The changes in our industry were more apparent than ever
at the National Hardware Show. Three years ago, it was
the nation’s biggest tool show. This year, many major
manufacturers chose not to attend. As a result, betterquality
tools, equipment, and products for the building trades were
not as prevalent as they once were, while cheap imports and obvious
knock-offs from the Pacific Rim were everywhere. Among
these signs of a changing economy, there were still plenty of
exhibitors with products worth traveling to Chicago for — more
than we could fit into one feature. A brief summary of some of the
highlights follows.
Klein Tools
Renowned among electricians for its top-quality