The guys at Stiletto Tools Inc. are always pushing tool technology at any cost, as demonstrated by their popular but expensive line of titanium hammers and prys. So we expected nothing less from two new tools due out from the boutique tool maker later this year: a utility knife and a souped-up speed square.
Company representatives gave us a brief look at prototypes of their new tools at the International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas.
We almost didn’t get to take a photo of the new speed square that’s in development because it’s not yet in its final design, but we did get a nice demo on some of its top features. First off, they’ve included a number of notches on the square to support a pencil tip for scribing common layout lines. They said they added the feature after noticing a lot of carpenters in the field who added their own notches with a hack saw.
The square is also sized so that you can draw standard dimensioned lines just by tracing the various edges on the square.
Also due out later this year is a titanium utility knife that is super ergonomic and sports a few cool features that you won’t find on a run-of-the mill utility knife.
The company was also showing off its existing prys and hammers, which turned a lot of heads here.
On a side note, during our conversation with the former owner Mark Martinez, we learned that Stiletto is actually owned by Milwaukee Electric Tool Corp. This was news to us, although maybe not to the rest of you.
| HEADLINES FROM THE INTERNATIONAL BUILDERS’ SHOW | |
 |
IBS 2010: The Model Home Gets a Reality Check A case study in irony: Construction stops on 6,000-square-foot showcase home dubbed ‘The New American Home’ after falling victim to the credit crunch. Read more… |
 |
IBS 2010: Schluter Introduces new Foam Core Tile Backer System Structural panels will ease the process of making tile partitions, walls, and structures for bathrooms and more. Read more… |
 |
IBS 2010: More Bang for Your Flush in Kohler’s 1.28 gallon Toilet With water conservation top of mind Kohler showed off its new 1.28 gallon one-piece toilet at the International Builders’ Show here in Las Vegas. Read more… |
|
|
Generac Standby Generator is Smarter than Me A tour of Generac’s booth left me wondering why more homes aren’t equipped with emergency power. Read more… |
 |
IBS 2010: Spray Insulation Rigs for the Rest of Us Looking to get into the spray insulation business but don’t want the huge investment? Here’s a new portable unit you might be interested in. Read more… |
 |
IBS 2010: Promising new water heater GE released the first Energy Star rated water heater that uses heat pump technology and smart controls for significant energy saving potential. Read more… |
 |
IBS 2010: Stiletto to Introduce New Titanium Square and Knife The maker of high-end titanium hammers and prys shows off prototypes of its upcoming speed square and utility knife, due out later this year. Read more… |
 |
IBS 2010: Day One Round Up of New Tools and Products From entry-level spray foam applicators to a rainwater collection system to some smaller gadgets and accessories, here’s what caught our eye at day one of IBS. Listen to the audio slideshow… |
Fine Homebuilding Recommended Products
Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
Affordable IR Camera
8067 All-Weather Flashing Tape
Handy Heat Gun
-
A prototype utility knife from boutique tool maker Stiletto brings high-end features to this mundane builders' tool.
-
The prototype utility knife from Stiletto has a magnetic blade holder and a variety of features for extending and locking the blade.
-
Stiletto plans to roll out a feature-rich speed square later this year with a ton of features that carpenters will appreciate. The version seen here is not the final design.
-
This prototype speed square has some cool features that were driven by feedback from carpenters in the field, like notches for scribing common layout lines.
