User-friendly zero-turn mower
Because of their increased speed and maneuverability, zero-turn mowers can be daunting to newbies. Toro’s Time Cutter SS aims to flatten the learning curve, thanks in part to its innovative Smart Speed Adjustment lever that limits the mower’s top speed without affecting the speed of the engine or the blade, so novice operators can get used to the feel of the controls and to maneuvering around trees and other landscaping obstacles at a slower pace.

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Safer chain saw
Worx’s new electric JawSaw is designed to eliminate two common chain saw hazards: the exposed chain and kickback. The jaw of this tool almost completely encloses the chain, guarding the operator from potential contact. In addition, its scissor-cutting action forces the bar and chain through the wood from the safest angle, and its steel teeth hold the branch in place for cutting. Add the optional 12-ft. extension pole and you have the perfect tree-trimming tool.

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Quick lithium-ion battery charger
Craftsman’s new QuickBoost battery charger, which works with its Nextec line of 12-volt Li-Ion tools, promises to bring a completely dead battery back up to a 25 percent charge in three minutes, providing an extra boost of power to finish a job. When you push the QuickBoost button, the charger harnesses all of its energy for a three-minute quick charge. While the charger is in use, its onboard diagnostics monitor the battery’s progress, indicating its power status.

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Hybrid light bulb
Typical compact fluorescents take a little time to completely light up. For consumers who don’t like to wait, GE Energy Smart Soft White and Reveal hybrid halogen-CFL bulbs combine instant bright light with energy efficiency. The bulbs feature a halogen capsule nestled inside the swirl of a CFL and surrounded by a traditional glass bulb. The halogen element provides instant brightness and turns off to save energy once the CFL reaches full illumination.

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Portable propane power
A first of its kind, Generac’s LP3250 portable propane generator combines the green benefits of liquid propane with a compact, easy-to-maneuver design. It features onboard tank storage, a Generac OHV 212cc engine, automatic shutdown when oil is low, and more.

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Propelling mowing technology
The Worx IntelliCut 36-volt self-propelled mower with PaceSetter automatically adjusts to match the user’s walking pace. It can mow approximately 17,000 sq. ft. on a single charge, and the cutting deck can mulch, bag or discharge clippings effortlessly.

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Compact cordless mower
Black & Decker’s 36V Variable-Speed Self-Propelled Cordless Rechargeable Mower allows users to adjust the mowing speed to their preferred pace, which reduces fatigue. It also folds to a compact size for storage.

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Charging up mowing choices
Boasting a rechargeable 48-volt battery, Ryobi’s new 48V Self-Propelled Cordless Mower runs clean and smooth. It’s emission-free and is easy to push, plus it features three modes for clipping discharge.

One-step spray paint
Complete two jobs with the push of a button with Krylon’s new Dual Paint and Primer. This double-duty spray combines primer and a durable paint into one compact package. It offers complete coverage on metal, wood, masonry, wicker, ceramic, glass and more.

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Overflow protection toilet
Designed to eliminate overflows, the Penguin Protection Technology Toilet features three holes near the top of the bowl and a secondary drain system that allows water to escape in the event of a clog. And for even more backup protection, rinse holes in the rim of the toilet bowl also allow water to drain if the three overflow holes become clogged.

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Shape-shifting hacksaw
The name of DeWalt’s new 5-in-1 Hacksaw says it all. Simply move the blade to various locations along the frame or nosepiece to create five different cutting configurations. The tool acts as a standard 90-degree hacksaw for high-tension applications, a 45-degree hacksaw for flush cuts, a low-profile hacksaw for tight spaces, a long-reach hacksaw and a pistol-grip jab saw for use with drywall.

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Boosting chain saw efficiency
Two new technologies make Husqvarna’s chain saws more efficient, eco-friendly and easy to use. XTorq technology features a redesign of the chain saw engine intake: It incorporates two intakes, one for air and another for a fuel/air mixture. The manufacturer says this helps to prevent gasoline vapors that would normally be dispelled into the air by a standard two-stroke design, resulting in lower emissions and up to 20 percent better fuel economy. Autotune technology works in conjunction with XTorq and utilizes an electronically controlled carburetor that automatically compensates for different fuels and various ambient conditions such as altitude, humidity and air temperature, so you never need to adjust the carburetor as the working environment changes.

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Bathroom safety with style
Moen Home Care Designer Grab Bars with Integrated Accessories make bathroom safety simple and stylish. The Grab Bar with Shelf, for example, can be installed virtually anywhere, as it’s equipped with Moen Home Care’s SecureMount Anchors that hold tight even without being mounted to studs.

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New level of dust collection
Oneida Air Systems’ new 5 HP Smart Pro Dust Collector uses an infinitely variable fan curve that automatically adjusts and maximizes air volume and suction to suit a wide range of tools, hose sizes and undersize suction ports, which provides more air volume and suction than traditional dust collectors.

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Garage door with more
The Chamberlain Battery Backup Garage Door Opener Enabled with MyQ Technology allows users to remotely control not only their garage door, but also other Chamberlain accessories such as indoor and outdoor lights. Plus, the battery backup keeps the unit operating even during power outages while the Timer-to-Close feature automatically closes the door after one, five or up to 99 minutes.

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Smarter sanders
Bosch’s new ROS65EVC random-orbit sanders feature suspended motors and ergonomic grips that significantly reduce vibration and user fatigue. The new line is also equipped to accept 5- or 6-in. sanding discs and comes with a micro-filter dust canister.

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Biodegradable mesh bag
Made of biodegradable resin mesh that breaks down when exposed to microbes, the dsolv compostable lawn bag provides an easy-to-transport, stronger alternative to traditional paper lawn bags. And a spring-loaded, collapsible sleeve helps users quickly fill the bags.

  

Reciprocating saw attachments
Simply insert any of the new Spyder attachments in a standard reciprocating saw, and scrape, cut or remove grout with ease. No more wasted time searching for the right tool or wasted money purchasing specialized tools. 
 

Too-cool tie-downs
The Perfect Bungee is made of polyurethane rather than traditional rubber, which can lose stretch over time, making it the last bungee you’ll ever need. It won’t crack, break or become brittle and can even withstand salt water, ozone, oil and other chemicals found in the air or around homes.

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En route to affordable tools
Bringing top-quality routers to DIYers, Skil has introduced the 2-1/4 HP Combo Router Kit (model 1830) for the affordable price of $110. Boasting bells and whistles such as Soft Start Technology that reduces kickback and provides smoother starts, an LED SiteLight and a dual-position on/off switch, users aren’t short-changed for the low cost of this versatile woodworking tool.

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Multipurpose ladder
Offering full foot support while working, the Little Giant Select Step ladder boosts safety on the job site. It telescopes from both ends and features an AirDeck workstation with handrail, so it can be used on stairs and other uneven surfaces without losing balance.

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Power outage peace of mind
The Home Power Outage Lighting System from Mr. Beams includes a power detector that plugs into a wall outlet and constantly monitors a home’s electricity. In the event of a power outage, the system automatically turns on using a wireless signal, illuminating hallways, rooms, etc., for up to 40 hours. Lights can be installed anywhere using the included brackets.

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New screw on the block
The new Spiral Point Funnel Head Screw from Quickscrews International Corp. allows users to cleanly and accurately screw into particleboard and melamine without having to drill pilot holes. It features saw teeth on the head and a tip designed to clean out rather than blow out a hole.