BuffaloFeeds » Toolmonger » January 20, 2010

Toolmonger (5 unread)

Dealmonger: Extra Long Tap Wrench

Posted: January 20th, 2010, 10:46am MST by Nick Carter

Wholesale Tool currently is selling their import long tap wrench for only $9.95.

A long tap wrench is a handy thing for getting into recesses when retapping holes or when the engineer designs a part with less-than-rational access to all features. The import wrench is 13″ long and holds taps from 1/4″ to 1/2″. It’s both cheaper than getting a set of tap extensions and slightly more rigid, which is important when tapping. Of course, it’s usually preferable to use pulley taps as they clear smaller spaces better, but not everyone has them.

It’s worth noting that you can also hold drills, easy-outs and countersinks in a tap wrench, so this could also be used for deburring the back side of a hole or breaking off an easy out in a hard-to-reach place.

Import Extra Long Tap Wrench [wttool.com]
Write With Your Router

Posted: January 20th, 2010, 10:18am MST by Benjamen Johnson

Pantographs are usually devices for copying or scaling drawings, but in this case Vermont American’s pantograph allows you to carve drawings into wood with your router. The router simply follows the path you trace, assuming you can accurately trace with a 2hp, 10lb machine fighting back.

The pantograph’s universal mount works with most 6″ base routers. Besides copying a drawing with a 1:1 ratio, the pantograph also has three other reduction ratios. It comes with templates for both Old English and modern lettering.

Google Products lists Vermont American’s pantograph for as low as $20, but chances are you’ll pay at least $30 before shipping.

Pantograph [Vermont American]
Street Pricing [Google Products]
Via Amazon [What’s This?]
Dealmonger: Bessey 4″ Double Headed C-Clamp

Posted: January 20th, 2010, 9:14am MST by Nick Carter

Tough Weld currently has the Bessey DHCC-4 4″ Double Headed C-Clamp for $9.78.

The Double Headed C-Clamp is what the name suggests, a c-clamp with two heads sticking out in a “Y” at a slight angle (looks about 60 degrees, maybe?) from either side of where the head would normally be, much like a two-headed snake. The utility is that this gets around possible obstructions that would prevent a normal c-clamp from being able to grip securely. It also gives 3-point clamping, which is a lot more rigid and likely resists the twisting that you can get with an ordinary c-clamp.

The c-clamp is also available on Amazon for $10.72 w/ SS shipping.

Bessey DHCC-4 4″ Double Headed C-Clamp [toughweld.com]
Via Amazon [What’s This?]
Hot Or Not? Heated Hose

Posted: January 20th, 2010, 8:35am MST by Gordon DeWitte

If there was ever a product crying out to be in the Hot Or Not category, it has to be this one. Lee Valley has 25′ and 50′ versions of this reinforced PVC hose with embedded heating cables that will “keep water flowing in temperatures as low as -42° F (-41° C).” When the temperature drops below 45° F (7° C), a built-in thermostat turns on the heating cables. The hose has a 5-1/2′ grounded power cord at the faucet-connection end, is CUL/UL approved, and also approved by the FDA for use with potable water. The ends have heavy-duty brass couplings and bend restrictors to prevent kinking. The 25′ version, which draws 180W, costs $99, and the 50′ version, which draws 360W, costs $149.

Hmmm, water and electricity in one handy hose. But I suppose if you have to get out and water the snow when it’s below zero, this could be your solution. What do you think?

Heated Hose [Lee Valley]
TV Tonight: Shop Night

Posted: January 20th, 2010, 8:11am MST by Nick Carter
(TV Tonight, Wednesday, January 20th, 2010) Wednesday is disappointing, so we’re heading out to the shop.

All times are central
- Ask This Old House: Reducing Heating Costs, Using a Whole House Fan (DIY, 6:30 pm)
- Ask This Old House: Removing a Boulder, Securing Loose Pipes (DIY, 7:00 pm)
- Holmes on Homes: Kitchen Coleslaw (HGTV, 9:30 pm)