100 Best New Products of 2014: Construction Tools & Equipment

GTI EZ Pro Crown King

No assembly is required to use this crown molding jig from General Tool & Instruments, which allows easy creation of interior and exterior corner joints with the three most-common crown molding spring angles. An included insert/adapter can reconfigure the jig for 38- or 52-degree spring angles; without the insert, the jig is positioned for 45-degree cuts.

Bosch OSC114C Carbide Tip Blade

The carbide tip on this multi-tool blade from Bosch enables quick, precise cuts through nearly any material without having to change the blade. At 1¼-inches wide, the blade can speed through longer cuts; the tapered end helps control vibration for greater accuracy in cutting. Overall, it can last up to 30 times longer than a conventional bi-metal blade cutting through metal.

DeWalt Heated Jacket

Four styles of heated jackets make up this line from DeWalt: soft shell work jacket, hooded work jacket, True Timber camouflage jacket, and True Timber Blaze Orange camouflage jacket. All styles feature core body heating zones for the left and right chest and back; the soft shell and camouflage jackets have a fourth heating zone in the collar. All styles are powered by a DeWalt 20V MAX or 12V MAX lithium ion battery. Other common features include a water- and wind-resistant outer shell and an LED controller with three temperature settings (plus pre-heat mode).

USP Max X-Line Fall Arrest System

The Max X-Line fall-arrest system from USP Structural Connectors is designed to keep contractors safe in work locations that require protection and help them comply with OSHA’s new fall-arrest regulations. The system incorporates a pneumatic air hose within the fall-arrest system’s lifeline to eliminate the presence of the air hose in addition to a lifeline beneath their feet.

DAP SmartBond Adhesives

This range of polyurethane construction adhesive foaming gel products provides eight times the coverage of standard cartridge adhesives across a wide array of applications and construction materials. DAP also boasts 25-percent faster application due to aerosol distribution. Products in the line include a subfloor adhesive, subfloor gun-grade adhesive, heavy duty adhesive, landscape adhesive, and an adhesive cleaner.

Hilti PR 2-HS Rotating Laser

This Hilti laser level boasts an accuracy of +/- 0.02 inches at 32.8 feet, even in bright light conditions. Operators can use it at a range of 6 feet, all the way up to 2,000 feet (using the included laser receiver). It can survive a fall from a tripod at standard working heights, and it’s also dust tight and water resistant, with an IP 66 rating. If it does malfunction, users can send it to Hilti’s Calibration Service for adjustment.

OSI Quad Max

This window, door, and siding sealant from OSI offers five times stretch and 50 percent joint movement, ensuring high strength and stability even as material expands or contracts. No primer is required for adhesion, eliminating air and moisture infiltration, even in cold and wet applications. QUAD MAX also boasts enhanced UV resistance, protecting against discoloration, chalking, and cracking; the sealant will cure within 24 hours and is paintable within one hour.