Malco Tools, Inc. Wins Three 2022 Pro Tool Innovation Awards

C-RHEX SAWTOOTH and Eagle Grip locking handle tools receive recognition

Malco Tools, Inc. one of the nation’s leading solution developers and manufacturers of a variety of high-quality tools for the HVAC trade (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning), today announced it has received Pro Tool Innovation Awards for its C-RHEX® SAWTOOTH, Eagle Grip 11″ Locking C-Clamps with Swivel Pads, and Eagle Grip 10″ Curved Jaw Locking Pliers with Wire Cutter.

A diverse team of judges, including contractors, construction business owners, tradesmen and media professionals recognized Malco’s leading hand tools among the most innovative construction industry products in the world.

PTIA 2022 Award Winner Logo“We are honored to be recognized by the Pro Tool Innovation Awards,” said Rich Benninghoff, Malco president and CEO. “Our products are designed to be put to the test, exceeding performance expectations under even the harshest conditions. These recognitions are well-earned by Malco’s associates, who have created a culture of product innovation and long-standing commitment to quality at Malco.”

The Malco team spent several years designing and developing the C-RHEX SAWTOOTH, which features an integrated sawtooth design that can cut through soft and hardened HVAC and roofing sealant for rapid fastener removal. By adding a heavy-duty, deep-set magnet that does not contact the screw, the fasteners spin true, and the magnet retains its strength for years to come. C-RHEX SAWTOOTH received the award in the Accessories-Specialty Driver Bits category.

The company’s American-made Eagle Grip line of professional-grade locking pliers and clamps won in the Locking Handle Pliers and Locking Handle Clamps categories. Eagle Grip tools deliver stronger and more reliable job performance for use in sheet metal, automotive, welding and agriculture applications. Eagle Grip products are made with high-quality American steel, and undergo a premium heat treat process and rigorous testing to ensure that they are the strongest, toughest locking handle tools on the market.*

PTIA judges selected winners based on a combination of key factors, including the ability to demonstrate innovative features, groundbreaking ergonomics, technological advancements, advancements in jobsite safety, and above-average value.

“Any product can undergo incremental changes. Pro Tool Innovation Award winners tend to buck trends and bring much more to the table,” said Kenny Koehler, editor-in-chief. “They really deserve the recognition they get. We feel that business owners, builders, contractors, and tradespeople can look to PTIA Award-winners to locate the products that can increase productivity, help them make more money, and increase safety on the jobsite.”

In total, 99 different manufacturers and brands submitted over 465 products in dozens of categories for a chance to take home a 2022 Pro Tool Innovation Award. Visit protoolinnovationawards.com for more about the Pro Tool Innovation Awards.

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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

About Malco Tools, Inc.

Malco Tools, Inc. based in Annandale, Minnesota, with operations in DeWitt, Nebraska, is one of the nation’s leading solution developers and manufacturers of a variety of high-quality specialty hand tools for the HVAC trade (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning). Backed by over 70 years of history, Malco also manufactures “tools of the trade” for professionals engaged in exterior remodeling (roofing, siding and gutter), fence installation, and autobody repair and refinishing. These specialized tools are built to last, rigorously tested and backed by a limited lifetime warranty. Malco is proud to be employee-owned and a Specific Benefit Corporation in the state of Minnesota, a legal designation that indicates that a specific social benefit — employee ownership, keeping jobs local and strengthening communities — is the primary driver of Malco’s business decisions. Malco earned a Manufacturing Excellence Award from Twin Cities Business Magazine in 2022 and was named the 2018 Medium Manufacturer of the Year by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal.

*Verified by 3rd party testing of the LP10WC (curved jaw locking pliers with wire cutter) vs. leading traditional locking pliers.