WAXMAN INDUSTRIES INC
POS AM, 1995-10-17
HARDWARE & PLUMBING & HEATING EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES
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<PAGE>   1
   
    As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 17, 1995
                                                       Registration No. 33-54211
================================================================================

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                                ----------------
   
                              AMENDMENT NO. 5 TO
                            REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                 ON FORM S-2
                                    UNDER
                          THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
    
                                ----------------

                             WAXMAN INDUSTRIES, INC.
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
                                    Delaware
                         (State or other jurisdiction of
                         incorporation or organization)

                                      5074
            (Primary Standard Industrial Classification Code Number)
                                   34-0899894
                     (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
                                24460 Aurora Road
                           Bedford Heights, Ohio 44146
                                 (216) 439-1830
               (Address, including zip code, and telephone number,
             including area code, of registrant's principal offices)

                                   ----------
                                  ARMOND WAXMAN
                                24460 Aurora Road
                           Bedford Heights, Ohio 44146
                                 (216) 439-1830
            (Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number,
                   including area code, of agents for service)

                                   ----------
                                   Copies to:
                            SCOTT M. ZIMMERMAN, ESQ.
                    Shereff, Friedman, Hoffman & Goodman, LLP
                                919 Third Avenue
                            New York, New York 10022
                                 (212) 758-9500

                                   ----------

      APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF THE PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC:

  As soon as practicable after this registration statement becomes effective.

         If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be
offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the
Securities Act of 1933, check the following box: /X/

         The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date
or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant
shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration
Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with section 8(a) of
the Securities Act of 1933 or until the Registration Statement shall become
effective on such date as the Commission acting pursuant to said section 8(a),
may determine.

                                   ----------


<PAGE>   2
                             WAXMAN INDUSTRIES, INC.

                              CROSS REFERENCE SHEET

                    PURSUANT TO ITEM 501(B) OF REGULATION S-K

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
    ITEM OF FORM S-2                              PROSPECTUS CAPTION OR LOCATION
    ----------------                              ------------------------------
<S>                                               <C>
1.  Forepart of the Registration Statement        Outside Front Cover Page of Prospectus
    and Outside Front Cover Page of Prospectus

2.  Inside Front and Outside Back Cover           Available Information; Inside Front Cover and 
    Page of Prospectus                            Outside Back Cover Pages of Prospectus

3.  Summary Information, Risk Factors and         Prospectus Summary; Incorporation of Certain 
    Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges            Information by Reference; Risk Factors.

4.  Use of Proceeds                               Inside Front Cover Page of Prospectus; Prospectus
                                                  Summary; Use of Proceeds

5.  Determination of Offering Price               Not Applicable

6.  Dilution                                      Not Applicable

7.  Selling Security Holders                      Selling Security Holders; Plan of Distribution

8.  Plan of Distribution and Underwriting         Outside Front Cover Page of Prospectus; Plan of
                                                  Distribution

9.  Description of Securities to be Registered    Outside Front Cover Page of Prospectus; Prospectus
                                                  Summary; Description of Warrants; Description of
                                                  Capital Stock

10. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel        Legal Matters

11. Information with Respect to the Registrant    Outside Front Cover Page of Prospectus; Available
                                                  Information; Incorporation of Certain Information by
                                                  Reference; Prospectus Summary; Risk Factors

12. Incorporation of Certain Information by       Available Information; Incorporation of Certain 
    Reference                                     Information by Reference

13. Disclosure on Commission Position on
    Indemnification of Securities Act
    Liabilities                                   Not Applicable
</TABLE>

                                       i
<PAGE>   3
   
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED OCTOBER 17, 1995
    
PROSPECTUS

                             WAXMAN INDUSTRIES, INC.

              2,950,000 WARRANTS TO PURCHASE SHARES OF COMMON STOCK
           2,950,000 SHARES OF COMMON STOCK, PAR VALUE $.01 PER SHARE

         This Prospectus relates to the offer and sale of 2,950,000 warrants
("Warrants") to purchase shares of common stock, par value $.01 per share (the
"Common Stock"), of Waxman Industries, Inc. (the "Company") and the 2,950,000
shares of Common Stock, subject to adjustment, issuable upon exercise of the
Warrants. The Warrants and shares of Common Stock referenced above offered
hereby are sometimes collectively referred to herein as the "Securities." The
Securities will be sold by the holders thereof (the "Selling Security Holders").
See "Selling Security Holders."

         On May 20, 1994, the Company issued Series A 12 3/4% Senior Secured
Deferred Coupon Notes Due 2004 having an initial accredited value of $50,000,000
(the "Notes") together with the Warrants in exchange for $50,000,000 aggregate
principal amount of the Company's then outstanding 13 3/4% Senior Subordinated
Notes due June 1, 1999 (the "Senior Subordinated Notes") pursuant to a private
exchange offer (the "Private Exchange Offer") which was a part of a series of
interrelated transactions (the "Reorganization"). In addition to the Private
Exchange Offer, the components of the Reorganization included (i) the
solicitation of the consents of the holders of the Company's 12.25% Fixed Rate
Senior Secured Notes due September 1, 1998 and Floating Rate Senior Secured
Notes due September 1, 1998 to certain waivers of and the adoption of certain
amendments to the indenture governing such Senior Secured Notes, (ii) the
establishment of a $55 million revolving credit facility and a $15 million term
loan, (iii) the solicitation of the consents of the holders of the Company's
Senior Subordinated Notes to certain waivers of and the adoption of certain
amendments to the indenture governing the Senior Subordinated Notes and (iv) the
repayment of the borrowings under the Company's then existing domestic revolving
credit facilities.

         Each Warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase one share of
Common Stock, subject to adjustment in certain circumstances discussed below, at
a cash exercise price of $2.45 per share, subject to adjustment in certain
circumstances discussed below. The Company would receive all of the proceeds
from the exercise of the Warrants. The Warrants are currently exercisable and
expire on June 1, 2004. The Warrants were originally issued by the Company in a
private placement to certain institutional investors. There is presently no
active trading market for the Warrants and there can be no assurance that one
will develop. The Common Stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange, Inc.
(the "NYSE") under the symbol "WAX." On October 5, 1995, the last reported
sales price per share of Common Stock, as reported by the NYSE, was $1 3/8

         The Securities are being offered for the accounts of the Selling
Security Holders. See "Selling Security Holders." The offer and sale of the
Securities is being registered under the Registration Statement of which this
Prospectus forms a part in order to satisfy certain obligations of the Company
contained in the Registration Rights Agreement (the "Equity Registration Rights
Agreement"), dated as of May 20, 1994, between the Company and The Huntington
National Bank, as Warrant Agent (the "Warrant Agent") under the Warrant
Agreement dated as of May 20, 1994 between such Warrant Agent and the Company,
on behalf of the original purchasers of the Warrants. The Company has agreed to
pay all expenses of this offering but will not receive any of the proceeds from
the sale of Securities being offered hereby. The aggregate proceeds to the
Selling Security Holders from the sale of the Securities will be the purchase
price of the Securities sold, less the aggregate underwriting fees, discounts
and commissions, if any. See "Plan of Distribution."

         The Selling Security Holders directly, through agents designated from
time to time or through dealers or underwriters also to be designated, may sell
the Securities from time to time on terms to be determined at the time of sale.
To the extent required, the specific Securities to be sold, the names of the
Selling Security Holders, the purchase price, the public offering price, the
names of any such agents, dealers or underwriters and any applicable commissions
or discount with respect to a particular offer will be set forth in an
accompanying Prospectus supplement (or, if required, a post-effective amendment
to the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus forms a part). The
distribution of the Securities of the Selling Security Holders may be effected
in one or more transactions that may take place on the NYSE or the over-


<PAGE>   4
the-counter market, including ordinary broker's transactions, privately
negotiated transactions or through sales to one or more dealers for resale of
such securities as principals, at market prices prevailing at the time of sale,
at prices related to such prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices.
Usual and customary or specifically negotiated brokerage fees, commissions or
discounts may be paid by the Selling Security Holders in connection with such
sales.

         The Selling Security Holders and any broker-dealers, agents or
underwriters that participate with the Selling Security Holders in the
distribution of the Securities may be deemed to be "Underwriters" within the
meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act"), and any
commissions received by them and any profit on the resale of the Securities
purchased by them may be deemed to be underwriting commissions or discounts
under the Act. See "Plan of Distribution" for indemnification arrangements."

         PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS OF THE SECURITIES OFFERED HEREBY SHOULD
CAREFULLY CONSIDER THE MATTERS SET FORTH UNDER "RISK FACTORS."

                    -----------------------------------------

         THE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED
UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE
CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

         THE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN AND WILL NOT BE QUALIFIED FOR SALE UNDER
THE SECURITIES LAWS OF CANADA OR ANY PROVINCE OR TERRITORY OF CANADA. THE
SECURITIES ARE NOT BEING OFFERED FOR SALE AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD,
DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN CANADA, OR TO ANY RESIDENT THEREOF, IN VIOLATION OF
THE SECURITIES LAWS OF CANADA OR ANY PROVINCE OR TERRITORY OF CANADA.

         THIS DOCUMENT MAY NOT BE PASSED ON IN THE UNITED KINGDOM TO ANY PERSON
UNLESS THAT PERSON IS OF A KIND DESCRIBED IN ARTICLE 9(3) OF THE FINANCIAL
SERVICES ACT 1986 (INVESTMENT ADVERTISEMENTS) (EXEMPTIONS) ORDER 1988 OR IS A
PERSON TO WHOM THIS DOCUMENT MAY OTHERWISE LAWFULLY BE ISSUED OR PASSED ON.

                        NOTICE TO NEW HAMPSHIRE RESIDENTS

         NEITHER THE FACT THAT A REGISTRATION STATEMENT OR AN APPLICATION FOR A
LICENSE HAS BEEN FILED UNDER CHAPTER 421-B WITH THE STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE NOR
THE FACT THAT A SECURITY IS EFFECTIVELY REGISTERED OR A PERSON IS LICENSED IN
THE STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE CONSTITUTES A FINDING BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE THAT
ANY DOCUMENT FILED UNDER CHAPTER 421-B IS TRUE, COMPLETE AND NOT MISLEADING.
NEITHER ANY SUCH FACT NOR THE FACT THAT AN EXEMPTION OR EXCEPTION IS AVAILABLE
FOR A SECURITY OR A TRANSACTION MEANS THAT THE SECRETARY OF STATE HAS PASSED IN
ANY WAY UPON THE MERITS OR QUALIFICATIONS OF, OR RECOMMENDED OR GIVEN APPROVAL
TO, ANY PERSON, SECURITY OR TRANSACTION. IT IS UNLAWFUL TO MAKE, OR CAUSE TO BE
MADE, TO ANY PROSPECTIVE PURCHASER, CUSTOMER OR CLIENT ANY REPRESENTATION
INCONSISTENT WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THIS PARAGRAPH.

                    -----------------------------------------

                 THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS _________, 1995

                                       2
<PAGE>   5
                              AVAILABLE INFORMATION

         The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in
accordance therewith files periodic reports, proxy statements and other
information with the Commission. The Registration Statement, as well as such
periodic reports, proxy statements and other information, can be inspected and
copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the Commission at Room
1024, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549; Suite 1400, Northwest
Atrium Center, 500 West Madison Street, Chicago, Illinois 60661; and 7 World
Trade Center, New York, New York 10048. Copies of such material can also be
obtained from the Public Reference Section of the Commission at 450 Fifth
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates. The Company's common
stock is listed on the NYSE. Reports, proxy statements and other information may
also be inspected at the offices of the NYSE, 20 Broad Street, New York, New
York 10005.

         The Company has filed a Registration Statement on Form S-2 (together
with all amendments thereto referred to herein as the "Registration Statement")
under the Act, with the Commission covering the securities being offered by this
Prospectus. This Prospectus does not contain all the information set forth or
incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement and the exhibits and
schedules relating thereto, certain portions of which have been omitted as
permitted by the rules and regulations of the Commission. For further
information with respect to the Company and the securities offered by this
Prospectus, reference is made to the Registration Statement and the exhibits and
schedules thereto which are on file at the offices of the Commission and may be
obtained upon payment of the fee prescribed by the Commission, or may be
examined without charge at the offices of the Commission. Statements contained
in this Prospectus as to the contents of any contract or other documents
referred to are not necessarily complete, and are qualified in all respects by
such reference.

                INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY REFERENCE
   
         The Company hereby incorporates by reference in this Prospectus the
Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for its fiscal year ended June 30, 1995
filed with the Commission (File No.0-5888) pursuant to the 1934 Act, as amended
by an amendment on Form 10-K/A filed with the Commission on October 11, 1995 
(the "1995 Annual Report"). 
    
         All reports and definitive proxy or information statements filed
pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to
the date of this Prospectus and prior to the termination of the offering of the
Securities shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this Prospectus
and to be a part hereof from the date of filing of such documents. Any statement
contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference
herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this
Prospectus to the extent that a statement contained herein or in any other
subsequently filed document which also is incorporated or deemed to be
incorporated by reference herein modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such
statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified
or superseded, to constitute a part of this Prospectus.

         Any person receiving a copy of this Prospectus may obtain without
charge, upon request, a copy of any of the documents incorporated by reference
herein, except for the exhibits to such documents. Requests should be directed
to Waxman Industries, Inc. 24460 Aurora Road, Bedford Heights, Ohio 44146,
Telephone No: (216) 439-1830.

                                       3
<PAGE>   6
                               PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

         The following summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to, and
should be read in conjunction with, the more detailed information and financial
statements appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus. References in this Prospectus
to a particular fiscal year refer to the 12-month period ended on June 30 in
that year. Unless the context otherwise indicates, all references to the
"Company" are to the continuing operations of Waxman Industries, Inc. and its
subsidiaries and divisions and to the business conducted through such
subsidiaries and divisions and exclude the operations of Waxman Consumer
Products Group Inc. ("Consumer Products"). As a result of the Company's recent
determination to sell its Consumer Products business, Consumer Products is
reported as a discontinued operation and the consolidated financial statements
and financial information incorporated by reference herein have been
reclassified to report separately Consumer Products' net assets and results of
operations. See "Recent Developments."

                                   THE COMPANY

         The Company believes it is one of the leading suppliers of plumbing
products to the repair and remodeling market in the United States. The Company
distributes plumbing, electrical and hardware products to over 49,000 customers
in the United States, including plumbing and electrical repair and remodeling
contractors and independent retailers. The Company's consolidated net sales were
$156.0 million in fiscal 1995.

         The Company's business is conducted primarily through its wholly-owned
subsidiary, Barnett Inc. ("Barnett"). Barnett is a national mail order and
telemarketing business which markets an extensive line of over 9,200 plumbing,
electrical and hardware products to over 35,000 active customers. Through its
nationwide network of warehouses, Barnett provides its customers with a single
source for an extensive line of competitively priced quality products. The
Company's strategy of being a low-cost supplier is facilitated by its purchase
of a significant portion of its products from foreign sources. Based on
management's experience and knowledge of the industry, the Company believes that
Barnett is the only national competitor in this business. Due to its size,
purchasing power and foreign sourcing capabilities, Barnett has a number of
distinct competitive advantages including (i) the ability to offer prices
generally lower than those of its regional competition, (ii) the ability to
offer higher margin private label products which offer customers a low cost
alternative to name-brand products, and (iii), in virtually all cases, 24-hour
order turnaround. Barnett's marketing strategy is comprised of frequent catalog
and promotional mailings, supported by a 24-hour telemarketing operation.
Barnett has averaged 15% net sales growth per annum during the period from
fiscal 1991 to fiscal 1995 through (i) the enhancement and expansion of its
telemarketing operation, (ii) increased market penetration with the expansion of
its warehouse network, (iii) the introduction of new product offerings and (iv)
the introduction of two additional catalogs, each targeted at a distinct
customer base. Barnett's net sales for fiscal 1995 were $109.1 million.

         The Company also has several other smaller operations which are
conducted through its other subsidiaries, WOC Inc. ("WOC") and TWI,
International, Inc. ("TWI"). WOC includes four operations, the largest of which
are U.S. Lock ("U.S. Lock") --a distributor of a full line of security hardware
products, and LeRan Copper & Brass ("LeRan") --a supplier of copper tubing,
brass fittings and other related products. TWI includes the foreign sourcing
operations which support Barnett, Consumer Products and WOC. Net sales from
these other operations were $46.9 million in fiscal 1995.

                               RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

         In June 1995, William R. Pray was promoted to President and Chief
Operating Officer of the Company. In his new position, Mr. Pray assumed overall
responsibility for all of the Company's operations. In addition, Mr. Pray was
elected as a director of the Company, filling a newly created seat which
resulted from the expansion of Waxman Industries' Board of Directors from five
to six members. Mr. Pray has served as president of Barnett since 1987.

         In August 1995, the Company announced that it has decided to sell its
Consumer Products business in order to enhance its capital structure and allow
the Company to focus on its fast growing Barnett mail order and telemarketing
business. Consumer Products markets, sells and distributes approximately 9,400
products to a wide variety of retailers, primarily Do-It-Yourself ("D-I-Y")
warehouse home centers, home improvement centers and mass merchandisers such as
Builders Square, Home Depot, Kmart, Sears and Wal-Mart. Consumer Products works
closely with its customers to develop innovative and comprehensive marketing and
merchandising programs designed to improve their profitability,

                                       4
<PAGE>   7
efficiently manage shelf space, reduce inventory levels and maximize floor stock
turnover. Consumer Products' net sales were $72.0 million in fiscal 1995. The
Company anticipates that the proceeds from any such sale will be used, in part,
to retire the Notes thereby eliminating the mandatory sinking fund requirements
relating to the Notes which are scheduled to commence in September 1996. The
Company retained Merrill Lynch & Co. as its financial advisor in connection with
the sale.

         In furtherance of its decision to sell the Consumer Products business,
the Company entered into a letter of intent which contemplates the sale of 75%
of Consumer Products, together with certain supporting operations, to a group
consisting of HIG Capital Management of Miami, Florida along with certain
members of Consumer Products' existing management team for an aggregate cash
purchase price of $50 million plus other consideration which will give the
Company a 25% economic interest in Consumer Products on a going forward basis.
The Company expects that it will account for any remaining interest
under the cost method as the interest it will retain will not allow it to
exercise significant influence over Consumer Products in the future. Such letter
of intent, however, contains certain contingencies including a financing
contingency. In connection with such sale, the Company intends to repay the
portion of its revolving credit facility and term loan which relates to Consumer
Products and refinance the remaining balances using proceeds from a new secured
credit facility. The Company expects that any such new secured credit facility
will improve liquidity through greater working capital availability.
Accordingly, Consumer Products is reported as a discontinued operation and the
consolidated financial statements and financial information incorporated by
reference herein have been reclassified to report separately Consumer Products'
net assets and results of operations. Prior period consolidated financial
statements and financial information have been reclassified to conform to the
current period presentation. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 1995, the
Company recorded a $11.0 million charge which represents the expected loss to be
incurred upon completion of the sale of the Consumer Products business. See 
"Incorporation of Certain Information by Reference" and the 1995 Annual Report 
for additional information regarding the business, financial condition and 
results of operations of Consumer Products.

         The Company also announced that it named Andrea Luiga to the position
of Vice President-Finance and Chief Financial Officer. Ms. Luiga replaced Neal
R. Restivo, formerly Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the
Company who submitted his resignation effective September 30, 1995 to pursue
another opportunity. Ms. Luiga was, and remains, Vice President, Controller of
Barnett and has been with Barnett since 1987.
   
         As part of its efforts to decrease its leverage and increase its
financial flexibility, Waxman USA currently intends to offer to exchange for
$48.75 million principal amount of the Company's outstanding 13 3/4% Senior
Subordinated Notes due 1999 (the "Senior Subordinated Notes"), a like principal
amount of Waxman USA Senior Subordinated Notes due 2001 (the "Exchange 
Securities') and in connection therewith to solicit consent to certain  
amendments to the Indenture pursuant to which the Senior Subordinated Notes
were issued. Although the terms of the exchange offer have not been finalized,
the Company expects that the exchange offer, if consummated, will decrease the
Company's cash interest burden and will extend the maturity of the Senior
Subordinated Note issue by several years. It is currently contemplated that the 
Exchange Securities will not be registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent
registration or an applicable exemption from such registration requirements.
This Prospectus shall not constitute an offer to sell or the  solicitation of
an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the Exchange  Securities from
any state in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be  unlawful prior to
registration or qualification under the securities laws of  any state.  
    
                        BACKGROUND OF EXCHANGE OFFER;
                RECENT SECURITIES OFFERING AND RELATED MATTERS

         On May 20, 1994, the Company issued Series A 12 3/4% Senior Secured
Deferred Coupon Notes Due 2004 having an initial accreted value of $50 million
(the "Deferred Coupon Notes") together with the Warrants to purchase 2.9 million
shares of Common Stock in exchange for $50 million aggregate principal amount of
the Company's outstanding 13 3/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due June 1, 1999
(the "Senior Subordinated Notes") pursuant to a private exchange offer (the
"Private Exchange Offer") which was a part of a series of interrelated
transactions (the "Reorganization"). In addition to the Private Exchange Offer,
the components of the Reorganization included (i) the solicitation of the
consents of the holders of the Company's Senior Subordinated Notes to certain
waivers of and the adoption of certain amendments to the indenture

                                       5
<PAGE>   8
governing the Senior Subordinated Notes (the "Senior Subordinated Consent
Solicitation"), (ii) the establishment of a $55 million revolving credit
facility (the "Domestic Credit Facility") and a $15 million term loan (the
"Domestic Term Loan"; and together with the Domestic Credit Facility, the "Debt
Financing"), (iii) the solicitation of the consents of the holders of the
Company's 12.25% Fixed Rate Senior Secured Notes due September 1, 1998 and
Floating Rate Senior Secured Notes due September 1, 1998 (together, the "Senior
Secured Notes") to certain waivers of and the adoption of certain amendments to
the indenture governing the Senior Secured Notes (the "12 1/4% Consent
Solicitation") and (iv) the repayment of the borrowings under the Company's then
existing domestic revolving credit facilities (including $27.6 under the
Company's then existing working capital credit facility and $1.2 million under
the $5.0 million revolving credit facility of Barnett (the "Barnett
Financing")).

         During fiscal 1994, the Company restructured (the "Corporate
Restructuring") its domestic operations such that the Company is now a holding
company whose only material assets are the capital stock of its subsidiaries. As
part of the Corporate Restructuring, the Company formed (a) Waxman USA Inc.
("Waxman USA"), as a holding company for the subsidiaries that comprise and
support the Company's domestic operations, (b) Consumer Products, a wholly owned
subsidiary of Waxman USA, to own and operate Consumer Products Group Division,
and (c) WOC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Waxman USA, to own and operate Waxman
USA's domestic subsidiaries, other than Barnett and Consumer Products. On May
20, 1994, the Company completed the Corporate Restructuring by (i) contributing
the capital stock of Barnett to Waxman USA, (ii) contributing the assets and
liabilities of the Consumer Products Division to Consumer Products, (iii)
contributing the assets and liabilities of its Madison Equipment Division to
WOC, (iv) contributing the assets and liabilities of its Medal Distributing
Division to WOC, (v) merging U.S. Lock and LeRan, each a wholly owned subsidiary
of the Company, into WOC, (vi) contributing the capital stock of TWI to Waxman
USA and (vii) contributing the capital stock of Western American Manufacturing,
Inc. ("WAMI") to TWI.

                                       6
<PAGE>   9
         As a result of the Corporate Restructuring, the corporate structure of
the Company and its subsidiaries is as follows:


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             WAXMAN INDUSTRIES, INC.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       | 
                     ---------------------------------------

                                 WAXMAN USA INC.

                     ---------------------------------------
                                       | 
                                       | 
                                       | 
          ------------------------------------------------------
          |           |              |                          |
  -------------   ----------   --------           -----------------------
   BARNETT INC.     WAXMAN     WOC INC.           TWI, INTERNATIONAL INC.
                   CONSUMER                     
                   PRODUCTS                     
                  GROUP INC.                    
  -------------   ----------   --------           -----------------------
                                                    |  
                                                  ------------
                                                  |           |
                                       -------------        ----------------
                                            TWI,            WESTERN AMERICAN
                                       INTERNATIONAL         MANUFACTURING,
                                        TAIWAN, INC.              INC.
                                       -------------        ----------------
                                                  |           |
                                       -------------        ----------------
                                            CWI             COHART DE MEXICO 
                                       INTERNATIONAL            SA DE CV
                                        CHINA, LTD.     
                                       -------------        ----------------
                                                      
- ----------------------

Each subsidiary depicted above is a wholly owned subsidiary, except for TWI
International Taiwan, Inc. and Cohart de Mexico SA de CV, which are 99% owned.

                                       7
<PAGE>   10
         The Warrants were issued pursuant to exemptions from, or transactions
not subject to, the registration requirements of the Act and applicable state
securities laws. The Company structured the offering of the Warrants and Notes
as a private placement in order to consummate such offering on a more
expeditious basis than would have been possible had the offering and sale been
registered under the Act. The original purchasers of the Warrants, as a
condition to their purchase of the Warrants and Notes, required the Company to
enter into the Equity Registration Rights Agreement pursuant to which the
Company agreed, among other things, to file promptly a registration statement
under the Act to permit such original purchasers to offer and sell under the Act
the Warrants and shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrants.
The Company prepared and filed the Registration Statement of which this
Prospectus forms a part with the Commission pursuant to the Equity Registration
Rights Agreement. The original purchasers of the Notes, as a condition to their
purchase of the Notes and Warrants, also required the Company to enter into a
registration rights agreement pursuant to which the Company agreed, among other
things, to promptly commence the Exchange Offer (as defined herein) following
the offering of the Notes. The Company prepared and filed a Registration
Statement with the Commission pursuant to such registration rights agreement.
See "Plan of Distribution." 

        See "Selling Security Holders" and "Plan of Distribution" for a
discussion of the offering of the Warrants, the agreements referred to
above and additional related agreements. See "Description of the
Warrants" for a discussion of the terms of the Warrants.

                                  THE OFFERING

Securities Offered ....................   2,950,000 Warrants to purchase shares
                                          of Common Stock. In addition, this
                                          Prospectus relates to the 2,950,000
                                          shares of Common Stock issuable upon
                                          exercise of the Warrants, subject to
                                          adjustment in the event of any
                                          recapitalization, reclassification,
                                          stock dividend, stock split, reverse
                                          stock split, stock issuance below fair
                                          market value or other similar
                                          transaction.

     Warrants

         Underlying Common Stock ......   Each Warrant is exercisable to
                                          purchase one share of Common Stock
                                          subject to adjustment under certain
                                          circumstances. See "Description of
                                          Warrants."

         Exercise Price ...............   $2.45 per share, subject to adjustment
                                          in certain circumstances. See
                                          "Description of Warrants."

         Exercise Period ..............   The Warrants are currently
                                          exercisable. See "Description of
                                          Warrants."

         Expiration Date ..............   The Warrants expire at 5:00 p.m. New
                                          York City time on June 1, 2004.


         Warrant Agent ................   The Huntington National Bank is
                                          serving as Warrant Agent under the
                                          Warrant Agreement.

                                       8
<PAGE>   11
     Common Stock

         Number of Shares..............   2,950,000 shares, subject to
                                          adjustment in certain circumstances,
                                          of Common Stock issuable upon the
                                          exercise of the Warrants.

         Common Stock Outstanding......   11,712,162 shares as of September 22,
                                          1995 (including 9,497,083 shares of
                                          Common Stock and 2,215,079 shares of
                                          Class B Common Stock).

         NYSE symbol for
         the Common Stock..............   WAX

Proceeds of the Offering...............   All of the proceeds from the sale of
                                          Securities offered hereby will be
                                          received by the Selling Security
                                          Holders. The Company will not receive
                                          any of the proceeds from this
                                          offering.

                                          If all of the 2,950,000 Warrants
                                          offered hereby are exercised at the
                                          initial exercise price of $2.45 per
                                          share, the Company would receive
                                          $7,227,500, which would be added to
                                          the Company's working capital and used
                                          for general corporate purposes.


         For more complete information regarding the Warrants, see "Description
of Warrants."

                                  RISK FACTORS

         Prospective purchasers of Securities offered hereby should carefully
consider the matters set forth under "Risk Factors," as well as the other
information and data included in this Prospectus.

                                       9
<PAGE>   12
                                  RISK FACTORS

         Prospective purchasers of Securities offered hereby should carefully
read the entire Prospectus and, in particular, should consider, among other
things, the following risks.

LEVERAGE

         The Company has a high degree of leverage. At June 30, 1995, the
outstanding consolidated indebtedness (excluding trade payables and accrued
liabilities) of the Company's continuing operations was approximately $201
million. This high degree of leverage may have important consequences, including
the following: (i) the ability of the Company to obtain additional financing in
the future for working capital, capital expenditures, debt service requirements
or other purposes may be impaired; (ii) a substantial portion of the Company's
cash flow from operations will be required to satisfy debt service obligations;
(iii) the Company may be more highly leveraged than companies with which it
competes, which may place it at a competitive disadvantage; and (iv) the
Company's high degree of leverage may make it more vulnerable in the event of a
downturn in its business and may limit its ability to capitalize on business
opportunities. Although the Company believes that its operating cash flow as
well as amounts available under the Domestic Credit Facility will be sufficient
to fund working capital, capital expenditures and debt service requirements for
the next 12 months, the Company's ability to satisfy its obligations will be
dependent upon its future performance, which is subject to prevailing economic
conditions and financial, business and other factors, including factors beyond
the Company's control. Commencing March 1995, the Company has been required to
make quarterly principal payments of $1.0 million under its Domestic Term Loan.
In addition, the Company is required to make mandatory sinking fund payments of
$17.0 million on each of September 1, 1996 and September 1, 1997 with respect to
the Senior Secured Notes and a single payment of $8.8 million on June 1, 1998
with respect to the Senior Subordinated Notes. In addition, the Debt Financing
matures on May 20, 1997, subject to extension in certain circumstances. The
Company currently believes that it must obtain a significant infusion of funds,
either through additional debt refinancing transactions or the sale of equity
and/or assets before any significant deleveraging can occur. However, there can
be no assurances as to the timing or likelihood of such deleveraging. See
"Recent Developments" and the 1995 Annual Report for a discussion of the
Company's plan to sell Consumer Products and the Company's intention to use the
net proceeds therefrom to retire its $39.2 million of Senior Secured Notes,
thereby eliminating the mandatory sinking fund requirements relating to the
Senior Secured Notes which are scheduled to commence in September 1996, and to
repay a portion of its revolving credit facility and Domestic Term Loan.

         To the Company's knowledge, its high degree of leverage has not
resulted in the refusal by any of its customers, suppliers or manufacturers to
do business with the Company or in the alteration of material terms which have
had a material impact on the Company's business.

RESTRICTIONS IMPOSED BY TERMS OF INDEBTEDNESS

         The terms and conditions of the instruments evidencing the Debt
Financing, as well as other indebtedness of the Company, impose restrictions
that affect, among other things, the ability of the Company and/or its
subsidiaries to incur debt, pay dividends, make acquisitions, create liens, sell
assets and make certain investments. The breach of any of the foregoing
covenants would result in a default under the applicable debt instrument
permitting the holders of indebtedness outstanding thereunder, subject to
applicable grace periods, to accelerate such indebtedness. There can be no
assurance that the Company would have sufficient funds to repay or assets to
satisfy such obligations.

                                       10
<PAGE>   13
CONTROL BY PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS; CERTAIN ANTI-TAKEOVER EFFECTS

         Approximately 16.3% (and 12.4%, assuming the exercise of all of the
Warrants offered hereby) of the outstanding shares of the Company's common
stock, par value $.01 per share, and 80.3% of the outstanding shares of the
Company's Class B common stock are held by Melvin and Armond Waxman, brothers
and respectively, the Co-Chairmen of the Board and Co-Chief Executive Officers
(the "Principal Stockholders"). These holdings represent 61.1% (and 55.9%,
assuming the exercise of all of the Warrants offered hereby) of the outstanding
voting power of the Company. Consequently, the Principal Stockholders have
sufficient voting power to elect the entire Board of Directors of the Company
and, in general, to determine the outcome of any corporate transaction or other
matter submitted to the stockholders for approval, including any merger,
consolidation, sale of all or substantially all of the Company's assets or
"going private" transactions, and to prevent or cause a change in control of the
Company. In addition, certain provisions in the Company's Certificate of
Incorporation, By-laws and debt instruments, including the Change of Control
provisions in the Indenture governing the Notes, may be deemed to have the
effect of discouraging a third party from pursuing a non-negotiated takeover of
the Company and preventing certain changes in control.

DEFICIENCY OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

         In fiscal 1995, 1994 and 1993, the Company's earnings were insufficient
to cover its fixed charges by $8.5 million, $4.0 million and  $14.5 million,
respectively. The Company's business strategy, described herein and in the 1995
Annual Report, is designed to capitalize on the growth prospects for Barnett
and thereby increase earnings. The Company believes that the successful
implementation of its business strategy will enable it to reduce or eliminate
the deficiency of earnings to fixed charges. However, there can be no
assurances regarding when such deficiencies will be reduced or eliminated or
that the deficiencies experienced in the past will not reoccur.


FOREIGN SOURCING

         In fiscal 1995, products manufactured outside of the United States
accounted for approximately 19.8% of the total product purchases made by the
Company's continuing operations. Foreign sourcing involves a number of risks,
including the availability of letters of credit, maintenance of quality
standards, work stoppages, transportation delays and interruptions, political
and economic disruptions, foreign currency fluctuations, expropriation,
nationalization, the imposition of tariffs and import and export controls and
changes in governmental policies (including United States' policy toward the
foreign country where the products are produced), which could have an adverse
effect on the Company's business. The occurrence of certain of these factors
would delay or prevent the delivery of goods ordered by the Company's customers,
and such delay or inability to meet delivery requirements would have an adverse
effect on the Company's results of operations and could have an adverse effect
on the Company's relationships with its customers. In addition, the loss of a
foreign manufacturer could have a short-term adverse effect on the Company's
business until alternative supply arrangements were secured.

RELIANCE ON KEY CUSTOMERS

         During fiscal 1995, Kmart and its subsidiaries, Consumer Products'
largest customer, accounted for approximately 13.5% of the Company's continuing
and discontinued operations' net sales. During the same period, Consumer
Products' ten largest customers accounted for approximately 23.5% of the
Company's continuing and discontinued operations' net sales. The loss of or a
substantial decrease in the business of Consumer Products' largest customers
could have a material adverse effect on the Company's continuing and
discontinued operations.

         See "Recent Developments" and the 1995 Annual Report for information
regarding the Company's decision to sell Consumer Products.

                                       11
<PAGE>   14
PROCEEDS OF THE OFFERING

         The Company will not receive any of the proceeds of this offering. All
of the proceeds of this offering will be received by the Selling Security
Holders.

ABSENCE OF PUBLIC MARKET

         At present, the Warrants are owned by a small number of investors and
there is no active trading market for the Warrants. If an active trading market
does not develop, purchasers of the Warrants may have difficulty liquidating
their investment and the Warrants may not be readily accepted as collateral for
loans. Accordingly, no assurances can be given as to the price at which holders
of the Warrants will be able to sell the Warrants, if at all.

         The liquidity of and the market prices for the Warrants and Common
Stock can be expected to vary with changes in market and economic conditions,
the financial condition and prospects of the Company and other factors that
generally influence the market prices of securities, including fluctuations in
the market for warrants and common stock generally.

POSSIBLE FUTURE SALES OF SHARES BY THE SELLING SECURITY HOLDERS

         Subject to the restrictions described under "Risk Factors -- Shares
Eligible for Future Sale" and applicable law, upon the effectiveness of the
Registration Statement of which this Prospectus forms a part, the Selling
Security Holders could cause the sale of any or all of the Warrants or
underlying shares of Common Stock they own. The Selling Security Holders may
determine to sell Warrants or the underlying shares of Common Stock from time to
time for any reason. Although the Company can make no prediction as to the
effect, if any, that sales of Warrants or shares of Common Stock owned by the
Selling Security Holders would have on the market price of Common Stock
prevailing from time to time, sales of substantial amounts of Warrants or Common
Stock, or the availability of such Warrants or shares of Common Stock for sale
in the public market, could adversely affect prevailing market prices of the
Common Stock.

SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE

         As of September 30, 1995, there were 9,497,083 shares of Common Stock
outstanding and 2,215,079 shares of Class B Common Stock outstanding
(convertible into 2,220,705 shares of Common Stock). To the extent such shares
are not held by "affiliates" or otherwise subject to restrictions on resale,
including those imposed by Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act, the Warrants, and
upon exercise of the Warrants, the shares of Common Stock which are issuable
upon exercise of the Warrants and offered hereby are eligible for sale in the
public market. Although the Company can make no prediction as to the effect, if
any, that sales of the Warrants and shares of Common Stock referred to above
would have on the market price of the Common Stock prevailing from time to time,
sales of a substantial amount of Warrants or Common Stock, or the availability
of such Warrants or shares of Common Stock for sale in the public market could
adversely affect prevailing market prices of the Common Stock.

                                 USE OF PROCEEDS

         The Company will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of the
Securities offered hereby, all of which will be received by the Selling Security
Holders.

         If all of the 2,950,000 Warrants offered hereby are exercised at the
initial exercise price of $2.45 per share, the Company would receive $7,227,500,
which would be added to the Company's working capital and used for general
corporate purposes.

                                       12
<PAGE>   15
FIXED CHARGE COVERAGE RATIO

         Fiscal 1993, 1994 and 1995 earnings were insufficient to cover fixed
charges by $14.5 million, $4.0 million and $8.5 million, respectively. The
Company's business strategy, described herein and in the 1995 Annual Report, is
designed to capitalize on the growth prospects for Barnett and thereby increase
earnings. The Company believes that the successful implementation of its
business strategy will enable it to reduce or eliminate the deficiency of
earnings to fixed charges. However, there can be no assurances regarding when
such deficiencies will be reduced or eliminated or that the deficiencies
experienced in the past will not reoccur.

                                       13
<PAGE>   16
                            SELLING SECURITY HOLDERS

         The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the
Securities beneficially owned and offered hereby by each Selling Security
Holder.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
    Name                                              Warrants Owned   Warrants Offered
    ----                                              --------------   ----------------
<S>                                                      <C>              <C>  
    American Enterprise Life Insurance Company               2,950            2,950
    Citicorp Securities, Inc.                              147,500          147,500
    Colonial High Yield Securities Fund                     59,000           59,000
    Executive Investors High Yield Fund                      5,900            5,900
    First Investors Fund for Income                        103,250          103,250
    First Investors High Yield Fund                        100,300          100,300
    IDS Life Insurance Company                             143,075          143,075
    IDS Life Insurance Company of New York                  10,325           10,325
    Internationale Nederlanden (U.S.) Finance
    Corporation                                            354,000          354,000
    Kemper Diversified Income Fund                         222,607          222,607
    Kemper High Income Trust                                55,106           55,106
    Kemper High Yield Fund                                 800,453          800,453
    Kemper Investors Fund-High Yield Portfolio              52,274           52,274
    Kemper Multi-Market Income Trust                        12,154           12,154
    KML High Yield Investments N.V.                          9,853            9,853
    KML II High Yield Investments N.V.                       9,853            9,853
    MetLife-State Street High Income Fund                  236,000          236,000
    MetLife-State Street Managed Assets                     29,500           29,500
    Metropolitan Life Insurance Co.                         59,000           59,000
    Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith Inc.               359,900          359,900
    Northstar High Yield Fund                              118,000          118,000
    T.D. Partners                                           59,000           59,000
                                                         ---------        ---------
           Total                                         2,950,000        2,950,000
</TABLE>

- ---------------

         The Company is registering, on behalf of each Selling Security Holder,
the offer and sale of the number of Warrants set forth opposite such Selling
Security Holder's name under the column captioned "Warrants Offered" and the
same number of shares of Common Stock, subject to adjustment in certain
circumstances, issuable upon

                                       14
<PAGE>   17
exercise of the Warrants.  As of the date hereof, no Warrants have been 
exercised to purchase shares of Common Stock.

         Because the Selling Security Holders may offer all or some part of the
Securities pursuant to this Prospectus and because this offering is not being
underwritten on a firm commitment basis, no estimate can be given as to the
amount of Securities to be offered for sale by the Selling Security Holders nor
the amount of Securities that will be held by the Selling Security Holders upon
termination of this offering. See "Plan of Distribution." To the extent
required, the specific amount of Securities to be sold by the Selling Security
Holders in connection with a particular offer will be set forth in an
accompanying Prospectus Supplement.

                           DESCRIPTION OF THE WARRANTS

         The Warrants were issued pursuant to the terms of a Warrant Agreement,
dated as of May 20, 1994 (the "Warrant Agreement"), by and between the Company
and The Huntington National Bank, as warrant agent (the "Warrant Agent"), on
behalf of the original purchasers of the Warrants. The following summary of the
material provisions of the Warrant Agreement and the Warrant Certificate
attached thereto (the "Warrant Certificate") does not purport to be complete,
and where reference is made to particular provisions of the Warrant Agreement or
the Warrant Certificate, such provisions, including the definitions of certain
terms, are qualified in their entirety by reference to all of the provisions of
the Warrant Agreement and Warrant Certificate, which have been filed or
incorporated by reference as exhibits to the Registration Statement of which
this Prospectus forms a part.

         The Warrants are currently exercisable. The Warrants will expire June
1, 2004. Upon exercise, each Warrant entitles the holder to receive one Warrant
Share at a cash exercise price of $2.45, subject to adjustment in certain
circumstances.

         Holders of the Warrants do not have any of the rights or privileges of
the stockholders of the Company, including voting rights to receive dividends,
prior to exercise of the Warrants. The Company has reserved out of its
authorized but unissued shares a sufficient number of shares of Common Stock for
issuance upon exercise of the Warrants. The Common Stock issuable on exercise of
the Warrants will be, when issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

ANTI-DILUTION

         The Warrants contain customary anti-dilution provisions, including
adjustments in the event of a reclassification, recapitalization, stock
dividend, stock split, reverse stock split, stock issuance below fair market
value or other similar transaction, and including protections in the event of a
transaction in which the Company is not the surviving entity.

METHOD OF EXERCISE

         The Warrants may be exercised by surrendering to the Warrant Agent the
Warrant Certificates evidencing such Warrants, with the accompanying form of
election to purchase properly completed and executed. Upon surrender of the
Warrant Certificates and payment in cash of the exercise price, the Warrant
Agent will deliver, or cause to be delivered, to or upon the written order of
such holder, certificates representing the Warrant Shares to which such holder
is entitled.

         Warrant Certificates will be issued in registered form only and no
service charge shall be made for registration of transfer or exchange upon
surrender of any Warrant Certificate at the office of the Warrant Agent
maintained for that purpose. The Company may require payment of a sum sufficient
to cover any tax or other

                                       15
<PAGE>   18
governmental charge that may be imposed in connection with any registration of
transfer or exchange of Warrant Certificates.

AMENDMENT

         From time to time, the Company and the Warrant Agent, without the
consent of the holders of the Warrants, may amend or supplement the Warrant
Agreement for certain purposes, including curing defects or inconsistencies or
making any change that does not adversely affect the rights of any holder. Any
amendment or supplement to the Warrant Agreement that has an adverse effect on
the interests of holders or that affects the anti-dilution provisions contained
therein shall require the written consent of registered holders of a majority of
the then outstanding Warrants. The consent of each holder of an Warrant affected
shall be required for any amendment pursuant to which the number of Warrant
Shares which could be acquired upon exercise of Warrants would be decreased or
the exercise period for the Warrants would be modified in any manner.

                          DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

         The authorized capital stock of the Company consists of 2,000,000
shares of Preferred Stock, $.01 par value, 22,000,000 shares of Common Stock,
$.01 par value, and 6,000,000 shares of Class B Common Stock, $.01 par value. As
of September 30, 1995, no shares of Preferred Stock, 9,497,083 shares of Common
Stock and 2,215,079 shares of Class B Common Stock were issued and outstanding.

COMMON STOCK AND CLASS B COMMON STOCK

         Each share of Common Stock entitles the holder to one vote on all
matters submitted to the stockholders, including the election of directors, and
each share of Class B Common Stock entitles the holder to ten votes on all such
matters. Except as set forth below, all actions submitted to a vote of
stockholders are voted on by holders of Common Stock and Class B Common Stock
voting together as a single class. The holders of Common Stock and Class B
Common Stock vote separately as classes with respect to any amendments to the
Company's Certificate of Incorporation that alter or change the powers,
preferences or special rights of their respective classes of stock so as to
affect them adversely, and with respect to such other matters as may require
class votes under the Delaware General Corporation Law.

         Dividends on the Class B Common Stock may not exceed those on the
Common Stock. Each share of Common Stock and Class B Common Stock is equal in
respect of rights to dividends and other distributions in stock or property of
the Company (including distributions upon liquidation of the Company), except
that in the case of dividends or other distributions payable on the Common Stock
and the Class B Common Stock in shares of such stock, including distributions
pursuant to split-ups or divisions of the Common Stock or the Class B Common
Stock, only Common Stock will be distributed with respect to Common Stock and
only Class B Common Stock will be distributed with respect to Class B Common
Stock. In no event will either the Common Stock or the Class B Common Stock be
split, divided or combined unless the other is split, divided or combined
equally.

         The Class B Common Stock is not transferable by a holder except to or
among such holder's spouse, certain of such holder's relatives and certain
trusts established for their benefit. The Class B Common Stock is convertible
into Common Stock on a share-for-share basis at any time.

         If the number of outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock at any time
falls below 250,000 (as adjusted for any stock splits, combinations, stock
dividends or further issuances of Class B Common Stock), the outstanding shares
of Class B Common Stock will automatically be converted into shares of Common
Stock.

                                       16
<PAGE>   19
         The Class B Common Stock may tend to have an anti-takeover effect.
Since voting control of the Company is vested primarily in the holders of the
Class B Common Stock, the issuance of the Class B Common Stock could render more
difficult, or discourage, a hostile merger proposal, a tender offer or a proxy
contest, even if such actions were favored by a majority of the holders of
Common Stock. As of June 30, 1995, Melvin Waxman and Armond Waxman
beneficially owned an aggregate of approximately 80.3% of the outstanding
Class B Common Stock and 61.1% of the aggregate outstanding voting power of
the Company.

         The transfer agent and registrar for the Common Stock and Class B
Common Stock is National City Bank, Cleveland, Ohio.

PREFERRED STOCK

         The Preferred Stock may be issued from time to time in one or more
series, and the Board of Directors is authorized to fix the dividend rights and
terms, any conversion rights, any voting rights, any redemption rights and terms
(including sinking fund provisions), the rights in the event of liquidation and
any other rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions of any series of
Preferred Stock, as well as the number of shares constituting such series and
the designation thereof. The Preferred Stock, if issued, will rank senior to the
Company Common Stock as to dividends and as to liquidation preference. Holders
of Preferred Stock will have no preemptive rights. The issuance of shares of
Preferred Stock could have an anti-takeover effect under certain circumstances.
The issuance of shares of Preferred Stock could enable the Board of Directors to
render more difficult or discourage an attempt to obtain control of the Company
by means of a merger, tender offer or other business combination transaction
directed at the Company by, among other things, placing shares of Preferred
Stock with investors who might align themselves with the Board of Directors,
issuing new shares to dilute stock ownership of a person or entity seeking
control of the Company or creating a class or series of Preferred Stock with
voting rights. The issuance of shares of the Preferred Stock as an anti-takeover
device might preclude stockholders from taking advantage of a situation which
they believed could be favorable to their interests. No shares of Preferred
Stock are outstanding, and the Company has no present plans to issue any shares
of Preferred Stock.

                              PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

         Any or all of the Securities may be sold from time to time to
purchasers directly by the Selling Security Holders. Alternatively, the Selling
Security Holders may from time to time offer the Securities through
underwriters, dealers or agents who may receive compensation in the form of
underwriting discounts, concessions or commissions from the Selling Security
Holders and/or the purchasers of Securities for whom they may act as agents. The
Selling Security Holders and any such underwriters, dealers or agents that
participate in the distribution of Securities may be deemed to be underwriters
under the Act, and any profit on the sale of the Securities by them and any
discounts, commissions or concessions received by them may be deemed to be
underwriting discounts and commissions under the Act. The Securities may be sold
from time to time in one or more transactions at a fixed offering price, which
may be changed, or at varying prices determined at the time of sale or at
negotiated prices. The distribution of Securities by the Selling Security
Holders may be effected in one or more transactions that may take place on the
NYSE or the over-the-counter market, including ordinary broker's transactions,
privately-negotiated transactions or through sales to one or more broker-dealers
for resale of such shares as principals, at market prices prevailing at the time
of sale, at prices related to such prevailing market prices or at negotiated
prices. Usual and customary or specifically negotiated brokerage fees, discounts
and commissions may be paid by the Selling Security Holders in connection with
such sales of securities.

         At the time a particular offer of Securities is made, to the extent
required, a supplement to this Prospectus will be distributed (or, if required,
a post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement of which this
Prospectus is a part will be filed) which will identify the specific Securities
being offered and set forth the aggregate amount of Securities being offered,
the purchase price and the terms of the offering, including the name or names

                                       17
<PAGE>   20
of the Selling Security Holders and of any underwriters, dealers or agents, the
purchase price paid by any underwriter for Securities purchased from the Selling
Security Holders, any discounts, commissions and other items constituting
compensation from the Selling Security Holders and/or the Company and any
discounts, commissions or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers,
including the proposed selling price to the public. In addition, an underwritten
offering will require clearance by the National Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc. of the underwriter's compensation arrangements. The Company will
not receive any of the proceeds from the sale by the Selling Security Holders of
the Securities offered hereby. All of the filing fees and other expenses of this
Registration Statement will be borne in full by the Company, other than any
underwriting fees, discounts and commissions relating to this offering.

         Pursuant to the Equity Registration Rights Agreement, the Company will
use its best efforts to keep the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus
forms a part effective under the Act for a period of three years following the
initial effective date of such Registration Statement (or such shorter period as
permitted under the Equity Registration Rights Agreement) and the Company will
pay substantially all of the expenses incident to the offering and sale of the
Securities to the public, other than underwriting fees, discounts and
commissions. The Equity Registration Rights Agreement provides for
cross-indemnification of the Selling Security Holders and the Company, to the
extent permitted by law, for losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses
arising, under certain circumstances, out of any registration of the Securities.
The Equity Registration Rights Agreement also provides that in connection with
an underwriting offering, the Company will indemnify the underwriters thereof,
their officers and directors and each person who controls such underwriters
(within the meaning of the Act) to the same extent as provided with respect to
the indemnification of the Selling Security Holders signatory to such agreement,
except with respect to information provided by such underwriters specifically
for inclusion within the appropriate registration statement. The period
beginning on the date the Equity Registration Statement is first declared
effective by the Commission and ending on the date which is three years after
the expiration of the Warrants or, if earlier, the date on which all Warrants
and Warrant Shares have been sold pursuant to the Equity Registration Statement
or the date three years after all Warrants have been exercised, is referred to
as the "Effectiveness Period." In the event that the Equity Registration
Statement is not filed or effective by, or continuously effective through, the
dates referred to above or prior to the end of the Effectiveness Period, the
Commission shall have issued a stop order suspending the effectiveness of the
Equity Registration Statement or the prospectus contained in the Equity
Registration Statement, as amended or supplemented, shall (x) not contain
current information required by the Securities Act and the rules and regulations
promulgated thereunder or (y) contain any untrue statement of a material fact or
omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to
make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they are
made, not misleading, the Company agreed to pay, or cause to be paid, as
liquidated damages and not as a penalty, to each holder of a Warrant or Warrant
Share, an amount equal to $0.0025 per week per Warrant or Warrant Share, as the
case may be, for each week beginning on such date and ending 90 days thereafter.
Such liquidated damages shall be increased by $0.0025 per week per Warrant or
Warrant Share, as the case may be, at the beginning of each subsequent 90-day
period up to a maximum aggregate amount of $0.01 per week per Warrant or Warrant
Share, as the case may be. The Company agreed to pay all expenses incident to
the Company's performance of or compliance with the Equity Registration Rights
Agreement, including the reasonable fees and expenses of counsel to the original
purchasers of the Warrants but excluding any underwriting fees, discounts or
commissions attributable to the sale of the Warrants or Warrant Shares. Each of
the Company and the Warrant Agent, on behalf of the original purchasers of the
Warrants, pursuant to the Equity Registration Rights Agreement, agreed to
indemnify the other party, its officers, directors and controlling persons in
respect of certain liabilities and expenses arising, under certain
circumstances, out of any registration of the Securities pursuant to the Equity
Registration Rights Agreement.

         Under applicable rules and regulations under the Exchange Act, any
person engaged in a distribution of the Securities may not simultaneously engage
in market making activities with respect to the Securities for a period of two
business days prior to the commencement of such distribution. In addition and
without limiting the foregoing, the Selling Security Holders will be subject to
applicable provisions of the Exchange Act and the rules and

                                       18
<PAGE>   21
regulations thereunder, including without limitation Rules 10b-6 and 10b-7,
which provisions may limit the timing of purchases and sales of the Securities
by the Selling Security Holders.

         In order to comply with certain states' securities laws, if applicable,
the Securities will be sold in such jurisdictions only through registered or
licensed brokers or dealers. In certain states the Securities may not be sold
unless the Securities have been registered or qualified for sale in such state,
or unless an exemption from registration or qualification is available and is
obtained.

         The Warrants originally issued by the Company in the Private Exchange
Offer contained legends as to their restricted transferability. In addition, the
certificates for Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrants would
contain, legends as to their restricted transferability. Upon the effectiveness
of the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus forms a part and the
transfer of the Securities pursuant thereto, these legends will no longer be
necessary, and accordingly, new certificates representing such Securities will
be issued to the transferee without any such legends unless otherwise required
by law.

         In addition to sales pursuant to the Registration Statement of which
this Prospectus forms a part, the Warrants and the shares of Common Stock
issuable upon exercise of the Warrants may be sold in accordance with Rule 144
under the Act.

                                  LEGAL MATTERS

         The legality of the securities covered by this Prospectus has been
passed upon by Shereff, Friedman, Hoffman & Goodman, LLP, New York, New York,
counsel to the Company.

                                     EXPERTS

         The consolidated financial statements of the Company as of June 30,
1994 and June 30, 1995 and for each of the three years in the period ended June
30, 1995 appearing in the Company's Annual Report and incorporated by reference
in this Prospectus and elsewhere in this Registration Statement have been
audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, independent public accountants, as indicated in
their report with respect thereto, and are included herein in reliance upon the
authority of said firm as experts in giving said reports.  Reference is made to
said report, which includes an explanatory paragraph with respect to the change
in the method of accounting for certain warehousing and catalog costs as
discussed in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements.

                                       19
<PAGE>   22
NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATIONS, OTHER THAN THOSE HEREIN, IN CONNECTION WITH THIS OFFER AND, IF
GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON. THIS
PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL, OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER
TO BUY, ANY OF THESE SECURITIES IN ANY JURISDICTION TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM IT IS
UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION IN SUCH JURISDICTION. THE DELIVERY
OF THIS PROSPECTUS AT ANY TIME DOES NOT IMPLY THAT THE INFORMATION HEREIN IS
CORRECT AS OF ANY TIME SUBSEQUENT TO ITS DATE.
                                                         
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                             TABLE OF CONTENTS                              PAGE

<S>                                                                           <C>
Available Information ..................................................       3
Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference ........................       3
Prospectus Summary .....................................................       4
Risk Factors ...........................................................      10
Use of Proceeds ........................................................      12
Selling Security Holders ...............................................      14
Description of Warrants ................................................      15
Description of Capital Stock ...........................................      16
Plan of Distribution ...................................................      17
Legal Matters ..........................................................      19
Experts ................................................................      19
</TABLE>
                                                                              

                             WAXMAN INDUSTRIES, INC.
                                                                  
                                                                  
                                                                  
                                    2,950,000
                                   WARRANTS TO
                              PURCHASE COMMON STOCK
                                                                  
                                                                  
                                    _________
                                                                  
                                    2,950,000
                                    SHARES OF
                                  COMMON STOCK
                            PAR VALUE $.01 PER SHARE


                                 ______________

                                   PROSPECTUS

                                 ______________


                                __________, 1995


                                                                  
                                 ______________
<PAGE>   23
                                     PART II             
                                                      
                     INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
                                                                        
ITEM 13.  OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION                     
                                                               
         The following expenses incurred in connection with this Registration
Statement will be paid by the Company. The Selling Security Holders will not
bear any of such expenses.
                                                                              
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
       <S>                                                              <C>
       Filing Fees - Securities and Exchange Commission                 $  --
       Accounting Fees and Expenses                                       5,000*
       Legal Fees and Expenses                                           15,000*
       Printing Fees and Expenses                                         2,500*
       Miscellaneous Expenses                                             2,500*
                                                                        -------
       Total                                                            $25,000*
</TABLE>

*      Estimated
                                                                  
ITEM 14.  INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

         The Certificate of Incorporation of Waxman Industries, Inc. provides
that each person who is a party to or involved in any action, suit or
proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, by reason
of the fact that he or she was a director or officer of Waxman Industries, shall
be indemnified and held harmless by Waxman Industries to the fullest extent
authorized by the Delaware General Corporation Law against all expense,
liability and loss reasonably incurred by such person in connection therewith.
The Certificate of Incorporation provides that the right to indemnification
contained therein is a contract right and includes the right to be paid by
Waxman Industries the expenses incurred in defending any such proceeding in
advance of its final disposition; provided, however, that if the Delaware
General Corporation Law requires, the payment of such expenses incurred in
advance of the final disposition of a proceeding shall be made only upon
delivery to Waxman Industries of an undertaking to repay all amounts so advanced
if it shall ultimately be determined that such director or officer is not
entitled to be indemnified. Waxman Industries maintains directors' and officers'
liability insurance covering certain liabilities incurred by the directors and
officers of Waxman Industries in connection with the performance of their
duties.

ITEM 16.  EXHIBITS

  4.1(1)    Indenture, dated as of May 20, 1994, by and between Waxman
            Industries, Inc. and The Huntington National Bank, as Trustee, with
            respect to the Senior Secured Deferred Coupon Notes, including the
            form of Senior Secured Deferred Coupon Notes (Exhibit 4.1 to Waxman
            Industries, Inc.'s Form S-4 filed June 20, 1994, incorporated herein
            by reference).

  4.2(1)    Warrant Agreement, dated as of May 20, 1994, by and between Waxman
            Industries, Inc. and The Huntington National Bank, as Warrant Agent
            (Exhibit 4.2 to Waxman Industries, Inc.'s Form S-4 filed June 20,
            1994, incorporated herein by reference).

  4.3(1)    Warrant Certificate (Exhibit 4.3 to Waxman Industries, Inc.'s Form
            S-4 filed June 20, 1994, incorporated herein by reference).

  5.1(1)    Opinion of Shereff, Friedman, Hoffman & Goodman, LLP regarding
            legality (filed as Exhibit 5.1 to this Registration Statement).

                                      II-1
<PAGE>   24
  10.1(1)   Lease between Waxman Industries, Inc. as Lessee and Aurora
            Investment Co. as Lessor dated June 30, 1992 (Exhibit 10.1 to Waxman
            Industries, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
            June 30, 1992, File No. 0-5888, incorporated herein by reference).

  10.2(1)   Policy Statement (revised as of June 1, 1980) regarding Waxman
            Industries, Inc.'s Profit Incentive Plan (Exhibit 10(c)-1 to Waxman
            Industries, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
            June 30, 1984, File No. 0-5888, incorporated herein by reference).

  10.3(1)   Employment Contract dated June 18, 1990 between Barnett Inc. and
            William R. Pray (Exhibit 10.4 to Waxman Industries, Inc.'s Annual
            Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 1991, File No.
            0-5888, incorporated herein by reference).

  10.4(1)   Form of Stock Option Agreement between Waxman Industries, Inc. and
            its Directors (Exhibit 10.5 to Waxman Industries, Inc.'s Annual
            Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 1991, File No.
            0-5888, incorporated herein by reference).

  10.5(1)   Employment Contract dated January 1, 1992 between Waxman Industries,
            Inc. and John S. Peters (Exhibit 10.6 to Waxman Industries, Inc.'s
            Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 1992, File
            No. 0-5888, incorporated herein by reference).
   
  10.6(1)   Employment Agreement dated November 1, 1994 between Waxman Consumer 
            Products Group Inc. and Laurence Waxman. (Exhibit 10.6 to Waxman
            Industries, Inc.'s Amendment No. 4 on Form S-2 to Form S-1 filed 
            October 10, 1995, Registration No. 33-54211, incorporated herein by
            reference). 
    
  10.7(1)   Tax Sharing Agreement dated May 20, 1994 among Waxman Industries,
            Inc., Waxman USA, Barnett Inc., Waxman Consumer Products Group Inc.,
            WOC Inc. and Western American Manufacturing, Inc. (Exhibit 10.6 to
            Waxman Industries, Inc.'s Form S-4 filed June 20, 1994, incorporated
            herein by reference).

  10.8(1)   Intercorporate Agreement dated May 20, 1994 among Waxman Industries,
            Inc., Waxman USA, Barnett Inc., Waxman Consumer Products Group Inc.,
            WOC Inc. and Western American Manufacturing, Inc. (Exhibit 10.7 to
            Waxman Industries, Inc.'s Form S-4 filed June 20, 1994, incorporated
            herein by reference).

  10.9(1)   Credit Agreement dated as of May 20, 1994 among Waxman USA, Inc.,
            Barnett Inc., Waxman Consumer Products Group Inc. and WOC Inc., the
            Lenders and Issuers party thereto and Citicorp USA, Inc. as Agent,
            and certain exhibits thereto (Exhibit 10.8 to Waxman Industries,
            Inc.'s Form S-4 filed June 20, 1994, incorporated herein by
            reference).

  10.10(1)  Term Loan Credit Agreement dated as of May 20, 1994 among Waxman
            USA, Inc., Barnett Inc., Waxman Consumer Products Group Inc. and WOC
            Inc., the Lenders and Issuers party thereto and Citibank, N.A., as
            Agent (Exhibit 10.9 to Waxman Industries, Inc.'s Form S-4 filed June
            20, 1994, incorporated herein by reference).
   
  10.11(1)  Amendment No. 2 to the Term Loan Agreement and Amendment No. 1 to 
            the Revolving Credit Agreement among Waxman USA, Inc., Barnett 
            Inc., Waxman Consumer Products Group Inc. and WOC Inc., the 
            Lenders and Issuers party thereto and Citibank, N.A., as Agent
            (Exhibit 10.11 to Waxman Industries, Inc.'s Amendment No. 4 on Form
            S-2 to Form S-1 filed October 10, 1995, Registration No. 33-54211,
            incorporated herein by reference).

  12.1(1)   Statement re: computation of ratio (Exhibit 12.1 to Waxman
            Industries Inc.'s Form S-1 filed July 18, 1995, incorporated herein
            by reference).
    

                                      II-2
<PAGE>   25
  13.1(1)   Waxman Industries, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K for its fiscal
            year ended June 30, 1995 (File No. 33-5888, incorporated herein by
            reference).

  23.1      Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP.

  23.2(1)   Consent of Shereff, Friedman, Hoffman & Goodman, LLP (contained in
            its opinion filed as Exhibit 5.1 to this Registration Statement).


- ------------------
(1)         Incorporated herein by reference as indicated.

            (b)    FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

                  All schedules have been omitted because the required
information is not present or not present in amounts sufficient to require
submission of the schedule, or because the information required is included in
the consolidated financial statements including notes thereto.

ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS

         A.      The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

                 (1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are
         being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement;

                           (i) To include any prospectus required by Section
                 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;

                           (ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events
                 arising after the effective date of the registration statement
                 (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which,
                 individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental
                 change in the information set forth in the registration
                 statement;

                           (iii) To include any material information with
                 respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in
                 the registration statement or any material change to such
                 information in the registration statement.

                 (2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under
         the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be
         deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities
         offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall
         be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

                 (3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective
         amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at
         the termination of the offering.

         B.                The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that,
                 for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities
                 Act of 1933, each filing of the registrant's annual report
                 pursuant to section 13(a) or section 15(d) of the securities
                 Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable,

                                      II-3
<PAGE>   26
                 each filing of an employee benefit plan's annual report
                 pursuant to section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
                 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the registration
                 statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement
                 relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of
                 such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial
                 bona fide offering thereof.

         C.                The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to
                 deliver or cause to be delivered with the prospectus, to each
                 person whom the prospectus is sent or given, the latest annual
                 report to security holders that is incorporated by reference in
                 the prospectus and furnished pursuant to and meeting the
                 requirements of Rule 14a-3 or Rule 14c-3 under the Securities
                 Exchange Act of 1934; and, where interim financial information
                 required to be presented by Article 3 of Regulation S-X are not
                 set forth in the prospectus, to deliver, or cause to be
                 delivered to each person to whom the prospectus is sent or
                 given, the latest quarterly report that is specifically
                 incorporated by reference in the prospectus to provide such
                 interim financial information.

         D.                Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising
                 under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors,
                 officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to
                 the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been
                 advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange
                 Commission such indemnification is against public policy as
                 expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the
                 event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities
                 (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred
                 or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the
                 Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or
                 proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or
                 controlling person in connection with the securities being
                 registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its
                 counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent,
                 submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question
                 whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as
                 expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final
                 adjudication of such issue.

                                      II-4
<PAGE>   27
   
                                   SIGNATURES

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, Waxman
Industries, Inc. certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it
meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-2 and has duly caused this
Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto
duly authorized, in the City of Cleveland, State of Ohio on the 17th day of
October, 1995.

                                             WAXMAN INDUSTRIES, INC.

                                             By:/s/ Armond Waxman
                                                --------------------------------
                                                Armond Waxman,
                                                Co-Chairman of the Board and
                                                Co-Chief Executive Officer

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
              NAME                                 TITLE                                        DATE

<S>                                    <C>                                                 <C>
/s/             *                      Co-Chairman of the Board,                           October 17, 1995
- -------------------------------        Co-Chief Executive Officer
          Melvin Waxman                and Director


/s/             *                      Co-Chairman, Co-Chief Executive                     October 17, 1995
- -------------------------------        Officer and Director
          Armond Waxman

/s/             *                      President, Chief Operating                          October 17, 1995
- -------------------------------        Officer and Director
          William R. Pray

/s/             *                      Chief Financial Officer                             October 17, 1995
- -------------------------------         
          Andrea Luiga                 


/s/             *                      Director                                            October 17, 1995
- -------------------------------
          Samuel J. Krasney

/s/             *                      Director                                            October 17, 1995
- -------------------------------
          Irving Z. Friedman

/s/             *                      Director                                            October 17, 1995
- -------------------------------
          Judy Robins

* By      /s/ Armond Waxman
         ----------------------
          Armond Waxman
          As Attorney-in-Fact
</TABLE>

    
                                      II-5
<PAGE>   28
                                  EXHIBIT INDEX

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT NUMBER                   EXHIBIT DESCRIPTION                    SEQUENTIAL PAGE NUMBER
- --------------                   -------------------                    ----------------------

<S>                <C>                                                  <C>
   4.1(1)          Indenture, dated as of May 20, 1994, by and
                   between Waxman Industries, Inc. and The Huntington
                   National Bank, as Trustee, with respect to the
                   Deferred Coupon Notes, including the form of
                   Deferred Coupon Notes (Exhibit 4.1 to Waxman
                   Industries, Inc.'s Form S-4 filed June 20, 1994,
                   incorporated herein by reference).

  4.2(1)           Warrant Agreement, dated as of May 20, 1994, by
                   and between Waxman Industries, Inc. and The
                   Huntington National Bank, as Warrant Agent
                   (Exhibit 4.2 to Waxman Industries, Inc.'s Form S-4
                   filed June 20, 1994, incorporated herein by
                   reference).

  4.3(1)           Warrant Certificate (Exhibit 4.3 to Waxman
                   Industries, Inc.'s Form S-4 filed June 20, 1994,
                   incorporated herein by reference).

  5.1(1)           Opinion of Shereff, Friedman, Hoffman & Goodman,
                   LLP regarding legality (filed as exhibit 5.1 to this
                   Registration Statement).

 10.1(1)           Lease between Waxman Industries, Inc. as Lessee
                   and Aurora Investment Co.  as Lessor dated June
                   30, 1992 (Exhibit 10.1 to Waxman Industries,
                   Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
                   ended June 30, 1992, File No.  0-5888,
                   incorporated herein by reference).

 10.2(1)           Policy Statement (revised as of June 1, 1980)
                   regarding Waxman Industries, Inc.'s Profit
                   Incentive Plan (Exhibit 10(c)-1 to Waxman
                   Industries, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K for
                   the year ended June 30, 1984, File No. 0-5888,
                   incorporated herein by reference).

 10.3(1)           Employment Contract dated June 18, 1990 between Barnett Inc.
                   and William
</TABLE>

                                      II-7


<PAGE>   29
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit Number                   Exhibit Index                          Sequential Page Number
- --------------                   -------------                          ----------------------

<S>                <C>                                                  <C>
                   R. Pray (Exhibit 10.4 to Waxman Industries, Inc.'s
                   Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June
                   30, 1991, File No. 0-5888, incorporated herein by
                   reference).

 10.4(1)           Form of Stock Option Agreement between Waxman
                   Industries, Inc. and its Directors (Exhibit 10.5 to
                   Waxman Industries, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form
                   10-K for the year ended June 30, 1991, File No.
                   0-5888, incorporated herein by reference).

 10.5(1)           Employment Contract dated January 1, 1992 between
                   Waxman Industries, Inc. and John S. Peters (Exhibit
                   10.6 to Waxman Industries, Inc.'s Annual Report on
                   Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 1992, File
                   No. 0-5888, incorporated herein by reference).
   
 10.6(1)           Employment Agreement dated November 1, 1994 between 
                   Waxman Consumer Products Group Inc. and Laurence Waxman
                   (Exhibit 10.6 to Waxman Industries, Inc.'s Amendment No. 4
                   on Form S-2 to Form S-1 filed October 10, 1995, Registration
                   No. 33-54211, incorporated herein by reference).

 10.7(1)           Tax Sharing Agreement dated May 20, 1994 among
                   Waxman Industries, Waxman USA, Barnett Inc.,
                   Waxman Consumer Products Group Inc., WOC Inc. and
                   Western American Manufacturing, Inc. (Exhibit 10.6
                   to Waxman Industries, Inc.'s Form S-4 filed June
                   20, 1994, incorporated herein by reference).
    
 10.8(1)           Intercorporate Agreement dated May 20, 1994 among
                   Waxman Industries, Waxman USA, Barnett Inc.,
                   Waxman Consumer Products Group Inc., WOC Inc. and
                   Western American Manufacturing, Inc. (Exhibit 10.7
                   to Waxman Industries, Inc.'s Form S-4 filed June
                   20, 1994, incorporated herein by reference).
</TABLE>


                                      II-8
<PAGE>   30
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit Number                   Exhibit Index                          Sequential Page Number
- --------------                   -------------                          ----------------------

<S>                <C>                                                  <C>
 10.9(1)           Credit Agreement dated as of May 20, 1994 among
                   Waxman USA, Inc., Barnett Inc., Waxman Consumer
                   Products Group Inc. and WOC Inc., the Lenders and
                   Issuers party thereto and Citicorp USA, Inc., as
                   Agent, and certain exhibits thereto (Exhibit 10.8
                   to Waxman Industries, Inc.'s Form S-4 filed June
                   20, 1994, incorporated herein by reference).

 10.10(1)          Term Loan Credit Agreement dated as of May 20, 1994
                   among Waxman USA, Inc., Barnett Inc., Waxman
                   Consumer Products Group, Inc. and WOC Inc., the
                   Lenders and Issuers party thereto and Citibank,
                   N.A., as Agent (Exhibit 10.9 to Waxman Industries,
                   Inc.'s Form S-4 filed June 20, 1994, incorporated
                   herein by reference).
   
 10.11(1)          Amendment No. 2 to the Term Loan Agreement and Amendment 
                   No. 1 to the Revolving Credit Agreement among Waxman USA, 
                   Inc., Barnett Inc., Waxman Consumer Products Group Inc. and
                   WOC Inc., the Lenders and Issuers party thereto and Citibank,
                   N.A., as Agent (Exhibit 10.11 to Amendment No. 4 on Form S-2
                   to Form S-1 filed October 10, 1995, Registration No.
                   33-54211, incorporated herein by reference). 
    
 12.1(1)           Statement re: computation of ratios (Exhibit 12.1
                   to Waxman Industries, Inc.'s Form S-1, filed July
                   18, 1995, incorporated herein by reference).

 13.1(1)           Form 10-K Annual Report of Waxman Industries, Inc.
                   for the year ended June 30, 1995, File No. 33-5888
                   (incorporated herein by reference).

 23.1              Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP.

 23.2(1)           Consent of Shereff, Friedman, Hoffman 
</TABLE>


                                      II-9
<PAGE>   31
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit Number                   Exhibit Index                          Sequential Page Number
- --------------                   -------------                          ----------------------

<S>                <C>                                                  <C>
                   & Goodman, LLP (contained in its opinion filed as
                   Exhibit 5.1 to this Registration Statement).

</TABLE>


- ------------------

(1)   Incorporated herein by reference as indicated.

                                II-10

<PAGE>   1
                                                                Exhibit 23.1
                                                                ------------



                                    ARTHUR
                                   ANDERSEN
                           ARTHUR ANDERSEN & CO. SC
                                      


                                                        ________________________
                                                        Arthur Andersen LLP


                                                        ________________________
                                                        1717 East Ninth Street
                                                        Cleveland, OH  44114
                                                        216 781 2140



                                                                Exhibit 23.1
                                                                ------------


                  CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS


As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by
reference in this registration statement of our report dated September 26, 1995
included in Waxman Industries, Inc's Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 1995
and to all references to our Firm included in this Registration Statement (File
No. 33-54211).



                                                /s/ Arthur Andersen




Cleveland, Ohio,
October 16, 1995.


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