Whether the market is hot or not, productivity can’t afford to take a hit, and worker safety is a top priority. Among the many factors that make these things a reality on the job is the use of timesaving, ergonomically efficient tools. Whether it’s a screw gun or a remote alarm sensor, new developments in tool design employ technology that is changing the industry for the better.

Over the years a number of tools have been introduced that make drywalling faster and easier, but according to Better Than Ever Tools, one area of the work that is consistently time-consuming is the outside corner bead.

Better Than Ever Tools offers a new addition to its Red Diamond Pro series: the Bead Pro Applicator, which allows workers to fill corners faster, cleaner, and more reliably. It features guide wheels and an adjustable blade for accuracy—the guide wheels help keep the unit positioned against the corner, while the adjustable blade works in conjunction with the wheels and makes it possible to coat flats.

Using the Bead Pro Applicator means the drywall mud is mixed to a thinner consistency and applied using the Bead Pro tube and ball end. The ball end on the Bead Pro tube is larger than on the compound tube to accommodate a larger output of mud. The Applicator can be used with the Bucket Piston, which keeps the Tube clean while cleaning the sides of a five-gallon bucket all at once.

Better Than Ever also offers the Bead Pro Kit, which includes the Big Ball 36-inch compund tube, 5-1/2-inch archway tool, 7-inch Bead Pro, 8-inch Bead Pro, 10-inch Bead Pro, and bucket piston, all in a tidy carrying case. Visit Better Than Ever online at <www.betterthanevertools.com> for more information.

A new line of screwguns from Bosch offers the proprietary Posi- Lock ™ depth retention nose-piece, which means drywallers can remove the nose piece, but still retain their depth settings. Onehanded removal also makes the various framing tasks drywallers need to accomplish throughout the day quicker and easier.

Four basic models comprise the line: two drywall screwguns (SG45 and SG45M) and two high-torque drivers (SG25 and SG25MT), offering the best of all worlds—comfort, ease-of-use, and performance. Each screwgun comes with either a metal or durable plastic gear-housing for cost-conscious contractors. The SG45 4,500 RPM 6.2 Amp screwgun features a plastic housing, while the SG45M 4,500 RPM, 7.0 Amp screwgun offers a metal housing. The 179-in-lb. high-torque SG25M and SG25MT for TEK screws feature 2,500 RPM, 7.0 Amp for heavy-duty metal to metal fastening applications. A fifth model, SG45M-50 includes all the specifications and features of the SG45M, but also a 50- foot twist-lock extended cord.

The tools also feature a lock-on button for extended use application, belt clip to free hands during measuring, cutting, or drywall placement, and a forward/reverse lever conveniently located in front of the trigger.

Each new Bosch screwgun is a full one-inch shorter and lighter weight than the industry’s leading competitor, and the design was focused on the ergonomic grip area, unique trigger design, and extended finger grip. Combined, the Bosch screwgun line minimizes fatigue and provides balance, comfort, and control for driving screws. Visit Bosch online at <www.boschtools.com>.

When it comes to the what’s new in tools, one word on the street is definitely cordless, especially since batteries are more powerful and longer-lasting than ever before. Cordless tools offer independence from fixed power supplies, significant savings on damaged cords, reduced safety risks when operating in elevated and wet conditions, and improved mobility when working on lifts, ladders, stilts, and scaffolds.

The new 18V, Li-Ion SD 4500-A18 drywall screwdriver from Hilti is the world’s first cordless design capable of serial production. Besides allowing for reduced safety risks when operating in elevated and wet conditions, the SD 4500-A18 means improved mobility when working on lifts, ladders, stilts, and scaffolds. It is specially designed for the demands of serial drywall applications such as exterior sheathing, drywall to metal, drywall to wood, and framing with a maximum no-load running speed of 4,200 rpm and a target runtime of two hours.

The ultramide glass fiber composite exterior on the SD 4500- A18 is constructed for high-impact resistance. It also offers the versatility of single and collated screwdrivers in one—meaning it is ready for magazine operation in seconds—and trigger lock, which locks out for sustained operation.

Hilti designed the SD 4500-A18 with drywaller feedback in mind, particularly when it came to ergonomics. The tool features a compact, well-balanced construction that allows for contractors to work cord-free all day, even in tight spots. Indoor noise levels are reduced with a silent clutch and high-efficiency motor, and the grip design and rubber coating offer maximum comfort during prolonged operation while directional venting protects the face.

The 18V+ lithium battery and charger platform of the SD 4500-A18 offers a high battery capacity for longer working time and a 36-minute charging time, while the battery itself minimizes any memory effects or selfdischarge. Visit Hilti Canada online at <www.ca.hilti.com>.

Ryobi has just launched a line of ten cordless electronic tools, all of which run off of a four-volt Lithium-ion rechargeable battery that can outlast 6,000 AA alkaline batteries.

The Ryobi Tek 4 tool set, designed for remodellers, builders, and do-ityourselfers, encompasses five categories: convenience (Portable Power Source), documentation (Durashot™ MP Digital Camera), safety (High Intensity LED Flashlight and Audio Plus™ Noise Suppression Headphones), security (Motion Sensing Alarm with Remote and Digital Key Lock Box), and measurement (Self-Leveling Plumb/Cross Laser, Professional Laser Distance Measure, Professional Digital Multimeter, and Professional Infrared Thermometer).

Each Ryobi® Tek4® battery has more than 2,000 recharge cycles in its lifetime, and offers both a long runtime and a prolonged shelf-life. Users can choose from the Standard Charger, which offers a three- to five-hour charge time, is ENERGY STAR® certified, and compact; and the Rapid Charger, which will charge two batteries simultaneously in only 30 minutes.

For drywallers, the self-levelling Plumb/ Cross Laser has three lasers in one tool. It uses Smart Self Levelling to automatically level itself, an out-of-level indication to improve accuracy, and Laser Lock for convenience. The Professional Laser Distance Measure features continuous measurement mode for convenience, precision laser technology for accurate measurements (+/- 1/16” at 197’), and a digital display with backlight for an easy read.

The Motion Sensing Alarm with Remote helps protect tools or unfinished jobsites from intruders. The remote control allows for on-the-go arming and disarming, infrared motion detection covers 30 feet with a 110-degree fan angle, and multiple mounting options offer convenience. Visit Ryobi online at <www.ryobitools.com> for information on these and other items in the set.