Tools of the Year 2021: Shop Supplies

We searched the latest innovations from manufacturers for a tool chest of necessities on the farm and ranch.

9/23/2021

This is the Shop Supplies category of the exclusive Successful Farming "Tools of the Year" program to highlight innovations and must-have tools and shop supplies for your farm operation. These tools will help you get the job done.

Our editor selected one tool as an "Editor's Choice" and other tools as "Recommended" in Power Tools; Hand Tools; Ratchets & Sockets; Metalworking; Shop Supplies; Lighting; Workbenches & Tool Chests; and Shop Essentials.

Here is the list of the 2021 winners in Shop Supplies.

Synthetic Penetrating Fluid Dries to a Hard Coating

StrikeHold is a fast-acting synthetic penetrating compound that goes on wet and dries in place, leaving a hard coating that protects equipment against moisture and corrosion while providing extended lubrication.

As a lubricant, StrikeHold cuts through dirt, rust, and corrosion, getting into metal parts that have become frozen.

As a bonus, the penetrating fluid can help to waterproof and dry out wet electrical gear and other water-sensitive parts. The product is sold in a 12-ounce aerosol can or 16- and 32-ounce spray bottles. A 32-ounce spray bottle of StrikeHold retails for $27.45 Go to strikehold.com.

Heavy-Duty Degreaser

CLR Pro Automotive is a water-based biodegradable solution that lifts out oil and grease while cleaning dirt and grime.

The noncorrosive formula will not damage metals, plastics, rubber, fiberglass, or brick. A 1-gallon container retails for $24.99. Go to clrbrands.com.

High-Performance Banded V-Belt

Gates Xtreme V-Force is the first wrapped V-belt technology using ethylene elastomer (EE) compounds, which boost performance and extend operating temperatures of the belts.

Benefits include a 30% increase in load capacity and durability. The belts offer improved flexibility for higher-speed drives and extend operating temperature range. Go to gates.com/xtreme.

High-Temperature, High-Speed Gasket Maker

The Right Stuff Red Gasket Maker is the only high-temperature gasket maker that can return a vehicle to service in just 1 minute after use.

The product’s thick formula maintains long-lasting seals and offers high-temperature performance up to 650°F. Available in 5- and 10-ounce cartridges and 71/2-ounce aerosol can, a 10-ounce cartridge retails for $24.99. Go to Permatex.com.

Sealant for Off-Highway Tires

Capable of seeking and instantly sealing tread punctures up to ¼ inch in tires and 1∕8 inch in tubes, Slime’s 2-in-1 Tire & Tube Premium Sealant can be used in any tube or tubeless non-highway vehicle.

A 1-gallon container of Slime retails for $42.99. Go to slime.com.

See all of our categories of Tools of the Year winners: