If you’re a mechanic, gearhead, or just interested in cars, you’re probably well acquainted with the SEMA show. We recently got back from our third trip out to SEMA in Las Vegas, where we got a first-hand look at the awesome brands, cars, and other displays showcased at the convention. There were also tons of automotive-centered power tools and hand tools being shown off, which is what we’re focused on today.
It’s not practical to list out every tool we saw (for that, keep an eye on our social media channels), so we decided to pick out five tools from SEMA that truly impressed us at the 2026 show.
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Milwaukee M18 Fuel 1/2-inch Impact Wrench
From a physical standpoint, the Milwaukee 1/2-inch 3692 impact wrench is classified as mid-torque—and it’s even on the compact side of that group. Compared to the closest competition from brands like DeWalt and Makita, the newest Milwaukee model has more than a 1/2-inch size advantage. However, that’s not even the most impressive part about the 3692.
As we said, it’s technically in the mid-torque class. However, its on-paper specs hardly leave room for competition within the mid-torque category. It reaches up to 800 ft-lbs of fastening torque and 950 ft-lbs of breakaway torque. When you look at competing (and we use this term loosely) models, you get 33% more fastening torque and 19% more breakaway torque than the DeWalt DCF891, with 41% more fastening torque and 17% more breakaway torque than Makita’s GWT07.
Other features of this impact wrench include a 4-mode drive control, an updated raked-head design to improve access, a tri-beam LED work light, and a battery isolation system to reduce how much vibration reaches the battery for a secure connection.
We’re excited for this tool to launch, which Milwaukee estimates will happen in Q2 of 2027. While we wait to put it to the test in our shop, we’ll continue to marvel at the huge jump in performance over Milwaukee’s previous iteration mid-torque model.
Price: TBA
Flex 3-in-1 Mini Polisher
Flex officially unveiled its new 3-in-1 Mini Polisher at SEMA 2026, and from the looks of it, it’s an impressive update to the brand’s roster. What makes it special is its first-to-market gear-driven design on a cordless polisher. This means that, using the gear-driven drive adapter, there’s virtually no stalling it out, no matter how much pressure you apply.
Along with the gear-driven drive unit, the FX3361 also includes a rotary drive and a free-spinning dual-action orbital drive. It also supports 3mm, 6mm, and 12mm orbital strokes, and can comfortably run 1-inch to 3-inch backing plates and pads.
On the design side, Flex gave it an adjustable tri-temperature LED light. You can change the light between three distinct color temperatures (warm, neutral, and cool) to better spot paint defects on different paint or coating colors. For the control panel, Flex says they took inspiration from modern smartphones, letting you swipe your finger across the touch sensor to increase or decrease your RPMs. There’s even an electronic lockout feature to freeze your settings while you work.
Like the Milwaukee 1/2-inch impact wrench above, this tool was debuted at SEMA, so we’re definitely looking forward to testing it hands-on. It’ll hit shelves in 2027.
Price: $599.99 kit
Wera Joker Wrenches
This wasn’t the first year we saw Wera showing off their Joker wrenches. We stopped by their booth last year at SEMA 2025, and the Joker was a huge hit then too. It offers a few solutions to standard open-ended wrench pain points, like slipping and dropped fasteners.
How it works is simple, but very smart. Each open-ended wrench features a limit stop that prevents the wrench from slipping downwards from the bolt head. The wrenches also feature a holding function that keeps nuts and bolts secure in the prongs to prevent dropping.
Price: $25 – $600 (depending on configuration)
GripEdge Socket Extractor
GripEdge takes a different approach to socket extractors with its patented G-FORS (GripEdge Foreign Object Removal System) design. Instead of using a traditional tapered extractor, these sockets have a straight-cut internal profile that grips the fastener along its entire length. That gives them plenty of contact with the fastener, even when you’re dealing with completely rounded, stripped, or otherwise damaged heads.
One of the more interesting features is that the extractors work in both directions. This lets you turn a stubborn fastener back and forth to help break it loose, and it even means you can reinstall a damaged fastener temporarily if needed. Once the fastener is out, GripEdge includes a G-FORS pusher rod to help knock it out of the socket without reaching for a hammer or punch.
For design, GripEdge constructs these extractors from chrome-molybdenum steel, and adds a corrosion-resistant coating to help them hold up over time. Laser-etched size markings also make it easier to grab the right socket when you need it.
Price: $10 – $700 (depending on configuration)
Millner Pro Series Nibbler
The Millner Pro Series Nibbler is a handy alternative to traditional sheet metal cutting tools—in fact, the brand manager we spoke to at SEMA claims it will replace your snips for good! That’s a strong claim, but how does it work? Instead of buying a dedicated power tool, this attachment works with a standard impact driver or drill, letting you turn one of the tools you probably already have into a metal cutter. It handles a variety of materials, including steel, aluminum, copper, and even plastic and laminate.
Where this nibbler really stands out is its versatility. It can handle more than just flat sheet metal, cutting through corrugated panels, conduit, exhaust tubing, and even square steel studs. That makes it a useful addition to the shop, especially if you regularly work with different types of metal and need to make clean cuts without switching between several tools. Millner also designed the attachment with a removable handle to make it easier to work in tighter spaces.
Price: $200
