Versatile Painter’s Tool. Based on the
numbers alone, Hyde’s 14-in-1 Multi-Tool is nearly three
times as good as the original version of this painter’s tool
— the venerable “5-in-1.” The new tool can scrape
paint, open cans, excise rot, back up a pry bar, and serve as a
makeshift screwdriver; a pull-out drawer in the handle stores four
bits. It costs about $11. Hyde Tools,
800/872-4933, www.hydetools.com.
Multipurpose Blades. According to the
manufacturer, the OX-PU10 Superfast diamond blade slices through
steel as effectively as it carves up stone, brick, and concrete.
Cooling holes and a reinforced center flange allow it to make fast
cuts through masonry and steel without overheating, the company
says. It’s sold in sizes from 4 inches ($30) to 14 inches
($174) to fit angle grinders, circular saws, and gas handheld saws.
OX Group USA, 908/603-0898, ox-cp.com.
Easy Mark. To use the Self-Marking Tape Measure
— which contains an ink cartridge — you extend the
16-foot tape until the pointer indicates the desired distance, then
press down on the case to leave a mark. According to the maker, one
cartridge can make hundreds of marks and is easily replaceable when
it runs out. The ink is erasable from nonporous surfaces but
permanent on raw wood and drywall. The tape measure costs $25;
replacement cartridges cost $5. I-Mark Tools,
802/253-9600, i-marktools.com.
Hose-Free Roofing. Though not intended for
production work, Paslode’s CR175C Cordless Roofing Nailer
might be ideal for remodelers who’d rather not have to haul
out the tanks and hoses when installing skylights or making
repairs. It holds 120 coil nails and drives two nails per second,
says the maker. Features include a soft grip handle, a single-door
magazine, and an adjustable depth-of-drive. The 7 1/2-pound tool
costs $430. Illinois Tool Works, 800/222-6990,
paslode.com.