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, 2022 cement production reached over 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 2023 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 – Bridge Saw
iQ Power Tools iQ252 Bridge Saw
What they said:
The iQ252 is a 10″ dry cut rail saw for professional contractors, designed to eliminate problems with cutting wet, save time, and increase your profitability on the jobs.
With fully integrated dust collection technology, this innovative tool allows you to cut tile inside or outside with no water and no dust.
- 52″ rip cuts
- 36″ diagonal cuts
- OSHA Compliant
- Saw weight 175lbs
- Blade size Q-Drive 10″
- Filter type iQ Dura Bond
- Built with an integrated dust collection chamber that holds 11lbs
What we say:
iQ Power Tools continues to convert more wet-cutting application into dry cutting ones. With the iQ252 Bridge Saw, long cut across expensive granite, marble and other materials can be achieved accurately, without the mess of wet cutting, and without the need for additional PPE. By using an advanced vacuum system to collect the dust, you save a ton of time on setup and cleanup, making you more productive and profitable.
Price: $3,999.00
For more information, click here.
WINNER – Compactor
Milwaukee Tool MX FUEL Plate Compactor MXF220-2HD
What they said:
The MX FUEL™ 20” Plate Compactor provides the most productive and reliable compaction. The POWERSTATE™ Brushless Motor delivers the power to hit hard and travel faster for maximum productivity without sacrificing compaction performance.
The plate compactor provides no gas headaches with push button start and no regular maintenance, reducing downtime and allowing you to get jobs done faster. Zero emissions means a safer workspace indoors and in trenches. It also offers greater control with multi-direction capability and fast/ slow speed control for easier maneuverability around forms.
The MX FUEL™ 20” Plate Compactor is kitted with 2 MX FUEL™ REDLITHIUM™ FORGE™ HD12.0 batteries & a Super Charger. In just 65 minutes, you can charge an MX FUEL™ REDLITHIUM™ FORGE™ HD12.0 to 100%. Both the MX FUEL™ REDLITHIUM™ FORGE™ HD12.0 Battery & MX FUEL™ Super Charger are COOL-CYCLE™ Capable. COOL-CYCLE™ Active Cooling System, provides high-speed cooling for less downtime. The active cooling feature works with M18™ batteries that have COOL-CYCLE™ capability. The MX FUEL™ REDLITHIUM™ FORGE™ HD12.0 Battery gives you 35 minutes of continuous runtime or 5,500 square feet per charge. REDLINK PLUS™ Intelligence ensures optimal performance and provides overload protection to protect your machine and battery during the toughest applications.
The MILWAUKEE® MX FUEL™ 20” Plate Compactor 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 your plate compactor is ever lost or stolen, you can prevent tampering with remote lockout capability.
What we say:
When Milwaukee first announced the MX Fuel line and its future of replacing gas equipment, they had a roadmap of product development most of us couldn’t dream of. The MX Fuel Plate Compactor is a fine example, and it’s not just that Milwaukee made it run on a battery. With the latest generation of MX Fuel batteries, you have the capacity and charging speeds to work continuously, making the MXF220 a legitimate full replacement for your gas compactor.
Price: $5499
For more information, click here.
WINNER – Concrete/Masonry Drill Bits
DEWALT 18″ SDS Plus Rebar Cutters DWA540118
What they said:
SDS Plus Shank – Easily Switch between a standard carbide bit and rebar cutter
Easy to Use. More Versatile – Drill in hammer and rotary mode
Durable Head Design – Carbide tip geometry optimized to cut through rebar
What we say:
When you’re drilling through reinforced concrete, you’re going to hit rebar eventually. Be prepared for the inevitable with DeWalt’s SDS-Plus Rebar Cutters. The carbide tooth geometry shifts away from chewing through concrete to one that’s optimized to make quick work of rebar, so you can get through it efficiently and continue with the job at hand.
Price: $70 – $125
For more information, click here.
WINNER – Core Drill
Milwaukee Tool MX FUEL Super Core Drill w/Stand MXF302-2HD
What they said:
The MX FUEL™ Core Rig w/ Stand delivers unmatched productivity with the power to core up to 14” holes in reinforced concrete, the easiest coring anywhere, and four 10” holes through reinforced concrete per charge.
The POWERSTATE™ Brushless Motor delivers the power to complete heavy duty applications, coring up to 14” holes in reinforced concrete. REDLINK PLUS™ Intelligence ensures maximum performance and protection from overload, overheating, and over-discharge. The intuitive bit removal device, 3-piece modular design, and elimination of a cord maximize productivity, providing you the easiest coring experience onsite.
The MX FUEL™ Core Rig w/ Stand is kitted with 2 MX FUEL™ REDLITHIUM™ FORGE™ HD12.0 batteries & a Super Charger. In just 65 minutes, you can charge an MX FUEL™ REDLITHIUM™ FORGE™ HD12.0 to 100%. Both the MX FUEL™ REDLITHIUM™ FORGE™ HD12.0 Battery & MX FUEL™ Super Charger are COOL-CYCLE™ Capable. COOL-CYCLE™ Active Cooling System, provides high-speed cooling for less downtime. The active cooling feature works with MX™ batteries that have COOL-CYCLE™ capability. The core rig is compatible with all MX FUEL™ REDLITHIUM™ batteries, giving you the hardest working and most reliable power for equipment
The MILWAUKEE® MX FUEL™ Core Rig w/ Stand is ONE-KEY™ Compatible so you can track, manage and secure your equipment.
What we say:
We were impressed with the initial MX Fuel Core Drill, but Milwaukee’s development team wasn’t content to leave it alone. The latest model steps up with a stand design that is capable of drilling holes up to 14 inches in diameter. That’s a big deal for jobs where ventilation makes using a generator problematic. This isn’t just an occasional use tool, though. 4 operating speeds and the newest MX Fuel batteries offer the capacity and charging speed to make the MXF302 your primary core drill.
Price:: $6999
For more information, click here.
WINNER – Cutting Wheels
Spyder Diamond Bite Cutting Blades
What they said:
Spyder’s line of Diamond Bite cutting wheels and grinding cups are the premium handheld and stationary accessory for working masonry and tile. The Diamond Bite blades feature a complex diamond matrix design that uses premium industrial diamond abrasive bonded in a durable binder that provides up to 5x more cuts, 33% faster than other diamond blades. Use the continuous rim blade for ultra clean cuts, use the continuous turbo rim blade for fast and clean cuts, use the segmented rim blade for the fastest cuts, and use the turbo cup for quick material grinding. For increased versatility, these blades can be used wet or dry and they are ideal for cutting applications including masonry, pavers, concrete and tile.
What we say:
In the concrete cutting wheel class, diamonds are a contractor’s best friend and Spyder does a couple of things with theirs that set the Diamond Bite cutting wheels apart from the competition. They use a high concentration alongside a complex matrix that combine to offer cleaner, faster cutting that works in both wet and dry cutting situations. It’s a design that keeps your crew more productive while delivering quality results.
Price: $14.98 – $137.92
For more information, click here.
WINNER – Concrete/Masonry Demo Bits
Milwaukee Tool SDS PLUS SLEDGE Floor Scraper 5″ X 10″
What they said:
The SDS PLUS SLEDGE™ Floor Scraper provides increased productivity in flooring removal applications. Designed with a 5″ wide replaceable blade, our SDS PLUS SLEDGE™ Floor Scraper removes 25% more material and maximizes removal of tile, linoleum, laminate, and adhesive. The sharpened, flexible 5″ blade cuts under material faster and has a beveled plate edge to prevent material binding. The floor scraper is also equipped with countersunk bolts to reduce loosening. Compatible with all SDS PLUS Rotary Hammers in hammer-only mode.
What we say:
No one really enjoys flooring removal, but. Milwaukee is making the chore more tolerable with the SDS Plus Sledge Floor Scraper. 5″ wide, it’s working on a wider area than the typical 4″ scrapers you might normally use. Thanks to its sharpened and beveled edge, it’s actively undercutting the material while preventing it from getting stuck. The business attaches via three countersunk bolts that avoid loosening while keeping open the option to replace the blade rather than the entire bit.
Price: $109
For more information, click here.
WINNER – Fasteners-Anchors
Hilti Kwik-X Dual Action Anchor
What they said:
The Kwik-X Dual Action Anchor is the only dual action anchor system with the high performance of adhesive anchors and the installation speed and simplicity of screw anchors. Meeting the higher level of standards and performance requirements safety-critical applications demand, the Kwik-X system—comprised of the KHC Kwik-X adhesive foil capsule and Kwik HUS-EZ screw anchor—helps eliminate the time, accessories, and costs associated with hole cleaning, epoxy injection, and curing without compromising the integrity of the anchor application.
With up to 4X faster installation than injectable adhesive anchors and a reduced total cost of installation, Kwik-X dual action technology also enables increased immediate loading to help save time on the jobsite. Easier installation, with dual action technology and SafeSet method and pre-configured adhesive capsules, helps to reduce the number of steps in the installation process, save time on the jobsite and help to minimize the risk of installer error.
What we say:
If your work involves setting adhesive anchors, you’re going to love Hilti’s Kwik-X Dual Action Anchor System. To put it simply, the Kwik-X system can be stated as “drill, drop, drive, done.” No joke.
Just like you would with any other anchor, you start by drilling the appropriate-sized hole for it. But instead of reaching for your vac or hole blower, you skip the cleanout step completely. The way you get around it is by using Hilti’s SafeSet procedure which includes using a hollow bit and vac to remove dust while you’re drilling.
Next, you take the adhesive packet and drop the entire thing into the hole, package and all. You don’t need to squeeze it out and you don’t need to use an applicator.
Finally, use your impact wrench to drive the fastener in place. As it turns, it breaks the packet open and displaces the adhesive to fill the gaps. That’s it, you’re done. It’s a huge time-saver and makes getting new crew members up to speed easier while reducing the risk of errors along the way.
Price: $59.20
For more information, click here.
WINNER – Nailer
Hilti BX 3-22/BX 3 ME-22 Battery Fasteners
What they said:
The BX 3-22 battery fasteners on the all-on-one Nuron 22V cordless platform help simplify and speed up installation and attachment projects, with improved quality of fastening into concrete, steel, and masonry. The BX 3-22 can shoot up to 700 nails per hour and fasten up to 850 nails on a single charge with lower recoil, less noise and virtually no dust. With its comfort handle, easily access tight spaces and perform all suspended applications safely from the floor without needing to use lifts or platforms with BX 3-22-compatible pole tools. With the help of the BX 3-22’s built-in features—an integrated motion sensor, nail refill indicator, LED light, two belt hooks for added convenience and a tether-ready attachment to protect against dropped tools—jobsites can run more safely and efficiently while reducing unnecessary downtime.
What we say:
Hilti gets it right with their Nuron cordless concrete nailer. It has the design you expect from pneumatic models and improves your productivity with features that can only come with smart electronics on a cordless platform. It starts the second you pick the tool up—a motion sensor prepares to fire the first shot while an LED light makes sure you can see your target area effectively. There’s also a nail refill indicator to alert you when you’re running low. With the ability to fire 700 shots per hour and 850 on a battery, you won’t miss your hose at all. While there are a few cordless concrete nailer options now available, Hilti is setting the bar in performance and convenience.
Price: $1169
For more information, click here.
WINNER – Battery Power Cutter Saws
Milwaukee Tool MX FUEL 6″ Green Concrete Saw MXF316-2XC
What they said:
The MX FUEL™ 6” Green Concrete Saw provides clean, consistent cuts with the power to cut 1-1/2” depth on a 6” blade, no gas headaches, and 160 ft of runtime per charge at max cut depth.
The POWERSTATE™ Brushless Motor delivers the power to cut at a max depth of 1-1/2” on a 6” blade, maximizing productivity by eliminating the downtime of switching blade sizes. REDLINK PLUS™ Intelligence ensures optimal performance and provides overload protection to protect your machine and battery during the toughest applications.
The MX FUEL™ REDLITHIUM™ battery pack provides instant power with no gas headaches and requires no regular maintenance, producing less noise and zero emissions for a safer workspace indoors or outdoors. The MX FUEL™ 6” Green Concrete Saw is kitted with 2 MX FUEL™ REDLITHIUM™ FORGE™ XC8.0 batteries & a Super Charger. In just 45 minutes, you can charge an MX FUEL™ REDLITHIUM™ FORGE™ XC8.0 to 100%. Both the MX FUEL™ REDLITHIUM™ FORGE™ XC8.0 Battery & MX FUEL™ Super Charger are COOL-CYCLE™ Capable. COOL-CYCLE™ Active Cooling System, provides high-speed cooling for less downtime. The active cooling feature works with MX FUEL™ batteries that have COOL-CYCLE™ capability.
The MILWAUKEE® MX FUEL™ 6” Green Concrete Saw is ONE-KEY™ Compatible to track, manage and secure your equipment.
What we say:
Making your early entry cuts in concrete no longer has to be a headache—at least the ones that comes from the noise and emissions of a gas engine. Milwaukee’s MX Fuel Green Concrete Saw shifts the task over to battery power, and with it, creates a more convenient system. Cutting as deep as 1.5 inches, it uses readily available 6″ blades from Husqvarna and includes a 3/4 speed setting to help you break them in and last longer. Thanks to the latest developments in the MX Fuel battery lineup, you have the capacity and charging speed to ditch your gas saw permanently.
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Price: $5499
For more information, click here.
Finalist
WINNER – Masonry Saws
iQ Power Tools iQ1550 Dry-Cut Masonry Saw
What they said:
The iQ1550™ can tackle any jobsite, dry cutting and eliminating the dust cloud, allowing workers to increase their efficiency and productivity while maintaining a safe work environment.
Equipped with a 230v Super Duty 3 HP saw motor and 3HP vac motor, it can handle cutting through 8” wall blocks and capture the dust. It’s integrated dust collection chamber holds 75 pounds of dust and with the automatic filter cleaning system maintenance is simple. Highly portable, the iQ1550™ is equipped with high-floatation tires, forklift pockets, and a center lift point to make transportation easy.
The iQ1550 features the following industry firsts:
- 21.5” Q-Drive blade with a 8” depth and a full 16” length of cut
- Saw Dimensions: 32” w x 67” h x 51” l
- Unmatched cutting speed
Designed with soft start technology, the iQ Power Management System controls the power ramp up without the spike and the automatic filter cleaning system. Easily transported around the jobsite, the cutting performance and speed of the iQ1550™ along with integrated dust collection makes it the ultimate saw for serious masonry and hardscape professionals.
What we say:
iQ Power Tools is taking their dustless dry cutting talents to a whole new level with the iQ1550 Dry-Cut Masonry Saw. Powered by a beefy 230V motor 3 HP motor, this saw uses a massive 21.5″ blade to make cuts in masonry up to 8″ thick and 16″ long. Because so much cutting of this type happens on jobsites and not shops, it’s specifically designed to be transport-friendly. As impressive as all that is, it’s the advanced dust collection that is the star of the show. You don’t need to worry about a water source, additional PPE, or long clean-up times. iQ’s dry cutting design takes out the hassle and saves you valuable time.
Price: TBA
For more information, click here.
WINNER – Cordless Rotary Hammers
Bosch PROFACTOR 18V Connected-Ready SDS-max 1-5/8 In. Rotary Hammer GBH18V-40CK27
What they said:
The Bosch rotary hammer delivers corded-level performance in a cordless design, ready to tackle heavy-duty concrete drilling and chiseling jobs. It delivers 6.7 Ft.-Lbs. of impact energy (EPTA), which is unprecedented for a single-battery 18V SDS-max® 1-5/8 In. rotary hammer. The tool weighs 15.4 Lbs. (tool only, not including battery), providing workers with an ergonomic design to keep them comfortable on the jobsite.
This rotary hammer is a part of the PROFACTOR™ System, which pairs BITURBO Brushless™ Technology with a CORE18V® High Power battery. The BITURBO Brushless™ Technology is a high-performance motor and drive-train system designed to deliver a power level that’s comparable to high-demand corded tools.
Additionally, the tool has built-in rotary hammer and hammer-only modes, and a Vario-Lock feature to rotate and lock the chisel into the workers’ desired position, customizing their experience. Its anti-vibration system features a longer air cushion in the hammer tube and dampeners in the handle, reducing the tool’s physical impact on workers when chiseling or hammering on the jobsite. Also, it also has a Soft Start feature and controlled rpm and bpm, making it easier for workers to ease the tool into each application.
The hammer also features an on-tool user interface allowing workers to track tool performance, feedback, and control in real-time. With the built-in connectivity function, (module sold separately) the rotary hammer can connect to the Bosch Toolbox App to provide immediate feedback on the user settings, helping workers be in control of their tool experience.
What we say:
When you see the 6.7 ft lbs impact energy coming from Bosch’s GBH18V-40CK27 rotary hammer, you could be forgiven for assuming it’s using a corded or high-voltage power source. You’d be wrong, though. Bosch’s ProFactor technology pairs a powerful BiTurbo brushless motor and Core18V battery to pull all that performance on an 18V battery system. Plus, there’s an advanced vibration control system and kickback control. An Onboard system of controls and feedback help you keep your head in the game and the tool working at its most efficient levels. It’s also Connected-Ready. Add Bosch’s Connected Module to the tool and you have an additional layer of feedback.
Price: $949 (kit)
For more information, click here.
WINNER – Specialty
Makinex Hose 2 Go
What they said:
The Makinex Water tank is innovative for several reasons: Constant pressure water supply, the Hose 2 Go provides a constant pressure water supply without the need for a pump or electricity. This feature makes it a reliable and convenient tool for various applications.
Dust suppression: dust suppression is essential in the rental and construction industry to control airborne particles that can be harmful to workers and the environment. The Hose 2 Go’s ability to provide a steady stream of water for dust suppression without the need for pumping or external power is an innovative solution.
The Hose 2 Go having no pump, no electrics, and no battery: reduces maintenance requirements and potential points of failure.
This innovative approach enhances the tool’s reliability and durability. The Hose 2 Go addresses specific challenges faced in the rental and construction sectors, making it a unique and efficient tool for dust control and water supply.
What we say:
Portable water supplies for dust control are nothing new in the concrete industry. At first glance, you might think Makinex created just one more to add to the list. However, look closer. This 7 – 10 PSI water supply provides constant pressure and does it without the use of a pump, electronics, battery, or even manual pumping. With fewer parts to fail or power arouses to drain, there’s less to get in the way of your productivity.
So how does it work? As you fill the system, water enters the bladder, which increases in pressure. When you release the water, that pressure pushes back, providing steady pressure until it pushes all the way back to its original shape.
Price: $376
For more information, click here.
WINNER – Trowels & Floats
Milwaukee Tool MX FUEL 36″ Walk-Behind Trowel MXF336-3HD
What they said:
The MX FUEL™ 36” Walk- Behind Trowel provides a smooth, balanced finishing experience with 5HP performance, no gas headaches, and 25 min of runtime per charge.
The POWERSTATE™ Brushless Motor delivers 5HP performance and unmatched control with a max blade speed of 130 RPM and an ergonomic throttle design. The trowel provides instant power with no gas headaches and requires no regular maintenance, producing less noise and zero emissions for a safer workspace indoors or outdoors.
The MX FUEL™ 36” Walk- Behind Trowel is kitted with 3 MX FUEL™ REDLITHIUM™ FORGE™ HD12.0 batteries & a Super Charger. In just 65 minutes, you can charge an MX FUEL™ REDLITHIUM™ FORGE™ HD12.0 to 100%. Both the MX FUEL™ REDLITHIUM™ FORGE™ HD12.0 Battery & MX FUEL™ Super Charger are COOL-CYCLE™ Capable. COOL-CYCLE™ Active Cooling System, provides high-speed cooling for less downtime. The active cooling feature works with M18™ batteries that have COOL-CYCLE™ capability.
REDLINK PLUS™ Intelligence ensures optimal performance and provides overload protection to protect your machine and battery during the toughest applications.
The MILWAUKEE® MX FUEL™ 36” Walk- Behind Trowel 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 your power trowel is ever lost or stolen, you can prevent tampering with remote lockout capability.
What we say:
A lack of ventilation in the area of concrete you need to finish is longer a problem. The Milwaukee MX Fuel 36″ Trowel and its 24″ Edge Trowel companion use am MX Fuel battery for power, eliminating the need for gas engines. As full-on walk-behind models, you can expect the same performance and function you’re used to, but without the noise, emissions, and maintenance of a gas unit. The latest MX Fuel batteries make it a viable option thanks to higher capacities and faster charge times. Plus, One-Key is onboard to help you with tracking, inventory, and security.
Price: $7499
For more information, click here.
WINNER – Vibrators
Hilti NCV 10-22 Ultimate Concrete Vibrator
What they said:
The new NCV 10-22 Ultimate concrete vibrator helps ensure a quality concrete pour every time without the hassle of dealing with corded or gas-powered concrete vibration solutions. Taking on the toughest jobs like flatwork, deck pours and pre-cast applications, the Nuron powered NCV 10-22 Concrete vibrator delivers high power from the high cycle motor-inhead design, mobility, and enduring battery life.
With lower weight than traditional gas-powered backpack concrete vibrators and the power of Nuron batteries, the NCV 10-22 offers the mobility to maneuver around rebar and formwork in a safer, more productive way. Pair the NCV 10-22 with our new NCV 4-22 Compact concrete vibrator for jobsites with tightly spaced rebar. When rebar is denser or in lower volume pours, the handheld, Nuron battery-powered internal vibrator helps to ensure a cordless jobsite. With enough battery runtime to vibrate up to 8 trucks of concrete, users can expect quality pours every time.
What we say:
The competition in the battery-powered concrete vibrator category was tight this year, with several quality entries. In the end, Hilti’s NCV 10-22 impressed our voters the most. For starters, the design team kept the overall weight lower than we expect from gas units. With a backpack designed to house the batteries and only house the batteries rather than the motor, you’re not losing vibrations to your back and hands. Instead, they’re all going directly into the concrete because the motor is in the head. It’s an effective system that has the added benefit of lowering your overall fatigue during use.
Price: TBA
For more information, click here.
Finalist