Machinery Tools Tools of the Year 2021: Shop Essentials We searched the latest innovations from manufacturers for a tool chest of necessities on the farm and ranch. 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 September 30, 2021 Close This is the Shop Essentials category of the exclusive Successful Farming "Tools of the Year" program to highlight innovations and must-have tools and shop supplies for your farm operation. These tools will help you get the job done. Our editor selected one tool as an "Editor's Choice" and other tools as "Recommended" in Power Tools; Hand Tools; Ratchets & Sockets; Metalworking; Shop Supplies; Lighting; Workbenches & Tool Chests; and Shop Essentials. Here is the list of the 2021 winners in Shop Essentials. Wilton Gold Standard in Vises The vise of preference in heavy-duty applications ranging from factories to mechanics' shops, Wilton's Multi-Purpose Bench Vises are now available in 4½- and 6½-inch models featuring 60,000-psi ductile iron bases (30,000-psi gray cast-iron bases are standard on the market). The vises are factory-lubricated (for life) and feature spindles, precision-machined jaws, 360° swivel bases, and swiveling heads indexed in 30° increments for clamping materials at any angle. The Multi-Purpose vises provide users with the option of using pipe or V-jaws. Replaceable horizontal pipe jaws accommodate pipe from ½- to 3 inches in diameter. The V-jaw option holds pipe or other round stock vertically. Each vise also is equipped with replaceable hardened steel jaws with a serrated pattern for sure grip. The swivel base has dual lockdowns to hold the vise securely in place and anvils with a large surface area for handling materials. Backed by a lifetime warranty, the retail price for the 4½-inch Model 450P (jaw opening of 4 inches and throat depth of 2½ inches) is $159.99, and the 6½-inch 650P (jaw opening of 6½ inches and throat depth of 3¼ inches) is $349.99. Go to wiltontools.com. IPA Flow Unique Cleaning Design The IPA Flow-Thru System with Brush and Venturi employs a venturi that attaches to an anodized-aluminum handle that uses air pressure to turn interchangeable twisted-wire stainless-steel and industrial-strength nylon brushes. Solvent is pumped through the handle and onto work through the brushes for thorough coverage. An integrated flow valve provides ultimate control with pressurized solvents (up to 145 psi). The Model 8091 gives an unparalleled cleaning performance when air pressure is combined with degreasing solvent and simultaneous scrubbing action via the flow-through brush heads. The 8091 retails for $182.86. Go to ipatools.com. Mini-Ductor Mini Heat Conductor The MDV-787 Mini-Ductor Venom HP uses intense surrounding heat to release hardware from corrosion or thread-locking compounds in a matter of seconds without an open flame. It can turn a ¾-inch nut red hot in seconds. The tool retails for $649, which includes a two-year warranty. Go to theinductor.com. Moore Super Safe, Stable Hydraulic Jack Offering a 20-ton lifting capacity, Gaither Tools' Moore-Safe Jack is designed (with two interchangeable heads) to cradle vehicle components, greatly reducing the chance of slippage due to misplacement or a shifting load. The Moore-Safe's patented design features two interchangeable mounting heads, both specifically engineered to maintain the center of gravity even in the case of a shifting load. The heads are designed to securely cradle vehicle components, dramatically reducing the chance of slippage due to misplacement or a shifting load. The Model GT-20MS retails for $495. Go to gaithertool.com. Oasis 360° High-Definition Borescope The Vividia ME-610X employs a 40-inch-long, 6-millimeter-diameter probe with 360° articulation controlled by a joystick to direct a high-resolution camera inside cavities. The probe is made from titanium alloy with high wear resistance and produces high-quality clear images, thanks to six high-illuminance LED lights. A 3½-inch IPS monitor offers camera zoom in, HDMI out, and mini SD card. The user can easily preview, take pictures, and record videos. The borescope retails for $1,149.98. Go to oasisscientific.com. Klein Smartphone Engine Borescope Klein's ET16 Borescope works with Android OTG version 4.0 or higher devices (not for iPhones or iPads) utilizing a 20-foot-long armored cable tipped with a 9-millimeter digital camera that generates high-quality images. Six white LEDs with adjustable brightness enhance images. The kit (borescope, carrying case, micro-USB adapter, and instruction manual) retails for $84.97. No batteries are required as the borescope is powered by device connection to the smartphone or screen. Go to kleintools.com. See all of our categories of Tools of the Year winners: Power Tools Hand Tools Ratchets & Sockets Shop Supplies Lighting Workbenches & Tool Chests Metalworking & Welding Shop Essentials We welcome your feedback, and nominations for 2022! Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit