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Builders' Show Champs: The Rest of the Best
More editors’ favorites from the 2008 IBS
by: HANDY staff
Online Rating:  (0/10)
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PHOTOS COURTESY MANUFACTURERS To find the latest home-improvement and construction products, HANDY editors covered more than a million square feet of the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. There were more favorites than we could fit on the pages of the May/June issue, so here are the rest of our picks -- on the unlimited “pages” of HandymanClub.com for you to see.
Click on photos to enlarge...
TOOLS
 | Combine a sawhorse and a clamp and you get the Rockwell JawHorse, model RK9000 ($199). This portable workstation will grip workpieces weighing as much as 220 pounds with 2,200 pounds of clamping pressure. And it folds for easy transport. Rockwell Power Tools, 866-514-7625, www.rockwelltools.com |  | Ridgid’s three new pressure washers ($399, $599 and $999) feature improvements to nearly every aspect of these often-overlooked workhorses, including a more balanced wheel position, quick-connect hose couplers and a roll cage that protects the engine and prevents the hose from coming into contact with it. Ridgid Tool Co., 800-474-3443, www.ridgid.com |  | Bosch jigsaws have an established reputation for excellence. Now the company has applied its expertise to the affordable model JS5 ($99), which features orbital action, variable speed, a multigrip handle and the One-Touch blade-change system. Bosch Power Tools, 877-267-2499, www.boschtools.com |
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Among the other notable tools we saw were:  | SawStop’s contractor’s saw and portable jobsite base (SawStop, (503) 570-3200, www.sawstop.com) | 
 | Ridgid’s stationary band saw (model R474, $449) and compact 12-volt Lithium Ion drill driver (model R82007, $129), which features a 3/8-in. single-sleeve chuck (Ridgid Tool Co., 800-474-3443, www.ridgid.com) |  | Bosch’s 5-1/4-in. random-orbit sander (model ROS20VS, $79) with filtered dust shroud (Bosch Power Tools, 877-267-2499, www.boschtools.com) |
INTERIORS AND FINISHES
 | Easy on the eyes (and ears), Onsia Concealed Flat Panel Speakers are virtually invisible when installed. The in-wall speakers are covered with mesh, drywall mud and paint, and the in-ceiling and in-frame speakers are designed to look like ceiling tiles and framed artwork. Acoustic Ceiling Products LLC, 800-434-3750, www.onsiaideas.com |  | dding to its durable DuraCeramic line, Congoleum now offers greater design flexibility with its DuraCeramic Options tile. The 1/8-in.-thick, 16-in.-square bevel-edge tiles can be installed without grout, or they can be scored, separated and grouted for a custom design. Congoleum, 800-274-3266, www.congoleum.com |
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We thought you would like to see:
 | The HomeTrak storage system features a bed of rollers that provide easy access to items stored in hard-to-reach areas such as attics and crawlspaces. (HomeTrak, (864) 234-4848, www.home-trak.com) |  | Rust-Oleum’s concrete coatings (EpoxyShield Concrete Resurfacer and Garage Floor Coating, Porch & Floor Coating and Semi-Transparent Concrete Stain) offer DIY-friendly solutions for concrete repair, protection and style. (Rust-Oleum, 800-323-3584, www.rustoleum.com) |
PLUMBING AND ELECTRICAL  | The easy-to-install Flo-n-Stop ($200) water shut-off system is controlled by a wireless remote, typically installed near the entry door, that allows you to conveniently block your house’s main water supply any time you leave home. Millenium International Development Corp., 800-757-2990, www.flo-n-stop.com |  | No more standing on a ladder to adjust wobbling fan blades: Hunter Fan Co. has introduced a self-balancing ceiling fan featuring a control ring that automatically accommodates for weight shifts caused by dust buildup, warping or unintended bumps during installation or cleaning. Hunter Fan Co., 888-918-4326, www.hunterfan.com |  | Since we saw FlatWire at the 2007 show, the paper-thin wiring system has made notable strides. Initially for low-voltage applications, the technology is now approved by the National Electric Code for 120-volt AC service. Coming soon: FlatWire’s high-definition and data cables will enable you to hide connections to your wall-mount TV without piercing the wall. Southwire Co., 888-352-8947, www.flatwireready.com |
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Some of the other standouts were:  | To meet a 2008 change in the National Electrical Code, Leviton Mfg. Co. Inc. offers a complete assortment of tamper-resistant electrical receptacles. (Leviton Mfg. Co. Inc., 800-824-3005, www.leviton.com) |  | 360 Electrical LLC introduced receptacles with rotating outlets, so you can insert two oversize plugs at once. (360 Electrical LLC, (801) 364-4900, www.360electrical.com) |  | And the Eternal Hybrid water heater by Grand Hall USA Inc. combines the advantages of tankless heaters with a conventional tank design. (Grand Hall USA Inc., 877-934-7455, www.eternalwaterheater.com ) |
EXTERIORS AND ENTRY SYSTEMS  | Featuring Honeywell’s Spectra fiber (a material commonly used in bullet-resistant armor), the Storm-A-Rest protective curtain can withstand winds and windborne projectiles traveling at more than 155 mph. The lightweight, easy-to-install curtain is available through John Boyle & Co., (704) 872-8151, www.johnboyle.com. |  | Collecting and storing rainwater for use in your garden is a great way to live greener. The Rainwater Pillow system combines a large water-collection bladder, a filter to remove debris and a pump that moves the water through a garden hose. The smallest standard system holds 1,000 gallons (equal to 20 rain barrels) and costs $2,500, but the company also makes custom systems to fit specific crawlspace dimensions and hold as much as 40,000 gallons. Rainwater Pillow, (770) 853-9918, www.rainwaterpillow.com |  | Fiber Composites’ Fiberon Sanctuary Decking is a durable synthetic material engineered to eliminate cracking, staining and water absorption. The core is cellular PVC, covered with a PVC alloy, a material used to make car bumpers. A special coloring process applies multiple hues for a natural look. Fiber Composites LLC, (704) 463-7120, www.fiberondecking.com |  | Chamberlain’s new LiftMaster Model 3800 Residential Jackshaft Opener installs on the wall beside the garage door, freeing up valuable overhead space. It’s ideal for installations in garages with cathedral or other high ceilings. Chamberlain, www.chamberlain.com. |
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Check out these products for the outside of your house:  | Tecton Structural Siding, a pultruded fiberglass material, is a durable, colorfast alternative to vinyl or aluminum. (Tecton Products, (701) 277-4600, www.tectonproducts.com) |  | Exterior Portfolio by Crane enhanced its BellaStone line with Architectural Columns. (Exterior Portfolio by Crane, 800-366-8472, www.exteriorportfolio.com) |
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