issue with impact drivers and so is bit rounding. Ryobi tackles the latter by making an impact bit that starts with great fit and takes it up a notch with diamond grit. The diamond grit grips the surface of your fastener head better, resulting in less slipping and far greater bit life. If you struggle with cam out ruining your Phillips bits, give Ryobi the chance to step in for your other bits.
Price: $9.97
For more information, click here.
WINNER – Specialty Driver Bits
Malco Products SBC C-RHEX SAWTOOTH MSHCST
What they said:
C-RHEX SAWTOOTH Cleanable, Reversible Magnetic Hex Driver features popular 1/4” and 5/16” reversible hex sizes to secure screws in place, as well as an innovative design that can cut through sealant for quick fastener removal.
C-RHEX SAWTOOTH is designed for service work on existing sheet metal ductwork and metal roofing. This product is used to remove and reinstall hex head sheet metal screws from sealed applications. It quickly and cleanly cuts through the sealant and caulk covering these screws for easier removal.
Built with S2 hardened steel for long life and superior durability, the removable and reversible hex driver allows users to easily clean the socket and magnet. Trade pros can get back to work in seconds by simply removing the driver from the impact to push the drive side of the shaft through the socket to quickly clear sealant buildup.
The C-RHEX SAWTOOTH model features an integrated sawtooth design to cut through soft and hardened HVAC and roofing sealant for rapid fastener removal; a heavy-duty, deep-set magnet that doesn’t contact the screw, so the fasteners spin true, and the magnet retains its strength for years to come; and fast, easy cleaning.
C-RHEX SAWTOOTH allows HVAC and roofing technicians to work more efficiently and effectively – easing the frustration of constantly needing to stop to clean out a clogged socket on the job.
Technicians need to remove multiple fasteners to repair or replace equipment and materials. This product is 3-4 times faster than the competition for removing fasteners in sealed applications (where the head of the screw is buried under caulk/sealant).
This process would normally require a separate tool to cut away the caulk/sealant first. The C-RHEX SAWTOOTH allows technicians to cut through the sealant and remove the screw with just one tool.
The challenges of cutting through sealant to remove fasteners and having sealant clog drivers have been a problem for HVAC technicians for a very long time. Malco’s research & design team has been eager to address these common issues with a new product innovation for 2 years.
C-RHEX SAWTOOTH is available in two lengths: 2” (MSHCST) and 6” (MSHXLCST), and it joins Malco’s existing line of 7 mm & 8 mm, 8 mm & 10 mm, 6 mm & 8 mm, 5/16” & 3/8”, and original 1/4” & 5/16” C-RHEX drivers.
What we say:
One of the worst things about using magnetic nut setters is the metal shavings that build up over time. When you add sealants to the mix, it’s a frustrating mess that you can spend way too much time trying to clean out. Malco has you covered in a couple of ways. First, their C-RHEX SAWTOOTH is reversible with the magnetic shaft able to come out for easy cleaning of metal buildup. It also has teeth to cut through sealants on the edge, allowing the driver to engage the fastener head rather than pushing sealant into it or forcing you to cut it away first. It’s an ingenious solution to a common problem.
Price: $30
For more information, click here.
WINNER – Dust Collection
Rockler Dust Right Clamping Hose Holders, 2-pack 62840
What they said:
Do you ever wish you could just set your dust hose on any surface, in any position, and it would stay right where you put it? We do, too. That’s why we designed the Clamping Hose Holder, a clever little spring clamp with a rubber strap that holds any hose up to 2-1/2” in diameter. Just give it a quick squeeze to clamp it to table tops over 2” thick. If you want overhead dust collection, clamp it to a rafter or high up on a stud. It’s a great companion for tools that lack a dust port, and for those operations that, for whatever reason, tend to send a jet of dust off in a different direction from the built-in port.
Features:
- Positions dust hoses up to 2-1/2” in diameter wherever a spring clamp can be secured—great for temporary positioning of dust hoses in awkward positions
- Two mounting locations for the utility strap: on top of the jaws or at the back of the handle
- Reinforced plastic clamp has soft, non-slip rubber overmold for a secure grip
- Large 1-3/4” x 1-3/4” pivoting clamp feet have rubber pads to provide a strong hold
- Both strap locations have toothed notches that provide eight different locking positions
- Low-profile knob holds utility strap in place without interfering with clamping
- Utility straps have extra notches for different-sized ports and hoses
- Sold in packs of 2
- Tech SpecBrand: Dust Right
- Manufacturer Part Number: ITI62840Clamp Pressure: 27 lbs.
- Throat Depth: 2-1/4”Jaw Opening: 2-1/2”
- Material: Nylon with thermoplastic rubber overmold and strap
- Knob: 1” diameter low-profile nylon knob with M6 steel thread
- Maximum Hose Diameter: 2-1/2”
What we say:
When you’re using woodworking tools that don’t have a dust port adapter, you have to get creative if you want to capture the mess. Rockler’s Dust Right Clamping Hose Holders make it much easier by holding the hose and clamping it to the most convenient surface near your workpiece. It’s smart and for less than $15, it’s a no-brainer to add to your workshop.
Price: $14.99
For more information, click here.
WINNER – Extractors
GEARWRENCH 4 Pc. Bolt Biter Screw Extractor Set
What they said:
For years, when it came to removing corroded, rusted, rounded, and frozen fasteners, the entire tool industry was stuck. No effort. No movement. No innovation. And that left professional mechanics with nothing but unreliable options that broke down after only a few uses.
The GEARWRENCH Bolt Biter line of extraction tools has quickly become a major force in the extraction tool category through its innovative design and unmatched durability. That evolution continues with the new GEARWRENCH Bolt Biter Screw Extractors, designed with features to grip stripped, frozen and damaged screws successfully.
GEARWRENCH talked with professional mechanics and industrial technicians from all across the country, and they all pointed to massive flaws in their screw extractor tools. With their help, Bolt Biter Screw Extractors go above and beyond in addressing those issues to provide a solution that is as effective as it is durable.
The revolutionary Bolt Biter Screw Extractors use patented tapered sides so the tool sits easily and safely into damaged screws, while the side- and tip-cutting edges provide powerful and consistent extraction. The bi-directional design makes it easy to remove fasteners from the extractor after use but also allows for fasteners to be retightened in an emergency, if need be.
With 1/4-inch and 7/16-inch hex base options, Bolt Biter Screw Extractors can be used with a ratchet, wrench, or power tool. An S2 steel composition and heat treatment process result in a lifespan that is 50x longer than the competition. Bolt Biter Screw Extractors launched in April 2022 and are available in both a four-piece and 10-piece set.
What we say:
One of the things we love about Gearwrench Bolt Biter accessories is the understanding that sometimes you have to use the damaged fastener while you wait on a replacement. Not only do Gearwrench Bolt Biter screw extractors provide better bite than others, but it also works in both directions so you can keep components in service instead of waiting around for parts deliveries.
Price: $69.99 10-piece set
For more information, click here.
Finalist
WINNER – Hole Saws
Hole Pilot 8 Piece Kit
What they said:
First of its kind on the market, Hole Pilot corrects a common mistake by construction workers everywhere, drilling the wrong-sized hole. Whether it’s for HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical, or Carpentry, Hole Pilot lets you make your hole bigger without fear of further damage.
What we say:
Want to play a fun game? Try boring the wrong size hole with a hole saw and then use a bigger one to expand it. It doesn’t end well. Hole Pilot has a fantastic solution that plugs the initial hole and provides stability for the pilot bit of a larger hole saw size so you can correct your mistake much more easily. For just under $40, it’s a relatively inexpensive insurance policy you’ll be glad to have in your toolbox.
Price: $39.99
For more information, click here.
Finalist
WINNER – Stands, Tables, & Bases
Milwaukee Tool 6-Inch Leveling Tripod Chain Vise 48-22-8690
What they said:
Milwaukee Tool reinvents pipe stand form and function with the launch of their 6” Leveling Tripod Chain Vise. With hassle-free deployment and new-to-world STABLE LOK functionality, this tripod chain vise delivers unmatched portability and lifelong steadiness for tradesmen installing pipe, conduit, and other materials.
A fold-flat design and a centered carry handle enable balanced, briefcase-style transportation, and compact storage in vehicles and job boxes. With only two simple steps to deploy, the chain vise eliminates multiple setup hassles and delivers the quickest, painless set-up. Equipped with STABLE LOK, contractors can easily adjust the tension of the deck to maintain steadiness throughout the life of the stand. The tripod features an adjustable leg, allowing the deck to be pitched +/- 3 degrees for level alignments. With a multi-material chain vise, a larger work surface, and optimized tool storage, this stand can serve as a portable work desk while on the jobsite.
Three accessories, sold separately, are also available for use with the chain vise. A Lower Shelf provides over 1.5 square feet of additional storage and its purposefully designed hooks make for easy installation and removal. A PVC Coated Pipe Jaw is designed to protect PVC coated pipe and the Stainless Steel Pipe Jaw reduces corrosion while cutting or welding stainless steel materials are also available.
What we say:
Milwaukee’s Leveling Tripod Chain Vise takes portability to a more convenient level with a design that’s both easy to carry and deploy. It folds up flat, making it simple for one person to carry with one hand. Leg deployment is also a one-person operation: set the longer leg down and stabilize it with your foot, release the front legs as you push forward, engage the STABLE LOK function, and adjust the leg length if you need to. If you work with pipe frequently, Milwaukee’s design can save you time and effort over the chain vise you’re currently using.
Price: $459.99
For more information, click here.
Finalist
WINNER – Step Bits
SPYDER Products Stinger Mach-Blue Step Bit 19023
What they said:
50x more holes and 2x faster than titanium or black oxide coated step drill bits
- Super hard Mach-Blue Armor Plating retains sharper cutting edges, and reduces heat build-up and cutting friction
- Durable drill bit for long drill life, precision holes, and increased speed and productivity in tough-to-drill applications
- Impact rated 1/4-in speed hex won’t slip in conventional 3-jaw chucks and is ideal for use in quick change impacting power tools
- Optimized 135-degree self-centering split point cutting geometry won’t walk or wander – even on pre-hardened or curved surfaces
- Advanced M-Series alloy tool steel construction and proprietary heat treatment increase drill bit durability, rigidity and breakage resistance
- Ideal for drilling stainless steel, mild steel, aluminum, stacked materials, and other difficult-to-drill alloys
- Made in the USA
- 16 Step Bit 3/16 – 1-1/8-in
What we say:
Spyder continues its Mach-Blue momentum with step bits that put a beating on the life and speed of black oxide and titanium designs. Boasting 50 times greater life and twice the drilling speed, Mach-Blue’s specially-designed coating combines with a 135° split point tip to avoid wandering starts and has a 1/4-hex shank that works in traditional drill chucks and impact driver collets. Try it yourself and see the difference Mach-Blue makes.
Price: $99.98
For more information, click here.
WINNER – Hidden Fastening System
SiteBuddyz Flush-Joint Kit
What they said:
FLUSH-JOINTS is a new tool kit system which reduces waste, saves money, improves aesthetics, and increases longevity for siding installation jobs. Consisting of a specialized precision drilling jig, drill bits, and stainless-steel dowel pins, the kit allows the user to install traditional timber, clapboard, composite, engineered wood, and fiber cement siding (ranging in size from 8 to 48 mm thick) by joining the boards on their factory-finished edges regardless of placement on the vertical battens.
The use of FLUSH-JOINTS can result in significantly reduced material waste. When installing siding, typically it is necessary to cut each board to length to ensure it lands directly in the center of the batten. This is done to ensure a good fixing and seam where the boards join. This also means that when a project is complete, there is a large pile of off-cuts which are too small to be useful. Using the FLUSH-JOINTS tool kit system, however, significantly reduces this waste as more full-length boards can be used. Reducing waste is not only essential for the environment but also decreases overall project cost—resulting in savings for both the installer and the customer.
The use of FLUSH-JOINTS produces a more aesthetically pleasing installation than traditional methods as it allows siding boards to join up on their factory-finished edges. This results in a flush joint with almost no shadowing and a nearly seamless appearing installation.
The use of FLUSH-JOINTS increases the longevity of siding and reduces the need for repairs where boards are joined. The stainless-steel dowels join the boards together securely and permanently, allowing the installation to stand the tests of both time and mother nature–effectively “future-proofing” the installation.
FLUSH-JOINTS is a unique and innovative product for the siding installation market. Recently invented by SiteBuddyz in England, it is now being produced and sold worldwide.
What we say:
SiteBuddyz Flush-Joint siding installation kit solves two major problems. First, it helps you install siding ends perfectly flush with one another vertically and horizontally with a jig and dowel system. With the lining up taken care of, you don’t have to worry about cutting boards to center and can use the full lengths until you get to the end, greatly reducing the amount of waste material and saving you money. Shadow from imperfect alignment Installing siding has never looked so good with so little waste!
Price: $87.50
For more information, click here.
WINNER – Metal Screws
Simpson Strong-Tie Strong-Drive TF Wood-to-Steel Screws
What they said:
The TF screws are designed for performance and productivity in high-paced environments and install 26% faster than traditional predrill and hand-drive methods, eliminating the need to predrill. The Strong-Drive TF Wood-to-Steel screw is a 3″ (75 mm) load-rated structural fastener designed to bore through wood and into steel up to 15/32″ thick. Its flat head with nibs easily countersinks into the wood and provides excellent pull-through resistance. Its #5 drill point with wings bores through wood before engaging and drilling into the steel member. These fasteners have a straight collation compatible with Quik Drive auto-feed screw driving systems. Applications include wood-to-steel applications such as on trailer floors, trailer walls, truck beds, mezzanines, nailers, and trimmers for steel buildings.
Features
- 6-lobe recessed drive for secure driving and longer bit life
- #5 drill point with wings for boring through wood
- Flat head with nibs for easy, flush countersinking
- Self-tapping threads for secure attachments to steel members
- Available collated for Quik Drive systems, or in bulk quantities for hand driving
- Available in black phosphate coating
- Load rated
- No predrilling required
What we say:
Combined with Simpson Strong-Ties’ Pro Tool Innovation Award-winning Quik Drive system, TF wood-to-steel screws are tailor-made for the challenge of this two-material installation. The head bores through wood and self-taps into steel up to 15/32 inches thick, leading to threads that grab hold of the wood and a flat head that reduces the risk of wood pulling away. When your job calls for attaching wood to steel, call on Simpson Strong-Tie to get it done efficiently and correctly.
Price: Varies
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WINNER – Wood Screws
BECK America 3″ SCRAIL SUBLOC PRO
What they said:
The new 3″ SCRAIL SUBLOC PRO can be used fast like a nail and removed quickly like a screw. Enables quick and uncomplicated installation in the area of subfloors, thanks to the aggressive special thread design, which guarantees resilient subfloors without creaking and squeaking even after years. Benefit from maximum holding power. In a direct comparison to ring-shank nails, the SCRAIL SUBLOC PRO convinces with 40% more holding power, tested in pine wood. This is due to the special thread in combination with BECK’s DIAMOND COATING.
Certification IAPMO ER-344
What we say:
It’s hard to imagine you can make a nail that is capable of sinking easier and holding stronger, but that’s exactly what The BECK Group accomplished with their diamond-coated SUBLOC PRO SCRAILs. The SCRAIL’s more aggressive threading combined with diamond coating holds stronger than ring shank nails, yet you can still install them conveniently with a nailer. Stronger holds mean less lift and squeak on subfloors and fewer callbacks for you and your crew.
Price: Varies
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WINNER – Specialty
BECK America LignoLoc with Head
What they said:
The next development stage of the LIGNOLOC wooden nail technology: the wooden nail with a head for façade construction. It has a blunt anti-splitting point and is suitable for the most common softwood façades as well as a variety of other applications, both indoors and outdoors, such as privacy screens, garden houses, garden pavilions, room dividers, etc. A new powerful and efficient system made from the renewable raw material wood, which is more ecological and increases value at the same time. LIGNOLOC is the first collated nail system made from the renewable raw material beech wood, which perfectly combines performance and sustainability. Perfect for all timber construction companies who want to implement their projects metal-free but also highly efficiently. LIGNOLOC is the world’s first shootable wooden nail and is perfect for use in industrial production and in ecological woodworking. The LIGNOLOC wooden nails are made from Central European beech from sustainable FSC forestry. Due to their mechanical properties, the nails can be driven into wood and wood-based materials without pre-drilling with the specially developed FASCO compressed air nailer in the LIGNOLOC EDITION and bond permanently with them.
What we say:
How do corrosion-free nails sound? They sound great to us, and the BECK Fastener Group makes it happen by making beechwood nails. But it’s not your typical design that requires a pilot hole. You’ll be able to use BECK’s specifically-designed pneumatic nailer to make the installation process much easier and faster. Once in, the lignin takes over and creates a bond that won’t come loose. For 2022, the line gets even better with LIGNOLOC nails that include a head for even better fastening security. If you’re into sustainable, metal-free construction techniques, you have to check out what the Beck Fastener Group has going on.
Price: Varies
For more information, click here.