10 NEW Power Tools and Tech for 2026! The OPT EXPO!
The power tool industry is moving fast in 2026. Manufacturers are introducing lighter tools, stronger batteries, smarter technology, and better safety features.
The Tool Show recently visited the Power Tool Expo at Ohio Power Tool in Columbus, Ohio. We explored some of the most exciting products at the event.
The show featured major brands such as Milwaukee Tool, FLEX, Bosch, Crescent Tools, Champion Cutting Tool, GVS, Atlas 46, Helly Hansen, and Hydraulic Technologies.
From lightweight drywall sanders to cordless demolition hammers, there was plenty to see. Here are 10 tools and technologies that stood out at the 2026 OPT Expo.
FLEX Lightweight Drywall Sanders
FLEX introduced a new line of corded and cordless drywall sanders. These tools address one of the biggest complaints from drywall professionals: excessive weight.
The new FLEX drywall sander (FLEX-FC3731-Z) weighs about six pounds without a battery. Many traditional drywall sanders weigh 12 pounds or more.
That weight difference can have a major impact. It is especially noticeable when sanding walls and ceilings all day.
FLEX uses carbon-fiber construction to reduce the tool’s weight. Carbon fiber also provides the strength needed for demanding jobsite conditions.
The sanders feature brushless motors. This is important because fine drywall dust can damage brushed motors and switches.
Select models also include an integrated light ring (FLEX-FC3731-ZA). The light helps reveal surface imperfections without additional work lights.
The cordless model provides about 45 minutes of runtime with a standard 5.0Ah battery.
Crescent JOBOX PPE Storage Cabinets
Crescent Tools displayed a new JOBOX cabinet designed for personal protective equipment.
Fall-protection gear often gets thrown into a standard cart or storage box. This can make the equipment difficult to find, inspect, and dry.
The Crescent PPE cabinet provides dedicated storage for harnesses and safety equipment. It also includes shelves for gloves, glasses, and other supplies.
External mounting areas can hold a fire extinguisher, eyewash station, or first-aid kit.
The cabinets are available in 60″-inch” (APXCJBPPE60) and 72″(APXCJBPPE72V). Customers can also choose between solid and 60″ (APXCJBPPE60V) ventilated models.
Built-in lifting points allow the cabinet to be moved by crane. This makes it practical for large construction and industrial sites.
Hydraulic Technologies Heavy-Duty Cutters
Some of the most powerful tools at the expo came from Hydraulic Technologies and Italian manufacturer Edilgrappa.
These hydraulic cutters are built for construction, demolition, mining, utility, and industrial work.
Different cutting heads can handle rebar, chains, electrical cable, pipe, and structural materials.
One of the most useful features is the forward-facing cutting head. It allows the operator to reach into narrow spaces.
The design also makes it easier to cut material close to the ground.
Smaller models can run on standard DEWALT 20V MAX batteries. Larger models use DEWALT FLEXVOLT batteries for greater cutting power.
These tools are not designed for occasional use. They are made for professionals who may complete hundreds of cuts every day.
Champion Twister XL5 Drill Bits
Champion Cutting Tool showcased its Twister XL5 drill bits (TWISTER-XL5). These bits are designed for drilling hard materials, including stainless steel.
Each bit has a 135-degree split point. This design helps keep the bit from walking when starting a hole.
Users can position the bit more accurately. They may also need less help from a center punch.
Champion applies its specialized Nommo coating only to the cutting surface.
The coating hardens the area that performs the drilling. The rest of the bit remains flexible and less likely to become brittle.
This design provides a balance of strength, accuracy, and durability.
GVS Respiratory and Head Protection
Power tools receive plenty of attention at an expo. However, safety equipment is just as important.
GVS displayed respirators, powered-air systems, welding protection, blasting helmets, and supplied-air equipment.
The company offers tight-fitting and loose-fitting respirators.
Loose-fitting powered respirators can help workers who cannot create a proper seal with a standard mask.
The GVS Z-Link system was one of the most versatile products shown. It can support several attachments and configurations.
Workers can use the system for welding, grinding, painting, foundry work, and other industrial tasks.
GVS also displayed a blasting helmet with a secure, motorcycle-style fit. The helmet includes removable visor layers.
Workers can quickly remove a dirty outer layer without stopping to clean the entire visor.
Bosch Professional Tools and EXPERT Batteries
The Bosch booth included several new cordless products.
The lineup included a pruning saw, pole saw, blower, mixer, threaded-rod cutter, and new laser systems.
One of the laser’s best features was independent line control. Users can activate each laser line directly.
They do not need to cycle through several settings to find the correct configuration.
Bluetooth connectivity also allows the laser to be controlled remotely.
This feature can help when the laser is mounted high on a wall or steel beam.
Bosch also displayed its new EXPERT batteries. These batteries use tabless cell technology.
The design can provide greater power, longer runtime, and better heat management.
Bosch also improved the battery housing. A new release button makes removing the battery feel more natural.
A recessed grip on the bottom provides another secure place to hold the battery.
MUCAR 892BT Automotive Diagnostic Tool
The MUCAR 892BT brings advanced vehicle diagnostics to technicians and experienced DIY users.
Basic code readers often focus mainly on the engine. The 892BT can scan the vehicle’s complete system.
It can access the engine, transmission, ABS, airbags, body modules, and other electronic systems.
The AI-assisted feature provides possible causes for each fault code. It also suggests diagnostic steps.
This information can help DIY users understand the seriousness of a problem. It can also give professional technicians a useful starting point.
The scanner runs on Android and has an 8-inch touchscreen.
It also supports bidirectional testing and ECU coding. Lifetime software updates are included without a recurring subscription fee.
Crescent RAILWORKS Industrial Utility Carts
Crescent also introduced its modular RAILWORKS utility cart system.
The carts are available with 5-inch or 8-inch casters. Users can choose the setup that best fits their work environment.
The smaller casters are suited for smoother indoor surfaces. The larger casters provide better mobility across rough jobsite conditions.
Users can customize the base cart with cabinets, shelves, tabletops, spool holders, and lockboxes.
A bright green indicator shows whether the cabinet is unlocked. Workers can see the indicator from across the jobsite.
The cart handles can also be moved into three positions. This provides better control, comfort, and storage flexibility.
The RAILWORKS system can support electricians, maintenance crews, warehouse workers, and mechanical contractors.
The carts are made in the United States.
Atlas 46 Rotate Quick Release System
Atlas 46 displayed its new Rotate Quick Release system.
The modular attachment rotates 360 degrees and locks into different positions.
Users can place a tool pouch or holster at the angle that feels most natural.
The system can attach to a regular belt or an Atlas 46 tool belt. It also works with compatible vests and work platforms.
This makes it easy to move one pouch between several setups.
Atlas 46 also displayed its lightweight Bennington chest panel.
The panel keeps essential tools near the center of the body. It does this without adding the weight of a large tool belt.
An updated tool roll was also shown. The new design moves the wrench slots to the inside.
It also features dual zippers, several pockets, labeling areas, and colored paracord pulls.
The Atlas 46 products shown at the expo were made in the United States.
Helly Hansen Bifrost Work Boots
Helly Hansen brought its Bifrost winter work boots to the expo.
The Bifrost is a lightweight insulated boot for cold-weather jobsites.
It features a molded TPU toe bumper and a reinforced heel. The insulation helps keep workers warm and dry during winter conditions.
The boot looks heavy, but it feels lighter than many traditional winter work boots.
It also uses the BOA Fit System instead of standard laces.
The dial-based closure allows users to tighten or loosen the boot quickly. It also helps maintain a consistent fit.
The Bifrost is designed for workers who need winter protection without unnecessary weight.
Bonus: Milwaukee’s New Rotary Hammers and Demolition Tools
Milwaukee Tool brought several new hammer and demolition tools to the OPT Expo.
The display included updated M18 FUEL SDS MAX rotary hammers . Milwaukee also previewed upcoming MX FUEL and M18 demolition hammers.
The new 1-9/16-inch SDS MAX rotary hammer (5517-21) delivers nearly twice the drilling speed of the previous generation.
It also includes AUTOSTOP kickback control and an improved anti-vibration system.
Wireless dust-control connectivity can automatically activate a compatible dust extractor when the tool starts.
Milwaukee also updated its 1-3/4-inch rotary hammer (5518-21).
The new version provides 20% to 30% better drilling and chipping performance. Milwaukee also reduced its weight by about two pounds.
The upcoming MX FUEL demolition hammer (MXF365-0) is designed to provide corded-level power without a cord.
It features multiple speed settings and internal anti-vibration technology. It also includes wireless dust-control connectivity.
An MX FUEL FORGE 8.0Ah battery (MXFXC608) provides almost 35 minutes of runtime. A 12.0Ah battery can provide nearly one hour.
Milwaukee also previewed an 18-pound M18 SDS MAX demolition hammer.
It delivers more than 15 joules of impact energy. The tool also includes multiple speeds, vibration reduction, and wireless dust control.
What the 2026 OPT Expo Tells Us About the Future of Tools
Several major trends were clear at the 2026 OPT Expo.
Manufacturers are reducing tool weight while maintaining performance. Batteries are delivering more power and longer runtime.
Bluetooth controls and wireless dust extraction are also becoming more common.
Storage products are becoming more modular. Safety equipment is becoming more adaptable and comfortable.
Manufacturers are also placing greater focus on vibration reduction, respiratory protection, and user fatigue.
These changes can benefit professionals in construction, automotive repair, electrical work, drywall, demolition, and industrial maintenance.
The products shown at the OPT Expo were not only more powerful. Many were also easier, safer, and more comfortable to use.
Special thanks to Ohio Power Tool for supporting The Tool Show and the wider tool community.
