NEW PRODUCTS

Outback Chair Co. has just given you another reason to kick your feet up and relax.

Inspired by the traditional porch swing, the Expanse design is a takeoff of the company’s popular double lounger, only in a resin rattan. The resin rattan allows air to circulate through the weave for cool comfort in warm weather. It is also ultraviolet resistant, durable and maintenance-free, which allows it to stand up against the sun, rain and dirt.

The Expanse, which has a weight capacity of 500 pounds, can be moved inside to a sunroom, porch or even a living room.

The resin rattan is offered in a dark chocolate color and has epoxy-coated steel cables. Color options for its seat cushions include ocean blue, kiwi green and mandarin orange.

Part of the company’s Urban Balance collection, it retails for $650 and includes hanging hardware. Also in the collection are the Curve (a hanging chair with a gently contoured seat and back), the Cove (a floating alcove) and the Wave (a boldly styled hammock).

For more information, visit www.outbackchair.com.

SeeSnake shows tough-to-reach spots

Seeing is believing — especially when it comes to diagnosing and fixing home repairs. If do-it-yourselfers can see a problem clearly, chances are they’ll know how to solve it. But what’s the solution when the problem at hand is actually out of sight?

To help frustrated home owners literally see in the dark, Ridgid has introduced the new SeeSnake microinspection camera. The SeeSnake is the first professional-grade adjustable minicamera capable of seeing inside, underneath and in between the toughest-to-reach spots.

The high-resolution camera head sits at the tip of a flexible 3-foot cable that is reinforced with a waterproof vinyl jacket. Users manually control the cable and camera, which relays images back to a 2.4-inch color LCD screen attached on a comfortable pistol-grip handle. The camera is equipped with fully adjustable LEDs to provide the right amount of light for every job.

“Everyone is looking for ways to save time and reduce frustration,” said Brian Harvanec, visual inspection product manager for Ridgid. “The SeeSnake microinspection camera takes away the guesswork and uncertainty by showing users a clear picture of that hard-to-see space, ultimately providing a much faster path to the solution.”

Each camera comes with three attachments that twist and lock into place on the camera head. A J-shaped extension called the hook tip lets users pick up, tug or pull small objects within reach of the cable. The magnetic tip is small but strong and can pick up metal objects. When users have to probe the tightest spaces, the mirror tip allows them to look around corners, providing more versatility in even the tightest spots.

The SeeSnake is portable, durable and fits easily into most tool boxes. Weighing just over 1 pound, the tool is easily transportable and comes with a protective storage case. Four AA alkaline batteries are included to power the camera for up to three hours of continuous viewing time.

The suggested retail price is $239 and the camera will be available at Ridgid retailers and distributors nationwide beginning this month.

For more information, visit www.ridgid.com/seesnake micro.com.

Shelfanator tackles wire-shelf woes

These shelves are just not working. Is there anything you can do?

This was one of the questions on the infamous “honey-do” list presented to John Wilcock.

His wife asked him to replace the wire shelving in their kitchen pantry with wood shelves to help tidy up the place. Wilcock said he’s pretty handy around the house but got to thinking about the cost and the labor.

“I realized it would’ve taken weeks and more than I wanted to spend. So I came up with something altogether different — the ultimate ‘shelf-help’ solution,” said Wilcock.

Let’s face it. Wire shelves may look nice, but they are not practical for items such as spice bottles and small packets.

The Shelfanator is made of PVC in rectangular panels and it hooks over your wire shelves creating a flat, even and sturdy surface.

The product comes in three sizes: 12 inches by 48 inches, 16 inches by 48 inches and 20 inches by 48 inches. They cost, respectively, $22, $25 and $28. It is currently available in white only.

A free customizing tool is included with every order, making cutting and installation a snap. Seam tape is also included to easily join together panels for longer shelves.

The Shelfanator not only works in the kitchen, it is a practical organizing solution for closets, garages and other storage areas.

For more information, call 888-865-6555 or visit www.shelfanator.com.

— Compiled by Hali Bernstein Saylor