Looking for some nice small projects to tackle but don’t want to whip out too many tools or supplies? I’ve got a list of how-to, DIY, woodworking, metalworking and craft books I could recommend, but those types of projects are not exactly fun. Well, they can be fun, but not in a playful way as the ones found in the following highly rated books.

Mini Weapons of Mass Destruction by John Austin

A more appropriate title would have been Mini Weapons of Mass Distraction, but that doesn’t take away from its contents. This book, and its sequel, show you step-by-step how to build a small arsenal using common office and household supplies. Just be sure to fire the mini weapons at paper targets and not people or pets.

Buy Now

Backyard Ballistics by William Gurstelle

There’s no much else to be said after seeing the full title, which is Backyard Ballistics: Build Potato Cannons, Paper Match Rockets, Cincinnati Fire Kites, Tennis Ball Mortars, and More Dynamite Devices. There are 13 projects in all, with many opportunities to modify and build upon the designs.

Buy Now

Forbidden Lego: Build the Models Your Parents Warned You Against by Pilegaard & Dooley

There are only five projects – paper plane launcher, candy coated catapult, ping-pong cannon, all-terrain Lego and high velocity automatic Lego plate dispenser, but there’s plenty of skill-building opportunities buried within. If you don’t already have a stockpile of Legos in your home, you may want to skip the book and pick up a Lego Technic set.

Buy Now

Make Magazine

I’ve written about Make a number of times, and for good reason – it’s a fantastic magazine. You can order back-issues or pick up a newstand copy to see if it’s worth subscribing to. New issues come out quarterly, with one separate special edition every year or so.

The magazine covers a wide range of DIY interests and hobbies. You can also check out the Make website and blog for an idea of what’s in the mag.

Buy Now

If you’re not familiar with MakerBot or what a 3D printer is, check out this intro to 3D printing video. In a nutshell, 3D printers are CNC-like machines with additive plastic extruders that lay down threads of molten material in a pattern to create layered 3D objects.

MakerBot has become the name in consumer 3D printers, and they just announced their new machine, the Replicator. Described as the ultimate personal 3D printer, the Replicator has a new larger footprint – 300 cubic inches, about the size of a loaf of bread. There is also a dual extruder option that allows you to print in 2-colors at the same time.

MakerBot Replicator with 3D-Printed Samples

The price tag on the Replicator is a bit high – $1750 for the base model and $2000 for the dual-extruder model. The previous premium model, the Thing-o-Matic, is priced at $1100. Before the Cupcake model was discontinued, it dropped below $500.

The extruder works with a 1.75mm filament diameter, and can be used with ABS, PLA and other similar materials.

So what can you make with a 3D printer? Take a look at the samples in the above image, and then check out the library of user-submitted models at Thingiverse to find out.

MakerBot Replicator via MakerBot

Have you heard about “Kid Wood” and “Real Construction” tools? These sets have been out for a year or two now, so you may have already spotted them in stores or a TV commercial. Kid Wood is an orange foam-like product that’s designed to simulate real wood, and Real Construction tools, made out of plastic, are used to saw and modify the foam. These products are recommended for kids 6+.

From the manufacturer, Kid Wood material is specifically created to look, saw and nail like REAL wood, but is designed for safety and easy for kids to use.

While I can understand the rationale behind these products, that plastic tools and foam project boards are safe for kids, aren’t these just toys? On the bottom of the products you’ll see a warning that “adult supervision suggested.” Although children can be creative, I doubt that most 6 year olds can create the type of projects shown in the many sample photos on their own.

Quite a few online reviews complain about the lack of instructions, but we saw full instructions online, although in a non-printable one-step-at-a-time format.

An add-on "Real Construction" tool set

I remember having a small project set when I was young, maybe 9-12 years old. It came with a mini hammer, mini coping saw, a bunch of hardware, and some wood. I could have used a little more guidance with it, but I don’t remember ever injuring myself. But then again, I was exposed to tools and woodworking at a younger age.

I don’t think anyone will disagree that kids can benefit from adult supervision when woodworking or faux-wood working. So if there’s going to be supervision, why not bust out the real tools? There are plenty of kid-sized tools available, and there’s no real harm in teaching them properly at a young age.

You can check out the line of Real Construction starter kits, tools and hardware at Amazon.

During a recent trip to Lowes, I spotted a couple of Red Toolbox project kits for kids. If their tools and kits are a serious as the Red Toolbox workbench I wrote about a while back, then the kits may be worth a closer look.

I greatly enjoy building things myself, but some of my scratch-built and DIY projects are not exactly elegant enough for certain environments. As much as I don’t like to admit it, my level of skill is not yet at the point where I can build a shelving unit, bookcase, or display cabinet that will look great in the living room.

Earlier this week I spotted the new Rockler I-Semble shelf blocks (model 47512) in a magazine ad that really caught my attention. I-Semble brackets are simple L-shaped risers that anyone can use to create tables, open cabinets or shelving units. The design is not super-elaborate, but they look classy and can help you built a functional project quick and easy with just a couple of boards, a drill and the included screws.

I-Semble brackets are made from powder-coated steel, and although there’s no word about how much weight they can support, Rockler says that two brackets can support a maximum shelf spans of 36″.

The brackets are 10″ deep, making it easy to find laminate shelves at any home improvement center, and 13″ tall, a reasonably good height. It should be possible to even use these with 12″ boards for greater depth and storage capacity, but 14″ might be pushing it, at least in terms of aesthetics.

I-Semble shelf blocks will be sold in pairs for $17.99 at Rockler stores and online. Also included are 16 black truss head wood screws, 5/8″ long.

Buy Now(via Rockler)

While there are other supports and accessories on the market, such as 2×4 Basics shelving brackets, I have not yet seen anything else quite like these I-Semble ones.

I really like the idea of these brackets, and have been looking to upgrade my two Z-line Gemini bookcases (in silver and cherry) that have been filled to capacity for a while now. These blocks might just be what I need.

While you could just buy one of those all-in-one home tool sets, you get better variety and usefulness if you customize and piece together your own kit. This also allows you to spend more on tools you plan to use frequently and to cheapen out on tools you don’t plan to use as often.

By no means is this an all-encompassing list, but I’ve narrowed it down to the 12 basic and essential tools homeowners and aspiring DIYers should have readily available. Think of it more as the first 12 tools (or tool types) a homeowner should buy. I could have easily expanded the list, but had to draw the line somewhere.

0. Safety Gear – Goggles, Hearing Protection, Gloves

PPE, or personal protective equipment is so essential that it’s number 0 on our list. At the bare minimum you’ll need safety glasses, but goggles offer added protection against chemical splashes. Pick up a box of latex or nitrile gloves to protect against potentially harmful or gross substances. Rugged work gloves are an inexpensive addition to consider, and ear muffs or earplugs protect your hearing when using power tools or noisier kitchen appliances.

Safety goggle recommendations; Hearing protection: Peltor ear muffs

Also worth picking up – a pack of disposable or semi-reusable respirators. Make sure they’re rated N95 or N100, or P95 or P100 for added protection against oil-based aerosols. You only have one pair of lungs!

1. Utility Knife

Utility knives are handy for a wide variety of cutting tasks, and are far better for opening boxes and clamshell packages than cheap paper-cutting scissors. There are plenty of brands and styles available, with basic models priced at $4-7. Tip: be sure to always keep a few replacement blades on-hand.

ToolGuyd Favorites: Stanley QuickSlide (~$12 via Amazon) and Dewalt Folding Utility Knife

2. Tape Measure

Tape measures are especially important for new homeowners and will be heavily utilized when planning out empty rooms. There are many brands, sizes, shapes, and styles available, and it’s okay to start off with a basic model. I recommend starting out with a 25-foot model for home use, and perhaps a small 10 or 12-foot pocketable model to carry when shopping for furniture or room accessories.

Inexpensive 25ft: Stanley PowerLock (~$11 via Amazon); Super-compact: Komelon 10′ ($7 via Amazon)

3. Multi-Bit Screwdrivers

Everyone’s screwdriver needs will be different, but a multi-bit screwdriver is usually a safe bet and can handle most basic tasks. Budget-permitting, a screwdriver set is also a solid investment and usually offers better ergonomics and comfort. There’s also the slightly above bare-minimum combo option: a multi-bit driver plus a quality #2 Phillips screwdriver.

$: Picquic multi-bit ($11 via Amazon); $$: Channellock ratcheting screwdriver; $$$: Wiha 12pc screwdriver set ($55 via Amazon)

Remember, one can never have too many screwdrivers!

3.5 Precision Screwdrivers

Most people neglect to buy precision/jewelers/mini screwdrivers until they really need them, at which point they run out and buy the cheap low-quality sets many retailers insist on pushing. For infrequent use, a 5 or 6-piece set for $5-10 set should suffice.

Trusted brands: Xcelite, Craftsman, Wiha, Wera, Felo, General Tools, Stanley (sometimes), PB Swiss, Moody.

4. Hex Key Set

Two words – IKEA furniture. Sure, a teeny tiny double-ended hex key is included with products that require it, but having full-size hex keys can make ready-to-assemble and knock-down furniture MUCH easier and quicker to assemble. It’s even better if you have T-handle drivers.

If you’re going all-out, ball hex drivers are better for accessing fasteners in tight spots, but straight-hex drivers can handle more torque. Consider buying an all-in-one hex key set for general purpose use and full-size 4mm, 5mm, and 6mm drivers for IKEA assembly and bicycle maintenance needs.

ToolGuyd Favorite: Bondhus ball hex (via Amazon), made in USA.

Tip: You’ll need both inch and metric sizes. Sometimes both sets are sold bundled together.

5. 16oz Claw Hammer + Dead Blow Hammer or Mallet

A 16oz claw hammer is great for driving in smaller nails here and there, and a dead blow hammer is useful for general pounding tasks. And yes, you’ll need both. For the claw hammer, there’s no need for anything fancy – a simple hickory-handled hammer should fit the bill. For the dead blow hammer, a 2 or 3lb model is a good choice, and at least one non-marring face is preferable.

Dead blow hammers can be expensive. If you’re unsure about needing one, consider a non-marring or rubber mallet instead.

Claw hammer: Vaughan or Craftsman; Non-marring: 24oz Vaughan ($20 via Amazon); Dead Blow: Nupla Power Drive ($37 via Amazon)

6. LED Flashlight

Think about a few of the times you may need a flashlight – when the lights go out unexpectedly, when an object rolls under a heavy piece of furniture, or when you hear a ruckus in your yard in the middle of the night. Do you really want to risk your flashlight failing during any of those times? For home use, a 2D or 3D Maglite is harder to lose.

Inexpensive and Trustworthy Favorite: Maglite LEDs ($15+ via Amazon)

7. Adjustable Wrench, Combination Wrenches, Ratchet and Socket Set

At the very least, you’ll need two adjustable wrenches – an 8-inch long model and maybe a 6-inch or 10-inch. Maybe even a 12-inch, but at that point you may be better off with a heavier duty pipe wrench. You can get away from needing longer versions by buying an extra-wide-capacity 8-inch or 10-inch wrench.

Two adjustable wrenches can accomplish a lot – one can hold a hex nut fixed while the other is used to tighten or loosen a hex-head bolt. Beyond adjustable wrenches, consider a adding combination wrenches, which offer greater versatility and improved clearance. A 9-piece metric and 9-piece inch/standard/SAE set should suffice until your needs grow more advanced.

You may not need one right away, but a ratchet and socket set offers even more accessibility options and a speed advantage. Prices range from $20 to $200+, and it’s okay to wait for a good sale to maximize the bang per buck.

Recommendations: Favorite adjustable wrenches; Combination wrenches: Craftsman; Inexpensive ratchet & socket set: Craftsman or Kobalt

8. Pliers and Cutters

This is another big category. To start off with, you’ll need long-nose pliers and either slip-joint pliers or combination pliers. Channellock or tongue-and-groove style pliers are also good to have. If pliers you choose feature built-in cutters, you won’t need a pair of diagonal cutters right away.

Mini bolt or heavy duty utility cutters and a wire stripper or general-purpose electrical multi-tool are also good choices if your budget allows for it.

Recommended brands: Stanley, Channellock and Klein

9. Saw – Hand, Hack, Corded or Cordless

At one point or another, you’re going to need to cut things. There are many, many tools that can handle the job, with new designs coming out every year. If you don’t know what you’ll need to cut, consider a jab saw that accepts reciprocating saw blades, and bundle it with a few general purpose metal, plastic and wood-cutting blades.

Eventually you’ll probably want to pick up a hand saw and hack saw, and possibly even a corded or 12V cordless mini reciprocating saw, like the Bosch pS60. Most basic projects, such as cutting shelves down to size, are best accomplished with a circular saw.

You can hold off on buying a circular saw if you ask the home center or lumber yard to cut your boards down to size before you pay. Most places offer 1-2 free cuts per board, with a marginal fee for additional cuts.

Recommendations: Hand saw: Stanley; Hack saw: Dewalt or Bahco

10. Tool Box

You will need a tool box to help keep everything together. Otherwise, some of your tools will end up in a junk drawer, others will be in the basement, and the rest will be scattered elsewhere. A tool box, even an inexpensive $15 plastic one, will help keep everything in one place. As your tool collection grows, so should the size of your tool box. Alternatively, tool bags often feature a number of pockets and compartments that can help with organization.

Recommendations: Stanley, Keter, Craftsman

11. Cordless Drill Driver + Drill and Screwdriver Bit Set

Cordless drill drivers can be pricey, so it’s okay to wait until you need one to go shopping. Selecting the right cordless drill driver for your needs is a whole discussion in itself, so all I’ll say for now is to stick to reputable brands. Stay away from NiCd if you can help it – you can often find a very good 12V Lithium ion model for the same price as a just-okay 18V NiCd model.

As for drill bits, screwdriver bits and accessories, you get what you pay for. Beware of cheap drill bit sets, especially those by unfamiliar brand names.

General recommendations: Bosch, Dewalt, Kobalt, Makita, Ridgid, Milwaukee, Hitachi, Craftsman Nextec.

12. Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum

This is one of those things that you might not think you need until you NEED it. Shop vacuums are great for heavier messes, and when vacuuming up materials that household  vacs simply aren’t designed to handle.

Even an inexpensive shop vacuum will likely last for many years, stretching out its $50-$150 initial investment. As with most things, the more you spend the more you get. Higher-priced vacs come with larger capacity tanks, additional features (e.g. a built-in blower and water drainage valve), larger capacity and longer hoses, more attachments, and longer power cords.

Recommended brands: Shop Vac, Ridgid, Craftsman

PLUS

There are several other tools that, while not as absolutely essential as those listed above, can greatly improve project results or make certain tasks easier to accomplish. At the minimum, I would suggest the following layout tools: 12″ or 16″ combination square with detachable straightedge, 9″ torpedo level, 24″ level and a Speed Square (<$4 via Amazon). And if you’re going to be mounting anything to your walls, you’re going to need a stud finder.

I was going to make these layout tools #11 on the list, but technically you can get around not having them. But how are you going to drill anchor holes for new window shades without a drill?

I Disagree, I Disagree!

I don’t expect everyone to agree with my recommendations and welcome you to share your own opinions in a comment. If you’re a regular ToolGuyd reader, maybe you already have a fully-loaded toolbox. Or maybe it’s half-filled and you’re still building it up piece by piece. Think back – which were the first 12 or so tools that you purchased?

Simpson Strong-Tie offers a DIY workbench hardware kit that is based off of their RTC24 3-way right angle steel brackets. Although a Strong-Tie workbench requires more effort to build than a 2×4 Basics workbench, there are two main advantages – greater load capacity and the ability to customize the height of the workbench.

The Simpson Strong-Tie hardware kit (KWB1) comes with 8 steel brackets,  200 Strong Drive self-drilling screws, and plans to get you started. Construction is as simple as with the 2×4 Basics brackets – cut your 2x4s, work surface and shelving down to size, and then screw everything together.

Buy Now(via Amazon) ($40-$65)

One of our workbenches is constructed using these RTC24 brackets, although we purchased the brackets and #8×1.25″ self-drilling screws separately. Overall the workbench has stood up very well to abuse, and is topped with a 1-1/4″-thick IKEA countertop.

Here’s a PDF from Simpson Strong-Tie that shows a few of the example setups you can build using the RTC24 brackets included in this kit. Note that some of the examples are built using multiple kits.

This 2×4 Basics workbench and shelving system kit comes with four heavy duty and rigid plastic legs, and 3 pairs of Shelflinks brackets. Construction is relatively simple, with only three main steps required – plan your work table dimensions; cut your 2x4s, work surface and shelves down to the desired size, and screw everything together.

The legs can support workbench spans of up to 4-ft wide and 8-ft long, and loads of up to 1000 pounds per shelf. You can use the shelving brackets to create a tiered work center, or for a separate shelving unit up to 8-ft long.

Buy now via Amazon ($65-$100)

Here’s the deal – a well-known manufacturer is looking for consumer feedback. They’re particularly looking to recruit knowledgeable DIYers to help out with some research they’re doing. Right now they’ve asked us not to reveal their name as they’re looking for blind feedback.

First, if you’re potentially interested, take a quick 2-minute survey to see if you qualify to be a panel member. If you’re a homeowner that visits ToolGuyd regularly, chances are that you will qualify. The first 100 panel members to qualify will have the opportunity to take a survey right away, with their choice of a free $10 gift card to either Lowe’s or Home Depot as an incentive. (See update below!)

We’re also told that DIYers that qualify to be panel members will be offered additional money-making survey and product testing opportunities throughout the next year. Like we said, this manufacturer is looking to do some serious consumer research.

Even if you don’t make it into the first group of 100 members, we’re promised that there will still be worthwhile benefits down the line.

Manufacturer’s Research Panel Qualification Survey

Ed. Note: How many wrong things can you spot in the random image the company sent over? We spotted a couple of blatant safety violations. Ah, stock photos…

P.S. We imagine that there are a finite number of spots available and that the company may cap eligibility at some point. We’ll share any updates we get about this.

UPDATE: We’ve been told that the initial survey has been closed. HOWEVER, you can still register for the panel, which will allow you to contribute on surveys in the near-future to earn initiatives (cash, gift cards, product samples).

Jet Code Red Black Friday Sale – Up to 28%-Off

Deals start 11/25 and are valid until through 11/29.

Amazon Jet Black Friday Sale
Woodcraft Jet Black Friday Sale
Rockler Jet Black Friday Sale

Powermatic Black Friday Sale – Save 15%-Off

Woodcraft Powermatic Black Friday Sale
Rockler Jet Powermatic Friday Sale

Woodcraft & Rockler have grouped their Jet and Powermatic product listings together.

Worx Online Specials

WORX TriVac Blower & free Leaf Collection System, $89.00, plus free shipping (Price Comparison)
WORX GT Trimmer & free Blower Sweeper, $119.00
WORX JawSaw & free sharpening for life, $119.00 (Price Comparison)
WORX SnowThrower, $219.00 (Price Comparison)

Valid Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday via Worx Yard Tools

Rockwell Online Specials

Rockwell BladeRunner, $159.00, plus free shipping (Price Comparison)
Rockwell VersaCut Saw, $119.00, plus free shipping (Price Comparison)
Rockwell JawHorse & Plywood Jaw, $169.00, plus free shipping (Price Comparison)
Rockwell JawHorse & Work Table, $169.00, plus free shipping (Price Comparison)

Valid Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday via Rockwell

Amazon ran out of today’s “Deal of the Day,” and to make up for it they slashed the price of the Black & Decker TLD100 Thermal Leak Detector. The Thermal Leak Detector is a compact infrared thermometer with an LED indicator beam that changes color to show changes in temperature.

We drew comparison to the Black & Decker TLD100 in our recent Porter Cable infrared thermometer review since the two are very similar in design. While the Porter Cable version offers additional features and is more suitable for professional applications, the Black & Decker one is smaller and more affordable with near-comparable functionality.

Right now it is priced at $28 with free shipping. Normal pricing is $35-40, so the discount is about 20% or so.

Buy Nowvia Amazon

Last week, Don sent us an email, asking for our thoughts on Craftsman’s C3 line of 19.2V cordless power tools. He bought a combo kit 4 years ago and recently added an impact driver and compact Li-ion battery, but says he’s now feeling a bit of buyer’s remorse.

Don has noticed that the C3 selection and availability is not what it used to be and is wondering if Sears and Craftsman are going to keep the line going, or if he just made an investment in a soon-obsolete cordless platform.

And with newer 12V compact tools capable of fulfilling most DIYer needs, would that have been a better investment?

Craftsman C3 is here to stay. Let’s face it, Craftsman is a brand that everyone recognizes. Even most beginner DIYers that are not yet in-the-know are familiar with Craftsman. Craftsman designed the C3 line to meet DIY needs at attractive prices, and because of this, the C3 line is guaranteed a long and steady future. Consumers are either unaware that many C3 tools are a bit dated, or they just don’t care as long as the price is right.

Decreasing selection and availability may be dependent on individual stores, but it would make sense that add-ons that don’t sell well may be dropped at some point. But with Craftsman boasting that the C3 lineup has 30+ tools, it is unlikely that they will eliminate any models without a strong incentive.

Taking a look at the newest Sears/Craftsman tool catalog, Sears devotes more than two full pages towards promoting the C3 lineup.

Craftsman C3 offers no-frills DIY performance. A couple of years ago, I was looking to upgrade my cordless drill and purchased a Craftsman C3 combo. The kit included a regular pistol-grip drill/driver and right angle drill/driver. While the tools performed alright and were a good value, I returned them two weeks later and went with a Hitachi model instead. The Hitachi was smaller, lighter, more powerful, and more comfortable to hold and use, but it was also more expensive. For a tool I planned to use a lot, the C3 drill just did not cut it.

The C3 tools are mid-range designs meant for DIY usage. Many advanced users buy into the C3 line as well, looking for maximum value. There’s nothing wrong with that, as the C3 tools provide reasonably good performance. But the designs and features are held back a bit in order to maintain consumer-friendly pricing.

Aware that consumers look at price before all else, Craftsman probably won’t discontinue the NiCd batteries anytime soon. Eventually Craftsman might try to push Li-ion more strongly, but many consumers are bent on getting the most for their money for tools they will only use a handful of times a year, and don’t care that NiCd is not as good as Li-ion.

12V vs. 18V/19.2V/20V? Yes, 12V tools can handle many of the tasks that higher-voltage tools are used for. But when you need extra power, 12V tools can fall short, depending on the job. I definitely do believe in and often recommend 12V tools, but I consider the drills and saws more as complementary tools and not as substitutes. If you can only own one drill and one saw, they should not be 12V models.

So what should Don do? My recommendation is to at least keep the new C3 Li-ion battery he just bought. He said that he got a lot of use out of his combo kit, and so the Li-ion battery will benefit the tools he already owns. And if Don chooses to upgrade his most used tool or tools from the combo, he will still have the improved functionality of the other C3 tools.

It may be worth considering for Don to return the impact driver and instead buy a 12V model, or better, a 12V drill and impact driver kit. Because Sears has a generous return window, he has time to think things through and look for a good deal before being forced to decide. As long as he kept the product packaging, that is. Still, since Don already has other C3 tools and just bought a new Li-ion battery, sticking with the C3 impact driver offers a better value and allows him to save funds for future upgrades or add-on tools.

What do you think about the Craftsman C3 line?

You probably already own a set of screwdrivers, a 1/4″ hex bit screwdriver or two, multi-bit all-in-one drivers, and a variety of 1″ and 2″ hex screwdriver bits for use with cordless drills and drivers. But do you have a T-handle driver? If yes, feel free to skip ahead to the comments and tell us why you like you T-handle driver, or whether it sits in your tool box unused and unloved.

Even if you don’t own one, you have probably seen T-handle drivers before. Maybe not with universal 1/4″ hex bit holders, but T-handles are very commonly found with hex or Torx screwdriver tips. A lot of people ignore this without giving it a second thought, figuring that it’s just how these types of drivers are made.

In actuality, T-handles offer a number of advantages over ordinary handle styles. Obviously, T-handles are wider than most screwdriver handles, which is important for two reasons. First, this means that you can potentially deliver greater torque with a T-handle than you can with a regular screwdriver. Even if you don’t need to drive a fastener just a little bit tighter, greater torque offers you the ability to achieve similar results while exerting less effort.

Second, the way T-handle drivers are designed, you should be able to comfortably apply greater pressure with your palm than you could with an ordinary screwdriver. This can this make starting and tightening screws easier in certain applications, and can also help avoid cam-out when using Phillips bits.

There are additional benefits as well. Commonly featuring low narrow shafts and low-profile handles, T-handle drivers can sometimes access fasteners when a regular screwdriver is too short or bulky to reach them. Have ever had to twirl a screwdriver with your fingertips because of low clearance issues? It’s not a pleasant experience.

T-handled drivers can also be spun quicker to speed up the initial driving or final removal of threaded fasteners. Simply loosely support the shaft with one hand, and twirl the T-handle with the other. At least one brand adds free-spinning plastic collars to their T/P handle hex drivers to make this even easier. This usually works best with machine screws though, and not wood or sheet metal screws which encounter higher frictional forces.

Although not really an advantage, T-handle hex bit holders are cheap. If you go the generic no-name import route, you can probably buy a handle and bit set for $5. Quality drivers can be found for $10-15, and decent ratcheting T-handles, sometimes with bit kits, start at $20-25. I don’t know about you, but I have accumulated dozens of 1″ screwdriver bits. When I purchased a T-handle hex driver set, I gained a couple of new drivers. When I purchased a T-handle bit holder, I gained dozens of new drivers in a wide range of sizes and bit styles.

The most common individual T-handle drivers have hex or Torx tips. That is not to say that you cannot find other screwdriver bit styles in this form factor. Although, while I have seen nut drivers and Phillips drivers with T-handles, I don’t recall ever seeing slotted tip T-handle drivers. For casual use, a T-handle screwdriver bit holder may be all you need. If you find yourself using it quite a bit, you can always add individual T-handle drivers or sets as necessary.

T-handle drivers have two notable disadvantages. First, most do not really offer the same comfort as today’s ergonomic, bimaterial, and super-cushioned screwdriver handles. The way they must be gripped just does not allow for that, although manufacturers have been getting better.

The second disadvantage is that T-handle drivers can provide too much torque. Forget about using smaller ball hex bits with regular T-handle drivers. If you lose your focus for a second and apply a little too much torque, you’re probably going to twist the ball off inside the fastener head. That is not a position you ever want to be in. When dealing with Phillips bits, greater palm pressure and higher torque can lead to bit or fastener damage, if you don’t yet have a controlled feel for how tightened things are.

Overall, the benefits of a T-handle bit holder greatly outweigh the slight disadvantages, at least in my experience. Although I regularly use quite a few different T and P-handle screwdrivers, I find that my T-handle bit holder sees almost as much use by itself. With universal 1/4″ hex bit compatibility, I can quickly swap in whichever bit I need for the job, especially if on-the-go with a limit to how much I can carry.

Which to buy? Well, that’s really a story for another time since there are many recommendable options, but if you’re looking for a great quality non-ratcheting driver, the Felo 5-inch T-handle is a good place to start.

Ansell quietly developed a new line of “do-it-yourself” and construction work gloves. The new ActiveArmr Projex series includes a range of glove designs, from light duty to heavy duty impact, with a couple of other styles mixed in between.

Although described as DIY gloves, it looks like these work gloves may be suitable for professional use as well. We’re not sure, though, because the marketing copy is a bit confusing. Looking at this pair of impact work gloves on Amazon, it says “extreme impact work gloves” and then the description says they’re suitable for demanding tasks such as demo work, roofing, power tool usage, and DIY masonry. DIY masonry?

Still, these Projex gloves look quite interesting. We have used Ansell’s Hyflex semi-disposable professional gloves in the past and like them a lot. The Hyflex are a different type of glove that offers minimal protection, but our experience with them nonetheless gave us a positive impression of Ansell as a company.

When we’re ready to replace our non-DIY-grade Mechanix gloves, we might give Ansell Projex a try. At the very least, they’re definitely attractively priced.

Buy now(via Amazon)
More info (via Ansell)

For what looks to be a limited time, Kreg is offering a premium pocket hole jig bundle that includes a a number of smaller accessory kits, a pocket hole screw kit and 22″ cantilever tool box. They also put together a fastener kit with the same 15-bin organizer and 800+ pocket hole screw kit for those that already own a Kreg or other brand’s pocket hole jig.

Kreg Pocket Hole Jig Kit Plus Screws and Toolboxx via Amazon
Kreg 800+ Screw and Toolboxx Organizer Kit via Amazon

The larger KTC5000 jig bundle includes the Kreg K4MS Jig Master System, a Kreg Jig Mini, a Kreg Jig Micro Drill Guide, and a right angle clamp. It also includes everything from the KTC22 pocket hole screw assortment - 835 screws of various sizes and styles, and a Toolboxx.

The Toolboxx is not sold separately, but it looks to be a rebranded Keter 22-inch cantilever organizer. You can find these organizer toolboxes at almost every major home improvement retailer under various house brands. They also make a smaller 18-inch organizer.

It looks like all of the following kits include the respective tool, a single li-ion battery and a charger.

Craftsman 4V Cordless Screwdriver V42100

This lightweight screwdriver features a 1/4″ quick release hex bit collet, 24-position clutch, ergonomic grip, and built-in LED. We have been told that the driver outputs a max torque of 40 in-lbs. It also features a 2-speed 200/600 RPM reversible gearbox.

From what we can tell, the 1/4″ collet can hold 1″ screwdriver bits without the need for a separate bit holder!

We accomplished quite a bit back in the day with a simple Black & Decker 3.6V driver. After a few years of regular use, it was retired in favor of a more powerful 12V model with an adjustable clutch. Despite 12V drivers having dropped in size and weight in recent years, there are times when we miss our featherweight bare-bones B&D model.

The V4 screwdriver’s quick-release bit holder, adjustable clutch, 2-speed settings and removable battery make it quite a bit more attractive than most other simple 4-volt tools in its price range.

Click for more info or to purchase online at Sears (Regular price is $40)

Craftsman 4V Cordless Multi-Cutter V43100

We have seen this type of multi-cutting pistol-grip shears before, and they’re always a hit with homeowners. It’s capable of cutting through plastic clamshell packaging, wire, carpeting, denim and other fabrics, and even cardboard.

Click for more info or to purchase online at Sears (Regular price is $50)

Craftsman 4V Cordless Rotary Tool V44100

Craftsman is also releasing a 4V cordless rotary tool as part of its V4 tool launch. The rotary tool features a 22,000 RPM motor and appears to have a 1/8″ collet capable of accepting Dremel-branded accessories. A 13-piece bit set is included to get you started.

If you’re looking for a low-power rotary tool, the Dremel MiniMite may be a better buy.

Click for more info or to purchase online at Sears (Regular price is $50)

Craftsman 6W 4V Soldering Iron V48200

This new 6-watt cordless soldering iron is capable of delivering a working temperature of 900°F. Craftsman says that the tool is useful for a wide variety of projects and is ideal for larger joints.

We’ve never really been fond of low-cost cordless soldering irons, but will reserve judgement until we learn more about the tool.

Click for more info or to purchase online at Sears (Regular price is $40)

Craftsman 4V Cordless Headphones V45100

These new Craftsman headphones provide 25db of hearing protection, and have built-in microphones so that you can still participate in a conversation while wearing the headset. An auxiliary input (4-foot cord included) allows you to route your MP3 player, iPod, or smartphone music player through the headphones.

Click for more info or to purchase online at Sears (Regular price is $60)

Craftsman V4 Rechargeable LED Flashlight V46100

This new LED flashlight features a 1W high intensity LED bulb with 65-lumen output, 100+ foot beam range, and 6 hours of continuous runtime.

Click for more info or to purchase online at Sears (Regular price is $30)

Craftsman 4V Cordless Screwdriver and Multi-Cutter Kit VCK100

This kit includes the new Craftsman V4 screwdriver and multi-cutter tools, and is bundled with 2 screwdriver bits, one battery, and the charger.

We have a feeling that this is the kit most people will want to buy. Since most users will want to keep these tools in their kitchen junk drawer or similar, there’s no need for a case.

Click for more info or to purchase online at Sears (Regular price is $70)

Craftsman 4V Screwdriver and Flashlight Combo Kit VCK110

Instead of a multi-tool, this kit bundles the rechargeable flashlight with the cordless screwdriver.

Our opinion is that those who plan to use the flashlight often should consider buying the driver and multi-cutter kit and the separate flashlight kit instead. That way you get all the tools you need as well as a second battery that you can keep in the flashlight all the time.

Click for more info or to purchase online at Sears (Regular price is $60)

V4 DieHard Battery

Replacement or extra batteries look to be cheap enough at about $15 each or less. Sears says that these batteries are good for more than 2,000 recharges, although there’s no word on how large the cells are.

Click for more info or to purchase online at Sears (Regular price is $15)

If you look carefully, you’ll see a close resemblance between these Craftsman V4 tools and Home Depot’s Ryobi Tek4 cordless tools. Ryobi’s 4-volt tools look decent enough, and we’ve seen quite a few positive reviews as well. They don’t seem to be very popular, though, but our thoughts are that this is because nether Home Depot nor Ryobi ever really advertise the tools. Hopefully Sears and Craftsman will do a better job of marketing the new lineup.