Products

When it comes to paint prep, there is no shortage of options on the shelf, but most fall into two camps. They either stick too aggressively and create problems upon removal, or they fail to seal well enough and leave behind frustrating paint bleed. The FrogTape Advanced Multi-Surface Painter’s Tape features PaintBlock Technology designed to seal tape edges and help prevent paint bleed for clean lines.

At the core of the product is PaintBlock Technology, designed to seal the tape’s edges and prevent paint bleed, resulting in clean, sharp lines. That is not new for the FrogTape brand, but what stands out here is the execution, with a premium washi paper backing. Unlike traditional crepe paper tapes, this thinner yet stronger material conforms easily to curves and uneven surfaces without tearing, which professionals and serious DIYers will appreciate when working around trim, baseboards or detailed edges.

Strength is another key upgrade. The Advanced version is engineered to be two times stronger than standard crepe painter’s tape, which translates directly into better shred resistance during removal. Anyone who has dealt with tape breaking apart mid-peel knows how much time that can add to a job. Here, the combination of durability and controlled adhesion helps eliminate that problem while still maintaining clean removal.

Adhesion itself sits in the medium range, which is exactly where most retailers want it. It is versatile enough for common surfaces like cured painted walls, wood trim, glass and metal, without being overly aggressive. The solvent-free adhesive bonds quickly, allowing users to paint immediately after application with no waiting around, which is a practical benefit on both small jobs and larger projects.

One of the more overlooked features is the inclusion of Nano Technology for UV resistance. The tape offers up to 28 days of clean indoor removal and can withstand up to seven days of direct sunlight outdoors. That kind of flexibility reduces callbacks and complaints, especially for customers tackling multi-day or exterior projects. Click here to watch a Pro testimonial. We supplied a professional paint crew with our samples, and their feedback aligned with the testimonial.

From a retail perspective, this is a strong trade-up opportunity. FrogTape already carries solid brand recognition, and the Advanced positioning gives stores a clear upsell from standard painter’s tape. It fits well in a good, better, best merchandising strategy, particularly alongside premium brushes and paints. The unique plastic packaging also adds value at the shelf level by protecting the tape from damage and making it easier for customers to handle and store, which can enhance both presentation and perceived quality.

Bottom line: This is not a gimmick upgrade. It addresses real-world frustrations such as bleed-through, tearing and difficult removal while maintaining the ease of use customers expect. For independent hardware retailers, it’s an easy add that should drive both margins and customer satisfaction.

EcoFuego El Fuego Fire Pit

• Clean-burning fire pit powered by 100 percent vegetable wax fuel.
• Produces little to no smoke, ash or odor for low-maintenance use.
• Delivers up to eight hours of steady flame per refill.
• Lights quickly with a standard lighter—no fire building required.
• Relightable and extinguishable for flexible use.
• Durable ceramic composite construction with wood-look finish.
• Compact, portable design suited for patios, decks and small spaces.
• Includes lid for instant flame control and safe extinguishing.
• No wood storage, cleanup or ongoing fuel management required.
• Lower-emission alternative to traditional wood-burning fire pits.

EcoFuego

ecofuego.com

+44 (0)1491 818 757

At first glance, a key holder does not seem like a product that warrants much attention. But the reality is, disorganization around something as simple as keys creates daily friction, lost time, unnecessary bulk and constant noise. The 2GO Key Organizer takes a straightforward problem and solves it in a practical, well-executed way.

The core benefit is simple: It consolidates loose keys into a compact, silent and pocket-friendly format. Anyone who has carried a traditional keychain knows the annoyance of jangling keys or sharp edges digging into your leg. This design eliminates both. For professionals like handymen or maintenance crews managing multiple properties, that alone is a meaningful upgrade. Keys stay organized, accessible and out of the way.

Where the product goes a step further is in its built-in functionality. The integrated wrench and flathead screwdriver will not replace dedicated tools, but that’s not the point. These are the types of tools you need in a pinch, tightening a loose screw, making a quick adjustment, without having to run back to the truck. For property managers or real estate agents moving between locations, that added utility makes the organizer more than just storage; it becomes a small problem solver.

Durability is also handled well. The rugged industrial design holds up to job site use while maintaining a clean look that fits in a professional setting. The inclusion of a dedicated attachment point for larger items, such as car fobs, is another practical touch that prevents overloading the main body.

From a retail standpoint, this is an easy add-on item with broad appeal. It crosses multiple customer types, DIYers, tradespeople and even everyday users looking to simplify their pockets. It is not a complicated product, but it does exactly what it should, and it does it well.

• Collagen-based dog chew designed as a rawhide alternative.
• Highly digestible formula supports safe, long-lasting chewing.
• Peanut butter flavor enhances palatability for repeat purchase.
• Helps promote dental health through natural chewing action.
• High-protein, low-fat composition supports overall pet health.
• Satisfies natural chewing instincts and reduces destructive behavior.
• Available in multiple sizes and formats for assortment flexibility.
• Consistent shape and sizing suited for merchandising displays.
• Designed for dogs seeking longer-lasting chew options.
• Backed by lab-tested performance and digestibility standards.

Ethical Pet

ethicalpet.com

800-477-4466

• High-capacity portable power station designed for home backup and outdoor use.
• Expandable battery system supports increased energy storage needs.
• Compatible with solar panels for renewable charging options.
• Delivers high output suitable for appliances, tools and electronics.
• Fast recharging capability minimizes downtime between uses.
• Multiple output ports support a wide range of devices.
• App-enabled monitoring and control for power management.
• Quiet operation compared to traditional gas generators.
• Portable design with wheels and handle for mobility.
• Supports emergency preparedness and off-grid applications.

EcoFlow

ecoflow.com

800-368-8604

Killer Rabbit Turn-Post Connector

• Concealed post connector system designed to secure wood posts to concrete or decking without exposed brackets, bolts or flanges.
• Hidden hardware design improves finished appearance, supporting cleaner deck, pergola and patio builds.
• Powder-coated steel construction resists corrosion while elevating posts slightly off the surface to promote water runoff and reduce moisture damage.
• Eliminates the need for boxing or wrapping post bases, reducing install time and minimizing long-term rot issues.
• Available in two sizes to accommodate 4×4 and 6×6 posts, providing flexibility across common build applications.
• Engineered to meet building codes nationwide and withstand wind forces exceeding 200 mph.
• Made in the USA with a patented design focused on both structural performance and visual finish.

Killer Rabbit

turn-post.com

616-502-4928

• Designed to convert a standard five-gallon bucket into a high-capacity fly trap when paired with a compatible RESCUE! fly trap or POP! fly trap insert.
• Works with most standard five-gallon buckets found in hardware stores, making setup simple and cost-effective.
• Uses a one-way entry design that attracts flies into the bucket while making it difficult for them to escape.
• Effective for catching large numbers of common nuisance flies around outdoor work and leisure areas.
• Lightweight plastic construction allows for easy transport and placement near eaves, patios or exterior project zones.
• Compatible with reusable or disposable RESCUE! fly trap inserts, offering flexibility for repeat seasonal use.

RESCUE!

rescue.com

509-926-6766

• Extra-thick rubberized butyl adhesive for heavy-duty waterproof adhesion.
• Designed for patching and sealing both indoor and outdoor wet or dry surfaces—even underwater.
• Waterproof backing stands up to extreme weather and outdoor conditions.
• Temperature performance from roughly 23°F to 140°F.
• UV-resistant formula prevents breakdown under prolonged sunlight.
• Peelable liner streamlines application and keeps the adhesive clean.
• Made in the USA with global materials.

Shurtape Technologies

shurtapetech.com

800-321-1733

The iFlo HVAC Kit offers a product review experience that is a little different from our traditional format. Typically, we test products with multiple users and focus on features and benefits. In this case, I was the sole tester, and I purchased the iFlo HVAC Kit myself to solve a persistent drain line problem in my own home.

Living in South Florida, air conditioning is not seasonal. It is constant, with our unit running an average of 350 days per year. Shortly after installing a new A/C unit, I ran into a frustrating issue: The drain line kept clogging. You already know what follows: backed-up pans, tripped overflow switches and a service call unless you’re comfortable clearing it yourself. If not, it turns into a pricey visit. 

Frustrated, I realized I needed a preventative solution, not another temporary fix. Before reaching that conclusion, I went through the basics. I flushed the line. I used a wet/dry vacuum to pull suction through it. I even used a fish tape to manually clear the drain. Every one of these approaches required me to remember to do it. None of it was automated, and inevitably the clog would occur while I was traveling, leaving my wife to deal with the problem. It was not a system; it was a recurring chore. 

After researching preventative options, I discovered iFLO, a company focused specifically on protecting condensate drain systems before clogs happen. 

Preventing Clogs with the iFlo HVAC Kit

The concept is straightforward. The iFLO system automatically dispenses a proprietary enzymatic cleaning solution into the condensate line on a schedule. Instead of reacting to a clog, it works continuously to prevent the buildup of sludge and biofilm, often identified as Zoogloea, that cause blockages and odors. Many HVAC professionals note that this issue has become more common as modern air handlers have shifted from copper coils, which have natural antimicrobial properties, to all-aluminum evaporator coils. This shift creates an environment in which organic buildup can develop more easily inside condensate systems. 

Installation was simple and works with existing drain lines. Once installed, the unit operates automatically. The app allows homeowners to monitor activity and track each dispense in real time, adding visibility without adding work.  

Real-World Performance of the iFlo HVAC Kit

After running the system in my South Florida home for six months without a single clog, I installed the same unit in my mother’s home in The Villages. Her situation was similar, with recurring drain line issues. After a few service calls, she was forced to rely on the same temporary tactics I initially used, and no son wants his mother manually clearing an A/C drain line. The second installation was just as straightforward, and now both homes have consistent, automated protection in place. 

From a product standpoint, the enzymatic solution is non-acidic, non-bleach and non-corrosive, making it safe for the system and the home. It attacks organic buildup at the source rather than masking the issue, supporting long-term HVAC performance. 

Why Retailers Should Stock the iFlo HVAC Kit

There is also a smart retail angle. iFLO utilizes proprietary refill bottles verified through a QR-based authentication process. Once the initial bottle is empty, the unit will dispense only approved refill solutions. For independent hardware retailers, this effectively creates a subscription-style revenue stream. Customers must return for authenticated refills, turning what is typically a one-time hardware sale into an ongoing maintenance relationship that drives incremental sales. 

I recently connected with the company at a wholesaler show and agreed to share my experience. For full transparency, the company supplied the unit installed in my mother’s home, though I would have purchased it regardless, given my results. This review is based on two real-world installations protecting two homes in Florida’s demanding climate. 

Independent hardware stores in The Villages, this is my personal plea: Please carry the iFLO system, or at minimum, stock the refill bottles. My mother prefers independent stores, and I would much rather have her walk into a locally owned store where someone helps her than navigate a big-box aisle or an app to find the product. She values knowledgeable service and personal attention, and this is exactly the type of preventative, practical product that belongs on independent shelves. 

Sometimes the best products are not flashy. They simply solve a real problem before it becomes an expensive one. iFLO does exactly that.

Find more product reviews here.

• Combines wood glue and wood filler in one formula, eliminating the need for separate products.
• Thick, non-sag consistency fills gaps up to 1/8 inch while creating a strong bond.
• Designed for both interior and exterior woodworking applications.
• Sands easily once cured and can be stained or painted for a seamless finish.
• Suitable for cabinets, trim, furniture and general wood repairs.
• Water-resistant when coated, expanding application flexibility.
• Streamlines project workflow by reducing product steps and simplifying repairs.

DAP Global Inc.

dap.com

800-543-0184