Summer Gear Guide 2026
- Matt Weber
- 9 hours ago
- 6 min read
Gear up for your next home-improvement project with cool new tools and equipment!
AirShim Pro XL
The AirShim Pro XL is an Inflatable Pry Bar and Leveling Tool that is great for installing
and leveling cabinets, doors, windows, appliances, furniture, countertops and more. Its
long, narrow design provides for greater lifting in the contact area. Whether you're installing cabinets, windows or doors or simply trying to level a washing machine, the AirShim Pro XL is powerful enough to support up to 500 lbs. and soft so it won't scratch surfaces. It spans
gaps from 3/32 to 3 inches, providing precise adjustment while lifting, aligning, leveling
and plumbing during installation. Plus, with its 10.75-inch long surface, the AirShim Pro XL provides a stable lifting platform that does not wrap or fold around narrow work surfaces
like a door edge. Just squeeze the easy-to-use hand pump until you get the object you're working on into position. Use this inflatable pry bar to lift, shift, align, level, plumb, adjust,
or just hold materials still.
Frog Tape Advanced
You already use Frog Tape, but have you tried Frog Tape Advanced? This ultra-premium grade, multi-surface painter's tape has a thin washi paper backing, yet it is twice as strong as crepe-paper painter's tape to offer better conformability, shred-resistance and tear-free removal. Ideal for masking on cured painted walls, wood trim, glass and metal, Frog Tape Advanced Painter's Tape is a medium adhesion masking tape treated with exclusive PaintBlock Technology. A super-absorbent polymer that reacts with the water in latex paint and instantly gels to form a micro-barrier that seals the edges of the tape to prevent paint bleed and deliver super sharp paint lines. The tape also offers 28-day indoor clean
removal with Nano Technology, which absorbs and scatters penetrating UV light, protecting
the adhesive from degradation. Try it; you'll like it.
Craftsman V20 Brushless Circular Saw
The HIR team has been taking the new Craftsman V20 circular saw on a test drive. With a brushless motor, pro-grade power, smooth cutting, lightweight design and cordless convenience, it’s what you want in 7-1/4-inch circ saw—all backed by a 3-year warranty. The new model provides more runtime than previous models and better performance,
featuring a stamped aluminum shoe and an upper metal guard for durability. The blade provides a 2-9/16-in. depth of cut and a maximum bevel capacity of 56 degrees. The saw also offers an LED with a large sight window for easy cut-line visibility. (The battery and charger are sold separately.)
Keen Utility KS86 Work Sneaker
New for Spring 2026, the KS86 work sneaker is a throwback trail runner design, made workday-ready. This ultra-light work sneaker is built with a featherweight carbon toe, midsole cushioning that returns up to 50 percent energy with every step, and an oil- and slip- resistant, lugged rubber outsole for secure footing. Offering all-day trail runner support, reimagined for the jobsite, the KS86 is available for both men and women in several colorways.
Mayhew 20 Pc. Pneumatic Set
Mayhew Steel Products, Inc. announces the release of their latest innovation: the 20 Pc. Pneumatic Set in a custom cut foam tray, part number 32090F. The 20 Pc. Pneumatic Set has a .401 Turn-Type style shank and is crafted from high-strength steel alloy, ensuring remarkable durability. Its black oxide finish provides superior corrosion resistance, making it a dependable choice for even the most demanding environments. The set also comes in a custom-cut foam tray that fits seamlessly into tool drawers, promoting easy access and organization. The precision-crafted tools are designed for a snug and secure fit, eliminating any movement during retrieval and ensuring efficiency during use.
Bosch Expert 12” Dual-Bevel Glide Miter Saw
Bosch Power Tools has returned to a hinge configuration for the company’s new Expert EXCM341-305GD 12-in. 15-Amp Dual-Bevel Glide Miter Saw. The new saw delivers smooth cutting action, accurate performance, and a space-saving design enabled by Bosch’s Compact Glide System (instead of parallel sliding bars that extend behind the cutting head). With a large cutting capacity of 13-7/16 in. horizontally and 4-1/8 in. vertically, it’s built to
handle a wide range of material sizes. Integrated base extensions provide added support, while built-in length stops help make repetitive cuts faster and more efficient. A shadow
LED line delivers a clear guide for precise cuts, while easy-to-read bevel stops at common angles enable fast, precise adjustments. This tool bevels 47 degrees left and right and miters 52 degrees left and 60 degrees right, providing versatility for a wide range of compound cuts.
Ryobi Microtech Electric Precision Screwdriver
Ryobi introduces the all-new Microtech Electric Precision Screwdriver, designed to take on detailed, intricate repairs and assembly with ultimate control and precision. This all-new electric screwdriver delivers high-precision fastening, giving you the exact control needed for applications such as laptops, phones, gaming controllers, glasses, and other small fastener jobs. Customize the power to your application with two modes or switch to the manual setting for total control when working with the most delicate fasteners. With 50+ included accessories, the Microtech is designed to handle a wide range of precision applications. The case features integrated storage so you can keep your screwdriver, bits, and other accessories ready for use, all in one place.
WiseBond Deep Pour Epoxy
You’ve probably watched online videos of people making dazzling, colorful river tables, and WiseBond Deep Pour Epoxy is what they use. This 2:1 Ratio, 2-Part Epoxy is a premium commercial-grade thick casting epoxy resin perfect for live-edge wood slab river tables. Specially formulated in a U.S.A. lab for DIY and professional woodworkers, it is absolutely unmatched for its ability to effortlessly produce 2+ inch single pour layer thicknesses—and even 3- to 4-inch single layers when managed properly. No more waiting around between
pouring multiple resin layers. Plus, Wisebond offers a wide range of colorants, including liquid and powder dyes and pigments—and even glow-in-the-dark colorants.
Duck Max Strength Clean Removal Tape
With Duck Max Strength Clean Removal Duct Tape, Shurtape Technologies eliminated
the potential for sticky residue left behind on surfaces once the tape is removed. It's great for temporary applications when you want the aggressive adhesion of duct tape without the messy residue that's normally left behind. Use this tape in your home, office or even a classroom. This duct tape's waterproof backing provides long-lasting durability for outdoor DIY or repair projects.
Metabo HPT 5” Flat-head Angle Grinder WEF 9-125
The Metabo HPT 5” Flat-Head Angle Grinder, WEF 9-125 (646060420) is a professional-grade grinder, engineered for precision work in tight spaces and at acute angles down to 43 degrees. This German-made tool delivers 10,000 RPM powered by a 910W / 8-AMP LongLife motor with patented dust protection for extended service life. Built to handle tough jobsite conditions with ease, this compact flat-head angle grinder is designed for weld slag removal, rust, and paint stripping in narrow or confined areas. Designed for long-term use, this grinder features Metabo’s MVT anti-vibration side handle with a bulb-shaped grip and 15-degree offset to reduce vibrations by up to 60 percent.
SIDE NOTE
Shurtape Reflects on 145 Years of American Manufacturing
As the U.S. celebrates its 250th anniversary, Shurtape Technologies is reflecting
on more than 145 years of American manufacturing—and the trades that quite
literally hold things together.
Founded in North Carolina in 1880, the company started with cotton, yarn, and twine and has since evolved into a maker of high-performance adhesive products, staying focused on a simple idea: reliable tools for everyday work. Or in their case, products that help everything else stick together.
Today, many Shurtape products are made in the U.S. and used across construction and remodeling jobs where performance really matters. These include:
Paint and masking—FrogTape Painter’s Tape with PaintBlock Technology (Multi-Surface, Delicate Surface, Pro Grade, Orange, Advanced) designed for crisp paint lines.
Flashing and waterproofing—FrogTape Pro Grade tapes for sealing around windows, doors, decks and transitions.
Containment—FrogTape Double-Sided Poly-Hanging Containment Tape for sealing
off work areas during painting, sanding, or remediation.
HVAC and sealing—UL-listed tapes used for flex duct sealing and other tough, uneven surfaces.
Duct tape—Duck Pro line built for heavy-duty use on jobsites—from bundling to protection during construction work.
Across categories, it’s the same throughline: materials that don’t get much attention, but have to perform every time—and, in a very literal sense, help the work stick together.
For more, visit www.shurtape.com.
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