AWARDS & MEDIA

AWARDS

PRESS RELEASE - September 4, 2026

Pasadena, California - EVERGRADE, a leading innovator in Power Tools, is proud to announce that its RGX Pro 316 Cordless DA Sander has been awarded a 2026 Pro Tool Innovation Award (PTIA) in recognition of its unique counterweight and motor assembly technology that allows it perform exactly like a pneumatic. This marks the program’s 14th year of recognizing the most innovative and leading-edge tools, accessories, and fasteners across the construction, automotive, landscaping, professional trade, and DIY markets.

The 2026 Pro Tool Innovation Awards saw nearly 400 entries from more than 100 manufacturers who presented new and innovative products in over a dozen categories. These entries were carefully reviewed by a panel of judges comprised of industry experts and trade professionals who lent their expertise in evaluating and selecting the winning products. The sheer number of entries this testifies to the level of competition in the marketplace as well as the nonstop innovation that is prevalent these industries. The PTIA judges had the following to say about the RGX Pro 316 Cordless DA Sander:

“The EVERGRADE EVT-316/RGX Pro Cordless Sander with 3/16” offset targets automotive enthusiasts and professionals who need aggressive sanding without the tether or an air hose. We love the paddle switch and how it emulates the ergonomics of a pneumatic tool. The 3/16-inch offset works well for heavier sanding tasks, while the low vibration should help you work for longer without hand fatigue.”

“Each year, the Pro Tool Innovation Awards honor those products that shake up the industry and carve new pathways for performance, ergonomics, features, and value,” said Clint DeBoer, General Manager for the PTIA. “We are thrilled to see the level of innovation this year continue to make often dramatic strides. This awards program showcases just how much product development is leveraging new technologies and manufacturing efficiencies to make a real impact for consumers.”

Now in its 14th year, the PTIA judging panel of industry experts and professionals selected winners based on an in-depth evaluation of what makes these products innovating in their respective fields. The 2026 Pro Tool Innovation Award winners represent companies and products that are shaping the construction, landscaping, automotive, and manufacturing industries.

Reflecting on this year’s Pro Tool Innovation Awards, Kenny Koehler, Editor-in-Chief for Pro Tool Reviews, added, “We saw some truly competitive entries in the awards this year. We are privileged to be able to call out those tools and products that set new standards for performance and value. Being a Pro Tool Innovation Awards Winner is a true mark of excellence in a very competitive industry that moves quickly.”

This year’s winners made strides in both battery and motor technology as well as improvements in materials and productivity. Product managers continue to demonstrate an ability to meet industry demands for products that outperform the market, and the Pro Tool Innovation Awards are clear evidence of those efforts and achievements.

EVERGRADE’S RGX PRO 316 CORDLESS DA SANDER‍
Selected as a WINNER in the 2026 Pro Tool Innovation Awards
Category: Auto & Metal Sanders, Cordless

September 16, 2024

This week EVERGRADE was recognized as a Finalist in the 2024 Pro Tool Innovation Award for the RGX PRO 332 CORDLESS SANDER. A distinguished panel of judges, including contractors, construction business owners, tradespeople, and media professionals, has tallied the votes for the world's most innovative products in the construction and outdoor power equipment industry. In its 12th year, the Pro Tool Innovation Awards have highlighted an impressive array of pioneering power tools, hand tools, tool accessories, and fasteners. Leading industry manufacturers submitted products, showcasing a remarkable breadth of innovation.

"Innovation comes in many forms. Pro Tool Innovation Award winners push boundaries, often introducing features no one has ever seen, creating new battery-powered solutions, redefining the capabilities of compact tools, or designing products at a lower price without compromising performance," stated Noelle Howe, Content Manager for the Awards. "The work of teams and individuals who dare to think outside the box is evident throughout the Pro Tool Innovation Awards," she added.

The PTIA judges underwent a rigorous evaluation process spanning several dozen man-hours, sifting through hundreds of cutting-edge power tools, hand tools, fasteners, products, and accessories. The selection of winners and finalists was based on various critical factors. The awarded products stood out for their innovative features, superior power delivery, revolutionary ergonomics, technological advancements, jobsite safety improvements, or exceptional value. The 2024 Pro Tool Innovation Award finalists exemplify the companies and products that drive the construction, landscaping, automotive, and manufacturing industries forward, meriting recognition for their role in advancing their respective fields.

This year, over 100 different manufacturers and brands submitted nearly 400 products in dozens of categories, all vying for a 2024 Pro Tool Innovation Award.

Reflecting on the 12th annual Pro Tool Innovation Awards, Executive Director Clint DeBoer expressed admiration for the industry's ongoing innovation. "This marks our 12th year of hosting the PTIA Awards, and each year we witness an increasing level of innovation from both large and small companies." DeBoer added, "Every Pro Tool Innovation Award celebrates a product developed by visionaries who believe the standard we're used to is no longer good enough."

In 2024, top innovators continued making significant advances in battery-powered technology, continuing the shift away from traditional corded and gas tools and equipment. Many of these cutting-edge products, praised for their heightened efficiency, improved safety, and enhanced jobsite productivity, have challenged traditional boundaries between battery and gas. Manufacturers of tool accessories and fasteners have also embraced these new developments.

The annual PTIA Awards have become a sought-after platform for professionals and consumers alike, eager to discover groundbreaking products. The program has been crucial in spotlighting the rapid advancements in the battery-powered technology sector.

EVERGRADE’S RGX PRO 332 CORDLESS SANDER‍
Selected as a FINALIST in the 2024 Pro Tool Innovation Awards

2025 PUBLICATIONS

Check us out in the December 2025 Edition of PROFESSIONAL DISTRIBUTOR Magazine

We are so grateful for this incredible review and 9/10 score of the RGX Pro 316 sander by PTEN’s Mike Robinson.

The RGX Pro 332 exhibited on PTEN’s September 2025 edition.

Here is our sander in the latest August 2025 Edition of PROFESSIONAL DISTRIBUTOR Magazine

Check out our RGX sander in PTEN’s latest August 2025 Edition.

The RGX Pro 316 exhibited on PTEN’s June 2025 edition.

Check out our RGX 332 sander in PROFESSIONAL DISTRIBUTOR’s latest June 2025 Edition.

The RGX Pro 316 exhibited in PROFESSIONAL DISTRIBUTOR’s May 2025 Edition.

2024 PUBLICATIONS