Tool Awards – The Best of 2014

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The Tools In Action Tool Awards are given to products that really stood out this year.  Products that are innovative and the overall the best in its class.  Our awards are not bought, manufacturers have no say on who gets an award.  There is no fee whatsoever for these awards.  They are picked by the editors of Tools In Action.  Be sure to watch our YouTube channel all week because we are giving tons of tools away.

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Best Power Tool Brand – DeWALT

This was a tough one to decide.  DeWALT may not produce at a the speed of other manufacturers, but what they do produce are top notch tools for the job site.  This year they pushed a lot of their assembly to the United States to help the American worker.  Tradesman are proud to display the black and yellow on the Jobsite.  From their top-notch miter saw to their drills, DeWALT is a leader in the tool scene.

 

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Best Hand Tool Brand – Klein Tools

Klein has been around since the 1800’s. Still to this day owned and operated by Klein family members.  Klein keeps most of its manufacturing in the USA and that means American jobs.  Ask any electrician, they have a Klein in their tool bag and every tool has a story.  They have had them for years or they were hand me downs, Klein is made by Americans for Americans.  Top notch quality.

 

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Most Innovative Tool – Bosch IDH182 with Wireless Charging Technology

Bosch had the edge with its new Wireless Charging Technology and tools like the IDH182.  Still in its infancy this technology has taken power tools to an entirely new level.  Just set the tool down and it charges.  Think about it, you can use just one battery all day just by setting it down. Good job Bosch.

 

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Best 18/20V line – DeWALT

They may not have the biggest 18-20V line but DeWALT has one of the best.  From ergonomics to power and reliability.  The DeWALT 20V platform edges out the competition.  One thing we liked was the DCB102 charger it can charge 2 batteries at the same time, 12 or 20v to get you back to work fast.

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Best 12V line – Milwaukee Tool

Milwaukee has the biggest 12v line in the industry that caters to just about everybody.  The addition of FUEL technology has taken these tools to the next level and made Milwaukee the one to beat for 2015.

 

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Best Pro Drill – DeWALT DCD790

This compact powerhouse impresses on every trigger pull.  Ergonomics and power really stand out on this tool. The DCD790 is the best all around drill for the job site.  Brushless technology gives you great run times.  The small size makes it easy to carry anywhere, who needs a 12v when you have this.

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Best Pro Impact Driver – DeWALT DCF886

The ergonomics on this driver are second to none.  it is by far our favorite impact due to its power and compact size.  No thrills just a good reliable workhorse that has great run time because of its brushless internals.

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Best Homeowner Drill – Black and Decker Autosense

This drill really blew us away.  it is 20v, compact and has a feature called Autosense which is basically an auto-clutch.  It drives the screw or fastener to the right depth.  Usually these are just gimmicks, but not in this case.  it works perfect, feels great in your hand , has plenty of power and in our opinion is the best homeowner drill you can get.  Even Pros will like this tool.

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Best Jobsite Lights – Milwaukee Tool

Hands down Milwaukee took this award home,  Their new M18 and M12 lights are innovative and bright.  The new LED lanterns are the most innovative lights we have seen.

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Best Pro Automotive Power Tool Line – Ingersoll Rand

Ingersoll Rand burst on the scene with their IQ line of cordless power tools.  The tools are no gimmick and just all work.  Our in house marina mechanic loves them for their power and smooth operation.  The tools are built tough to stand up to the harsh automotive environment.

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Best Budget Power Tools – Ryobi

Let’s face it, there are many power tool brands to pick from.  Ryobi not only has the distribution, but a large line of power tools.  Ryobi is sold at Home Depot which is pretty much in every state.  You can get anything from a starter drill to a miter saw.  Ryobi pretty much has a tool for any job.  You get a quality tool for a budget price.

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Best Cordless Finish Nailer – Ryobi P325

Ever since turning green Ryobi has been producing some great products. The P325 nailer uses just an 18V battery and no gas.  It gets the job done every time.  We used it on the trim of our wood floor project and loved it.  Easy of use, price and reliability get this tool a 2014 TIA award.

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Best Table Saw – DeWALT DWE7499GD

DeWALT table saws are almost legendary.  The have an accurate rack and pinion fence system that is second to none.  The saws are stable and reliable.  There is a reason that you see a lot of these saws on the job site. The new innovative Guard Detect feature adds a layer of safety that is unmatched.

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Best Miter Saw – DeWALT DWS780

For the third year in a row now, the DWS780 takes the top spot.  It was close between the Bosch GCM12SD, but DeWALT took the crown.  Thanks to the XPS light system that lays down a shadow line for perfect cuts every time.  This saw emits quality.

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Best Tool Bag – Veto Tech Pac

No bag is built like a Veto Pro Pac.  The bags are made from the strongest materials, have innovative features like a propylene base, and leather accents.  The bags are laid out so you can see all of your tools in an instant.  The Tech Pac is comfortable, sturdy and built to last.

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Readers Choice Best Hand Tool Brand – Klein Tools

You guys overwhelmingly voted Klein as the best hand tool brand for a second year in a row.  This year we also recognized them as the best hand tool brand.  Klein is an American company that makes most of its products in America.   Their tools are made for the American tradesman.

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Best Cordless Yard Tools – EGO

EGO dominated the cordless outdoor power market with their 56V volt tools this year.  Plenty of run time and power really gave EGO the edge.  The playing field has changed since the introduction of these tools.

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Best Concrete CombiHammer – Hilti TE 30-A36

You want speed, power and longevity?  The Hilti TE 30-A36 takes top spot again this year.  Active Torque Control, Active Vibration Reduction and 2.7 ft-lbs of impact energy makes this cordless concrete tool a work horse.  The TE 30-A36 brings concrete tool to a whole new level.

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Best Truck Accessory – DECKED

DECKED really took the pick up truck industry by storm this year. Their drop in drawers are made from a strong composite that can handle the day to day abuse that a truck bed takes.  The innovative system offers unparalleled storage that is weather proof.

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Best Truck Toolbox – Weather Guard

I have had this box for over a year and can’t say enough good things about it.  The box still looks brand new.  The locks still work as if they are new and open like a champ.  The box is set up where even a messy person such as Dan can stay organized.

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Best Ladder – Werner MT

The Werner MT ladder is the one ladder to own.  Yes it does have weight to it, but I love how sturdy it is.  There is pretty much no flex at the pivot points.  Set up is easy and it’s a ladder you can trust.  I took one section off to lighten the ladder up, which makes it a perfect ladder to easy maneuver around and even through on a one story house and still have three rungs over the roof line.

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