Category Archives: Hand Tools

Leatherman – So Ubiquitous My Mom Recognizes the Name

The other day my mother remarked that Leatherman tools are heavily mentioned in The Ark, by Boyd Morisson. I have to say, this was extremely unexpected. Not that Leatherman multitools were featured in the book, but because my mother new … Continue reading

Posted in Books, Magazines, & Videos, EDC, Pocket, & Multitools, Tool Sightings | Tagged | Leave a comment

Starrett’s New Full Line Catalog

Starrett sent us a heads-up a little while back introducing their new full line catalog (#32). The new 550+ page catalog features more than 5,000 Starrett products including precision measuring tools, metrology equipment, saw blades, granite surface plates and tools.

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Bausch & Lomb Watchmaker’s Loupe

When working on some small parts the other day, I pulled out my trusty Bausch & Lomb watchmaker’s loupe. With a 4x magnification, this loupe provides an ample field of view and depth of focus. For greater magnification needs, I head … Continue reading

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Your Go-To Adjustable Wrench?

We have been having a bit of discussion lately as to what constitutes a “normal” adjustable wrench. In my mind, a normal wrench may not necessari;y be a good one. You know the kind, those 3-for-$15 sets you find at the … Continue reading

Posted in Hand Tools, Mechanics' Tools, Wrenches | Tagged , | 7 Comments

What a Relief – Estwing to Keep Production in the USA!

Recently I heard accounts that made-in-Taiwan Estwing tools have been hitting the shelves at Home Depot. Worried that this indicated a shift in Estwing’s core USA-manufacturing ideals, I contacted them about this. Their response was very relieving:

Posted in Editorial, Hammers & Mallets, Hand Tools, Prying Tools | Tagged | 2 Comments

Beta Engineers Hammer Hands-on Review

As part of my shop rebuild, I have been researching and buying several new hand tools for quick use, like my go-to screwdrivers. These tools are intended to be hung on a pegboard for easy access and will be used to perform … Continue reading

Posted in Hammers & Mallets, Hand Tools, Reviews | Tagged , | 4 Comments

New Channellock 4-in-1 Ratcheting Wrenches

Channellock just came out with a new style of ratcheting wrenches. Each wrench features four ratcheting box end sizes, making the tools great for compact and on-the-go tool kits. There are two sets, SAE and metric, and each set includes … Continue reading

Posted in Hand Tools, Made in USA, Mechanics' Tools, New Tools, Wrenches | Tagged | 10 Comments

Knipex 8-Inch High Leverage Combination Pliers

If you’re looking for a new pair of general purpose pliers, consider Knipex’s high leverage 8-inch combination pliers. These pliers feature dual component handles grips, high leverage jaws, hardened cutters capable of cutting soft and hard wire (even piano wire), and serrated … Continue reading

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PB Swiss Gold Plated Multicraft Screwdriver Set Sale

Over at Amazon, this PB Swiss screwdriver set (7244) is on sale for a hair less than $30. The set features gold plated shafts and black Multicraft hard handles, and includes two Phillips drivers and four slotted drivers. This set … Continue reading

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Fixed-Tip Retaining Snap Ring Pliers

I rarely work with retaining snap rings, but when I do they sometimes come at me in waves of different styles and sizes. While my changeable multi-tip internal and external snap ring pliers are great to use, changing those tips out many … Continue reading

Posted in Hand Tools, Mechanics' Tools, Pliers | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

Channellock’s Improved High Leverage Linemen’s Pliers

Channellock has recently introduced new and improved 9.5″ linemen’s pliers (#369). Their design engineers moved the plier’s pivot rivet closer to the cutter surfaces, giving the tool greater leverage and cutting power. This tool also features cross-hatched jaw serrations, a grooved … Continue reading

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Triple-Lock Socket, an Interesting All-in-One Socket Preview

The Triple-Lock Socket is a prototype all-in-one socket that can be used to remove a variety of fastener sizes, as well as those with rusted or damaged heads. There are actually two jaw profiles, one with serrated teeth (as shown) … Continue reading

Posted in Hand Tools, New Tools, Sockets & Drive Tools | Tagged | 5 Comments

Your Go-To Screwdrivers?

Last week we talked about some of our favorite screwdrivers and asked about your favorites. Now we’re going to talk a bit about our go-to drivers. You know, the ones that are up front, within easy reach on the bench. For speed … Continue reading

Posted in Hand Tools, Screwdrivers | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

SK Compound Pliers Set for $35

SK Hand Tools’ 2-piece compound pliers set is on sale for $35 via Amazon. The set includes two long-reach pliers: one with straight jaws, and the other with 45° angled tips. The last time we saw this set on sale was over a … Continue reading

Posted in DealGuyd, Hand Tools, Pliers | Tagged | 4 Comments

Wera Kraftform Classic Screwdrivers

To finish off our first Favorite Screwdriver Week, we’ll take a look at Wera’s Kraftform Classic screwdrivers. Wera offers several tiers of screwdrivers, including the Classic, Comfort, Plus Lasertip, Insulated and Chiseltip handled driver styles.

Posted in Hand Tools, Screwdrivers | Tagged , | 5 Comments