December arrived with a wave of announcements, and the tool world wasted no time delivering surprises. New releases from Milwaukee, DeWalt, Ryobi, Wright, RR Buildings, Honda, and EGO hit the news cycle, while a completely new player, Swan Tool Group, made an impressive debut. As a result, this week became one of the most diverse drops of tools and innovations we’ve seen yet.

DeWALT Expands Its 60V MAX Line With Three High-Performance Trimmers

DeWALT kicked things off with three additions to its 60V MAX lineup. Although a press release labeled them “commercial,” the company’s website places them firmly within the standard 60V category. Even so, the performance measurements speak for themselves.

DeWALT 980X2 17.5″ Brushless Cordless Trimmer

This model competes directly with a 36cc Stihl FS131 and offers 18% more power, 63% more torque, and 70% less noise. Additionally, the kit includes DeWALT’s massive 29Ah battery, making it one of the strongest electric trimming solutions offered this year.

DeWALT 981B Bike-Handle Version

While it shares the same motor and specs as the 980X2, it swaps in a bike-handle design for greater long-run stability. It launches as a bare tool for $599, giving crews another ergonomic option.

DeWALT 975Y2 16.5″ Brushless Trimmer

In contrast, the 975Y2 targets a lighter weight segment. DeWALT claims it provides 30% more power, 67% more torque, and is 26% lighter than a Stihl FS91R. Pricing is still unannounced, but landscapers should expect strong interest once it ships.

Overall, these new releases suggest that DeWALT is leaning heavily into electric outdoor power while keeping tool compatibility simple for existing 60V MAX users.

Ryobi Unveils Two New One+ HP Trimmers With Big Performance Gains

Ryobi followed up with two models of its own, each delivering surprising power for their respective platforms. Both additions emphasize speed, convenience, and noise reduction, core goals of the HP series.

18V One+ HP 15″ Trimmer

For homeowners and prosumers, this trimmer offers more power than a 21cc gas unit, along with 40 minutes of runtime using a 4Ah battery. Meanwhile, a price of $159 bare or $199 as a kit keeps it accessible.

40V One+ HP 17″ Trimmer

Users needing additional muscle may appreciate the 40V version instead. It outperforms a 32cc gas equivalent and runs up to 45 minutes on a 4Ah pack. At $189 bare or $229 as a kit, it holds a compelling value position.

Moreover, both units include:

• <1-second full throttle
• Two-speed triggers
• Easy-feed heads
• Whisper Series noise control
• Built-in Link Wall System compatibility

Convenience features like the integrated wall mount help set these tools apart, especially for users with an organized garage setup.

Milwaukee Introduces the New M18 Brushless Handheld Vacuum (0892-20)

Milwaukee added an upgrade to its compact cleanup tools with the M18 0892 Handheld Vac. Although the previous generation struggled with performance and user reviews, this new version appears to address several shortcomings. It provides 40 CFM, includes a wand, hose, and crevice tool, and delivers 20 minutes of runtime with an M18 5.0Ah battery.

However, there are still trade-offs. For example, the older version actually holds slightly more debris and runs longer. Milwaukee will need to rely on improved suction and usability to justify the January launch price of $179 bare.

Wright Tool Expands Its U.S.-Made Service Wrench Selection

Wright Tool, a respected Ohio manufacturer, expanded its ultra-thin service wrench lineup this week. Two new SAE sizes, 2-1/2″ and 2-9/16″, and a substantial metric range from 19mm to 65mm were introduced.

These wrenches typically cost $25–$30, and because they are made in Barberton, Ohio, the expansion strengthens Wright’s reputation for accessible U.S.-built professional tools.

RR Buildings Releases a Purpose-Built Framer’s Tool Belt

Kyle from RR Buildings revealed his new Framer Tool Belt, and it demonstrates thoughtful design from years of jobsite experience. Featuring rugged 1680D nylon, reinforced stitching, and a cushioned six-inch belt, this system balances durability with comfort. The padded suspenders and integrated phone holder further enhance daily usability.

Priced around $300 (or $249 with the current early discount), this belt aims to compete directly with established pro-grade systems. Because the layout reflects decades of practical framing experience, many users may find it more intuitive than traditional configurations.

Swan Tool Group Launches With Three Premium Measurement Tools

Perhaps the most exciting release came from a brand that didn’t exist until recently. Swan Tool Group, created by maker and engineer Izzy Swan, introduced several highly refined woodworking tools. Early impressions highlight exceptional build quality and clever usability improvements.

Ridgeway Square- Three Tools in One

Users can switch between a tri-square, double square, and combination square. More importantly, the built-in pencil cove allows markings to land exactly on the measurement line without offsetting—something many traditional squares struggle with.

Merlin Square- Flat, Stable, and Cabinet-Ready

Because most adjustable squares wrap around the ruler, they rarely sit flat. The Merlin eliminates this issue entirely. In addition, it includes a sliding shelf pin for stability during layout work. Consequently, it doubles as a precise bench ruler when the square function isn’t needed.

Red Tail Offset Ruler- Smarter Offsets and Angles

Not only does it handle traditional offsets, but it also features integrated 45° angle guides and the same pencil cove technology found on the Ridgeway. Since it sits completely flat, users can keep it on the bench as a general-purpose measuring tool.

The compatible 4″, 6″, and 12″ expansion rulers extend functionality across the system. These launches set a high bar for a brand’s first offering, and many woodworkers are already eager for the next wave of tools coming soon.

Honda Steps Into Electric Mowing With the HRXBE

Honda’s electric HRXBE mower marks a major shift for the brand. The mower includes a 21″ Nexite deck, two 12Ah batteries, and up to 90 minutes of runtime. Although the performance is promising, the charge time presents a significant drawback. Because the included charger only handles one battery at a time, a full recharge can take up to 12 hours.

Until Honda expands the platform or releases a rapid charger, the mower will likely appeal to early adopters rather than mainstream buyers.

EGO Shows Off Its 2026 Innovations

Meanwhile, EGO showcased an impressive preview of its 2026 lineup overseas. Highlights include a 30″ commercial mower, a redesigned 18″ chainsaw, a single-sided hedge trimmer, and an advanced tablet-cell 8Ah battery. Since these tools haven’t been confirmed for the U.S. market yet, fans will need to stay tuned for updates. The improvements, however, signal a strong leap forward for high-end battery OPE.

Harbor Freight Adds a Capable Budget 14″ Bandsaw

Harbor Freight’s new Bower 14″ bandsaw earned positive reviews thanks to its 8″ resaw capacity, 1 HP motor, and $600 price point. For many woodworkers, it delivers a meaningful blend of capability and affordability. Considering the price difference between this saw and premium models, the Bower is gaining momentum quickly.

Ozark Trail Meme Knife Returns for $7

Additionally, Walmart brought back its viral Ozark Trail “Bugout-style” folding knife. Earlier versions sold out nationwide because they resembled a $200 knife while costing only a few dollars. The latest generation remains $7 and continues to impress users who just want a reliable, low-cost cutter.

Tool Lab Tests 20″+ Battery Chainsaws in a New Head-to-Head

Concord Carpenter and Tool Lab ran a massive comparison test featuring:

• Milwaukee
• DeWALT
• EGO
• Greenworks Commercial
• Ryobi

Because these saws exceed 20″ bar lengths, the test pushed them through milling, ripping, and real-world cutting. Tool Lab’s upgraded test jigs and measuring systems made the comparison one of their most thorough evaluations this year.

Weekly Platinum Tool Deal From Ohio Power Tool

To wrap things up, the Tool Show revealed this week’s Platinum Tool Deal, an offer limited to only 25 redemptions. Once the limit is reached, the code expires.

Deal: $50 OFF a $100+ RIDGID purchase
Code: TS93600

Last week’s code disappeared in only 11 minutes, so early access matters. By joining the Tool Show YouTube channel, users receive the code before the public release, ensuring they can load their carts and check out immediately.

This week’s announcements delivered a rare mix of pro-grade OPE, clever measurement tools, shop equipment, and innovative accessories. Moreover, the launch of Swan Tool Group added excitement to the precision-tool market, while brands like DeWALT, Ryobi, and Milwaukee continued pushing their platforms forward. If December continues at this pace, tool fans can expect even more surprises before the year ends.

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