105363 items (97572 unread) in 19 feeds
Friends
(1021 unread)
2 Star
(84 unread)
John Carrino
(12 unread)
Comments for Josh the Outspoken
(296 unread)
Planet Matt
(595 unread)
Build
(68091 unread)
MAKE Magazine
(20292 unread)
Instructables.com
(35006 unread)
Hack A Day
(5017 unread)
Toolmonger
(7776 unread)
Heads
(716 unread)
Exploration Through Example
Stevey's Blog Rants
(34 unread)
Gibson Blog
(239 unread)
Adventures in Bloggery
(123 unread)
News
(27537 unread)
Ruby Inside
(922 unread)
fun
(207 unread)
Templar, Arizona
(207 unread)
What’s the first tool you grab when you’re heading out the door? Did you pick up something special at the flea market this last weekend?
If you’ve got a spare moment, drop us a line via our Submit a Tool form and tell us about your favorite tool — other Toolmongers want to know!
Our friend Joe Brown over at PopSci sent us this bit of tool tech (from Digg) today — it’s the math behind square drill bits. No, we’re not joking; there really are rotating drill bits that’ll drill square holes.
These bits are based on known as a Reuleaux Triangle — a triangle that looks like it’s been inflated to 10 psi and is shaped sort of like a guitar pick. There’s lots of math involved, but essentially this shape can rotate within a square of the same width, though its center must follow a circular path in order to do so.
Early last century, Harry Watts created a patented system for drilling shaped holes by adding a gearbox in the drill’s chuck to allow his special bits to simultaneously rotate and revolve. By changing the number of flutes on the drill and the shape of the gearbox, he created bits for drilling numerous shaped polygons.
Do any of you have experience with these?
Drilling Square Holes [Scott Smith] [via]
A Simpler Explaination [MathWorld]
Note: A commenter on Digg notes that these are also called “rotary broaches” and found some from Slater Tools (pictured above). [link]
Related:
Myself says: “I don’t know where it came from, but I neded up with an impossibly tiny — but quite powerful — disc magnet. I think it’s about 2mm in diameter, but I haven’t seen it since I epoxied it into my screwdriver handle. Highly recommended!”
Michael adds: “Try KJ Magnetcs for rare earth magnets that small. I bought some larger ones from Lee Valley. Very handy for sticking to tablesaws, drill presses, etc. to hold allen wrenches, chuck keys, etc.”
This came up in some comment discussion on the Micro Screwdriver Set below. Check it out for more. And if you’d like to submit your own favorite tool or shop idea, just use our new form.
KJ Magnetics, Inc. [Corporate Site]
This particular tool may not seems as exciting as a new anti-vibe hammer or a sweet high-tech cordless drill — until you’re trying to clean up the shop. We have one of these in our shop, and it makes quick work of whatever crap we’ve managed to fling everywhere.
It’s the first one we bought, and it’s been going strong for a couple of years now. Our guest in the last podcast said he’s been through a couple of different brands and keeps coming back to this one. What’s your experience been?
The pictured model is RIDGID’s model WD1245, which features a 5.0 peak HP motor, a 15′ cord, and an internal filter. It’s not overloaded fancy gimmicks — it’s just a good, solid vac.
Other things we love about ours: the hose locks into the vac base so you can drag it around via the hose, and all the accessories (pictured) store right on the base so you’ve always got them with you.
Street pricing hovers around $100, and of course you can always find them at your local Home Depot.
12 Gallon Wet/Dry Vac (Model WD1245) [RIDGID]
Street Pricing [Froogle]
(Thursday, November 30th, 2006) Don’t miss Sandor Nagyszalanczy on DIY Tools & Techniques tonight. Nagyszalanczy authored a book of beautiful tool porn, “The Art of Fine Tools,” as well as many other books and articles on woodworking. Otherwise it’s some slim pickings.
All times are central.
Enjoy.
Sears currently has 30 tool items on sale for half price today and tomorrow. Most of it’s pretty inexpensive stuff, but the list actually looks to include some useful tools.
Our favorite: The Craftsman Bolt-Out Damaged Bolt/Nut Remover Set for $9.99. Read on past the jump for the full list.
Here’s what else they’re showing right now:
Happy holidays.
Rick says: “As for my favorite tool — That’s gotta be my ratcheting screwdriver… Anytime something needs fixing, I grab that first to go check it out. If a friend calls that they have a loose door, busted door knob, some electric problem, or that their refrigerator door opens the wrong way, I just grab that screwdriver and the figure what else (if anything) I might need.”
The one pictured above comes from Craftsman for $25, though some readers suggest that the Snap-on version is quite desirable at $42.25.
The Craftsman Ratcheting Screwdriver [via] [Sears]
Snap-on’s Ratcheting Screwdriver [Snap-on]
Update: This seems to be the one that our readers enjoy from Snap-on.
Norman Sims says: “This wrench is made by a company called LoggerHead Tools. One 8″ Bionic Wrench equals a set of 16 SAE wrenches. In other words, it’s like having a set of 16 SAE wrenches all in one wrench. I’ve seen all kinds of wrenches in my travels, but nothing like this.”
Street pricing for the 8″ model Norman mentioned (7/16″ to 3/4″ and 11mm to 20mm) starts around $22. There are also 6″ and 10″ versions available.
The Bionic Wrench [LoggerHead Tools]
Street Pricint (8″) [Froogle]
In the same spirit as the Warranty Voider below, Myself sent us this find: “Small toys call for small tools. Regular readers may have noticed from my comments that I’m into electronics, and many of my tools tend to run towards the small side. This set of 4mm insert bits and a little spinner handle makes quick work of most jobs – and along with Velleman’s 33-piece 1/4″ security bit set opens almost anything. (For the rest, there’s the Dremel.) A similar set of Wiha 4mm bits goes for about fifty bucks, but you can have the Boxers for well under half that, shipped. They’re surprisingly good quality for the price, though I don’t know where they’re made. P.S. — If anyone knows of a ’stubby’ handle for 4mm bits, please share!”
Though we don’t normally link directly to a specific retailer, the one below has the pictured set for $9.97. Pretty sweet. (And it’s the only place we found it via Froogle…)
30 pc. Precision Screwdriver Set [Boxer Tools]
Street Pricing [CheaperThanDirt.com]
Also:
Street Pricing: Velleman 33-piece Security Bit Set [Froogle]
Most Toolmongers will recognize this as a Leatherman Squirt with some laser etching — but we’re pretty big MAKE fans and would go ahead and ante up for the etching just to show our allegience. Why?
Our friend Phillip Torrone over at MAKE says that while there are larger Leathermans out there, this is his favorite; it’s perfect for cracking open cases (and voiding warranties) on the fly, and lives on his keychain. And he’d have lots of experience.
MAKE’s motto: “If you can’t open it, you don’t own it.” Words to live by.
They come in two versions:
The P4, which features:
And the E4, which features:
It looks like the MAKE store just sold out, but hold on. MAKE promises there’ll be more on the way very soon, and this would make a kick-ass Christmas present – even if it’s a little late.
Update: They’ve got more to sell — check shortly at the MAKE store to pick up yours before they sell out.
They’re currently $39 each.
The Warranty Voider [MAKE]
For the pros out there — or the DIYers who’d like to have a couple of sweet tools in their kit — Snap-on’s holiday 10% off sale continues with items swapping in and out of the “sale bin” pretty regularly. They’ve added a few more true hand tools in the latest round, including a 3-piece quick release ratchet set — 1/4″, 3/8″, and 1/2″ drive — for $92.66.
Current 10% Sale Items [Snap-on, warning: temporary link]
Myself says: “From the ‘Why didn’t I think of that?’ files: Two socket drive sizes on one ratchet handle! It really needs no further explanation. I’ve seen these wtih all sorts of brands on the handle, and most of them have been well made with a 72-tooth mechanism, minimal reverse torque, and positive action from the direction switch. One I played with in the store needed obnoxiously high reverse torque to freewheel, so this might be one you want to shop for in person rather than online. On many models the head comes apart with Torx screws, too, so you don’t even need snap-ring pliers to clean and lube the mechanism. (If you get the Astro Pneumatic Version, don’t get attached to the yellow grip — it won’t be yellow for long!)”
The version pictured above is made by Titan and available at Northern Tool, though as Myself said, there are lots of brands available. Prices vary wildly, with the Titan clocking in at around $10 and the disassembleable versions discussed above running $100 or more.
Street Pricing (Various Models) [Froogle]
(Wednesday, November 29th, 2006) It’s a new Mythbusters tonight (at 9:00), as well as a bunch of other fun stuff to watch.
All times are central.
Enjoy.
Myself says: “My local Performance Tool only carries two Olfa cutters, and this is the one I’ve tried. At first blush it seems like any other cutter, but like the Knipex pliers, there’s something just a little different. The balance is better, the grip is easier, the business end is sharper. I didn’t realize how sharp until I went to strip the jacket off some LMR-400 and the blade went right through the shielding and nicked the center conductor. Well then! I have a new way of prepping cable.
“There’s nothing revolutionary about the Olfa — it’s just a set of small improvements that add up to something head-and-shoulders above the common utility knife. Sometimes it’s hard to justify the extra cost of a premium tool, but when it’s only a few bucks — and it’s something you use every day — I think the difference is well worth the expense. (This is, by the way, exactly the same justification I use for the Knipex pliers.)”
Looks sharp! Street pricing starts around $6.
The L-1 Heavy Duty Cutter/Knife [OLFA]
Street Pricing [Froogle]
Note: If you’d like to submit your own favorite tool find, just use our new form.
Clamping and gluing projects with more than four sides is a lot like trying to nail Jello to the wall. It moves. It slides. It comes apart. And that’s just while you’re trying to get the clamps on – to say nothing of whether or not they hold in the correct position. When you’re in for that kind of gluing/clamping roller coaster ride of fun you might reach for a Merle clamp.
It’s a type of band clamp (or “web clamp” depending on which school of thought you subscribe to). The band can be expanded to a 69” x 69” and can squeeze down to 2-5/8″ x 2-5/8″ providing secure and even gripping power across all the joints.
The flexible jaw inserts are made of high impact ABS plastic and are non-marring and easily removed. The “dual pivot” feature allows the Merle to clamp virtually any size or shape joint – including circles and ovals.
The best feature about the Merle might be that the strap area can be extended to any length by using standard 3/8″ steel banding or strapping. This one could save some swearing and re-gluing.
Pricing onthe MLCS site starts at around $27.
Merle Clamp [MLCS]
Over the last few years Black & Decker has vastly expanded their line of Workmate folding work tables to include all sorts of specialty versions — like this model that has wheels and can serve as a hand truck.
Heck, we use our ancient plain Workmate a ton in the shop — you can see it in many of our testing photos — but the idea of wheels sounds even better. My only complaint about the one we have is that sometimes it’s a bit heavy to lug around.
Black & Decker offers other specialty models now, too, include a smaller “X-frame” version and a version with a power strip included. Come to think of it, I may consider mounting a power strip to the one I have — it’d be handy working with power tools.
Anyway, the 525 (pictured here) includes the removable middle panel like the 425 and can support (according to Black & Decker) up to 450 lbs.
If you don’t already have one — or are looking for a gift for a DIYer friend or family member — keep an eye out for sales on ‘em this time of year. Street pricing hovers around $105 for the 525, much less for others.
The WM525 Workmate Handtruck [Black & Decker]
Street Pricing [Froogle]
Have you ever found yourself reading Toolmonger and thinking, “Why don’t those bozos write about this and such? It’s the best tool in my shop!” Well, now you can tell us about it, and we can pass it on to Toolmongers everywhere.
You’ll notice a new graphic in the center sidebar labelled “Submit a Tool.” It links to a short form you can use to tell us about your favorite tool, a new find, a deal you’ve come across and want to share, or anything else you think would interest other Toolmongers. If you’d like credit for your find, be sure and include your name in the form. And, if you trust us — and you should — you can include your email address. We don’t publish the address, but it helps us if we’d like to ask you additional questions about the tool you submit to provide better coverage.
We’ve been scouring our shop, our friends’ shops, our friends’ friends’ shops, and the web for tools that might interest you, and we’ll continue to do so — but we’re really looking forward to seeing what you’ve found!
Submit a Tool [Toolmonger, of course]
Removing the springs on drum brakes can be a nightmare, alternately refusing to come apart then flinging parts all over the garage — all while you pretend you have three hands in order to compress the spring and manipulate the catch at the same time.
There’s an easier way: brake spring pliers. And they’re not even that expensive.
The “tong” end is used for installing springs over an anchor post while the “handle” ends are useful for stretching the small shoe-return springs.
I’ve always wondered why more people don’t do their own brake work. Pricing at the widely-known “brake shops” varies from excessive to absurd, and their ads are almost universally deceiving. A $99 “brake job” usually ends up being “per axle” then “pads only” — which means that they’ll take 10 minutes to stick pads in for $99. Wow. Great deal.
With simple tools and a free Saturday afternoon you can service your own brakes on a new-model car for hundreds of dollars less than the cost of a “brake job.” For example: Rather than $250 or more an axle, try spending $50-$75 on pads, and $20-$30 on having the rotors turned — at the same shop, by the way.
Yeah, it’s dirty. Try this: Wear latex gloves to avoid having to dig brake dust out from under your fingernails, then clean up afterwards and take your wife/girlfriend/husband/boyfrend/significant other/self out to a $150+ fancy dinner with the cash you’ve saved — or do the other end of the car now instead of later.
We’ve used lost of different brands of brake spring pliers, but the one pictured above comes from Satco industries (link below). Froogle’ll turn up dozens for around $5-$10, and you can find these at most automotive parts stores or tool suppliers as well.
Brake Spring Pliers [Satco]
Street Pricing [Froogle]
(Tuesday, November 28th, 2006) There’s even less tonight from TLC than normal…Trade School: Machining should be interesting, though; one doesn’t often get to watch serious tools in action on TV.
All times are central.
Any reader suggestions for the overnight?
When it comes to DIY woodwork the best “tricks” are the ones that save you time and get the job done right. The R3 jig from Kreg is a pocket hole jig that clamps on to provide a sure fire way to get furniture-quality angled holes every time.
The R3 has a few features that allow you to cut some time off set up when you’re fastening sections of bookcases, cabinets or sheves. It’s got nine position settings, wood chip relief holes, and a clamp adapter to secure it to various project surfaces. The hardened steel drill guides provide a constant angle for accurate alignment.
Street Pricing starts at $42.
R3 Jig [Kreg]
Street Pricing [Froogle]
Just in time for the holiday season, RIDGID’s released a new lightweight circ saw which they call the Fuego. As we in Texas already know, Fuego is Spanish for “fire,” and fire = good. Or, fuego = bueno.
Though we haven’t laid our hands on one yet, we can say that this saw is interesting for a number of reasons. It’s light (8 lbs). It’s powerful (12A/6100 RPM). It’s practical (see the rest of the article). And if you’re concerned about durability, we have four words for you: free lifetime service agreement.
One other interesting fact: RIDGID’s been kind enough to offer up twenty-freakin-five of these saws for us to pass on to fellow Toolmongers in the days leading up to Christmas. Check back later this week for the details regarding the giveaway — “Heat up your winter projects with the 25 days of Fuego!”
Read on past the jump for lots more about the Fuego.
At its core, the Fuego appears to be a practical and competent 6-1/2″ framing saw — designed with the jobsite in mind. I say “practical” because it’s interesting to us how RIDGID decided to apply technology in this tool. For example, rather than applying a laser to the fuego — or even two lasers to show the kerf — they simply added a notch fore and aft the exact size of kerf. Same effect — less stuff to break or come out of alignment. They thoughtfully include a motor vent positioned properly to blow chips and dust out of the cut line.
Another example: adding lightness. To keep the Fuego’s weight down, RIDGID added magnesium upper and lower blade guards. Flashy? No. Functional? Yep.
It also features a 12 foot all-rubber power cord, and a slick lighted plug so you can tell at a glance whether it’s been unplugged or the outlet’s been switched off. There’s a back-lit icon of the tool on the plug, too, so you can pick it out of the bunch when you’re unplugging it at the jobsite. RIDGID provides a hook-and-look cord storage strap as well.
Like many framing saws, it offerss a 0-50 degree bevel capactity with a 45 degree positive stop. It ships with an 18-tooth thin-kerf carbide-tipped blade and a storage bag.
Despite the sweet name, this seems like a hard-working blue-collar saw. Check back soon for more information — and our hands-on review — as well as more on your opporunity to win your own Fuego in the 25 Days of Fuego giveaway.
This generally wouldn’t constitute news anywhere but here. But we are Toolmongers, which means we watch all things tool, even things like this: Skil redesigned their website.
From the press release: “The main goals for the redesign were to provide complete and detailed product information needed by our consumers to make an informed purchase decision, facilitate that purchase decision through our e-commerce partner links and store locater, and supply valuable content to our DIY audience to encourage return visits,” said Linda Mueller, website manager for SKIL Power Tools, probably cribbing from the office’s mission statement and stating the obvious goals of any retailer for their website.
Seriously, though, it’s a nice looking re-design, and the new site offers more pictures of each product and easier naviagtion than the old one, so check it out when you get a chance.
Oh yeah, and swing back by Toolmonger soon for reviews of the iXO2 and the new 10.8V li-ion driver.
The New Site [Skil, English/US]
(Monday, November 27th, 2006) A new season of Chop Cut Rebuild? Or is it just this season’s season premier? TV Guide doesn’t show it as new…
Otherwise it’s more reruns from our pals at Discovery.
All times are central.
Enjoy.
We’re out in the shop so much that on occasion some things in the homestead go unattended – things such as small cracks in the drywall. Little cracks are normal as the lumber in a new home dries, but they can get out of hand if you don’t nip them in the bud.
My bud-nipping today comes in the form of the Dap Patch Stick. Remember how your friends always recommended putting toothpaste in the holes in your dorm room/apartment walls to avoid fines? (Always use Colgate — not green Crest as one of our a-bit-dim friends did.) The DAP Patch Stick claims to work the same way, but with professional results.
I decided to give it a try because I didn’t feel like getting out that spackle and texture just to fix a couple of little cracks. Also, I’m lazy.
The Patch Stick is crack and hole filler DAP thoughtfully put in a container that functions just like a large glue stick – just like the ones you used to use in school. A screw type bottom pushes the filler out the top in a controlled manner. It comes with a small spackling knife that turns out to be just the right size and shape for small cracks.
My “field test” of the Patch Stick was this home wrecker of a crack, about 4″ long. While it’s not a big deal, it is most annoying.
Following the instructions – which take up less than a half inch on the back of the tube — I removed the cap and twisted out a 16th of an inch or so of filler. The instructions say you can either apply the filler tube directly to the crack or scoop it onto the knife and apply it. I opted for the knife as it seemed more controlled — like it’d provide a better, more even surface.
I spread the filler across the crack, making sure to get filler in the entire gap. The filler itself is the consistency of foamy toothpaste when it’s wet so spreading is very simple. Just make sure you twist out enough to cover all undesirable areas. Repeating the twist, scoop, and slather actions resulted in a vanished wall crack in about 3 minutes time.
The drying time was about 10 minutes — as indicated on the tube — and it dried hard, stark white, and ready for some touch up paint with no sanding required at all.
Conclusions
The DAP Patch Stick is a great product for small filler repair around the house. It worked well for me, and I’d recommend it as a good alternative for small cracks when mixing up spackle (or the other usual remedies) are overkill.
The Patch Stick is very easy to use and completely user friendly. Pretty much anyone could manage to make a drywall blemish disappear without a call to a contractor, and for $3 who can’t swing that?
The Patch Stick [Dap]
Street Pricing [Froogle]
There’s no way we’d pay $90 for a two-speed drill — unless it came packages with $88 in cash. But when we found this mini-combo for $39 on sale this weekend, well… Maybe. This kit features B&D’s standard 18V two-speed drill with a six-position clutch bundled with an AM/FM radio that runs on the same batteries and can play tunes for about ten hours on one charge (according to B&D).
But whether this particular kit turns you on or turns you off, it signifies the kind of deals that we’ll begin to see regularly until Christmas. If you missed black Friday and the first salvo in this years gimmick war take heart: your local retailer will be trying to “out deal” the competition in no time, and you’ll get your find. So be vigilant this holiday season and you could wind up with some reasonably cool gear at half price or less.
18 Volt Cordless Drill and Radio Charger [Black and Decker]
Street Prcing [Froogle]
(Sunday, November 26th, 2006) Tonight: Eat leftovers… then watch leftovers.
All times are central.
Our Insomniac’s Suggestions: Chop Cut Rebuild (Speed, 1:00 a.m.) or Pimp My Ride (MTV, 2:00 and 2:30 a.m.).
Rob’s question got me thinking. We’ve reviewed and discussed so many drill/drivers that somehow this one never make it to the site, even though both Sean and I see it as a great bargain — when it’s on sale, which it’s not right now.
I picked up one of these a while back when my previous (really cheap) drill/driver gave up the ghost. I was on an extremely tight budget, so I did some serious shopping, which lead to our “Selecting Your Next Cordless Drill” post, and sort of the beginning of Toolmonger. (I know, I know — that post needs an update, and I promise one before Christmas, ok?)
Anyway, after looking at zillions of drill/drivers, I ended up picking up the Craftsman because it offered a lot more torque than most of the units in its price range — did I mention I paid $99 for it? — which sort of overcame the poor waranty issues.
We should probably do a full-on “hands-on” with this, because we’ve had our hands on it in the shop for months and months, but in short: it’s a pretty decent drill/driver, and it’s a great drill/driver for $99 on sale. The light’s pretty darn handy, too.
If you’re looking for a drill/driver in the $100 range, and you’ve got some time, keep your eyes on Sears. They’ll put it back on sale again soon.
Rob asks: “I have a Craftsman 18.0V cordless drill. I REALLY like it. Yesterday, Sears had a pack of 19.2V batteries on sale. Can I use these in my drill without hurting it? Yes, they fit, but I don’t want to damage my drill.”
This is a great question. My initial thought is that a 1.2V difference won’t do any short term damage and shouldn’t do any long term damage. There’s some precedence for this in the industry. For example, Milwaukee recommends its new li-ion V18 batteries as “backwards compatible” with their 18V tools, though the V18s are actually 20V batteries. Competitive robot builders often over-volt motors, though they’re willing to trade reliability for performance — something I’m guessing Milwaukee wouldn’t be so hot on.
Charging could be another issue, though if you’re referring to the 19.2V batteries that drive the Craftsman drill/driver we’ve got in the shop here, they’re old Ni-Cds, just like the 18V.
Anyway, I hope you don’t mind, Rob, but I thought I’d kick this out to the readers to see what input they might have. If there’s still a lot of question come next week, we’ll jump on the phone and see what we can find out.
Thankfully manufacturers are starting to spec glass rear windows in many newer convertibles — or crazy-cool retractable hard tops — but if you’ve got one of the “vintage” models, you’re probably graced with clear plastic. After a while they get scuffed no matter how carefully you protect them, and then you’re faced with the big question: Do I try to clean it? And with what?
Back when I worked at an airport, I saw people deal with this on an uber-basis. What do you do when you have the same problem, but with a $30,000 Learjet window? We often used two of Meguiar’s products: Mirror Glaze Clear Plastic Cleaner and Polish. Good enough for Learjet = good enough for Miata, in my book.
The cleaner is a slight bit more abrasive and works well to remove small scuffs and even some scratches. I just apply it to a non-abrasive cloth — olf-fashioned baby diapers work great — and rub. Once the big stuff’s gone, switch to the polish, which is much finer and puts the original shine (and “clearness”) back in the window. Be sure to get it all off.
Of course, you can save yourself some work by making sure you store the window properly. Use the boot (the cover for the soft top for you Canadians) whenever you put the top down, and if you install a hard top for the winter, look for a “hard top boot” that fits under the top and cradles the window in padded softness.
And remember: Seeing out the back is a good thing. Either clean that window up — or replace it.
The cleaner and polish sell for $8 each on Meguiar’s site, and you can find them on the street for around $6 with some searching.
#17 Mirror Glaze Clear Plastic Cleaner [Meguiar’s]
Street Pricing [Froogle]
#10 Clear Plastic Polish [Meguiar’s]
Street Pricing [Froogle]
(Saturday, November 25th, 2006) Hello, anyone home? Is everyone playing a family game of touch football?
All times are central.
Our Insomniac’s Suggestion: Robot Rivals (DIY, 1:00 a.m.)
(Friday, November 24th, 2006) There’s the usual Friday night of TV to watch as you polish off the leftover pumpkin pie. In addition to the shows listed, there are also episode marathons of Trick My Truck on CMT (starting at 7:00 p.m. and ending at 10:30), and How It’s Made on the Science channel (starting at 6:00 p.m. and ending at 12:00 midnight).
All times are central.
In between gnoshing on Turkey and laying around on this glorious holiday, we’d like to take a moment to offer our thanks to all of you out there who’ve helped Toolmonger grow to what it is today.
We could produce a big list, but you know who you are: the daily readers, our favorite commenters, the guys (and gals) who bust us when we miss the point (or the fine print), the tool companies that understand that not all toolaholics are over 60 and not everyone gets their tool news from Popular Mechanics, the other (much more famous and significant) writers who’ve taken us under their wings, the friends and family that’ve helped out with tool testing (and some of the crazy stunts we’ve dreamed up), and the family that puts up with our long hours working on Toolmonger instead of getting a “real” job…
You’re Toolmongers, all of you.
Thanks.
Remember Choice Products, Inc. with their Rip Master circ saw guide? Well, they’re back. The fog has lifted. The Earth has shifted and raised the gifted. ‘Cause that’s what they do, yo. They seek out inventors with slick ideas, then, you know, bring them to market.
Their latest genius: The trash funnel. It’s a little folding stand that holds your trash bag upright, and it’s got a funnel at the top so your crap goes in the bag instead of back on the ground. CPI says it’ll also lay flat so you can rake leaves in.
It works with any standard 33 to 45 gallon bag, and folds up for storage when you’re not out fighting grime. And hey, if it’s good enough for the New Jersey Transit Authority, it’s probably good enough for you, right?
It’ll set you back $50.
The Trash Funnel [Choice Products, Inc.]
Admit it — you love receiving the Harbor Freight flyer in the mail — both for the great deals and the great entertainment. (Where do they get some of this stuff? China. But maybe the best question is, “Why?”)
Seriously, though, there’s some neat stuff in this one — along with some real head-scratchers. Read on past the jump for the best (and worst) this time ’round.
Our Favorites
18 Volt Cordless Drill and Flashlight Kit
We wrote about these once before when they were selling the drill by itself for $16. Now at $20 for the drill and a flashlight, it’s an even better deal. Sure, the drill’s a piece of crap, but hey — where can you get a motor, clutch, gearbox, and big-ass Ni-Cd battery — with flashlight — for just a Jackson?
16″ x 30″ Service Cart
We’ve got one of these in the shop, and it’s great. It’s cheaply made, but hell, it drags our crap around just fine. And at $22, it’s hard to go wrong. Assembly’s a PITA, though — but worth it.
Heavy Duty Workstation
This looks like it could make a decent little power tool stand, or at least the basis of a power tool stand project; with a little assistance, it could be pretty sturdy. And hey, try building one yourself for $17.
10″ Pneumatic Tire
Any bets on whether this is meant as a replacement for the 10″ tires on little-red-wagon back on the first page? Regardless, for a fiver you can have a cool wheel for a project. Never count out HF for stuff like this — we’ve picked up caster wheels on the cheap there, too.
1″ Chip Brushes (Case of 36)
No more ruining your paintbrushes brushing chips off the drill press. (What? You’re blowing them off? Stop now, for safety’s sake.) ‘Nuff said.
3″ C-Clamp
It’s junk, but now’s your chance to own a pile of C-clamps. If it saves your butt once for $2, it’s a good deal.
6 Pair Leather Industrial Work Gloves
At just over $1 a pair, you can now have enough gloves for all the friends that’ll show up (lured by a weak promise of beer and pizza) to help you move. Or, you can have a couple of pairs of “clean” gloves for when you’re moving the nice stuff. You won’t even be pissed when your family and friends borrow them to work in the garden.
1500 lb. Capacity ATV/Motorcycle Lift
We picked one of these up for Project BMW and it works pretty decently. Only buy it on sale, though — you can get better ones for around $100.
Mechanic’s Roller Seat
We still like our tractor seat solution, but if you’re going to buy one of these, buy it from HF for $10 instead of from Craftsman for $30. The difference? “C-r-a-f-t-s-m-a-n.” How much is that a letter?
Known Crap
1000 lb Capacity Engine Stand
We have one of these. It won’t hold a 700 lb Chevy 350. It’s a total POS. Pass.
The Head-Scratchers
Cen-Tech Hand Wand Metal Detector
What, do you need to practice before going to the airport? Who buys these — from HF?
36″ Decorative Wooden Wagon Wheel
Ok, I could see some uses for this. But who sits around at HF and says, “Hey, I found this deal on 100,000 wagon wheels. Let’s nab ‘em!”
Electronic Soduku Game
My God, how many of these do they have? They’ve been listed in the last five flyers. Tools, people. TOOLS.
(Thursday, November 23nd, 2006) Well, if you’re a red-blooded American you are stuffing your face with turkey and watching football today, so it is no surprise that there is little to watch. (Sucks to be a Canadian TV-wise today, though. Do we have any Canadian readers?). Speed has a Pinks marathon on all day if you’re desperate to watch some automotive action.
All times are central.
Our insomniac’s suggestions: Tools of the Trade: Fire Trucks (National Geographic, 1:00 a.m.). Happy Thanksgiving!
Dremel may have been knocked from the throne when it comes to the most expensive glue gun: The HiPURformer system blows by the $20 mark and keeps on going. We had to ask why this system was so much more, and the answer is that it does a bunch more than a standard glue gun – and it’s cordless.
The HiPURformer “Advanced Bonding System” has solutions for lots more applications than your run of the mill glue-beads-on-something job. More specifically, it can stick together woodworking and home repair projects using polyurethane hot melt adhesives that offer a faster set time than “yellow” glues. They also sport a stronger bond than traditional hot melts – and a less brittle bond than super glue.
The glue tube loads in the front and heats to temperature in about 15 minutes; the light on the unit turns green when it’s ready. After that it works like any other glue gun, except that it’s cordless – just remove it from the charging stand and squeeze the trigger to expend glue.
The glue comes in several different formulas designed for general purpose use, wood, smooth surfaces, and quick set. It might be a good solution if the answer to the task at hand can be solved with sticky goo. In many applications it could eliminate the use of nails or staples.
Bring your wallet, though. Street pricing for the starter kit begins at $110 and a refill tube will stick you for $8. Ouch!
HiPURformer Bonding System [Steinel]
Street Pricing [Froogle]
So your check engine light’s on and you have no freakin’ idea what’s wrong. Is something actually wrong with the engine, or is it just a failed sensor? If you’re driving an older vehicle — something that’s computerized and built before around 1995 — it’s probably OBD-I, which means two things: 1) You can’t use any of the fancy OBD-II code readers (with LCDs and built-in manuals) to tell what’s up, and 2) you aren’t going to have to spend $200+ on one of the aforementioned readers.
In fact, you can pick up a little “scanner” for arounde $25 that’ll do the job just fine, assuming that you’re patient enough to sit and count LED flashes.
By inserting the OBD-I “scanner” into the plug under the dash, you place the vehicle in “diagnostics mode.” When you then turn the key to the “on” position, the LED on the front of the device flashes out — in the case of GM vehicles — a series of two-digit codes. By referencing those codes in the accompanying manual, you can can figure out what the engine’s bitching about.
The code scanner pictured above is manufactured by Actron for use with GM vehicles, and it’s available for sale (under their name as well as a number of others like “Sunpro”) for around $25 online and at most auto parts stores. OBD-I implementation varies by manufacturer, but similar solutions are available for most other early computerized vehicles.
GM Code Scanner (Model CP9001) [Actron]
Street Pricing [Froogle]
Irving says: “If you want to Dysonize your big shop vac, check out the Clearvue Mini CV06. It’s designed for wood chips, but I’ve found it works wonderfully on general remodeling clean up (mortar and drywall chunks, fine dust, etc.). And I’m only powering it with a craptastic $40 6-gallon RIDGID shop vacuum.”
They look pretty slick — it’s a clear cyclone chamber that you can attach right to the top of your shop vacuum or to a 55-gallon drum. The model Irving mentions retails for $165, though other larger (and more expensive) units are available for permanent installation.
Check out their website for videos, a big photo gallery, and lots more information about the product. (Scroll down the page a bit to see the Mini CV06 — no direct link is available.)
The Mini CV06 [Clear Vue Cyclones]
Note: We have a dedicated “submit a tool” page coming out in the next week or so, but if you’re interested in submitting a “reader find” before then, just use the contact page. Be sure and include your name, a link to where we can find the product, and a description that preferably includes why you like the tool and any experiences you might have with it.
Just like that old Dodge pickup we used to take to the lumber yard, Metabo’s new HE 2000 heat gun features three speeds — though they’re not “on the column.” This industrial-quality gun can pump out 7.8, 9.5, 94 17.7 cubic-feet-per-minute of hot air at between 120 and 1,100 degrees F.
It’s got a 15 amp motor with a double fan, which Metabo claims extends the life of the heating elements by pulling a steadier flow of air across them. An air filter keeps debris out of the motor, further extending its lifespan.
Temperature is infinitely adjustable between the above-mentioned specs — without putting down the gun — and non-slip pads keep you from dropping it. At 2 lbs, it’s not the lightest heat gun out there, but considering the feature set the weight seems justified.
Street pricing starts just under $100.
The HE 2000 Heat Gun [Metabo]
Street Pricing [Froogle]
(Wednesday, November 22nd, 2006) Well, it’s the holidays, and you should be spending time with friends and family – or hiding from them in the shop. So what if we’re heading into a lot of TV rerun time?
All times are central.
Enjoy.
In our families, pocket knives have represented “keepsake” gifts that last for generations. Some are intended for daily carry, some for special purposes, and some for collection, but all are appreciated and treasured.
We’ve taken a little time to round up some of our favorites this season to help you get started finding the one that’s perfect for your father, mother, brother, sister, or friend. We broke down the products we researched into daily carry knives, multi-tools, large knives, and exclusives (collector knives) — and we marked some of our favorites with a distinct symbol.
At the end of the post we’ve also linked a downloadable and printable PDF of the ‘guide.
Case Mother of Pearl Lockback
As you probably already know, we love shiny things – and Case’s Mother of Pearl Lockback is shiny. While we wouldn’t want to carry it in the shop, we’d love this as a daily carry knife for the office. Its smallish form-factor (3” long, closed) makes it unobtrusive yet functional, and the mother of pearl covers make it a knife that’ll be handed down for generations.
Street Pricing: $100
Case 6.5 Bonestag Tiny Trapper
The Case 6.5 Bone Stag Tiny Trapper represents an excellent daily carry knife with a good-looking handle and useable blades. Closed, the knife is only 2-3/8” long, and the rounded corners slip cleanly in and out of pockets. Good form + good function = great knife.
Street Pricing: $40
Buck Trapper
This is a solid everyday knife that’s at home in the shop or in your pocket for everyday use – a good entry into pocket knives. Spey and Clip patterned blades will take care of most daily carry needs.
Street Pricing: $20
Buck Stockman
Much like the Trapper in concept, the Stockman adds a common drop-point blade.
Street Pricing: $20
Buck Nobleman
The Nobleman is a bit more contemporary in its design. Featuring a slimline form factor and a frame-lock – as well as a thumb knob opening — it integrates modern features into a 3-3/4” classic look.
Street Pricing: $20
Buck Metro LED
A compact, ergonomically-shaped knife featuring a 5mm LED light, the Buck Metro LED also doubles as a keychain. (Just don’t bring it to the airport.) Its 1-1/4” blade is cradled by a 2-3/8” stainless steel sub-frame and a nylon handle. Batteries included.
Street Pricing: $25
Dyson makes great uprights — just ask Sean. He says that nothing (at least nothing legal for sale over-the-counter) gets dog hair out of carpet better. Now Dyson’s entered the handheld arena with their new Root 6, described as “the only handheld that doesn’t lose suction.”
But when a friend described the Root 6 to us as a “mini shop vacuum,” we knew we had to find out what it’d really do — or not do — even if it meant a sacrifice.
A note to readers: Don’t do this to your Root 6. Really.
Unboxing
If nothing else, it’s worth mentioning that Dyson spent a crapton on the Root 6’s packaging. Just about every surface is covered with fetching color images of the ‘6 and/or Al Gore quality graphs regarding its performance.
Note: Click on small images to see their larger counterparts.
There aren’t that many parts to the ‘6, so assembly is pretty straightforward: Attach the battery and nozzle of choice and you’re good to go.
The ’6 ships with two nozzles: a standard “narrow” nozzle, and a convertible brush-type nozzle. The brush nozzle seems to be the most useful of the two as it can convert to something very similar to the “narrow” type by sliding the brush back out of the way.
The Root’s filter is in the middle of the unit, and is easy to clean or replace. A second filter at the motor’s outlet helps to trap any remaining dust.
The Root is definitely bagless, and ingested debris are sucked into a central chamber. Emptying it is as simple as pushing the red lever — which pops open the bottom of the chamber — while holding the ‘6 over the trash can.
The 21.6V li-ion battery attaches at the rear, and the whole unit slides into the charger — for both charging and storage.
Read on to page 2 for our experiences using the ‘6 around the house.
We’re planning on sleeping late Friday like a bunch of lazy slugs. But if you’re going to roll out for the deals, we’re here to support you — in spirit at least.
Wal-Mart recently posted their Black-Friday flyer, which includes a Black & Decker 14.4V cordless drill/circular saw combo kit for $50.
Just remember to wear heavily-padded clothing so you don’t get totally trampled by all the screaming idiots stampeding for the two $988 42″ Plasma HDTVs they’ll have in stock.
Ryobi’s got an interesting take on outdoor power tools: Why buy and maintain a half-dozen engines when you’re only going to use one tool at a time? With their Expand-It system you can purchase any one of a number of different Ryobi split-shaft string trimmers, then swap out the business end with any of a long list of accessories includinga brush cutter, edger, blower, cultivator, limb pruner, and hedge trimmer.
Essentially, the trimmer splits apart in the middle of the shaft, leaving you with a power-drive for all the different accessories, which snap on via a one-button “Click-Link” system.
Pricing varies dramatically depending on the specific attachment you seek, but they’re all pretty reasonable. Our contact at Ryobi indicates that the accessories actually work with a variety of other manufacturer’s split-shaft trimmers as well, but you’ll want to check carefully before you buy.
The Expand-It System [Ryobi]
When it comes to welding helmet decorations, we live by a simple credo: flames = good. So when we heard about Hobart’s XTV-series auto-darkening helmets, our first question was, “Do they come in flames?”
Yes. Yes, they do.
Besides the sweet graphics, these are indeed auto-darkening helmets. If you’ve yet to use one, you’re totally missing out. Just think: no more “head flick,” no more wondering if you’re really lined up before you start welding, and no more flashes. In normal mode, it’s like looking through a pair of medium-dark sunglasses, but 1/12,000 of a second after you strike an arc the helmet darkens to a full welding shade — adjustable between a #9 and a #12.
(Our advice: stick to #10 or darker. It’s good for you.)
The XTV series features adjustable shade, lens sensitivity, and delay, and street pricing starts right around $150 — a great investment in your welding grinding career.
XTV-Series Variable Shade Auto-Darkening Helmets [Hobart]
Street Pricing [Froogle]
(Tuesday, November 21st, 2006) Well there’s a lot on — including a new Overhaulin’ – but mostly just a bunch of reruns. We write those words a lot, don’t we? Machinery of the Past shows what happens when you get bit with the collecting bug.
All times are central.
Our insomniac’s suggestions: Two eps of Trick My Truck (CMT, Midnight).
I’d bet we’ve seen at least a dozen variations on the ages-old standard utility knife design this year alone. Safety seems to be a top concern in the delivery systems of today, which isn’t surprising considering how easy it is to cut the living crap out of yourself with these things. (Just ask Chuck. He recently, um, stylized a pair of jeans while cutting open some clamshell packaging with one.) So, we’re seeing more and more auto-retracting blades like the Hidden Edge by Starrett (above).
Think of the Hidden Edge as a utility-blade-meets-Jack-in-the-box. To expose the blade to the cutting position, release the safety lock and squeeze the lever into the knife body. It’s a rather unique approach, but the extended lever also protrudes out the bottom of the handle effectively making the knife about twice the size of a normal utility blade — when not in use.
The Hidden Edge also boasts a front loading blade system and a blade storage area in the safety lever. Cutting depth is controlled with an adjustable thumbwheel, so the blade doesn’t have to be at full extension no matter what in order to use it.
It looks to be a good safety system. The rather awkward size might be an issue for some, however for around $5 you can get a holster designed for the knife. You’ll have to decide if style points apply and this particular safety feature is worth the extra belt space.
Street pricing starts at around $10.
Hidden Edge Utility Knife [Starrett]
Street Pricing [Froogle]
Estwing, known for their strange-looking-but-quite-comfortable framing hammers, also makes other hammers — such as this welding/chipping model. While hopefully you’re not spending that much time chipping at your welds, there’s no reason to suffer discomfort in doing so — and Estwing’s hammer looks pretty darn comfy.
The model pictured is 11″ long and weighs in at 14 oz, so it shouldn’t be that difficult to swing. It’s got a smooth face, and a nylon/vinyl padded grip.
Street pricing checks in right around $20.
Welding/Chipping Hammer [Estwing]
Street Pricing [Froogle]
We get more than a little, well, cantankerous if there’re no tunes in the shop, so portable tunes that can survive the jobsite are hight on the list when we’re loading up for remote work.
Makita’s BMR100 cordless portable AM/FM radio looks to be made specifically for long plays when corded power isn’t an option, and that sounds great to us. Unlike other units, the offering from Makita goes for a minimalist approach with no charger outlets or ability to power other tools; it’s an island entirely self contained, and lithium-ion batteries provide usable power for over two freakin’ days of solid play time before it needs recharging.
The casing looks rugged and claims weather resistance, but Makita makes no specific claims as to its survivability “out in the wild” such as what height it could survive a fall from.
It does look to be a solid unit none the less. Hey — it does come with a 5 programmable presets and li-ion batteries. What else do you want for $99? An iPod jack. Then again, will your iPod run for two days on batteries?
BMR100 Cordless Radio [Makita]
Street Pricing [Froogle]
(Monday November 20th, 2006) I’ll make a wish too…that Discovery gives us some new shows instead of the pile of reruns they’re laying on us tonight — including a rerun of a “best of” show. How lazy is that?
All times are central.
Enjoy.