Rubin says that he conceived of the idea in 2002 as a way to reach “the completely untouched and unaddressed market for impulse-buy items in the hardware, home improvement, and automotive sectors.”
Holding 35 to 42 miniature wrench-shaped breath mints, the silver Wrench Mints container uses a design patented by Rubin and is manufactured by a proprietary supplier in Hong Kong. The pack measures 3.7” x 1.5” x 0.45” and can be reused for anything from nails, screws, and nuts to toothpicks, pills, and spare change, Rubin points out.
The mints, said to provide a smooth texture and fresh taste, are offered in Peppermint and Cinnamon varieties. Spearmint, Wintergreen, and Black Licorice flavors will be introduced next year. The products are available nationwide in chain retailers, including Harbor Freight Tools, Ace Hardware, Woodcraft, Northern Tool and Equipment, and others, for $1.99.
