NEW PRODUCTS

Women can have it all, including own tools

Home repairs no longer fall exclusively to the realm of men. Specifically designed for the do-it-yourself woman, a new tool kit from GreatNeck Tools has it all.

The Essentials Around the House Tool Kit is an all-in-one collection of toolbox staples that features comfort-grip handles and an ergonomic design, making household projects that much easier and enjoyable to perform.

Be it hanging pictures or installing a dimmer switch, women no longer need to be intimidated -- or ask a man for help.

The kit is housed in a 20-pocket, zip-up tool bag with a shoulder strap (no clunky box needed) and includes precision screwdrivers, 6-inch nose pliers, 6-inch adjustable wrench, 12-ounce claw hammer, 9-inch torpedo level, tape measure, assorted fasteners, safety glasses, magnetic bit driver, assorted steel bits with holders, 16 hex, metric and SAE keys, and a one-quarter-inch adapter.

The kit is available in two-tone blue or pink with black trim; it retails for $50 but Wal-Mart sells it for just $20.

For more information, call 800-457-0600 or visit www.greatnecksaw.com.

Ziszor! shredder helps prevent identity theft

Identity theft is one of the fastest-growing crimes in America. Credit card offers, direct mail pitches, receipts, check stubs, bills and outdated personal documents should be shredded for safe disposal. Shredding these documents, rather than just throwing them in the garbage, is a good way to protect yourself.

In addition, the shredded paper can be recycled in pet crates, gift baskets or as shipping filler, as well as used to help create compost.

Standing ready to help shred those unwanted papers is the new Ziszor!, a convenient, hand-held countertop appliance. Measuring just 10 inches long and weighing less than 11/2 pounds, the Ziszor! quickly shreds paper with ease, wherever you sort your mail or receipts -- the kitchen, family room, home office, bedroom -- and collects the shredded waste in a disposable plastic bag.

The sleek, glossy silver and red-accented device, fits perfectly into the hand and is a snap to use. Just insert any folded paper (up to five sheets) into the Ziszors!'s slot, press the trigger button and completely shredded pieces drop into a catch-bag. Ziszor!'s patented design operates with four AA batteries (batteries and three catch-bags included) and is made of durable, high-impact plastic that cleans with a damp cloth and mild soap.

It sells for $39.50; replacement catch-bags cost $3.29 for a box of 30.

Ziszor! can be purchased exclusively from the Web site www.ziszor.com.