The 2024 Awards for Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing include a large number of new and innovative products. From small hand tools to trade-focused products and specialized tools, the MEP category brings much to celebrate. We saw new and innovative hand tools, advanced cordless solutions, and even cross-category solutions that can appeal to nearly every tradesman.
If you can’t find something on this list of MEP tools and accessories that saves you time or money, you may want to look through it again!
WINNER – Cordless PEX Expansion
DeWalt DCE410P1 20V XR 1-1/2″ PEX Expander
What they said:
The 20V MAX* XR 1-1/2″ PEX Expander is the lightest cordless pro-grade solution for expanding 1-1/4″ and 1-1/2″ PEX pipe**. DCE410 can expand 3/8″ – 1-1/2″ expansion-type PEX, including Uponor ProPEX tubing, and provides up to 20% faster speed of expansion than the Milwaukee 2632 M18 PEX Expander. This kit includes 1″, 1-1/4″, and 1-1/2″ expansion heads, and is compatible with the existing DEWALT 3/8″ – 1″ expansion heads (sold separately).
The tool features a long, ergonomically designed body with upper and lower grip locations to optimize pipe expansions in overhead and body-height positions. Achieve even expansion surfaces with the auto-rotating head mechanism. Light up workspaces with the onboard LED and store the tool using its side-mounted hang hook. Experience significant runtime from a brushless motor that allows you to work all day on one battery (sold separately).
What we say:
The DeWalt 20V XR 1-1/2″ PEX Expander is the lightest cordless solution for expanding up to 1-1/2″ PEX pipe—including Uponor ProPEX tubing. The tool provides fast expansion—even claiming they beat the 18V Milwaukee 2632. The ergonomic design seems to optimize it for overhead use. As for runtime, using a DCB205 battery gets you as many as 81 1-1/2″ expansions in PEX-A pipe. Having DeWalt expand further into the PEX expander category certainly fosters much-needed innovation and competition.
Price: $849
For more information, click here.
WINNER – Pipe Beveling & Grooving
Milwaukee 2927-22 M18 FUEL™ RINGER™ Roll Groover
What they said:
Our M18 FUEL™ RINGER™ Roll Groover is the industry’s first cordless Roll Groover, designed to optimize productivity of on-site grooving. The RINGER™ delivers the fastest setup to finish with the easiest setup and transportation around the jobsite, enabling operators to work where its most convenient without the limitations of a cord. This portability, paired with the power of M18 FUEL™ eliminates the strain of traditional grooving, enabling sprinkler fitters and pipe fitters the ability to efficiently work anywhere, even at the point of install.
With runtime up to 25 3” Sch 40 grooves with the two (2) kitted FORGE™ XC8.0 Batteries, the RINGER™ stands up to the demands of a day on the jobsite. The easy-to-use groove controls enable the operator to simply select pipe material, size, and schedule to control groove depth. The groove depth offset control also provides the ability to adjust groove depth to the tolerance of a specific pipe batch, eliminating ratcheting & cranking, reducing guess and check, and enabling hands-free operation – making the RINGER™ the easiest way to groove on-site.
What we say:
The M18 Fuel Ringer Roll Groover is the first cordless roll groover in the industry. Grooving pipes without a power cord creates new opportunities for on-site grooving during installations. The Ringer includes a groove depth offset control that reduces the need for manual adjustments. Using the included Forge XC8.0 battery, it can make up to 25 grooves on 3-inch Schedule 40 pipe. It should be an invaluable tool for sprinkler installers and pipe fitters.
Price: TBD
For more information, click here.
WINNER – Cordless Pipe Cutters
Milwaukee 2479-20 M12™ Brushless 1-1/4”-2” Copper Tubing Cutter
What they said:
Our M12™ Brushless 1-1/4”-2” Copper Tubing Cutter delivers the fastest clean cuts. The copper tubing cutter helps you maximize productivity due to unmatched cutting speeds and a patented cutting mechanism that automatically adjusts the diameter to cut Type K, L, and M copper pipes from 1-1/4” to 2” (OD from 1-3/8” to 2-1/8”).
Our rotating head delivers faster cutting, reduces muscle fatigue, and allows for superior access with as little as 1.7″ clearance. The built-in LED light and view window illuminate the line of cut for better visibility when working in confined spaces. Our M12™ Brushless 1-1/4”-2” Copper Tubing Cutter is fully compatible with 150+ solutions in the M12™ system.
What we say:
I remember the original copper tubing cutters that ran on the M12 battery. It revolutionized copper plumbing by eliminating one of the slowest, most time-consuming parts of the process, cutting copper up to 1 inch. Now, the Milwaukee M12 Brushless 1-1/4”-2” Copper Tubing Cutter automatically adjusts to fit Type K, L, and M copper pipes up to 2 inches. The rotating head ensures ease of use even in tight spaces. A built-in LED light and view window make it easy to see what you’re doing. Now, one more job just became a whole lot easier.
Price: $399
For more information, click here.
WINNER – Pipe Inspection
Milwaukee 3318-22A M12™ 65’ Ultra Flex Compact Inspection Camera Kit
What they said:
Our M12™ 65’ Ultra Flex Compact Inspection Camera Kit features our most flexible push cable providing the ability to navigate the tightest bends and traps in small diameter 1”- 3” drain lines up to 65’. Our camera delivers the clearest image and easiest inspections and is equipped with multi-frequency Sonde for precise locating. Featuring our smallest 16 mm camera head, and the ability to digitally zoom up to 4X and pan, technicians can now see more in drain lines than ever before. The M12™ 65’ Ultra Flex Compact Inspection Camera can inspect a wide array of small diameter applications where conventional cameras can’t inspect.
Our M12™ Compact Drain Line Inspection Cameras feature our most compact footprint for the tightest jobsite environments and maximum portability on and off the van. Powered by M12™ REDLITHIUM™ CP2.0 batteries with an internal storage system for recordings, our reel will allow the user to capture, create, and share custom photos and videos from one of our compatible Pipeline Inspection viewing devices or directly from a tablet or mobile device for faster sharing of findings. This drain line camera is also equipped with ONE-KEY™ Technology, providing you with the ability to track the tool’s location, manage it in inventory, and lock the tool out to help protect your investment.
What we say:
The Milwaukee M12 65′ compact inspection camera earns its keep by getting through tight PVC, cast iron, and sewage pipe bends and traps in 1- to 3-inch drain lines. It extends up to 65 feet with a 16 mm camera head and multi-frequency Sonde for accurate location. A flexible push cable and 4X digital zoom and pan let you really see what’s going on and causing clogs. Everything can be easily monitored on a Milwaukee wireless monitor or any compatible tablet or mobile device. Lastly, Milwaukee One-Key Technology offers tracking, inventory management, and tool protection.
Price: $3,689
For more information, click here.
WINNER – Pipe Wrenches
Milwaukee 48-22-7418 Aluminum Self-Adjusting Pipe Wrench
What they said:
Our Aluminum Self-Adjusting Pipe Wrenches provide better access in tight applications. The large thumb trigger provides easy one-handed use in any application. With the quick self-setting adjustment, these adjustable pipe wrenches rapidly bite various pipe or pipe connections – 14″ Wrench Capacity: 3/8” to 2″ or 18 Wrench Capacity: 3/4″ to 2-1/2″. The ergonomic handle is designed to provide maximum comfort and won’t dig into palms while in use.
Tough hardened jaws deliver increased grip and tooth durability and a tether-ready handle loop makes our pipe wrenches perfect for the toughest of jobsites. The Aluminum Self-Adjusting Pipe Wrenches are backed by Milwaukee’s Limited Lifetime Warranty.
What we say:
New Milwaukee aluminum self-adjusting pipe wrenches feature a large thumb trigger to fully open the jaws. It lets you easily use the tool with one hand. The self-setting adjustment mechanism quickly adapts the jaws to various pipe sizes, and Milwaukee did a good job making the handle comfortable to pull. The hardened jaws give you up to 2-1/2″ pipe capacity. They even threw in a tether-ready handle loop for good measure.
Price: $85
For more information, click here.
WINNER – Hydraulic Pumps
HYTORC HY-LIGHTNING-FA1-DOC-715 Lightning Pump – Smart
What they said:
The HYTORC LIGHTNING™ PUMP – Smart was developed through extensive customer feedback and driven by a commitment to continuous innovation, the pump is engineered to meet the rigorous demands of diverse work environments. As of this writing there is not another variable speed battery-powered hydraulic pump for bolting on the market.
The design itself protects against infiltration from blowing snow, dust, rain, sand, and the like. It was designed to be used in both vertical and horizontal positions, allowing for more flexibility in pump placement on work sites. Being battery-powered means there is no cord, eliminating tripping hazards and enhancing worker safety.
The LIGHTNING™ PUMP Smart has a 7” touchscreen display and is the first hydraulic pump with one that can be used with gloves on, keeping the operator safer. It also offers an easy-to-use interface that was designed to be intuitive, much like an app on a phone or tablet. The Smart model makes bolting simpler thanks to its automatic mode – all you have to do is enter the torque value, choose a tool from the options shown on the screen, push the button and the pump does the rest of the work. It has a pendant with vibration feedback, data collection capability, and comes standard with a hard shell storage and transportation case. The internal backup battery means data collection is not lost during battery changes.
What we say:
The Hytorc Lightning Pump – Smart is the first variable speed battery-powered hydraulic pump for bolting. The 48V 1170 Wh battery eliminates tripping hazards while featuring additional advanced features like a 7″ touchscreen that you can even use while wearing gloves. An automatic mode in the Smart model lets you enter a torque value, choose a tool from the options shown on the screen, push the button—and watch the pump do the rest of the work. The entire unit comes with a protective cage to protect the components and keep you up and running.
Price: TBD
For more information, click here.
Finalist
WINNER – Transfer Pumps
Milwaukee MXF211-1XC MX FUEL™ 1HP 2” Submersible Pump
What they said:
The MX FUEL™ 1HP 2” Submersible Pump provides the portability to pump anywhere without the need of a generator, notably in confined spaces. Utilizing Auto-Mode, the MX FUEL™ 1HP 2” Submersible Pump automatically shuts off with an inch of water remaining. Auto-Mode protects the pump from burnout and senses water levels without manual control, saving you time and reducing wear for longer equipment life. When paired with the included MX FUEL™ XC6.0 battery and Portable Pump Power Base, the MX FUEL™ 1HP 2” Submersible Pump delivers up to 30 minutes of run-time and 2,000 gallons per charge on auto-mode.
With the addition of High, Auto, and Low modes, users can optimize run-time and flow rate. The integrated backpack harness allows one-person mobility for quick and easy setup on the jobsite. The included Portable Pump Power Base is also 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. The Submersible pump is compatible with all MX FUEL™ batteries and portable pump power bases, giving you the hardest working and most reliable power equipment. Its durable construction enables use in the toughest jobsite conditions.
What we say:
The Milwaukee MX Fuel 1HP 2″ submersible pump makes an ideal tool for those tough, tight jobsites where a generator just isn’t practical. Auto-Mode automatically shuts the pump off when the water level gets down to an inch—protecting the pump motor. The MX Fuel portable pump power base also results in a more compact pump, so contractors get into spaces you may not fit with a larger pump system. Milwaukee also made the tether cable strong enough to use as a tether to lower the pump into holes when needed. When using an MX Fuel XC6.0 battery, you can pump up to 2,000 gallons before having to swap batteries or recharge.
Price: $2,499
For more information, click here.
WINNER – Specialty
Danco 12076 Disposal Installation Tool
What they said:
Turn your garbage disposal installation from a 2-person job into a quick 1-person job with the Danco Garbage Disposal Installation Tool! The Danco Garbage Disposal Installation Tool makes garbage disposal installation easy with just three simple steps: hook, lift and lock. Rather than straining to lift the garbage disposal from below the sink while trying to line up the locking tabs, use the Danco Garbage Disposal Installation Tool to lift it from above your kitchen sink and easily secure it so that it is easy to engage the locking tabs. This installation tool works with various garbage disposal brands including InSinkErator, Kuppet, Whirlaway and Waste-King.
Installation Steps: Drop the hook down through the drain opening into the disposal, then pull up to center it inside the grinding chamber; raise the disposal up through the drain opening until it engages with the sink flange and then apply tension to the spring; slide the chain into the locking bar, maintaining the tension on the spring and then let go; the disposal is now secure for you to reach under the sink and engage the locking collar with EASE.
What we say:
The Danco garbage disposal installation tool simplifies what is typically a challenging, two-person task. This tool lets a single person easily install a garbage disposal by following three straightforward steps: hook, lift, and lock. By lifting and holding the disposal from above the sink, it eliminates the strain of aligning the locking tabs while supporting the disposal’s weight. We could see professionals, homeowners, and DIYers wanting to pick up this tool. It should be compatible with most major brands, including InSinkErator, Waste-King, and others.
Price: $13
For more information, click here.
WINNER – Cordless Specialty
Milwaukee 2983-22HD M18™ Compact 1-Ton Chain Hoist w/ONE-KEY™
What they said:
Our M18™ COMPACT 1-TON CHAIN HOIST W/ ONE-KEY™ brings innovation into the Material Handling Category, designed to give users Effortless Installs, Less Down Time and Improved Mobility. Powered by M18™ REDLITHIUM™ Batteries, our solution eliminates the time needed to set up extension cords to power hoists onsite. The Kitted wireless remote delivers enhanced control in each lift.
Equipped with 60ft of remote range, variable speed, and fine adjustment users gain more visibility and accurate installs. With a 46lb compact, lightweight design, and kitted PACKOUT™ Rolling Cart, the Chain Hoist gives users the ability to more efficiently move around site. Designed to lift in both inverted and standard orientations, the hoist increases material lifting versatility while decreasing onsite strain.
What we say:
The Milwaukee M18 Compact 1-Ton Chain Hoist w/One-Key eliminates the need for extension cords, significantly reducing setup time. A wireless remote gives you a 60ft range for using or mounting the device away from the operator. Weighing just 46lbs and designed for both standard and inverted lifting, this hoist is perfect for professionals who need reliable, versatile lifting solutions on the go. Even better, Milwaukee includes a Packout Rolling Cart which makes it easy to move from site to site.
Price: $3999
For more information, click here.
WINNER – Swaging & Tube Expanders
DeWalt DCE450D1 20V MAX Copper Swage Tool
What they said:
The industry’s most efficient method to complete a range of swaging applications. Giving HVACR Technicians the ability of fitting-free installations while expanding soft copper tubing up to 3X faster than a manual swage tool with the 20V MAX Copper Swage Tool. Ideal for a variety of heating, cooling, and refrigeration workflows, this solution is capable of expanding 1/4″ to 1-5/8″ soft copper tubing, the kit includes 6 expansion heads including 3/8 in., 1/2 in., 5/8 in., 3/4 in., 7/8 in, and 1-1/8 in.
Ideal for soft copper applications requiring brazing, this tool consistently produces even swages, removing the need for copper fittings. To help prevent cracking, the 3/8 in. expansion head features a patent-pending 2-stage adjustable collar that allows for a partial expansion in position 1 and a full expansion in position 2. The 20V MAX Copper Swage Tool helps you finish jobs fast with up to 620 swages on one battery charge.
What we say:
The DeWalt 20V copper swage tool speeds up the process of HVAC and similar installations by expanding soft copper tubing up to three times faster than manual methods. It’s a must-have for heating, cooling, and refrigeration professionals who sweat a lot of copper. By consistently delivering even swages without the need for additional fittings, it simplifies and streamlines your workflow. The tool is particularly helpful in brazing tasks, and has the ability to complete up to 620 swages on a single battery.
Price: $549
For more information, click here.
WINNER – Cordless Wire Cutters
Milwaukee 2875R-21 M18™ FORCE LOGIC™ 5″ Underground Cable Cutter
What they said:
Our Milwaukee M18™ FORCE LOGIC™ 5″ Underground Cable Cutter w/ Wireless Remote is The Smartest Way to Cut. We remove the physical connection to the tool, allowing Cable Splicers to cut up to 5” (127 mm) Diameter Communications, Armored, Lead Sheath, Copper, and Aluminum Power Cables wirelessly. The wireless remote communicates with the tool via a mutually exclusive connection, eliminating the potential for other smart devices to connect to the tool. After set-up, cable splicers can arm the remote cutter and move away from the cutting area.
A green LED on the wireless remote gives a positive indication that the tool is done cutting, delivering a safer way to cut remotely. The M18™ FORCE LOGIC™ 5″ Underground Cable Cutter w/ Wireless Remote easily converts from Local to Remote cutting mode. Its balanced design, d-handle, and hang hook enable the easiest set-up in vaults. The head of the cutter rotates 180°, and the quick turn-to-close style latch pin is easily opened or secured. Whether cutting remotely or locally, Milwaukee® delivers an optimized cutting experience.
What we say:
The Milwaukee M18 Force Logic 5″ underground cable cutter is a great new tool for power utility professionals. It includes wireless operation that lets workers distance themselves (up to 200 feet line-of-sight) from the cutting area. This, plus a secure connection between the remote and the cutter, helps reduce potential hazards due to cutting heavily insulated wire in the field. To help in identifying a successful cut, a green LED indicator confirms the tool has fully engaged the cycle. Milwaukee designed the cutter with a handy 180° rotating head and ergonomic articulating front D-handle. Plus, they balanced it perfectly, so it’s easy to manage from the truck or van to the jobsite.
Price: $7,500
For more information, click here.