While most power tools are now manufactured overseas, many hand tools are still made in the USA, Canada, England and other countries with long traditions of producing top-quality tools with pride. In recent years, more and more domestic factories have closed their doors and shuttered their windows, making it more important than ever to know where tools […]
Tips on Choosing Wood for a DIY Bit Holder
In response to our post about Jeff’s new DIY red oak hex bit holder, Scott emailed in a few tips about which types of wood are best for similar steel-bit holder projects.
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:
Striker LED Light Mine, Tool Bags, Pelican Cases & More
Here’s a rundown of some of tool-related things we’ve been talking about over on our sister blog OhMyGuyd. Striker Magnetic LED Light Mine – this handy LED light belongs more on the refrigerator than in the workshop, but it’s nifty idea nonetheless. The price dropped to $7 this morning. Timbuk2 Tool Shed Bag – this tool roll looks to be […]
Do You Collect Vintage Tools?
In case you didn’t catch the post last week of my newest vintage Craftsman find, I enjoy collecting vintage tools. When it comes to collecting tools or anything else, I don’t do so because I think they’re valuable or might someday be valuable. I collect things that I like, things that I enjoy owning. I’m […]
Craftsman Vintage 1/4″ Drive Socket Set
I wanted to share with you my latest vintage tool find, a Craftsman 13 pc. 1/4″ drive socket set. The tools and case are all in working order and the set is 100% complete. The set includes 9 sockets, a ratchet, an extension, slide bar, and flex handle drive tool. All pieces have the “C” tail that […]
Ratchets, Sockets, Wrenches, oh My!
How many different tools can you use to tighten or loosen nuts and bolts? Many. Check out 10 Torque Tools for Nuts & Bolts over at Popular Mechanics, where I discuss some of the most popular options. Before you say it, yes, I know, my tools are too clean! I wipe ’em down after every […]
So How Do You Like Your Screwdrivers?
After driving around and blinding everyone on the road, I decided that it was time to adjust the headlights on my truck. When I opened the screwdriver drawer of my toolbox, I was momentarily overwhelmed with the many tools choices ready to tackle the task at hand. We all know how important it is to have the […]
PB Swiss & Wiha Sales on Amazon
ToolGuyd contributor JeffD wanted to share these photos of his recent Amazon.com purchases. Can you guess what the total cost was for the above screwdrivers? Go head, guess.
Harbor Freight’s Aggressive Advertising Tactics
It seems that Harbor Freight paid for an ad targeting anyone that searches for “Dremel rotary tool” or similar via Google. Clicking the link takes you to a page featuring Dremel-style rotary tools ranging in price from $10 to $28. That’s pretty clever but at the same time somewhat nasty. I greatly dislike advertisement tactics […]
Cheap Multifunction Oscillating Tools – Hit or Miss?
There are quite a few multifunction oscillating tools on the market these days. Some are built by well known and reputable brands – Fein (the original), Rockwell, Bosch, Dremel, Ridgid, and Craftsman, but there are also generic branded import tools popping up at more and more retailers these days. Amazon recently started promoting the Genesis […]
Milwaukee M12 Compact Cordless Tool Predictions
Thinking about the many compact cordless tools out there, I just realized that Mikwaukee’s M12 screwdriver is getting a bit long in the tooth. It’s still a highly successful tool that earned itself a very solid reputation, but spec-wise its age is starting to show.
Cheap Tools & Gear are Bad for Everyone
I just read an excellent article over at ITS Tactical about the hazards of buying cheap gear. Although Brock’s points pertain to tactical and survival gear, they apply equally as well to hand tools.
Our Awesome Visit to Black & Decker and Dewalt
I came back just a few hours ago from Black & Decker University, a facility that is largely used for the training of Dewalt employees and business partners. Along with nearly 3 dozen other bloggers, writers, and magazine editors, I had the opportunity to attend the unveiling of Dewalt’s new 12V MAX lithium ion cordless power tool product […]
Lowes Stops Selling USA-Made Estwing & Dasco Pro Tools
As we mentioned earlier, new Bostitch hand tools have started popping up at Lowes home improvement stores. While it’s great to see new hand tools, especially from dependable brands, we imagine that the great folks over at Estwing and Dasco Pro aren’t too happy to see their own products removed from Lowes’ shelves. That’s right, much […]
Amazon’s Contractor & Building Supplies Shop
Did you know that Amazon now sells building supplies? Well, they do. I know that Amazon has maintained a contractor supply shop in Beta status for a while, but building supplies is a whole new level! I’m almost afraid to think about what they’ll start carrying next! Contractor Supplies via Amazon (BETA) Building Supplies via […]
Knife Rights Contests NYC DA’s Claims & Tactics
As expected, Knight Rights released a statement in response to the mass seizure of folding knives from retail stores by the NYC DA’s office. Knife Rights Chairman Doug Ritter said: “the outrageous claims made by [District Attorney] Vance to rationalize his shakedown of honest knife retailers during his press conference were all deliberate misrepresentations or […]
NYC’s War on Knives
The other day I read that sporting goods and home improvement stores were being forced to contribute substantial resources to some type of “fund” because of the types of knives they were selling. Now, it looks like the Manhattan DA is going on a miseducated spree confiscating “illegal” knives at Home Depot and other stores.
5 Things Not to Say to Me During a Project
I’m a laid back guy, but there are a few things I really don’t want to hear while working on a project. Oh darn, I broke a nail, and now have to go file it. Unless you’re a woman or bleeding. I cannot help with that because my hands might get dirty. Ever hear of gloves or […]
Father’s Day Ultimate Power Tool Gift Guide
So far, we’ve discussed quite a few tools as part of our Father’s Day Gift Guide. There are still 10 days left to shop for the perfect gift for your father, father-in law, husband, uncle, son, nephew, or other dads in your life. To help you out, here are some of the power tools we’d […]