To see products in the other 2016 Top 100 categories, click here.
Drywall Tool / Calculated Industries
The Blind Mark XT Magnetic Drywall Cutout Tool from Calculated Industries makes it easy to locate and cut electrical outlet access holes in drywall, plywood, exterior siding, and other materials. The process requires no measuring. First put a target magnet in the outlet, then install the drywall. Place the locator magnet above the outlet and trace around it to know what to cut. The simple tool saves on time and lifting and lowering drywall sheets to mark, cut, and install.
Cutting Pliers / Irwin
Irwin Vise-Grip Max Leverage Diagonal Pliers feature PowerSlot Technology, which provides up to twice the cutting power with half the effort. Three-zone comfort grips give cushion and allow for more control, and the handles have hooks that attach to the Irwin Performance Lanyard. The pliers, designed for electricians and general construction workers, can cut through nails, screws, ACSR cable, and even piano wire. They have a rust-resistant finish and are available in a 7-inch and 8-inch size.
Drill Bits / Irwin
Irwin’s Double-Ended Power Bits offer convenience and improved driving functionality. Two ends save builders from searching for replacement bits between applications. DoubleLok Technology securely locks both ends of the bit into impact drivers and quick-change chucks. A snug fastening reduces stripping and cam-out, which lengthens the life of the bit. Like the single-ended options, the double-ended bits are compatible with Irwin’s Magnetic Screw-Hold Attachment that holds fasteners with a powerful rare-earth magnet.
Saw Blade / Lenox
Lenox Gold Power Arc Curved Reciprocating Saw Blades last twice as long as traditional straight recip blades, the company says, in part due to a titanium coating that better dissipates heat from friction. The coating also allows the blades’ teeth to stay sharper for longer. The blades are angled so that they provide faster cutting through materials such as wood, metal, heavy metal, demolition, and nail-embedded wood.
Vehicles / Ford
The 2015 Ford Transit has multiple configurations, including two wheelbases, three body lengths, and three roof heights. Van, wagon, chassis cab, and cutaway body styles are also options. The Transit has three engines to choose from, starting with the base 3.7-liter V6, as well as an EcoBoost twin-turbo gas V6 and a 5-cylinder diesel. It has higher fuel economy ratings than previous full-size vans. The voice-activated SYNC connects users with their phones for hands-free calling. The interior has three rows of seating and hundreds of cubic feet of space, depending on the configuration. Ford can customize the Transit for nearly any building or technical trade.
Cargo Van / Mercedes-Benz
The 2015 Sprinter Cargo Van has two engine/transmission combinations from which to choose: the standard powertrain OM651 4-cylinder with 7-speed 7G-Tronic transmission, and the OM642 V6 with 5-speed transmission. The OM651 delivers up to 18 percent better fuel economy over the 6-cylinder/5-speed combo, according to the company. Both engines run clean due to Mercedes’ BlueTEC SCR technology, which features a fuel-economy rear axle for optimized gearing and a regulated fuel pump to optimize fuel supply. A Sprinter 4x4 cargo van is also available.
