Products

In previous product reviews, I have reflected on my childhood experiences growing up in an active DIY family that didn’t own a pickup truck. I can’t count how many times we returned from the hardware store with our trusty Oldsmobile loaded with lumber and various materials, all secured using only twine provided by the store. Fortunately, we never lost a load, but BULK-STRAP could have significantly simplified our lives.

BULK-STRAP, owned by Turf Inc. since 1992, manufactures and distributes a broad line of webbing, webbing assemblies and fasteners. The straps can be cut easily with scissors or a hot knife and are offered in standard rolls of 300 feet or custom lengths. The company offers a polypropylene strap for lightweight applications, medium-weight applications are made from nylon and heavy-duty is made from polyester. Hardware items such as buckles, slip-loks and cam buckles are available in both plastic and metal. See below to watch a video providing an overview of their products.

Since Bulk-Strap is sold by length, the list of applications is virtually endless. So, we contacted a mix of testers for their opinion and challenged them to find a unique application. One use involved a garage/shed organization project to store tools neatly and securely. One tester who owns an underwater boat-bottom cleaning business used his samples to create a clever way of taking his cleaning tools underwater. Each tool was secured to him and easily detached with a buckle push.

The versatility and flexibility of Bulk-Strap make it a must-have for all hardware stores. The company takes pride in its retail displays and provides a variety of options to retailers.

If the name RapidFix^® sounds familiar, it’s because we have tested several of their products created by LHB Industries, a 501(c)(3) organization that provides support services for the visually impaired. Their newest product is the introduction of Super Strength Molding Tape, primarily used in the automotive market. This tape is an acrylic, dual-sided tape system that adheres to most surfaces, greatly expanding its applications.

The molding tape creates a permanent attachment for automotive molding, body siding, rocker panels, emblems and more. It can be easily cut with scissors, and the dual-sided liner is simple to remove. Additionally, the tape can withstand extreme weather fluctuations and weathering, which weaken most adhesives.

We provided samples to a car refurbishing enthusiast for simple cosmetic repairs that can be completed by anyone. The product performed without any failures in adhering to various materials and was able to withstand the scorching sun of South Florida. Our tests included multiple trips through a carwash, again without any issues.

If your store has an automotive department, consider adding RapidFix^® molding tape to address a variety of customer needs.

An open splice is a wire splice not contained inside a junction box. Open splices are illegal and dangerous. Now anyone can repair open wiring splices quick and easy.

Make open splices safe and up to code.

No need to disconnect wiring.

UL compliant, DIY friendly and patent pending.

Pro Design Products LLC
www.opensplicebox.com
888-310-7795

Comes with one packet of water-soluble attractant packaged inside a foil pouch. Just empty the contents of the foil pouch into the trap and add water. Lured by the scent, flies enter through the yellow top cap and drown in the water.

Refill attractants are sold in single-use pouches, allowing the trap to be reused over and over.

No killing agents—insects die naturally.

Simple and economical to reuse and recycle.

Rescue / Sterling International
www.rescue.com
509-926-6766

Expanded line of Mayhew socket bits includes new medium and long-length socket bits, sold individually and as sets.

Extended length of the medium and long socket bits makes these tools ideal for wide array of applications where longer reach into deeply recessed fasteners or high-performance torque in tight spaces is needed.

Medium socket bit assemblies have an OAL of 5.75” and long socket bit assemblies have OAL of 7”.

Available in wide variety of fastener styles and sizes to accommodate varying applications. Each bit is made with S2 tool steel, a shock-resistant material that can withstand high impact and is heat treated to provide added strength and durability.

Mayhew Tools
www.mayhewtools.com
800-872-0037

A new all-weather hybrid-acrylic anchoring adhesive engineered to deliver a faster-curing, high-strength bond for cracked and uncracked concrete and post-installed rebar connections.

Designed for high performance in extreme environments, it dispenses and cures quickly and can be specified for both dry and damp conditions.

Offered in single coaxial and side-by-side cartridges for use with standard manual, pneumatic and battery-powered tools from Simpson Strong-Tie, AT-3G is easy to prep and apply and has passed the demanding ICC-ES AC308 adverse-condition tests pertaining to reduced and elevated temperatures and long-term sustained loads.

The 10:1 ratio, two-component adhesive dispenses easily and cures quickly with minimal prep and no power-brushing required for hole-cleaning.

Simpson Strong-Tie
www.strongtie.com
800-925-5099

Recently we had the opportunity to revisit a product we reviewed in our February 2021 issue—Rescue! Ant Baits. The folks at Rescue recently updated the packing configuration and retail display materials. The product remains unchanged and features a dual-bait formula that is mess free and child-resistant.

RESCUE! Ant Baits new package.

RESCUE! Ant Baits old package.

The dual-bait formula includes both carbohydrates (sugar), a natural ant attractant, and protein. When ants enter the bait station to eat the sugar, they bring the protein back to the colony, effectively killing the larvae and queen. Click here to view a brief video.

Rescue! new floor-standing end cap.

The new packaging changes the packing layout of the four bait stations from a 3×2 horizontal stack to a 4×1 vertical layout.

The new retail displays are available in both floor-standing end cap or gondola shelf displays. The Rescue! Ant Baits features the same outstanding product we expect but now in new retail-friendlier packaging.

These consumer-friendly displays help the retailer show and sell the product through convenient dispensing units. Retail displays can be custom made to fit your market, are self-standing and can be hung on pegboard.

Polypropylene webbing is Made in USA and comes in 22 different colors. Best sellers include 3/4”, 1”, 1.5” and 2” x 300’.

For light-duty applications. UV and chemical resistant. Does not absorb water, mildew resistant and low-abrasive resistance.

Tensile strength is 500 lbs. (1”), 750 lbs. (1.5”) and 900 lbs. (2”).

BULK-STRAP
www.bulkstrap.com
630-365-3903

New to market is a zero-ozone certified air purifier built using TRUE HEPA filtration and one of the most comprehensive arrays of air filtration technologies available.

Broan-NuTone Air Purifier is third-party certified to emit zero ozone. This single-room air purifier has advanced auto-sensing technology, automatically detecting TVOCs and particulates (PM.1, PM2.5, and PM10), which are the size of respiratory droplets, dust and pollen.

It will automatically increase the fan’s speed to remove detected particles and VOC’s quickly. When the air is clean, it automatically reduces the speed back to regular speed.

Has built-in ultraviolet light that emits on surface of filter. You can adjust air purifier’s settings from phone or connect Alexa or Google devices.

Broan-NuTone
www.broan-nutone.com
800-558-1711

It seems the hardware industry is filled with products and tools promising “pro grade,” “pro finish” or countless other versions of “pro.” I am reminded of the proverb: “A bad workman blames his tools.” Just because the product or tool can deliver “pro” results doesn’t mean the user is a “pro.” The discrepancy between expectations and results can lead to a dissatisfied customer.

DAP’s new 2 in 1 Wall & Ceiling Spray Texture is a rare product that promises “pro results” and delivers while requiring minimal user experience. The 2 in 1 Wall & Ceiling Texture spray can features an Aim Tech adjustable nozzle providing 60-degree movement to access those difficult-to-reach locations.

In addition to up and down movement, the nozzle has three settings to control the desired texture: fine, medium or heavy. The new texture is ready for sanding or painting within 30 minutes, and any remaining product is stored using the can’s relocking tab. Click here to see a company video highlighting the Aim Tech adjustable nozzle.

The product is applied 12 to 18 inches from the surface, with brief bursts and a sweeping motion for even application or blending with existing texture. 2 in 1 Wall & Ceiling Spray Texture comes in four different textures: Orange Peel for both water-based and oil-based; Knock Down and Popcorn (available September), both in water-based. Click here to view a demonstration.

We provided our samples to a few DIYers who needed to patch and repair drywall with a textured finish. One of our tester’s comments provided the best review of the 2 in 1 Wall & Ceiling Spray Texture. “My past drywall repairs were always an eyesore, because I could never effectively blend the texture. Now I can repair the drywall, apply the texture and finish the project within an hour,” he said. DAP’s new 2 in 1 Wall & Ceiling Spray Texture is an outstanding product delivering professional results with the convenience of a reusable and adjustable spray can.