New tool trends in construction: what is changing for the tradesperson?

You do not choose tools only by brand or by today’s price. Batteries, dust extraction, measuring equipment and tile aids decide how fast, safe and durable your work will be tomorrow. Anyone who knows the main lines invests more wisely — without chasing every hype.

Saniso B.V. in Zwaag is a wholesaler and webshop for building materials and tools.

Battery platforms: cordless as a multi-year choice

Cordless has become normal; the real choice sits in the battery platform. One battery system for drills, grinders, saws and sometimes dust extractors means fewer adapters, and makes expansion over the years more predictable.

Examples of open or shared platforms include CAS and AMPShare — named as platform examples, not as a ranking. According to BouwTotaal (2024) and later industry reports, the number of brands and machines on such platforms is growing; exact partner counts change, so check current figures with the platform owners. The lesson for the tradesperson: choose a platform as if it were a multi-year investment, not a one-off machine purchase.

Ergonomics, weight and vibration

Weight, grip and vibration have become buying criteria, not only “comfort”. The Arbocatalogus Bouw & Infra states an action value of 2.5 m/s² and a limit value of 5 m/s² for hand-arm vibration (eight-hour working day). Anyone who grinds, breaks or hammer-drills a lot therefore looks at vibration figures, damping and working time — alongside power.

Lighter machines and better balance help, but they do not replace a sound working posture or breaks on heavy work.

Digital measuring and connected tools

Laser measures, digital spirit levels and apps make setting out faster and less error-prone. Tools increasingly talk to extraction or apps (for example via Bluetooth): the dust extractor starts when the machine starts, or measurements are passed on digitally.

On larger projects this fits the broader trend from digital measuring through to Scan-to-BIM. On most sites what matters is reliable measuring equipment, a fixed measuring method and less retyping of dimensions.

Dust-free working and quartz

Dust-free working is no longer an optional “extra” when drilling, grinding and sawing stone-like materials. Quartz dust is high on the health agenda; the Health Council of the Netherlands (Gezondheidsraad, 2024) argues for keeping exposure as low as possible. The TNO dust-free working label assesses systems (machine + extraction + dust extractor), not a machine on its own.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) remains supplementary — not a substitute for extraction at source. Anyone choosing a grinder or saw therefore looks at extraction options, the dust class of the extractor and whether the combination works as a system.

Large-format tile tools

Large tiles call for different aids: levelling systems, suction cups and lifting or moving, adhesive on both the tile and the substrate, and diamond sawing or slim cutting on larger surfaces (think from about 3,600 cm² per tile). What a manual cutter can handle on standard tiles falls short on large format for flatness, lifting and cut quality.

Service life, servicing and recycling

Sustainability in tools is less about a green label on the box and more about lasting longer: repair, spare parts, downtime cost and what happens to batteries at the end of their life. Collection and recycling run through systems such as SVEG/OPEN/Wecycle; service agreements decide whether a machine sits idle for weeks.

What does this mean for your choice?

1. Platform first, machine second — does the new purchase fit your existing batteries? 2. Think in systems for dust — machine + extraction + dust extractor, plus PPE. 3. Weigh vibration and weight for intensive use. 4. Judge large format separately — levelling, lifting, cutting. 5. Service and end of battery life belong in the total cost, not only the purchase price.

Tools at Saniso

Saniso B.V. in Zwaag is a wholesaler and webshop for building materials and tools. For orientation you can look at tools at Saniso and at tile cutting tools. The live range changes; this article claims no completeness on “all trends” or every type of machine.

Frequently asked questions

How do I choose a battery platform?

Look at which machines you need now and over the next two to five years, whether open or shared platforms (such as CAS or AMPShare as examples) fit your brands, and whether service and batteries are available locally. Exact partner lists change — check current information with the platform owners.

Does dust extraction replace my PPE?

No. Extraction at source and a sound dust-extractor system lower exposure; PPE remains supplementary, especially with quartz dust. According to the Health Council of the Netherlands (2024), exposure should stay as low as possible.

When do I need a levelling system for tiles?

With larger formats and higher demands on flatness. A levelling system helps limit height differences while the adhesive cures. On small standard tiles it is sometimes optional; on large format it is often part of a fixed working method.

Where can I find tools at Saniso?

Via the tools at Saniso category or tile cutting tools, or get in touch for advice on your type of job — with no guarantee that every type currently in the spotlight is in stock.

Contact: Saniso B.V., De Corantijn 95, 1689 AN Zwaag · +31 85 488 5920 · [email protected] · Contact.