Taiwan’s Hand Tools Keep Moving Higher January 12, 2009
Posted by champion in : Tools , comments closedFor decade years, Taiwan used to be known to the world as the “Kingdom of Hand Tools”. Wresting with mounting material price and less favorable cost, Taiwan has been seeing its global market share steadily erode. In 2003, her gave up the throne to China. As competition in the Hand Tools market has become truly international, Taiwan manages to battle back with renewed vigor. Although with little hope to reverse the trend and to regain the dominance, Taiwan is gaining ground in high-end low alloy steel tool products, special-purpose Hand Tools for medical equipment. In the help of digital data analysis on the torque against users, the local participants successfully incorporate new technology in developing more user-friendly Hand Tools products such as impact wrenches and the like. In 2007, there are four high value-added products launched, including thin-wall sockets, high-torque sockets, high-strength shears & pliers. The above-mentioned products target to increase extra 3~5% added value. Generally speaking, the average added value rate created by Taiwan firms reaches over 35%, superior to 30% of general international level. Taiwan’s participants make efforts not only on the R&D of new tech, new items, higher added values but also on methods for RoHS Enforcement Guidance Document, hoping to conform to the ecological standards and regulations in Europe and other regions.
The industrial upgrades on tech are proven as seeing the increasing unit prices of exports, on the basis of US$5.6 per kilogram, much higher than those made in China at US$ 2.3 per kilogram. The price still tends to move higher year after year. So far, the local participants consume 200,000 tons steel annually to turn out US$ 1.63 billion worth of sales, second to US$ 2.31 billion of China. Island’s Hand Tools products are highly export-oriented while 92.4% of output for oversea markets, mainly to U.S., accounting for 36% of the total output, and for mechanic maintenance use.
China plays collaborating part as well as challenging one for Taiwan. In 2005, China imported US$64.5 million worth of Hand Tools s, or 28.7% of overall imports from Taiwan, followed by Japan, US$38.6 million or 17.1% and Germany, US$37.6 million or 16.7%. The stronger-than-expected domestic demands are contributed to booming housing sector and increasing homeowners, who now have more pastimes to do house decoration and remolding. Currently, the Industry has fundamentally full-built as a complete production system from upstream to downstream, mainly located in Zhejiang, Sichuan, Jiangsu, Shandong, Shanghai, Guangdong, and Tianjin. By statistics, Taiwan has over 5,000 tool manufacturers have set up the factories in China. Some of them are flexible to make use of the respective edges across the strait to maximize their capability, efficiency, customer service and the ability to win more orders from overseas markets.
In 2005, China exported US$2.3 billion worth of Hand Tools s, soaring 26.1% as compared to the level of 2004. Major export items include Hand Tools sets, pliers, nippers, screwdrivers, household tools, hammers, sledge hammers and circular saw blades, etc. 30.6% Hand Tools s made in China were shipped to U.S. China and Taiwan grab more than 60% of U.S. Hand Tools import market. The market share is still inching up year after year. As DIY market is really on fire, there will be a bright outlook ahead.
Article from ttnet.net
Taiwan’s Hand Tools Keep Moving Higher July 4, 2008
Posted by champion in : Tools , 166 commentsFor decade years, Taiwan used to be known to the world as the “Kingdom of Hand Tools”. Wresting with mounting material price and less favorable cost, Taiwan has been seeing its global market share steadily erode. In 2003, her gave up the throne to China. As competition in the hand tool market has become truly international, Taiwan manages to battle back with renewed vigor. Although with little hope to reverse the trend and to regain the dominance, Taiwan is gaining ground in high-end low alloy steel tool products, special-purpose hand tools for medical equipment. In the help of digital data analysis on the torque against users, the local participants successfully incorporate new technology in developing more user-friendly hand tool products such as impact wrenches and the like. In 2007, there are four high value-added products launched, including thin-wall sockets, high-torque sockets, high-strength shears & pliers. The above-mentioned products target to increase extra 3~5% added value. Generally speaking, the average added value rate created by Taiwan firms reaches over 35%, superior to 30% of general international level. Taiwan’s participants make efforts not only on the R&D of new tech, new items, higher added values but also on methods for RoHS Enforcement Guidance Document, hoping to conform to the ecological standards and regulations in Europe and other regions.
The industrial upgrades on tech are proven as seeing the increasing unit prices of exports, on the basis of US$5.6 per kilogram, much higher than those made in China at US$ 2.3 per kilogram. The price still tends to move higher year after year. So far, the local participants consume 200,000 tons steel annually to turn out US$ 1.63 billion worth of sales, second to US$ 2.31 billion of China. Island’s hand tool products are highly export-oriented while 92.4% of output for oversea markets, mainly to U.S., accounting for 36% of the total output, and for mechanic maintenance use.
China plays collaborating part as well as challenging one for Taiwan. In 2005, China imported US$64.5 million worth of hand tools, or 28.7% of overall imports from Taiwan, followed by Japan, US$38.6 million or 17.1% and Germany, US$37.6 million or 16.7%. The stronger-than-expected domestic demands are contributed to booming housing sector and increasing homeowners, who now have more pastimes to do house decoration and remolding. Currently, the Industry has fundamentally full-built as a complete production system from upstream to downstream, mainly located in Zhejiang, Sichuan, Jiangsu, Shandong, Shanghai, Guangdong, and Tianjin. By statistics, Taiwan has over 5,000 tool manufacturers have set up the factories in China. Some of them are flexible to make use of the respective edges across the strait to maximize their capability, efficiency, customer service and the ability to win more orders from overseas markets.
In 2005, China exported US$2.3 billion worth of hand tools, soaring 26.1% as compared to the level of 2004. Major export items include hand tool sets, pliers, nippers, screw drivers, household tools, hammers, sledge hammers and circular saw blades, etc. 30.6% hand tools made in China were shipped to U.S. China and Taiwan grab more than 60% of U.S. hand tool import market. The market share is still inching up year after year. As DIY market is really on fire, there will be a bright outlook ahead.
Article from ttnet.net
Just Do It Yourself with Hand Tools January 31, 2008
Posted by wenbi in : Tools , 1 comment so farIn recent months, the sluggishness in house prices, and consumer confidence, hammered by ongoing mortgage market crisis especially in the US and the UK, has taken a toll on home improvement expenditures. Although the US government manages to restore consumer confidence and revive the overall housing market by announcing a plan to freeze rates on certain adjustable-rate sub-prime mortgages, the homeowner spending for home improvement and remodeling activities will be thereby influenced with a certain ripple effect.
A Mild Upturn in Home Improvement
By a survey, in the US, homeowner remodeling spending for 2007 dragged and is projected to be 2.3% lower than 2006 while homeowners become increasingly jittered about falling house prices and a slowing economy. They spent nearly $233 billion on home remodeling in 2007, marking a modest 1.9% increase from the record $228 billion spent in 2006. The growth is bolstered by a lag time of three to six months when remodeling activity follows home building. Homeowners can¡¦t delay a major repair like a leaky roof or a broken faucet after the houses are purchased. In 1997, the home improvement marketplace was estimated to be a $135 billion industry. However, that number has increased to $185 billion in 2007. Some economists predict that remodeling activity in 2008 is expected to grow by 2.8% and may reach another record-breaking year by 2009.
DIY Tools Smile with Growing Female Users
As mounting new houses are built, here come in a renewed passion for do-it-yourself (DIY) projects. As we¡¦ve mentioned before, it is women that drive 75% of the home improvement purchasing decisions in a household. The trend of single women purchasing homes is one of the most notable in real estate market. They regard their houses as valuable long-term investments, which require upkeep and renovations. Instead of hiring a worker to replace a faucet or put up drywall, most female homeowners prefer to do it themselves and save money. We are seeing increasing female shoppers to join the queues in front of home centers. More and more women are getting stuck into DIY than ever before. According to a survey, as purchasing holiday gifts, 48% of U.S. women choose home improvement items, such as hand tools, compared to 39% prefer apparels or jewelry. Now more end-consumers, either male or female, are tackling the work themselves and enjoying doing their own home repairs and renovations. Meanwhile, tool suppliers are adding more features and functions to their products, brainstorming new ideas to make DIY tools more comfortable, easier to use, efficient and safer and aiming for greater productivity, higher quality work and less stress on the users. Experts expect that a real estate slump would reduce the purchase power of professional tool users, but the DIY market would remain higher growth as ever.
Go Home and Do It Yourself
“Homing” trend is still on the move. People is poised to make their home a warm and cozy place furnished with recreational equipments and ambience-oriented materials such as decorations, a flat-screen TV integrated in a piece of furniture, printed screens or elegant lighting fixtures that are inevitable to the taste and quality of modern lifestyle. In the other hand, Always, things in home will break and need repair. And quick, inexpensive and user-friendly DIY tools not only fix the problem, but also add the beauty of a home. Beside the price, DIY tool quality is increasingly promoted to value-added professional tool grades and comes with growing focus on ergonomic, intelligent and long durability designs.
Hand Tools- Practice Makes Perfect
DIY projects by hand tools are often time-consuming. But many of the tasks are traditionally done exclusively with hand tools as much more efficiently and quickly than with power tools. DIYers believe doing your own home improvement projects gives them all the control, and can ensure the project turns out exactly as you want it only for pennies on the dollar. They also have fun and enjoy a sense of achievement when their projects are finished by continuous practices and improving skills. Nowadays, there are so many reference resources available for the do-it-yourselfers, including popular print and web-based resources and classes at home improvement stores. Apart from an increasing use on home improvement projects, vehicle average lifespan is longer also promote the sales of hand tools in automobile after-sales market. Electronic products forging tools are in great demand, especially adjustable wrenches. The common problem of annoying “external rust” on tools has spurred the application of special stainless steel on tools, which is underlined by innovations such as a novel combination spanner series without galvanized surface treatment and welded fully from stainless steel screwdrivers and bits.
Power Tools- Smarter Ideas for Housing Renovation
Powered by electricity, batteries or air for use in building, construction and home improvement, power tools are can accomplish almost any task a hand tool can do and improves the speed and efficiency of the craft. The differences between DIY power tools and professional power tools are on function and design. Basically, the professional models have increased power and the ability to perform under more stress than consumer tools and can withstand heavier workloads. Power tools are big business. In the US market, the sales are predicted to surpass $11 billion by 2010 by driven by strong demands on electric saws and pneumatic nailers and cordless power tools. The technological improvement and innovation spotlight on dust collection, laser-enabled products, ergonomic enhancements, high-tech anti-theft technologies, the inclusion of lithium-ion batteries, and redesigns allowing multiple tools to share the same battery source. Advances in Lithium-Ion technology have revolutionized cordless power tools making them lighter, more powerful and more reliable.
Tools October 29, 2007
Posted by wenbi in : Special Issues, Tools , add a comment
Find new and competitive tool suppliers |
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| LANGUAGE OF TEXT: English PUBLICATION DATE: Before 30th of every January. —————————————————————————- For those who are in search of quality conscious suppliers to deal with, it is an indispensable guide to source profitable and price-competitive products, or alternative suppliers.HERE’S WHAT IT GIVES YOU: |
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Toys Always Bring Smiles October 18, 2007
Posted by wenbi in : Tools , 2 commentsttnet.net - [2006/01/24]
Always, toys bring smiles to the faces of children around the world. They are almost part of children’s life, teaching them the alphabet, colors as well as shapes and also keeping them busy and having fun. Children are encouraged to learn, experiment and increase their knowledge base as they play educational toys. Toys are purely for children, yet parents play decision-maker role on what to buy, especially in the toy market for young children, between the ages of 1-3. A toy has to meet the requirement of the parent and convince them it is worth the money.
Classic toys have come back with nostalgia sentiment. A stereotype is limited edition miniature cars. Other popular items include puzzle, family, dexterity games, educational games, slot car racing tracks or rocking horses, outdoor games, skipping ropes or scooters to miniatures or railways. Outdoor toys in themes of football and basketball enjoyed great popularity, known as “action” trend. Toys with high sentimental value such as model railways, cars, dolls and soft animals shine the trend of “collection”. Collecting as an unchained passion constantly amplifies toy sector, and not only among the older generation.
The rise of Internet attracts the attention of children and reduces their time and interest in playing toys. In order to offset the loss of younger customers, major toy makers make effort to lure adults into the market by developing toys that will appeal to older consumers. More and more adults are buying toys as collectibles after all collectibles are really only toys for adults. For example, toy makers launched loneliness-fighting toys imitating popular movie stars or singers with voice and pouring drinks for single people who live alone.
World Market Snapshot
According to United Nations Industrial Development information, it is predicted that the worldwide toy market will reach $ 150 billion by 2005. On average, American children have an investment of $400 of toys every year. There are bout $29.4 billion spent on toys and 3.6 billion toys, 76 million dolls, 349 million plush toys, 125 million action figures, 279 million hot wheels and matchbox cars, 88 million sporting good items purchased in the U.S. Among major supercategories, action figures & accessories dropped 14.6% from $1.4B to $1.2B; building sets decreased 18.4% from $766M to $625M; outdoor & sports toys declined 5.3% from $2.5B to $2.4B; plush down 5.5% from $1.5B to $1.4B and vehicles slashed 11.1% from $2.2B to $2.0B.
The European Union has 2,000 toy manufacturers employing nearly 100,000 people, 53,500 of whom work in production, and 45,000 in research and development, marketing, sales, distribution, and many other services. Most of them are small-and-medium sized companies, largely concentrating on specific regions such as Jura in France, the province of Alicante in Spain and the Black Forest in Germany. The total toy market reaches 17.3 billion £á at retail prices, which total imports amounting to over 9 billion £á. U.S. is the biggest buyer, representing 18.1% of all exports, following by Switzerland, representing 14.9% of all exports.
China is now the biggest toy supplier, accounting for 85% of world toy production. There are more than 8,000 enterprises, including approximately 6,000 toy manufacturers, of which 4,000 of them are located in Guangdong Province, employing 3 million workers. The exports exceeded US$ 10 billion, mainly for United States, Europe and Japan markets. According to a recent study, the volume of the Chinese toy market will soar more than 20 billion dollars by 2010, with the sectors expanding most rapidly being educational toys and electronic games.
China is not only the world’s largest toy exporter but also potential as the largest toy market on the planet. According to the statistics, China has more than 0.3 billion children under 14, accounting for 25% of the total population in China and about 1/3 of children of the world. The domestic toy market has been booming with rising personal income and disposable income in these years. By a survey, toy expenditure accounts for 2.5% of total household income. In Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Chengdu, parents spend an average Rmb100 a month on toys for per child. On the ripple effect of “one-child policy”, parents tend to purchase a toy with a higher price, basically over Rmb50, in case that it is very attractive to them or child, or for special occasions like birthdays, or even as a reward for good academic performance.
The bestsellers are electronic games and educational toys with average prices at Rmb300 and Rmb244 respectively. As young Chinese people’s spending on toys reaches the average level in Asia, the industry will see annual sales of more than US$30 billion in China.
India’s toy market grows 20% annually at one of the fastest paces anywhere in the world. It is expected that the market size will increase from US$282 million to US$1 billion inside 10 years. India now manufacture a wide variety of toys namely including plastic and mechanical activity toys, plastic and soft dolls, stuffed toys, board games, puzzles, educational games and toys, metal and time toys, electronic toys and games.
Taiwan’s Hand Tools Keep Moving Higher
Posted by wenbi in : Tools , 1 comment so farttnet.net - [2007/03/01]
For decade years, Taiwan used to be known to the world as the ¡§Kingdom of Hand Tools¡¨. Wresting with mounting material price and less favorable cost, Taiwan has been seeing its global market share steadily erode. In 2003, her gave up the throne to China. As competition in the hand tool market has become truly international, Taiwan manages to battle back with renewed vigor. Although with little hope to reverse the trend and to regain the dominance, Taiwan is gaining ground in high-end low alloy steel tool products, special-purpose hand tools for medical equipment. In the help of digital data analysis on the torque against users, the local participants successfully incorporate new technology in developing more user-friendly hand tool products such as impact wrenches and the like. In 2007, there are four high value-added products launched, including thin-wall sockets, high-torque sockets, high-strength shears & pliers. The above-mentioned products target to increase extra 3~5% added value. Generally speaking, the average added value rate created by Taiwan firms reaches over 35%, superior to 30% of general international level. Taiwan¡¦s participants make efforts not only on the R&D of new tech, new items, higher added values but also on methods for RoHS Enforcement Guidance Document, hoping to conform to the ecological standards and regulations in Europe and other regions. The industrial upgrades on tech are proven as seeing the increasing unit prices of exports, on the basis of US$5.6 per kilogram, much higher than those made in China at US$ 2.3 per kilogram. The price still tends to move higher year after year. So far, the local participants consume 200,000 tons steel annually to turn out US$ 1.63 billion worth of sales, second to US$ 2.31 billion of China. Island¡¦s hand tool products are highly export-oriented while 92.4% of output for oversea markets, mainly to U.S., accounting for 36% of the total output, and for mechanic maintenance use. China plays collaborating part as well as challenging one for Taiwan. In 2005, China imported US$64.5 million worth of hand tools, or 28.7% of overall imports from Taiwan, followed by Japan, US$38.6 million or 17.1% and Germany, US$37.6 million or 16.7%. The stronger-than-expected domestic demands are contributed to booming housing sector and increasing homeowners, who now have more pastimes to do house decoration and remolding. Currently, the Industry has fundamentally full-built as a complete production system from upstream to downstream, mainly located in Zhejiang, Sichuan, Jiangsu, Shandong, Shanghai, Guangdong, and Tianjin. By statistics, Taiwan has over 5,000 tool manufacturers have set up the factories in China. Some of them are flexible to make use of the respective edges across the strait to maximize their capability, efficiency, customer service and the ability to win more orders from overseas markets. In 2005, China exported US$2.3 billion worth of hand tools, soaring 26.1% as compared to the level of 2004. Major export items include hand tool sets, pliers, nippers, screwdrivers, household tools, hammers, sledgehammers and circular saw blades, etc. 30.6% hand tools made in China were shipped to U.S. China and Taiwan grab more than 60% of U.S. hand tool import market. The market share is still inching up year after year. As DIY market is really on fire, there will be a bright outlook ahead.
Just “In” Do-it-yourself Tool Markets
Posted by wenbi in : Tools , add a commentttnet.net - [2007/02/01]
The popularity of DIY goes worldwide as we see more and more end-users love to do their own home improvement and renovations. Consumers regard it as an enjoyable pastime and encourage DIYers to brainstorm their own ideas out for themselves as industry people offer the user-friendly, self-explanatory and labor-saving products that make home-improvement easier, even enable a sense of achievement, purely done by own hands to save home repairing expense. Now, increasing female shoppers have joined the queues. By the a survey, while purchasing holiday gifts, 48% of U.S. women choose home improvement items, such as new flooring, appliances, window coverings and even tools, compared to 39% prefer apparel or other personal items, such as jewelry.In generally, the DIY market differentiates from the professional one, particularly as the former consumers tend to be sensible to price in purchasing decision. By this, DIYers are always searching for the tools, affordable yet practical to suit their needs. DIY tools, hand tools and power tools alike, are ergonomically designed with cushioned grip with asymmetric handle design and new, lightweight and durable materials, which enables end users to work more efficiently and safely for greater productivity, higher quality work, less fatigue, less wear-and-tear on joints and muscles and lessened danger of twisting or straining their wrist, arm or elbow. For strengthened safety, the tools with high-voltage insulation on the handles are required particularly to the electricians who need extra protection as working near live circuits. Multi-task tools provide stripping, cutting and crimping all with the same tool, incorporating an adjustable wrench with jaws that open like pliers; and pliers that can clamp work in place to serve as a third hand. Open-end wrenches come in integrated ring ratchet wrenches to be used in difficult to access places while traditional ratchets seem too large and somewhat cumbersome in use.Cordless power tools are lightweight, compact and easier to handle thanks to the use of small lithium ion rechargeable batteries, primarily used in mobile phones and digital cameras. Higher power output is significant. For instance, heavy hammer drills and chisel hammers with multistage overload clutches are designed with long-lasting power, friendly to user operation on hand. Now, laser technology for projecting precise cutting lines onto workpieces that often seen on professional-grade stationary panel saws and miter-cutting saws has turn to an indispensable feature of hand-operated saws for DIY lovers.
Market Snapshots
In TAIWAN, 90% of DIY hand tools are exported to overseas markets. According to the official statistics, the shipment of the general hand tools reaches to US$ 1.62 billion. The U.S. is the largest buyer, accounting for 36% of the total output. Taiwan¡¦s industrial players make effort on the R&D of new items and methods for RoHS Enforcement Guidance Document, hoping to conform to the ecological standards and regulations in Europe and other regions.
In CHINA, with the improving living standards, consumers have more pastimes to do house decoration and remolding. Currently, the Industry has fundamentally full-built as a complete production system from upstream to downstream. 78 % of the tool factories locate in Zhejiang, Sichuan, Jiangsu, Shandong, Shanghai, Guangdong, and Tianjin. China’s cost advantage makes itself the world factory in tool sector, attracting myriad of world tool companies to set up manufacturing bases, especially from Taiwan. By statistics, Taiwan has more than 5,000 tool manufacturers and now one tenth of them have set up the factories in China.
In the U.S., the power tool market is expected to hit $10.5 billion in 2006, rising 23% since 2001 as the number of DIYers continues to grow. Although we saw a slowdown in housing sales, the rising demand for renovations contract the negative factor and DIY products celebrate the added sales correspondingly. Most of American regard garden as an oasis of peace and quiet and relaxation or a very personal place of withdrawal or refuge, more topical than ever before. The garden tools attract the eyes of house-owners who love getting close to soil and flowers. In America, the key consumers are mostly aged 45 to 65. The beginners contribute to the biggest market gains over the coming years.
Unlike US with rising female DIYers, DIY in the UK are basically a masculine activity. The participants include many more couples, single home occupiers and multi-generational households, either younger and older consumers. The DIY provides an economical way to do necessary repairs or of improving the value of the home. UK DIY & home improvement market is highly influenced by the overall health of domestic economy while the market is classified as discretionary spending with a small percentage of essential repair sales.
In FRANCE, in spite of the lack of physical strength and size and finding the work too tiring, 8 out of 10 women undertake DIY projects in the home. Women of less than 40 years’ of age are the most likely to undertake DIY, and not out of necessity, but for pleasure. For 82% of women, DIY is synonymous with the pleasure of dialogue within a relationship and not simply motivated by finances or a lack of workmen.
“Tool” Build Paradise at Home
Posted by wenbi in : Tools , add a commentttnet.net - [2006/01/24]
An increasing trend toward “homing” indicates a transition of leisure activities into home, where householders have fun by doing fitting, remodeling, home improving and making more attractive themselves. This is specially motivated mostly by low interest rate, the uncertainties in tourism owing to more-frequently terrorist activities, continuation of virtualization and mechanization of work sectors and the renaissance of esoteric and shared values leading to a further revaluation of the focal points in life. Householders instinctively trust bricks and mortar as a sound investment, and understand how best to maximize that asset by building their houses themselves as the social and communicative central point, targeting at creating a warmer atmosphere for the comfort of living.
More DIY More Fun
The popular DIY power tools include drills, cordless drills, sanders, electric screwdrivers, chainsaws, and steam wallpaper removers. This market relies heavily on product innovation and new products to constantly broaden its sales base. Traditionally the market depends largely on Christmas gift buying. As an increasing number of renovations took place, the demand for DIY products added correspondingly. In addition, the increasing participation of female DIYers is another stimulus. In Europe and America, women of less than 40 years’ of age are the most likely to undertake DIY, and not out of necessity, but for pleasure. For 82% of women, DIY is synonymous with the pleasure of dialogue within a relationship and not simply spurred by finances or a lack of workmen.
What’s Up with New Designs
Tools are tailored precisely to the needs of DIYers and professionals. The improved comfort of operation and quality is incorporated into the decisive innovation factors in the tools sector, which turns to the focus of current development trends. More innovation is required to optimize homing, making good use of electronic intelligence, and striving towards aesthetic appeal design, a high level of quality, a hybrid of safety and functionality and ease of operation. Ergonomic designs make it easier and more efficient to work with a new generation of handsaws. Specialist drywall screw guns jointed with detachable attachments accelerate the assembly process.
The use of laser technology is becoming popular in professional sector. The innovative laser markers for panel saws ensure the optimal level of cutting precision, without lengthy trial and error. Here, self-leveling cross-line lasers enabling horizontal and vertical lines as well as exact right angles with clearly visible light markings onto any type of surface, provides user-friendly benefit as users aren’t necessary to make any marks previously.
Extensible light metal spirit levels make sure trustworthy and accurate measurements as adjusting the height and length of wood and steel constructions. Innovative circular saw benches are embedded with sophisticated column guides to make sure specialized cutting precision, even practicable to hardwood. Easy-to-assemble fence systems, the rods and transverse sections of which can be safely combined by means of a simple screw system, are specifically targeted at DIY enthusiasts. Multi-functional folding beams make it more convenient to use rims, tabletops and worktops at various angles. For safer disposal of harmful dusts, painters and woodworkers can now joint their compressed air tools directly to proper wet/dry vacuum cleaners. Firm and durable tape measures designed to withstand extreme construction site and weather conditions can be extended to up to three meters horizontally without bending.
Gardening Brings Paradise Home
Consumer attitudes towards gardening have changed significantly in recent years as the garden is increasingly becoming an extension of the living room. Living rooms and space are not only independently defined in terms of their four walls. Younger homeowners see the garden as an area of relaxation, and, spurred by gardening programs, are looking for products that enable them to acquire an “instant effect” for minimal effort. In this case, power tools, bedding plants, multipurpose lawncare products, and decking, have added in popularity. Generally speaking, gardens represent the unique taste of houseowners. Here, decorative elements contribute to transform a home environment into what it should be: a “paradise of well-being!¡Lexquisitely devised by human hands. The second, the concept of “all-in-one” continues to dominate the market. In response to the “summer of the century”, gardeners are aware of the importance of garden watering, in help of the use of corresponding rain water-collecting systems at the right time not only to make sure an optimal water supply for plants, but also function a smart money-saver solution. By this, more user-friendly systems with a high utility value are launched to meet the demand.
The gardening designs focus on being purist-straight-lined, a delicate, dainty Bistro look, rustic colonial style or classic elegant. Consumers customer makes the decision to purchase based on the criteria of: seeing, sitting, feeling. And yet: an eccentric, exceptional design is an eye-catching feature, and already next year it might purely and simply be the best-seller. In this connection, trend-setting models enjoy equal status alongside traditional forms and styles and classic elegant design.
Garden sheds aren’t just for tools anymore. Now some custom-designed sheds are practically cozy enough to live in as more homeowners are looking for ways not only to beautify their landscaping, but increase property value, they are building garden sheds and other outbuildings to reflect their home designs.
2006 Tool Trends Watch
Posted by wenbi in : Tools , add a commentttnet.net - [2006/01/23]
In “Practical World“, a world-famous tool fair held in Germany, we catch a glimpse of upcoming tool trends. Hand tools cannot emphasize on ergonomics and practical designs too much, especially on griping comfort of asymmetric handle design and new materials applied to ensure nice sense of touch. For instance, the major feature has a pronounced bulge on the right side that fills out the hollow beneath the ball of the hand to perfectly fit user’s hand. New screwdrivers have special “stopper zones” design to keep from rolling off a table. They are not only differentiated in their sizes, contours and centers of gravity but also adopting smaller and rounder handles, which enable more user-friendliness, time-efficiency and precision in operating. Adjustable torque has a growing concern. The newest electronic torque wrench, apart from enhanced precision, feature a large LCD display and data storage function, allowing recorded settings to be sent to a PC through an interface for further processing, which standbys for computer users. Open-end wrenches come in integrated ring ratchet wrenches to be used in difficult to access places while traditional ratchets seem too large and somewhat cumbersome in use.
Coping saw is designed in converting with a few simple hand movements into sickle saw or pad saw, which enables users to easily and safely fasten workpieces and further innovates to self-contained clamping system, with separate components jointed with many different arrangements to provide sophisticated multifunctional flexibility and single-hand operation clamp with a single turn of a knob, switching the tool from a clamp into an expander.
In power tool sector, rechargeable power tools in help of lithium ion technology make life easier. These cordless rechargeable gears are lightweight, compact and easier to handle due to the use of small lithium ion rechargeable batteries, primarily used in mobile phones and digital cameras. Higher power output is significant. For example, heavy hammer drills and chisel hammers with multistage overload clutches are designed with long-lasting power, friendly to user operation on hand. Now, laser technology for projecting precise cutting lines onto workpieces that often seen on professional-grade stationary panel saws and miter-cutting saws has turn to a must-have feature of hand-operated saws for DIY lovers.
