Products

One of the most common repairs a homeowner, tenant or handyman performs is patching holes in drywall. Some are the result of removing hardware from a wall, doorknobs impacting walls or even simple nail holes from hanging pictures. Or in my case, an over-excited 80-pound puppy’s hip crashing into the wall while leaping into bed during a training exercise. Regardless of how the hole materializes, patching drywall is something everyone will encounter.

When it comes to drywall repair there is no shortage of ways to repair holes from all-in-one kits, spackling, drywall replacement or toothpaste if you’re still in college and moving out of your dorm. The problem with all repair methods is the need to spackle, sand and then paint. It’s extremely easy to spot a drywall repair performed by the inexperienced. However, DAP aims to solve this problem with the introduction of the Eclipse Rapid Wall Repair Patch.

The Eclipse patch is an innovative drywall repair solution that requires no spackling or sanding and just a few coats of paint after application. The user simply selects the appropriate size patch—2”, 4” or 6”—applies the adhesive patch over the hole and paints the first coat. Once the first coat of paint dries, pull the pop-up tab from the patch revealing the repaired hole. With another coat or two of paint the drywall is now repaired and four times stronger than the drywall itself. Click here to view a demonstration.

We enlisted a mix of testers from a professional painter to a weekend DIYer who is just trying to complete his honey-do-list in time to watch the big game on TV. Our professional initially scoffed at the idea of a patch not requiring spackle or sanding, but quickly changed his opinion after the first job. He was quick to comment on the ease of application, but more importantly the impressively clean and professional appearance of the repair. Drywall repair used to take hours of his job time, but now it was less than 30 minutes and required no additional clean-up.

DAP Eclipse Rapid Wall Repair Patch is a must-stock item for any hardware store selling paint, drywall or spackle. Personally, I wished Eclipse was available when our lovable puppy put her hip into the wall and I was left with a 4” hole. It would have been significantly less expensive than the professional I hired.

As any parent can attest, young children love to explore the world around them by touching, tasting, smelling, poking, climbing as they learn. It’s this curiosity that leads parents to “childproof” their homes to limit the chances of this behavior turning into a life-threatening event. We all have heard, “it only takes a second…” and something happens to change everyone’s life forever.

One potential danger most parents do not recognize sitting in plain sight in virtually every room of the house is batteries. And more specifically lithium coin batteries. As a father, it never crossed my mind that young children would put a coin battery into their mouth or worse attempt to swallow it. Every year hundreds of children accidentally ingest lithium coin batteries. In as little as two hours, a harmful chemical reaction takes place putting the child’s life in immediate danger. Click here to watch a video of how one family’s life was turned upside down in an instant.

Duracell has taken a leadership role to help prevent accidental ingestion and educate parents on the danger of lithium coin batteries. The company has launched a new line of lithium coin batteries treated with a bitter coating to discourage ingestion. The new battery was awarded the prestigious award of Parent Tested Parent Approved (PTPA) Winners Seal of Approval. For more information on the product and campaign, click here.

This section is about using independent testers to try various products and write about their feedback. Since I could not encourage one tester to “take one for the team” and describe the taste of the bitter coating, I was left to do it myself. The taste is that of a mix of bitterness with a hint of acidic flavor. Think of a lemon on steroids with a prolonged bitter aftertaste.

The Duracell bitter coated lithium coin batteries are available in 2032, 2025 and 2016 sizes. The package is clearly labeled with a child with its tongue out and features a child-secure double-blister package design requiring scissors to remove the battery. Educate your staff and customers on the dangers of lithium coin batteries and how the Duracell bitter coating is a safe alternative. As for the bitter coating, it’s non-toxic so feel free to try it for yourself. However, I recommend it after lunch.

• The VersaSWEEP™ 4-in-1 Magnetic Sweeper can be used in 4 different configurations—tow, mount, hang and push—to quickly and easily clean up hazardous ferrous metal debris from indoor and outdoor traffic areas preventing costly injuries and repairs.

• Right tool to efficiently clear metal debris from sidewalks, loading docks and warehouse aisles to driveways, construction sites, parking lots and roads.

• Available in sweeping widths from 48” to 96”, the VersaSWEEP™ works indoors or outdoors, over any terrain and in any weather condition.

• The adjustable sweeping height allows for efficient cleaning of varying sizes of debris. The quick-release function makes cleanup fast and safe.

Master Magnetics
www.magnetsource.com
800-525-3536

Mosquito and Flying Insect Bait Station

• UV light technology and natural attractant solution draws in pesky mosquitoes and other flying insects. Once insects feed on the all-natural solution, they perish before they can breed again.

• User mixes water with powdered ingredients to activate bait. Includes 2 bait stations. Insect Bait Tube Effective for 90 Days.

• Dusk to Dawn Sensor for lighting efficiency. Foldaway handle/hook for versatile hanging. Made in the USA with global materials.

• Powered by 3 AAA alkaline batteries (included).

Skeeter Hawk
800-735-4740
www.nebotools.com/skh

• Feature a rugged over-mold casing that surrounds the tape for greater protection and unmatched durability. Also, the built-in tether points allow for working at height without fear of dropping the tape.

• An extra wide, dual-sided end hook increases surface area for a strong grip. Meanwhile, the dual-prong system folds up or down, allowing the user to utilize both sides of the blade.

• The crank is ergonomically designed with a built-in stop that allows the crank to travel above the user’s fingers during retraction. The 3:1 rewind ratio provides a fast, controlled mechanism, and the seated handle protects the crank assembly during storage.

• Available in 100-foot and 50-foot options, both with SAE and metric markings.

Crescent Tool/Apex Tool Group
800-650-8665
www.crescenttool.com

• These miniature side cutters are compact in size, making them ideal for precise cutting of electronic components, copper wire and soft component lead wires as well as hobbyists and craft work.

• They feature outstanding sharp cutting jaws made in Japan with heat-treated carbon steel for excellent cutting performance and durability.

• These nippers come with spring-loaded, ESD Safe grips for easy operation (strap holes at end of handles). The quality handles are not just comfortable but also oil resistant.

• Angle opening adjuster (sets max jaw opening when grips are released) enhances productivity and gives less hand fatigue overall for repetitive cutting work.

Vampire Tools
949-748-0552
www.vampiretools.com

• FrogTape^® Delicate Surface Painter’s Tape is made with exclusive PaintBlock^® Technology, a super-absorbent polymer that reacts with the water in latex paint and instantly gels to form a micro-barrier that seals the edges of the tape to prevent paint bleed. The result is a crisp, professional paint line.

• Specifically designed to work on delicate surfaces such as fresh paint, wallpaper and decorative projects, this premium-grade masking tape is perfect for when you need a lower adhesion level to help prevent surface damage.

• Removes cleanly from most surfaces for up to 60 days. Premium adhesion to help eliminate the need for touch-ups.

• Tape canister for clean, protected storage.

FrogTape/Shurtape Technologies
800-321-0253
www.frogtape.com

Blazing Hot Blend™

• Blazing Hot Blend™ is a 100% all-natural, chemical-free way to increase the number of birds visiting your feeder. It combines a patented habanero chili oil formula with the most preferred seeds of backyard songbirds.

• This is a traditional mix designed to attract a maximum variety of birds and keep them coming back with a fiery bit of spice. Woodpeckers, grosbeaks, buntings, cardinals, chickadees, bluebirds, goldfinches and more find this mix irresistible.

• Works well in all feeder types including Cole’s Terrific Tube™, Mighty Mesh™ and Bountiful Bowl™.

• Available in 5, 10, 20, 40-pound sizes.

Cole’s Wild Bird Products
877-426-8882
www.coleswildbird.com

• Use both liquid or water-soluble lawn and garden chemicals in this sprayer. Attach to the end of a standard garden hose and it automatically mixes just the right amount of chemical with water.

• G6015 sprayer features 32-ounce capacity, chemical-resistant construction, patented filter basket for even granular dilution and adjustable 4-position nozzle and backflow preventer.

•  Made in the USA with global materials.

•  Fits standard hose ends with thumb control to easily switch on and off.

Chapin Mfg.
800-950-4458
www.chapinmfg.com

Ironwood Series 885 Pellet Grill

• Features WiFIRE^® technology so you can control your grill anytime, anywhere using the Traeger App to adjust temperatures, monitor food and pellet levels, browse over 1,600 recipes and more.

• Simple controls maintain precise temperature for consistent results every time, and Super Smoke Mode lets you crank up the flavor with the press of a button.

• Built-in meat probe allows you to monitor your food’s internal temperature without lifting the lid.

• Double side-wall insulation improves temperature consistency and pellet efficiency in cold weather.

Traeger Grills
www.traegergrills.com
800-872-3437