Following are the top 5 new products that WOWed me this year. They’re the tools that caused the most expletives to spill forth from my lips. They’re what I talked about most outside of ToolGuyd. These are the kinds of tools that deserve extra-special recognition because they’re just that awesome.
This list is quite short by intent. Many more new tools deserve recognition – just not the highest recognition – but I didn’t want to risk watering things down with a list of 20+ tools you probably assumed would be mentioned here by default.
I know some of these tools are focused more towards narrower audiences than say the latest brushless power tools, but I figured you would find the roundup interesting nonetheless.
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For a much longer list of new tools worth reading about, check out our new tools category. You might also want to check out our ultimate tool gift guide, which contains 50+ sensible tool upgrade ideas.
1. Proto SkyHook Tool Tether System
It is almost ridiculous how much better Proto’s SkyHook tool tether system is compared to other tool retention products.
This isn’t something I use, or would use, on any kind of regular basis, but I was nonetheless deeply impressed.
What I would like to see next are optional SkyHooks with built-in RFID chips, although I’m not sure there would be many practical benefits.
Review(via ToolGuyd)
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2. Ingersoll Rand 12V Series
Ingersoll Rand’s new IQV12 cordless power tools didn’t really wow me when they were first announced, but since then I have poured over new information, chatted with a product manager, and started testing some of the tools.
IR designed the new 12V-class compact cordless tools primarily for auto mechanics, techs, and industrial users, but I think other types of users should consider giving them a try too.
The new tools are very masterfully designed and brilliantly engineered.
Preview(via ToolGuyd)
3. Fluke CNX Wireless Multimeter and Test Tools
Fluke’s CNX system isn’t flawless, but it does open up a world of new options and ways to use testing equipment. The ability to wirelessly monitor different sensors from a single handheld multimeter or thermal imaging camera is extremely convenient.
It probably won’t be long until you can control a bunch of test meters from your Android or iOS smartphone or tablet.
Buy Now(via Amazon)
4. Zoro Tools
Zoro Tools isn’t really a tool, but they have become one of my new favorite tool and supply dealers. Their deals are often good, customer service is great, and shipping is consistently free for $50+ orders. The deals are sometimes so good I almost feel like I’m robbing them, which makes up for their so-so website and could-be-better product selection.
Shop(Zoro Tools)
5. Black & Decker LED Snakelight
I wouldn’t have thought I would like a consumer LED flashlight product so much, but I do. Black & Decker did a great job with the new Snakelight, and I am almost expecting to see them release additional models under different branding.
If Black & Decker were to change the orange to yellow and modify the battery holder to accept removable battery packs, I could totally see this being marketed as a Dewalt 8V Max worklight.
Review(via ToolGuyd)
John S
This is not what I thought this list would be, but interesting choices nevertheless! Always good to hear your thoughts on the top 5 ____
Stuart
A lot of tool review sites and publications have been singing praises about a lot of the same new tools ad nauseam, some because they were paid to, others because they’re pandering to potential advertisers, and a few because they genuinely feel the tools really are remarkable.
I strongly considered expanding this list to include a bunch of “best tools of 2013” mentions – which I still might do – but for now I wanted these products to have the spotlight to themselves. Clever engineering deserves recognition, even if the products aren’t exactly mainstream frontrunners. In the case of Zoro Tools, it was my credit card bill that finally convinced me that they’ve become one of my new favorite tool and supply sources.
Robb
What types of products are you seeing deals on at Zoro? I ask because I checked out their website after you posted the 30% off promo they had a bit ago, but their cordless tool prices are high, even with the discount. For instance, they have a non-fuel Milwaukee Sawzall (2620-21) listed at $397.61 while plenty of places (Home Depot, etc.) list it for $249.
Stuart
The sound meter + calibration tool kit I was looking at is considerable cheaper on Zoro than Amazon, even without a coupon. I ended up just buying a simpler one for $30 on Amazon.
The Extech light meter, benchtop power supply, Pomona test lead kit, Durham cabinet, Durham drawers, Akro Mils bins, test hook clip, and Facom wrench were cheaper on Zoro than elsewhere during the recent Cyber Monday promo.
With the coupon, they also had better pricing on the Fluke meter I was considering. I bought Knipex pliers from them a few weeks ago, and other Facom tools earlier in the year.
Industrial suppliers almost never have good pricing on cordless power tools. Even with their best coupons, MSC and Enco can never beat Home Depot or Amazon.
Zoro is by no means my go-to-place for everything, but I’m finding them to be great for a lot of different things.
Paul
Makita 4 amp battery – that’s what we call progress for 2013!
Stuart
That battery won’t be available in the USA until at least the summer of 2014. And even then it might not work with all Makita tools! https://toolguyd.com/makita-18v-lxt-tools-and-bl1840-battery-compatibility/
fred
Interesting choices. Re the IR Tools – I see that their low profile right angle impact wrenches also got good reviews.
My own purchases of major (cost-wise and utility-wise) new tools that I bought in 2013 include these 5:
FESTOOL 574422 DOMINO XL JOINER
– with its aftermarket add-ons from Seneca Woodworking and RTS Engineering
KNEW CONCEPTS TITANIUM COPING SAW
MICROJIG INC. TJ5000 MICRODIAL TAPERING JIG
NODEN INLAY RAZOR (Woodcraft PN 1582650)
VERITAS 05P54.51 SHOOTING BOARD PLANE
Stuart
Those are some very nice tools!
I have the Knew Concepts aluminum-framed coping saw and like it a lot. The Veritas shooting board plane is on my wishlist, but I don’t think I would use it enough to justify the expense.
DanG
I just found a great discovery at Home Depot. I’ve been wanting a set of those Husky Versa wrenches and Home Depot now has them for $9.00. They were $14.00 last week. I couldn’t resist and went out and bought them. Stuart you had done a review on them a while back and I was impressed but not impressed enough to spend $14.00 on them. Home Depot also has a really nice 20″ duffle bag that is $8.98 but the best way to get the duffle bag is to order it from the store closest to you and pick it up yourself. You can’t get it online. Enjoy!
Stuart
Wow, you’re right! I just checked the Reversa wrench listing (here’s our review) and the 2-piece set is $9 online as well. Looks like Home Depot’s trying to clean out their remaining holiday tool displays.
$9 is pretty good for the quality you get with those wrenches. I still feel they’re a tad large and heavy for certain applications, but I wasn’t expecting to like them as much as I do.
Greg G
I find zoro tools website dated and clumsy. For instance if you look up knipex hand tools you get about 20 results all labeled insulated pliers cutters. When clearly some are dykes, cobra, needlenose, cable. They just seem lazy there.
http://www.zorotools.com/s/c-9143/b-243%09KNIPEX/
Stuart
I wouldn’t call it lazy, but it could certainly use improvement. I’ve seen some strange product image and headline mismatches before as well, but mainly due to their filtering engine. The filtering comes in handy at times, but certain listings definitely need improvement.
The website slows me down, but not by much. Maybe I’m used to it by now. What they really need is a real catalog, even if only digital, a la McMaster, MSC, Grainger, and Enco. But I can’t imagine how much effort something like that would require to do from scratch.
fred
They sent me a printed catalog a few weeks ago – but it was a 1/2 inch thick affair with probably only a fraction of their items – and also a few out of date prices
Stuart
I got the same thing, it was a “2013 featured product catalog” or similar, not full-line.
joe
I have first hand experience with snake lights…well, the dewalt old technology one. I hacked one and added some LEDs and I don’t know how I was managing with out one this whole time.
http://i.imgur.com/5Anvh7V.jpg
I would imagine having it in a micro version would help greatly too.
Thomas
I would be interested to try out the Ingersoll Rand line of cordless power tools.
stix
Any chance you’ll have a write-up on what you’re looking forward to in 2014?
cody Robertson
Stuart check out the new Mac power tools that are powered by Dewalt 20volt and 12volt max batteries model (BWP050C) and (BWP050) and (BWP038)