New products, new innovations

New products from the 2012 National Hardware Show in Las Vegas had a tremendous variety of end users in mind. Here’s a small sample. 

Rolgear Ratch-it screwdrivers

Rolgear Manufacturing’s new generation of “Ratch-it” single-blade screwdrivers offers greater user ease and efficiency, including smooth and silent rotation with zero+ backlash. No longer is it necessary to release and re-grip the tool. These drivers allow for transfer of torque/rotation to the handle drive, eliminating slippage. The ergonomically sleek-shaped handle includes a molded soft grip for heightened comfort. It is also available in a “Ratch-it” Multibit model. (rolgear.com) 

Premier Tech LTD Wilson ONESHOT

Premier Tech LTD’s Wilson ONESHOT is an eco-friendly weed sprayer with interchangeable, ready-to-use herbicide cartridges. ONESHOT protects flowers and plants from harmful herbicide overspray with its 7-in. protective shield that encloses the weed completely and keeps herbicide spray contained. ONESHOT’s 24-ounce herbicide cartridges are pre-mixed and ready to use. There are three solutions to choose: selective, non-selective or organic. ONESHOT also eliminates the bending, stooping and repetitive squeezing required by hand-pump sprayers. Its long handle allows users to stand comfortably during use, and a push on the handle releases a precise spray directly onto the weed. (premiertech.com)

Little Big Shot Super Nozzle

The earth-friendly Little Big Shot Super Nozzle, made from solid brass, manages water flow more efficiently, according to the company. It features “continuous” rather than “discrete” adjustments ranging from a powerful sweep to a pinpoint stream. At full open, it has the power to quickly sweep leaves and dirt from lawns and driveways without wasting water. As the knob rotates, the spray adjusts continuously to meet the watering needs of virtually any plant or shrub without overwatering. The built-in Perma-Washer will not corrode, come loose or leak. (kco-products.com)

General Tools E•Z Pro Deluxe Doweling Jig Kit

The new E•Z Pro Deluxe Doweling Jig Kit from General Tools & Instruments now includes a power drill. The kit offers a cost-effective way to produce professional Dowel joints right out of the  box. Designed in-house by General’s engineering team, the Deluxe Doweling Jig Kit comes in a compact and portable storage box with pre-molded compartments for stowing all components. The kit allows users to produce three types of strong, precision dowel joints in three sizes: 1/4 in., 5/16 in. and 3/8 in. The heavy-duty aluminum jig simplifies the process and is anodized in a gold color to impede corrosion. The pointed notches on the working edges of the jig center the drill bit automatically for precise registration. All of the kit components come in a self-contained, pre-molded storage box. (generaltools.com)

COAST Products LED flashlights

COAST’s HP7 High Performance flashlight includes next-generation optics, and patented, proprietary LED innovations. Housed in a rugged 5.5-in. aluminum casing, the HP7 projects 251 lumens of light using four AAA alkaline batteries, which are included. It has a runtime of up to 10 hours and a beam distance of 643 ft. The HP7 and most new COAST LED flashlights include Pure Beam Focusing, COAST’s patent-pending optics that produces a pure, bright consistency across the entire beam; Fingertip Speed Focus Control, which keeps one hand free while the user focuses the flashlight with a thumb or finger by sliding the front bezel forward or back; and Beam Lock System, which locks the light into the precise beam size with a twist of the front bezel. (coastportland.com)

AquaOne Toilet Guardian

The environmentally friendly Toilet Guardian by AquaOne Technologies solves the problems of toilet leaks, stuck open flappers, leaky fill valves and more. If the toilet begins to run excessively, the Toilet Guardian’s integrated smart valve, designed around TI MSP430 technology, intercepts the flow of water to the toilet tank before the leak becomes a huge problem. Conversely, if the water level in the bowl gets too high, the Toilet Guardian shuts off the water supply so the user can’t flush a second time. Toilet Guardian’s audible alarm and control panel screen alert the owner of faults in the system. (thetoiletguardian.com)

FLEX-Drain downspout adaptors

The world’s first bendable drain pipe is now also blendable. Designed to offer more versatility than ever, these new FLEX-Drain color-coordinated 3-in. and 4-in. downspout adaptors are designed to match the color of a house or foundation, while the pipes match everything from mulch and grass to dirt and concrete. Part of the FLEX-Drain complete drainage solution system, these flexible, expandable new products feature the same groundbreaking technology and are made in the USA. The downspout adaptors are available in four natural colors. (flex-drain.com)

Hyde Tools Drywall Taping Knives

Hyde Tools has redesigned its line of taping knives, which includes three new, patented taping knife lines — Pro Stainless, Pro Hardwood and Pro Project tools — plus the existing line of Value Series taping knives. These tools range in size from 8 ins. to 14 ins. The Pro Stainless line of taping knives features eight new tools with a flexible, tapered stainless steel blade and soft-grip handle. The taping knife backings are non-rust aluminum, with options for a flexible and lightweight folded-aluminum style or a stiff extruded backing. The Pro Hardwood line features a patented new hardwood handle design that is smooth for comfort and easy cleanup. The 16 tools in this line have flexible, tapered blades, with a choice of blue steel or non-rust stainless. The Pro Project line offers eight tools with a flexible, tapered blue steel blade and a user-preferred, patented soft grip handle. (hydetools.com)