Cool tools: power tools and wrenches

These power tools and wrench innovations are ready for the shop.

Published on March 28, 2024

gearwrench mechanics tool set — Photo:
Modular tool sets

01 of 08

Cordless magnetic drill

dewalt magnetic base drill press — Courtesy of manufacturer

DeWalt’s 20-volt cordless magnetic drill press de- livers up to 40 holes per charge with cutting speeds up to 50% faster than comparable drills. The DCD1623 offers the capacity to cut 2-inch holes through 2-inch structural steel. Features include the E-Clutch, which detects the motion of the tool and shuts it down in a bind-up situation, and two mechanical gears providing a total of 10 speed settings. The drill retails for $2,499. Go to dewalt.com.

02 of 08

Metric & SAE socket set

milwaukee ratchet and socket set — Courtesy of manufacturer

Milwaukee stocked its 47-piece, 1⁄2-inch drive ratchet and socket set with both standard and deep-well sockets in SAE and metric configurations. The set’s 90-tooth ratchet tool operates with just 4° of swing and features a slim profile design. Sockets come with four flat sides to help prevent rolling. Model 48-22-9010 retails for $259.97. Go to milwaukeetool.com.

03 of 08

Modular tool sets

Gearwrench’s unique modular tool sets feature an EVA foam tray, are chemical- and solvent-resistant, and feature high-visibility markings to help mechanics locate the size needed. The toolbox-ready trays are offered in 10 sizes and in configurations ranging from 18- to 83-piece sets. The 83-piece SAE and metric mechanics tool set retails for $289.99. Go to gearwrench.com.

04 of 08

1-inch anvil impact wrench

Offered with normal and extended-length anvils, the Durofix 60-volt Jumbo Impact Wrench delivers a maximum reverse torque of 3,000 foot-pounds and maximum tightening torque of 2,000 foot-pounds. Features include a five- stage electronic torque control and auto shutoff function. Model R160176 with 2-inch anvil retails for $1,199. Go to durofix.com.

05 of 08

Smallest adjustable wrench

knipex xs pliers — Courtesy of manufacturer

At just 4 inches long, Knipex’s XS pliers wrench is the smallest fully functioning pliers wrench on the market, featuring smooth jaws that will not mar surfaces. The pliers offer one-handed adjustment with 10 positions and a ¾-inch jaw capacity. The Knipex Pliers Wrench XS retails for $46.28. Go to knipex-tools.com.

06 of 08

Super accurate torque wrench with flexing head

gearwrench electronic torque wrench — Courtesy of manufacturer

Gearwrench’s electronic torque wrenches can achieve a plus-or-minus 1.5% accuracy and 1.5% angle measure accuracy. The flex head bends up to 15° for improved access. The vibrating handle, buzzer, and LCD screen alerts when the target torque is reached. The ¼-inch 120XP E-Spec Electronic Torque Wrench retails for $329.00. Go to gearwrench.com.

07 of 08

Grab, rotate smooth oil filters

jm3 smooth oil wrench — Courtesy of manufacturer

The industrial wrench from JM3 employs teeth instead of flutes or grooves to latch onto smooth oil filters. A trigger on the handle engages the teeth while rotating the filter. A set of five wrenches to handle filters of different diameters retails for $99.99. Go to jm3oilfilterwrench.com.

08 of 08

Flex-head ratchet wrench

milwaukee 11-inch flex head ratchet — Courtesy of manufacturer

Milwaukee’s 11-inch-long ratchet flexes to 11 positions while providing a lever to lock the head in the desired position. The wrench’s drive is engaged with just a 4° arc swing. The slim-profile head features a flush directional level. The ½-inch-drive Model 48-22-9051 retails for $89.99, which includes a lifetime warranty. Go to milwaukeetool.com.

Was this page helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Tell us why!