ToolGuyd | Tool Reviews, Deals, Industry News

Mechanics' Tools

PB Swiss Rainbow Color-Coded Inch Ball Hex Key Set

Mar 24, 2014 Stuart 17 Comments

PB Swiss, one of our favorite screwdriver brands, recently came out with color-coded inch hex keys.

Cordless

Update: Bosch 18V 5.0Ah Battery Coming Soon to Europe

Mar 24, 2014 Stuart 6 Comments

Bosch has officially announced that their 18V 5.0Ah Li-ion battery will be available in Europe starting in April 2014.

Storage & Organization

Review: Festool Sortainer Organizers

Mar 21, 2014 Stuart 7 Comments

Did we ever mention how much we like Festool Sortainer drawer organizers? No? Let’s fix that now.

Electrical Tools

Fluke, SparkFun, and a Crazy Case of Multimeter Trademark Infringement

Mar 21, 2014 Stuart 13 Comments

SparkFun had 2,000 multimeters confiscated at the US border upon entry into the country. Fluke’s response to SparkFun’s situation was actually quite compassionate and warm-spirited.

Accessories

New Wago Slimmer & Higher Current Lever-Nuts (221-Series)

Mar 20, 2014 Stuart 26 Comments

To my surprise, Wago is coming out with new 221-series lever-action wire connectors that offer improvements over their 222-series Lever-Nuts.

Accessories

Wago Lever-Nuts Wiring Connectors Review

Mar 20, 2014 Stuart 23 Comments

Wago 222-series Lever-Nuts wiring connectors are our FAVORITE means to create quick splices and connections.

Cordless

New Milwaukee M12 Fuel Brushless Hackzall Saw

Mar 20, 2014 Stuart 26 Comments

Milwaukee has announced a new addition to their M12 cordless compact tool lineup – a Fuel brushless version of their Hackzall reciprocating saw.

Accessories

Wago Wall-Nuts PushWire Wiring Connectors Review

Mar 19, 2014 Stuart 40 Comments

Wago’s Wall-Nuts are a quick and simple alternative to traditional screw-on wire nuts.

Tool Deals

Lee Valley Free Shipping Event (March 2014)

Mar 19, 2014 Stuart 1 Comment

It’s that time of year again – free shipping at Lee Valley! What will you buy?

Editorial

Test Apparatus Roadblock: Linear Bearings Issue

Mar 18, 2014 Stuart 13 Comments

I ran into a linear bearings-related snag while building a testing apparatus for the Bosch OMT blade comparison project.

Editorial

What Do You Think About Screw and Fastener Assortments?

Mar 18, 2014 Stuart 22 Comments

What do you think of screw and fastener assortments? Are they worth the money or not?

Power Tool Accessories

OMT Metal Blade Testing Part 2: Testing & Measurement Tools

Mar 17, 2014 Stuart 16 Comments

Here is an outline of the tools that are being used in our independent testing of Bosch oscillating multi-tool blades.

Power Tool Accessories

OMT Metal Blade Testing Part 1: Overview

Mar 14, 2014 Stuart 35 Comments

We will soon begin an independent testing project that compares Bosch oscillating multi-tool blades against competing blades. Here we discuss an early overview.

Safety

Review: LoveGreen Power Control Panel (120V, 10A)

Mar 14, 2014 Stuart 12 Comments

Here’s a quick first-impression evaluation of the LoveGreen LRM-115 120V 10A power control box, which has an emergency stop switch, on/off switch, and power outage restart-prevention protection.

Cordless

New Porter Cable 8V Cordless Impact Driver PCC842L

Mar 13, 2014 Stuart 15 Comments

Porter Cable is soon coming out with a new 8V Max cordless impact driver.

Editorial

Amazon Prime Price Increase: $79 to $99, Starting Soon

Mar 13, 2014 Stuart 26 Comments

FYI: Amazon Prime membership fee is soon going up to $99. Subscribe now or sign up for a free 30-day trial to lock in the $79 rate for one year.

Hand Tools

Black & Decker Hand Gardening Tools

Mar 12, 2014 Stuart 4 Comments

To my surprise, my father is a big fan of Black & Decker’s hand gardening tools. You might want to check them out too.

Accessories

SparkFun’s Bendable Third Hand Kit

Mar 12, 2014 Stuart 7 Comments

SparkFun’s Third Hand Kit is a ready-to-go customizable flexible-arm workholding system.

Mechanics' Tools

New Wera Zyklop Metal Ratchets

Mar 11, 2014 Stuart 18 Comments

Wera is soon coming out with two new Zyklop Metal ratchets – one with a reversible switch, and another with a push-through anvil.

Accessories

Tripp Lite Isobar Surge Protectors

Mar 11, 2014 Stuart 13 Comments

Tripp Lite’s Isobar surge protectors are very well suited for workshop use.

John on New Dewalt ToughSystem Air Tank: “This type of surge tank is very useful for job site applications where you have multiple nail gun users working…”
Nathan on I Almost Bought a Rikon Midi Lathe (and Still Might): “Midi musical instrument digital interface. Means you can plug your keyboard to it and make a new tube while it…”
MM on I Almost Bought a Rikon Midi Lathe (and Still Might): “It means this is a “middle size”. A “mini lathe” would be even smaller, something for turning pens and not…”
MM on I Almost Bought a Rikon Midi Lathe (and Still Might): “Good points all around. Generally speaking I am a big believer in heavy stationary machinery. In fact right now I…”
Mike S on I Almost Bought a Rikon Midi Lathe (and Still Might): “Turning is great in the winter if you can’t heat your whole shop.”
fred on I Almost Bought a Rikon Midi Lathe (and Still Might): “I never got into turning. The times I wanted to incorporate turned part into my furniture making, I either bought…”