BEST KNEE PADS
Klein Tools Hinged Gel Knee Pads $35
Klein’s version ranks among the more
thoughtful and efficient designs of the
humble kneepad that we’ve seen. Each
is hinged above the knee, with a cush-
ioned pad and elastic straps to hold it in
place. The two layers of padding cradled
our knee, the mesh lining helped reduce
sweat buildup, and the nonslip plastic
had just the right amount of traction as
we scooted along a concrete f loor.
BEST RECIPROCATING SAW
Metabo CR18DAQ4M
Mini $129
Weighing 3.6 pounds with
battery and blade, this
reciprocating saw is a per-
fect fit for homeowners
doing odd jobs. We drove it
through Douglas fir, plas-
tic, and steel without issue.
We also like that it accepts
jigsaw blades, greatly
increasing its versatility,
especially if you don’t have
a reciprocating saw blade
easily available.BEST CLAMPS
Jorgensen 33412 E-Z Hold $20
The only expandable bar clamp we know
of, this Jorgensen can link end to end with
another E-Z Hold to increase the span of
its grip. The versatility doesn’t stop there.
It works great as a spreader and as an ordi-
nary fast-adjusting bar clamp. Its jaws slide
easily and quickly, without def lecting.
BEST PLIERS
Channellock SpeedGrip $24
We love Channellock’s f lagship tongue-and-
groove pliers, and the SpeedGrip is another
standout from the brand. You adjust these
via a push button. Press it, spread the jaws,
and release to set the jaw width. Further-
more, the aggressive cross-hatch teeth
provide near-alligator-jaw levels of grip.GEAR OF THE YEAR68 January/February 2022