Hand Tools

Insulated Tools

Klein's insulated tools comply with NFPA-70E standards to protect users against shock, as well as IEC 60900 and ASTM F1505 standards for insulated tools. Designed to protect users against shock from energized sources up to 1,000 volts, the tools' plastic handles are marked with the international 1,000-volt rating system. The line includes pliers, cutters, wire strippers, screwdrivers, nut drivers, a skinning knife, and tool kits. Cost: $21–$77. 800-553-4676. www.kleintools.com

Wall Scanner

Zircon

The MultiScanner i700 OneStep wall scanner features three modes: Stud Mode for finding wood and metal studs, Metal Mode for metal pipes and wire, and AC Scan Mode for mapping out sub-surface hot electrical wires. The scanner includes CenterVision center-finding technology, auto recalibration, and auto depth sensing. It features a back-lit LCD display and non-marring pads. Cost: $70. 800-245-9265. www.zircon.com

Caulk Gun

Newborn Bros. Co.

Gator Trigger caulk guns from Newborn Bros. Co. feature all-steel construction and a dual-component ergonomic grip that reduces hand fatigue and prevents pinching; the handle does not get blistering cold or scalding hot, says the firm. The line includes ratchet models, a revolving barrel model, a parallel frame model, a Drip-Free model, an industrial-grade ratchet model, and bulk loaders. Cost: $10–$19; bulk guns, $60–$80. 800-638-3983. www.newborncaulkguns.com

Pipe Cutters

Ridge Tool

Ridge Tool has relaunched its Ridgid Quick-Acting Tubing Cutters (models 151–156). The cutters feature a larger, ergonomic knob that allows for more force to be applied, a quick-change wheel pin that eliminates fastener clips and allows for cutter wheels to be changed by hand in a few seconds, a spare wheel housed at the end of the knob, and tougher, reinforced components. Eleven models are available with capacities ranging from 1/4 inch to 6-5/8 inches. Cost: $37–$120. 800-769-7743. www.ridgid.com

Ratchets

Ideal

The Ideal Ratch-a-Nut is a 9-in-1 screwdriver/nut driver that includes 3/16- and 1/4-inch slotted head; #1 and #2 Phillips head; 1/4, 5/16, and 7/16 nut driver; and connector wrench. Both ends of the tool ratchet, reducing wrist fatigue, the maker says. The tool is made with steel components and can handle 700 pounds of force. Cost: $19. 800-435-0705. www.idealindustries.com

Mini Saw Guide

Lee Valley

Designed for cutting molding or making picture frames, the Mini Saw Guide System includes an aluminum guide with 45- and 90-degree stops for cross-cuts and miters, a dummy blade insert for accurate positioning, and a sliding guide for use with a clamped straightedge for ripping, says Lee Valley. The saw has 18 impulse-hardened teeth per inch and can be used for hardwoods and softwoods. Cost: $38. 800-871-8158. www.leevalley.com Photo: Courtesy Lee Valley Tools

Demolition Tools

Stanley

Stanley's new demo hand tools include a line of pry bars and nail-pulling bars. Each bar is forged from high carbon steel that is heat treated for extra strength and durability. The pry bars feature a thin, flared end for prying off molding and a V-shaped tail end for prying out nails. The nail-pulling bars feature a traditional cat's paw design for digging out buried nails. Cost: $10–$20. 800-782-6539. www.stanleytools.com

Hammer

Vaughan & Bushnell

New to Vaughan & Bushnell's Blue Max California Framers line of hammers, this hammer features a 21-ounce curved fiberglass handle that allows for a natural alignment of the wrist and forearm to minimize fatigue and injury, says the maker. The tool features the Head-Start magnetic nail-holding slot for one-handed nail starting; an extra-large, milled striking face; and a high-impact overstrike guard. Cost: $44. 815-648-2446. www.vaughanmfg.com

Measuring Tool

Great Neck Saw Mfrs.

New from Great Neck Saw Mfrs., the Mark & Measure (model 89002) features a square, 16-foot tape measure, carpenters pencil, and pencil sharpener, combining all measuring needs into one unit. The tool's front edge can be used as a saw guide and an angle marker. Cost: $8. 800-457-0600. www.greatnecksaw.com

Roofing Tape Measure

L.S. Starrett

Designed for laying out the two most common roofing shingles, L.S. Starrett's Roofing Tape features a black print scale for conventional 5-inch spacing, with bond markings indicated by a circle around the number, and a red scale for dimensional markings with 5-1/2-inch spacing, with bond markings indicated by an oval. The tool saves installers time, the firm says, by allowing them to do course layout vertically and bond layout horizontally to create a grid. The tape features the company's Tough Tip. Cost: $21. 800-541-8887. www.starrett.com

HackSaw

Seatek

New from Seatek, the FS-303 Fold-A-Saw hacksaw can be folded away quickly into a compact size ideal for carrying and storage. The saw features a quick-release blade mechanism, and its two folding members rest in a U-shaped channel, which also can hold two hacksaw blades. The blade locking system is fully adjustable. The tool, made with high-strength steel and aluminum, accepts standard 12-inch blades. Cost: $25. 203-324-0067. www.seatekco.com

Miter Tool

Miter Divider

The Miter Divider saves time and reduces wasted material by simplifying miter cuts and eliminating guesswork, says the manufacturer, Arnott Tools. To use the tool, place it against an inside or outside corner, adjust the angle by moving the tool's arms until they are flush with the surface, transfer the measured angle to a piece of scrap and use the arms to draw arcs, cut the test piece, and then cut the trim. A small angle tool is available for use with the miter divider in tight spaces. Cost: $20. 800-798-1499. www.miterdivider.com

Groover

Bon Tool

Bon Tool's Bullet Groover has a mirror-finished blade that glides easily through concrete to create consistent, clean-cut grooves. The stainless steel groover is four times more wear-resistant than traditional bronze groovers, the firm says. The tool comes in four bit sizes with an ergonomically designed comfort grip or wood handle. Cost: Unavailable. 724-443-7080. www.bontool.com

Pliers

Irwin

Irwin's new Vise-Grip GrooveLock pliers feature a multi-groove ratcheting system to ensure a precise fit and better hand position, an All-Purpose Jaw that grips all shapes, a Quick-Adjust button for easy jaw adjustment, molded anti-slip ProTouch grips for durability and comfort, and an anti-pinch design for enhanced safety. Three sizes are available. Cost: $18–$27. 800-464-7946. www.irwin.com

Tile and Stone Tools

Custom Building Products

The Platinum line of tools from Custom Building Products features materials and engineering designed to improve durability, performance, and comfort for the rigorous demands of professional users, the maker says. The notch trowel, shown, features a thicker, harder-grade steel to reduce erosion of notches and extend trowel life; a patent-pending notch pattern allows for greater contact while requiring less pressure, says the company. In addition, the tool's wedge tail is designed to slip easily under tile for lifting. A grout float, tile nippers, knee pads, and a mixer also are available in the line. Cost: $29 (notch trowel). 800-272-8786. www.custombuildingproducts.com

Mud Masher

Marshalltown

The D Grip Mud Masher features a sturdy 23-inch hardwood handle with a D-grip design for more leverage and efficiency, says Marshalltown, along with a metal ferrule securely attached to a 5-inch-by-5-1/2-inch square mixing head. The tool's mixing head is made with heavily plated steel for rust resistance. Cost: Unavailable. 800-987-6935. www.marshalltown.com

HackSaw

Cooper Hand Tools

With blades and a frame that can be configured in four different ways, Cooper Hand Tools' Nicholson Pro Series 4-in-1 high-tension hacksaw allows users to make standard cuts, as well as flush cuts, cuts in tight spaces, and inside cuts. The hacksaw's high-tension technology allows the blade to be tensioned up to 30,000 psi. Cost: $25. 919-362-1670. www.cooperhandtools.com

Hammers

Johnson Level & Tool

Johnson Level & Tool's Fuller Wavex hammers feature anti-vibration technology originally designed for tennis racquets and an integrally molded ergonomic grip to protect against repetitive stress injuries, says the firm. The line includes 16- and 20-ounce claw hammers, 22- and 28-ounce framing hammers, a 20-ounce ripping hammer, and three ball peen hammers. Cost: $10–$22. 262-242-1161. www.johnsonlevel.com

Pipe Wrenches

Lenox

Lenox's cast iron and cast aluminum pipe wrenches have heat-treated components for durability and hardened teeth for maximum torque. The cast iron pipe wrench handles have a wide I-beam design for a comfortable grip and weight distribution. The cast aluminum pipe wrenches are 25 to 30 percent lighter than standard cast iron wrenches, helping to reduce fatigue. Cost: cast iron, $15–$130; cast aluminum, $25–$218. 800-628-8810. www.lenoxsaw.com

Caulk Guns

Tajima

The Convoy Lite caulk gun from Tajima offers the smooth performance of the Twin-Thrust dispensing system along with glass fiber–reinforced polymer construction for a lightweight yet strong frame that reduces hand and arm fatigue, the company says. Other features include the Auto Flow Stop system to prevent material seepage, a cartridge-style barrel-removal system for fast tube changes, access ports that allow the handle to be rotated independent of the tube, and a ladder hook and eyelet for a tethering strap. Cost: $17. 888-482-5462. www.tajimatool.com

Drywall Knives

Hyde Tools

Hyde Tools' Maxxgrip Pro Series includes putty knives and scrapers, drywall joint knives, and multi-use painter's tools. The blades are made with extra heavy-duty high carbon steel that is ground polished and mirror-finished, stainless steel, or non-spark brass. The tools have ergonomically designed handles and a Hammer Head end for accurately setting nails. The drywall joint knives (shown) come in a range of sizes. Cost: Unavailable. 800-872-4933. www.hydetools.com