2024 has been a great year for innovation in the tool industry. We saw a number of brands release some really heavy hitters that represent the best of the best of what’s available for Pros. This year, the Pro Tool Innovation Awards recognized 222 separate products across 15 categories, comprising hand tools, power tools, outdoor power equipment, and tons more.
With the PTIA winners finally announced, we wanted to highlight some of the most intriguing entries— one from each category. There are so many more than the ones listed below, so make sure to check out the full list of winners and finalists to see what was on the docket for 2024!
Without further ado, here are our top picks for the Best Pro Tool Innovation Award winners for 2024!
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- Accessories and Fasteners
- Automotive and Metalworking
- Concrete and Masonry
- Cordless Power Tools
- Hand Tools
- Hardware and Household Products
- Outdoor Power Equipment
- Networking and Technology
- Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing
- Pneumatic Tools and Nailers
- Tool Bags and Storage
- Test and Measurement
- Wall and Flooring Tools
- Woodworking and Carpentry
- Workwear and Safety
Pro Tool Innovation Awards – Accessories and Fasteners
CMT Xtreme Framing Zero Gravity 7 1/4-inch Saw Blade
One look at CMT’s Zero Gravity Xtreme framing blades will tell you they’re different than the traditional saw blade. They feature a low-mass plate design, which the brand says helps improve battery life by reducing the power needed to reach the maximum RPM during start-up. It also keeps the blade cool with strategic holes for venting and chip evacuation.
The tooth design ensures this blade can withstand demanding working conditions and increases impact resistance. Last but not least, the distinctive orange color isn’t just for show—it’s actually a PTFE coating that resists material buildup that can slow a blade down over time.
Price: $10 per blade
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Pro Tool Innovation Awards – Automotive and Metalworking
Milwaukee 2562-21 M12 Fuel 3/8-inch Stubby Impact Wrench
As a 12V tool, it’s hard to overstate how impressive the 2562 is when it comes to power. This model more than doubled the power of the previous iteration without changing its size or weight. It sports the power of a mid-torque impact wrench at up to 550 ft-lbs, while weighing just 2.2 pounds.
Featuring a 4-mode drive control, you can set your torque and speed levels to the task at hand to give you precise control whether you’re fastening or removing nuts and bolts. It’s also available with a 1/2-inch anvil (model 2563-21), and you can add a protective boot (pictured) for added durability on the job.
Price: $279 kit with a 5.0Ah battery and charger
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Pro Tool Innovation Awards – Concrete and Masonry
Klein Tools 32755SD Demolition Driver Set
This demolition driver set from Klein Tools offers the ability to seamlessly swap between a demo handle and an SDS Plus hammer drill. The demo handle accepts all SDS Plus bits and 1/4-inch impact bits. It includes plenty of other accessories, like pointed and flat chisels, a slotted driver, a nail puller, and an interchangeable pry bar for all of your demolition needs.
To top things off, the stackable case is compatible with the newest MODbox storage system, letting you organize and arrange your accessories as you see fit.
Price: $50
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Pro Tool Innovation Awards – Cordless Power Tools
DeWalt DCF860 20V Max 1/4-inch High Torque Impact Driver
Delivering up to 2500 in-lbs of torque, this DeWalt impact driver is possibly the highest-torque model in its class. It features 3 speed modes, with speeds topping out at 3800 RPM to make quick work of tough fastening jobs. That’s an increase of up to 63% compared to the brand’s previous iterations.
Finally, DeWalt outdid itself with this model’s onboard lighting. It includes nine built-in LEDs around the collet to ensure excellent visibility in any lighting, with minimal shadow areas.
Price: $199 bare
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Pro Tool Innovation Awards – Hand Tools
Milwaukee 48-22-5602 Digital Angle Gauge
When using a tool like a miter saw or a table saw, you have to be extremely accurate with your angles to guarantee precise results. That often requires a specialized tool, like the Milwaukee Digital Angle Gauge. This tool features a white-on-black digital display with auto-rotation and angle assist arrows to quickly find your desired angle. It attaches at any orientation thanks to amplified rare-earth magnets, letting you assess and adjust your angle without holding it in place.
Price: $32
Pro Tool Innovation Awards – Hardware and Household Products
Hoover OnePWR SmartWash Carpet Cleaner
Hoover’s new OnePWR SmartWash is a battery-powered carpet cleaner that simplifies home cleaning. It also cleans a little differently than we’ve ever seen, opting for a triggerless design. Pushing it forward dispenses water into your carpet, and pulling it back extracts the water and any stains. This carpet cleaner also includes a Spot Boost mode that lets you soak set-in stains and a dry-only mode for faster drying.
Price: $480 kit with 8.0Ah battery and charger
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Pro Tool Innovation Awards – Outdoor Power Equipment
Greenworks Commercial Optimus 82V 755 CFM Dual-Port Backpack Blower
Greenworks’ newest 82V backpack blower achieves an industry-leading blowing force of 36N with air speeds of up to 225 MPH. Designed for commercial landscapers who want to ditch the gas can, Greenworks describes it as the most powerful battery-powered backpack blower in the North American market. Plus, it produces just 65bD on the lowest speed setting, making it ideal for noise-restricted areas and municipalities.
When using both kitted 8.0Ah batteries, you can get up to 60 minutes of trigger time. When you run out of juice, you can throw the batteries on the included dual-port charger to get them topped up for the next run.
Price: $1499.99 kit with two 8.0Ah batteries and dual-port charger
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Pro Tool Innovation Awards – Networking and Technology
Hilti EXO-T-22 Tool Balancer
Since industry pros constantly rotate between large and heavy tools and equipment, Hilti offers a solution with the EXO-T-22 Tool Balancer. It takes the weight off of heavy tools, transferring it to your waist to lessen fatigue. It supports tools up to 37 pounds in weight to make wall-breaking and drilling easier and safer for tradesmen who regularly use hefty tools.
Price: $1,999
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Pro Tool Innovation Awards – Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing
DeWalt 20V 1-1/2-inch PEX Expander
DeWalt’s 20V DCE410P1 pipe expander is a cordless solution for expanding 1-1/4-inch to 1- 1/2-inch PEX pipe, including Uponor ProPEX tubing. The brand claims faster speeds than the Milwaukee 2632 PEX expander. Its lightweight design enables Pros to use it in overhead applications with less fatigue. Finally, DeWalt tells us you can achieve up to (81) 1-1/2-inch expansions in PEX-A pipe.
Price: $849 kit with 5.0Ah battery and charger
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Pro Tool Innovation Awards – Pneumatic Tools and Nailers
Senco LS61H1P 18Ga Finish Nailer
This Senco stapler features an oil-free design that eliminates the need for daily maintenance. It’s ideal for woodworking, cabinetry, and internal/external trim applications. Convenience features, such as a 360° exhaust swivel and tool-free depth adjustment, make this stapler easy to use for both pros and DIYers alike.
Price: $119
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Pro Tool Innovation Awards – Tool Bags and Storage
Flex FS1201 Stack Pack 16-inch Soft Tote
Flex is knocking it out of the park when it comes to tool storage, with the Stack Pack line filling almost every organizational need. The one we found the most appealing is the 16-inch Soft Tote, which features a whopping 44 pockets for all of your storage needs. This tote also features a removable divider that allows you to customize your storage configuration to suit your preferences. Plus, it’s made from ultra-durable 1680D ballistic polyester, which is great for standing up to rough jobsite conditions. When you’re in transit or on the jobsite, you can connect it to other Stack Pack toolboxes for a fully customized storage layout.
Price: $100
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Pro Tool Innovation Awards – Test and Measurement
Ryobi ELL1004 30-foot AirGrip Laser Level
A tool doesn’t need to have the most bells and whistles to be considered innovative. What blew us away with the Ryobi AirGrip laser level, and what sets it apart, is its simplicity. Instead of a run-of-the-mill suction cup system, the ELL1004 features a vacuum sealing mechanism powered by a pair of AAA batteries to make it adhere to your working surface. It works on both smooth and textured walls, whereas a standard suction cup may have trouble sticking to walls with texture.
You can line up your projects with a range of up to 20 feet. An integrated bubble level ensures you’re getting the right angle at all times and, both vertically and horizontally. Finally, 45° angle stops let you work on the diagonal without moving the laser level’s position.
Price: $39.97
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Pro Tool Innovation Awards – Wall and Flooring Tools
Craftsman CMCF600B V20 Brushless RP Drywall Screw Gun
This Craftsman drywall gun features an adjustable nosecone that locks on and removes easily for consistent screw depth. For even more efficiency, you can connect this tool to the MCF6001 Collated Drywall Screwgun attachment to avoid constant reloading and ensure streamlined installation. To top it off, it includes an onboard LED light for hanging drywall in dimly lit work areas. Whether you’re a DIYer or a pro, this tool is sure to come in handy for all of your drywall-hanging needs.
Price: $119 bare
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Pro Tool Innovation Awards – Woodworking and Carpentry
Bosch GST18V-60BCN 18V Brushless Connected Barrel-Grip Jig Saw
With up to 3800 strokes per minute, it’s no doubt that Bosch claims this jigsaw delivers corded-like performance. There are also a ton of convenience features that make the GST18V-60BCN ideal for everyone from DIYers to seasoned pros. It includes a pulse-activated double-sided switch for both right- and left-handed operation. Plus, an adaptive speed control adjusts your blade speed throughout your cut, lowering your speed when you plunge in for better control.
Finally, this tool is also compatible with the Bosch Toolbox app to monitor your tool’s performance, control the LED light settings, and more.
Price: $209 bare
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Pro Tool Innovation Awards – Workwear and Safety
Ryobi PCL691 TriPower Tripod Tower Light
The last category in our PTIA award lineup is Workwear and Safety. Lighting makes a huge difference in safety both on the jobsite and at home, so we wanted to highlight some truly innovative tech from Ryobi. The TriPower Tripod Light is compatible with three power sources— hence the TriPower name. You can connect an 18V One+ battery, a 40V battery, or hook up an extension cord for all-day runtime.
This tool is also compatible with dozens of other lighting, audio, and air movement tools that you can connect to the top of the 7-foot tower. With the amount of flexibility this tool gives you, we’re looking forward to seeing what else Ryobi has in store to take advantage of TriPower technology.
Price: $199 bare, including tower and 18V One+ 360° LED Light
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