GearWrench(R) Introduces Four New Hand Tools at the 2006 National Hardware Show; Visit Booth #30819 to See the Latest GearWrench Innovations

LAS VEGAS--May 9, 2006--GearWrench(R) today introduced four new hand tools at the 2006 National Hardware Show in Las Vegas: the 4-in-1 QuadBox(TM) Ratcheting Wrench, Locking Flex Head Pass-Thru(R) Ratchet, Ratcheting Tap & Die System and the Magnetic Oil Drain Plug Socket System. The new hand tools from GearWrench include a patented ratcheting mechanism and other patent-pending features and are available for demonstration in the booth during the show.

GearWrench tools are known for improving productivity, increasing torque and leverage, eliminating excess bulk and unnecessary features, and working efficiently within tight spaces. Since the line was started in 1997, more than 70 million GearWrench products have been sold.

"While GearWrench products are designed primarily for automotive and industrial professional applications, they are becoming increasingly popular among the DIY crowd," said Jeff Svoboda, president of Danaher Tool Group. "We are excited to offer four outstanding new hand tools that will prove to be must-have additions to any enthusiast's garage or workshop."

4-in-1 QuadBox(TM) Ratcheting Wrench

The new 4-in-1 QuadBox(TM) Ratcheting Wrench offers the enhanced productivity and speed that have made GearWrench tools famous combined with an easy-to-carry size. "The convenience-driven QuadBox is the hand tool industry's first 5-degree ratcheting wrench with four different sizes on a single wrench," said Svoboda. "The set of two QuadBox Ratcheting Wrenches actually replaces up to eight traditional combination wrenches." In addition, tradesmen, repairmen, woodworkers, deck builders and farmers will appreciate how effectively the QuadBox fits into tight spaces, as well as how GearWrench's famous and proprietary ratcheting technology helps speed productivity. If the fastener is over-torqued to a tight spot, the QuadBox can back out with ease by using a dedicated recessed reversible lever for each size. Highly portable, the QuadBox is easy to carry in a tool box or clipped to a tool belt and also fits conveniently in the kitchen drawer or vehicle glove compartment. Beginning in July, the QuadBox will be available in Sears stores at a suggested retail price of $34.99.

Locking Flex Head Pass-Thru(R) Ratchet

GearWrench's new extra-long Locking Flex Head Pass-Thru(R) Ratchet is up to 50 percent longer than the popular original GearRatchet introduced in 2002. The durable ergonomic featured handle and extra length allow more leverage, making the ratchet easier to use and providing improved knuckle clearance. With the press of a button, the patented GearRatchet's head flexes to 11 different locking positions. The tool's patented Pass-Thru(R) ratchet and socket system increases productivity by eliminating the need for deep sockets. Productivity is also enhanced by the 5-degree ratcheting arc, compared to the 12-degree arc on standard conventional ratchets. Ideal for such tasks as changing out a car battery or building a deck, the Flexhead Pass-Thru Ratchet sets will be available July 1 in a variety of sizes at NAPA, local mobile drivers and other industrial and auto parts stores. Depending on the set purchased, the suggested retail price ranges from $59.99 to $159.99.

Ratcheting Tap & Die System

"GearWrench is constantly analyzing product categories to identify areas in need of innovation," said Svoboda. "It became clear that the Tap & Die category had not experienced significant innovation in decades. The new GearWrench Ratcheting Tap & Die System is a vast improvement over conventional tap and die wrenches available previously." The GearWrench Ratcheting Tap & Die System's Ratcheting "T" Wrench eliminates tedious hand-over-hand action with its 5-degree fine-tooth design as well as a convenient reversing lever for maximum productivity. The Tap Adapters cover a full range from 0 to 1/2", while the Die Holder provides form alignment and hold 1" diameter hex. The Die Holder also features a guided system that keeps the die centered on target for accurate threading. The set comes complete in a convenient blow mold case. Depending on the set purchased, the suggested retail price ranges from $66 to $222. The sets are available at NAPA, MSC, Fastenal, Lawson, local mobile drivers, automotive and industry stores.

Magnetic Oil Drain Plug Socket System

The GearWrench Magnetic Oil Drain Plug Socket was recently selected as one of the "Top 40 New Products for 2006" by Circle Track magazine, a leading publication for news and information on automotive racing technology. "GearWrench's commitment to developing innovative and effective solutions for the automotive industry drives us to experiment with new products," said Svoboda. "Created by our talented research and development team, the Magnetic Oil Drain Plug Socket is a great product that fills a major void in the industry." The Magnetic Oil Drain Plug Socket System allows easy removal of hot, rounded and difficult to reach drain plugs. Specially designed sockets feature a magnetic core that holds the drain plug fast and prevents the plug from falling into the drain pan during use. The set includes the most popular sizes (13-19mm) in a color-coded, anodized aluminum press fit for easy identification, as well as knurled "spreader rings" for quick removal and installation. The Magnetic Oil Drain Plug Socket System works with an included 3/8" drive GearRatchet for extra performance or a standard 3/8" drive ratchet to solve a wide range of special access needs as well. The set comes complete in a blow mold case for efficient storage. Depending on the set purchased, the suggested retail price ranges from $61 to $72. The sets are available at NAPA, Sears, local mobile drivers and automotive stores.

About GearWrench

GearWrench is a premier automotive brand from Danaher Tool Group, one of the largest hand tool manufacturers in the world. Since the launch of the original patented 5-degree ratcheting wrench, the GearWrench brand has continuously led the industry with breakthroughs in pass-thru ratchets, sockets, screw/nut drivers, pliers and specialty tools. More than 70 million GearWrench products have been "Professionally Tested" throughout the world. Additional information about GearWrench is available online at www.gearwrench.com.

About Danaher Tools

Danaher, a diversified technology leader, designs, manufactures and markets innovative products and services with strong brand names and significant market positions. Driven by strong core values and a foundation provided by the Danaher Business System, Danaher's associates are pursuing a focused strategy aimed at creating a Premiere Global Enterprise. Additional information about Danaher Tools is available online at www.danaher.com.

Note: Get a sneak preview of the new hand tools at the Danaher Tool Group booth #30819 at the 2006 National Hardware Show. A CD with photos of the new products is also available upon request.