11 New Tools and Tech we found at JLC LIVE!

JLC LIVE remains one of the best events for professional builders, remodelers, carpenters, and skilled tradespeople. This year we traveled to Providence, Rhode Island, for JLC LIVE 2026.

They explored the show floor and found new power tools, storage upgrades, jobsite security products, and building technology.

Unlike many large trade shows, JLC LIVE focuses heavily on the people who use tools every day. Carpenters, framers, woodworkers, remodelers, and contractors filled the event. Major tool brands also brought new products for them to test and explore.

FLEX Lightweight Drywall Sanders

FLEX introduced a new line of drywall sanders that focuses on lower weight and better control.

The corded orbital drywall sander uses a carbon-fiber shaft. It weighs about 6.1 pounds without the optional light. The tool weighs around 7.1 pounds with the light attached (FLEX-FC3731-ZA) (FLEX-FC3731-Z)

According to FLEX, the design weighs several pounds less than many competing drywall sanders.

FLEX placed the motor near the bottom of the tool. This position improves balance while users sand walls and ceilings. The sanding head also rotates up to 160 degrees.

FLEX also showed a cordless version of the sander. It weighs about one pound more than the corded model. However, FLEX still designed it to remain lighter than many competing tools.

Both models include variable-speed controls. Users can also add lighting to improve visibility across drywall surfaces. The light can help reveal scratches, high spots, and unfinished areas.

Drywall contractors often spend hours working overhead. A lighter sander can reduce fatigue and improve control throughout the day.

10-Spot Tools Modular Storage Organizers

Modular storage boxes help organize tools, but the open space inside each box does not always fit a specific tool collection.

10-Spot Tools solves that problem with custom inserts, holders, labels, and dividers.

The company produces 3D-printed organizers for several modular storage systems. Most of its current designs support Milwaukee PACKOUT products.

At the time of JLC LIVE, 10-Spot Tools offered more than 350 original designs. The company also carried about 150 designs from other creators.

Its products include wrench holders, drawer labels, replacement latches, CNC-cut dividers, battery mounts, blower mounts, and radio mounts.

One wrench organizer can hold a complete 15-piece set. Users can fit both SAE and metric sets inside a single drawer.

10-Spot Tools also offers several divider heights. Short dividers leave room for the original storage tray. Taller versions use the full height of the box.

These accessories help tradespeople customize storage without replacing their entire modular system.

Defend by Tactacam Jobsite Security Cameras

Tool theft remains a major concern for contractors. Many jobsites also lack Wi-Fi and permanent electrical power.

Defend by Tactacam offers cellular cameras for those locations.

The cameras connect through a cellular network instead of Wi-Fi. The company showed a fixed-position camera and a newer pan-tilt-zoom model.

The newer model includes a solar panel. With enough daily sunlight, the panel can keep the camera operating without a direct power connection.

Users can access photos, videos, alerts, and live views through the Defend app.

The service requires a monthly subscription. However, users do not need to sign a long-term contract. Contractors can stop the service after they finish a project.

These cameras could help protect tools, trailers, equipment yards, and unfinished buildings in remote locations.

Terra Grip Anchors

Terra Grip Anchors introduced an anchoring system that does not require major excavation or poured concrete.

The system uses a main screw and specially threaded rods. Installers drive the components into the ground with a high-torque impact wrench.

According to the company, one person can complete many installations in 10 to 20 minutes. The anchor can support a load immediately after installation.

The threaded rods feature angled ends. This design can help them move around some underground rocks and obstacles.

Installers can also remove and reposition the system when necessary. The galvanized-steel components may support future reuse.

Terra Grip designed the anchors for decks, fences, sheds, dog houses, chicken coops, and other small structures.

The system may help contractors reduce equipment costs and installation time. However, users should always check local codes, soil conditions, load requirements, and engineering specifications.

DeWALT 20V MAX XR 10-Inch Miter Saw

DeWALT displayed the DW-DCS714B 20V MAX XR 10-inch double-bevel fixed miter saw.

The saw uses a bevel-gear transmission instead of a traditional belt-driven system. The gears improve power transfer and efficiency.

DeWALT also added Cut Capture regenerative-braking technology. The system works with compatible XR batteries.

When the blade slows down, the system sends some of that energy back into the battery. This process works much like regenerative braking in an electric vehicle.

The brake can stop the blade in less than two seconds. DeWALT also claims up to 434 cuts per charge with an 8Ah battery under its test conditions.

The saw provides up to 5-1/2 inches of vertical cutting capacity. Users can cut larger baseboard and nested crown molding.

The saw weighs about 32 pounds. That weight makes it easier to transport than many larger miter saws.

Trim carpenters and remodelers may appreciate the combination of portability, cutting capacity, and cordless performance.

Stack Smarter Modular Storage Upgrades

Stack Smarter creates accessories that add more functions to popular modular storage systems.

The company supports Milwaukee PACKOUT, FLEX STACK PACK, ToughBuilt StackTech, Klein MODbox, DeWALT TOUGHSYSTEM, Festool Systainer, and other platforms.

Its product selection includes mounting brackets, adapters, rail systems, side tables, and conversion kits.

One kit turns a modular storage crate into a mobile router table. This upgrade lets contractors use their storage system as part of their workstation.

Tradespeople can explore these storage upgrades at StackSmarter.com.

Bosch 20V 6-Inch Random Orbit Sanders

Bosch showed a new 20V 6-inch random orbit sander (GEX34-6N) with several practical upgrades.

The model at JLC LIVE featured a more aggressive 5mm sanding orbit. Bosch designed it for faster material removal.

A redesigned HEPA filter includes a built-in knock box. Users can tap the box to loosen dust before emptying the filter.

Bosch also added a guard near the front of the sander. The guard protects the pad and sandpaper when users work close to walls or baseboards.

The company changed the battery position to improve balance. This layout reduces the rear-heavy feeling that some cordless sanders create.

The tool also includes electronic speed controls and a front-facing battery indicator.

Bosch expected the new sander to arrive during the summer of 2026.

These updates address several common sanding problems, including poor balance, dust buildup, and damaged sanding discs.

Diamondback Tempo Tool Belts

Diamondback Toolbelts introduced the Tempo belt system at JLC LIVE.

The belt uses three main sections. A padded rear section supports the lower back. Two adjustable side sections hold the tool pouches.

Users can change the angle of each side section. This feature allows the belt to fit different body shapes more comfortably.

Diamondback also added reinforced no-sag webbing. The webbing supports tool pouches and keeps them from sliding around the belt.

Articulated padding helps the belt flex around the user’s body. A gripping material inside the belt also helps prevent movement.

The DB38 buckle includes a spring-loaded adjustment system. Users can quickly tighten or release the belt.

Diamondback also showed the Tempo Light. This model removes some of the larger back padding but keeps the adjustable webbing system.

Removable bags allow users to carry only the fasteners they need. They can switch bags between jobs instead of emptying full pouches each day.

A better-fitting belt can improve comfort for tradespeople who carry tools for several hours at a time.

Boss Hammer Blue Collar Steel Hammer

The Boss Hammer Blue Collar Steel combines a framing hammer with several layout and installation tools.

The 14-ounce hammer uses an all-steel design and measures 16 inches long.

The handle includes marks for common framing measurements. The claws and handle also create a 90-degree guide.

Carpenters can use the hammer to square material up to 2×12. They can also mark framing layouts without reaching for a separate square.

The hammer includes a magnetic nail starter, side nail puller, tether hole, and anti-ring rib.

Boss Hammer also added a wrench to the end of the handle. Users can use it to change circular-saw blades.

An optional magnetic cap helps users install roofing nails and button caps.

Boss Hammer manufactures the tool in the United States.

The design gives carpenters several useful functions in a tool they already carry.

CutHub Modular Jobsite Workstation

CutHub developed a modular workstation for miter saws and table saws.

Many contractors build temporary cutting stations from plywood and 2×4 lumber. Those stations often become heavy, uneven, and difficult to move.

CutHub offers a reusable alternative.

The workstation includes laser-engraved measurements and adjustable bump stops. Users can set repeatable lengths without measuring every board.

The work surfaces support long lumber and sheet goods. The table-saw section also provides an outfeed surface.

Each leg adjusts independently. Users can create a level workstation on uneven ground.

CutHub also offers side platforms. Contractors can use them for staging, preparation, assembly, planning, or lunch.

The aluminum sections weigh about 40 pounds each. Users can transport them in dual-purpose shipping and storage boxes.

According to CutHub, the system takes about five minutes to assemble and five minutes to pack away.

The workstation requires a larger investment than a basic saw stand. However, it may improve accuracy and workflow on repeated cutting jobs.

Repair Care Rotten-Wood Repair System

Repair Care offers a resin system for damaged and rotten wood.

Contractors often replace entire window frames, door frames, sills, or trim pieces after finding rot. Repair Care provides another option.

The system uses a two-part resin and hardener. Both materials come inside one cartridge.

Users mix the materials on a reusable plastic plate. Different colors help users see when the mixture reaches the correct consistency.

The compound has a thick, putty-like texture. It stays in place without sagging during vertical repairs.

After the resin cures, users can drill, screw, plane, route, or sand it.

Repair Care also offers a fine surface filler. This product dries faster and helps correct small imperfections before painting.

The company designed the system mainly for wood repairs. However, the resin can also bond to metal, brick, ceramic, glass, and stone.

Users can add color tints to match several wood tones.

The system could help restoration contractors save original trim and reduce unnecessary replacement work.

Milwaukee M18 FUEL 10-1/4-Inch Beam Saw

Milwaukee showed its M18 FUEL 10-1/4-inch rear-handle circular saw (3026-20) at JLC LIVE.

The saw provides a maximum cutting depth of 3-13/16 inches. It can cut through 4×4 material in one pass.

Milwaukee claims up to 250 cuts per charge with an M18 REDLITHIUM FORGE HD12.0 (48-11-1813) battery under its test conditions.

Framers, deck builders, and timber contractors may benefit from its larger cutting capacity. The saw can reduce the need to flip thick lumber and finish cuts from the opposite side.

The Biggest Trends from JLC LIVE 2026

The products at JLC LIVE 2026 focused on practical jobsite problems.

FLEX reduced the weight of its drywall sanders. Bosch improved balance and dust control. Diamondback created a more adjustable tool belt.

Other brands focused on smarter equipment. DeWALT added regenerative braking to a cordless miter saw. Stack Smarter turned storage boxes into workstations. Defend by Tactacam created security cameras for sites without Wi-Fi.

Repair Care offered a way to restore damaged wood. CutHub replaced temporary cutting tables with a reusable workstation.

Milwaukee finished the list with a high-capacity cordless beam saw for thick lumber.

Each product takes a different approach. However, they share one goal: helping contractors work more efficiently.

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