Tools, tools, and more tools. There was no shortage of great new stuff at Surfaces 2025. While it's always great to get out and see everyone, I'm always excited to see all the new stuff just itching to make its way into the arsenal and onto the job site. This year I found quite a few new items to put on the wish list, so let's get to it.  

Rubi has a new rail saw for cutting larger tiles with some impressive new features that I have not seen on any other saw in this category. The automatic features on the DC250 Smart Advance allow the tile to be clamped to the table while the blade and motor make the cut without the user even touching the handle. This model delivers the same functionality and versatility as its predecessor with improved features including a 10” premium porcelain blade, Zero Dust attachments, and Python blade cooling system.  

Rubi DC250 Smart Advance tile saw. Photo: Ken Ballin.

With a long-standing reputation as the top player in knee protection, Pro Knee has offered full size custom knee pads, shorter and lower profile AP16s, and now the Pro Knee Bomber Pad. This kneeling board features their 1” foam pad with a replaceable washable cover, a no wrinkle liner, anti-slip base, and a camo web handle. I'm personally a big fan of kneeling boards especially for building showers or small grout jobs. Not having to wear my pads all day long while not sacrificing safety is a nice break. 

ProKnee Bomber Pad. Photo: Ken Ballin.

In an interesting collaboration between DeWalt and Grabo, they've released a version of the Grabo suction tool that runs on the 20-volt Dewalt batteries. The 265 lb. high load capacity makes the tool ideal for heavy duty construction tasks involving glass, tile, stone, and porcelain panels. The built-in pressure sensor automatically engages to maintain suction pressure. The digital control screen shows real time suction pressure, battery status, and an operational mode. A safety alarm warns when suction pressure drops or battery power reaches a certain level, and they're available as a bare tool or complete kit. 

DeWalt 20V Max Grabo Lifter. Photo: Ken Ballin.

 There's a section of the trade show floor devoted to new businesses and that's exactly where I found the guys from Tile Pick, hanging out showcasing a small but life-saving piece of stainless steel. Designed to be a versatile tool for removing set tiles, making minor adjustments, or removing stubborn hard to reach thinset, the Tile Pick is a must-have for every tile setter. The lightweight and ergonomic design allows for precise tile lifting and reduces hand fatigue during use. Such a simple idea but entirely worth adding to the toolbox.

Tile Pick tile remover. Photo: Ken Ballin.

The QEP/Roberts booth had a few surprises, but there were two clear standouts whose demonstrations got them onto the list. The first one was being used in a demo behind the Tools 4 Flooring booth by the competition area. Their new Roberts power stretcher has retained the features that made earlier versions a popular choice among carpet installers, but it added an extendable foot to span doorways allowing the tool to be used without additional modifications. The other big reveal, and maybe my personal favorite from the show, was a new set of lightweight comfort grip tile nippers— Xtreme Series Power Nipper. World-renowned mosaic artist David Arnott, (@David_Arnott_  on Instagram) is collaborating with QEP on their development, and he was on site to demonstrate their innovative features as well as showcase some of his incredible artwork. 

Left: Roberts Falcon 44 Power Stretcher. Right: QEP Xtreme Series Power Nipper. Photos: Ken Ballin.

 IQ Power Tools has been working hard on the innovation side of their business and brought two new toys to play with. The Finishing Touch is a semicontinuous turbo hybrid blade for cutting porcelain, ceramic, and stone on their 10” 244 saw. I've personally used it on my own saw, and it definitely lives up to the hype. From 24x48 polished porcelain to marble mosaics this blade is a must-have for 244 users. IQ also revealed a modification to the 426HEPA vacuum. While the vacuum itself is the same as the original version, they've upgraded the cart to accept a continuous bag system, similar to larger models on the market, increasing capacity—a much-needed improvement for larger grinding jobs.

Left: IQ Power Tools Finishing Touch turbo hybrid blade. Right: The updated iQ426HEPA vacuum. Photos: Ken Ballin.

From their introduction to our market, Bihui has proven that they are taking our suggestions, listening to our feedback, and making the changes to their lineup that we suggest. The new work table is the perfect example. A three-in-one workstation, mini scaffolding, and materials cart takes all the improvements needed from their first-generation work table and blends them nicely. They give us a more movable, height adjustable workstation. 

Bihui’s new work table. Photo: Ken Ballin.

Our friends across the pond at Stairrods UK brought us a brand-new scoring tool used for ripping and skinning luxury vinyl plank (LVP). A little silver box with a few surprises inside will take their custom resilient market by storm. The precision-milled metal box has adjustable gauges to ensure accuracy when setting the tool for various widths and a sleek compact design allows for easy storage. I was able to hang out with Lee and Keith from the Stairrods crew, and they showed me the new tool up close and personal. I'm fascinated by the high-end vinyl plank work that Matthew Bowles, 2025 TISE National Installer of the Year competition winner for resilient, does, and I think that installers with the same respect for how they execute these high-end installs will be adding this little gem to the toolbox. 

Stairrods UK scoring tool for use on LVP. Photo: Ken Ballin.

As much as I'd like to think that I saw everything at the show, I know there may have been a few must-see items that slipped through the cracks, so hopefully you were there and caught them along with everything here in this article as well. I'm excited to see these new tools getting into the hands of installers. Let me know what you think when you try them out. You know where to find me!