Products

Crescent™ Tools has been overhauled over the past two years, and that continues with the announcement that Apex Tool Group is bringing the APEX^® Industrial Fastening brand under the Crescent umbrella as Crescent APEX^®.

The new Crescent APEX brand will offer innovative power tool accessories used by industrial and construction tradesmen, including their professional line of u-GUARD^® nonmarring covered tools.

Griffin Biering, global marketing director at Apex Tool Group, said “The fastening innovation we’ve spearheaded in the assembly manufacturing space is carrying into the construction market. With Crescent’s deep connection to professional tradespeople, we are combining our efforts and delivering superior power tool accessories from a brand they trust.”

Crescent APEX^® becomes the sixth brand under the Crescent name, joining Crescent Wiss^®, Crescent Lufkin^®, Crescent Nicholson^®, Crescent H.K. Porter^® and Crescent JOBOX^®.

Apex Tool Group
www.crescenttoolco.com | 919-362-1670

The Bosch Freak, half impact driver, half impact wrench, now offers even more power as the Bosch GDX18V-1800C, delivering 1,800 in.-lbs. of max torque. A 1/4” quick-change hex shank holder with Power Groove to secure bits combines with a 1/2” square drive impact wrench for sockets.

The updated Freak features Bluetooth^® connectivity, which connects the tool to the free Bosch Toolbox App on a connected device to customize settings.

Driven by an efficient, maintenance-free EC brushless motor, the tool supplies plenty of fastener-tightening force. Bosch’s hammer-and-anvil system delivers maximum impact energy and performance to handle the toughest concrete-, wood- and metal-fastening tasks.

The Bosch Performance Control System allows users to adjust tool speed/torque with the push of a button to match the tool to the application. Quickly and seamlessly switch from a 1/4” quick-change hex shank to a 1/2” square drive for two tools in one package.

Robert Bosch Tool Corp.
www.boschtools.com | 877-267-2499 

Johnson’s most robust and accurate digital level, the JLX^® 24” programmable digital level has the accuracy and durability required for professional applications.

It features pre-programmed ADA compliance, drainage and roof pitch modes that simplify measurements for the most common digital level applications, but it can also be easily customized to meet your needs.

This level is easy to use—it features simple, three-button operation and its dual backlit LCD displays on the top and front put the information where you need it. Both displays automatically invert when you are taking overhead measurements.

Durability is never a concern with this level. Its IP65 construction provides complete protection against dust and water. It also comes with a non-marring wall grip and its crystal clear vials were designed to never fog, leak or crack.

Johnson Level
www.johnsonlevel.com | 262-242-1161

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Peel-Tek^® 150, a multi-surface liquid masking tape, removes the frustration caused by paint bleeding through traditional tape applied to rough or porous surfaces such as brick, stucco, cement and untreated wood. Peel-Tek can also serve as a temporary protective coating for both porous and non-porous surfaces and simply peels off cleanly when done. 

Peel-Tek starts as a turquoise color liquid with the consistency of yogurt and dries to a rubber-like protective coating. It can be applied with a roller or paint brush to almost any surface and dries in about 15 minutes depending on the thickness applied. Once dry, Peel-Tek can stay on for as long as required with no adverse effects and still be easily removed. If applied in an exterior location with UV exposure, it should be removed within five to seven days.

Since Peel-Tek is a new masking method, there is a small learning curve when compared to a simple roll of tape. The company’s website offers numerous videos demonstrating various applications on job sites and includes various pro tips. Click here to view. One video features the product used in combination with masking paper to protect from overspray.

One of our pro testers had the opportunity to utilize Peel-Tek in combination with masking paper when spraying a room with a rough surface. He typically would have applied tape with clear caulk to prevent the paint from bleeding onto the protected surface. He was able to reduce his initial preparation time and produce the same high-quality edge, with the added bonus that clean-up work was simple and easy. The product’s benefits proved an excellent combination of reducing his overall time on the job and increasing profitability.

While Peel-Tek is an ideal product for your painting contractors and homeowners, it has endless applications in crafting. Since it can be applied to almost any surface, its application is only limited by the user’s imagination. 

CircSaw Technologies is a new company to the market and offers a new power tool accessory designed for both the pro and DIY markets: SKATEPLATE^®.The power tool accessory market is full of products and innovations designed to make power tools more useful and productive. Many of the accessories are either brand or application-specific, which can limit its appeal to the market. 

SKATEPLATE has been designed as an accessory for one of the staples of power tools—the circular saw. SKATEPLATE turns virtually any circular saw, including battery-powered ones, into a portable table saw. The SKATEPLATE also features dual polyurethane rollers that glide over surfaces, increasing cutting speed and eliminating scratching. Click here to see a video highlighting its features.

The SKATEPLATE assembles in three easy steps and includes all the mounting hardware. Once attached the plate does not limit the cutting options of the circular saw or greatly impact its cutting depth—less than 1/8”. The company also offers a water saw accessory to enable cutting of granite, masonry or concrete.

Our testers were a mix of professionals and non-professionals who tried the SKATEPLATE on various job sites or home projects. All of our tester’s feedback centered around two primary points: table saw cutting accuracy in a mobile package and how effortlessly the saw slides over the cutting material. The adjustable SKATEGUIDE^® provides precision and serves as an additional handhold. The rollers effortlessly glide over the surface, which reduces vibrations and user fatigue. The company even offers replacement rollers if they become damaged or just worn out.

Since the potential market is large—almost anyone with a circular saw—the SKATEPLATE is a perfect addition to your power tool accessory assortment. It also makes a great gift idea for the customer shopping for something for the “person who has it all.” 

Reliance electric tankless water heaters are compact, easy to install for both the pro and DIY markets and offer wall-mount options for tight spaces. According to ENERGY STAR, water heating is the second-largest energy use in homes, but often goes overlooked until there is no hot water. Reliance offers numerous features to extend the life and efficiency of the electric tankless water heater.

Reliance electric tankless water heaters feature Anti-Scale Technology utilized in the auto industry to extend the heater’s life, enabling a five-year limited warranty for the heating chamber. Maintenance is simple with no moving parts and the ability to replace the element if needed. An advanced electronic control system addresses two common complaints with tankless water hearers: inconsistent water temperatures and lights flickering/dimming when the unit turns on. The until will shut down if it detects a leak and has an LCD showing current temperature, setpoint, and any diagnostic information if required.

Our tester installed a single element point-of-use model on a faucet not plumbed to the home’s existing water heater. The installation was extremely simple and straightforward with a clear instruction manual and detailed labeling. The included wall-mount brackets made for clean horizontal installation without sacrificing storage.  

Tankless water heaters have demonstrated strong year-over-year growth as consumers look toward the more energy-efficient household appliance. They are an ideal efficient water heating option, especially for stores servicing the Southern Zone (see map) with higher inlet water temperatures than cooler zones. Although not traditionally a higher-margin product to stock, tankless water heater purchases lead to total shopping baskets that are offset with higher-margin items.

• The STIHL MS 462 C-M and MS 462 R C-M chain saws were specially engineered for the professional user who desires more power and reduced weight, resulting in less user fatigue. Both chain saw models feature an excellent power-to-weight ratio. These chain saws feature the next generation of the STIHL M-Tronic™ engine management system, which electronically controls ignition timing and fuel metering.

• Conveniently, the saws auto-adjust or adapt to varying operating conditions, such as changes in altitude and fuel quality for optimal performance. An anti-vibration system ensures acceptable handling, especially with longer guide bars, making the MS 462 C-M chain saws the partner you’ll want by your side all day.

• At just 13 pounds and 13.9 pounds, respectively, the STIHL MS 462 C-M and MS 462 R C-M chain saws are the lightest professional gasoline-powered chain saws in their class.

• Features of the STIHL MS 462 C-M chain saws include: slim sprocket cover reduces weight and wood chip clogging, decreasing down time spent removing wood chips from the cover; unique bumper spike design has fewer teeth with wider spacing, helping users maintain control when bucking and felling trees; vertical and horizontal felling marks on the fan housing to provide better directional guidance; and low-emissions engine.

STIHL USA
www.stihlusa.com

• Johnson’s most robust and accurate digital level, the JLX® 24” programmable digital level, has the accuracy and durability required for professional applications. It features pre-programmed ADA compliance, drainage and roof pitch modes that simplify measurements for the most common digital level applications, but it can also be easily customized to meet your needs.

• This level is easy to use. It features simple, three-button operation and its dual backlit LCD displays on the top and front put the information where you need it. Both displays automatically invert when you are taking overhead measurements.

• Durability is never a concern with this level—its IP65 construction provides complete protection against dust and water. It also comes with a non-marring wall grip and its crystal-clear vials were designed to never fog, leak or crack. The included soft-sided case keeps your level clean and safe when not in use.

• Johnson’s JLX® series of programmable digital levels are engineered for inspectors, supervisors and flatwork contractors alike.

Johnson Level & Tool Mfg. Co.
www.johnsonlevel.com

• Coast Products has launched EAL22, which is the second product in their new line of Storm Proof Emergency Area Lights. The EAL22 has a feature made for every situation where portable lighting is needed.

• At 1300 lumens the EAL22 is incredibly bright on high, with the ability to run for 40 hours on the lowest brightness setting.

• The EAL22 is IPX4 eaters storm proof with a sturdy, drop-proof nylon body, polycarbonate dome and globe construction.

• Users can also remove the globe to allow for higher lumen output, and with carabiners at the top and bottom, the lantern can be hung to provide overhead lighting with ease.

Coast Products
www.coastportland.com

Automatic Center Punch

• Mayhew Steel Products has expanded its CatsPaw™ product line with the addition of its new Automatic Center Punch, part no. 17329. No need to use a hammer with this tool as an automatic spring-driven punch is delivered after being pressed against a surface.

• The punch force, ranging from 13.5lbs. – 31.5lbs., can easily be adjusted with the simple turn of a knob, located on the handle.

• Ideal for marking personal tools and equipment, the Automatic Center Punch is suitable for use on a variety of materials, including metal, plastic, wood and more.

• This product features a strong chromium-vanadium alloy steel body as well as an ergonomic handle comprised of polypropylene and thermoplastic rubber that allows for effortless handling. The Automatic Center Punch also helps establish a proper starting point on workpieces to prevent drill bits or screws from wandering.

Mayhew Tools
www.mayhew.com