Hardware Retailing The Industry's Source for Insights and Information
For the past 59 years, the Retailers’ Choice Awards, presented by the North American Hardware and Paint Association, have highlighted the best products on display at the National Hardware Show. The Retailers’ Choice Awards differ from most award programs as the judges’ panel is exclusively independent home improvement retailers who know best what sells in the channel. The judges walk the show floor looking for those products they feel would be bestselling options in any independent operation.
This year’s panel included:
- Jared Brown, Aubuchon Hardware
- Neal DeLowery, Aubuchon Hardware
- Joel Pletch, Walkerton Home Hardware
- Eddie Grundy, Carthage Hardware
- Christian Herrick, Randy’s Do it Best
- Jay Enberg, Busy Beaver Building Centers
Drill Dock
The Drill Dock is a universal-fit storage solution for drills and impact drivers. It includes a mounting bracket for shelf installation and a heavy-duty clip for attaching to work bags or vehicle shelving. A built-in side magnet holds bits and tips and an integrated sizing guide helps identify drill bit diameters. Suitable for shop, job site or mobile use.
Drill Dock | drilldock.com
Mulch and Rock Binder
Easihold is a water-based binder designed to stabilize loose stones ranging from 4 to 20 millimeters. Available in sizes from 800 millileters up to 5 liters, this binder provides up to three years of protection. Its nontoxic formula is safe for children and pets and is ready to use without dilution. This binder can be applied by pouring, spraying or mixing with stones, gravel or mulch.
Easihold | easi-hold.com
Reusable Yard Bag
The DuraSack Heavy Duty Home and Yard Bag is a reusable, self-standing container made from woven polypropylene. It supports loads up to 1,000 pounds and features reinforced handles at the top and bottom for lifting and dumping. It folds flat for storage and is suitable for yard waste, construction debris or general cleanup.
Halsted Corp. | durasackbags.com
Convertible Dolly
The Kwik Shift 5-in-1 from Harper Trucks is a convertible hand truck with a 600 pound vertical load capacity and 700 pound platform capacity. It features a 1¼ inch steel frame, 10 inch pneumatic wheels and 5 inch swivel casters. The truck converts from two-wheel to four-wheel platform position without tools, making it suitable for a range of material handling tasks.
Harper Trucks | harpertrucks.com
Stormproof Matches
Hell’s Fire Big Ass Matches are oversized waterproof and windproof matches available in 4-inch and 6-inch lengths. These matches burn for 30 to 45 seconds, relight after being submerged in water and are suitable for camping, grilling or emergency use.
Hell’s Fire | hellsfireproducts.com
Hammer Multitool
The Hammer Fist is a multi-functional hand tool designed for easy use in tight spaces. It includes a mallet, dual nail pullers, rulers and a hex slot for screwdrivers. Its ergonomic, rubberized grip ensures comfort during use, even for those with hand injuries or limited strength.
Houseworks LTD | hammer-fist.com
Propane Filler
The TapRack from Ignik is a refillable one pound propane bottle designed for portability and convenience. It offers the compact size of disposable bottles with the refillable benefits of larger cylinders. These bottles can be filled at standard propane service stations and are built for repeated use during camping, grilling or other outdoor activities.
Ignik Outdoors | ignik.com
Laser Engraver
The LaserPecker LP4 is a portable dual-laser engraver designed for a wide range of materials. Ideal for both professionals and hobbyists, the LP4 offers easy setup, portability and customizable options, making it suitable for a wide range of engraving applications. Its compact design and powerful performance enable users to create intricate designs on wood, metal, leather and more.
LaserPecker | laserpecker.com
Ice Scraper Flashlight
The Icy Light from LitezAll is a six-in-one ice scraper, removable LED flashlight, glass breaker and seatbelt cutter. The flashlight features white and red emergency lights and is built to clear frost fast. This flashlight combination produces 200 lumens and can run for up to five hours.
LitezAll | litezall.com
Rechargeable Flashlights
The ReWind™ Collection from Police Security Flashlights features a patent-pending retractable USB charging system integrated into each flashlight. Designed for use in the field and on the job, these lights help reduce accessory clutter and simplify charging. Suitable for both DIYers and professionals, the ReWind™ Collection offers reliable lighting with built-in power management.
Police Security Flashlights | policesceurity.com
Fly Trap
The Fly Bucket Top from RESCUE! converts a standard 5-gallon bucket into a high-capacity outdoor fly trap. This trap captures large volumes of flies for agricultural, commercial or residential use. The top fits most standard buckets and is sold separately from traps and attractants.
Rescue | rescue.com
Cord Vault
The Twist and Seal Cord Vault is a heavy-duty enclosure designed to protect large or multi-cord connections from water, dirt and strain. Its latched housing and internal shelf relieve tension on plugs, while the locking eyelets allow for added security. Suitable for Y- or T-shaped connections, this device is made from UV-resistant resin and is independently rated at IP44 and NEMA 250 Type 3R.
Twist and Seal | twistandseal.com
Reusable Zip Ties
The RETYZ WorkTie 8-Inch Black Releasable Tie 20-Pack features a patented quick-release head that allows for one-handed operation. Made from UV-stabilized nylon 6/6, each tie offers a tensile strength of 120 pounds and is reusable. Designed for indoor or outdoor use, these ties are available in multiple sizes and are suitable for securing cables, hoses or tools in various environments.
Retyz | retyz.com
Moving Cart
The Rhino Cart All Terrain Moving Cart is a heavy-duty dolly designed to transport loads up to 2,000 pounds over thresholds, uneven surfaces and hard-packed dirt or gravel. Its telescoping frame expands from six to 46 inches to accommodate various object sizes, and the sides can be separated for moving oversized items. The cart features eight urethane wheels, a polyresin deck and steel crossbars.
Rhino Cart | rhinocart.com
Children’s Insect Repellent
The Shubug Kids line offers all-natural insect repellents formulated for children, providing up to 10 hours of protection against mosquitoes and other insects. Available in three formats, three-ounce lotion, four-ounce pump spray and six-ounce 360-degree spray—these DEET-free products are safe for children of all ages.
Shubug | shubug.com
Bungee Straps
The Tack Strap is a versatile four-way tie-down strap designed for cargo management. It combines the strength of a bungee cord with the adjustability of a cam strap, making it ideal for transporting various loads. The strap’s innovative design ensures a tight, reliable hold, while its durability provides long-lasting performance.
Stapll | stapll.com
Flashlight
TL800 is a handheld LED flashlight with a 180-degree wide-angle beam for broad, shadow-free illumination. It features three brightness settings, a textured non-slip grip and runs on three AA batteries. This flashlight is weather resistant and designed for both indoor and outdoor use, including walking, working and emergencies.
TripleLite | triplelite.com
Adhesive Roll
The Wrap-It Stick ‘Ems Industrial-Strength Adhesive Roll includes a 10-foot hook strip and a 10-foot loop strip, each 1.5 inches wide. These adhesive-backed fasteners hold up to 10 pounds and can be cut to length for use on most smooth indoor surfaces. They are not recommended for outdoor use or on surfaces exposed to extreme temperatures.
Wrap-It | wrapitstorage.com
Magnetic Wristband
The MagSnap Magnetic Snap Wristband by Wrap-It Storage is a wearable tool holder designed to keep small metal parts accessible during projects. It features 15 embedded magnets to secure screws, nuts, bolts, washers and drill bits. A built-in pocket holds nonmagnetic items such as wall anchors. The wristband includes a breathable mesh lining and a snap-on design for comfort and convenience. One size fits most.
Wrap-It | wrapitstorage.com
