Two additional products featured as finalists
Sept. 24, 2018 (Lincolnshire, Ill.) – Klein Tools (www.kleintools.com), for professionals since 1857, received seven Pro Tool Innovation Awards for products that launched this past year. The winning tools include the Electrician’s Hybrid Multi-Tool (Cat. No. 44216), 7-in-1 Nut Driver (Cat. No. 32807MAG), Folding Jab Saw (Cat. No. 31737), Pass-Thru™ Modular Crimper (Cat. No. VDV226-110) and the Non-Contact Voltage Tester with Infrared Thermometer (Cat. No. NCVT-4IR). Two additional products, the Hybrid Pliers (Cat. No. J215-8CR) and the Tradesman Pro™ Tool Master Backpack (Cat. No. 55485), were recognized as finalists.
"Manufacturers are consistently improving their tools. Each year, however, some exceed the norms and develop products which truly deserve recognition. Business owners, builders, contractors, and tradespeople really need to understand which products can help them work smarter and more efficiently," said Clint DeBoer, executive director of the Pro Tool Innovation Awards. "Often, they can also save a lot of money in either material costs or time-savings. That innovation goes straight into their pocketbook."
A panel of judges made up of tool and media professionals from across the United States and Canada weighed in on over 300 entries from over 60 different global manufacturers. Winners demonstrated achievement in any combination of the following: innovative features, advanced power delivery, groundbreaking ergonomics, technological advancements and value. Here's what the Pro Tool Innovative Awards judges had to say about Klein Tools:
Multi-tools are great to carry for the DIYer and some Pros, but so few are purpose-built to cover the needs of a specific trade. Klein decided enough was enough and created a model for electricians. By combining 7 of the most common functions an electrician needs from day to day, they give you everything you need—and nothing you don’t. That’s a multi-tool electricians can get behind.
Klein takes your 7-piece nut driver set and packs it into just one tool—with some added bonuses. Rare earth magnets in 5 of the sizes hold nuts and bolts while a spring coil tackles the task on the other two. What also sets the Klein 7-in-1 Nut Driver apart are the hollow shafts on 5 of the sizes, allowing you to use the same tool instead of reaching for a deep socket on longer bolts.
Klein tackles several obstacles with their new Folding Jab Saw. They give it two locking positions – 180° for standard cutting and 125° for when you need to reach awkward areas or don’t have enough room for the full length. It has aggressive cutting teeth and an excellent piercing tip that makes it perfect for cutting through drywall, plywood, and other materials. By making it a folding saw, those excellent cutting characteristics can work on your installation and not on putting a hole in your tool bag.
Pass-through crimpers have revolutionized VDV terminations—particularly for tedious RJ45. Our installers love the fact that the Klein VDV226-110 Pass-Thru Modular Crimper tackles its three functions with ease and effectiveness. With Klein’s ratcheting design, you don’t have to worry about leaving a crimp loose, requiring you to redo the install or risk a callback. And the tool genuinely makes the job faster, so your crew is more productive.
Klein’s Non-Contact Voltage Tester lineup has been solid. In their latest expansion, they add an infrared thermometer to their NCVT-4 to let you check temperatures between -20° and 482° F with a laser that has a 4:1 ratio. With an IP54 rating and 6.6-foot drop test rating, it should be able to stand up to anyone’s toughest workday.
The Hybrid Pliers were recognized as a finalist in the Hand Tools - Pliers category, and the Tradesman Pro™ Tool Master Backpack was recognized among other Tool Bags and Storage.
"Klein Tools is immensely proud to have received seven Pro Tool Innovation Awards for our new hand tools and jobsite accessories,” says Greg Palese, vice president of marketing at Klein Tools. “This recognition confirms the rising demand for convenient products designed to help professional tradespeople save time and work more efficiently across all jobsites.”
About the Pro Tool Innovation Awards
The Pro Tool Innovation Awards (PTIA) are an annual awards program judged by a panel of professional tradesmen and trade media representatives in the electrical, plumbing, MRO, and concrete fields as well as general contractors and builders. The Pro Tool Innovation Awards seek to discover and recognize the most innovative tools in the residential and commercial construction industry across a wide variety of categories. The Awards are promoted by over sixteen print and online media sponsors, including its founding member, Pro Tool Reviews. Visit www.protoolinnovationawards.com for more information.
About Klein Tools
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 No. 1 choice among professional electricians and other tradespeople. For more information, visit www.kleintools.com.
Klein is a registered trademark of Klein Tools, Inc.