I was a bit skeptical when I first heard that DeWalt would be making hand tools. I figured the tools would just be re-branded Stanley tools, like the Bostitch hand tools were. How would a bunch of re-branded hand tools be interesting news for you to read? It wouldn't, but thankfully for all of us, the new DeWalt tools are not just a simple logo change. The DeWalt line of hand tools look like they were built upon Stanley models, but also improved upon. As a way to show the skeptics among us what they really had, DeWalt sent over a few of their new hand tools for me to review.

You would think that with all of the workbenches in all of the garages all over the country, you would have a few different choices when it comes to workbench protection, but that is not the case at all.

Owning a Staedtler 771 pencil shows that you mean business, but loosing this awesome mechanical pencil would be a real tragedy; let us not forget that you would also be out around $8, the price of the pencil. Now if you had something like a leash for your pencil, this crisis might have been averted.

The Tug-N-Back Writer from PencilPull might just solve the issue of lost pencils for good by keeping them on a leash. The Tug-N-Back uses a retractable cord that is similar in function to a retractable key ring, and attaches to the back of a pencil or pen with a universal holder. The universal holder can even be used on writing devices with a clip. The Tug-N-Back housing holds a total of 28-inches of cord and simply clips to a pocket or belt. Two different retractable modes can be selected from a switch on the housing, which allows the cord to either have constant tension or no tension at all. When the no tension mode is selected, a simple tug on the cord will allow it to retract, like a window blind.

The Tug-N-Back costs under $5, and is a small price to pay for pencil security, not to mention that it looks like it would be pretty handy.

PencilPull
LeeValley

I don't know what it is about the color black, but it seems to be the color of choice for limited edition tools. Powermatic is celebrating its 90th year anniversary and have released their new limited edition Onyx series of tools to honor the special event. The Onxy tools not only get a cool new color scheme, but Powermatic is also throwing in a complimentary accessory with each tool

To commemorate our 90th anniversary, we are offering these beautiful Limited Edition Onyx machines. They all come with our 90-month factory warranty, as well as a special complimentary accessory. Think of it as our way of saying thanks for so many years of your help in setting The Gold Standard.

Also to celebrate their 90th anniversary, Powermatic is giving away a total of 7 of these limited edition Onyx tools during the next 7 months. You can enter once a for each entry period, and each month PM will be offering a different prize. This entry period (The rest of July through August) they are offering a PWBS-14CS Bandsaw, 6-inch Riser Block Kit, and Powermatic Anti-Fatigue Mat.

Powermatic90 Onyx Series