Check out the most asked about products in 2006

2006 Hot Products

Check out the products that Contractor Tools and Supplies readers have asked about most in 2006.

Gas-powered nailer and supplies
Trak-It fasteners and Blue Nailer gas fuel cells are designed to be used with the Powers Trak-It tool and can also be used with ITW Ramset’s TrakFast gas-powered
fastening tool. For use in light duty, static applications such as drywall track to concrete, block or steel, lath to concrete or block, furring strips to concrete or block, and plywood to concrete or block base materials. The fuel cell, with its unique right angle metering valve, contains enough gas to install up to 1,200 fasteners. Each package contains 1,000 fasteners and one fuel cell. Item 140

Extreme tape measure
Stanley offers the FatMax Xtreme 16', 25' and 30' tape rules with 13' of standout and a Mylar polyester film-wrapped blade with Blade Armor coating on the first 6" of the tape to protect the blade from wear and tear. The standout on the tape is 2' longer than the previous best-in-class original FatMax tape. The chrome case is durable and matches the styling of Stanley’s PowerLock tape rule. Item 141

18-volt Li-ion cordless tool line
Makita’s LXT Extreme cordless tool line uses lithium-ion (Li-ion) technology to offer 18-volt power in a system that weighs about the same as a 12-volt cordless tool. The new system offers 280 percent more lifetime work and double the battery cycles of Ni-Cd batteries. A built-in memory chip offers intelligent charging and allows technicians to check on battery health. The battery and charger design improves airflow during use and speeds charging and prolongs battery life. Recharging takes 45 minutes.

The tools feature Makita’s four-pole maximum torque motor that captures energy every 90 degrees instead of only every 180 degrees that’s found with a two-pole motor. this yields more power in a smaller, lighter package.

Soft, hand-friendly grips and twin LED lights make the tools user- friendly. See page 37 for a listing of the complete LXT tool line. Item 142

Jobsite security system
DeWalt offers the Sitelock security system that can be used to alarm areas, tools and supplies on a jobsite. The base unit can monitor up to 48 sensors within 2,000'. If any sensor is disturbed, the base station can be programmed to call authorities. It can be activated by a remote control and sensor styles include a cable lock, motion sensor, container sensor and door/window sensor. It is designed to be used with a cellular phone service, but can also be hard-wired to a phone line. Item 143

15/16" rotary hammer
Hitachi Power Tools now offers the DH24PF3 15/16" SDS Plus rotary hammer. Its powerful 7.0 amp motor produces 2.5 ft.-lbs. of impact energy, a no-load speed of 0 to 1,150 rpm and an impact rate of 0 to 4,600 ipm. It has drilling only, hammering only and hammer-drilling modes that are controlled by an easy-to-use mode selector dial located under the body. At just 5.3 lbs. and 16" in length, the DH24PF3 is one of the lightest and most compact rotary hammers in its class. This increases maneuverability and reduces fatigue during use. The soft elastomer-coated D-handle helps to absorb vibration and provides a comfortable and secure grip. Item 144

28-volt Li-ion tool line
Milwaukee Electric Tool’s new V28 Li-ion 28-volt battery and tool system delivers increased power and up to twice the run time of 18-volt Ni-Cd models – with slightly less weight. The V28 line includes the world’s first cordless professional quality band saw, hammer-drill, circular saw, Sawzall recip saw, impact wrench, work light and battery charger. Milwaukee has added other tools to the line. The V28 technology offers more power and up to twice the run time of 18-volt tools. A built-in fuel gauge shows run time availability and the Li-ion technology ensures power stays as strong on the last job before recharge as it was on the first. Item 145

Groove-joint pliers
The Irwin Vise-Grip GrooveLock pliers feature a unique Press-N-Slide button that allows them to adjust 50 percent faster than traditional groove-joint pliers. The specially engineered, all-purpose jaw grips round, hex, square and flat surfaces and is designed with twice the groove positions of traditional groove-joint pliers to deliver optimal hand and jaw positioning for a superior grip. Available in 8", 10" and 12" sizes. Item 146

Pneumatic grinders
ATP Hy-Tech introduces 12 new pneumatic vertical grinder models ranging from 6", 7" and 9" diameters in 4,500 or 6,000 rpm, 3- or 4-hp models. The units have a built-in lubricator and stainless steel corrosion-resistant governors. The ergonomic, user-friendly tools are easy to service and the Techalloy housing provides strength in a lightweight casting. Item 147

Framer combo system
Custom LeatherCraft’s new #21449, 17-pocket, four-piece top-of-the-line Pro Framer’s Combo System is crafted from heavy-duty top grain leather. It features a patented Easy Carry Handle design for quick adjustments and transport without spillage. A wide, tapered, padded belt with a double steel roller buckle provides better comfort and fit. Item 148

36-, 10.8-volt Li-ion cordless tools
Bosch Power Tools and Accessories introduced the first units of its Litheon Li-ion technology cordless tool in two voltages that separate the tools into more task-specific functions. The 36-volt Litheon tools pack the punch of corded tools for big jobs, while the 10.8-volt Litheon tools are built for compact size and surprising power. The 36-volt tools are built for maximum power and longer run time without the weight penalty found with higher voltage Ni-Cd/NiMh batteries. The company says its battery packs manage heat to extend cycle life three to five times longer than competitive Li-Ion and Ni-Cd batteries, matching the life of its Bluecore Ni-Cd batteries – and its two-year guarantee. The tool line features the 1" Bulldog rotary hammer; a hammer-drill/driver, recip saw and circular saw.

The 10.8-volt Pocket Driver has a T-handle shape and offers up to 1/2" drilling capacity and a built-in LED light to illuminate the work area; the I-Driver has a five-position 3.5" long pivoting head that articulates fully to 90 degrees for getting into tight areas. The 10.8-volt battery packs can charge in 30 minutes and the 36-volt packs fully charge in 60 minutes, but reach 80 percent charge in 30 minutes. Item 149

Tie-back lanyard
DBI/SALA and Protecta introduce a new lanyard specifically designed for tie-back use. The WrapBax lanyard features the same industry-preferred, easy-to-use hook action that is standard on all DBI/SALA patented snap hooks, but eliminates the need for time-consuming anchor straps. It can be operated with only one hand, eliminating finger-pinching or latch-fumbling even while wearing gloves. The unique design meets the 5,000-lb. strength requirement, making it ideal for tie-back use. It is lightweight and incorporates an angled hook head for easy installation onto webbing. The heavy-duty, abrasion-resistant webbing has a 13,000 lb. tensile strength. The WrapBax lanyard complies with all OSHA requirements and meets the ANSI Z359.1 standard. Item 150

Electronic-controlled impact driver
The digital clutch technology in Panasonic’s EY7202GQW impact driver automatically stops the socket before over-tightening, even while the switch is still being pulled. When power is applied to the fastener, the tool maintains torque and speed to tighten the fastener flush or within 1/4 turn of flush. Another quick pull of the switch activates the driver 1/4 turn, offering the user fine operating control.

The unit can be switched between two torque levels. Hard mode offers approximately 1,060 in.-lbs. of torque for fastening large-diameter bolts, nuts and lag bolts and soft mode offers about 711 in.-lbs. of torque to reduce surface damage and avoid stripping screw heads. The higher power-to-weight ratios mean a 14.4-volt or 12-volt tool can do the work of an 18- or 24-volt drill driver. The unit has a white LED light with condenser lens that makes it easy to see while working. Item 151

Plunge cutter
The Construction Cutter from Fein Power Tools is perfect where dust-free work is mandatory such as hospitals, hotels and offices. Plunge-cut into walls and floors for clean-edge cutting of channels or cutouts. Cut through plaster, cement board, ceramic, granite tiles and many other materials. The special tool holder enables a nearly flush cut with a clean edge and work area. Item 152

Large-diameter cable cutter
Greenlee offers the ESC85 battery-powered cable cutter that cuts up to 3 1/4"-diameter cables quickly and cleanly. The scissor-style blade fits around larger cables and works well in tight cutting locations. The two-speed hydraulic system automatically opens the blades when the cut is complete. Can cut 1000 kcmil URD in about 13 seconds. Item 153

Take measurements via laser
Stanley introduces the FatMax TruLaser TLM 100 distance measurer that can take measurements up to 100' away with accuracy of +/-1/4". Its laser technology is much more accurate than laser-guided sonic devices and is available for under $100. It calculates area, has a memory to store measurements and has a built-in calculator. The unit has a single point and push ON/measurement button. Item 154

Improved pliers line
Channellock offers the new Code Blue line of pliers with laser-hardened teeth and cutting edges for longer life and easier use, ergonomic design, and designations to make pliers selection even easier. The line features two tongue and groove, one linemen’s, three cutting, one long nose and one crimping/cutting pliers. Item 155

Electronic measuring wheel
C. H. Hanson offers the SpeedMeter electronic measuring wheel in 4" and 13" sizes. It can measure up to 10,000 feet/inches, yard/lengths or meters/centimeters. Large LCD display and selectable on/off backlight make readings easy. Its telescoping handle adjusts for user comfort and storage. The unit subtracts distance when reversed and can be used to measure trip and total distance. Item 156

Published in the July/August 2006 issue of Contractor Tools and Supplies magazine.

See the hot products from 2005