Each year a handful of the Extreme How-To staff attends the International Builders' Show (IBS), where manufacturers from all over the world exhibit the latest tools and materials for home construction. This January it was held in the Las Vegas Convention Center. During the day we worked the show and at night we would treat ourselves to mojitos at the Casa Fuente cigar bar or stuff our face with a pile of chicken, biscuits and potatoes at the Hash House-a-Go-Go. We lost money on slot machines, and we failed in our attempts to learn the game of craps. We also hung out with an Elvis impersonator and a showgirl. We even caught an off-broadway production of The Lion King.

Here's the EHT exhibition booth, featuring flooring by BLT, LLC. and a Makita miter saw for a sweepstakes sponsored by www.tylertool.com.

This year the staff not only attended the show but exhibited as well, promoting Extreme How-To magazine at a booth of our own. We decorated it with a “basic black” theme, and even outfitted our floor with a roll-out black garage floor covering, courtesy of our friends at Better Life Technology (www.bltllc.com ). To lure in the foot traffic we held a sweepstakes for a sweet 10-inch Makita sliding miter saw, sponsored by our friends at Tyler Tool (www.tylertool.com ). We manned the booth in rotation, using our off-shifts to browse the show floor for cool new products and technologies. The following are a few highlights that caught our attention.

Rockwell's H3 Hammer-drill

Rockwell's H3 Hammer-drill is the first tool we've encountered that features the hammering action in a 12-volt model. Although it's not designed for everyday jobsite use, this three-function tool fills the niche for the serious DIY'er or tradesman who occasionally needs to drill a few holes in concrete or masonry, but doesn't want the cost or hassle of carrying a large, heavy-duty rotary hammer. The Rockwell H3 is a true rotary hammer-drill with an impact rate of 0-4800 blows-per-minute. It includes an SDS Plus quick chuck and weighs only 3 pounds for easy portability and storage. It also features a 3-in-1 quick change chuck system that allows the user to switch between using the tool as a rotary hammer-drill, a conventional three-jaw drill or a power screwdriver. A dial switch on the body of the tool lets the operator switch from hammer to drilling mode. The H3 is compatible with Rockwell's extended family of 12-volt lithium-ion power tools, and qualifies for the company's Free Batteries for Life program. Learn more at www.rockwelltools.com.

Parasoleil Shade Panels

Parasoleil manufactures architectural shade panels cut with artistic, perforated patterns for decorative application on shades, awnings, pergolas, privacy screens and more. The standard 3-by-8-foot panel material is 16-ounce copper available in five patterns inspired from cultures around the world. The copper is a green-certified material with over 90-percent recycled content, and long-lasting since copper is both maintenance-free and does not rust or stain like steel. The panels add aesthetic appeal, the cooling comfort of shade, as well as strong shadow lines perfect for backlit displays. Learn more at www.parasoleil.com.

Hand-Scraped Wood Floors

In colonial times, hardwood floors were sawn using basic hand-held tools giving the wood a unique character and a rustic look and texture. Lumber Liquidators now offers many hand-scraped flooring options from Virginia Mill Works for homeowners looking for a floor that feels as good as it looks. Available in both solid hardwood and engineered wood, hand-scraped floors are exploding in popularity because of their old world texture and the warm, rich look they provide. Solid hardwood hand-scraped floors from Virginia Mill Works come with a 30-year warranty, available in glue or nail-down installation and come with a 25- or 30-year warranty. Learn more at www.lumberliquidators.com.

Certainteed Solar Power Roofing

CertainTeed introduced the EnerGen Photovoltaic Solar Power Roofing System at IBS. Unlike other photovoltaic (PV) systems on the market, EnerGen is specifically designed with conventional roofing systems in mind, offering ease of installation and vastly improved aesthetics for home exteriors. The EnerGen system features integrated UNI-SOLAR thin-film laminates, the world leader in flexible solar modules, which seamlessly integrate with traditional asphalt roofing shingles. The system's lightweight design requires no rooftop penetrations, making it easier for contractors to install while maintaining roof deck integrity. The laminates lie flush with the remainder of the traditional roofing shingles, providing a streamlined, visually appealing appearance. Learn more at www.certainteed.com.

Craftsman Paint Sprayer

The Craftsman C3 19.2-volt Paint Sprayer is equipped with an advanced delivery system that eliminates the need for diluting paint. The powerful 19.2-volt motor handles all latex and oil-based paints as well as wood stain. A quick-lock container securely locks into place to help prevent spills and allows for easy removal. Spray control is maximized through three various spray patterns to accommodate a variety of jobs. The noise-reduction feature enables quieter operation. The Craftsman C3 Paint Sprayer (#17597) will be available as an add-on tool to the C3 line without battery and charger for $69.99. It comes with an extra atomizer valve, wire cleaning brush, lubricant, 12-inch fan tip and round spray tip. Battery and charger are sold separately. Learn more at www.craftsman.com.

EcoShield Deck Tiles

EcoShield Deck Tiles from A.E.R.T. are fast and simple to install on patios, verandas, rooftops and virtually any level concrete or gravel surface. A.E.R.T. manufactures the tiles using unique processing technologies that encapsulate recycled wood fibers in recycled polyethylene plastic. Similar to A.E.R.T.'s MoistureShield composite decking, the product make-up resists rot, decay, moisture and insects, while reducing plastic waste going to landfills. EcoShield Deck Tiles contain a minimum 30-percent post-consumer recycled content, and 60-percent pre-consumer recycled content. EcoShield Deck Tiles come in two sizes—12-by-12-inch and 2-by-2-feet— and they snap together for simple and secure installation. Builders and homeowners can combine different patterns and colors to create unique styles suitable to any taste. They can also easily unsnap and reposition the tiles at any time to make new designs. Learn more at www.moistureshield.com.     

Ridgid JobMax Multi-function Tool

The JobMax Kit is a unique new multifunction cordless tool system from Ridgid. It features three interchangeable heads powered by a compact base unit with 12-volt lithium-ion battery. The interchangeable heads are the 3/8-inch drill (pictured), right-angle impact and a ratchet head. The JobMax features a variable-speed trigger, a 3/8-to-1/2-inch adapter for use with all common sockets, LED work light for improved visibility in tight spaces, and a fast 30-minute charge time. Learn more at www.ridgid.com.

Bosch GLL2-80 Laser Layout Tool

Choosing a laser layout tool has been a balancing act between rotary lasers (too expensive) and cross-line lasers (limited applications). The new GLL2-80 from Bosch Measuring Tools serves the middle ground as the world's first 360-degree dual-plane line laser. Bosch's GLL2-80 is capable of projecting constant lines on both vertical and horizontal planes, ideal for alignment and leveling applications when installing cabinets, floor and wall tiling, drop ceilings, interior framing, decorative finish and trim work and more. For specific applications, the GLL2-80 quickly switches between dual-plane, vertical-only and horizontal-only modes. The heart of the tool's innovation is Bosch's proprietary Cone Mirror Technology, which reflects a laser beam to project bright laser “chalk lines” in 360 degrees, rather than using a motor to rotate the beam. By reducing the number of moving parts, Bosch is able to produce a laser layout tool that is more compact, lighter, easier to calibrate and simpler to use overall. Learn more at www.boschtools.com.

Ryobi Tek4 Digital Multimeter

Ryobi Introduces the Tek4 Professional Digital Multimeter powered by 4-volt lithium-ion battery Technology. Powered by 4-volt lithium-ion battery technology, this tool offers a number of advanced features, including a simplified mode-selection dial for quicker measurement mode selections, built-in probe storage, a kickstand and hook for convenience, and a large LCD display. It reads nine measurement modes with professional accuracy. This water-, dust- and impact-resistant professional digital multimeter includes battery, charger, test leads and alligator clips, and is backed by Ryobi'S 2-year warranty. Learn more at www.ryobitools.com.

ReliaBoard Decking from Timbertech

Timbertech now offers ReliaBoard, a cost-effective composite decking product that offers all the benefits of low-maintenance without breaking the bank. The savings are accomplished through a new board design that utilizes less composite material per deck board while still retaining structural integrity. ReliaBoard is a full 5.4-inch wide plank, backed by a transferable 25-year limited residential warranty and is produced with recycled wood and a mixture of consumer recycled and virgin HDPE (high-density polyethylene) plastics. ReliaBoard is also designed with a square-edge profile that provides a crisp, clean finished look. The deck boards have a flat grain surface pattern and come in two colors—Grey and Cedar—available in 12-, 16- and 20-foot lengths with a maximum 16-inch O.C. span rating. Learn more at www.timbertech.com. 

Honeywell Wind Turbine

Breakthrough turbine technology was on display at IBS in the form of the new Honeywell WT6500 Wind Turbine for residential usage. The Honeywell Wind Turbine is a gearless turbine that measures just 6 feet in diameter and weighs only 170 pounds. The turbine's Blade Tip Power System (BTPS) replaces the traditional gear box, shaft and generator of current wind turbine technology. The Honeywell Wind Turbine's gearless system creates a “free wheeling'' turbine, generating energy from the blade tips (where the speed lies) rather than through a mechanical center gear. By practically eliminating mechanical resistance and drag, the Honeywell Wind Turbine is able to produce 2,000 kWh per year in class 3 winds, which according to the manufacturer, represents 18 percent of an average household's annual electricity needs. It also operates at a greater range of wind speeds, generating electricity in as little wind as 2 mph. The Honeywell Wind Turbine WT6500 sells for about $6,000, but a 30-percent federal tax credit is available to offset the installed cost of the system. Learn more at www.windtronics.com.

InSoFast Insulated Wall Panels

InSoFast, LLC provides a way to frame and insulate concrete walls, ceilings and floors in one simple step. The easy-to-install InSoFast panel is 4-by-2 feet and 2 inches thick, and locks together to create an R-10 system. Comprised of closed-cell expanded polystyrene and embedded studs, InSoFast provides a secure attachment for drywall, siding or subflooring. Drainage channels on the back side of the panel keep moisture away from the drywall. An integrated network of chases allow for the easy installation of wiring after the panels are set in place and even after the drywall is installed. Because the mold-resistant InSoFast is made of vapor semi-permeable EPS foam, the wall system is allowed to dry, making it the logical choice for concrete insulation. Learn more at www.insofast.com.

Customize Your Panel at Wainscotingamerica.com

WainscotingAmerica.com is an online source for custom wainscoting panels. Use the company's online design tool to adjust panel length, panel height, stile widths, rail heights in 1/16-inch increments, and choose the number of inner panels to make your panels aesthetically pleasing. The online design system allows you to make adjustments in real time so that you can tweak until you have the optimal wainscoting design. This eliminates most of the on-site figuring, reduces waste and makes installation an easier job. Installers can have their wainscoting panels made to fit and shipped to the jobsite in three days. Learn more at www.wainscotingamerica.com.

Hi-Velocity Pressurized Air Conditioning

The Hi-Velocity System is an energy-efficient, high-pressure air delivery system that can be designed to provide heating, cooling, filtration, ventilation, humidification and dehumidification. The Hi-Velocity System works on the principle of pressure rather than air velocity. Unlike a conventional furnace, the supply ductwork is all “small diameter” or “mini duct.” With the use of a high pressure area to low pressure area, the air in the room is continuously mixed, creating even temperatures from floor to ceiling. Because the plenum duct is pressurized, dust buildup within the ductwork is eliminated. With continuous air circulation from the constant fan, airborne dust and other allergens can be easily filtered out of the air. The innovative fan coil and unique cooling technology help create a healthier and more enjoyable indoor living environment. Save money on monthly operating costs by programming the system's hi-efficiency Energy Smart Motor. Learn more at www.hi-velocity.com.

Paslode Positive Placement Metal Connector Nailer

With metal connectors requiring 1-1/2-inch nails in wide use across the country, Paslode's new Positive Placement Metal Connector Nailer, Model PF150S-PP, is designed specifically for 1-1/2-inch nails. This compact metal connector nailer is lightweight—under 6.4 pounds—to reduce fatigue on the job site. The new PF150S-PP nailer was designed for professional duty, meaning it's durable enough for everyday use. It also sports a number of features that will make the user more productive. Its compact design makes it easy to maneuver into tight spaces, and its light weight is easier on the arm. With Paslode's unique, patented Positive Placement probing tip, the PF150S-PP easily and accurately locates the metal connector hole, making this a fast and productive tool. Its high-capacity magazine easily accommodates two strips of nails for less reloading and added productivity. The tool's strong aluminum housing is designed to withstand tough jobsite conditions. It also features a tool-less adjustable air deflector to deflect air away from the user, and a cushioned grip for comfort. Finally, the nail lock-out mechanism engages when four nails are left in the magazine to signal that reloading is necessary and help prevent premature driver blade wear. The PF150S-PP is designed to drive Paslode positive placement metal connector nails, which are head-marked for easy nail identification by building inspectors. These nails are paper-tape collated, heat treated and come in 1-1/2” x .131 and 1-1/2” x .148 brite or mechanically galvanized. They are ICC-ES recognized under ER2126. Visit www.paslode.com.

Broan Solar Attic Vent

Air trapped in an attic can reach a sweltering 150 degrees Fahrenheit or more, increasing the load on the home's air conditioner and leading to higher energy bills. The new Broan Solar-Powered Attic Ventilator (SPAV) begins working in the morning at first light, removing moisture from the cool overnight air and ventilating the attic before the heat of the day can build up. A standard powered attic ventilator (PAV) must wait until its thermostat detects a high temperature and signals the ventilator to begin working. By that time, the moisture has already seeped into the insulation and the ventilator must work harder to cool the air and run all day. Available in black, brown or weather wood to match most roof colors, the trim of the Broan SPAV is designed to blend in with the roof's shingles for a sleeker profile. It also requires no electricity or fuel, emits no pollution and costs nothing to maintain. Learn more at www.Broan.com.

ProFekt Decking Material

ProFekt is a flexible material with the look of a real wood surface designed to cover up unsightly aged wood and make your deck surface look better and last longer with minimal maintenance. Manufactured by United Plastics Corporation, the product is available in 40-foot lengths for DIY'ers and 180-foot lengths for contrctors, Choose from a broad selection of colors, as well as a pad designed to cover concrete patios. Simply prepare the exisiting deck surface by hammering down nails and washing off debris, then unroll the product over the deck boards and cut to the appropriate dimensions with a simple razor knife. Place on the decking and apply vinyl adhesive to glue it to the existing deck. Visit www.profektdecks.com.