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Again in 2008, Construction Distribution called upon a group of tool and fastener distribution professionals to share their insights and observations from the annual STAFDA trade show. Some were first-time reporters and first-time attendees, while others are veterans of the STAFDA event and have shared their views in previous issues of CD. In each case, they bring a unique view of the business and the show to this report.

This year's reporters included James Small and Allen Thompson from Target Building Materials Ltd., Windsor, Ontario; Jay Amstutz of Ohio Power Tool, Columbus, OH; Merry Bowman, Precision Tool, Tucson, AZ; and Vinnie Matteis and Aime Matteis Cedrone of AMVAL Associates, an independent rep firm.

The Canadian contingent included the following products in their "must see" list from STAFDA:

First, from Milwaukee Electric Tools, the lineup of cordless 12-volt tools, including new drills, sawzalls and a flashlight.

"These are lighter to handle and should be more convenient to use for smaller jobs. We think they will be an excellent addition to Target for our ever expanding retail business.

A new Spyder Scraper -- "an excellent tool for removing paint, glues and mastics. This unit will fit on almost any recip saw. This unit has been a great mover in our inventory already."

A unique concept from Recipro Tools -- "first and foremost this will fit any recip saw and all interchangeable tooling fits the same quick disconnect. They have brushes, flat files, round files and so on. This tool will fit into several of our market segments: drywall, concrete, HVAC and insulators.

"In general we found the show to be extremely informative. The exhibitors put a lot of time and effort into their presentation. It was a very well laid out floor plan with plenty of room for people to move freely and stand and talk with exhibitors without getting pushed out of the way by others."

Jay Amstutz of Ohio Power Tool has been full time in this business for only a few years, but his family-owned business recently celebrated its 25th anniversary.

He's researching new products all the time and sharing his findings with readers of his regular Internet blog. His first visit to STAFDA was an eye-opener.

"This was my first STAFDA show and the first time I had real input as to which manufacturers we might add to our lineup. I had a great time at the show itself, and it was a really good opportunity to meet some of the vendors, see their products and understand a little more about how they do business. With only limited time to meet with vendors, I focused my efforts in two areas, building relationships with current vendors and finding new products I wouldn't otherwise get to see. I was really happy to see lots of innovative products from the big names as well as some smaller companies. Among those that stand out are:

The Ridgid Plumbing Tools Seesnake MicroExplorer 30063 video inspection camera. "This is the big brother to the Seesnake Micro which has been a very popular product for a few years. The MicroExplorer adds some real functionality including the ability to capture images and videos. Having the images and videos is a big advantage for our plumbing and HVAC customers because it allows them to do an initial inspection and then show the customer the problem. When the customers can actually see the problem, they have a much higher level of trust and comfort leading to more sales and better customer relations. This is a great addition to the Ridgid plumbing line although it could potentially cannibalize some of the larger, more expensive Seesnakes sales in certain cases, but overall this is definitely a great new product for us and our customers."

The Malco TurboShear FC TSF2 fiber cement siding and backer board shears. "At the show there was a nice hands-on display of the TurboShear FC. The unique thing about this product is that it is an attachment which can work with almost any drill on the market and sells for just over $100. It works with corded or cordless tools and can be changed in seconds which allows for serious flexibility. Fiber cement siding and backer board can be difficult to work with because traditional power saws will create way too much dust. Electric shears are a great way to significantly reduce the dust while maintaining the speed of a power tool, but typically that means another tool on the jobsite to lug around, lose, break or have stolen. This product is nice for builders, general contractors and even serious DIY guys because it doesn't require any additional tools, only a small attachment accessory that can fit in any toolbox."

Recipro Tools multi-tool attachment system -- tools for reciprocating saws. "I had never heard of the Recipro Tools before this STAFDA show and they had a rather small booth sandwiched in the middle of one of the aisles but did a great job of keeping a crowd around them at all times. They have a very simple set of products but they are tools with potentially very broad appeal. The system is basically an adaptor that attaches to any reciprocating saw just as a normal saw blade would. The adaptor has a quick release that accepts hex shank attachments. Currently the attachments include brushes, files and sanding tools but could be expanded to include any number of products. These are great, inexpensive point-of-sale type products with a wide range of uses. For our customers the most obvious application might be using one of the rattail files to enlarge a hole which is just slightly too small. I feel like with such a new product our customers might find all sorts of different uses for these products and at around $5 an attachment it's easy to stock a few of each and see what works for them."

Bosch Tools laser levels: "I think it was a great move for Bosch to acquire the CST/Berger line of products, and once we have a little more knowledge of the products we will be adding them to our product mix at Ohio Power Tool. The full line of Bosch laser levels was at the show next to the CST/Berger products (although interestingly a few aisles over from the other Bosch Tools). I am happy to see the new tools with Bosch branding while keeping the CST/Berger line intact. Professionals will continue to trust in the CST/Berger name, but for those new to laser tools, I think there is a large market for more basic plumb, level and square lasers. The trusted Bosch name should fill this niche perfectly and may work better for some rental applications as well."

Dremel Tools multi-purpose oscillating tool. "The Dremel Multi-Max shipped just before the STAFDA show but it was great to get a chance to talk to some of the reps and learn what they have planned for the future. The Multi-Max has really added a lot of new life to the Dremel brand, and it looks like we will see an expanded range of accessories for this tool by early next year. Popular with professionals and DIY users alike, this tool is quickly becoming a staple for many people. The Multi-Max is slightly outside our core product mix, but it is introducing us to new customers, which is a great thing during tough times like this."

Chicago Pneumatic, PAC P13 hydraulic power pack unit. "The PAC P13 is a portable hydraulic unit that powers breakers, core drills, large 16-inch saws and other heavy-duty hand- held construction equipment. The unit is small enough to fit into the back of any truck or SUV where a pneumatic compressor that could power the same types of tools would most likely be a trailer unit. Similar hydraulic units are very popular in other countries but haven't made much of a splash in the United States In addition to the size these units offer many other advantages -- better performance in extreme climates, less maintenance, longer life -- the tools can actually work off most hydraulically powered construction equipment with an adaptor. We have already added one of these units to our rental inventory and are letting all our customers demo the unit to see if it would work for them. It may take some time for people to feel comfortable with different technology, but in the long run we think these types of units could be very popular in the United States as well."

From the independent rep's point of view…

Vinnie Matteis and Aime Matteis Cedrone of AMVAL Associates pooled their resources and share their comments again this year.

"Things were definitely different this year!

"The entire process began on the trip to Denver -- the indoor airport parking lot was not full; the security line only had three people in front of me; and the flight was not full. A true sign of the times.

"The distributor attendance at STAFDA this year was down in the same manner.

"As a manufacturer's rep, one of the biggest things we noticed was signs at quite a few of the booths: 'Manufacturers Reps Wanted.' Many manufacturers were looking for ways to get to the distributors they need so badly in the tough economy and were not at the convention.

"Technology certainly continues to be a bright spot in a down market. One of the most interesting was the launch by Wright Tool of 'Wright University,' an on-line course offered to distributors teaching the basics of hand tools with points toward Blue Core dollars upon completion of each section.

"We also noticed an increase of many traditional electrical manufacturers trying to cross into the STAFDA markets -- leading the pack would be Gardner Bender and Ericson Manufacturing.

"Product advancements on lasers was amazing. Things like the simplification of operation as with the DLR 165K from Bosch, with multiple functions that can be easily learned by anyone was unique. Lasers used to be a complicated two-man operation, but not anymore!

"The general feeling among many of the attendees was, 'yes times are tough but we have been there before.' The well managed and financed companies will survive and actually gain market share during these times. It's the classic story of the Grasshopper and the Ants. Too many people and companies have not stored enough away for the winter(recession) that is here, but the wise hard-working ants will survive and prosper!"

Merry Bowman, Precision Tool, Tucson, AZ is another veteran of both STAFDA events and Construction Distribution's post-show report. She also offers a series of observations…

"I don't think there were as many new items as last year, but there are many that deserve reviewing.

"The people at DiTeq Diamond were showing a product called Concrete Destroyer. This comes in a spray bottle, gallon or 5 gallons, and you spray it on hardened concrete that has splashed on or built up on mixers, trowels, etc. Then wash the concrete off with a hose. This is a great item for rental yards and repair facilities.

"The Joy Jaw from Platte River Engineering is a great add-on for those of us who sell band saws. The Joy Jaw keeps hands and fingers away from the blade but allows the operator to manipulate small pieces as they are being cut.

"Go Products USA showed its line of M-Box (the moving truck box), the Go Chassi (a rolling lift), Grill-N-Chill (a stainless steel rolling BBQ), and Lighthouse (portable rolling lighting) which are all products that hook to standard 2-inch receiver hitches that transfer the weight to your hitch while moving, but all roll independently when not hitched.

"Recipro Tools has an adapter to put on any brand of recip saw so you can attach files, a rasp or a stainless steel brush. This gives your recip saw many more uses and versatility. And more ways for the dealer to make some dollars.

"The people at Gear Keeper have some new retractable cell phone lanyards as well as their other tether products for use in many industries like scuba, the military, police and fire. You can attach your cordless tool to your belt, and if you are up on a ladder and drop it no harm is done. This product line is great for almost every business.

"Bosch showed its new Multi-X 12-volt lithium ion cutter which has a wide range of attachments for grinding, sanding and cutting. They also have adapters available so their attachments may be used on other brands of cutters. Their Dremel line has a similar version of the corded model called a Multi Max. And finally, Skil was showing its new model 2352, a 3.6-volt power cutter that has a very affordable price point and is perfect for anyone who needs help opening and cutting boxes and packaging.

"JacPac - CO2 tanks are a 'price point perfect' item for the new wave in pneumatic portability. JacPac comes packaged as a regulator kit which includes the regulator, hose, CO2 cylinder, glasses and O-rings; or, in a package with all of the previous items and a nailer/stapler. The tanks do come empty so will need to be filled. Dealers can get set up as a fill station using an outside gas service for CO2, but JacPac can provide all the other items needed."