Well, 2020 is coming to an end and while this year has brought it’s own… challenges, it didn’t slow down any of our favorite tool manufacturers from releasing a ton of awesome new tools. For our last show of the season, we’re going to look back at the biggest tool releases of 2020. This is your Power Tool, Year in Review.
Bosch 2020 Highlights
Ohio Power Tool – Bosch Tools https://www.ohiopowertool.com/m-8-bosch-power-tools.aspx
Let’s start off with BOSCH, who released several new tools in 2020, starting at the World of Concrete.
First off they showed us 2 new cordless SDS-Max hammer drills, powered by their new Core18v batteries, which combined with some new internal tech, provided significant power gains for what they’re calling “Megawatt tools”.
They also revealed a new Bosch 18V Brushless tracksaw, with an all new motor specifically designed for that saw.
They launched a series of Bosch Revolve rotary lasers for jobsite work. We also saw new thermal and concrete scanners, and growth of their xlock standard.
Makita 2020 Highlights
Ohio Power Tool – Makita Tools https://www.ohiopowertool.com/m-30-makita-tools.aspx
Makita was busy with new tools of their own this year, most of which were announced at World of Concrete, and hit shelves throughout the year. Highlights include a new 18V X2 LXT 14” CutOff Saw, the 18V LXT Brushless Cordless AVT Power Scraper, new Quiet Series electric air compressors,
an LXT 9 ¼” Circular saw, 3 new LXT lawn mowers, 2 new LXT bandsaws, a LXT 9” power cutter, 2 new Mid-Torque impact wrenches, a metric ton of new outdoor power equipment, and yes, this stylish vacuum for restaurants and hotels.
DeWALT 2020 Highlights
CPO – DeWALT Tools https://www.cpooutlets.com/dewalt-tools.html
Next up is DeWALT, who had a few innovative additions of their own. First up, their new Flexvolt Advantage series of tools, including a Circular Saw, Angle Grinder, Reciprocating saw and a Hammer Drill, all of which suddenly perform far better, IF and When you click on a Flexvolt battery. So far the reviews we’ve seen have all been fantastic, with obvious improvements when you use Flexvolt.
They also launched the Tough System 2.0 Storage system, featuring auto-connecting side latches, 20% larger storage capacity, and backwards compatibility with the original tough system.
And finally, they revealed a new 20v Drywall sander, and a 20V atomic bandsaw that is just as compact, as it is powerful.
Skilsaw 2020 Highlights
Ohio Power Tool – Skilsaw Tools https://www.ohiopowertool.com/m-1902-skilsaw.aspx
Skilsaw made it possible for us to cut through 4 pieces of ¾” ply in one pass, with that saw behind me. Powered by the new TRUE HVL battery platform, the world’s first cordless Sawquatch has an intimidating 10 and ¼” blade, and far more importantly, the motor, and worm drive to make it go.
The All Magnesium Construction keeps it light, while the Brushless motor keeps it going. With 4300 no load rpm and a 3 11/16” cutting depth, cordless or not, this is a sawsquach. This new saw is only the second tool on the new platform, but Skilsaw tells us it won’t be the last. Here’s hoping 2021 brings a few new TRUE HVL tools with it.
EGO 2020 Highlights
Ohio Power Tool – EGO Tools https://www.ohiopowertool.com/m-2857-ego-power-equipment.aspx
EGO launched their new and wildly successful Select Cut mower, but who cares. Because they also launched their new Yard Tesla! Sure we’ve all be happy with EGO’s new Select Cut self-propelled mower, and just this last week, we finally got to use their new 2 stage snow blower, but look at THIS. That is the all new EGO Z6 Zero Turn Mower. It’s got 22 horsepower pushing a 42” deck, and completing 2 acres with just 4 10ah batteries.
Which is impressive, until you realize it can carry 6. And best of all, it uses the same EGO batteries that you already use on your string trimmer, blower, and chainsaw. Stan the Dirt Monkey and Andrew from Kite Army both got an early preview, and the results are amazing. I have no idea how EGO tops this next year.
Milwaukee 2020 Highlights
Ohio Power Tool – Milwaukee Tools https://www.ohiopowertool.com/m-7-milwaukee-tools.aspx
And last of all, Milwaukee once again felt like they needed to add as many new tools as possible, and undeterred by the pandemic, they moved their NPS20 to an online format called Pipeline. There were 4 episode spread out over 4 months, each one serving as a platform for a seemingly never-ending flood of new tools.
If you wanted something new, they likely had it. We got new Mid-Torque Impact Wrenches, FUEL Oscillating Multi Tools for both M12 and M18, the long awaited pin nailer, a pruning saw Rob won’t shut up about.
New vacs, Lasers, a warehouse full of new Packout stuff, The TOP-OFF, a chop saw, and a closet full of new PPE gear. So no, we didn’t get a mower or a track saw, but isn’t the rest of this stuff enough?
Value Pro 2020 / 2021
CPO – Ryobi Tools https://www.cpooutlets.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-cpooutlets-Site/default/Search-Show?q=ryobi&lang=default
A new segment has crept up on these pro tools this year, and it’s calling itself, Value Pro. These are traditionally entry level power tools, that now claim to have the power and durability to earn a place on the jobsite. In this category we’ve seen over 30 new tools from Ryobi, called Ryobi One Plus HP.
Kobalt launched their XTR series with more powerful motors, and SKIL continued growing their PWR Core 20 series power tools. With brushless motors, better batteries and improved electronics, these brands are determined to make enough noise to cause you glance away from the big boys just long enough to change your mind.
These new lines of Value Pro tools are proving to be plenty powerful enough, but can they stand up to a year on the jobsite? 2021 will be the year we find out.
CPO – SKIL Tools https://www.cpooutlets.com/skil_products
Thank you for supporting us this year!
Whatever 2021 brings, we’ll be here to report it. Speaking of, we want to thank all of you for watching and supporting the power tool week in review. Our silly power tool news show reached over 2 million people this year, and we’re determined to double that again in 2021. We hope you join us. From our family here at Belts and Boxes, including Rob, myself, our Studio Director Connor, Our Office Manager Megan, and our families, Happy Holidays, and we look forward to seeing you next week when we launch Season 4, of the Power Tool Week In Review. We’ll see you next year.
