100 Best New Products 2008: Construction Equipment & Tools

There's nothing like the gleam in subcontractors' eyes when you hand a new power tool to them — they're kids all over again. And now we have an old friend who's come back to play: Milwaukee Tools' Super Sawzall Reciprocating Saw. This Samurai of a tool is built for speed and efficient, accurate operation.

It's got a new 15-amp motor and Constant Power Technology: Milwaukee Tools' Super Sawzall Reciprocating Saw is built for speed. The Quik-Lik blade change system and patented gear protecting clutch make operation a snap. To extend the lift of the tool, the clutch guard absorbs high-impact forces that sudden blade lock-ups cause. For FREE information, visit http://pb.ims.ca/5650-307

Little tool, big results. Fitting snugly into the palm of your hand, Ridgid's 12-volt Lithium-Ion Drill/Driver has new tech features including a full-size integrated 3/8-inch chuck with an 18-position clutch. The built-in LED illuminates the work area, and the 30-minute charger lets you keep going all day. For FREE information, visit http://pb.ims.ca/5650-308

Specifically designed for overhead drilling where dust exposure should be avoided is Bosch's new 11250VSRD Dust Collection Rotary Hammer. The new product tips the scales at just over 7 pounds and is 3½ inches shorter than similar tools. The Micro Filter system and two-fan design captures dust particles to reduce exposure to your crews. For FREE information, visit http://pb.ims.ca/5650-209

Stuffing the power of an 18-volt into a compact 12-volt body size is Hilti's SFH 144-A 14-Volt CPC Hammer Drill/Driver. The new product provides 609-inch-pounds of torque and can deliver up to 34,200 blows per minute in masonry block. The 14-volt model has all-metal gears and a drop-resistant fiberglass frame. For FREE information, visit http://pb.ims.ca/5650-210

Thefts are up. Make sure your tools are put away with Knaack's new Monster Box Piano Box Model 1000. The security solutions have a heavy-duty tubular steel frame and a four-point crane lift system. According to Knaack, the weather-resistant lock is virtually impervious to drilling and pry-in. The Power Pass electrical pass-through grommet provides a weatherproof power cord to charge batteries when the box is closed. For FREE information, visit http://pb.ims.ca/5650-311

Skil's latest innovations come on board the 2372-01 7.2-volt Lithium-Ion Power Wrench. The Close Quarter ¼-inch square drive accepts all standard sockets and river bits. The Smartcharge System is built in to the charger, providing overcurrent protection and allowing the tool to be stored on the charger indefinitely without damage to the battery. For FREE information, visit http://pb.ims.ca/5650-312

Rebuilt from the ground-up, the 18-Volt DC927 KL Cordless Hammer Drill with Nanotechnology by DeWalt sports new technology with a three-speed all-metal transmission and a new 18-volt battery platform that offers one-hour charging. The tool has a ½-inch self-tightening chuck to keep more torque on task. For FREE information, visit http://pb.ims.ca/5650-213

Paslode's 16-gauge Pneumatic Angled Finish Nailer is sure to boost competition. The nailer, model T250A-F16, is billed as the first angled finish nailer. The lightweight model has a uniquely angled magazine design to balance the weight well and can use nails ranging from 1¼ to 2½-inches. The Quick Clear system clears nail jams quickly. For FREE information, visit http://pb.ims.ca/5650-215

The new Maxus X-Lite line of air compressors were chosen because of the rust-resistant aluminum tanks and lightweight construction (approximately 57 pounds) that takes half the weight out of the equation. The new compressors have pressure gauges, hose valves and 1.3-horse power oil-lube motor assembly protected by a roll bar. For F REE information, visit http://pb.ims.ca/5650-214

Cranking out 14,000 oscillations per minute with precision-engineered, all-ball-bearing construction comes Makita's BO4556K finishing sander. The new sander has a contoured palm grip design and large paper clamps so it operates smoothly and feels more comfortable. The through-the-dust-pad collection system cleans as you work. For FREE information, visit http://pb.ims.ca/5650-216