New Ideas

Hand wipes kill germs

Shepard Medical Products has introduced its CareMates™ Antiseptic Hand Wipes, antiseptic hand towels said to quickly kill 99.9 percent of disease-causing germs. The dispensable towels come in portable containers, condition skin and are not abrasive.

Foam insulation is soy-based

BioBased Systems has released a soy-based semirigid foam insulation, BioBase 501, said to lower energy costs. The insulation, an ultra-lightweight soybean oil-based polyurethane containing no formaldehyde, reportedly is the most environmentally friendly insulation in the industry. The product provides a sealed thermal envelope to block outside air and noise infiltration. BioBase 501, which also can be applied to roof decks, expands 100 times its original sprayed size when applied.

Fascia features new retainer

TerminEdge,™ a fascia from W.P. Hickman Co., now features an aluminum retainer in addition to a galvanized steel retainer. The aluminum retainer is said to resist corrosion and respond well to electrolytic concerns. The product features a snap-on fascia; rigid termination bar; and 0.05- or 0.063-inch-thick face, allowing more flexibility.

Insulation combines unique materials

NAP'TURAL® introduces BATIPLUM,™ a new material for roof insulation made from 70 percent duck feathers, 10 percent hygienic wool and 20 percent thermofusible textile fibers. The feathers store large amounts of air and offer heat insulation; the wool provides elasticity; and the textile fibers bond the other two materials. BATIPLUM is said to be natural, durable and easy to cut.

Hammer drill is efficient

The new hammer drill from Makita USA Inc. is said to have the highest power-to-weight ratio in its class. The 3/4-inch HP2070F weighs about 5 pounds and features an 8.2-ampere motor. Other aspects of the hammer drill include a 360-degree swivel-side handle, inline forward/reverse switch for easy rotation and built-in indicator lights to signal overheating.

Heat strip warms body

Baker Products Co. has released the Heat Strip Body Warmer,™ a battery-operated, full-body, belt-like product worn under clothes. A rechargeable battery is worn on a belt, and the charge lasts three hours to five hours. It takes two hours for the battery to recharge.

Eyewear reduces fogging

Uvex Genesis® protective eyewear from Uvex, a division of Bacou-Dalloz,™ provides ventilation and reduces fogging with Uvextreme® AF anti-fog coating. Also offered are different lens tints.

Snow guards are versatile

Follansbee® Steel has introduced Snow-Gem snow guards with a prismatic design for protection in many directions. The Original Metal Sno-Gem offers a 3 1/2-inch barrier per unit but also can be turned to form a 5-inch barrier per unit, and the Half-Carat Snow-Gem offers a 3-inch barrier per unit. Both models are made from Follansbee's TCS II,® stainless steel coated with Follansbee's ZT,® a zinc/tin alloy.

Wind load guide is available

The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) has released Guide to the Use of the Wind Load Provisions of ASCE 7-02 to help industry professionals assess wind loads for a range of structures.

Following the new and old wind load provisions of ASCE Standard 7-02, "Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures," the guide includes wind load scenarios and solutions, discussion about how an analytical procedure determines wind loads and frequently asked questions.

Drill has oversized motor

Metabo Corp. has released the BSP12 Plus, a 5 1/2-pound cordless drill with an oversized motor that allows more drilled holes and more driven screws than the company's previous model. The larger motor offers larger cooling fans and blades, as well as an impulse action that finds a point of resistance and removes or drives in a screw. The drill features a variable-speed switch.

Tool has many functions

Twist-a-Nut, released by IDEAL INDUSTRIES INC., is a screwdriver and nutdriver that combines seven functions into one tool. The product features No. 1 and No. 2 Phillips heads; 1/4- and 5/16-inch nutdrivers; 3/16- and 1/4-inch slotted heads; and a patented connector wrench. The Twist-a-Nut also offers a dual durometer grip with black Santoprene® for the outer surface and yellow Santoprene® for the inner surface.

Lubricant delivery system is efficient

WD-40 Co. has introduced WD-40 Big Blast, a delivery system with a wide-area spray nozzle that covers more area in less time. Advantageous for professionals working with large surface areas, the Big Blast protects machinery by preventing rust and corrosion.

Snips offer strong blades

The Midwest Tool and Cutlery Co. has made improvements to its Midwest Snips® aviation snips, including hot drop-forged steel blades that are said to have more strength.

The product's ergonomic handles open to 5 1/2 inches and have softer grips. The snips' center pivot bolt threads into the bottom blade to keep blades in place for a longer period of time.