Hillman Wins Three PTIA '23 Awards
The Hillman Group received a prestigious 2023 Pro Tool Innovation Award for the Power Pro Structural Lag Screws & Power Pro ONE Multi-Material Screws. A panel of judges, composed of contractors, construction business owners, tradespeople, and media professionals, have tallied the votes for the world's most innovative products in the construction and outdoor power equipment industry. In its eleventh year, the Pro Tool Innovation Awards brought to light an impressive assortment of pioneering power tools, hand tools, tool accessories, and fasteners. Products were submitted by leading industry manufacturers, showcasing a remarkable breadth of innovation. Here's what the PTIA judges had to say about the Power Pro Structural Lag Screws, Power Pro Metal Lath Screws, & Power Pro ONE Multi-Material Screws:
Power Pro Structural Lag Screws
“Power Pro Structural Lag Screws are engineered for speed, low energy consumption, strength, and durability. The new and innovative building code approved structural screw outperforms other fasteners. The patented screw design offers features that are unmatched in the category and set a new benchmark for performance. This general purpose structural fastener is designed for wood-to-wood construction and is ideal for a variety of indoor and outdoor projects from framing to deck ledger and post attachments. Structural Lags require no pre-drilling and are ICC Building Code Approved. They can be used in place of standard hex lag screws and have much faster installation vs. standard lag screws. Structural Lags have an innovative thread design that provides 30% faster installation vs. competitive screws and allows users to drive more screws per battery charge. The dome head allows for low-clearance applications and has countersinking underhead nibs that lock into wood for a secure hold. The diamond shank helps reduce drive torque and friction. The durable epoxy coating provides 4 layers of corrosion protection and is AC257 treated lumber certified. Structural Lag Screws have grade 5 strength for durability.”
Power Pro Metal Lath Screws
“Premium Power Pro Lath Screws are the first star driven lath screw available in the retail market. Lath screws are used to attach lath or metal to wood or metal substrates. Engineered for optimum performance in wood or metal for faster, easier driving with stronger pullout ratings. The innovative new fastener requires no pre-drilling and fastens metal and wood with a unique Micro-Bit® tip design. The single tip eliminates the need for separate self-drilling and self-piercing point screws needed to penetrate metal up to 18 gauge thick. The star drive and included Pro-Stik® 2” star drive bit provide stable driving and prevent cam-out. The wide, low-profile head is ideal for applications such as stucco/plaster, metal brackets to framing, and other general applications. The Micro-Bit® point prevents point walking, and quickly penetrates wood and up to 18-gauge metal. The exterior coating consists of a zinc layer with a clear top sealant that is recommended for exterior projects and treated lumber. This new design replaces commodity lath screws that typically have a standard Phillips drive recess that is prone to bit stripping & slipping. Power Pro Lath Screws are available in innovative reusable, reclosable, and stackable plastic packages.”
Power Pro ONE Multi-Material Screws
“Developed to outperform and replace standard wood screws, sheet metal screws, and concrete/masonry screws with a single, innovative, new engineered fastener design. Eliminate the confusion when trying to decide which screw to use. The One Screw program simplifies your tool box by using a single screw design to satisfy projects that fasten into wood, metal, concrete, drywall, and plastic. Engineered for optimum performance in multiple materials, Power Pro One™ Screws are the One Screw you’ll ever need! Power Pro One® Multi-Material Screw Advantages Drives fast and easy High quality and performance in multi-materials Finishes for all projects: interior or exterior No pre-drilling in wood, drywall, plastic, and metal up to 20 gauge thick (pre-drilling required for concrete and masonry applications) Head styles and sizes available to cover the most common wood, metal, and masonry projects Available in zinc plating for interior jobs, and a bronze epoxy coating for exterior projects and treated lumber. Innovative packaging: reclosable, reusable, stackable Patented design Lifetime guarantee”
"Innovation comes in many forms. Pro Tool Innovation Award Winners push boundaries. They typically introduce features no one has ever seen, create new battery-powered solutions, redefine what compact tools can do, or even design products at a lower price than you would otherwise expect for the performance they deliver," stated Kenny Koehler, Editor-in-Chief. "The work of teams and individuals who dare to think outside the box can be seen all over the Pro Tool Innovation Awards," he added.
In a rigorous evaluation process spanning several dozen man-hours, the PTIA judges sifted through hundreds of cutting-edge power tools, hand tools, fasteners, products, and accessories. The selection of winners was based on a variety of critical factors. The awarded products stood out for their innovative features, superior power delivery, revolutionary ergonomics, technological advancements, improvements in jobsite safety, or exceptional value. The 2023 Pro Tool Innovation Award winners are a testament to the companies and products that propel the construction, landscaping, automotive, and manufacturing industries forward. These industry-leading products merit recognition for their role in driving progress within their respective fields.
This year, 99 different manufacturers and brands submitted over 465 products in dozens of categories for a chance to take home a 2023 Pro Tool Innovation Award.
In a statement reflecting on the 11th annual Pro Tool Innovation Awards, Executive Director Clint DeBoer expressed admiration for the ongoing innovation in the industry. "This marks our 11th year of hosting the PTIA Awards, and each year we witness an increasing level of innovation from both large and small companies." DeBoer added, "Every Pro Tool Innovation Award celebrates a product developed by people who really believe that the standard we're used to is no longer good enough."
In 2023, top innovators continued to make significant advances in battery-powered technology, marking a continuation in the shift away from traditional corded and/or gas tools and equipment. Many of these cutting-edge products, lauded for their heightened efficiency, improved safety, and capacity to boost jobsite productivity, have challenged traditional boundaries between battery and gas. Manufacturers of tool accessories and fasteners have also stepped up to take advantage of these new developments.
The annual PTIA Awards have become a sought-after platform for professionals and consumers alike, keen to discover groundbreaking products. The program has been particularly crucial in spotlighting the rapid advancements in the battery-powered technology sector.
About the Pro Tool Innovation Awards
The annual Pro Tool Innovation Awards (PTIA) began in 2013 and are judged by a panel of professional tradesmen and trade media representatives in the electrical, plumbing, MRO, and concrete fields as well as landscaping professionals, general contractors, mechanics, and builders. The Pro Tool Innovation Awards seek to discover and recognize the most innovative tools, accessories, and products across a wide variety of industries and categories. Learn more at protoolinnovationawards.com
