Each year more than 125,000 people converge on Las Vegas to attend the SEMA Show, and as always, HANDY editors were in the thick of things to ferret out the best new garage and automotive products. SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) represents the $36.7 billion specialty automotive industry, and this show is the best place to see all the coolest new technology and accessories. Here are some of the highlights that caught our attention.

Better Battery Life 
Who doesn’t want their vehicle’s battery to last longer? PulseTech says its Xtreme Charge ($99) extends battery life two to five times beyond the normal expectancy. Its pulse technology is designed to recondition the battery’s plates while it delivers a charge, and a proprietary algorithm protects the battery from damage caused by overcharging.

Air on the Go
Warn’s Air-Power onboard 12-volt compressors ensure you’ve got power wherever you need it. The lineup includes three premium compressors: The most powerful, the VTC ($765), delivers 20 cfm at 0 psi and 8 cfm at 90 psi; the midline SPI ($640) delivers 12 cfm at 0 psi and 4 cfm at 90 psi, and the smaller SPC ($250) has a rating of 1.5 cfm at 0 psi and 1.0 cfm at 90 psi. All three are designed to be either hard-mounted to a vehicle or trailer or left unattached for enhanced portability.

One Cleaner for All
Formulated to combat dirt and other elements that age a vehicle’s interior, Turtle Wax’s Ice Total Interior Care (about $8) cleans, shines and protects without leaving behind any greasy residue or slick film. It’s made for use on all interior surfaces, including dashboards, plastics, carpet and fabric.

Safer, Easier Welding
The new Power MIG 140 from Lincoln Electric is designed to run on common 120-volt household current and has a range of 30 to 140 amps. It’s available in two models: The 140T features simple tapped voltage control for basic MIG and flux-core welding, and the 140C ($735) offers continuous voltage control for projects that require precise adjustment. Both models feature Diamond Core Technology, which Lincoln says ensures superior arc starting, reduces spatter, creates a wider sweet spot and enhances performance with aluminum and stainless steel.

The company also introduced VISTA auto-darkening welding helmets ($200 to $300, depending on model), which offer one of the industry’s largest view sizes — 25 percent larger than many similarly priced helmets. In addition, the helmets feature variable shade control and independent arc sensors that help to ensure auto-darkening lens reliability, and they’re solar-powered, so there’s never a need to change a battery.

Smoother Towing
The first adjustable system of its kind on the market, Softride’s new Quietride adjustable-height tightening ball mount is constructed of forged aluminum and steel and comes with three balls in the most popular towing sizes (1-7/8, 2 and 2-5/16 in.). Safety interlocks prevent the ball mount from dropping out of its receiver, which is designed with Softride’s patented Quietride tightening technology that eliminates rattling, jarring and clanking. Two models are available: the 6-in. 26047 ($270) and the  10-in. 26046 ($300).

Tight Fit? No Problem!
These two tools from GearWrench are must-haves for automotive and home-improvement enthusiasts. The indexing pry bar ($23 to $60, depending on size)features a flexible head that pivots 180 degrees for increased access and leverage, making it ideal for tight places. Likewise, the pivoting heads and thinner profiles of the Flexible Hex and Torx Keys ($29 to $35 per set) make this setup well-suited for hard-to-reach fittings. It’s available as a five-piece SAE hex-key set, a six-piece metric hex key set and a six-piece Torx key set.

Trick Out Your Garage
For those who appreciate a well-appointed garage, Craftsman’s AXS tool-storage chest ($1,299) is a must. Besides offering plenty of capacity, the AXS system boasts slide-out work surfaces, power strips with 120-volt outlets, a 12-volt plug-in in for charging cell phones, a case for transporting tools to the work site and LED task lighting. Even the Craftsman logo glows a cool, neon blue.
To complete your setup, the company’s model 50187 Lift and Secure ($300) combines a jack and a locking jack stand in one tool that enhances safety and lifts faster. A patented extension screw raises the vehicle 17 in., and because the jack stand goes into place along with the jack, there’s no need to crawl under the vehicle to separately place the jack stands.

SOURCES
Craftsman, 800-377-7414 GearWrench, 800-688-8949 Lincoln Electric, 888-355-3213 PulseTech, 888-287-9314 Softride, 800-557-6387 Turtle Wax, 800-887-8539 Warn Industries, 800-543-9276