Thanks to intensive research and development focused on operator comfort and safety issues, today’s sanders and grinders are a far cry from those wielded in the past. While automation has not taken over the role of the worker in the messy work with these tools, the latest technology has made it safer and more efficient. Today’s grinders and sanders are more powerful, designed ergonomically and have superior dust collection systems. These companies are continuing to produce tools that enable workers to offer the best finish possible.

MILWAUKEE TOOL

Professional contractors in the sanding and grinding industry have witnessed significant advancements in recent years, and this trend is expected to continue into 2025. The focus has increasingly been on enhancing customized ease of use, proficiency, and safety.

Milwaukee Tool introduced six new grinders in 2024 to continue addressing the the issues of ease of use, proficiency and safety.

Enhanced battery technology, smart technology, advanced dust control systems, and ergonomic designs are anticipated to play crucial roles in the evolution of these tools.

“These advancements will ensure that tools are not only more efficient but also safer and more user-friendly,” he says. “Overall, the outlook for 2025 is highly promising, with continued advancements expected to empower contractors to achieve higher quality results with greater efficiency and safety.”

The professional industry focused on sanding/grinding is seeing notable trends that are shaping the current landscape. Economically, the market is expanding, driven by growth in areas such as large site construction and automotive trades.

“The recent and upcoming advancements in the sanding and grinding industry are driven by increasing demand from professionals for precision engineered solutions to address their daily needs in the field,” Blythe says, noting that generally, professionals require tools that maximize productivity, consistency, and safety, ensuring they get the best return on their investment.

As an example, he notes that Milwaukee grew its lineup of sanders in 2024 to include two new automotive trade focused solutions. Other new grinders launched by the company in 2024 had increased size, durability, power, and offered enhanced tool customization features while being optimized for Milwaukee Tool’s FORGE batteries.

Blythe says another recent trend has surrounded the incorporation of smart technology in tools like AUTOSTOP on new Milwaukee grinders which provides enhanced safety to prevent injuries on site. With sanders and grinders, dust control and debris collection is something that helps lead to safer and healthier work environments.

“Milwaukee Tool is committed to addressing these needs by continuously innovating and providing advanced solutions,” Blythe says. “With a focus on customization, enhanced battery technology, and robust safety features, Milwaukee is dedicated to helping contractors achieve higher quality results with greater efficiency and reliability.”

FESTOOL

Industry-wide, the anticipation is that the emphasis in 2025 will be on tools that balance power and convenience, enabling tradespeople to enhance both productivity and client satisfaction.

“We expect that the demand for professional quality tools with cutting edge innovation, precision and performance will continue to increase for remodelers, painters, drywallers, and carpenters,” says Rick Bush, senior marketing manager at Festool. “As customer expectations shift toward cleaner, faster jobs with less impact on their living space, professionals will need to rely on efficient tools that not only increase production speed, but also minimize impact on their client’s living space.”

Festool remains on a mission to redefine jobsite cleanliness by innovating dust extraction solutions. Its ongoing path of dust extraction innovations will continue in 2025 and beyond.

He says they have seen a significant increase in demand for cordless sanders tailored for on-site work and sanders that have efficient dust extraction. For over 100 years, Festool has maintained a high position as a sanding technology provider with its JetStream and MultiJetStream technologies, tool-triggered HEPA dust extractors, and abrasives.

“Our approach treats sanders as integrated systems, with each component engineered, designed, and built to exacting tolerances for smooth results year-after-year,” Bush says.

Dust extractors are now a “must have” as professionals and customers prioritize cleaner and safer work environments due to the growing awareness of health risks associated with sanding.

“This emphasis on health, combined with demand for the best surface results, is contributing to the trend of dust-free sanding solutions,” Bush says.

As the industry evolves, he expects increased demand for products that consistently provide smooth service over long periods of heavy use.

“We have relentlessly attacked the nuisance of dust on the job and continue to look for ways to effectively capture and contain dust from the moment it is created until it is disposed of,” he says. “Our commitment to redefining jobsite cleanliness extends to our continued innovation and development of sanders that are built better to build better and meet the diverse needs of contractors.”

LEARN MORE

www.festoolusa.com

www.milwaukeetool.com

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CONTRACTOR SUPPLY MAGAZINE

The December 2024/January 2025 of Contractor Supply magazine is here!

Our cover story, A Diamond on the Rough, visits the family-owned Esch Construction Supply. Based in St. Paul, Minnesota, the company sells and services anything that will cut, grind, drill or polish concrete.

Also in this issue are a 2024 STAFDA show report and Industry Updates on Abrasives Discs and Wheels; Grinders and Sanders; Cold Weather PPE and Heaters; Jobsite Lighting and Ladders, Lifts and Scaffolds.

This digital edition, sponsored by BECK AMERICA Inc., is fully searchable and contains live links to every advertiser and new product listing. Click away!