Please touch the merchandise
Las Vegas — The 2013 National Hardware Show again proved itself to be a stomping ground for new-product junkies. From areas called "Innovation Station" and "Pet Pavilion" — as well as press conference rooms and show-floor demonstrations — came a huge variety of potential margin boosters, door busters or simply sales opportunities. Here are a few.
Crescent Flip and Grip Wrench
The Crescent Flip and Grip Wrench features a unique pivoting jaw that fits over 50 sizes or types of fasteners, and helps reach around obstacles and into tight spaces for numerous projects at home or on the job. Apexhandtools.com
Generac LP5500 Portable Generator
Generac's new portable generator allows the LP fuel tank (20 or 30 lbs.) to ride within the chassis itself. Its PowerDial integrates all of the starting and operating controls into a single mechanism. Generac.com
Invisiplug
Invisiplug has developed a power strip to blend into the look of hardwood floors. The plastic mold-injected, wood grain-designed power strip provides consumers with a clean, seamless option. Invisiplug power strips are available in Light Natural, Medium Cherry and Dark Oak. Invisiplug.com
Xodus Motion Sensing Deck Light
The battery-operated LED deck light provides accent lighting at night and floods the deck surface with light when motion is detected. It gradually changes light level as motion is detected to soften lighting transitions. The patented "Low Glow Technology" extends battery life to a year with three "C" alkaline batteries using the low light level setting. The lights are also weatherproof for outdoor use. Xodusinnovations.com
DesignMod Smoothline Flush-Mount Wallplate System
The patent-pending and UL-approved Smoothline wallplate system offers a way to install outlets and switches flush with the wall using standard dry-wall finishing techniques. Designmod.com
Olympia Tools Turbofold Utility Knives
The Turbofold utility knives feature 25% more blade-cutting surface, an ergonomic thumb pad, stainless steel construction, quick blade-change dial and anodized aluminum handle. The knives also offer five positions to accommodate different cutting angles. Olympiatools.com
DeWalt professional mechanics tools
DeWalt has introduced a new line of professional mechanics tools, including ratchets, sockets, wrenches and sets. The ratchets are available in three sizes and feature a 72-tooth gear system and 5-degree actuation angle. The socket rails are available in a range of SAE and metric sizes, and feature deep laser-etched markings for easy identification and high visibility. The combination wrenches tout an anti-slip design on the open end jaw that locks the wrench on the fastener to deliver 400% more gripping power, and helps to prevent slippage that results in scraped knuckles. Dewalt.com
Magid Touchscreen Compatible Garden Glove
Magid Glove & Safety Manufacturing Co. has launched a new touchscreen compatible garden glove. This new version of the Touchscreen ROC (T-ROC) enables the user precise input without having to remove her gloves. With an electro-conductive copper and nylon blended liner, the T-ROC allows the transfer of an electric current — this is what makes the touchscreen work. Compatible with all touchscreen devices, the T-ROC is form-fitted and has a polyurethane-dipped palm for extra grip. Magidglove.com
Daredevil Framing Blades
Daredevil Framing Blades are made with thin-kerf, extra-hard steel plate blades with triple-sharp carbide teeth that power through wood to deliver a combination of speed and a smooth finish. A Speed Coat finish provides added speed and avoids binding in treated or wet lumber. The blades also feature control-cut shoulders for reduced kickback and expansion slots to control blade warp. Bosch.com
Dow Building Solutions Great Stuff
Great Stuff Pestblock Insulating Foam Sealant is formulated with a bitter ingredient to block insects and pests from entering the home by sealing gaps, cracks and holes. It expands to fill, seal and insulate gaps up to 1 in., forming a long-lasting, airtight, water-resistant barrier. Greatstuff.dow.com
Arrow Fastener TacMate
The TacMate stapler is a compact, ergonomic tool with power equivalent to large, professional staple guns. The advanced polymer housing construction is durable yet still lightweight, and the shorter grip span makes it comfortable for hours of continued use. The non-marring tip is designed to help protect the work surface from any scratches or dents that can be caused by the tool. Arrowfastener.com
HomeRight Titanium Series Paint & Stain Sprayers
The Titanium Series paint and stain sprayers feature the patented Flex-Pro suction tube for drawing the paint or stain into the sprayer. They also have a check valve, which prevents paint from running out of the suction tube. In addition, the Titanium sprayers have adjustable flow control, which makes it easy to control the spray pattern. Homeright.com