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Canadian inventors have been busy coming up with novel ideas for the home. We put two of their new tools to the test to see how they measure up.

Hang & Level

Claim to fame: Advertised as "the right tool to hang stuff," the Hang & Level picture hanging tool was developed by Liette Tousignant, a Calgary-based decorating expert. It marks exactly where the nail goes, making decorating quick and easy.

How it works: You hang the picture on the Hang & Level's hook (or hooks, depending on how heavy the artwork is), and then position the Hang & Level so the picture is where you want it on the wall.

Then remove the picture (holding the Hang & Level in place), and press the button on the Hang & Level's hook. When you take the Hang & Level away, a small hole in the wall indicates where your nail or picture hook should go.

Upside: This tool is a brilliant solution to the problem that plagues most of us when we're hanging pictures and other items -- how to account for the wire or the hook on the back of the picture. By incorporating it into the process, there's no more guesswork, and no more extra holes in the wall.

The tool itself is also well-designed: it incorporates two level bubbles to get pictures perfectly straight, plus pads on its reverse side to protect your walls. It comes with detailed, well-thought-out instructions that include decorating tips.

Downside: None.

Bottom line: A useful tool that does exactly what it says it does, the Hang & Level retails for $19.99. It can be ordered through www.hangandlevel.com (the website also lists stores that carry it, including many Calgary-area art and framing centres; it's coming to Home Outfitters stores soon).

Window Stick

Claim to fame: The makers of the Window Stick alarm say it's an innovative and affordable security solution that protects homes and families from break-and-enters.

How it works: The Window Stick is an adjustable locking security device designed for sliding windows and patio doors. Twist the tube to unlock it, slide it out to the desired length to fit the window, twist the tube to lock it and then place it in the sliding window or door track. If someone tries to open the window, the pressure-activated alarm on the tube will sound.

Upside: The B.C.-based inventor of the Window Stick designed it to replace the old "hockey stick in the sliding window" trick that so many of us have used to add a little security to the notoriously poor locks on this type of window.

The alarm is easy to use, and the pressure-activated signal sounds when you try to open the window against the alarm. The alarm itself is a white tube with "alarm" written on it in red, which may have a deterrent effect.

Downside: I don't agree with the press materials that say this window alarm is an affordable alternative to more expensive home security systems, or that it will protect you from break-and-enters.

The only thing the Window Stick will do is sound an alarm if someone tries to open the sliding window where it's installed. It won't notify a central alarm station there's a problem (the way that monitored home security systems will), and it won't prevent someone from smashing a window to enter your home.

If it sounds in any other room than the one you're sleeping in, it may not be loud enough to wake you up.

Bottom line: If your current security system consists of an old hockey stick shoved in the sliding window's track, this will be an improvement. It's also not a bad item to have as one element in a series of security measures that protect your home -- and it could be useful to let you know if a child, for example, is attempting to open the window or door from the inside.

If you truly want to secure your home against break-ins, however, the Window Stick alone isn't the answer.

It's available in two sizes at select Wal-Mart outlets for about $25 (find a list of stores at www.windowstick.com).

For tips on securing your home, see www.calgarypolice.ca and click on "crime prevention."