Essential Tools and Gear for Pros Across the Trades
Fill up your tool belts and boxes with these game-changing tools for pros across all industries.
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.
Magnetic Wristband
Klein Tools’ handy velcro wristband is made with built-in rare earth magnets that let you keep small metal parts, screws, and nails nearby while still keeping your hands free, saving time and effort. The wristband is made from breathable mesh so that it won’t be uncomfortable when worn for long periods of time. It also has adjustable hook and loop closures so it can be attached to tool bags or belts if you don’t want it on your wrist.
Wet/Dry Dust Extractor
This Wet/Dry Dust Extractor from Bosch provides industrial-grade power, filtering fine dust, coarse dirt, and liquids. There’s not a lot that’s going to slow this machine down thanks to its 17-gallon capacity and a 17.5-amp motor. This power and the extractor’s 300 CFM (cubic feet per minute) capacity make it ideal for anyone looking to control dust when grinding or cutting through concrete.
M12 Rocket Tower Light
Built specifically with construction pros in mind, the M12 ROCKET Dual Power Tower Light is light-weight and portable so it can be set up in tight spaces. To make up for its light weight, this tower light has a low center of gravity and an impact-resistant base so that it doesn’t topple over easily. The light can either be plugged into an extension cord, or it can run for up to 10 hours on a single charge of the M12 Redlithium XC6.0 battery.
18V LXT® Lithium‑Ion Brushless Cordless 10″ Top Handle Chain Saw
The Makita 18v LXT Top Handle Chain saw is a fully-cordless top handle chainsaw with a brushless motor and a 10-in. blade. Top handle saws (also called arborist saws) are much more maneuverable. They work great for trimming trees and are a must for those arborists dancing around the treetops. This chainsaw’s features include:
- Torque boost mode for cutting through dense material;
- Variable speed trigger;
- Adjustable, automatic chain lubrication.
High Visibility Heated Jacket
Staying warm and visible are top priorities for anyone working in dark and cold conditions, Makita’s Heated Jacket is a solution for both problems. The jacket has a bright, fluorescent color and silver reflective accents that provide maximum visibility, and a power source that heats the jacket in five “core heat zones”: left chest, right chest, back and both pockets. The jacket is made with a polyester shell for water and wind resistance and five pockets for storing tools, gear and maybe even a snack or two.
Tapplock One+ Fingerprint Lock
Jobsite security is always a concern- no one wants their tools stolen. Tapplock has created a high-tech solution in the form of a smart padlock, the Tapplcok one+. The Tapplock one+ fingerprint lock can hold up to 500 unique employee fingerprints. The lock comes with a management platform that allows employers to remotely grant and revoke access, set specific periods of time when locks can be accessed, and track who is accessing which tools.
Astroride Work
Reebok’s Astroride Work shoe line combines a sleek, modern silhouette with built-in features for pros working in the field. Ghillie laces and a special heal design allow the shoe to be taken on and off easily, and the sole is made from slip-resistant rubber to help keep pros on their feet. Shoes in the Astroride Work line are lightweight, have MemoryTech insoles that adapt to feet, and are made with protective steel toes that meet or exceed industry safety standards.
DEWALT In-Line Stud and Joist Drill
DEWALT’s In-Line Stud and Joist Drill is a high-torque right angle drill capable of powerful drilling and a long runtime. The drill has two unique features:
- DEWALT’s E-Clutch System, which uses sensors to monitor tool motion and will cut the motor of binding is detected.
- DEWALT’s 2-speed Quick Shift, which lets users switch between two set speeds automatically without having to feather the trigger.
The In-Line Stud and Joist Drill also includes an LED light, a two-position handle, and a shallow nose so it can reach into tight spaces.
Makita Brushless Cordless Metal Cutting Saw
With a 2-1/4” cutting depth and a powerful brushless motor, the new 18V Cordless 5-7/8” Metal Cutting Saw from Makita is built to slice through a variety of metals materials, including thread rod, struts, pipe, and tubing. Makita’s “Automatic Speed Change” technology changes cutting speed and torque mid-cut for optimized performance.
Bosch X-Lock
Bosch’s X-Lock Interface for angle grinders makes switching out grinder wheels much more efficient. The X-Lock system makes it possible to change grinder accessories without a special tool. Wheels can be ejected with just the pull of a lever and connected just as easily. Bosch claims that this system is up to three times faster than using a spanner wrench, and eliminating the need for a spanner wrench to remove grinder accessories is a game changer.
Milwaukee Biggest Chalk Reel
Milwaukee’s biggest chalk reels are made for pros who are serious about their layouts. These reels come in lengths of 100-ft. and 150-ft. While that’s definitely a lot of line, these chalk reels’ three-gear system and retraction ratio of 4:1 make using the tool fast and easy. The 100-ft. and 150-ft. models can hold up to 18-oz. and 24oz. of chalk at a time, respectively, which means fewer messy refills per job.
Drill Doctor
Dull drill bits can be a major pain. They make your work harder and your jobs last longer. The Drill Doctor 750x is designed to save you from this headache and save time on trips to the home center or hardware store. The device sharpens a wide variety of drill bit sizes, from 3/32” to 3/4”. It can also set point angles anywhere from 115 to 140 degrees.
