Tools of the Year 2022: Hand Tools

This is the Hand Tools 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 Metalworking; Storage; Shop Essentials; Shop Supplies; Hand Tools; and Power Tools.

Here is the list of the 2022 winners in Hand Tools.

The unique Knipex TwinGrip Slip Joint Pliers provides both front and side gripping and opens up nearly an inch. The slim profile allows the pliers to be inserted into tight spaces. The high-grip front jaws bristle with robust teeth and a high gear ratio at the tip of the mouth. The five-way adjustable slip joint with push button control provides precise adjustment. The pliers are manufactured from high-grade chrome vanadium electric steel that is oil-hardened; its teeth are also induction-hardened.

Retail price for the Knipex TwinGrip Slip Joint Pliers is $45.65. Go to knipex-tools.com.

Rusted, rounded, worn-down, or frozen fasteners have met their match. The GearWrench Bolt Biter Impact Extraction Socket Set boasts 10 times the impact life and five times the torque output compared with other impact extractor bits. The entry of the socket's tapers enables them to easily seat on a damaged fastener. The dual-size sockets are designed to work with both SAE and metric fasteners. Chrome molybdenum alloy steel construction provides 50 times the longevity compared with other extraction sockets. GearWrench recently expanded its Bolt Biter line with impact nut extractor and driver sets as well. Socket sets are offered in five- to 28-piece sets.

A 15-piece set retails for $154.99. Go to gearwrench.com.

Because ordinary screwdrivers don't provide the torque needed to break frozen screws loose, Crescent engineers fashioned a driver with a spring-loaded handle that can be hit with a hammer to engage an internal mechanism. This action rotates the drive point, forcing the screw to turn 12° and thus helping to free corroded or rusted screws. The Screw Biter is available in a Phillips #2 and ½-inch slotted tools.

The set has a retail price of $31.99. Go to crescenttool.com.

The V-Series of premium tools from Craftsman are designed for automotive and industrial application. The line's ratchets are fashioned with three knurled zones for gripping while bi-material handles allow for comfort and grip. Ratchet features include an enclosed head, recessed directional lever, and short arc swings. All sockets provide an off-corner design and six-point socket geometry that maximizes the tool's torque on the flats of fasteners. For enhanced socket-to-fastener action, sockets are chamfered and tapered.

A 3/8-inch drive Comfort Grip ratchet retails for $54.98 while a 13-piece, ½-inch drive set of sockets retails for $64.98. Go to craftsman.com/ V-series.

The ultra-rugged housing on the DeWalt ToughSeries tape measures can take a 100-foot fall without breaking. Plus the tape measure extends up to 17 feet before the tape breaks. Performance features include double-sided measure markings and a removable magnet hook end. The DWHT Series is offered in 16-, 25-, and 35-foot lengths.

The 35-foot DWHT36935S has a suggested retail price of $34.97. Go to dewalt.com.

Measuring 4 inches long, the compact Knipex Pliers Wrench XS opens nearly an inch with its jaws remaining parallel to each other when opening. The wrench readily adjusts using just one hand to 10 open positions using its top lever. Because of its high lever transmission joint, it grips, presses, and holds tightly. A guard prevents fingers from being pinched.

Knipex 86-04-100 retails for $69. Go to knipex.com.

We welcome your feedback and nominations for 2023!