7 cool new tools from SEMA 2023

We’ve already highlighted some of our favorite new products from the 2023 SEMA show that help solve restoration and specific project-car problems, but we left off one big category entirely: tools. Dozens of manufacturers had tools on display, many of which offered new solutions to problems many of us have surely run into during the course of a wrenching session. Some of these tools might not be brand new, but if we were just learning about them, maybe you will too. Here are some that stood out to us, and some we’ll probably be making room for in our garage.

Homak 44-inch RS Pro service cart

Service carts seem to be the most popular segment in tool storage lately, enabling service techs to keep plenty of tools on hand while also being mobile enough to be convenient. They’re also a great option for hobbyists in their home garage. Homak’s new 44-inch service cart adds a side cabinet with a roomy drawer for up to four cordless power tools, which also includes a power strip with four electric outlets and two USB ports to keep batteries charged. This should be able to hold just about everyting you could need for any wrenching job.

LTI Shockit driver set

LTI debuted new versions of its Shockit tool system, which helps remove stubborn fasteners with assistance from an air hammer. It offers flare nut wrenches, crowfoot wrenches, and wrenches meant for tough diesel emissions sensors that get heat cycled into place, but its driver system can help work with tools that you probably already have. Insert the driver into an impact socket and the cast iron eccentric provides a hemispherical dimple to accept LTI’s air hammer punches. This can give you just the shock needed to get fasteners moving. The punches, which vary in length, are available in a three-piece set for about $125, while the driver kit retails for less than $100. We’re already thinking about all the past jobs this could have sped up.

Trulers stainless steel rulers

We spotted all sorts of interesting measuring tools at the Trulers booth. The company offers soft, non-scratching rulers to drape over a car when measuring out stripes, for example. This simple ruler, which retails for $15, includes 1/8-inch holes spaced every quarter inch, making it simple to mark accurate holes for drilling. We can think of plenty of uses for this when fabricating small projects.

Knipex locking spring hose clamp pliers

This is one that might not be new, but we wished we’d known about these sooner. These pliers have limited uses, but they do their job well, opening up spring hose clamps and locking to keep the tension off the clamp for proper positioning. We also got to try Knipex 96 621 190 Wire Rope Cutters meant for cutting steel cable, and they went through easily, without causing any fraying. Likewise, the 95 11 160 StepCut Cable Shears went right through a heavy copper battery cable, leaving a clean cut. After trying these, we’re sure there are plenty of our readers who already swear by Knipex.

Bend-Tech Dragon A250

If you’re building tube frames, roll cages, rocks sliders, or bumpers, the Dragon A250 tube and pipe plasma cutter could be a game-changer. The machine is available in 12-foot and 21-foot models and works with Bend-Tech software to mark tubing or pipe for bends and also cut copes for perfect positioning and welding. The example shown here illustrates how it can also essentially create tongue-and-groove indexing to make sure difficult angles are laid out properly.

Fireball Tool Maximus Clamp

Available in ductile cast iron or forged steel, Fireball Tool’s Maximus clamp uses a 2×1-inch tubing or stock of any length to provide either clamping or spreading force up to 2500 pounds. Unlike pipe clamps, these have a throat depth of more than six inches. These provide plenty of fabrication applications with metal but can also be used for woodworking glue-ups. Fireball Tool also has several cool squares and fabrication tools that you can’t find anywhere else.

Ernst modular wrench organizer

This last one’s not a tool, but a way to keep your tools in order. Ernst makes one of our favorite socket organizer systems, and its made-in-the-USA modular wrench organizer is probably going to wind up in our toolboxes as well. These magnetic organizers clip together and hold wrenches more upright than do a lot of other wrench organizers. This saves space in your toolbox, and the included stickers make for easy-to-read labels. The organizers are available in red or black to match Ernst’s socket rails. As a bonus, Ernst also had its new bit organizer on display, which works with its socket rails and keeps hex bits at the ready.

***

Check out the Hagerty Media homepage so you don’t miss a single story, or better yet, bookmark it. To get our best stories delivered right to your inbox, subscribe to our newsletters.