When do-it-yourselfers go shopping these days, they will be getting less for their money, but that’s good news. At the National Hardware Show held at McCormick Place earlier this month, many manufacturers presented their products in new ways that reflect the philosophy that less is better.
“There is a heightened concern for the environment in the industry, not just in environmentally friendly products, but also in the packaging,” says Terry Gallagher, editor of the trade magazine Hardware Age. “A lot of manufacturers are now trying to use less packaging so they’re wasting less paper, cardboard and plastic.”
The new products themselves that were introduced at the show were indicative of continuing trends to improve the quality of life at home and increase the resale value of a house. Products to remodel kitchens and bathrooms were abundant, as were those representing the three “S’s”: safety, security and storage.
Here are only a few of the many products introduced at the National Hardware Show. The prices listed for products featured are suggested retail prices. You can contact the listed manufacturers for help in finding a retailer in your area that carries a specific item.
Affordable lighting
Hunter Fan Co. has introduced about 140 new lighting fixtures that offer upscale styles at more affordable prices. The line ranges from colonial chandeliers to flush-mounted ceiling fixtures. Finishes include a weathered brass called “verde,” a textured southwestern white and an oxydized rust look to complement contemporary decorating trends. Some fixtures have clear, beveled glass with color accents, including Cardinal Red, Ink Blue, Forest Green and Solar Yellow. To conserve energy, a series of multi-use flush mounts use halogen or fluorescent lamps. Price: From $25 for a Colonial sconce to $800 for crystal chandeliers. Hunter Fan Co., 2500 Frisco Ave., Memphis, Tenn. 38114. Phone: 901-745-9402.
Easy faucet action
Aqua Plumbing has introduced Easy Action Blade Handles for lavatories. They are designed to make faucets easy for people with disabilities to operate. The long, sweeping handles, patterned after those used in hospitals, can be easily operated with the hand or the elbow. The handles adapt to 95 percent of all existing faucets and are available in chrome or polished brass. Price: $31.48 for chrome, $34.98 for polished brass. Aqua Plumbing Products, 4056 Calle Platino, Oceanside, Calif. 92056. Phone: 800-854-3812.
Door latch relief
S. Parker has introduced the Heavy Duty Cylindrical Key-in-Leverset, which meets the requirements set out by the Americans with Disabilities Act. The 5-inch lever-style handles are easy to grip and and require so little pressure that they can be pushed down with just one finger. Each lever works independently of the other; the locks are equipped with two separate spring mechanisms that alleviate wear and tear. The leversets are available in entry, passage and privacy models and come in polished brass, dull chrome, oil-rubbed bronze or polished chrome finishes. Price: $45. S. Parker Hardware Mfg. Corp., Parker Drive, P.O. Box 9882, Englewood, N.J. 07631. Phone: 800-S-PARKER.
Alarm for hearing-impaired
Fyrnetics has developed a smoke alarm to meet the needs of the hearing impaired. The unit, which runs on household current, features a visual warning from a bright strobe light that flashes 65 to 75 times per minute when the alarm is triggered. The alarm complies with the regulations of Underwriters Laboratories and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Price: $225. Fyrnetics Inc., 1055 Stevenson Ct., Suite 102-W, Roselle, Ill. 60172. Phone: 800-654-7665.
Steel storage
Stanley Hardware has added a series of kits to its line of Steel Plank storage products. These systems, made of wide steel planks, are designed to provide the ventilation of wire shelving without creasing clothes. They also provide the strength of wood shelving, but they won’t warp or bend. New models include shelf kits with or without a hanger bar, shelf tower kits with three or six shelves, three closet organizers and a tie and belt organizer, all available in white. Prices: from $14.95 for the Tie and Belt Organizer to $58.95 for Closet Organizer with three-shelf tower. Stanley Hardware, 480 Myrtle St., New Britain, Conn. 06053. Phone: 800-545-3443.
Bar the door
Winner International, which makes the anti-theft device for cars called The Club, has created The Door Club to increase home security against forced entry. The Door Club is a steel bar that is secured in the floor two inches from the door threshold. Winner says it can withstand more than a ton of direct force. The Door Club has two protective positions: open, to allow the homeowner to open the door two inches to identify visitors (much like a chain lock), and closed, which wedges the door completely shut. It can be installed with common household tools and can be removed quickly for emergency exit. Price: $59.95. Winner International, Winner Building, 32 W. State St., Sharon, Pa. 16146. Phone: 800-527-3345.
Lightweight bricks
Lightweight patio bricks, called Woodcrete, are made of cement, sand and mineralized wood chips. They are one-third the weight of standard concrete bricks and can be cut with a wood saw and nailed into place. Because of their natural texture and their porosity, which allows water to drain through instantly, Woodcrete blocks do not become slippery, according to the manufacturer. They also are designed to transmit much less heat than concrete blocks, so they won’t burn bare feet in the hot summer months. The blocks are available in square or round shapes and a variety of colors. Price: $4.99 for an 18-inch-square block. Agrestech Industries Ltd., 745 Industrial Blvd., Blainville, Quebec, Canada J7C 3V3. Phone: 800-567-1919.
Wrist support
Safe-T-Wrist is designed to give support and reduce the strain that causes carpal tunnel syndrome when working with tools in the workshop or the garden. Model SD comes in black, taupe or jade green and its sleek profile allows it to be worn under gloves. Price: $12.95. FLA Orthopedics Inc., 5757 N.W. 158th St., P.O. Box 5380, Miami Lakes, Fla. 33014-1380. Phone: 800-327-4110.
Safety kit
Miracle Point has put together a Workshop Safety & First Aid Kit for do-it-yourselfers to prevent accidents and take care of minor injuries. It includes a professional-quality dust mask, goggles, ear plugs and gloves for safety and a variety of first-aid items. The kit also includes the Magna-Point Tweezers, which combine a pair of tweezers with a small magnifying glass. Price: $27.95 plus $4 postage and handling by mail order only. Miracle Point, P.O. Box 71, Crystal Lake, Ill. 60039-0071. Phone: 800-682-4256.
