The past few months I’ve spent my fair share of time sitting in airports, in the backs of taxis, and standing in line waiting to check-in to my hotel room. And where did my travels take me? Some of you may already know the answer as I chatted with many of you at the Mac Tools Fair in Dallas, the Matco Tools Expo in San Antonio, and Cornwell Quality Tools Rally in Las Vegas.
Whether you drive for one of these flags or work solo as an independent or even if you just couldn’t make it to your company’s tool show, it’s always a good idea to stay up-to-date on what’s new. Here are a few highlights from each of this year’s shows.
Mac Tools
Mac debuted numerous new tools for their distributors including ANTIVIBE Hi-Vis Hammers, a 6-pc 4V Screwdriver Set, and a new line of code readers. Similar to their ET9200 Series Scan Tools, the code readers span across three levels, giving users the opportunity to pick a code reader based on their technical ability, the functionality of the tool, and how much they want to spend.
Additionally, Mac introduced the RBRT (rounded bolt removal technology) SAE & Metric Combination Wrenches — what Rob Ronan, vice president of channel marketing at Stanley Black & Decker, believes to have been the star of the show. The sets are designed to provide up to two times more torque when removing 60 percent and 80 percent rounded fasteners compared to existing Mac Tools.
Matco Tools
This year’s expo came with the exciting announcement that Milwaukee Tool would be partnering with Matco’s Cordless Infinium line.
Also showcased at the event, Matco’s 360-degree diagnostic portfolio—especially one of their newest releases, the Maximus TPMS 3.0 Diagnostic Tool. The 16V Cordless Infinium 3/8” Sealed Head Ratchet Kits were another hit at the show. The ratchet’s sealed head prevents dust and debris from clogging up the inner components of the tool, increasing its durability. Additionally, distributors saw a new color launch for some of Matco’s hand tools. Customers will now be able to purchase purple flex-head ratchets and pry bars.
Cornwell Quality Tools
The buzz on the Cornwell show floor centered around the release of the new ARCA Tool Storage line.
The ARCA line consists of a 57” 8-drawer double bank roller cabinet and a 79” 13-drawer triple bank roller cabinet. This line also introduced seven new colors – Ignition Orange, Lightning Yellow, Torch Blue, Vapor, Smoke, Storm, and Shadow. The colors also feature metal flakes and interference pigments, which give the boxes just a bit of sparkle.
Also launched at the show, were the 3/8” Drive 120 Tooth Extra Long Ratchets, a 29-pc Tempest Point Mechanic’s Length Drill Bit Set from Consolidated Toledo Drill, a variety of screwdriver sets from Mayhew, and racing creepers and seats from Whiteside.
Did I miss anything? If you attended one of these shows what was your favorite new product release? Or what’s something you wish was released instead? Let me know at [email protected].
