This video is from ProToolReviews.com, a website that reviews tools for pros (obviously). Each year they host an Innovation Awards, and the results are in for 2024. Cutting, drilling, driving, dust collection, general jobsite work, and adhesion fill out the categories.
Video transcript:
The winners of the 2024 ProTool Innovation Awards have been announced! We're kicking off our coverage by highlighting the most innovative accessories coming out in the 2024–2025 cycle.
When we think of accessories, we look to innovative blades, bits, and other tools that help us cut, drive, and fasten more quickly. The right accessories can net you more profit and jobsite productivity. Let’s dive into the top winners!
Most Innovative Circular Saw Blade: CMT Orange Tools 24-Z Gravity Framing Blade
Our winner for the most innovative circular saw blade is CMT Orange Tools' 24-Z Gravity Framing Blade. As soon as you see the CMT Zero Gravity Extreme Framing Saw Blade, you immediately notice something different compared to traditional construction saw accessories. The secured tooth geometry physically prevents easy breaking of carbide teeth by stopping nails from dropping between the blade teeth as it cuts.
The low-mass blade also features extensive venting to keep it cool while cutting and to help evacuate chips. Lastly, the PTFE coating does an excellent job of resisting buildup when cutting through roofing materials and other surfaces that can slow down blades over time. You can find these blades in bulk on Amazon for around $10 each.
Most Innovative Drill Guide: Visa Tools Hole Trol
A drill guide can help you drill straight and accurate holes, especially if you're working on uneven surfaces or need precise alignment. The Visa Tools Hole Trol is one of the most unique and useful drill guides we've seen in a while.
The Hole Trol solves significant profitability and productivity issues for builders and construction professionals by enabling them to quickly center and use hole saws over existing holes, or in scenarios where a pilot bit is missing, broken, or not needed. This solution saves valuable downtime spent on workarounds and tool repairs, reducing material waste, damage, and injury-related costs.
The Hole Trol is easy to use—just center the guide over the hole, fasten it in place, line up the hole saw with the groove, and pull the trigger. With a six-pack costing just under $20, there's no reason not to have Hole Trols working on your side.
Most Innovative Drill Bit: Eagle Tools ETX Flex Cable Bits
Our winner for the most innovative drill bit comes from Eagle Tool with their new line of ETX Flex Cable Bits. Eagle Tool’s “Skip the Slip” innovation features a unique notch in the shank designed to keep the bit from slipping out of an extension and getting lost inside walls or underground, meaning fewer frustrating moments trying to retrieve expensive stuck bits.
Eagle Tools Flex Cable Bits come in three key categories: wood auger bits, installer bits, and dirt auger bits. Whether you're working in walls or underground, these bits provide the extended reach needed to get the job done right. Starting at just $35, with options up to $70, this system truly keeps you from losing expensive bits—making it as close to a no-brainer as you can get for this kind of work.
Most Innovative Drill and Driver Attachment: DeWalt Flex Torque Right Angle Attachment
DeWalt has consistently released impressive attachments for their 20V drills and impact drivers, and their latest addition to the Flex Torque line takes the win for the most innovative drill and driver attachment. This new attachment adds a battery-powered LED light for illumination and reduces clearance down to just 1.5 inches. Combine that with a 1-inch bit, and you've got a compact right-angle attachment for any drill, perfect for getting into tight spaces.
The USB rechargeable battery provides up to three hours of use on a single charge, and DeWalt claims the forged gears offer 10 times longer life than the competition. You can find this modular right-angle drill attachment at Acme Tools for $39.99.
Most Innovative Dust Collection: Milwaukee Packout Debris Separator
Dust management is key to keeping your workspace clean, and the PTIA award winner for dust collection is Milwaukee’s Packout Debris Separator. This accessory pairs perfectly with your wet/dry vacuum, reducing filter clogs and maintaining strong suction. It's compatible with wet/dry vacuums that have 1.25-inch to 2.5-inch hose diameters and can hold up to 2.5 gallons of debris.
The separator is Packout-compatible, compact, and features onboard storage for organization. It can be attached directly to Milwaukee’s medium-capacity wet/dry vacs with integrated clips or combined with an optional caster kit for added mobility. Priced around $100, this is a practical add-on if you're already using Milwaukee's Packout system.
Most Innovative Stand/Table: RI Speed Bench Mobile Workstation
A saw stand is just a saw stand, and a table is just a table, right? Wrong! Our winner for the stands, tables, and bases category is a combination of all those things and more: the RI Speed Bench Mobile Workstation.
With its two-in-one design, this bench is super versatile, transforming from a workbench to a cart with just one fluid motion, allowing easy setup and storage. In workbench mode, it provides a solid 42" x 22" wood surface that can hold up to 400 lbs, with options for edge clamping or mounting tools like miter saws. The surface also has built-in SAE and metric measurements, protractor lines for quick reference, and RI’s Link Accessory Rail to keep your tools organized.
In cart mode, the heavy-duty steel frame, 10-inch all-terrain wheels, and 19-inch skid plate allow you to haul up to 300 lbs across the jobsite. Priced at just $199, this mobile workstation is a great addition to any DIY or professional arsenal.
Most Innovative Construction Adhesive: DAP HD Max Adhesive
Finally, let’s wrap up with our most innovative construction adhesive: DAP HD Max Adhesive. This hybrid formula is built tough for the most demanding jobs. With polyurethane strength, DAP HD Max delivers exceptional durability and powerful adhesion, whether you're working indoors or outdoors.
It bonds to virtually anything—from non-porous materials like aluminum and PVC to porous surfaces like brick and drywall. What sets HD Max apart is its ability to handle extreme temperatures, bonding anywhere from 0°F to 120°F. This makes it reliable whether in freezing cold or scorching heat. With its 28-fluid-ounce cartridge, it offers incredible value for larger projects, and its waterproof bond is easy to apply and control.
