Hands up for hand tools
With so many exciting developments happening in the world of building materials and smart appliances, it’s easy to overlook some of the more quotidian items kept in every contractor’s toolbox. But lest anyone’s forgotten, hand tools are a reliable small-ticket revenue source for hardware stores, and there’s a lot to talk about regarding innovation in 2015.
Here are a few new and exciting things from the world of hand tools.
Wiha BiCut Diagonal Cutters
Wiha (pictured above) has figured out a way to let you have it both ways, and all with single-handed operation. With a press of the “power” button, these cutters shift into a high-leverage mode with extra cutting force. (wiha.com)
Stanley Fatmax Straight Cut Aviation Snip
Stanley just went ahead and released 19 new Fatmax-brand snips, which feature new-and-improved, extended-life cutting blades. These Aviation Snips follow the aviation tradition of high mechanical power in a short blade length. (stanleytools.com)
DeWalt MIG Weld Framing Hammer
New from DeWalt is a series of MIG Weld Framing Hammers with a superior swing, vibration-absorbing grip, all-steel design and one-handed magnetic nail placement. (dewalt.com)
Leatherman Signal Survivalist Multi-Tool
In what the toolmaker referred to as the “first Leatherman of its kind,” the Signal packs must-have features into one useful tool, including a ferrocerium fire starter, whistle, pliers, can opener, saw, awl, hammer and more. (leatherman.com)
Irwin Vise-Grip Cutting Pliers
The Irwin Vise-Grip family got a bit larger last fall with the addition of a series of new cutting pliers. The new pliers feature Irwin’s trademark PowerSlot Technology for increased power and ease of use. (irwin.com)
Malco TurboXTools Quarter Panel Hemming Air Tool
Winner of the SEMA Best New Collision Repair & Refinish Product Award for 2014, the QHT from Malco uses air power to bend and close wheel arc flanges at high precision and fast speeds. (malcoproducts.com)
Channellock Professional Screwdriver
All-American-made screwdrivers are a relatively new development at Channellock, but these latest offerings feature the company’s trademark heat-treated steel, blasted tips for use in electronic applications, and a high-torque acetate handle. (channellock.com)
Snap-On Industrial Long Handle Ratchet
Snap-On recently came out with a 1/4-in. drive ratchet, which it claims sets the record for the longest straight handle for its drive size. A low head height and Snap-On’s Dual 80 technology complete the package. (snapon.com/industrial)
Milwaukee Hammer Tacker
This new Hammer Tacker, just released in January, purports to last three times as long as the competition. A rust-resistant, all-metal frame helps the tacker withstand drops of 10 ft. or more. (milwaukeetool.com)
