Three tools that rock: Hex wrenches that stick, pliers that can double-down, and all the drivers you will ever need—in one pack.
ErgoStar Hex Set
To look at them you would not think there was anything special about these Wiha hex keys; they are standard hex on one end and ball hex on the other. But the ball ends of these particular keys have a “magic ring” that grips fasteners from inside without the use of magnets. Pop the key into the fastener and the two stay connected until you decide to pop it back out.
Even better, the case is designed so that twisting one key cause all the others to pivot out, making it possible to remove any given key without having to move the larger ones above it.
The keys are available in metric, inch, and Torx.
Wiha Drivers and überPliers
There are three videos here, stacked one after the other. After the first video, watch the second and third to see the 32-piece infinitely adjustable screw/nut driver set and the "high-leverage bi-cut pliers."
For more information: www-us.wera.de
Held each May in Las Vegas, The National Hardware Show is where buyers from hardware stores, lumber yards, and home centers go to see the latest and greatest tools and products being pitched by the companies that make them.
The 2016 show was particularly good, with more interesting new tools and products than I have seen in years past. Some recently came out, some are scheduled for release later this year, and some are concepts in search of buyers—years away from being produced or fated to never be produced at all.
This series of articles lets you peek at what you would have seen if you had been able to go to the show, which is open only to members of the NRHA (North American Retail Hardware Association) and select media.
—David Frane is a freelance editor and a good buddy of ours. Formerly, he was editor of Tools of the Trade magazine and website. He lives in Northern California.
A closer look
