The Trends at the INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE FAIR / PRACTICAL WORLD Cologne 2008

Efficiency, safety and convenience - this is the focus of attention for the tools sector at the INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE FAIR / PRACTICAL WORLD, Cologne, 9th to 12th March 2008. Also making inroads: lithium-ion technology. In the security systems and fastening technology, locks and fittings sector, the trend theme is work facilitation - for example through new software in locking systems or flexible door-closing systems. Energy saving is just as much a priority in this product segment as it is in the home improvement / DIY supplies sector. There ecological compatibility and renewable natural fabrics are also much in demand. The first fair trends:

Tools
Increasing work efficiency, safety and convenience is naturally always right at the forefront of tool innovations. In this connection, a complete overhaul of a fixed drill programme has resulted in the speed range been greatly expanded, now enabling the user to also perform slow operations and functions such as countersinking, rasping and thread-cutting. Circular band saw attachments with ejector function and fast-change system put an end once and for all to both those tiresome as well as time-consuming problems, which can be caused by firmly-lodged saw kernels. Heavy wear and tear, frequent tool changes and high time consumption when processing abrasive, wear-resistant materials are a thing of the past thanks to professional diamond hand-circular saw blades . Thanks to their extended operating life, they can now process more ultra-hard materials within the same period and minimize downtimes and maintenance costs. The same applies for a new generation of bore crowns , whose diamond segments are sinter-fused onto a steel strap. The vertical configuration also produces a particularly aggressive drilling style with up to double the drilling speed. In addition to these general, advantageous improvements in almost all work areas, the range of special applications for closely-defined application purposes is also continuing to increase. For example a special sabre saw for cast iron pipes is tailored to the sanitary fittings and heating systems installation target group. With its diamond-strewn cutting blade it cuts not only SML-tubes in grey cast iron, but also materials in extremely resistant red bronze (gun metal) effectively and quickly.
The development objective of the fast, problem-free and with it rational processing of modern, resistant materials is increasingly finding expression in the names given to new appliances and equipment. The ability to make particularly aggressive cuts is indicated for example by chop saws, mitre saws and disk saws with their "Raptor" and "T-Rex" model descriptions reminiscent of predatory dinosaurs. "Aggressor" is the apt name given to an ultra-fast diamond cutting disk with special segment geometries and protective segments for hard, reinforced concrete and general construction site materials .
In the area of hand tools too, the "Hai" (shark), a combination of cutting blade and cable dismantler , already optically indicates its cutting qualities through a design which is amazingly similar to this sea predator. In their latest revised version, the "Cobra®" water pump pliers offer a 30-percent greater grip capacity and can now grip tubes up to 2 inches and bolts up to a spanner width of 46 mm. An innovative S-jaw push button model can be used as water pump pliers and pipe wrench all in one tool, which compared to classic pipe wrenches has the same torque, but offers a lower weight and faster adjustment possibilities. Banking on strict ergonomics are a pair of 23°-angled utility pliers , which function as an extension of the hand/arm-system and as a result avoid any painful, abrupt bending of the user's wrist. Ergonomic findings have also been integrated into a new hand guard , which makes work a lot easier with increased protection and a second stabilization plate as a chisel attachment. The principle of two tools in one is also realized by a light, handy and robust bolt cutter , which can also be used as a bending, shaping machine.
The desire for greater working convenience is one of the main driving forces behind the development of rechargeable tools. In particular the advantages of innovative lithium-ion technology - minimal self-discharge, longer life cycle, no "Memory-Effect" as well as faster charging times - today with an ever broader spectrum of applications, ensure that absolute freedom in using cable and plug socket-free appliances - makes the "job" even easier and speeds things up even in the accessible areas. As a world innovation, a powerful and efficient high-pressure cleaner is now presented, which if required, can also be powered with a lithium-ion rechargeable battery. As a result, even the owners of allotments and properties without power connections must no longer forego convenient high-pressure cleaning. The same energy source uses a particularly light rechargeable staple gun , which is also perfectly balanced, allowing the user to operate the tool for a long fatigue-free session. Operating on battery-supplied power a new soldering iron can also be used a long way away from every power point for all classic soldering work in the area of repairs and DIY handicrafts.

The problem-free as well as precise representation of lines and angles is one of the major strengths of laser technology. With their unique laser line feature, the new floor-line lasers make interruption-free tile setting-up and alignment easier than ever before. The dual-direction solder feature offered by fast, self-levelling line lasers enables a simultaneous solder-point transfer upwards and downwards.

As convenient working already begins with fast access to the required tools, an increasing amount of attention is also being focused on the corresponding containers for transportation and storage. Under these premises for example complete "workshops" in robust metal containers are meeting with great interest, which offer the user a requirement-based tool spectrum with fast direct access at every place of application. Newcomers to the electrical professions can look forward to an easier start to their career thanks to special toolboxes , which contain a basic range of VDE tools. In contrast, for "established and experienced" service-professionals who spend a lot of time travelling, their personal toolbox is often already something of a status symbol. As a result, for years now, particularly expensive and impressively designed transport containers, often even only available in limited editions , have been attracting increasing interest.

As the operation of modern power tools today often also involves taking a look at the accompanying operating instructions, a clear overview and easy-to-follow descriptions are nowadays also key features of the manuals supplied with the products. On the other hand, due to their widespread use in the international markets, these guides and manuals must however be published in an increasing number of foreign languages, which is clearly to the detriment of fast and problem-free handling and processing. New solutions are therefore being sought in "word-less" operating instructions , which are exclusively illustration and image-based.

Security, safety and fastening technology, locks & fittings
Locking systems software is characterized by an increasingly diverse, versatile range of applications and uses. Systems of the newest generation units offer numerous work-facilitating functions, extending from data exchange and import via clipboard or from CSV data files up to extended job management, which enables a direct allocation of the cylinders and keys to orders and even integrates a small customer database. Extended search and sorting functions, the problem-free entry of one-key multiple locking operation as well as a simple, easy scaling function for the locking system printout are further convenience features. Key-management solutions with 32 to 128 slots can be used for all applications, and depending on the model, protect the keys against curious eyes or unauthorized access through automatic shutters or lockable casing. Thanks to a new system , key-programming systems for commercial vehicle fleets can now also be implemented in a time and cost-saving approach by independent workshops.
Comfort and convenience along with safety and security are combined by flexible door locking systems , which keep the door open at any required angle at the touch of a button. Also operating at the touch of a button or even on a pre-programmed basis, electric belt systems open and close the shutters and blinds at any required time. High-frequency sensors in the interior of new light switching systems respond to the slightest movements without delay and are temperature-independent. Due to the automatic light switching according to requirements, not only energy is saved, but security and safety is also increased. Convenient switching on and off is also made possible by mobile LED lights via remote control. Superfluous power consumption by too many electrical appliances in stand-by mode or even when switched off is prevented by energy-saving plug sockets , which can be conveniently activated or deactivated without bending down by stepping on a footswitch.

Home improvement / DIY supplies
When it comes to renovating or improving the house or flat, for an increasing number of users achieving perfect results is no longer the sole objective of the work. In the wake of the general environmental and climate debate, just as much emphasis is increasingly being placed on ecological compatibility both in terms of the finish and quality as well as the materials and tools used to achieve it. Therefore accessories such as the world's first environmentally-friendly carpenters' pencil are expected to attract the interest of both professionals and DIY fans alike. The wood-free product has a core consisting of a revolutionary graphite mix, which writes, draws and marks on most construction and household materials. Thanks to their coated bamboo handles, which are more robust, lighter, durable and also more optically attractive than conventional wood, a range of environmentally-friendly paint brushes already make a striking impression at first glance. The bristles consist of an ecological mixture of natural and synthetic materials. Renewable natural materials such as cork, leather, flax or cotton as a handle material for hand tools are expected to generally become a major innovation theme once again, as in addition to their ecological qualification, they provide the user with a pleasant, sweat-absorbing surface with optimum energy transmission, which also prevents the formation of blisters. The first specific results of this rediscovered material philosophy include high-quality masons' and smoothing trowels as well as painters' spatulas and mortise chisels with cork handles . Durable but nevertheless decorative silky-matt surfaces applied to wood in interiors can be easily and quickly realized thanks to new solvent-free natural paints . As bio-products they also contain regenerative vegetable oils, which not only protect against dirt but also lend the wood water-repellent coupled with breathable characteristics.

A growing number of DIY enthusiasts, perhaps also increasingly inspired by the popular, relevant TV soaps, are plucking up courage to take on more complicated tasks in interior design. Proportionate to this trend, there is the growing significance of product solutions which are especially tailored to this user target group and guarantee both a fast and easy way to achieving success. In the area of dry construction these include for example complete DIY ranges , which are exactly coordinated with the individual work steps in the installation of gypsum plaster boards and contain all the required auxiliary agents. However as the saying "anyone who wants to be a master craftsman here must practice early" also applies to young, up-and-coming DIY talent, in the "Red tool box" for children, an innovative opportunity has been created, enabling them to learn the indispensable practical skills of carpenters' work under parental supervision and guidance whilst gradually increasing their skill level.
In contrast, professional work is guaranteed by a new system for magazined screws , which accelerates a large number of applications in the areas of hall & facade construction, wood & steel construction as well as balcony & terrace construction. Using "intelligent" dowel pins with expansion characteristics which automatically adapt to the respective location, craftsmen and DIY enthusiasts no longer need to worry about the construction material used for fastening and securing purposes. Ultra-fast and easy fastening or mounting in gypsum plaster boards without the need for pre-drilling is guaranteed by patented self-drilling special dowel pins . The previously conventional more or less fragile, provisional joining of round timber features and beams is finally a thing of the past thanks to the highly specialized round timber connectors . They create stable, professional connections from round timber to round timber and from round timber to squared timber.

Safety, stability and high user convenience are the primary quality characteristics in the ladders product sector. Compact folding ladders , which are much lighter than comparable models and therefore easy to transport, are characterized by a special diversity and versatility. A telescopic locking mechanism ensures that several working heights are possible and work can also be carried out on uneven floors, whereby the innovative hinge system optimally secures every required position. Professional multi-purpose ladders on newly-developed roller cross-traverses can be effortlessly moved into all working positions, even in a one-man business, with just a flick of the hand.

In the area of decorative accessories for the home and garden, both the classical as well as futuristic highlights are equally very popular. For the rose bed, nostalgic enamelled signs bearing the names of famous species are presented, which are just as resistant to UV rays as they are to winter frost, ensuring they will last in the garden for many decades. In contrast, fully in keeping with the zeitgeist lifestyle design, we have shiny mailboxes in stainless steel , whose avantgarde-esque optics are enhanced by translucent glass panes. An easy, comfortable feeling on an ecological and economical-sensible basis is created by special pellet-chimney stoves incorporating state-of-the-art technology: micro-processor controlled, programmable in daily or weekly cycles and especially low-noise without a convection fan, they offer cosy, homely warmth as required at the touch of a button.

Note for editorial offices:
You can find photos from the last INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE FAIR / PRACTICAL WORLD along with the logo and hall layout plan in our image database on the Internet at http://www.hardwarefair.com in the "For the press" section.

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