Machinery Tools Cool tools: power tools and wrenches These power tools and wrench innovations are ready for the shop. By Dave Mowitz Dave Mowitz In 1982 Dave came to Successful Farming as a senior editor first covering agronomic topics and then machinery. He went on to serve the nation's farmers as executive editor of Successful Farming Magazine and editor of the Ageless Iron Almanac, a bimonthly publication covering the hobby of agricultural collectibles. Dave recently retired from the Successful Farming family but continues to serve the organization as a contributing editor. Successful Farming's Editorial Guidelines Published on March 28, 2024 Close Photo: Modular tool sets 01 of 08 Cordless magnetic drill 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 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 Courtesy of manufacturer 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 Courtesy of manufacturer 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 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 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 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 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! Other Submit