I had the opportunity to use a Channellock adjustable wrench today, and it was an impressionable experience. The Channellock adjustable had very little play in the jaw, was relatively smooth to operate, and felt robust and sturdy. To top it off, the Channellock packed a huge jaw capacity into a small package. The adjustable […]
Sog Fusion Themed Knives
Sog’s Fusion series of knives includes several funky theme-based designs. Each lockback knife has a 3″ blade, an overall length of 7.5″, and several themed doodads and accessories.
Tool Science 101: Chrome Plating Part 1 – Introduction
As you might be well aware, most mechanics’ tools such as ratchets, sockets, and wrenches, are chrome (chromium) plated. This layer of chrome, although extremely thin, greatly enhances the properties of these tools.
Kershaw Onion Leek Pocket Knife
So I received my new Kershaw Onion Leek pocket knife the other day. I needed (wanted) a new pocket knife, and spent quite some time narrowing down the options. It was a tough choice to make, but I ultimately chose the stainless steel Leek since it seemed to best fit my needs. Following is a partial […]
Channellock’s New Code Blue Screwdrivers & Nutdrivers
Channellock recently announced a “new and improved” series of Code Blue screwdrivers and nutdrivers. Each screwdriver has a 3-sided handle grip, straight-thru steel blade, and a magnetic tip, while the nutdrivers have full hollow shafts and the same high-torque grip. The color scheme and grip design of these drivers look rather appealing – if the drivers feel as […]
Xuron Precision Pliers, Shears, & Scissors
Xuron produces superb precision tools – we love their pliers, shears, and scissors. Xuron tools are durable, comfortable to use, provide exceptional performance, are very affordable, and are made in the USA. Our favorite Xuron tools are their non-serrated short nose pliers (pictured above), fiber cutters, and tweezer nose pliers. We are also huge fans of Xuron’s flush-cut micro shears (also […]
C.H. Hanson’s Innovative New Precision Ball Level
C.H. Hanson just released their precision ball level – a 24″ level which uses a rotating ball compass design. One of the level’s main selling points is that it eliminates some of the guesswork normally associated with reading a traditional bubble level. While greater ease of use is a good thing, we are even more impressed […]
Stanley FatMax Xtreme Fubar on Sale
Stanley’s FatMax Xtreme Fubar is their heavy duty multi-tasked pry bar. By now, most people are already familiar with these tools after seeing them at any home improvement or general goods store (e.g. Target), so I’ll skip the details. I just wanted to point out that it’s currently on sale for $24.31 with free shipping on orders […]
Craftsman Nextec Auto-Hammer Revisit
A television commercial promoting the Craftsman Nextec Auto-Hammer has aired recently – no doubt targeting Father’s Day gift shoppers, so we’ve decided to revisit it. Although it may still seem a bit gimmicky, the Auto-Hammer is innovative enough that it deserves the attention.
5 Great Tool Gifts for Under $10
With Father’s Day on approach, everyone is asking themselves and others “what to buy?” Well, how about something useful. These five items are less than $10 each and are affordable enough to throw in with larger gifts. Bucket Boss Mug Boss Paired with a spare 10-12oz mug, the Mug Boss provides for nifty desktop organization […]
Gearwrench Indexing Nail Puller
Gearwrench has recently (and quietly) released a new tool – a 12″ indexing nail puller. This tool combines the efficiency and ease of a cat’s paw puller design with the convenience of a pivoting lever arm with 180° of swing. This indexing puller is intended to be used in tight quarters and between closely spaced beams, and likely performs […]
Beta Tools Now Available via Small Parts & Amazon!!
As promised a few weeks ago, Small Parts is now selling Beta tools! You can purchase these fine Italian-made tools from Small Parts’ website, or their shop on Amazon (which we find easier to navigate). I am VERY excited about this – can you tell? Oh, and if any one reading this should win the lottery, my birthday’s coming up (not […]
There’s Nothing Like a Good Dead Blow
The main advantages of a dead-blow over a standard rubber mallet are the reduction of recoil and increase in striking control. The dead-blow excels in loosening stuck or stubborn parts, and also comes in handy when a breaker bar cannot provide enough leverage to turn a fastener by itself. Stanley’s 21oz Compo-Cast is my dead-blow of choice, […]
The New Leatherman Freestyle – Preview
Leatherman’s new Freestyle is due to be released in May, and we are very excited. Leatherman’s Freestyle is based off of their Skeletool design, but whereas the Skeletool is a full-size tool, the Freestyle is slightly smaller and lighter, making it a more pocket-friendly tool. Full-size knife? Check. Full-size pliers? Check. “I want one now” […]
Grip-On Bunion Relief Pliers?!!
I was browsing Grip-On’s catalog the other day, and found mention of this unusual tool. Grip-On’s bunion relief pliers can be used to spot-stretch all types of footwear to accomodate bunions, corns, and other painful bumps on the feet. In case you’re wondering, no, this is not an early April Fools Day joke.