Popular Mechanics Recognizes Cooper Hand Tools for Innovative Wrench Design

Business Wire, Oct 17, 2006

Crescent([R]) Brand RapidSlide[TM] Adjustable Wrench Receives 2006 Popular Mechanics Breakthrough Award

APEX, N.C. -- Cooper Hand Tools has been recognized by the editors of Popular Mechanics for the groundbreaking design of its new Crescent([R]) brand RapidSlide[TM] wrench. A slide adjuster positioned in the handle of the wrench allows substantially quicker jaw adjustment compared with the knurled adjuster found on traditional adjustable wrenches. The RapidSlide wrench represents the first time an alternative to the standard adjustment method has been offered for the Crescent brand adjustable wrench. The Crescent brand is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2007.

The RapidSlide wrench is one of only 10 products selected by Popular Mechanics in its annual Breakthrough Awards competition. The awards were presented recently at a ceremony at the Hearst Tower in New York City.

"One of our primary objectives at Cooper Hand Tools is to offer innovative, high-quality products that provide value to our customers, and receiving this award is a true validation of our efforts," said Jeff Measley, vice president of marketing. "To be one of only 10 companies accorded an award of this stature represents an extraordinary win for our company, our customers, and our distributors."

Named for the revolutionary slide adjuster in its handle, the RapidSlide wrench allows users to simply move the slide forward to tighten the jaws and backward to loosen them. The jaws lock into place automatically, making it easier to turn screws and fasteners.

The eight-inch (200mm) RapidSlide wrench provides a maximum jaw opening capacity of one inch (25.4mm). It features an extra-wide handle for increased user comfort and power, which puts less stress on the hand and arm. To prevent debris from lodging in the tool, the RapidSlide wrench includes an internal debris shield that protects the slide mechanism, extending the tool's life.

The highly polished wrench-head makes cleanup easier, and features laser-etched SAE and metric markings that accurately show the jaw opening measurement. The RapidSlide[TM] wrench features all-metal drop-forged construction for maximum durability.

For additional information, contact Cooper Hand Tools Customer Service at 919-362-1670 or visit www.cooperhandtools.com.

About Cooper Hand Tools

Cooper Hand Tools, a division of Cooper Industries, LLC, manufactures and markets many well-known brands of hand tools, chain, and electronic soldering products, including Campbell([R]) chain, Crescent([R]) brand wrenches and pliers, Lufkin([R]) measuring tools, Nicholson([R]) files and saws, Plumb([R]) hammers, H.K. Porter([R]) bolt cutters, Weller([R]) soldering products, and Wiss([R]) snips. Headquartered in Apex, North Carolina, Cooper Hand Tools has manufacturing facilities in six domestic and eight international locations, and has approximately 4,000 employees worldwide.

About Cooper Industries

Cooper Industries, Ltd. (NYSE:CBE) is a global manufacturer of electrical products and tools, with 2005 revenues of $4.7 billion, approximately 30 percent of which are international sales. Incorporated in Bermuda with administrative headquarters in Houston, Cooper employs approximately 29,000 people and operates eight divisions: Cooper B-Line, Cooper Bussmann, Cooper Crouse-Hinds, Cooper Lighting, Cooper Menvier, Cooper Power Systems, Cooper Wiring Devices and Cooper Tools Group. Cooper Connection provides a common marketing and selling platform for Cooper's sales to electrical distributors. For more information, visit the website at www.cooperindustries.com.