Frame More Houses Faster with the New IRWIN Marathon with WeldTecRevolutionary Design Features Welded Carbide Teeth for 30 Percent Stronger Tooth Bond, Longer Life

Huntersville, N.C. (June 2007) - Construction framers now have a new solution to help them Frame More Houses. Faster™. IRWIN Industrial Tools® is introducing the new IRWIN Marathon with WeldTec circular saw blade that touts carbide teeth that are welded to the blade, making it extremely durable. The new IRWIN Marathon with WeldTec features UC2™ carbide and E.O.T.™ (every other tooth) grind technology - providing enhanced cut quality and making it the fastest framing blade ever.

The IRWIN Marathon with WeldTec

"The IRWIN Marathon with WeldTec is truly a groundbreaking innovation in power tool accessories," said John Paul Marcantonio, Circular Saw Blade Product Manager for IRWIN Industrial Tools. "We sampled and surveyed hundreds of professional framing tradesmen who told us that this blade is the longest lasting, most durable and fastest saw blade they have ever used."

The revolutionary saw blade's welded carbide teeth result in a 30% stronger tooth bond that provides longer blade life. The UC2 carbide (sub-micro grain) teeth are 70% tougher than standard carbide teeth. UC2 carbide stays sharper, longer because the carbide grains used to form the teeth are smaller, providing the tightest packing of carbide possible for a quality, durable cutting edge. This allows for ultra compact carbide teeth that are extremely durable and provide best-in-class cut quality.

The IRWIN Marathon with WeldTec also features E.O.T. grind technology, where every other tooth is ground slightly thinner for superior cut speed. The IRWIN Marathon with WeldTec is the Fastest Framing Blade Ever™.

"(I've) probably done close to 10,000 homes, commercial and everything else," said Dwight B., a 30-year construction professional in Southern California that was among the first to test the new saw blades. "I've gone through a lot of blades. I'm very pleased with the new Marathon blade. We tried them out and we liked everything about them - lasts longer, cuts better, we really like the product. It's not often that you get a product that you can noticeably see the difference."

The IRWIN Marathon with WeldTec also features innovative heat vents and expansion slots to help with straighter cuts and chip ejection. A reinforced shoulder also adds to its durability.

"I thought the new blade was a good blade," said Brett F., a construction framer who also tested the new saw blades. "(It) outlasted every other blade that I've used. The way it cuts, the thinness of the cut, speed of the cut, durability of the blade, the way it lasts longer, the teeth don't bust off. All around, a better blade."

IRWIN spent nearly two years researching, developing, testing and producing the innovative new saw blade at its world-class development and manufacturing facilities in Huntersville, N.C., and Wellsford, New Zealand.

"Our engineers have placed an enormous amount of time and effort into the development of the IRWIN Marathon with WeldTec blade because we understand the rough, rugged conditions construction professionals face every day," said Marcantonio. "They need a blade that helps get the job done, quickly and cleanly. The durability of this blade reduces time spent changing blades and increases productivity. We have once again changed the game with the IRWIN Marathon with WeldTec. You'll be able to frame more houses and do it faster than ever before."

The IRWIN Marathon with WeldTec framing blade will be available in August 2007 at industrial construction supply houses and hardware retailers nationwide. SRP is $11.99 - $12.99.

IRWIN Industrial Tools manufactures and distributes professional grade hand tools and power tool accessories worldwide for trade professionals who demand superior performance and durability on the job. IRWIN Industrial Tools' brand portfolio features user-preferred category leaders such as IRWIN®, VISE-GRIP® locking tools, MARATHON® circular saw blades, QUICK-GRIP® clamping tools, SPEEDBOR® flat bits, STRAIT-LINE® marking tools, Unibit® step drill bits and HANSON® taps and dies. For more information about IRWIN's line of hand tools and power tool accessories, call 1-800-GO IRWIN or visit www.irwin.com.

Holly Whitfield
704.987.4595
holly.whitfield@irwin.com