I have been doing some spring cleanup here at ToolGuyd, and part of that involves tidying up past posts, to help with our on-site search results.
Over the past 5 years I have occasionally posted a few hand-picked tool recommendations as part of a “ToolGuyd Top Tool Picks” series of posts.
Most of the recommendations have held up over time, I continue to stand by them.
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I have consolidated the 8 Top Tool Picks posts here. A few of the oldest mentions were left out due to pricing or availability changes.
These are among the best tool kit upgrades I’ve made over the years. Some are a bit pricey for DIYers, others might be too basic of professional or industrial users.
Many of these tools are notable because they’ve elevated my experiences. The only exception is the Extech electrical starter kit, which is based on my experiences with a similar product by the same brand.
If you like this style of post, I’ll start working on the second series that can also be added in here over time – please let me know!
Table of Contents
Hand Tools
Engineer Inc Mini Scissors
Milwaukee Heavy Duty Scissors
Dewalt Folding Retractable Utility Knife
Tekton Multi-Bit Screwdriver
Tekton USA-Made Screwdrivers
Wera 9pc Ball-End Torx Key Set
PB Swiss Hex Key Set
Kershaw Link USA-Made Pocket Knife
Leatherman Skeletool KB Knife
Felo Ergonic Screwdriver Bit Holder
Excel Hobby Knife
Ullman Magnetic Pick-up Tool
Power Tools
Dewalt 20V Max 3-Speed Drill
Bosch Starlock Oscillating Multi-Tools
Metabo HPT 18V Triple Hammer Impact Driver
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Testing Tools
Fluke 62 Max IR Thermometer
Extech MN24-KIT Electrical Test Kit
Home and Workshop Accessories
Tripp Lite Industrial Surge Protector Power Strip
Velcro Cable Wraps
PowerPax Battery Caddy
Rockwell JawHorse
Custom Leathercraft Kneeling Pad
Nifty Grabber
Retro 51 Tornado Pen
Pentel Graphgear 1000 Mechanical Pencil
Mallory Snow Brush
Otis Cleaning Brushes
Engineer Inc Mini Scissors
These EDC scissors are pretty small (look at product page photos to see in-hand shots), but are still relatively comfortable to use. They have some other handy features, but I mainly use them as compact or portable scissors.
These are in our Ultimate Tool Gift Guide, and for good reason – they’re awesome.
Buy Now(via Amazon)
Milwaukee Heavy Duty Scissors
I’ve broken scissors before, and have suffered through the use of office scissors that couldn’t cut plastic clamshell packaging, let alone anything tougher. These Milwaukee scissors have largely replaced my use of snips for cutting a wide range of materials.
Buy Now via Acme Tools
Buy Now via Home Depot
Dewalt Folding Retractable Utility Knife
It’s been nearly 10 years since I reviewed Dewalt’s folding retractable utility knife, and it’s still going strong.
I love this knife.
It’s retractable, so you still get some control over cutting depth, but also foldable, so it takes up little room in your pocket.
Tekton Multi-Bit Screwdriver
I’ve been getting in some more time with my new Tekton multi-bit screwdriver. So far, I like it, especially Tekton’s glass-reinforced nylon handle. It’s not perfect for all usage scenarios, but it offers a good “one size fits most tasks” kind of grip.
Also interesting is that the handle is made in the USA, and the receiver and bits in Taiwan.
100%, I would buy it again.
Tekton USA-Made Screwdrivers
Props to Tekton for designing their own line of screwdrivers, and for making them in the USA.
They’re very affordable, and comfortable to use too. Thus far, the tips of my test samples haven’t shown any wear, so they’re not shoddily made either.
If I didn’t already have way more screwdrivers than I could use, and I didn’t already have a bunch of test samples, I’d have bought a set for personal use.
2021 Update: Tekton now has hard-handle screwdrivers, also made in the USA.
Wera 9pc Ball-End Torx Key Set
Wera’s 9pc ball-end Torx key set is an interesting take on Torx L-wrenches. I like mine so far, but I don’t think I would have paid a lot more than the $13.13 deal price I came across a few years ago.
It’s different. If I didn’t already have any Torx L-wrenches, this might have been a good one to get. The ball-shaped end definitely helps improve off-straight-angle access.
2021 Update: After several years, I still can’t say if I’ve really benefited from the ball-end feature. I still find ball ends to be indispensable on hex tools.
PB Swiss Hex Key Set
I have always enjoyed using my PB Swiss hex keys, and there higher precision comes in handy on occasion, such as when I had dozens of fasteners to install and my Bondhus Allen keys didn’t quite fit right.
My stubby PB Swiss metric hex keys are nice problem-solvers as well, and I wish this style was also available in inch sizing.
10 years ago, I wouldn’t have been able to justify the cost of PB Swiss hex keys, and when you look at the pricing you’ll understand why. I pieced together my kit back when Amazon and Small Parts were clearancing them out at ridiculously low pricing.
PB Swiss’s hex keys are high quality tools and they have not yet let me down. These are the best hex keys I have ever used.
I don’t use PB Swiss hex keys exclusively, and definitely do not recommend these for beginners due to the premium pricing.
Kershaw Link USA-Made Pocket Knife
The Kershaw Link is a very nice USA-made assisted-opening pocket knife.
It has a 3.25″ blade length, which works well for all-around use. I sometimes prefer smaller knives, but the Link is nicely proportioned.
The Kershaw Leek was my gateway knife. Today, that role probably have went to the Link. It’s a very good knife (in my opinion of course) for under $40.
There are a few different versions, including a less expensive one with a glass-filled nylon handle. I’d recommend spending the few bucks more to get one with an aluminum handle.
Here’s a look at the blue-handle version:
Leatherman Skeletool KB Knife
The Leatherman Skeletool KB knife is a great value. You can read more about it in Anthony’s 5 Great Cheap EDC Pocket Knives post.
I bought one in mid-2017, and while it doesn’t see as much use as some of my other pocket knives, I’ve been quite pleased with it.
The Leatherman Skeletool KB shows that you can have a good usable EDC knife without spending a fortune.
This version has a plain edge blade, and there’s also the KBX, which has a partially serrated blade and wider choice of handle colors.
Buy Now: Plain Edge via Amazon
Buy Now Partially Serrated via Amazon
Felo Ergonic Screwdriver Bit Holder
Felo Ergonic screwdrivers have a unique and comfortable handle. I own a couple of Ergonic screwdrivers, and also bought a bit holder, which allows me to use standard screwdriver bits and still get the same cushioned comfort.
At ~$18, the bit holder is a bit pricey to be one’s first foray into the Felo Ergonic product line, but if you’ve ever handled their screwdrivers, you’d know it’s worth it.
There’s a chance that you might not like the handle shape or the firm but squishable handle material, but this might just be the most comfortable screwdriver bit holder you’ll ever use.
Excel Hobby Knife
Everybody has heard about X-Acto hobby knives, right? But, there are other brands of hobby knives, and not just generic-branded clones.
Excel makes hobby knives too, and they’re compatible with standard blades including X-Acto’s. The knives feature a soft-grip handle, but the most unique part is the blade holder. Excel’s locking knob is at the rear of the tool, far away from the blade.
Ullman Magnetic Pick-up Tool
This is the Ullman HT-5, a convenient magnetic pick-up tool that can be clipped to your pocket.
It has a “power cap” that surrounds the magnet to block side attraction and boosts magnetic power at the tip, a textured cushion grip, and a pocket clip.
(The power cap works in the same way as a magnetic cup, basically redirecting the rear-facing magnetic pole to the same direction as the front-facing pole.)
The tip extends out, give you 5-1/2″ to 25-1/2″ of reach. With the power cap, it can lift up to 2-1/2 pounds.
Dewalt 20V Max 3-Speed Drill
I’ve been a big fan of Dewalt’s DCD990 and DCD995 3-speed premium brushless drills ever since (partially) building my own during a Dewalt factory tour.
I’m not quite sure it’s my favorite drill, but it’s certainly one of the best I’ve used.
Dewalt’s 20V Max 3-speed brushless drill and hammer drill deliver ample amounts of power without being too unwieldy or fatiguing to use. While larger and heavier than compact drills, it’s shocking to see how much smaller the modern version of this drill is compared to its predecessors.
Dewalt’s premium 3-speed brushless drills are among the best cordless drills on the market today. Unless you’re specifically looking for a different brand or form factor, it’s hard to go wrong with these models.
2021 Update: Go for the DCD996 hammer drill – it’s more widely available compared to the older DCD990 and DCD991. There are also new FlexVolt Advantage DCD999 and Power Detect DCD998 models, but the DCD991 drill and DCD996 hammer drill are still well-suited for most users.
Bosch Starlock Oscillating Multi-Tools
Bosch and Fein came out with a new Starlock oscillating multi-tool interface, and they’ve been singing its praise. Bosch has come out with new Starlock multi-tool blades and accessories, and Fein as well.
I had mixed feelings about the interface, until I tried it.
Bosch has two main Starlock multi-tool options – one with a kit box and more accessories, and another with a kit bag and fewer accessories. If you can use the cutting blades, the kit box version is worth the higher premium.
Buy Now: Kit Box Version via Amazon
Buy Now: Kit Bag Version via Amazon
Metabo HPT 18V Triple Hammer Impact Driver
The Hitachi triple anvil impact driver, now under Metabo HPT branding, continues to be my favorite 18V-class cordless impact driver.
It’s smooth, powerful, and maybe it’s my imagination but it seems to be quieter than competing models as well.
Thankfully, the price has come down over the years, it used to be $399 for the kit, although the kit version can still be hard to find compared to the bare tool. You could always snag the bare tool and starter kit.
Buy Now: Bare Tool via Amazon
Buy Now: Starter Kit via Amazon
Fluke 62 Max IR Thermometer
I bought a Fluke 62 MAX Plus IR thermometer on sale a few years ago, and found it to be an excellent IR thermometer with higher precision and reliability.
For less crucial applications, or just to have one for kicks and giggles, you’ll want something less expensive. Generally, I trust Fluke a lot more than generic brands when I need testing tools to be highly accurate and reliable.
2021 Update: The 62 Max Plus doesn’t seem to be easily available anymore. Fluke has an upgraded 64 Max model at comparable pricing, and the 62 Max is still widely available and more affordable.
Buy Now: 62 Max via Amazon
Buy Now: 64 Max via Amazon
Extech MN24-KIT Electrical Test Kit
These days, I’m able to justify pricier test and measurement equipment. But years ago when I was getting into electronics? Or if I were an average homeowner or DIYer with less demanding needs and a tighter budget? This Extech MN24 electrical test kit would have been a perfect start.
An AC voltage detector is a MUST-HAVE when working on wiring, to ensure that a circuit is deenergized for safety purposes. A receptacle tester can help you identify and troubleshoot issues without having to start pulling devices out of the wall. And a digital multimeter can help with all sorts of diagnostic tasks.
Tripp Lite Industrial Surge Protector Power Strip
At the same time that I discovered Flexzilla extension cords, I also bought a Tripp Lite “industrial” surge protector power strip.
I bought the smaller 6-outlet 15-foot surge protector, but think this 8-outlet 12-foot cord model would be better suited for the other corner of my workspace.
I am currently using Tripp Lite’s Isobar metal-cased surge protectors ( in 4-outlet and 8-outlet configurations), and they’ve been working out really well. The industrial models have different configurations and wrap-around cord storage.
My initial take is quite positive, but it’ll me some time to figure out if I like the Isobar or industrial style surge protecting power strips better.
2021 Update: I’ve had great experiences with all of my Tripp Lite power strips and surge protectors so far. This is still an enthusiastic recommendation.
Velcro Cable Wraps
I use Velcro’s 8″ x 1/2″cable wraps for so many thing. I started off buying 50 packs of cable ties – which came with 25 black and 25 gray ties – but my last purchase was for a 100pc pack of black cable ties for around the same price.
These are handy for smaller cable management tasks, such as taming USB cords, power cables, and other such things.
Buy Now: 100pc via Amazon
Buy Now: 50pc via Amazon
PowerPax Battery Caddy
I wrote about PowerPax battery caddies over the years, and briefly gushed about them in a video:
I don’t carry loose batteries in my tool bag, camera bag, or pocket. I pack them into PowerPax caddies. They’re made of hard plastic, and the AA and AAA caddies allow for reversible battery placement. That way, you can clearly see which batteries are fresh, and which need to be disposed of or recharged.
I now use a wide range of PowerPax battery holders in the workshop, home, and on the go.
Buy Now via Amazon
Storacell Store via Amazon
Rockwell JawHorse
Rockwell’s Jawhorse is still one of the best free-standing work clamps out there. I haven’t tried anything better, but I’m assuming that maybe there’s something else that I haven’t seen yet.
The Rockwell Jawhorse does a great job of clamping a wide range of materials, it’s highly portable, and it stores away nicely.
Custom Leathercraft Kneeling Pad
I recently had to replace my Custom Leathercraft kneeling pad, and I did so very willingly. This is FANTASTIC for when you have to work on the floor on a lot, and for things like bathing an infant.
It’s squishy and comfortable, and less cumbersome than knee pads. You can move it around, but it loses some of its advantages over knee pads when you have to move around a lot.
See Also:
Nifty Grabber
Springtime is almost here, which can mean picking up lots of gunk that you wouldn’t want to touch with your hands.
I previously wrote about this 3-foot Nifty Grabber. My favorite use these days? Grabbing a wet paper towel to clear out spider webs.
Retro 51 Tornado Pen
The Retro 51 Tornado is a short and robust rollerball pen, perfect for pocket-carry as an EDC pen. There are simple designs, such as the blue pen shown here, and also much more elaborately decorated designs that command higher prices.
I bought an orange Retro 51 Tornado a few years ago, as a sort of trial to see if some of their more collectible designs are worth the attention or higher pricing. It turned out to be a sturdy pen, suited for pocket-carry and even heavy use.
The basic pens are ~$20 each. Refills are around $4-5 each and are widely available online under Retro 51 and Schmidt brands. The pens come with a medium-tip rollerball refill, but you can also find ballpoint refills.
Pentel Graphgear 1000 Mechanical Pencil
The Graphgear 1000 is one of my favorite mechanical pencils. It is durable – at least for a mechanical pencil – thanks to its retractable lead sleeve. When you want to put the pencil away, even to say slip into a pocket, press the back of the spring-action pocket clip and the thin lead guide tube tip retreats into the pencil.
See Also: Do You Have a Favorite Pen, Pencil, Marker, or Other Writing Tool?
While not exactly fragile, an unprotected lead sleeve, or tip, can be bent or damaged if it’s not protected in a bag or pocket. So, with the Pentel Graphgear 1000’s retractable tip, it’s more easily transported without the need for special protections.
It’s available in 0.3mm, 0.5mm, 0.7mm, and 0.9mm sizes.
Mallory Snow Brush
The Mallory Ultra Maxx snow brush is the most durable snow brush I have ever used. Every year I try to convince myself to buy a larger brush again, for reaching over my car, but I like the simplicity and durability of this one.
There are no moving parts, and it’s built to be very strong and resilient. Even though I have to reach a little bit to sweep snow off the roof of my SUV, it’s still very comfortable and efficient to use.
If you’ve been meaning to buy a new snow brush, definitely consider this one.
Otis Cleaning Brushes
I wrote about Otis cleaning brushes before, and recently ordered a fresh pack for myself.
The white nylon brushes are the softest they make (but still quite stiff), followed by blue nylon and then brass.
Sure, you could try to source an old toothbrushes for cleaning misc. parts, but how many of those do you have around?
With this bundle, you get (10) white brushes and (1) bonus blue brush for $8.
Reader Recommendations
Are there any upgrade or add-on tools you’d recommend?
Mat
One of my favorite supplementary tools is the Milwaukee M12 Installation Driver. I do mostly woodworking, and the different heads (especially the right angle and offset) are super handy for getting inside a cabinet or under a bench, etc. It’ll get you into spots you can’t otherwise reach with a regular drill/driver. Though I have other impacts and drill I find myself reaching for this one most of the time.
Matthew
Installation driver is a must.
Stephen
I like the M12 installation driver for the magnetic hand guard and the highly ergonomic rear grip. The swappable heads are icing on the cake. It has been my go-to tool for a lot of things lately.
MM
I totally agree, I love mine. It’s a super useful tool. I still use my Dewalt impact driver for jobs where there are no access issues but I love the M12 for getting into tight spots. It’s very useful for auto work as well as tricky carpentry.
Kyle
The wera ball end torx keys are very handy for replacing turn signal switches in GM trucks and SUVs without removing the steering wheel.
Mick
Hey guys, for all that work with metal, you know that cleaning up chips after drilling can be a hassle. Over at Trick Tools they carry a magnetic chip brush. I love the thing. Nothing worse than stepping on chips and carrying them in the house on the soles of your shoes. Then if mom steps on one in her bare feet…ohhhh man…. it’s not a pretty scene. They’re awesome and come in several different lengths.
.https://www.trick-tools.com/Evolution_15_inch_Magnetic_Chip_Brush_Cyclone_2204
Sam
Baileigh carry them too
fred
I’ve had the one from Champion (RMX7) – looks the same – but I paid more.
Matt
I’m a big fan of the Malco 3/8” awl. I was always using a philips screwdriver for non-screwdriver tasks. Having a real awl with a nice handle has been a good addition to my kit.
Jared
I have an all-steel Dasco awl I could recommend too. Probably a little different purpose behind it than the Malco.
The Dasco is very robust and I purchased it specifically because I do more mechanical than wood work. It is one pice of steel from tip to handle. The handle has a coating and I find the shape quite comfortable.
Perfect for marking positions, if there’s a risk a paint pen or sharpie would come off in the parts washer. Or if your awl might need to double as an alignment punch, or center punch.
I use it for woodwork too – but generally more building construction stuff than precision finishing. It would be honed up into a finer point for that – but I have other tools. It did sharpen up nice with a diamond hone though.
So to sum it up: check out the Dasco for a heavy-duty awl.
fred
I have the Klein variant:
https://www.amazon.com/Klein-Tools-Scratch-2-Inch-66385/dp/B0002RI83M/
Jared
Neat! I wonder if Dasco makes them for Klein – they look identical minus the handle coating. Both made in the USA.
Dasco: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Dasco-Pro-7-in-Scratch-Awl-431-0/100192459
fred
Might be. Daco is owned by Vaughn & Bushnell.
I don’t recall them being the OEM for other’s tools – but that’s not out of the realm of possibility. Klein owns a batch of subs like Vaco, UEI and Mumme (Australia) but none that specifically make tools like Dasco’s
Stuart
It’s very likely the same tool.
Vaughan does contract with other tool brands as an OEM, and Klein works with OEMs for tools outside of their direct wheelhouse.
fred
Thanks Stuart
Sometimes its easy to figure out who the OEM is.
Home Depot and Lowes put OEM GTIN’s (aka UPCs) on the packaging of many of their house brand items (like HDX, Husky, Ridgid and Workforce (all at Home Depot) – and Blue Hawk, Garden Plus, Kobalt, Task Force and Utilitech (at Lowes)
For Ridgid branded items GTIN’s starting with company codes 757038 , 095691 and 648846 indicate that the item came from Emerson (who owns the Ridgid brand name and licenses it to Home Depot for certain classes of tools from other OEMs). But other Ridgid branded items carry different OEM GTINs.
When UPC’s started gaining traction on packaging – Sears used to do the same thing with Craftsman tools. Before that you could sometimes decipher the OEM by the Sears part number.
Many other tool brands may not pass on these sort of hints about the OEM should they be different.
fred
I’ll second the Excel knife recommendation.
I also think it nice to support a family owned USA business located in NJ.
Sky
Wiha Ultimate 26n1. The extra bits allow you to customize the 26 bit combo for your best case use.
Wera ToolCheckPlus. Awesome bit driver set with sockets. The only comparable set I’ve seen is Gear wrench model, but the quality just isn’t there in the ratchet or the case.
Felo Smart Handle + Entire Wiha 90mm Power Blade bits. Replaces a mess of nut drivers and allows for great amounts of torque on things like hex bolts on large contactors/breakers.
Dremel VersaFlame. Very durable stand-up butane torch kit. Many attachments, great control of butane/oxygen mixture, and most importantly long life. I’ve had many torches fail, but this one chugs along very well.
Wiss CW7T Shears. These are quite cheap and cut thinner gauge metal well, then proceed to cut softer materials without issue. I’ll buy a new pair once a year for life.
Fluke 376 FC. This multimeter is not cheap, however it’s features prove invaluable at times when working alone. The smartphone app connects to the meter at a fair 30′ allowing you to be in two places at once for testing/troubleshooting. The app can make proving some problems quite easy with it’s ability to graph the readings over time, like much more expensive process meters.
Jared
How about a bit driver?
I have several – my favorite is a “Zebra” from Wurth. Cushion grip handle, very low profile, pretty compact, low backdrop, fine tooth- and I have reefed on it harder than I should with no ill effects.
I have a few others too – but I’m not sure if they merit special mention (Gearwrench, Husky, Mastercraft (my first – the original was great but the recent edition is not up to par), Craftsman… probably forgetting others).
Koko The Talking Ape
No Wiha bit holders? And no ratcheting bit holders? No Knipex pliers-wrench? Milwaukee Fastback utility knife?
I would throw in a small wrench-style bit holder, just because they can provide so much torque, much more than a screwdriver-style.
MM
The Knipex Pliers-wrenches are must-have tools in my opinion. I have sizes from 150mm up through the 400mm and they are among my most used hand tools. If you told me I could only have five hand tools period the 250mm would be one of them. Not only are they fantastic for working with pipe fittings and bolts but they make a very handy press tool as well, excellent for pressing things like roll pins in a much more controlled manner than striking with a hammer and a punch.
The Knipex “CoBolt” mini bolt cutter is a great tool too. It really punches above its weight.
Brian M
Great list, I’m sure you could go on and on about it…maybe a part two list at some point?
Some ideas for part 2, if you do it(I think you’ve wrote about most of these):
-Ullman tools like grabbers, hooks and picks or inspection lights (One is lighted)
-Lisle, specialty tools
-Felo bit ratchet
-Dental picks
-PB Swiss coindriver
-Wiha magnetizer/demagnetizer
-Anex low profile offset screwdriver set
-Engineer screw removing pliers
-Harbor Freight left handed drill bit set
I’m sure you could come up with several others. I love these kinds of posts, that’s how I learned about several of these tools that save soo much time.
Tom D
Those scissors ✂️ are life-changing and highly recommended. I basically refuse to buy any other scissors now they work so darned well.
They have straight and offset – offset is really nice.
Koko The Talking Ape
Do you mean the Milwaukee or the Engineers?
Tom D
The Milwaukee – incredibly durable and take anything I’ve thrown at it.
Koko The Talking Ape
Cool, thanks!
David A.
I second this. I cannot recommend the Milwaukee scissors highly enough.
Will
nice list.
Argie
re: Hobby Knives.
I switched to a Stainless Steel Scalpel (Swan Morton No.3) and will never go back to a regular hobby knife. Super heavy and ergonomic – for me at least, the wife isn’t a fan of the shape.
x lu
I disagree with the cordless tool recommendations here not that the tools themselves are deficient per se. However any such recommendation should always be tied to the best battery platforms, particularly in a laundry list like this one. A marginally better power tool in an inferior, less expandable or less easily accessible platform should be avoided.
Having said that this a is another great article with some great ideas which as usual just cost me some money.
Stuart
I can appreciate that. Thank you for the feedback!
I consolidated recommendations from 8 prior “top tool picks” posts here, and so the cordless mentions might seem a bit random. There were others but they were left out since low availability and higher pricing altered my recommendations from when I first posted about them.
If this is an interesting and convenient type of post, what I could do is continue the series with more regularity and then create a consolidated update once a year with a fresh roundup.
x lu
I for one would love to see that. Whenever you do these kinds of mashups there are always interestIng finds that make life easier.
Much appreciated.
Wayne R.
I also like that idea. The “What to replace your stolen/lost/destroyed kit with…” list. And in two user categories: Intense Users, and The Rest of Us.
Like framers could more easily justify a Stiletto hammer, and the rest of us an Estwing or Vaughan.
Stuart
I’ll be updating that post as well.
Here’s the older version: https://toolguyd.com/if-i-lost-all-my-tools-which-brands-would-i-pick-for-replacements/
There’s also: https://toolguyd.com/youre-a-colonist-headed-to-mars-and-can-bring-four-of-your-own-tools/
Nathan
Olfa utility knife with the hardened steel blade has become my prime user. Love that thing.
blocky
Agree– those came out on top when I did a snap-off blade shootout cutting 8-ply Museum Board a few years ago. I was burning through stacks of blades making conservation art frames, and it was a revelation to finally achieve a 12′ cut with a perfect edge without interrupting the cut to snap a new segment.
You might like the Olfa Speed Blades — it’s the hardened blades with the addition of a low friction coating, on the ground edge as well. Dangerously slick when new and in my use, they last even longer.
Big Richard
For about $60 less than the Rockwell Jawhorse, I’d recommend the WEN clamping horse. I have two, and zero complaints. They are practically identical, likely have the same OEM.
https://wenproducts.com/products/wen-wa600-600-pound-capacity-portable-clamping-saw-horse-work-bench-with-8-by-3-inch-jaws
Jared
Not related to your specific recommendation, but Wen seems to share lots of tools with a variety of brands – especially power tools. I’ve seen bandsaws, lathes, drill presses, grinders and more sold under a variety of brand names.
Big Richard
Very true, I don’t think they make much of anything themselves, it is all likely licensed and branded. But for the money they have been more than adequate. They are inexpensive and fairly well built, perfect for a weekend woodworker.
Stuart
There are too many differences in structural features. Looking closer, the Wen looks to share features from two Triton Super Jaws models.
https://www.amazon.com/Triton-SuperJaws-SJA100E-Portable-Clamping/dp/B00XBO020A/?tag=toolguyd-20
https://www.amazon.com/Triton-SuperJaws/dp/B07BZVHN7X/?tag=toolguyd-20
The Triton models have always been cheaper than the Rockwell JawHorse. I’ve used the JawHorses with great results, but don’t have any firsthand experiences with the lower priced SuperJaws models.
Big Richard
It is definitely more similar in appearance to the Triton, but still incredibly similar to the Rockwell. The WEN and the Triton Super Jaws XXL have the similar specs (weight, capacity, etc.), while the Rockwell is a little smaller and lighter, almost somewhere between the two aforementioned and the standard Triton Super Jaws.
The WEN still still seems like the better buy to me, especially for me personally with its 40″ capacity, as it can hold a 40″ x 48″ pallet for easy tear down. Admittedly, I have not used the Rockwell or Triton, so I cannot comment on them, just was offering an alternative.
Stacey Jones
I’ve bought some of everything and there are lots of good brands out there. I love tools that make tasks easy, ideally a pleasure to work with, and especially tools that are not one trick ponies. Who wants to cart a barrel full of tools around?
Anyway, here are my favorites: Knipex Cobra & Pliers Wrench. Easy adjust and firm grip. Probably the best tool period. I’ve got a big bulky USA Craftsman ratchet/socket set that I wouldn’t carry, but solid as a rock and basic. Very nice. I’ve got a lot of Stanley tools. A locking adjustable wrench. Stanley & Blackhawk removable head flex ratchets. Easy to carry and awesome. VIM Bit Ratchet is compact and strong, very high bang for the buck. Very handy. I just picked up a compact Wurth Flex head bit ratchet. High quality! Neiko double head ratchet. Nice quality. Got an Ares 2 in 1 bit holder, very convenient and high bang for the buck. Just picked up some NWS pliers and these are high quality and comfortable too. I’ve got several bit drivers that I like too, Harbor Freight, Master Mechanic, Northern Tool, Pep Boys, Wiha. All great tools! If they flex, ratchet, and pack a lot of bits I love them.
David A.
GRK screws. It’s easy to overlook fasteners when thinking about tool upgrades. I’ve found that the R4 multipurpose screws make projects that call for screws go together much smoother. They are incredibly strong, they cut their own holes, and they NEVER strip. I discovered GRK fasteners several years ago by accident and I’ve been trying to evangelize about them ever since.