Print

Email story

Comment

Letter to the editor

Wrench with gripping strength

By Times Staff, Wires
Published January 12, 2008

If Santa didn't bring one of these, you need to give yourself a treat. The Bionic Wrench from Loggerhead Tools combines the strength of a wrench with the versatility of pliers. Slip it over a nut or bolt, squeeze the handles one-handed, and the six-sided grip zooms in to provide 10 to 30 times more contact area than an ordinary wrench. It automatically sizes and grips a wide range of U.S. and metric-sized nuts and bolts, distributing equal force on all sides of a fastener. The bionic wrench is safe on soft surfaces such as copper, aluminum or plastic, the manufacturer claims. The wrenches come in 6-, 8- and 10-inch sizes, $25 to $35. Details, orders at www.loggerheadtools.com.

Showhouses to admire

The first designer showhouse of the season runs Jan. 20-Feb. 17 in Sarasota. The 13th annual Jewels on the Bay Boys & Girls Clubs ASID Designer Showhouse is in a home at 819 Whitfield Ave. that was built in the early 1960s and has recently been doubled in size, to 10,000 square feet. Tickets are $20, cash or check at the door. Information: (941) 926-7794. It's open noon to 4 p.m. Sundays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays.

Meanwhile, for those who have been watching the progress on the luxury condominiums at 400 Beach Drive NE in St. Petersburg: Units on the 21st and 26th floors will be the setting for this year's showhouse sponsored by the Florida Orchestra Guild/St. Petersburg. That's coming up March 8-30, and we'll tell you more as the opening date nears.

[Last modified January 10, 2008, 17:23:40]