SEMA 2025 Sleeper Tools

[Fedwrench]

While viewing several You Tube videos discussing the new tools shown at SEMA 2025, I found a few that seem interesting to me but haven't garnered much press.

First off, in the too little too late category, SK tools are coming out with flex head X Frame ratcheting wrenches. That's right after all of these years, Flex Head ratcheting X Frame wrenches are coming sometime in 2026.

Next up is VIM Tools. Yes, I know their booth got lots of coverage but, they glossed over what I think is probably their best new tool coming out in their last released SEMA You Tube video. It's a small reversable ratcheting flex head crowfoot wrench similar to their NORA series except that this one is made to be used with dual drive or NANO Type sockets. It's a ratcheting boxed end with a built-in retaining ring to secure the NANO/Dual Drive socket. You can use any length 3/8 drive extension or spinner handle with it. Initially, the 17mm version will be released first, followed by 11 mm & 21mm versions. VIM didn't list a part number on the video unfortunately.

AUTEL is releasing a new HVAC diagnostic tool. It's expensive between $6-7K but, it might make diagnosing R1234YF concerns easier.

Powerprobe has a couple of new tools out to assist in diagnosing parasitic draw concerns. Also, not cheap but, sometimes you have to pay to diagnose & repair new ****.

Ko-Ken is releasing locking wobble-fix 3/8 drive extensions that feature that famous Ko-Ken knurling around the female square drive area.

Mueller Kueps is coming out with some beefy breaker bars in 1/2 drive in 24- or 30-inch lengths. They also have a jack hammer of an air hammer coming out.

ASTRO Tools is coming out with new torque wrenches. One digital version has a rotating display so, you can reposition it for better viewing.

Did anyone else see something new that looks interesting for 2026?

 

[dnschmidt]

You know Fed I've just about had it with VIM. At one time they made cool **** and sold it at reasonable prices. Now they think they are Snap-On.

 

[willf650]

I saw a Gearwrench click torque wrench that has a simple but useful feature. The adjustment collar was black with white writing instead of the typical chrome. It made it simple to see versus trying to read a shiny surface with embossed graduations.

I'm sure this isn't a unique feature but I have a few torque wrenches and they are all the typical chrome.

 

[Fedwrench]

VIM sometimes comes across as being too big for their britches lately. I'm not sure if it's tariffs, the economy, or expanding too fast.
they have some unique offerings but, they also have some items that are meh. They would probably reach more people with less hype but, I'll still buy their stuff from time as things I think I need come to market.

The contrasting Torque wrench number colors are fairly recent. I'm sure the manufacturers saw the great things people here do with paint pens as their inspiration.

 

[drokihazan]

Not SEMA but close enough in time, Snap-On released a new *indexing* pair of electrical pliers at their tool show a month or so ago. My dealer didn't even see them there, I caught them in another clip. I had him order a set and picked them up the other day, they should be able to replace my right angle and straight electrical connector pliers with a single tool. Part number is IEDP105, they're pretty slick.

Also, OTC at SEMA announced these new 3/6 ton jackstands that have a gear driven system on the side. Basically you stick a tool (included) in the side of the jackstand to adjust the height up/down (can still do it manually like any other) so that you don't have to get under the car and adjust the jackstand's height while the weight is on the jack. They're a cool safety feature. Also they're blue. Depending on the price I might sell my Hein-Werners and buy these OTC ones.

 

[j3rf]

Milwaukee torque wrenches and updated battery ratchets look interesting. Harbor Freight's Icon V2 definitely have piqued my interest with 30" depth boxes.

Okay, those look nice!

Ko-Ken is releasing locking wobble-fix 3/8 drive extensions that feature that famous Ko-Ken knurling around the female square drive area.

Someone was just asking if anyone else offered locking wobble extensions in the Tool Truck equivalents thread. Nice to see Koken coming out with them.

SK tools are coming out with flex head X Frame ratcheting wrenches. That's right after all of these years, Flex Head ratcheting X Frame wrenches are coming sometime in 2026.

Meh, dead brand to me.

Now they think they are Snap-On.

Probably since they do a whole lot of manufacturing for tool trucks. I feel like a lot of their stuff is just becoming gimmicky.

Other tools I noticed in the SEMA feed but don't seem to be NEW new is Bendpak's Octo Lift with eight lift arms for lifting cabs and beds off trucks.

 

[WhataTool]

You know Fed I've just about had it with VIM. At one time they made cool **** and sold it at reasonable prices. Now they think they are Snap-On.

The whole "we invented dual drive" thing while having like a couple 1/4" sets before now and then saying their 1/2" dual drive will be 21mm when everyone's is already 22mm really made me chuckle

 

[dnschmidt]

Another useless Milwaukee tool is their new line of torque wrenches which are the same as everybody else's torque wrenches but have a black barrel with white lettering (WHOOPIE ****). Complete nonsense, if you want a clicker there are Norbar, the originator and E-torque both of which have easily readable rotating scales completely superior to the same old **** everybody else has.

 

[M.Jay]

First off, in the too little too late category, SK tools are coming out with flex head X Frame ratcheting wrenches. That's right after all of these years, Flex Head ratcheting X Frame wrenches are coming sometime in 2026.

They already showed them last year. At this point I doubt we'll ever actually see them for sale, which is a shame because i really like the X-Frame wrenches.

 

[milkovich]

Notables for me were:

• The Harbor Freight Icon evap tester (smoke machine).
• The nano 1/4 stubby bit set from Astro.
• Titan also had some massive pry bars that I'm going to have to try out. I ran into the limits of a crappy Kobalt crow bar recently so I'm in the market and the 60 inch one seems like a good size.
• The Klein knect rachet was 90 tooth which I didn't realize, I thought it was their typical "sparky grade" ratcheting mechanisms. The kinect passthrough set is kind of cool.
• These prototype indexing dual drive ratchets from VIM. It might be niche, but I've been using a GW 11mm indexing wrench with the nano 1/4 sockets and it works but isn't retained.

 

[WhataTool]

Notables for me were:

• These prototype indexing dual drive ratchets from VIM. It might be niche, but I've been using a GW 11mm indexing wrench with the nano 1/4 sockets and it works but isn't retained.

Try Matco MESBT17, it fits nano sockets and indexes

 

[milkovich]

Try Matco MESBT17, it fits nano sockets and indexes

the serpentine style wrenches are a little long. This is what I'm currently using and I like the "form factor." If it had a conventional flex on the other end instead of the open, it'd be

 

[whateg01]

I saw a Gearwrench click torque wrench that has a simple but useful feature. The adjustment collar was black with white writing instead of the typical chrome.

Another useless Milwaukee tool is their new line of torque wrenches which are the same as everybody else's torque wrenches but have a black barrel with white lettering (WHOOPIE ****).

Yup... Useful but useless stuff.

 

[M.Jay]

the serpentine style wrenches are a little long. This is what I'm currently using and I like the "form factor." If it had a conventional flex on the other end instead of the open, it'd be

These look extremely handy! What are they called? Can't find anything on Google.

 

[milkovich]

These look extremely handy! What are they called? Can't find anything on Google.

Indexing wrenches. They were discontinued by GW a while ago and I never managed to snag a set.

 

[M.Jay]

Dang it! Why is the cool stuff always discontinued when I hear about it?!

 

[tiredoldironworker]

Indexing ratchets are what you need to be looking for. I have several and they have gotten me out of some odd situations. Stanley made them for years. Not really as low profile as wrenches but nano sockets help.

 

[Jarhead0408]

Dang it! Why is the cool stuff always discontinued when I hear about it?!

Craftsman used to make them back in the SEARS days too. Might be able to find one, or a whole set on eBay.

 

[M.Jay]

Indexing ratchets are what you need to be looking for. I have several and they have gotten me out of some odd situations. Stanley made them for years. Not really as low profile as wrenches but nano sockets help.

Noice! Added to my "Things I don't really need, but still want because this is GJ" list.