I thought I would share with you some of the tools that I think are so great that they deserve to be placed on a separate list for extra recognition. These tools have become my personal favorites, and some I even use daily on the job. Not all of these tools have come out with a perfect score, but they are all great tools that fill a gap or solve a problem. Some tools might not even make the list until months down the road, until I have discovered or realized their greatness, and others I will know right away.

Each one of these special tools will get a cool little badge so that you can easily recognize their greatness, and next to the badge will be a little description explaining why they made the list. Getting on the list will not be easy, and as of now I can only recognize 5 tools.

Be sure to click on the links to see why I have chosen these tools. To see the list at any time you can use the ToolRank Pick link from the Categories column on the right.

• Bosch Axial-Glide Miter Saw
• Staedtler 771 Mechanical Pencil
• Porter-Cable 12-Volt ClampSaw
• LockJaw Clamp (now C.H. Hanson) 11-Inch Clamp
• Spring Tools 1/32 – 1/16-Inch Nail Set

*I have a few more in my head that may or may not make the list.

Note to manufacturers: Don't even bother asking to get your tools on this list. I pick what I like based on my own experiences using the tools. If you even want a chance, you have to make a really really great tool, something unique, or something that solves an everyday problem. Even then there is no guarantee.

One of the most requested tools I see talked about online is the cordless miter saw, and when Makita announced their first 36V lithium-ion tool I always expected them to come out with a 36V miter saw. Well I guess that for now I am still left waiting because Makita chose to go with 18V to power their new LXSL01 cordless miter saw. Though I can't say that I am disappointed with their decision, because their 18V line is super popular and already having 18V batteries will be a plus, if not a must.

A cordless miter saw would be used for much smaller duties given the power restrictions that go along with being cordless, so it is fitting that Makita chose to make this saw only 7-1/2". The LXSL01 is small, but it is still a dual-bevel sliding compound miter saw, so it still has a pretty good cutting capacity. The LXSL01 is powered by a Makita-built motor that delivers 2,200 RPM's driven by a direct-drive gear box. Additionally the saw features an electric brake to maximize productivity as well as safety.

The LXSL01 is a kit that includes the saw, 2 18V LXT Lithium-Ion batteries, 30 minute charger, 7-1/2" 40T saw blade, dust bag, socket wrench, triangular ruler, vertical vice, and 2 extension wings. The saw can be purchased as "Tool Only" as Model LXSL01Z. No word on pricing.

Makita

We didn't make it to the National Hardware Show, but the good thing about the tool blogging community is that we all share with each other. Lucky for us, and you, Homefixated and Tools In Action were both on hand to cover the latest tools to be announced and they have some of their greatest finds on their respective websites. For those of you that prefer the visuals, TIA has you covered with a bunch of videos. Those of you who prefer the written word with a bit of wit, Homfixated is your place. Just love tools? Visit both sites.

To wet your appetite, below is Tools In Action with the second generation line of Craftsman NEXTEC cordless tools.

Homefixated
Tools In Action

Makita has added yet another tool to their ultra compact line. Makita's new entry to their line is the Model WT01 3/8-inch Impact Wrench. These are a little less common then your standard impact driver, but they have the same general function. The advantage of the impact wrench is its ability to handle sockets without the need for adapters. The WT01 offers 1,000 in.lbs. of torque in a tool that is only 6-3/8" long and weights only 2.1 lbs. The impact wrench uses a Makita-built motor that provides veritable speeds of 0-2,300 RPM's and 0-3,000 IPM's. The WT01 also sports a built in LED.

The 3/8-inch Impact Wrench can be purchased as a kit (WT01W) which includes two 12V max Lithium-Ion Batteries, Charger, and Tool Case. A 3-piece kit (LCT309W ) is also available, and includes the 3/8" Impact Wrench (WT01), the 3/8" Driver-Drill (FD02), L.E.D. Flashlight (LM01), two 12V max Lithium-Ion Batteries, Charger, and Tool Case.

Makita
[:cicn:] WT01W - Amazon, LCT309W - Amazon

Hard hats never seem to stay where they belong (on your head, not on the floor), and there has never really been a good way to help hold them on. The Japanese use chin straps with their hats, but we Americans are far too cool to allow ourselves to wear such a useful yet funny looking safety device. Thankfully the Hat Grabber is a solution Americans can use without compromising their fashion dignity. Best of all, the Hat Grabber is made in the USA. Go U.S.A.

I just got my review sample in yesterday and I am already liking it. My review will take longer then usual because I want to see how they last over the long haul, but so far I like it. To see what it is and how it works check out their funny video.

[:cicn:] HatGrabber

The F-style clamp has been a tool in my arsenal for as long as I can remember; for quick clamping needs I also turn to my Vise-Grip or Lock-Jaw clamps, but whenever I need greater clamping capacity, the F-style is the clamp I turn to. The F clamp is great in a lot of ways, but they also have their shortcomings. Thankfully, Rockler has come out their own version that seems to fix some of my dislikes.

From a side view the clamp looks just like any other, but when you look at it from straight on you can see that Rockler has added some feet to the clamp. This solves the common issue of clamps falling over when you are clamping pieces of material together end to end. This is not something I would use a lot, but I have found this to be an issue my other clamps. Rockler also extended the clutch on the clamp, which makes releasing the tension even faster. Other simple improvements Rockler implemented were increasing the size of the clamping foot and making a more ergonomic handle. All of these improvements are pluses in my book.

The price of the Rockler Sure-Foot Clamps are equal to other heavy-duty F-Style clamps on the market today. The Sure-Foot F-Style Clamps have a 2-1/2" throat depth and come in four lengths: 6" (# 40333) with a retail of $16.99; 12" (# 40334) with a retail of $17.99; 18" (# 40335) with a retail of $18.99; and 24" (# 40339) with a retail of $19.99.

[:cicn:] Rockler

Why buy individually when you need bulk supplies? Duo-Fast agrees, and is now selling their cordless framing fuel cells in convenient 12-cell bulk packs. Now it is easy to head to the store and make just a single purchase instead of twelve.

"The DUO-FAST fuel cells are based on proven ITW technology that has been around for 25 years," said Jacek Romanski, National Marketing Manager for DUO-FAST Construction. "We are providing contractors with the convenience of buying in bulk or one at a time if that's all they need."

Even if you don't own a Duo-Fast nailer you can still take advantage of buying in bulk because these same fuel cells are compatible with most cordless framing nailers on the market today, including ones from Bostitch, Hitachi, and Paslode. Unfortunately it doesn't look like any savings will come from this bulk offering. A single cell costs $7.50, and the 12 pack costs $90 (7.50 x 12). Bummer.

Utility blades never seem to last long enough, and now finally somebody is doing something about it. Stanley has launched a new utility blade that uses carbide to help strengthen the edge of the blade. They use some cool new laser technology that deposits tungsten carbide powder onto the edge of every blade, then use diamond wheels to grind on a razor sharp finished angle. This new procedure is said provide the blades with an edge that outlasts the competition by more the five times, but still remains flexible.

"The introduction of the new Stanley CARBIDE blades represents a strong commitment to innovation that began with extensive field research with professional contractors who rely on our products every day," said Sara Godding, global product manager for knives and blades. "By lasting significantly longer than other blades on the market, we're confident our new utility blades will meet contractors' needs and lead to greater productivity on the jobsite."

The new CARBIDE Utility Blades are available now. The blades are expected to retail in packs of five (11-800) for approximately $4.99, packs of 10 (11-800T) for $7.99 and packs of 50 (11-800L) for $24.99. Want to test the new blade out first? Stanley is giving away free samples at stanleytools.com/carbide.

Being a good construction worker often requires a lot of tools, but taking all of those tools to the jobsite everyday then bringing them home again can be a pain. The other option is to leave your tools on the job in a lockable jobsite box. The second method is what many of us use, but if you are a one-man-band, moving, loading, and unloading a large jobsite box can be darn near impossible. Though thanks to the Vault by Rescue 42, any one person can enjoy the safety of a jobsite box.

The Vault is a large jobsite box that is weather resistant, lockable and has four wheels for easy movement. It has almost 17 cubic feet of storage and is constructed out of durable lightweight aluminum. These features are not that uncommon, but what makes the Vault unique, and single person friendly, is its built in lift and transport system. The Vault has a built in scissor-lift to make loading a breeze, and a mounting system that connects directly to your trucks tow hitch. With this setup a single person can easily transport a fully loaded jobsite box to and from the jobsite. And you can still choose to leave or take your tools home everyday.

The Vault can be purchased in a few different styles, with the base model starting at just under $2000.

Rescue 42 Vault

Drilling into concrete is no major ordeal, that is, unless you drill too far and hit a post-tension cable. If you do that, you might as well just quit your job on the spot. Of course a simple preventative measure is to use the depth stop that came with your rotary hammer, but those often get lost, then all you have is a piece of tape on the bit to mark your depth.

Bosch has a better way; their new precision stop bits take all of the guess work out of drilling, and feature built in stop collars. These collars are not adjustable (cause those could slip), no, you buy the depth & hole size you need. Buy a couple of the sizes you use most for the anchors you use, and you are all set. The carbide-tipped steel bits are available in 3/8", 1/2", and 5/8" sizes at depths ranging from 13/16" to 2-1/16". According to Bosch, their Stop Bit line covers more then 80% of all requirements for drop in anchors.

If you need visuals, Bosch's Joe The Pro has you covered.