Written by 
As usual, we saw all manner of tools this year, and they continued to split into ever-finer categories: Utilitarian, artisanal, DIY, hi-tech, designey. Here are 25 that stood out to us.
Eye-catching handmade outdoor tools by Neru Design Works.
Festool’s new ExoActive exoskeleton.
Specialty tools: A straw splitter.
A smart design for dispensing dangerous chemicals: The Justrite Plunger Can.
Woodworker Takurou Seino’s clever jig for producing the naguri pattern in wood.
Ergonomic Partners’ zero-gravity tool arm.
The BullseyeBore is a laser gizmo that helps you drill straight.
Collet fans are a clever, low-tech solution for clearing chips while CNC milling.
This crazy on-body camera rig provides pivoting POVs.
A space-efficient tool storage system for firefighters: Slide-out and swing-out tool boards.
A look at the design of quick-release tool mounts for firefighters.
A portable alternative to the bench vise: A DIY panel wedge.
An incredible sidewalk craftsman demonstrates using a bow lathe.
Workshop jigs with beautiful forms.
Hatchet as objet d’esign.
A different design approach to stair-climbing handtrucks.
A combination carabiner/rope tightener.
This Jetlaser strips finishes in just seconds.
Clever design: A face shield that integrates with a baseball cap.
Hozo Design’s laser level with better UX.
A designey, no-mess fire extinguisher from Sweden
Arrowmax’s designey hand tools.
The Mambapod, a mini tripod with an F-style clamp in one leg.
And finally, a guy clearing ice off of a roof with a leafblower.