Zircon Prepares to Re-tool the World Toolboxes at the National Hardware Show; Laser Technology Leads the Day; StudSensor Completely Redesigned.

Business Editors

National Hardware Show

CAMPBELL, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 10, 2000

Zircon Corporation will introduce a record 13 new products at the National Hardware Show in Chicago, August 13-16, 2000. Cutting-edge tools with laser technology will dominate the field in everything from measurement tools to laser line generators at Zircon's booth No. 13628 in South Hall of Chicago's McCormick Place.

New products include two laser line generators, LaserVision(R) LL and LaserVision(R) Plus; three rotary laser line generators, LaserVision(R) RCR, LaserVision(R) Auto, and LaserVision Auto R; a combination bubble/laser level, LaserVision(R) Mini; two measurement tools that incorporate laser technology, LaserVision(R) DM100 and DM200; Dimension Pro(R) 6.0, which combines ultrasonic technology with a laser pointer; and four new StudSensor(TM) models.

Zircon's flagship StudSensor(TM) stud locator has been dramatically updated. Four new models offer the utmost flexibility to meet the stud-finding needs of everyone from the novice to the professional. All four models have been completely redesigned in a sleek new housing that is both ergonomic and attractive. The SL models incorporate Zircon's revolutionary SpotLite(TM) Pointing System that projects a beam of light onto the wall when stud edges are located.

StudSensor and StudSensor SL efficiently locate wood and metal studs through up to 3/4-inch of drywall and other common interior surfaces. StudSensor Pro and Pro SL locate studs up to 1-1/2 inches deep. All models automatically calibrate each time they are used with Zircon's TruCal(TM) technology, which provides instant and accurate one-touch calibration critical to the success of every job. All models also have audio indicators, signaling the stud edge. Using the dual scan and mark procedure, users are able to determine the center of studs.

LaserVision LL and LaserVision Plus project an easily visible laser line onto any surface, for fast and accurate level or plumb reference. LaserVision LL projects a true horizontal line, while LaserVision Plus projects both vertical and horizontal lines simultaneously, creating a precise crosshair on any surface. These tools join the successful LaserVision(R) PL, formerly known as LaserVision(R) Plumb Pyramid, that projects a laser plumb line. All three laser line generators have self-leveling bases and include laser-enhancement glasses and hard-shell cases.

LaserVision RCR, a remote-controlled rotary laser, offers the features and utility of expensive rotating lasers at an affordable price and comes with a receiver for hard-to-see situations. It has three operational modes: 360-degree rotation, a scanning mode that sweeps back and forth over a set segment, and a spot mode that projects a beam to an exact point up to 150 feet away, depending on lighting conditions. LaserVision RCR offers both flexibility and value.

LaserVision Auto and LaserVision Auto R are automatic-leveling, rotary lasers. Each offers both 360-degree rotation and scanning operational modes. LaserVision Auto R also includes a receiver with LCD and audio to indicate level for outdoor jobs where a projection surface is not available.

LaserVision Mini brings cutting-edge, laser technology to the bubble torpedo level. This eight-inch bubble level, with both vertical and horizontal vials, goes decidedly high-tech with the addition of a laser that can project a beam that is visible up to 150 feet away, making quick work of installing cabinets, countertops, wall tile, and more.

LaserVision DM and Dimension Pro 6.0 reflect the newest developments in one-touch electronic measurement tools. LaserVision DM uses laser beam technology to provide incredibly precise length, area, and volume measurements at the touch of a button. It will be available in 100-foot and 200-foot models. Both provide measurements in metric units, decimal inches, and fractions, and perform calculations for area and volume.

Dimension Pro 6.0 uses ultrasonic technology to handle the measurement job, but incorporates a ring of laser dots that indicates the target area for increased accuracy. It provides measurements in inches and feet or metric units and performs calculations for area and volume.

"Zircon is proud to bring this wealth of new products to the marketplace," stated President John Stauss. "The SpotLite Pointing System is another feature that can't be matched. We're also bringing some clarity to the laser category by offering a complete line of extremely accurate, and affordable, tools from a single source. Our rapidly advancing technology continues to allow us to bring even greater efficiency and simplicity to help do-it-yourselfers and professionals get their jobs done quickly, easily, and accurately, minimizing unproductive and costly rework."

Silicon Valley-based Zircon is dedicated to delivering innovative, easy-to-use technology to the world's toolboxes. Founded in 1975, the company uses patented technology to design, develop, manufacture, and market one-of-a-kind hand tools that perform critical, everyday jobs, saving users time and money. Zircon's products include the StudSensor(TM) family, the original and best-selling line of stud and joist finders, the LaserVision(R) line-generating tools and a full line of electronic scanning, measuring, and leveling tools for almost every job. For more information about Zircon's family of products, call 1-800-245-9265 or visit the website at www.zircon.com.

Note to Editors: DeepScan, Dimension Pro, Extreme Precision, LaserVision, MetalliScanner, Repeater, VideoLevel, VideoScanner and Zircon are registered trademarks of Zircon Corporation. Dimensionator, ElectraLevel, iSensor, Make No Mistake, MultiScanner, Plumb Pyramid, RadarVision, SpotLite, StudSensor, StudVision, TruCal, TriScanner and Window-In-The-Wall are trademarks of Zircon Corporation.