I was talking with my good friend Doug Mahoney yesterday. Doug is editor of ToolSnob, and writes the tool columns for Popular Science and Popular Mechanics, but his real job is as a builder in Boston. One of the subjects we talked about was upcoming trends in tools and products.  We have seen the new cordless recharging technology where tools, cellphones, and laptops will charge without being attached to cords just by being placed next to charging mats or on tables with mats built into them.  This is very cool stuff, but what about other innovations?

I would like a jig that frames right angles for dimensional lumber. I am tired of dealing with deck corners of 85 degrees instead of 90 and ceiling corners that are off just enough to make my crown molding show gaps. Make it out of plastic if you want, but make it a true right angle. I have also been the victim of trying to hold a square and fasten at the same time and losing square at the moment of impact.  If you don’t start out square then every cut cut following will have to be mitered to some degree.  At the same time, create a jig for attaching a  joist square.  This would be a great time saver for workers who often work alone.

I like the Antex Soldering tool for copper pipe. No flames, so it is somewhat safer than the traditional torch. I would like to see a pouch I could slide the hot tool inside to prevent burns when working in tight spaces.  Mini torches are very cool. I have used them extensively in the outdoors on backpacking expeditions of several weeks, where the ability to light fires and stoves in very windy conditions is often times the difference between life and death.

Tapes are an area where more development needs to be done.  I want a tape that I can use on exhaust stacks without fear of the adhesive burning away. I want duct tape to perform. Too many companies are selling products as duct tape that don’t work and are giving one of our favorite repair items a bad rap.  I also want a heat shrink tape that I can seal electrical fittings without having to cut the wires and slide a tube over the joint.

Plumbing products. I want a PEX style pipe that can be used in the outdoors and won’t break down.  Pex style pipe that doesn’t require connections at each turn are a homeowners answer to solid worry free plumbing repairs. But a $150 for PEX connection crimpers will prevent most DIYs from using the product to its full potential. They will opt for the Shark and Gator Bite connectors, which seem to work fine, but it’s too early to tell how long those connections will last without problems. Manifold Distribution systems with individual service valves would make plumbers and homeowners much happier when repairs need to be made. Simply shut the valve to the specific device at the manifold and you can use the other water outlets without service interruption.

Measuring Devices Wants-  I want a laser measure that will take my measurements directly to my software, period-end! The fact that we are still waiting on this at the consumer level baffles me. I have even tried to set up meetings between the major players in these fields and everyone says they want it, but no one does anything. Guys it’s simple, Bluetooth the measurement device and let the software do the rest.

Cordless tool pet peeves- I am tired of toting innumerable chargers for my cordless tools. Let’s work  towards standardizing these. LED lights built into tools that don’t light the work area,omit them if you can’t aim them.  Lasers on saws, ditto, if they serve no function, omit them or make them functional.  Using non LED lights in tools is bad. LED lights last and are durable, feel free to use them.

HVLP paint systems are good.  No one has ever accused me of being a tree hugger, but HVLP is a better solution. The green people love the low over spray and not releasing paint into the atmosphere.  For me, I like my paint staying on the wall where God intended it to be. I also hate cleaning up and hate wasting paint. Does this qualify me as green? Nope, just pragmatic on my part. I was asked not to attend tree hugging functions because of my stance on using pneumatic nailers as a means of pest control.

What are your ideas on home improvement products and tools. We want to hear from you.

Do you cringe when you realize a job requires soldering fittings? Does getting the copper tubing hot enough without turning it into a crispy black mess plague your efforts, then the Antex Pipemaster is for you.  The Pipemaster heats the copper pipe using electricity instead of propane and is ideal for soldering where working with a torch is impractical or dangerous.  With the heating elements mounted onto the end of a plier-like device, the user simply squeezes the handles to close the jaws to the correct setting.  The jaws surround the pipe or tubing, which should heat the entire circumference of the pipe equally. Equal heat, equals even distribution of the solder into the joint and thus a better leak free connection.

There are currently two models, one for the homeowner and one for the professional.  The DIY model handles 1/2 ” and 3/4″, and the pro model handles up to 1″.  We will be testing the professional model in the coming weeks and report back on how well the Pipemaster performs in the field.  We are hoping that the Pipemaster helps us make our solder joints look like those of experienced fitters and no more black carbon surrounding our fittings or big chunks of solder hanging like stalactites  from our fittings.

What we are hoping the Pipemaster addresses from a safety perspective, is that if it works like we think it will, then close quarter soldering next to inflammable material, such as joist will be made safer and more convenient.

For more information check out, http://www.antexpipemaster.com/

(Editor’s Note)  I had a chance to use the Pipemaster this weekend.  The Pipemaster took about 25 seconds to heat up the first 1/2 inch joint, and the second fitting located 14 inches away took about 12 seconds to reach the point where solder melts.  Word of caution though, make sure the  included tool rest is located nearby as the tool will still be hot when you finish your solder joints and need to lay it down.  One thing we would like to see is a power switch located on the tool that would facilitate its ease of use. Having to unplug a tool to turn it off when the soldering tips are still nearly a 1000 degrees Fahrenheit is a little touchy if you get my drift. Other than that, the Pipemaster is a nice addition for a plumber or a homeowner who is more comfortable working with soldering irons instead of  torches.  Something I would like to see is a heat proof tip cover that encloses the tips when not in use. This would make a nice accessory and further provide additional safety.  I can see this tool being mandatory in certain environments, hospitals, underground mines, etc.