Open Jaw Cable Cutter, Rolling Tool Bag and Splinter GuardTM Fish and Glow Rods are recognized for excellence in new product development

March 31, 2014 (Lincolnshire, IL) – Klein Tools, (http://www.kleintools.com/) for professionals since 1857, announces that they won Electrical, Construction and Maintenance magazine's Product of the Year award in the Tools (Hand), Tools (Bags & Totes) and Tools (Accessory Items) categories.

The 2014 EC&M Product of the Year competition received a record-breaking 200 entries over 44 categories. Each entry was evaluated by a panel of 16 judges consisting of electrical professionals from the engineering, contracting, and plant facilities and maintenance industries.

Tools (Hand) Product Category Winner

Klein's Open Jaw Cable Cutter (Cat. No. 67311) won the Tools (Hand) product category. A front loading jaw makes it much easier to get into tight, confined spaces than the commonly used closed jaw cable cutters. Powerful, ratcheting jaws allow for single-handed cutting of 600 MCM copper and 750 MCM aluminum without burrs or sharp edges. The open, shear-type jaw easily reaches around large diameter cable in service panels and sub panels. A spring release lever allows for fast jaw reset between cuts.

Tools (Bags & Totes) Product Category Winner

Klein's Tradesman Pro™ Organizer Rolling Tool Bag (Cat. No. 55452RTB) topped the Tools (Bags & Totes) category with a bag that lets you take your tools nearly anywhere. The bag is designed to easily transport heavy or large amounts of tools, with 6" rugged wheels that not only help elevate the bag off the ground, but also easily roll over varied jobsite terrain. This bag is Load tested up to 200 pounds (100 lbs. inside, 100 lbs. on top), and has a molded kick plate that helps protect from the elements. The reinforced metal frame opening stays open while loading and unloading. It has a heavy-duty telescoping handle and bright orange interior to help find tools faster.

Tools (Accessory Items) Product Category Winner

Klein Tools won the Tools (Accessory Items) category with Splinter Guard™ Fish and Glow Rods that offer pain-free wire pulling due to a proprietary protective coating that safeguards the user from getting painful fiberglass splinters while wire pulling. Glow rods provide added visibility in dark workspaces with a glow that is 2x brighter and lasts 2x longer. Available in a variety of flexibilities and lengths, sections can also be threaded together for even more length options. Sets include bullet nose and hook attachments to attach and grab wires.

"We strive to provide durable, innovative products that make the tradesman's job easier, safer and more efficient," states Mark Klein, vice president domestic sales at Klein Tools. "This award validates that we are designing the right tools for the job."

"It never ceases to amaze me how many pioneering products are introduced," states Mike Eby, editor-in-chief of EC&M Magazine. "Congratulations on being included among the ‘best of the best'."

Category winners go on to compete for the 2014 Product of the Year Platinum, Gold, and Silver awards which will be determined through an online readers' poll held in June and announced in August.