CH Hanson – FlipKnife™

Why we love it: The blades can be reversed, so it’s like having four cutting surfaces in one knife. The blades can be independently retracted, but not extended at the same time for safe usage.

Why you will love it: The FlipKnife offers drywallers the ability to have a rough cut blade and a finish blade, and general contractors or anyone on a ladder will appreciate being able to complete all of their work without having to come down to replace blades, which means less wear and tear on the body and faster work time.

Why we love it: MicroFlex, a polyester and fiberglass composite tape, feels like paper, cuts like paper, and is as strong as paper, but wipes down half the thickness of paper. X-M is a fiberglass, polyester, and nylon composite that is mould-proof because it contains no organic materials. Need we say more?

Why you’ll love it: MicroFlex replaces paper tape and because the mud comes through it, you’ll never get a blister. It stretches a little so with any expansion there’s no hair-line crack. X-M’s mould-proof properties mean better value and wall quality. Both products are set for release by June.

Why we love it: ECO-Block ships flat, assembles on site in a standard tongue-and-groove joint, and offers multiple attachment points for connectors.

Why you’ll love it: When framing around doors and windows you can adjust the internal connections, so if you happen to be cutting a panel under a window and cut through a connector you can move it down, allowing you to maintain form capacity when you pour concrete. There is very little internal plastic, which reduces the amount of congestion when placing concrete and allows the concrete to flow laterally much easier. On site you can carry more product since it’s easier to handle in higher quantities.

Why we love it: Stiletto’s titanium DryAxe9-P drywall axe features a new poly-fiberglass handle that provides the strength of steel with the feel of wood, and the titanium edge cuts easily through most materials.

Why you’ll love it: Titanium transfers more swing energy to the nail so the lighter Stiletto hammer can do the same work as a heavy steel hammer. This means less fatigue on the user’s arm and joints and less weight to carry around all day. The top magnetic nail starter makes it easy to set nails in awkward positions.

Why we love it: The M12 Hackzall offers a 12-volt, heavy-duty design with a battery charge level indicator that shows how much juice is left.
Why you’ll love it: The reduced size makes it great for getting into tight areas, and there’s a LED light to light up the cutting area. There are small, Hackzall-specific blades; however, the Hackzall will also accept standard reciprocating saw blades.

Why we love it: A ready-mixed, flexible waterproof coating can be used on vertical above grade walls behind various claddings including EIFS, stucco, vinyl, cement board, and others.

Why you will love it: It provides a waterproof coating and vapour barrier that is easy to apply with an airless sprayer and goes on at 30 wet mils., which means you can go farther with less. The product was developed to meet needs of customers asking for a vapour barrier product, which is especially in demand in the Canadian market because of building code regulations.

Why we love it: It’s especially practical in exposed structure or open plenum spaces, creates the appearance of a floating cloud with a “wave” or “ripple” profile, and imparts a clean, custom look. The use of an optional laminated fleece backing enhances the acoustical performance.
Why you will love it: The Waves system consists of a standard Serpentina suspension system with a specially designed sleeve that fits over the grid.  Flexible metal infill panels then slide into the sleeve, creating a thin, ¼-inch black reveal between panels for a more monolithic look. Pre-engineered components allow faster and easier installation.

Why we love it: Unlike traditional systems, this product provides a one-step solution for installing suspended ceilings in seismic design categories D-F where the IBC requires separation joints that allow ceiling components to move laterally during a seismic event.

Why you will love it: Not only is it labour-saving, the Seismic Separation Cross Tee’s one-step process eliminates the need for more channels, wall angles, and additional hanger wires; does not interfere with struts, wires, or ceiling panels; helps keep the grid system square, and preserves the appearance of the grid work.

Why we love it: Next Gen is 20 percent lighter than the original Durock Cement Board, and was developed in response to market demand.

Why you will love it: It brings a heightened level of usability and convenience to the job site because it is easier to handle, faster to install, and easier to score and snap. It also has moisture and mould-resistant properties and comes with a 30-year warranty.

Why we love it: The DX 351-CT’s new fire mechanism means the operator doesn’t use a trigger, but just firmly presses the tool against the ceiling for quick, easy, and reliable fastenings. Its gravitation safety system allows the tool to be fired only when it is pointed toward the ceiling, and the drop firing safety helps prevent the tool from discharging should it be dropped.

Why you will love it: Hilti is first on the market to offer a wire without a clip, which fits into the base plate of the DX 351-CT providing high-quality fastening and significant productivity gains. The modular pole is light and sturdy and can be customized to a variety of lengths, enabling disassembly into small sections.