Tool Blog

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...

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...

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...

Channellock has put together a great general purpose tool roll set, and in my opinion it is the best tool set they offer. The Tool Roll No. 3 Gift Set includes the: 430 tongue & groove plier, 420 tongue & groove plier, 337 cutting plier, 3017 long nose plier, 526 slip joint plier. These 5 tools are a great addition to a DIYer's small collection of tools, and can be used for many of the most common DIY tasks. This is not some cheap tool set either, and should last a lifetime. Channellock sent me this...

When installing windows or doors you need to use shims to help hold the frame level and plumb. Typically you would used the classic wood cedar shim or you would use the newer plastic or composite shims. But now there is another option on the table, air shims. The air shim I am talking about is called a WinBag, and it is actually a small inflatable bag that expands with a few hand pumps of air to fill gaps ranging from 2mm to 50mm (0.078" - 1.968"). Once you use the WinBags to get your project level and plumb,...

Is is fair or even possible to call a ToolRank Pick just from seeing a product demonstrated in a video? Well, that is pretty much the case for the Hat Grabber. The moment I saw it in action on video I knew it had the potential to be a real winner; all I had to do is test it out for myself to make sure it worked as well as advertised and confirm my suspicions. If you remember, the Hat Grabber is a small hardhat add-on that claims to better hold your hard hat on your head....

I pick up a pair of Blaklader pants a year or so ago, and picked up a second lighter weight model just a few moths ago. I have had to time to spend with both models and have come to the conclusion that they are the best work pants that I have ever used. Not only do the pants have a ton of great features and are tough, but they are also very comfortable. Could Blaklader take these already great pants and make them any better? Well it appears the answer is yes, with the addition of...

Toggle clamps are the go to clamps when it comes to jigs and fixtures for hobby woodworking and even large scale manufacturing. Their ability to secure your workpiece in just a matter of seconds is what makes them ideal for many clamping needs. However, toggle clamps do have a downside, they do require a bit of setup time to get the clamps adjusted to the size of material you are clamping. If you need to change from one size of material to another, you are better off just build a jig for each size. All of adjustments...

I like tools that make my life easier, and as a finish carpenter you wouldn't think a portable band saw would be one of these tools, but on rare occasion they really are. You might be surprised by the amount of metal I have to work with on any give job. For instance I might have to cut down a 1/4" think angle-iron L-bracket that it too long, or cut down a support post, or more commonly, cut metal closet rod to length. When reviewing the Stout-X band saw back in 2009, I discovered how valuable...