Don’t get hit with huge “over weight” fees when you get to the airport.

It’s easy to know exactly what your bags weigh before you head to the airport with this neat device. (Be sure to check your carrier’s website to see exactly how many pounds are allowed per piece. It's usually very different for domestic & International.) This FlightLite scale's unique T-bar design makes it easier to lift and weigh luggage, even heavy luggage. Just thread the sturdy nylon strap through your luggage handle, secure with the quick-release buckle, and lift. The digital read-out window is positioned conveniently right in the handle. A red LED indicates that your bag is over 50 lb; a green LED means it's under 50 lb. Weighs luggage up to 100 lb/44kg, and even includes a built-in 6-LED flashlight. Batteries included. (5½" long; 1¼" dia; 7 oz) The innovative new Travelite Luggage Scale is the compact way to ensure luggage meets airline weight guidelines. This gizmo is a Magellans Catalog exclusive. Under $25.

http://tinyurl.com/5kqtn8

Gadgets from The National Hardware Show 2010

Vinita & I get ready to record the Hardware Gadgets spot for World News Now. You can watch a backstage video tour we shot at the ABC studio here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q49vRmy4a6c

Where are my *&^%$ keys! Sound familiar?

The hand shows the credit card sized transmitter. The receiver is attached to the keys.The company that makes Key Finder says that on average a person spends a year out of their life looking for things that they’ve misplaced. And that recent scientific research shows that 80% of people have to search for their keys at least once a month, and for some people, it’s a daily activity. It’s not a daily activity for me, but it sure is more often once a month! There are lots of key finder gadgets out there, but this one has a really nice advance over the others. Like others key finders you press the button and follow the sound to your keys. The difference is that this Key Finderhas a very light and small transmitter. You can put the credit-card thin transmitter in your wallet. When you misplace your keys, all it takes is one press of the button on the transmitter to set off the alarm on the Key Finder. With the latest RF technology, the signal will even go through walls. The range is about 150 feet, and the sound emitted from the receiver is about 90 dB. And this Key Finder also triggers a blinking LED light making it a snap to let you know where your keys have hidden themselves. The lifespan of the included batteries is 1 year. It uses easily available CR2032 button-cell batteries. It will retail for under $20. This product is new to US, but popular in England. It should be available in stores in the next couple of months. 

www.bestkeyfinder.com 

Hear this Netcast: www.twit.tv/dgw1093

A new kind of screwdriver that puts more power in your hands!

L to R. No arms extended, one arm extended, then both arms extended. My T Driver has two has two stainless steel flip-out folding arms that help deliver five times more torque than a traditional screwdriver. To prove it, at the National Hardware show, they had one hooked to a torque meter. I got to turn a screw both with and without the flip-out arms extended. It works! I was able to get about four times more torque with the folding arms extended. (See link to video below)  The My T Driver is also a ratcheting screwdriver for even more power. And don’t worry about breaking this tool. The company says its powerful lever-action design withstands up to 300 inch-lbs. of torque. With the ability to use any type of screw or ratchet attachment, this new device can drive any type of screw or socket into tough surfaces. It comes with three reversible multi-head bits and a reversible shaft for small spaces. It has three blade lengths (standard, compact and stubby), six versatile tips for home or job-site applications, a socket head adapter to tighten bolts without reaching for a ratchet set, and a ratchet dial with forward, reverse and lock positions. It’s equal to 24 different screwdrivers. The “My T Driver” retails for $19.95 plus shipping and handling. But wait there’s more! Price includes a “My T Light” LED attachment so you can see clearly in dark areas. Although it’s not available right now, it should be available by Father’s Day.

www.melcodirect.com 

Hear this Netcast: www.twit.tv/dgw1091

The Giz Wiz using MightyTDriver at the Hardware Show: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nr4TovkjVm4

The Video Seeker lets you see behind walls, under furniture, etc.

From General Tools comes their Video Seeker Systems. These devices look a little like an electric drill, but its function is very different. It lets you view behind & under things you can’t see with the naked eye. You aim a flexible probe with built in LED’s to see behind walls, under cabinets, etc. on a video monitor that’s included. The most deluxe model (under $400) let’s you record the results on an SD card & features a wireless TV monitor. You can also watch the playback on the monitor. There's also a way to shoot still pictures as you examine with the probe.  Is that AC wire inside the wall frayed? Is there mold forming behind the walls because of that dreaded Chinese dry wall? Now you can know! There are 3 models, the 200, 300 & 400. On the air I showed the model 400, which has the deluxe features mentioned above. The 38” long probe is waterproof in case you want to look down a drain or under a boat. (But don’t get the main unit or TV monitor wet!) Comes with rechargeable battery and AC adapter.  

http://www.generaltools.com/Products/The-Seeker-400-Wireless-Video-Borescope-System__DCS400.aspx