Tools of the Year 2022: Shop Essentials and Supplies

This is the Shop Essentials and 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.

READ MORE: Tools of the Year 2022: Storage

Our editor selected one tool as an “Editor’s Choice” and other tools as “Recommended” in Metalworking; Storage; Shop Essentials; Shop Supplies; Hand Tools; and Power Tools.

Here is the list of the 2022 winners in Shop Essentials and Shop Supplies.

TURN FROZEN FASTENERS RED HOT IN SECONDS

Using high-frequency magnetic fields to instantly heat ferrous metal, the 1,800-watt Bolt Buster BB2X Heat Induction Tool can heat a ¾-inch nut red hot in seconds. The tool and kit, which includes 10 coils to suit different size fasteners and work areas, can be used on a wide variety of seized hardware, including bearings, eliminating the use of an open flame.

The BB2X-ACC induction tool and kit retails for $469. Go to boltbusterinc.com.

OUTPUT CORDLESS COMPRESSOR

Leave it to Milwaukee to offer a cordless compressor that can top off big tires in a pinch. The M18 Inflator is no substitute for a shop compressor for tractor tires, but it comes in handy for lighter inflating needs such as adding air to implement tires in the field. The compressor can top off a 33-inch tire in less than a minute. An internal cooling mechanism allows the inflator to run for more than 20 minutes. The compressor’s TrueFill Technology features an auto pressure check that is designed to wait for the pressure to stabilize, check the system pressure, and continue to fill the tire until the desired target is reached.

The model 2848-20 (tool only) retails for $169. Go to milwaukeetool.com.

HIGH-VOLUME OR HIGH-PRESSURE GREASING

A thumb-operated switch on SKF’s 1154 Grease Gun allows its user to toggle between high-volume or high-pressure greasing back to standard use. Thus the 1154 requires three times fewer strokes delivering the same amount of grease compared with standard guns when in the high-volume mode. When switched to high-pressure output, the gun turns out 10,000 psi to open blocked fittings without the operator having to apply excessive force.

Go to skf.com.

REFILLING BOTTLE IS PRESSURIZED FOR SOLVENTS, CLEANERS

Built of aerospace aluminum and black electroplated inside and out, Griot’s Garage Aero Air Can Sprayer holds up to 7.7 ounces of any noncorrosive water or solvent-based liquid. The canister can be pressurized up to 116 psi using a compressor. A pressure-release valve prevents overcharging. The sprayer comes equipped with two unique replaceable nozzles.

The Aero Air Can Sprayer retails for $54.99. Go to griotsgarage.com.

LOW VISCOSITY OIL WICKS DEEP INTO TIGHT CREVICES

Formulated with more aggressive solvents, wetting agents, and a specialty oil to break the surface tension of rust and corrosion, Cre-Oil creeps into the smallest of crevices to work.

A 12-ounce aerosol can retails for $18.99 or $205.09 for a 12-pack order. Go to creoil.com.

ABSORBENT ADHESIVE DISPOSABLE FLOOR MAT

The super absorbency of Adenna’s disposable floor mat absorbs paint, dust, oils, and other debris from automotive repairs. The mat, which can be cut to fit, has a sticky bottom that makes sure it stays in place even when driven over. When lifted, the mat leaves no sticky residue behind. Rolls come 34 inches wide and in 25-, 50-, and 100- foot lengths.

Retail price for a 50-foot roll is $218 at adenna.com.

PAINT MARKER WRITES ON OILY, WET SURFACES

Loaded with a special paint formula designed to mark through oil and wet industrial surfaces, the Quik Stik+ Oily Surface marker works on dry surfaces as well, leaving a long-lasting mark. The paint dries in less than a minute on dry surfaces. A twist-up knob advances paint to the tip. Markers are sold in white, yellow, fluorescent yellow, red, blue, green, and black.

Retail price: $7.40. Go to markal.com where you will find a similar paint stick designed to write on rough surfaces.

PENETRATES, LUBRICATES, AND COATS BG

In-Force is an ion-activated penetrating oil that not only works to free parts but also lubricates parts while preventing rust. When bonded to metal, the solvent forms a protective coating enhanced by other lubricants and corrosion inhibitors.

A 15.7-ounce aerosol can retails for $26.95. Go to bgprod.com.

We welcome your feedback and nominations for 2023!