I have a lot of tools. My career was in new product innovation, so I'm always curious about new tools. I thought I'd start a thread about tools that were better than expected.
1. Ryobi cordless brad nailer: I have a friend who knows the guy that invented the technology TTI uses (or so he said). I was curious and bought one (now own two). I found this thing very useful in a number of unexpected situations. It's so easy to tack something in place for a glue up or to hold a board until you can place a proper fastener. Air powered tools do the same but this tool is always ready to go anywhere (assuming the battery is charged of course).
2. Fein Multimaster: I could never see why I'd want one of these saws. Especially for the price. After the patent expired, I bought a HF version on a whim "just to see." I was shocked at how often I found a use for the tool. Especially in any remodeling or rough construction (e.g. framing). I now own two Feins and a Dewalt cordless. I still have the HF version somewhere but it was abandoned once I bought the Fein. BTW, I like the Dewalt cordless version MUCH better than the Fein cordless. Less vibration and trigger controlled variable speed.
3. Skil HD 5510 circular saw: This small 5 1/2" "professional" circular saw is outstanding. I have two and it's my "go to saw" for framing. Small but very powerful, it's realatively light weight and the small blade causes less kickback. I have about 10 circular saws and it's my favorite by far. Unfortunately, it isn't made anymore.
4. Impact drivers: I've had impact drivers for years but I image there's still someone out there without one. They're simple fantastic for driving screws, nuts and bolts.
5. Shopvac "6.5 HP" 5 gal. vacuum: With a claimed capacity of 200 CFM, this little vac has a lot of power. It's small and easy to grab for a quick job. I hooked it to my Kapex and measured greater CFM's than my CT 36 was pulling. And I can buy 7 Shopvacs for each Festool CT 36 and HEPA filters are available on Amazon. It's so small and cheap that I have "dedicated" units for some tools.