Tool Crib

Personal Battery Caddy Makes Battery Supply More Visible, Accessible
Recently, IL plastics maker Rick Foreman found himself fumbling for batteries while piloting his small plane. That's when he realized there was a need for a new product--one he could produce in his own factory. Thus was born the Personal Battery Caddy by Tools Aviation, LLC, of St. Charles, Illinois. Available only on the Internet, the product is made in the USA and patent-pending. The Personal Battery Caddy is an organizer that holds a supply of different-sized batteries. It comes in three styles for home or commercial use: the Original, which holds 12 AA, 4 AAA, 2 C and one 9 V; the A9 Pack, which holds 8 AA, 4 AAA and one 9 V; and the DC Pack, which holds 2 D and 2 C batteries. All styles have common features: easy one-hand dispensing; terminal protection at both ends no matter how batteries are inserted; high-end break-resistant plastic; and a unique locking feature that holds batteries securely. Choose from an array of colors, from glow-in-the-dark Moonshine to light-reflecting Orange Halo. "The high visibility of the Personal Battery Caddy is one of its critical features. The glowing and reflective colors are indispensable in emergency situations, when battery power must be located quickly in the dark," states Foreman. Tools Aviation, www.ToolsAviation.com, 866-540-7260.

Eagle One Introduces Wax As-U-Dry
Wax As-U-Dry is a blend of water-reactive polymers and waxes that are safe for all painted surfaces, as well as windows, trim and wheels. It also has anti-corrosion additives that protect paint from rust, acid rain and bird droppings. After washing a plane, simply spray the product on and dry with a chamois or towel. No buffing is required. The product is available at leading automotive parts and mass merchandiser chains. Suggested retail is $4.99 for 18 oz., $6.99 for 32-oz. Eagle One, www.eagleone.com, 800-432-4531.

Safety Gloves by Kimberly-Clark
Kimberly-Clark Professional, the maker of Kleenguard protective apparel, gloves, masks and accessories, has announced two new gloves to further strengthen its safety products category for the industrial market. Kleenguard G40 Latex Coated Gloves have a high tear rating of 4 out of 4 (EN388) and are manufactured to reduce latex proteins, while the new Kleenguard G60 Purple Nitrile Cut Resistant Gloves feature Dyneema, "the world's strongest fiber." Kimberly-Clark Profession, www.kcprofessional.com, 0800 269470 (UK).

LED Flashlight for the Boeing 787
DME Corporation has finalized a long-term agreement with Boeing to supply a new portable light-emitting diode (LED) emergency flashlight system for the upcoming Boeing 787 program. This announcement supports the introduction of a new LED flashlight to the current DME Corporation product line of aviation based emergency portable lighting systems. DME developed an LED flashlight that is smaller and lighter with improved performance over previous aviation flashlights. The new LED flashlight is a high intensity light with a total system length of 8" that weighs approximately 7.7 oz (0.22 kg). Battery life will provide for three years of usable in-service life. A new push-to-test monitoring system will provide flashlight battery status with a push of a button. DME Corporation, www.dmecorp.com, 954-975-2100.

Rotary Cable Stripper Handles Wide Range Of Cable
Tyco Electronics Corporation has introduced the Cosmic 60R Micro-Cable Stripper. The Cosmic 60R machine is suitable for jacket stripping multi-conductor or single cable using a rotary blade centralizer system. The rotary blade centralizer allows stripping various insulation material cables without time-consuming blade changeovers. The Cosmic 60R machine is fully equipped with a digital display and precision controls for setting wire diameter, strip depth and strip length. The Cosmic 60R machine is capable of stripping wire sections ranging from 15AWG up to 5AWG. Stripping length capacity ranges from 20mm to 90mm, with partial stripping of 10mm (minimum) possible. Common insulation materials, such as TEFLON insulation and rubber, are suitable as are other popular insulations. With a maximum cycle time of five seconds, the Cosmic 60R machine is able to support any production rate. Standard cutter blades are tool steel with carbide blades optional. Net weight is 44 lbs (20kg)). Cosmic 60R machines accept AC100V - 220V / 120VA power and do not require compressed air. Tyco Electronics, www.tycoelectronics.com, 800-522-6752.

E.A.R.S.--The Closed Loop Tool System
The new air tool technology that improves productivity, saves energy, and improves workplace health and safety is called the Exhausted Air Recycling System, or E.A.R.S. The tool system provides a closed loop between the air compressor and the air tool by capturing the exhausted air from the air tool and returning it to the compressor. This closed-loop system generates more power with less energy, making this system the first real innovation in pneumatic tool technology in many years. Now available in North America, the tool system was first released in Australia. Tests have shown that energy consumption is reduced by nearly 50% and noise levels are reduced from 40% to 80% over conventional air tools. As an added bonus, the air compressor and the power tools will last longer as the closed loop system keeps moisture, dust, oil and other pollutants out of the compressor and air tools. E.A.R.S. North America, www.earsnorthamerica.com, 847-356-3220.