Part of my to-do list for 2021 is to produce more video review content, for initial hands-on impressions, in-action coverage, and to complement written reviews.
My older videos are… okay. I’ll be kick-starting renewed efforts next week, and in the meantime, here are some of my past video reviews.
I don’t like being in front of a camera – I’ll take writing things up over speaking any day – and so the next series of reviews might still be over-the-shoulder where you see some tools and moving hands. We’ll see.
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What types of video review formats do you tend to prefer? Where the main camera focus is on the reviewer, or the tools being discussed?
For the new videos, I’ll likely be aiming for quick ~2-minute videos.
Following are some my most popular hand tool reviews. I’ve been rewatching a lot of them myself, making a list of both good and avoidable practices.
Surprisingly, this Dewalt folding utility knife review remains my most-popular video.
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Tim E.
I personally like the over the shoulder type ones better, the focus should be on the tool and content being reviewed, not the presenter wearing sunglasses indoors and making excessive hand gestures to look cool. I also appreciate the attempt to keep videos to manageable chunks, like 2-3 minutes. Not that there aren’t good reasons for longer videos, some tools or reviews just have enough to cover that even an 8-10 minute video can make sense. But making every video that long can lead to a lot of dead space and filler, repetition, and general annoyance by the viewer. I think that’s in line with your efforts and philosophy here, no need to make an x-word article because it fits more ads in it or something.
I like seeing real world applications in videos, there are lot of reviews out there that the content isn’t bad, the person obviously used the tool, but then the video is the tool on a workbench and they talked about how they did use it and how it worked and point out various things. It is definitely harder to get an “in action” video sometimes, but I generally find them hugely more valuable than just pointing to features and talking about them. The Milwaukee switch tank water tank is a good example, there were a good number of videos from people who got it along with the sprayer tank, and used both, but an inordinate number just had the two tanks sitting and they talked about how they worked when they used them, but never showed them actually spraying water or chemicals or anything.
Unboxing videos I personally stay away from for a lot of things, just because they provide so little value (particularly if they don’t include first impressions from a reputable source, which I do find valuable). Items like a drill kit, it’s usually pretty obvious from online what is in the box, so knowing there’s a bonus couple drill bits in there from an unboxing video is not really helpful. Some items though have lots of bits or pieces or extra attachments, and sometimes the included pictures with listings, even factoring in the description, aren’t really clear about what is and is not included, and what may have to be purchased separately. The Ryobi power cleaner comes to mind here, they had lots of pictures in the original imagery set using the soap gun, the description was unclear (or like some listings it may just not have mentioned the soap gun even though it might have been included). An unboxing video for that would clear that up right quick and have value. Same with some plumbing or electrical tools that have lots of bits and pieces, and knowing exactly what model was purchased and what it came with via an unboxing video can be helpful (M12 pex expander being a good candidate in that category in terms of which kits come with what size tips, easy to see definitively from an unboxing video rather than trawling through descriptions and parts lists).
Last thing from my $0.02, I’m mainly a text person, I prefer reading blog posts to watching videos, but I’m also probably in the minority there. Even if it’s a quick post saying what the video is about and maybe highlighting some points and conclusions, it’d be awesome to have blog posts to complement the videos, and that may work to highlight the videos as well. Treading the line between “this tool was great… watch the video for more!” and providing useful information in the post itself which might make fewer people watch the video is something I’m not sure many places have figured out well. The best example I’ve seen is motherdaughterprojects, where their project videos are usually worth watching if you’re interested in the project versus just reading the still-complete-and-detailed blog posts for them.
First video vote: M12 hatchet! Lots of people I know are still like “I have a recip saw with a pruning blade, why would anybody need this” (same thing with the Ryobi lopper recently), and a video would probably speak a billion words about cleaner cut so less harm to living plants, not shaking the tree back and forth with the recip, etc.
Stuart
I strongly prefer tool-on-a-workbench coverage. In-action is something I’ll try, but it tends to make things so much longer.
On-a-workbench photos have autofocus issues, and then there are still word slip-ups and similar mistakes. Add in actual work that needs to be done? Forget it!
Scott K
I have always preferred your typical format (article and pictures) to a video. Partially because a lot of tool review videos tend to focus on the person rather than the tool. With that being said, a supplemental video here and there is a nice addition.
Stuart
Written articles will always take priority.
For me to be able to enhance a written post with the video I’m after, well that going to take practice, and I’m going to have to force myself.
Scott K
I think this makes sense when doing a comparison or introducing something relatively novel. I’ve never seen anything like that Ryobi lopper- a video of that in action would be interesting.
JD
I’d love to see video tool reviews. I’d prefer more detail, somewhere around the 7min range, but if the detail is in the article, that’s fine.
As Scott K mentioned, please don’t make them loud obnoxious or clickbait video like so many Tubers 😉
Also, I’ve found I enjoy video on vintage tools and tool history, not just the newest releases, so don’t feel constrained to just new shiny stuff.
Sean
I feel that unboxing videos are nice because they allow folks to see the tool in greater detail. Unboxing are really appreciate when the item your interested in is not readily available in local stores.
Aaron
Too many reviewers are primarily video these days. Most of the time I’d rather read an article than watch a video. That’s part of what drives me to your content. I can scan for key info without watching the whole thing and I don’t feel held hostage for the duration.
Somehow it feels like written content is more rare anymore.
Stuart
I’m not interested in going video-centric – my plan is for video to be complementary.
There are some times when video would allow for quicker review or discussion that wouldn’t make for great written content, similar to how I’ve been using social media.
Jared
I’m afraid to look and see how much that PB Swiss T-handle costs. Looks fantastic though.
I have several T-handles – they are very nice for working on motorcycles. My base set is a Motion Pro Metric set, but I have a 1/4″ and 3/8″ drive too. Plus a cheap bit-holder.
Lee Valley had a bit-holding T-handle for awhile, but I think it’s out of stock now. It also had a collar that permitted easier turning and was magnetic. I REALLY should have bought that I think.
I was thinking of buying the Felo – but that’s a much smaller tool. Still looks good. I have their bit-holder screwdriver and quite like it, so I assume it is equally well-made.
By the way Canadians, if you could use a T-handle and can still find one in-store, this Mastercraft 3/8″ T-handle is pretty good: https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/mastercraft-t-handle-set-22-pc-0581459p.html
I’ve had mine for a couple years now. It’s different – that spinning collar can be moved up and down the shaft. I quite like it though.
I’m sure I’ve seen the Mastercraft sold under other brand names though – so I bet it can be found elsewhere.
Stuart
I’m not even sure that model is still available.
Itisnotme
I will NEVER understand the world’s fascination with multi-tools. They don’t do anything well. But you do you, and I’ll do me.
AngryDrumGuy
ToolGuyd’s current approach is outstanding.
The text approach will always be more convenient, searchable, and anything on the site can be read without disturbing anyone else or having to ignore them.
A tremendous reference to have for every type of consumer!