Here are some cool tools, deals, upgrades, and gift ideas that I thought you’d find interesting. I’ll update it on occasion, and you’ll see the most recent update date reflected in the post title.
Tools of the Day – 11/14/2025
NWS Made-in-Germany Mini Adjustable Pliers – $19.99 at KCTool
This seems like a great price on mini pliers from a top-tier pliers brand. There are a couple more deals – see Wera, Hazet, Felo, NWS Tool Deals – with the flash sale ending early on 11/21/25 unless supplies sell out sooner (which they probably will).
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Tsunoda Long Reach Pliers – ~$25 at Amazon
I don’t need any more long reach pliers, but I’m thinking these could be an upgrade.
Cerakoted Titanium T-Brick Lanyard Bead – $check at TEC Accessories
This isn’t a LEGO brick, it’s a titanium bead with Cerakote finish. It’s a little pricey, on account of the finish being a small batch limited edition, and there is also a black Ti version and one made from Ultem (a plastic-like resin). I love this store – they make a mix of gadgets, some practical and others just fun.
Gerber 3-in-1 Mini Hatchet Keychain Tool – $11 at Amazon
A hatchet-shaped mini multi-tool!! It’s also available with a black finish (same link).
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Milwaukee Mini Bit Ratchet – $22 at Home Depot
It’s small and handy.
Klein Tools Mini Bit Ratchet – $17 at Amazon
This one is a little different from the Milwaukee. I think Milwaukee’s is better, but Klein’s is cheaper. Home Depot has it for the same price, Lowe’s is priced higher.
Nepros 3/8″ neXT Ratchet – $$$ at Amazon
Nepros made a fantastic 90T ratchet that blends together form and function. It seemed fitting for a cool tools and gift guide post.
Tools of the Day – 11/12/2025
Railer Bit Holder Rails with Carabiner Clips – $varies at Amazon
With all of the many power bit holders on the market today, don’t forget that you can also get clip-on bit rails that hold insert or power bits and accessories.
Don’t need it to be portable? Remove the clip and pop it into a tool box drawer.
Workpro Long Nose Slip Joint Pliers – $13.99 at Amazon
I continue to consider this a very good deal, and it’s a fraction of the price of Snap-on and Harbor Freight Icon versions.
Dewalt Black Edition Neckband Bluetooth Headphones – ~$62 at Amazon
The yellow version (same link) is a little less expensive, but I think I prefer the look of these.
Update: A reader mentioned in the comments that there was no action button for turning the mic on and off, and that they weren’t happy with the sound quality. Be sure to look closely at the Amazon reviews.
Dewalt Wearable Bluetooth Speaker – ~$51 after discount
I tested out the Black Edition of this speaker last year, and found it sounded good for its small size. It’s still the smallest clip-on Bluetooth speaker that I’ve ever seen or used.
Gerber EAB Compact Utility Knife with Topo Pattern – $14 at Home Depot
Amazon has other colors options if you don’t like this HD exclusive.
711L Lollipop Bit Driver – $varies at Amazon
I posted about these recently, and will pick one up to test out as soon as I can settle on the color (blue or red?).
Klein 16-in-1 Multi-Bit Screwdriver and Nutdriver with Hybrid Accessories – $21
I just posted about this, and it’s already looking to be one of readers’ most-purchased tools of the season.
Stranger Things Energizer LED Flashlight – $23 at Amazon
A new season of Stranger Things is airing on Netflex later this month, and apparently there’s a new version of the flashlight out too.
Titan Swivel Head Micro Bit Ratchet – $19 at Amazon
This looks shorter and less frustrating to use than a regular swivel ratchet with square drive bit adapter.
Tools of the Day – 11/1/2025
Bosch 12V Brushless Flexi-Click Drill Driver Kit with Oscillating Multi-Tool – $149 at Amazon
Bosch’s multi-head tool kit bundle is on sale again.
Tsunoda Cable Tie Cutter – $19 at Amazon
These cutters are available in 3 sizes. They’re meant for flush-cutting cable ties and also have a pliers-like gripping zone for pulling them tight.
Bosch 100ft Laser Distance Measuring Tool – $39.97 at Amazon
This is my favorite low-frills laser distance measurer. I bought mine two years ago for the same promo price.
Koken 1/2″ Sliding T-Handle – $70 at Amazon
There are a bunch of others on Amazon. I didn’t try this one yet, I went with the traditional T-handle socket driver at a lower price.
Markal Pro Lead Holder Pencil – ~$15 at Amazon
There are lots of construction mechanical pencils on the market today, this one has a metal barrel.
Husky Pivoting Head Screwdriver – $14.88 at Home Depot
I came across Home Depot’s newest holiday season Husky tool gift/gimmick. Thoughts?
Swanson Speed Square 2-Pack – $10.98 at Lowe’s
This is a 2-for-1 deal on the Swanson made-in-USA rafter square.
Milwaukee M12 Fuel Cordless Ratchet and Impact Driver Combo Kit – $199 at Home Depot
This combo kit, with a brushless ratchet and impact driver, always seems to be a popular holiday season deal. The ratchet sells for $199 by itself. According to my notes, it was $249 two years ago and also $199 last year. See Hot Buy: Milwaukee M12 Fuel Impact and Ratchet Combo Kit.
Knipex Cobra ES Long-Nose Adjustable Pliers – $43 at Amazon
The Cobra ES pliers have longer jaws than typical Knipex Cobra pliers. There are more sizes and styles on Amazon and elsewhere.
Tools of the Day – 10/27/2025
Milwaukee 4pc Electricians Hand Tool Set – $24.88 at Home Depot
This is a money-saving bundle pack. It looks like a good buy if you can use at least 3 out of the 4 tools included.
Kobalt 3pc Magnetic Collapsible Parts Tray – $11.98, new at Lowe’s
There’s more like it at Amazon, and it looks like Lowe’s price is a couple of dollars less.
Bucket Boss Super Roll Tool Bag – at Amazon
Workpro Roll-Up Tool Bag – at Amazon
What’s your take on roll-up tool bags like these?
Knipex TwinGrip Pliers (6-inch Size) – via Amazon
This is the 6-inch tool, which is smaller than the original Knipex TwinGrip you might be familiar with. There are other sizes and handle styles. Amazon has lower pricing on the dipped-grip version.
Prestacycle Pro T-Handle Ratchet Bit Driver Set – at Amazon
A reader brought this up, and it does look like a neat combo tool.
Vessel Interchangeable Bit Ball Screwdriver Set – at Amazon
Vessel makes great screwdrivers at reasonable prices.
Kobalt 3pc Knipex Knock-Offs Tool Set – $25, new at Lowe’s
This Kobalt tool set seems inspired by the Knipex Pliers Wrench, TwinGrip, and Cobra pliers.
Bosch 12V Max Brushless Right Angle Die Grinder Kit – at Amazon
If I were in the market for a compact cordless RA die grinder, this would likely be on my shortlist.
Milwaukee Inkzall Permanent Marker 4-Pack – $4 at Home Depot
This a PSA to check your tool bag. If you need new markers, try these. Home Depot is still offering free shipping on them with no minimum order amount.
Tools of the Day – 10/4/2025
Slice Ceramic Blade Safe Box Opener (via Amazon)
There are many different “safety” box openers. This one is compact, equipped with a replaceable “finger friendly” rounded ceramic blade, and reasonably priced at under $10.
Engineer Compact Scissors (via Amazon)
These are my favorite scissors for EDC or carrying in a tool bag. It’s compact, the serrated blades don’t slip, and it’s built in Japan.
Sometimes you want full-size scissors, in which case I’d say Milwaukee’s (via HD) are excellent for household, workshop, and general use. I recommend the Engineer scissors for much of the same, but not everyone is going to love the smaller handle loops.
Wera Modular Tool Check (Metric) – Save 20% (via KC Tool)
Wera launched new modular tool kits, and KC Tool is offering a 20% discount on $99+ orders. I prefer the older style (see them at Amazon), but the newer style is more compact and the modular nature offers enhanced kit options.
If you were looking to buy some of the new modular Wera tool sets, KC Tool’s deal brings the price lower than even at Amazon. For example, the metric set is $80 after instant discount, while Amazon has it at around $88.
Fujiya Short Adjustable Wrench with Grooved Jaws (via Amazon)
This short adjustable opens wide, and as with other premium designs it doesn’t protrude very much. It has grooved jaws, for an anti-slip fit.
I ordered one for testing, and a couple of others from the same brand. Channellocks’ are still my favorite – especially the WideAzz with Code Blue cushion grip handles – but there’s something special about the Fujiya.
Tekton Modular Wrench Organizer Set (via Amazon)
These are modular, which work well whether you’re organizing a couple of wrenches or a full set. They work alright for some other tools too. A shorter style was recently launched for screwdrivers, but I haven’t tried them yet.
You can find the same by Ernst, the OEM for these. I plan to order more, depending on which brand offers the better price.
S
I would highly recommend ordering the Ernst wrench holders direct through ernst’s site. They’re slightly cheaper, and directly supporting the brand over helping Amazon. Toolguyd unfortunately doesn’t get a referral that way though.
And via Ernst, but not Tekton, they offer 4 color options and magnetic/non-magnetic versions
https://www.ernstmfg.com/wrench-pro.aspx
Stuart
Generally speaking, brands are rarely as good as retailers when it comes to shipping orders or order customer service. Ernst never answered some of my pre-purchase questions – what would happen if an order arrives damaged?
I have purchased a bunch of Ernst products, but only through Amazon or Tekton. Have you had good results with Ernst directly?
Tim D.
Most of my experience with direct manufacturers has been unpleasant. They’re generally slow at shipping, charge high shipping prices, and have bad return policies. I needed some parts from Alliance laundry recently. Paid a fortune for shipping, found out their website gave me the wrong part number for my model, then had to pay restocking fees to return it. While I don’t love all things about Amazon, I have a better experience with them than most manufacturers.
TomD
Milwaukee support shipping has been phenomenal and they have stock of weird parts that are hard to find otherwise – but that’s because they spend effort on it.
Most manufacturers either ship very slow because they’re used only to shipping large amounts to retailers, or they have phenomenal service because hardly anyone ever uses it.
And some large percentage of “direct from manufacturer” stores end up shipped from Amazon anyway as it’s cheaper to have them handle logistics.
S
Sorry about that, I’m a hypocrite.
I dug into my previous order histories, convinced I had ordered direct, and I didn’t.
I ordered via Amazon, and Amazon has them for the exact same price. I must have been thinking of some other products in the past.
Richard Miller
Thank you for having enough integrity to point out you were wrong. It’s a breath of fresh air, and I wanted you to know that it was seen.
Stuart
Thanks for the update and for checking!
Justin
This is a week late but maybe still useful for someone:
I have ordered directly from Ernst, some socket rails in Feb 2022. Not much to report because it was pretty smooth, ordered on a Friday and they shipped the following Tuesday through Fedex. I’ve been using them since with no complaints.
Bonnie
To your general point, I stopped using Amazon entirely awhile back and have been finding more and more that manufacturers are a better source that the big marketplace retailers. Often cheaper as well.
Recent specific examples: Barrina shop lights, elegoo resin and filament, Hygger aquarium lights, even the alphabet brands like Aiboo I found their cabinet lights were cheaper on their own website than Amazon’s and shipped quickly.
IronWood
My experience as well. Tekton is my gold standard for shopping direct, I wouldn’t buy their stuff any other way. I just got some hearing protection and accessories from Elgin USA direct and was very pleased with the service and shipping time. I also got some new work rain gear direct from Blaklader and I’ve been getting socks from Fox River direct for years. I guess everyone’s experience is different, but I’ve had more screw ups from Amazon than with any of those vendors.
Alexk
Didn’t know about Fox River socks. Just discovered Darn Tough and have four pairs, but I’ll give them a try. Most of my Merino socks are from Sam’s Club.
Allen
I had a great experience with Tekton as well.
Answered my questions about some items quickly and to the point, were super friendly – and shipped fast.
I’d buy direct from them instead of going through Amazon.
S
Yeah,I generally try to support the original seller more than Amazon if possible.
Amazon will be fine without me, but many of these smaller companies using Amazon might not be.
A few gems I’ve located through Amazon, and would absolutely buy again:
Chapman mfg is made in the USA, and makes mostly 1/4 hex bits and bit/ratchet sets , with their claim to fame being their 1/4″ hex 20 tooth ratchet. The ratchet is every bit of “old-craftsman” kind of chunky compared to the new and smoother ratchets with higher tooth counts. I don’t even use the one’s I have. But the history within the brand is worth the order for me.
https://chapmanmfg.com/
Direct source international. They make one series of products. Air line disconnect pliers(for push-lock style air fittings, these pinch and spread in one movement). i did find their website at one point, but couldn’t order through it. so Amazon is the ‘best’ source. But for anyone working on semi truck air lines, it’s stupid not to have this kit.
https://www.amazon.com/Direct-Source-International-QRP4S-P-Release/dp/B0054M5EQO/
Handee Clamp. Another Made In USA product, based out of Iowa, by a father and son, and just generally useful in tight spots. There’s a more polished version under the ‘Tite Reach’ brand, but I value the creators and the product more than the aesthetic.
https://www.handeeclamp.com/shop
Christy knife company. Last one for now, but another less public American family-owned company based out of ohio. My dad had a company branded one during my youth, and I eventually ‘stole’ it to become my first pocket knife. Even after all those years, it’s still a unique knife design in a field full of unique knife designs.
https://christycompany.net
Jordan
I’ve gotten enough counterfeits & clearly-used-and-abused merchandise (sold as NEW) from Amazon for me to nearly swear them off (with the nickname scAmazon).
About one out of every 10 orders has a clear and obvious issue anymore like this.
I know many in this thread don’t like buying from brands directly — but the answer to that isn’t trading one evil for another.
Mopar
That isn’t just limited to Amazon. I recently ordered a Dewalt tool directly from Lowe’s . It showed in stock at my local(ish) store, but since that is a 75 minute round trip drive, I wasn’t in a hurry (deal of the day thing), and they offered free shipping, I went with the order online and ship to my home. When it arrived in a sealed box, the tool was used, albeit so gently my first thought was just “since when does Dewalt pre-install the belt clip?” It wasn’t until I checked closer and found a hex bit in the drill chuck all the way down below the jaws that I knew for sure it was “pre tested” for me.
Jordan
I could see that as being a genuine accident as they didn’t realize it was used (since it was sealed up almost as if it was still factory new).
I’m not forgiving that behavior — they should have done better. But it’s not normalized and it could be easily be written off as an accident.
Amazon….no so much. They sell stuff that’s OBVIOUSLY used — as in it’s missing the normal retail box, wrapped instead in a plastic baggie.
And they have done it so frequently — from computer keyboard wrist pads to underwear. Yes. Used underwear. And that was probably the turning point for cancelling my Prime, to be honest.
(the worst part of that interaction was they wanted me to email customer support a photo of it first. Like….ARE YOU SERIOUS? If I simply did a normal return, you wouldn’t ever ask for that.)
(And then they wanted me to take it to a UPS Store instead of a drop off point — which means a 45 minute drive each way to the nearest UPS Store, in a bad section of the city, which keeps nearly bankers hours….instead of a 10 min trip into the nearest town. All to fix *their mistake*.)
MikeK
I had a Lowe’s employee, trying to help me find something the website said was in the store, tell me to my face that their inventory system sucks and can’t keep track of what’s in stock. “My list shows we have 15 of these right here, and there’s zero.” I went to Home Depot.
Stuart
A Home Depot worker tried helping me find a box of ~40 plumbing fittings that wasn’t on the shelf or in the overhead stacks.
Finding the Ridgid Pro Gear 2.0 tool boxes a few years ago took an adventure throughout my Home Depot until a worker found the sealed boxes in the completely wrong department.
Inventory reporting and locating is a mess at most retailers.
Evan
I feel the same way Jordan. Stuart actually posted some similar experiences back about a year ago here: https://toolguyd.com/amazon-sent-me-used-broken-knipex-pliers/
fred
Probably based on a Toolguyd recommendation, I bought those Engineer scissors back in 2014. They were over $26 back then – so today’s price on Amazon looks attractive. I wanted to like them – but they don’t fit my fat fingers. My wife who has smaller hands keeps them in a kitchen drawer – and I’ve seen her using them. So, it’s just a heads-up that YMMV
Stuart
As an alternative to using them like normal scissors, you can try using your thumb in one loophole and wrap your other fingers around the outside of the loop.
fred
I have other alternatives that fit me better. This pair from Engineer is one:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075MG2L8R?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_12
I also like the most recent ones that I bought from Klein
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DYK7VH36?ref=nb_sb_ss_w_as-reorder_k2_1_5&=&crid=1VTC9IYAVAGKM&=&sprefix=t2111
fred
I should have added that neither are as pocketable as Engineer that you recommend as an EDC
Chris
I’ve got a lot of pairs of the two models of 8″ Clauss spring assist shears at work and home, and they work amazing. They have hinge springs and no finger loops, and are heavy duty enough to cut through tons of stuff. They zip right through nylon reinforced strapping for example, which most people would do with tin snips or a utility knife.
Eventually the hinge spring will fail with fatigue, though it takes quite a while of normal use. Spring replacements are not available, unfortunately, although I have got warranty replacements after sending them a picture of how many pairs I own.
Clauss or Knipex electrician’s shears are also a nice thing to have around for daily tasks; they both have finger loops that are sized for normal people.
fred
My go to for opening clamshell packaging:
https://www.amazon.com/ALLEX-Super-scissors-Stainless-Scissors/dp/B001M0E5YO
Canary makes a non-spring-loaded version thay say is useful for shellfish
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CMCKS5JD
Stuart
And a version for cardboard: https://www.amazon.com/CANARY-Cardboard-Scissors-Blue-PS-6500H/dp/B000EFZKRY/?tag=toolguyd-20 .
Apparently Canary also makes kitchen scissors, I’m going to have to take a closer look – https://www.amazon.com/CANARY-Japanese-Dishwasher-Multipurpose-Stainless/dp/B000O1PC6C/?tag=toolguyd-20 .
Ross
Is there any evidence that the ceramic box openers are safer utility knife? We have them at work and they feel like a dull knife, which I always was told is not safe.
Chris
We use a few models of the Slice knives at work for boxes, by corporate safety mandate. The blades work really well, but the auto-retract models are really frustrating to use.
The rounded tip blades are pretty safe, but the edge can still injure if using a lot of pressure; they intensify shear force like any sharp object. The rule of knowing where your hands are still applies.
We still use metal blades for other cutting tasks where high sharpness and low grind angle is needed. Different tools for different tasks.
The concept is that the ceramic blade grind is wider angle and less sharp by design so it’s safer for skin, but doesn’t really get duller with normal use so it stays at the same level of safety. If you handle one of the blades and feel the relative edge sharpness, it’s pretty obvious that you’re not going to get cut from light incidental contact like you would with a normal very sharp metal blade.
I also use the knives to cut down cardboard for recycling, and usually find that I’m replacing blades because of edge chipping from heavy use or from hitting a staple, and not because of dulling from normal use. The blades I use for opening boxes last for a really long time, and just need an occasional cleaning with adhesive remover.
Nate
A dull knife is unsafe because you have to put more force into it, so it’ll go out of control if you slip. The ceramic openers here seem to cut tape with very little force, so that risk is minimized.
I think of it as the official version of using your car keys to slit the tape on a box. You’re not likely to cut yourself with your keys, either.
MM
Yes, dull knives are dangerous because you can more easily lose control and slip. However, most of these ceramic openers have extremely small blades with rounded tips meaning that even if you did slip the risk of an injury is small.
By the way, that Slice “ceramic safety cutter” mentioned previously reminds me a lot of similar products that seemed to be a fad in the first half of the 1990’s. I remember there was suddenly an explosion of these “safety coupon cutters” everywhere. They looked like the Slice but had a tiny steel blade instead of ceramic. The blade wasn’t long enough to cut skin but you could cut coupons out of a newspaper or magazine with them, and were often given out as advertising freebies. I remember one was called the “Magicutter”, but there were many others too. That kind of tool is going to be safe to matter how sharp the blade is because the cut depth is so limited.
MJ
I would advise against purchasing the engineer shears in this article. I bought a pair and they are uncomfortable to use and really don’t cut that well . I was pretty disappointed.
Wayne R.
I feel obligated to say, again, that the traditional forged shears and scissors from Wiss are still great tools.
https://www.crescenttool.com/all-tools/construction-hand-tools/cutting/scissors-shears/1dsn-8-12-industrial-inlaidr-shears
https://www.amazon.com/Wiss-1DSN-Industrial-Shears-Inlaid/dp/B000LDGMPS
https://www.amazon.com/Wiss-2DAN-4-Inch-Leverage-Cutting/dp/B000VYOHVS
https://www.amazon.com/Crescent-Wiss-Handle-Industrial-Shears/dp/B00826H7J6
Great leverage, lots of steel, sharp as, will last longer than most of us.
Alexis
The Wide-Azz Code Blue 8” are probably my favorite of that style. I lost my supervisor’s somehow and replaced it for him and picked one up for myself.
mark w
I ordered the TOP brand adjustable wrenches from HJE recently and their fujiya diagonal cutting pliers and those are beautiful for the money. Look knipex quality finish wise. The top wrenches are like the bigazz but Japan made and even more compact, super thin jaws and bent jaw options available. Also have great so -slip 2-piece thumb wheel design that’s supposed to prevent the jaws walking open with use and seems to work great.
Japan is really knocking it out of the park right now for cost quality and design in my recent purchases. Vessel acetate he drivers with “speedball” or w/e they wall it. It’s a ball hex end driver but it’s got a little tip so you can find the fastener hole much quicker.
Vessel sink screwdriver from HJE recently too and the handle is this clear grippy kinda soft and translucent material that’s just awesome and I’ve never felt before.
mark w
Kinda like the black and yellow felos but harder
G. Michael
The 53mm Fujiya’s are in every one of my tech’s toolboxes. They handle PVC unions, hydraulic fittings and so many randomn items in the plant.
Rick
“there’s something special about the Fujiya”
I have no idea whether that Fujiya wrench is especially good at doing it’s job, but visually it is a work of art.
Al-another-Al
I have the DeWalt neckband earbuds. It appears to be generic with a brand name slapped on. Sound quality is terrible. No action button to turn on mic for voice assistance. So, you have to take your phone out of your pocket or bag to do anything. Sound isolation is so-so.
I’ve switched back to my old neckband with one dead ear for a better experience. Switched the phone to monaural.
Jan M. Levine
The Koken sliding T-handle is great. Beautifully made and far better quality than the auto-parts places, etc. Indispensable for wheel changes. I bought one for each car. Get some of the plastic-sleeve 1/2″ drive sockets to fit your wheel nuts/lugs, too…
hepdog
You got me on the Tsunoda Cable Tie Cutter – I ordered it last week.
Let me return the favor: “Metal Magery Sheet Metal Skin Wedge Pry Bar Tool Door Panel and Trim Removal Tool”
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B087ZV91PX
As a former car audio installer and vehicle interior guy, I could’ve used this tool thousands of times.
Stuart
Fred mentioned this one last week – https://www.amazon.com/FWTW-Pocket-Curved-Straight-Patented/dp/B0CW2W4XTQ/?tag=toolguyd-20
I’ll keep them both in mind. Do you prefer Metal Magery in particular, or only the type of tool?
hepdog
Fred has excellent taste!
I don’t have a preference, really. I chose this one as it has a ton of positive reviews, with a 4.8 overall on Amazon. An additional consideration was the 4140 Alloy used, which reminded me of my BMX days as a kid – 4140 Chromoly came on all the best frames.
Thanks!
-Hep
fred
Mine are single-ended ones manufactured by Avery Tools (then makers of aviation specialty tools) over 25 years ago. The one I linked to on Amazon was based not on personal experience but because it was relatively inexpensive, seemed to have garnered good reviews and got an Amazon Choice nod.
Joel
I’ve got that Prestacycle ratchet combo machine, and it’s fantastic. The bit holder can be used on the end of the handle for extra leverage.