NHS 2006: Beat Ice Dams with the Ice Viper

You have to question their choice of timing and location, but IDRS, Inc has decided to unveil their new tool for removing unwanted ice dams on roofs at this week's National Hardware Show in Las Vegas.

Simply crack open the Ice Viper bag, place the the enclosed tube directly on the ice dam, and wait for the device to heat up and melt away the ice.

Like the QuickCrete, it's a rediculously simple solution but I have to admit that I would have been happy to have it last winter when I was out on my own roof with a blow dryer and a sledge hammer...

NHS 2006: Worx Coordless Lawn Trimmer and Edger

Another Popular Mechanics award winner at this year's National Hardware Show, the Worx 18 volt line trimmer serves double duty as both a trimmer and edger.

Just rotate the head to switch from edger to trimmer. The tool also features a telescoping shaft to adjust for users of different heights.

Like all coordless tools these days, it's got a Lithium Ion battery that clocks in at 18.8 volts. Woops - it's actually powered by an 18 volt Nickel-Cadmium battery.

NHS 2006: Noise Buster Noise Canceling Ear Muffs

The Noise Buster ear muffs bring noise cancelling technology made popular by high end airline accessories now comes to the job site to protect users of heavy duty power tools.

A major improvement over simpler muffling, circuitry in the headphones monitors external noise and produces opposing sound waves that cancel out loud noises.

The Noise Buster will retail for about $150.

NHS 2006: CreteSheet

Winner of Popular Mechanic's 'New Product of the Year' award at this year's National Hardware Show, we present you with 'the worlds simplest concrete mixer' - the CreteSheet...

Per their website:
"Made of thick polyethylene and treated with a UV inhibitor, the CreteSheet is solidly constructed to easily manage an 80 lb. bag of concrete. The four handles have been firmly bonded thermally and mechanically, ensuring stable handling and maximum control. "

Nope, nothing more complicated than that. Intended as a replacement for the traditional wheelbarrow or cement mixer, the tool targets the DIYer looking for a simple solution for mixing small batches of concrete for home or garden projects.

I'll admit I didn't get it at first, but their website's how-to steps actually did make this seem like a pretty practical (albeit simple) solution.

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NHS 2006: Mag-Lite LED Upgrade

Mag-Lite is planning to release their own LED version of their classic flashlight, but that hasn't stopped companies like NiteIze from releasing LED upgrades for owners of existing AA Mag-Lites.

LEDs are available in four colors. For power users, they offer upgrade packages for C and D cell Mag-Lite versions too.

Pictoral instructions for how the upgrade actually works after the jump...

NHS 06: Raptor Anchors

Like last year's cult favorite the Monkey Hook, Raptor Anchors provide a new twist on the traditional picture hook.

The anchors go in to drywall like a traditional nail. Simply snap the anchor in to a strait position like a traditional nail, then hammer it in until the face is flush with the wall. Finally, twist in a complimenting 'zip pin' and the tip of the anchor is flipped open to secure the pin to the wall.

The pins come in a variety of shapes to accomodate a variety of situations...you can see examples (and a handy animation) at their website.

"Remote Blogging" the 2006 National Hardware Show

Today marks the kickoff of the 2006 National Hardware Show in Las Vegas, one of the largest annual trade shows focused on tools, hardware, and the home.

Toolspotting isn't able to attend this year's show in person (we're still worn out from blogging KBIS two weeks ago) but we do plan to 'remote blog' the event. We'll do our best to pick out the most interesting and innovative products and report them from afar.

If you find something of interest yourself, feel free to drop us a line.