Products

Crocodile Cloth^® is a relatively new entrant to the hardware channel with their industrial-strength disposable cleaning cloths. The company has a simple goal: “No More Wimpy Wipes!” Crocodile Cloth is part of Nuvik, which is a UK company founded in 2016 to develop, manufacture and distribute unique, innovative cleaning and hygiene products.

Crocodile Cloths are oversized cleaning cloths measuring 15” x 10”, which is almost four times the size of traditional disposable wipes. The product is a non-drying, alcohol-free wipe that contains aloes so it’s gentle on the hands. Most wipes have the same texture on each side of the wipe.

Crocodile Cloths are smooth on one side and textured on the other to help scrub and scour the surface. The other key feature that stands out is the overall strength of the wipe. In this company video, you can see someone trying to rip the cloth into two pieces—click here to view. We simulated this in the office and can attest that these wipes are extremely strong and as close to a traditional towel as you will get in a disposable wipe.

Crocodile Cloth Professional Series comes in three different versions: Original, Auto and Paint. They also have a Power Series and Consumer Series. We provided our testers with the Professional Series Original with an 80-wipe count per recyclable package.

Our testers used the Crocodile Cloth in so many different applications ranging from cars, boats, barbecue grills, just to name a few. One tester reported cleaning up a spray lubricant from a hard surface and not only did it clean the surface it also removed the odor of the lubricant. Another wanted to test the durability of the wipe and used it on his truck’s tailgate, which has an abrasive spray-on bed liner (similar to 50 grit sandpaper). He thought for sure it would shred it. Not only did it hold up it also cleaned up the tailgate. One tester’s comment stuck with me: “Normal wipes belong in the kitchen. Crocodile Cloths belong in the garage, shed, work truck or anywhere else where things get dirty.”

Crocodile Cloth is a true no-brainer for any hardware store to stock. For more info go to: https://crocodilecloth.com/products/.

Over the past few years, there has been an explosion of DIY home repair and makeover shows. Sometimes during a rainy weekend day, I get sucked into watching one or two of these shows. They all follow the same formula and during the “reveal” there is always something that is reused from the “before,” but cleaned up and painted to match the new decor. What they never show is the hours of prep time required to make the old item look new again. It’s not so easy to sand and strip cabinets or furniture to deliver a like-new finish.

Beyond Paint offers a solution to all that time-consuming and often back-breaking prep work with its All-in-One paint. Beyond Paint is a no sanding, no priming all-in-one paint that is a bonder, primer and finisher. Once cured the paint is washable and only requires two coats. There is virtually no limit to what it can bond to including wood, metal, Formica, laminate, plastic, glass, linoleum, masonry, tile, concrete and even previously painted surfaces.

Beyond Paint is applied using a 3/8” nap roller for larger surfaces and a paintbrush for those smaller areas. The paint is much thicker than normal paint and is self-leveling so it will not show brush marks. Another benefit of the paint is its durability—it covers three to four times more than the regular paint. It achieves extended coverage using nanotechnology, which increases the paint particles. Lastly, it’s eco-friendly and contains a low VOC so it’s safe around children or pets. Click here to view a quick company video.

Since Beyond Paint can be applied to so many different surfaces and requires no real prep, we decided to recruit a few DIY homeowners with various home projects. When I supplied the paint I told each tester the only prep work required is to make sure the surface is clean, dry and free of grease. They all gave me a similar look of disbelief and one tester even commented, “yeah, I heard that before.” After their tests were completed each one raved about how easy the product was to apply, the overall coverage and how it shows no brush or roller marks.

One tester is a mother who wanted an improved look for her son’s room, since all his furniture was secondhand IKEA-style items. However, she did not feel like spending the money on replacing every piece and decided to paint the bed and dresser. Her final comment to me sums it up nicely: “It looks better now than if I would have replaced everything with new furniture from IKEA.” Regardless of how large or small your store’s paint department is you definitely need to consider stocking Beyond Paint.

Taking an innovative approach to stapling is Unitacker’s ground-breaking 3-in-1 UT-869i staple gun. With the faceplate’s special design, the stapler can perform two extra functions: one as a paper stapler to fasten up to 50 sheets of A4 paper; the other, as a stapler for temporary fixing purpose—the staple stays above the object and is easily removed, leaving no staple on the wall.

Durable metal inner magazine and safety handle lock mechanism.

No-switch design to accept multi-wire staples of different sizes. Built-in device can identify the different gauge of staple.

Same Yong Industrial Co. Ltd.

www.unitacker.com/.tw

unitacker@gmail.com

Features detachable 5” touchscreen and batteries, along with secondary backside camera with GPS function.

Lightweight (1.2kg) design and one-handed operation.

Compatible with insight report assist software. S-HD images and video.

Roll-up tubes to store insertion probe tubes.

MitCorp

www.mitcorpusa.com

sal@mitcorp.com.tw

AW050H features patented anvil design for multiple functions: Impact sockets, adapter anvils and bits.

Powerful torque with low noise (muffler option): Working torque 500 ft-lb and max torque 600 ft-lb.

Jumbo hammer and handle exhaust. One-hand operation for forward and reverse: 3 positions for each side.

Short length: only 3.38” allows user to easily access in cramped spaces.

APACH Industrial Co.

www.apach-tools.com

info@apach.com.tw

Unique and innovative design featuring ultra-comfortable ergonomics.

Powerful swing hammer clutch and magnesium alloy lightweight patent design.

Suitable for various industries and auto repair.

Bolt capacity 42mm. Pneumatic wrench has large torque.

Air Boss Air Tools Co.

www.twairboss.com

airboss@twairboss.com

New made in the U.S.A. insert bit product line is available to accommodate a wide variety of fastener styles and sizes.

Made with S2 tool steel, a shock-resistant material that can withstand high impact. The bits are heat treated to provide added strength and durability and their precision tip profile provides both positive and precise fastener engagement.

Insert bits are designed for use with a screwdriver and can be used with various power tools when using a bit adapter.

Several POP display combinations available for easy selling and merchandising.

Mayhew Tools

www.mayhew.com | 800-872-0037

Complete 3-in-1 system includes innovative, award-winning, Italian-designed expandable hose, a modern multi-function, ergonomic nozzle and a storage bag that features easy drainage and stylish storage.

Hose is three times lighter than regular hoses with anti-kink TPE material that is flexible to avoid tangles.

Designed with polyester braided yarn for improved burst strength and outer layers made with thermoplastic elastomer to provide elasticity to the hose.

Premium quality anodized aluminum coupling with anti-kink collars. Easy thumb control allows users to adjust the water power within spray settings. Leak-proof, erosion-resistant metal threaded couplings for superior hose attachment.

FITT USA INC.
usa.fitt.com
866-348-8872

The average American household has 75 electrical outlets with a majority of them being the standard three-prong, 15 amp style. The number of devices requiring electrical has virtually exploded over the last three decades from mobile phones and computers to tablets and security cameras. Now the average American household has 65 devices either plugged into or permanently connected to the home.

The electrical accessories market is not short of devices aimed to add additional outlets to the traditional three-prong outlet. Walk down any electrical aisle of a hardware store and there is no less than a half-dozen or so of these devices—power strips, power towers, power hubs, etc. However, no one has addressed the fundamental problem—the actual plug itself. Well, not until theOUTlet.

You can see that theOUTlet looks like a traditional three-prong outlet, but it has a secret that is revealed with a push of a button. When the button is pushed the outlet flips open to reveal another set of plugs, making for a total of four within the same plug. Click here to see a quick example. Also, theOUTlet installs into any traditional outlet box without any modifications or special tools. Click here to see a 10-minute installation video.

You should know that theOUTlet comes in two models: the basic model that features four receptacles and the USB model that features the same four receptacles, but includes two USB ports. Both are tamper-resistant and are cETLus certified for the U.S. and Canada.

We provided both versions to a few testers who felt comfortable swapping out an electrical outlet. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive ranging from “I can finally get rid of that ugly powerstrip” to “I no longer need to go searching for a USB connector to charge my phone at night.” Without a doubt, theOUTlet deserves careful consideration for space in your store. Just don’t be surprised if your other receptacle expansion accessories start to lose sales.

In past articles, I have written about the double-digit growth of the home automation market and how it’s showing no signs of stopping. The “smart home” and “internet of things” (IoT) will continue to drive this growth for the next decade. Personally, I am a big fan and our home operates on a home automation platform with full customization. While this can be extremely convenient and at times offers peace of mind by not worrying if you turned off the oven, it does come at a cost.

While there is a financial cost, the real cost I am speaking of is when something inevitably goes wrong. As every retailer can attest, when something runs on a computer and software there will be times it fails. I am still recovering from the mocking handed out by my wife when a software update took out our ability to turn on the living room lights for three days.

All of this could have been avoided if I had used the reliable and easy-to-install lighting controls offered by Intermatic. Intermatic is a family-owned business offering lighting controls and energy-management solutions for 130 years. Intermatic offers solutions in 18 categories for both retail and OEM markets. We recently received a shipment of a few of their indoor and outdoor timers for review.

We provided our testers with the HB11k, a heavy-duty outdoor timer with cover; the TN311K, a lamp and appliance timer; and the T101, a 24-hour mechanical timer switch. Click here for a brief video.

All three timers share a few similar qualities: simply plug them into the appropriate receptacle, turn the dial to the desired on/off times and plug in the device you want to control. These timers can control indoor/outdoor lighting, fans, pumps, fountains, conveyors and the list goes on.

All of our testers commented on how easy it was to get set up and running on their set schedule. Some elected to control outdoor patio lights and one decided to use the lamp timer to turn on and off the lamp to give the impression someone was home while on vacation. If you are looking for a product that sells itself with mass appeal and virtually no chance of a return, take a look at the wide line of products offered by Intermatic.