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The annual building industry trade show, organized by the National Association of Homebuilders, was held at the Las Vegas Convention Center recently with many innovative new products on display.

Hidden Deck Fasteners

Hidden deck fasteners are the best way to put down composite decking, and this specially modified pneumatic nail gun from Tiger Claw makes installing them as easy as pulling a trigger. The fastener clips on the gun then it shoots a Ballistic NailScrew into the decking to hold the clip in place.

Titanium Hammer

If you think all hammers are the same, then you haven’t tried the Stiletto Tools Titanium TiBone Hammer. Not only does it have the driving power of a much heavier hammer, but it comes with a cool magnetic nail starter and unique nail pulling feature built into the side of the head.

Reciprocating Saw Scraper

Removing dried mastic or adhesive has just gotten a lot easier thanks to the Spyder Scraper from Simple Man Products. The blade attaches to any reciprocating saw to turn it into a high-speed scraper that cuts a 3” wide path in seconds.

Plastic Dust Barrier

The ZipWall Dust Barrier uses telescoping poles to hold a plastic barrier firmly in place against the ceiling without the need for fasteners. It even includes a zipper for easy access.

Hands Free Level and Notepad

The Wood Magnet from Swanson Tools clips to 2” lumber to make plumbing and leveling a snap. Another cool idea on display from Swanson was a belt clip notepad that flips open to allow you to jot down measurements on the fly.

Multipurpose Tool

The Rockwell SoniCrafter is an oscillating tool that comes with different attachments that can allow it to cut through everything from grout and drywall to wood and steel. It can even be used to trim door jambs for flooring. The high-speed oscillating action results in less damage to the work than rotating tools while minimizing dust.

Vibration Free Sander

Rockwell also demonstrated its new vibrafree tools which are made to reduce vibration. They include a reciprocating saw and a random orbit sander that uses two rotating disks in opposite directions to limit the amount of vibration generated by the tool.

3-D Printing

One of the most unique inventions at the show was 3-D Printing from Metaltec Innovations. This unusual process can take any CAD (computer aided design) plan and turn it into solid, three dimensional objects by building up multiple layers of stainless steel powder fused together with a binder. The result is nothing short of incredible with even the most intricate details rendered perfectly. If you can draw the plan, Metaltec can turn it into reality.

Keyless Entry Lock

The SmartCode lock from Kwikset is a durable, keyless entry deadbolt that features one button automatic locking with two programmable four digit entry codes. Available in brass, bronze, and nickel finishes.

Shop Vac

There’s nothing like a shop vac for cleaning up around the home. The SmartCart from Ridgid is a wet-dry vac mounted on a rolling cart complete with bins for storing the hose and attachments.

Cabinets

Cabinet manufacturers Merillat and Armstrong displayed beautiful cabinets with rollouts, as well as built-in ironing centers to make household chores a little easier.

Concrete Countertops

If you would like to try your hand a pouring your own concrete countertops, Chang Concrete and Sakrete can supply you with everything you need from how-to books to concrete supplies.

Innovative Roofing

Several new roofing products were on display including Cool Shingles from Owens Corning that reflect solar energy to reduce the temperature of your roof by up to 10 degrees. Bellaforté synthetic roof tiles from DaVinci Roofscapes have a self aligning design that speeds up installation while using a third less material.

Bark Siding

For a truly unique look, check out Timberclad Bark Siding from Barkclad Natural Products made from real poplar bark that is both durable and low maintenance.

Easy Drop Ceiling

The Zip-Up Ceiling System is an easy to install drop ceiling made of PVC panels that are impervious to water.

Whole House Generators

Generac has a complete line of generators from portable units to whole house models. Models are available that can switch from LP to natural gas with the flip of a switch, and a remote control allows monitoring from inside your home.

Foam Insulation

Green products were everywhere at the Builders’ Show, including a new spray foam insulation from Icynene that’s made from caster oil.

Vacuum Systems

The eco-friendly Electrolux Beam central vacuum system uses 10% less energy and is made from 70% recycled materials while the Vroom vacuum is perfect for quick clean ups.

Water Purifier

If you’re concerned about the quality of your water, the PureOFlow whole-house water purification system uses reverse osmosis treatment to remove almost all foreign substances from water.

Efficient Water Heaters

Green guru, Ed Begley, Jr., was on hand to explain the high thermal efficiency rating of the Vertex water heaters from A.O. Smith.

Other Tips from This Episode

Finishing Furniture Legs

Simple Solutions with Joe Truini:
Finishing Furniture Legs

To simplify finishing the legs on a chair or table, turn the piece of furniture over, and drill a pilot hole in the bottom of each leg. Now insert drywall screws in the holes, leaving an inch or so protruding to hold the legs up off the floor. Remove the screws once the finish has dried.

Husky Portable Work Light

Best New Products with Jodi Marks:
Husky Portable Work Light

This fluorescent work light from Husky is perfect for illuminating large areas. Simply unfold the legs, plug it in, and raise the shaft to turn on the light. It puts out the equivalent of a 300 watt incandescent bulb but uses much less energy. The Husky portable work light is available at The Home Depot.

Solar Power

Thinking Green with Danny Lipford:
Solar Power

With the cost of energy on the rise, producing electricity from the sun is looking more and more promising. But while sunlight is free, it can cost $30,000 to $40,000 to convert a home to photovoltaic electric power. Until solar cells become more affordable, there are other solar options worth considering, including solar landscape lighting and solar hot water heaters.

Editorial Contributors
avatar for Danny Lipford

Danny Lipford

Founder

Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

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