While the rest of the world dominates our use of concrete in residential housing, we still rely on it extensively for commercial buildings and infrastructure. According to a report by Statistica, 2021 cement production reached an estimated 92 million metric tons in the United States while the same year saw consumption of cement reaching approximately 109 million metric tons. When dealing with that much material each year, anything that can bring innovation to the concrete and masonry industries should find a welcome audience.
Aside from mixing and forming concrete, we also address post-cure cutting, drilling, fastening, and everything in between. Check out the 2022 Pro Tool Innovation Award winners for the Concrete and Masonry awards category. These tools, accessories, and products should help you work more quickly, efficiently, and/or safely.
WINNER – Core Drill
Husqvarna Construction Core Drill DM 400
What they said:
Drilling operators understand the drill motor is the central part of a full drilling system. The Husqvarna DM 400 has an all-aluminum body that decreases weight while increasing strength and was optimized for functionality and productivity. Pair with Husqvarna’s new line of drilling accessories, including new drill bits, a slurry vacuum, drill column, and back support for a setup that lets the operator work effectively within regulations.
- Drillings – Angle, horizontal, stitch, and vertical
What we say:
A couple of things really stood out to our voting team about Husqvarna’s DM 400 core drill. The first is the use of aluminum in the body construction. You might not think about low weight when you’re core drilling, but weight savings do make a difference in fatigue over the day. By going with aluminum, there’s less weight but the drill doesn’t sacrifice strength to get it. Husqvarna also integrates its Fleet Services connectivity into the tool. In today’s market when we’re relying more heavily on technological assistance, the DH 400 offers multiple data points to help your business manage the health and use of the tool.
Price: $2757
For more information, click here.
WINNER – Battery-Powered Core Drill
Milwaukee Tool MX FUEL Handheld Core Drill MXF301-1CP
What they said:
Milwaukee Tool delivers a solution that allows users to core with more confidence with the MX FUEL Handheld Core Drill. The product delivers a safer handheld coring experience and the power to core up to 6” holes in reinforced concrete. The first battery-powered solution of its kind can be used without a nearby power source, making it the easiest coring solution anywhere without the hassle of extension cords and tripping circuit breakers.
A patented clutch and AUTOSTOP technology deliver a safer coring experience. They provide the user with maximum control and reduce kickback during bind-up situations. With the power to core 6” holes in reinforced concrete, one of the most challenging applications, this battery-powered solution does not sacrifice capability. The time that was once spent looking for a power source or resetting circuit breakers, is now spent finishing the first hole and moving on to the next.
Designed to maximize productivity, features like the performance gauge guides users on the optimized drilling speed so they can drill faster, while the LED level helps them maintain accuracy throughout the application. Whether Handheld (MXF301-1CP) or Stand Mounted (MXF301-2CXS), the MX FUEL Handheld Core Drill is versatile enough for any job and is the easiest coring solution anywhere.
As an added benefit, ONE-KEY provides the ability to track the drill with community tracking and alerts, complete inventory management, and industry-leading smart-equipment technology to secure the user’s investment.
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 – Drill Bits
Milwaukee Tool 4-Cutter Rotary Hammer Drill Bits MX4
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: $8.47
For more information, click here.
WINNER – Dust Extractors
Husqvarna Construction Dust Extractor DE 120
What they said:
This versatile HEPA dust extractor is compact and easy to transport, yet powerful. It is designed for use with larger hand-held power tools, floor and hand grinders, shotblasters, scarifiers, and more. Its performance and sturdiness make the DE 120 ideal for demanding, heavy-duty applications.
Safety – Complies with the latest HEPA standards for heavy-duty dust extractor usage, equipped with EN1822 certified HEPA H13-filter.
Performance – developed to increase working intervals. This way, the operator can focus on the job and be more productive while the dust extractor does the job in the background.
Easy to maintain – Its high water protection enables fast and efficient decontamination. It also features embedded connectivity allowing you to swiftly monitor location, service, and filter status along with other valuable usage data.
What we say:
Big jobs require better dust and slurry extraction than many brands can offer and Husqvarna steps up with its DE 120. This 3HP dust-sucking beast is capable of producing 265 CFM with 2.9 PSI of lift, is designed to thrive in tough environments, and can be hosed down. Inside, Husqvarna’s e-flow design automatically adjusts the airflow to get the longest time between filter cleanings and changes. Plus, the whole system operates from a 20A, 120V outlet.
Price: $3250
For more information, click here.
WINNER – Electric Power Cutter Saws
Husqvarna Construction 14-Inch Power Cutter Kit K1 PACE
What they said:
The Husqvarna K1 PACE high-power battery cutter was created for the application. The PACE battery was developed to deliver top power, cutting through reinforced concrete in demanding work environments. Expect quick charging between shifts – and a machine that is easily available for work. The 94-volt batteries, available in two sizes, have a charge time of 45 – 75 mins, and a run time permitting 18 – 81 cuts depending on the concrete material.
What we say:
The race to replace gas power cutters is in full swing and Husqvarna comes in with a 94V model driving a 14-inch blade. Aside from not producing emissions and requiring typical gas maintenance, it’s also cord-free, so you don’t have to worry about tripping breakers. Keep your eyes open—this high-performance cutter also has a model designed specifically for rescue in the works. Also, the 94V battery will also be compatible with an upcoming battery-powered version of the DE 120 dust extractor.
Price: $3093
For more information, click here.
WINNER – Gas Power Cutter Saws
Husqvarna Construction SmartGuard Power Cutter 970 46 00-02/K 770
What they said:
The K 770 SmartGuard is a powerful, all-round power cutter with features that make it one of the best power cutters on the market. Equipped with SmartGuard, an extended blade guard design that reduces the likelihood of accidents and circumstances when a kickback may occur, as it emphasizes correct technique and correct cutting zone. The semi-automatic SmartTension system allows for optimal power transmission, minimum wear, and maximum belt life. The light weight, outstanding power-to-weight ratio, reliable starting, and exceptionally low vibrations mean less strain and maximized productivity. Suitable for road work and when paired with a KV7 trolley, easily cut in a straight or curved track or close to a sidewalk.
What we say:
The Husqvarna K770 power cutter is a high-performance machine that we’ve been using for several years. The big deal for the updated version is the SmartGuard extended blade guard design. Attached to the front of the saw, it reduces the chance of injury and the occurrence of kickback—one of any power cutter’s biggest risks. You get the reliability we’ve come to expect along with additional protection.
Price: $1,334
For more information, click here.
WINNER – Cordless Rotary Hammers
Milwaukee Tool M18 FUEL 1-1/8” SDS Plus Rotary Hammer w/ ONE-KEY 2915-22DE
What they said:
Our M18 FUEL 1-1/8″ SDS Plus Rotary Hammer w/ ONE-KEY & HAMMERVAC Dedicated Dust Extractor Kit is the next generation of cordless rotary hammers, delivering you ultimate jobsite performance and productivity. The M18 FUEL 1-1/8″ SDS Plus Rotary Hammer is the fastest drilling and hardest-hitting rotary hammer in its class with AUTOSTOP Control for enhanced safety, drilling up to 50 5/8″ x 3″ holes per charge when paired with the M18 HIGH OUTPUT XC6.0 Battery.
This cordless hammer drill provides maximum control and enhanced safety with the AUTOSTOP Kickback Control. This feature prevents over-rotation if the tool gets bound up while drilling in rebar or hard aggregate.
The MILWAUKEE M18 FUEL HAMMERVAC 1-1/8″ Dedicated Dust Extractor features an inline design engineered to connect directly to and be powered by the M18 FUEL 1-1/8” SDS Plus Rotary Hammer. Utilizing the same replaceable certified HEPA filter as other HAMMERVACS, which filters 99.97% of all particles greater than 0.3µm, means more compatibility on the jobsite.
This dust extractor has OSHA Table One Compliance for respirable crystalline silica when drilling up to 1-1/8″ in diameter and 8″ in depth. This extractor features AUTOPULSE Filter Cleaning Mechanism that automatically cleans the filter after each use. The dust box comes equipped with a vacuum port for suctioning out the dust with a large vacuum or dust extractor instead of dumping the dust out into a trash receptacle.
What we say:
Milwaukee started with a high-performance rotary hammer concept and turned it into one of the most complete systems available with the 2915-22DE. The rotary hammer is strong, with the brushless motor delivering 3.6 ft-lbs of impact energy. Milwaukee’s AUTOSTOP anti-kickback system reduces the risk of injury during bind-ups while One-Key offers tracking and management.
Then Milwaukee steps up to another level with its dedicated dust extractor pairing. The HammerVac uses power from the battery that’s already on the tool so it’s not adding more weight with a second pack. Unlike most onboard dust extractors, it has a filter cleaning mechanism, so you’re good to go on OSHA compliance. Plus, you can connect a vac to it and suck out the dust rather than risking sending it airborne by emptying it using manual methods.
Price: $799.00
For more information, click here.
WINNER – Powered Screeds
Milwaukee Tool MX FUEL Vibratory Screed MXF381-2CP
What they said:
With the power to pull up to 16-foot bars and consolidate up to six inches of concrete without sacrificing power, users have maximum control in both stiff and wet concrete. The push-button start provides instant power with no gas headaches and eliminates the repetitive motions of a pull start, reducing downtime. The battery-powered screed requires no regular maintenance, eliminates the need to mix gas and oil, produces less noise and vibration, and has zero emissions–making the workplace safer whether indoors or outdoors.
When paired with a 12-foot bar and one MX FUEL REDLITHIUM CP203 Battery Pack, the MX FUEL Vibratory Screed delivers up to two hours of runtime per charge, or up to 10,000 square feet. The screed can also run two motors on one bar for increased mobility if using a longer bar.
Seven screed bars are available separately, ranging from 4 feet to 16 feet in length. Constructed from lightweight magnesium, the extra-rigid, double triangle design transmits consistent vibrations across the entire length of the bar. Utilizing a clamp design, Milwaukee’s Screed Bar allows users to quickly attach the bar at any point on the machine.
What we say:
We’ve seen battery-powered screeds in the past, but the Milwaukee MX Fuel Vibratory Screed is another animal. Capable of screeding with bars up to 16 feet in length, it’s designed for much larger areas without the need to use a gas engine. And forget about losing vibration at the ends of the bars. Milwaukee specifically designed them with the rigidity needed to effectively vibrate the entire length.
Price: $2,499.00
For more information, click here.
WINNER – Vibrators
Milwaukee Tool MX FUEL Concrete Vibrator MXF370-2XC
What they said:
The MX FUEL Concrete Vibrator increases productivity and safety on the jobsite by eliminating trip hazards and the need for cords and gas generators with its cordless innovation. The MX FUEL technology with built-in POWERSTATE Brushless Motor delivers the power to push a 2 ½” head at over 10,000 VPM for optimal concrete consolidation. The 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.
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 vibratory screed is ever lost or stolen, ONE-KEY provides the ability to prevent tampering with remote lockout capability.
The MX FUEL Concrete Vibrator accepts shafts up to 21 feet long and is also compatible with Oztec accessories. The kit comes with a wireless remote giving users the ability to run the machine from up to 30 feet away, providing freedom when using long shafts. In addition, Milwaukee is offering the option to purchase its own heads and shafts for the Concrete Vibrator, with heads available up to 2-½ inches and shafts up to 21 feet
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 Concrete Vibrator fits the bill with the power to run heads up to 2 1/2 inches and the runtime to cover up to 45 cubic feet with a smaller profile than the larger backpack vibrator. Add to that One-Key tracking, management, and security along with the ability to operate sitting on the ground plus a remote control and you have one highly advanced, super-convenient concrete vibrator.
Price: $2,199.00
For more information, click here.