2017 Top 100 Products: Tools and Equipment

This article first appeared in the August 2017 issue of Pro Builder.

To see products in the other 2017 Top 100 categories, click here. Click images to enlarge.

Drywall Tool / Calculated Industries

The powerful rare magnets in The Blind Mark Magnetic Drywall Cutout Tool from Calculated Industries help to accurately locate and cut electrical outlet access holes in drywall. No measuring is required, nor do users need to lift and lower drywall sheets multiple times to mark, cut, and install. Just place the target magnet in the outlet, install the sheet, place the locator magnet to find the box, and then trace around it to mark off the cuts.

Reciprocating Saw Blades / Lenox

Bi-Metal Reciprocating Saw Blades are designed with Power Blast Technology to add strength and increase the blade’s durability, allowing more cuts without stopping to change blades. The Power Blast process adds a layer of compressive stress to the metal’s surface to prevent cracks, and patented T2 Technology reduces cutting forces on each tooth and optimizes chip removal for efficient cutting. Different Lenox Bi-Metal recip saw blades suit different applications: Lazer blades for heavy metal cutting; Metal Cutting for metals; Demolition for demo and nail-embedded wood; Wood for wood cutting; and General Purpose for general cutting needs.

Saws / Festool

The corded HK and 18V cordless HKC Carpentry Saws with an integrated guide rail enable users to make exact and repeated cuts in dimensional lumber and sheet goods anywhere the material is located rather than taking the material to the tool or to the jobsite sawhorse. Festool’s HK and HKC are equipped with plunge cutting for cutouts and easy depth control and release, and the integrated pendulum cover with riving knife automatically retracts when combined with FSK and FS rails for a fast return to cover position.

Pry Bar / Calculated Industries

The inflatable pry bar and leveling tool is powerful enough to raise 300 pounds yet so soft it won’t scratch surfaces. The easy-to-squeeze hand pump enables a lone user to lift, shift, align, level, plumb, adjust, or just hold materials, windows, doors, or heavy appliances still without assistance from shims, wedges, or a second pair of hands. AirShim measures 6 inches by 6 ½ inches on its sides, by about 1∕16-inch high when deflated and 2 ½ inches high when inflated.