Hardware Show
By Frank Mathie
April 19, 2004 — McCormick Place is abuzz with buzz saws these days and filled with the nuts and bolts of life. The hardware show is back for another visit and this year, even though the crowds aren't as big, it's still a good place to get a good look at what's new at your local hardware.
ABC7 Video Clip
National Hardware Show: Sneak peak at the latest products
For the American Hardware Manufacturers Association it's three days at McCormick Place. The National Hardware Show, which used to be part of this exhibit, holds its convention next month in Las Vegas. The crowds are a bit smaller but the products are the same and some very original. Unfortunately, it's not open to the public. But ABC7 News got a sneak peak at the products. For instance, after thousands of years of the same basic hammer, at last a new design.
"We basically reinvented the hammer. With a new weight forward design," said Terry Freeman, Estwing Manufacturing, Rockford. "What we have done is we engineered it so 70 percent of the weight is brought forward giving it more maximum power."
The brinks security people have come up with a new safe that opens with a code or with just your fingerprint. And everywhere you see laser levels on sale. This is a product that has gone from the pros down to the do-it-yourselfers.
"That means we can sell a laser to a housewife for her husband for a Christmas gift or a Fathers Day gift. We're always on the level, that's the whole idea," said Carmine Citro, The Stanley Works.
Scooters now at your local hardware and something called a fogger fountain.
"It creates fog," said Barbara Rogers, Merchant's Worldwide. "It's good for your air. It adds humidity."
One of the great things about the hardware show is when you find the little guy who comes up with a neat invention that can change your life. That's Wilson Springs and his Kwikbag.
It's an attachment to your yard waste can that lets you rake directly into the can.
"Rake the debris into the Kwikbag Pan, stand the can back up and it funnels into the bag," said Wilson Springs, Kwikbag Systems. "It eliminates all the bending down and leaning over."
His invention should be hitting the market soon. .
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