Despite lower attendance numbers than the previous year's show, the 2008 International Builders' Show (IBS) featured an expansive product showcase and highly attended education sessions. The National Association of Home Builders' (NAHB) show, considered the largest industry event of its kind, attracted more than 92,000 attendees and visiting more than 1,900 exhibitors.
"Builders came to this year's show with a renewed sense of purpose and got straight to work learning about the latest products and trends and how to differentiate themselves from the competition," said NAHB President Sandy Dunn, a home builder in Point Pleasant, WV, who was installed Feb. 15. "They're doing what they need to do to get back on track in a slower market."
While attendance was down 11 percent from last year, show exhibitors were pleased with the sales leads and customer interactions with key decision makers this year, noting that there were fewer "tire kickers" and more builders looking for detailed information about the products displayed.
After four years in Orlando, the International Builders' Show moves to Las Vegas, Jan. 20-23, 2009.
The following are a few of the new products that had builders going back for second looks.
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Paslode Angled 16-gauge Finish Nailer
This is a pneumatic nailer with an angled nail magazine.
- T250A-F16 is a full-size nailer with angled magazine that handles 1 1/4 to 2 1/2 inch nails
- Quick Clear feature to remove jams
- No-mar tip to protect work surface
www.paslode.com
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LockJaw Auto-Grip Pliers
This is a self-adjusting groove pliers that features one-hand operation.
- Jaws automatically adjust to parallel when handle is closed
- Steel construction
- Ergonomic grips
www.lockjawpliers.com
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Vermont American Packaging
With customers taking visual cues from displays, this new lineup is designed to get attention.
- Includes high-speed steel drill bits for wood and metal
- Titanium drill bits
- Recip saw blades and circular saw blades
- Designed to fit new 12-foot display showcase
www.vermontamerican.com
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Makita Dry Masonry Saw
This is a 4 3/4-inch, lightweight saw.
- Model 4100NH has a 12 amp motor and cutting capacity of 1 3/8 inches.
- Powerful and compact, runs at 13,000 rpm
- Adjustable depth gauge and lock off button
- Weighs less than six pounds
www.makitatools.com
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Rockwell Portable Workbench
The Jawhorse is a heavy-duty workbench/clamping system.
- Can handle up to 220 pounds of load
- Click home locking pegs for clamping with 37-inch spread and 2,200-pound maximum force
- Non-slip, rubber padded feet
- Built-in stabilization via stirrups at bench's base
- 30x14x14 inches when folded
- Built-in anvil
- Weighs 43 pounds
www.rockwelltools.com
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Sakrete ProSpec Mortars
This lineup of bagged products has expanded to include thin set mortars for tile and stone.
- Polymer-modified high-performance line includes three configurations, including PermaFlex 600 that can bridge cracks up to 1/8-inch; PermaFlex 500 designed for ceramic tile and stone; and Superior PermaFlex 400
- The line of specialty mortars includes StayFlex 590, a special no-sag formula; Quick PermaFlex 570 with high compressive strength and Medium Bed PermaFlex 550 designed to help overcome irregularities in thickness or substrate
- Nonpolymer mortars in the line include PermaSet 300 and 200
www.prospec.com
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Ridgid Pressing Tool
The RP 330 is available in both a corded and cordless model.
- Both models make quick connections and feature a 270-degree jaw rotation
- Battery-operated model uses 18-volt lithium ion power
- New gear ratio provide better cold weather performance
- Presses 1/2 to 4 inch joints
- Three- and six-jaw kits available for both tools
www.RIDGID.com
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FOMO Adhesive For Polystyrene Substrates
This adhesive is designed specifically for insulated concrete form (ICF) construction.
- Handi-Stick is a one-component pressurized foam
- Three minute open time
- Cures with ambient moisture
- One can is said to equal up to 30 tubes of caulk-type adhesive
www.fomo.com
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Rotozip Drywall Router
The DR1 is an easily portable drywall router.
- Weighs less than three pounds
- 7.5 inches long, it's easy to maneuver
- Operates at 33,000 rpm
- On-tool wrench storage, replaceable motor brushes, vents to remove dust from work area
www.ROTOZIP.com
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DeWalt Multipurpose Tool
The Model CD901KL is a lithium ion battery-powered hammerdrill/dill/driver.
- 36-volt power featuring Nano phosphate lithium ion technology
- Easy transition from drilling to driving screws and hammerdrilling
- Three-speed transmission is ideal for tasks from hole saws to large-size bits in wood, auger bits and driving screws to drilling into concrete
- 1/2-inch self-tightening chuck
- Weighs less than seven pounds
www.dewalt.com
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PAM Hot Melt Adhesive Applicator
The HB700 is designed for medium volume applications where a bulk tank isn't suitable.
- Ergonomically designed and balanced
- 6.8-ounce melting tank and quick-heat chamber
- Compressed air delivers adhesive at a controlled rate
- LED digital control panel
- Quick-change specialty nozzles
www.pamfast.com
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Senco Cordless Gas Framing Nailers
The GT90 provides the convenience of a cordless tool with the power of a pneumatic.
- High-voltage ignition provides more power and cleaner combustion
- Works in various weather conditions from 20 to 120 degrees F
- Two-step loading provides access for right- or left-handed user
- In-line magazine uses clipped head or full round head nails
www.senco.com
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C.H. Hanson Chalk Reels
The Chalk Hog uses less chalk to make a clean, sharp line but holds enough for big jobs.
- High-density, poly-braid line
- Built-in cleaning pad
- 4- and 8-ounce bottles of chalk will attach directly to the reel - can be used with bottle in place or with onboard reservoir
- Includes built-in pencil sharpener line hook
www.chhanson.com
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Bosch Carbide Glass And Tile Bits
Drilling glass and tile can be safer, faster with this new line of bits.
- 1/8- to 1-inch diameter bits with 3-flat shanks
- Tungsten carbide, diamond ground to precision points
- Point eliminates "walking" and reinforced head prevents carbide from cracking
www.boschtools.com
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www.boschtools.com
Skil Worm Drive Upgrades
The first Skilsaw was introduced in 1924 and innovations are continuing.
- 51-degree bevel capacity with 45-degree stop
- 15 amps power
- Anti-snag lower guard on 7 1/4-inch saw blade
www.skil.com
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USP Gold Coat Wood Connectors
These metal connectors for decks, joists and rafters feature corrosion protection in a wood tone finish.
- Double-layer corrosion protection
- Distinctive color
- Line includes anchors, hangers, framing angles and straps
www.uspconnectors.com
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