April 13, 2015 (Lincolnshire, IL) – Klein Tools, http://www.kleintools.com, for professionals since 1857, announces that they won three product awards in Electrical, Construction & Maintenance (EC&M) Magazine’s Product of the Year competition. Klein’s All-Purpose Pliers, Cushion-Grip Impact Punchdown Tool, and Tradesman Pro Lighted Tool Bag won in the Tools (Hand), Tools (Voice/Data/Video), and Tools (Bags & Totes) categories, respectively.
The 2015 EC&M Product of the Year competition received nearly 200 entries in over 42 categories. Each entry was evaluated by a panel of 14 judges, consisting of electrical professionals from the engineering, contracting, and plant facilities/maintenance industries.
Tools (Hand) Product Category Winner
Klein’s All-Purpose Pliers (Cat. No. J206-8C) earned a first place finish in the Tools (Hand) category. Combining the features of a wire stripper and long-nose pliers in one tool, the All-Purpose Pliers can strip, cut, and loop 8-16 AWG solid and 10-18 AWG stranded wire. The long nose is great for grabbing and looping wire. It also has screw shearing holes for 6-32 and 8-32 screws and is spring-loaded for self-opening action. Klein’s dual-material Journeyman™ handles provide a firm grip and added comfort.
Tools (Voice/Data/Video) Product Category Winner
Klein Tools won first place in the Tools (Voice/Data/Video) category with the Cushion-Grip Impact Punchdown Tool (Cat. No.VDV427-821). The innovative tool design incorporates a Cushion-Grip handle, hi/lo impact settings and an inherently long shaft for reaching into narrow/crowded blocks. The Dura-Blade™, a Metal Injection Molded (MIM) punchdown blade, has been constructed to deliver long-lasting cutting performance. Utilizing a two-step impact process, the Cushion-Grip Impact Punchdown Tool & Blade ensure a precise wire insertion and trim for a pristine voice and data wire installation every time.
Tools (Bags & Totes) Product Category Winner
Klein’s Tradesman Pro Lighted Tool Bag (Cat. No. 55431) received top honor in the Tools (Bags & Totes) category. The bag features a twist on/twist off LED light that can be positioned to illuminate inside the bag or the workspace. The Work Light (Cat. No. 55437), sold separately, has a swivel hook and magnet for hands-free use. The Lighted Tool Bag has 31 pockets for plenty of tool storage, a bright orange interior to find tools faster, and a durable molded base that protects from the elements.
“We are honored that the EC&M panelists recognize the innovation, safety and efficiency that are paramount in the design, creation and execution of all Klein Tools’ products,” says Thomas R. Klein Jr., president of Klein Tools. “We are always striving to find new ways to make the industry’s best tools.”
The category winners go on to compete for the EC&M 2015 Product of the Year Platinum, Gold, and Silver awards, which will be determined through an online readers’ poll in June, and then announced in August.
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Klein is a registered trademark of Klein Tools, Inc.
Since 1857 Klein Tools, a family-owned and operated company, has been designing, developing and manufacturing premium-quality, professional-grade hand tools. The majority of Klein tools are manufactured in plants throughout the United States and are the number one choice among professional electricians and other tradespeople. For more information, visit www.kleintools.com.