10 Top Tools from SEMA 2006

The Specialty Equipment Market Association show in Las Vegas rolls out every year the latest and greatest of what the world of aftermarket automotive performance has to offer. From super dorifto sport compact cars to land speed diesel pickups powered purely by peanut oil, SEMA has something for everybody. While gawking at diamond encrusted dubs and just-finished project cars is all fine and good, some of us are just as interested in a set of wrenches as we are a flamed Mustang. Tools may not get the same media fanfare at SEMA, but should never be left out. Here are 10 of the more interesting tools we saw out at SEMA in 2006.

Proform "No Mess" Funnel
Straight from the "Why didn't I think of that—" department is this trick funnel from Proform. A specially built patented ball-n-hook valve stops fluid flow when the funnel is pulled out of whatever it's pouring into. No more unkind words as whatever you're funneling fluid into fills up and overflows all over the place. Fluid flow immediately ceases when the funnel is removed. Just take the funnel and pour the fluid back into its home container. No more spills!

Gearwrench Double-X Pliers
These pliers give superhuman grip on most anything with a minimum of handle movement thanks to the innovative compound joint construction. The compound joints keep the pliers from becoming too wide to slip into tight spots. Grabbing bolts, connectors, fasteners, and other hard-to-reach objects in tricky locations has never been easier. The Double-X pliers are even fun to just open and close while reveling in their precision construction. Ply at will.

NGK Powerdex AFX Air-Fuel Monitor
While not a tool in the nuts-and-bolts sense, this compact wideband air-fuel ratio monitor is a vital addition to the toolbox if performance is what you like to build. The affordable kit comes from the folks that have been manufacturing oxygen sensors about as long as they've been around. The kit comes complete with a controller, wide-band oxygen sensor, wiring harness, exhaust boss, and tuning manual. Knowing the exact ratio of air-to-fuel as the mixture exits the engine is an invaluable tool for tuning an engine for peak horsepower.

Central LED Light
Seeing is half the battle while working underhood, undercar, or even undersink. To that end, Central Tools has developed this super handy cordless rechargeable magnetic LED work light. Featuring a full 42 LED bulbs, this light puts light where you need it and more. The Central LED light bathes the entire work area in light thanks to its super-diffusing design. Magnets and hooks help the light stay where you need it most. Let there be light.