If you’re a regular ToolGuyd reader, you probably buy new tools ever so often. I sure do.
There are reasons for everything that I buy, but some tools and supplies stand out as upgrades that I especially appreciate. Of those, there are clear favorites.
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My favorite purchase of the year would have to be my new Festool Sortainers. I now have (10) of these, 4 that were supplied for review, and another 6 that I splurged for earlier in the year. I also ordered a couple of dozen mini T-Loc Systainers that I use for supplies and small tool kits.
Anything that helps me efficiently organize my dizzying variety of tools and supplies is going to climb high on my favorites list. These units take up a lot of benchtop space, but I can move them to the floor when I need the extra space. The ability to compartmentalize all sorts of loose tools and parts has helped speed up the time it takes for me to find what I’m looking for.
After that, I would have to recognize to my Agilent (now Keysight Technologies) test equipment. I previously wrote about my new benchtop multimeter, but I also invested in a new oscilloscope and a power supply. The expenses hit me hard, but the upgraded testing capabilities have proved to be worth it.
There is one more piece of testing equipment I would love to have – a source measure unit, which would allow for easier and quicker battery testing – but the 2 cheapest ones from Keysight Technologies and Keithley are $5K and $7.5K. Ouch.
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My third favorite tool purchase of the year isn’t a tool per se, but are pneumatic actuators and components. I started with a couple of Vex sets and then worked in additional industrial cylinders, valves, and controls. The next time I build a testing jig, such as I did for my oscillating multi-tool blade testing, I should be able to have it fully automated, rather than having to reset a weight-based movement by hand.
Which are your favorite tool purchases of 2014?
MattP
I know it isn’t a new tool but it was new to me – Dewalt Track Saw: truly a “how did I ever live without this?” tool. Being able to break down sheet goods alone and do perfectly aligned crosscuts in ungainly pieces like butcher block counter tops without a giant cabinet saw has more than paid for itself already.
Considering going to a smaller table saw rather than the HEAVY Bosch 4000 I have now. If the Dewalt DW245/DWE7480 did dados I probably already would have…
Adam
You can do dados with a track saw, just get the router jig for your track and use your router to make the grooves, gives you great control on the width and depth of your grooves too.
MattP
I was thinking that plus a router table would cover the common cases. The bulk of the time I need to do a dado cut is for a panel in a door, so the track guide is not tremendously helpful due to the thin edge of the wood. Of course it’s all more $$$….
Adabhael
Like Stuart, I have to say a tool organization system, rather than a tool. Partially based on your review I picked up four DeWalt Tough System cases (one large DWST08203 and three small DWST08201) to organize the field measurement and test instruments in our lab. I call them my poor-man’s Pelican Cases, and they work great to sort, protect, and transport the tools we use to survey building performance. For student-grade instruments (somewhat breakable but not as delicate as the lab-grade instruments) I think they are a good balance between the capacity and level of protection for the price, particularly when on sale. They also make great step-stools in the field. One project for me over winter break is fabricating fitted foam inserts to better organize and protect the contents. Like RKA, I would love to see a post about cutting tool foam, featuring methods you tried and what worked best.
fred
I too count a Festool item among what I’m happy about buying in 2014. My purchase was a FS2700 (491937) 106 inch rail for my track saw. I had previously been using 2 smaller tracks held together with a connector for breaking down large sheet goods – and the new track while costly (actually somewhat hard to believe) is a much more convenient solution.
I also bought a Milwaukee 2765-20 – 7/16 cordless impact gun – using it to build a batch of raised beds in the garden. I had other corded and pneumatic tool options – but I used the project as an excuse to buy – and had no buyer’s remorse – finding the 2765-20 both powerful and convenient.
I took advantage of a Zoro 30% off sale to purchase a FLIR E4 for under $700 – and just started using it – but it looks like it will be a very useful tool.
At some point in the year – I also added to my clamp collection with a set of what’s called Jack Clamps from a company called Lowell Thomas (like the old travelogue host). I’ve used then to supplement some Fastcap tools I use in hanging cabinets – and they worked very well
Finally – during the Black Friday / Cyber Monday deals at Lee Valley – I added to my Veritas plane collection with a 05P36.01 BU Smoother plane – priced at $235 because it had a tiny imperfection.
fred
While I think that I’m done tool shopping for the year – I see that some of the tool purveyors are having year end promotions:
KCtoolCo.Com – 14% off with code “FOURTEEN”
Jason
Mine would have to be the Ridgid modular tool boxes. They are a good value because you don’t have to buy an expensive cart like other solutions.
pete
I would have to agree! They also seem to be a little more durable, especially with the latch that attaches the boxes together.
MichaelR
Yes! I agree…Ridgid modular tool cases! I hope they come out with a drawer set. I purchased 6 single, one cart and one tool box. I love em!
Great price and great quality
But it's me!
I have to agree on the Ridgid boxes. I have yet to purchase any, but will this coming year. I have two stacks of L-Boxxes on the wheeled bases and like them, but the Ridgid’s low price and sturdy feel have me sold on this as my new tool storage.
Justin
Its not new for 2014, but my favorite purchase this year was the self-adjusting wire strippers from Irwin. I work a lot with Romex around the house and these pull the outer sheathing off cleanly and easily without damaging the wires underneath.
Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/Tools-VISE-GRIP-Self-Adjusting-Stripper-2078300/dp/B000OQ21CA
glenn
Firstly all the best for the new year to all.
I have spent a heap on new tools this year including 14 of the Milwaukee M12 system, a heap of hand tools, a lot of cutting and drilling accessories.and a mobile tool trolley.
And while I am very pleased with everything, the standouts for me would have to be the M12 rotary hammer, the M12 3/8 ratchet and a Keter Masterloader mobile tool trolley.
There are a few more tools on the to buy list and it will also be interesting to see what this year brings! Hopefully a few new things from Milwuakee!
Chris Fyfe
I got a Festool Carvex . Added a few team Red items , both M12, and M18 .
On the hand tool front , I got some more Knipex and nws tools .
Chris
Allen
I don’t know how I managed without the 4 inch double square I got from HJE earlier this year.
I use it more than I figured.
Bruce
It was 1F for a high temp today. I LOVE MY DEWALT JACKET. Best money I spent this year.
garrett
Hey Stuart, thanks for an excellent site – I’m interested in all kinds of fabrication, so I appreciate the large variety of tools you review. In a similar fashion, and quite unintentionally, I bought 2 tools this year that I’ve been very pleased with. The first purchase was made after much study and deliberation–a Model 60 6″ Ridgid vise (imported from Peddinghaus) for use as a general shop vise. Machining is top-notch and it’s proven to be quite sturdy. I had originally considered a Wilton machinist’s vise, but was a bit shell-shocked at the price. For the price, the Ridgid can’t be beat.
Just a few weeks ago, I also bought a Panavise for an Arduino project with my son. I’ve been pleased with the flexibility of the system as well as the many accesories that are available for it.
Keep up the good work!
T
My fav tools of the year are the ones Santa gave my son. A Keter box full of Cman Evolve 1/4″ ratchet/socket set, adj wrenches, mini pliers & hammer, some Felo HiViz screwdrivers, a FatMax tape, a mini maglite, and a set of no-name stubby metric/inch combo wrenches. The boy was so excited and proud, he assembled some of his other gifts with his very own tools.
A distant 2nd would be the Wurth Zebra screwdrivers I picked up recently – striking cap, hex shank, and bolstered with an ergo handle goodness.
glenn
I nearly forgot this one! It is truly one of my most useful tools.
It is very small digital spirit level.
I use it every day I work. The link below is where I bought it from.
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Digi-Pas-Digital-Spirit-Level-Angle-Gauge-Inclinometer-Digital-Readout-DWL80E-/261312079843?pt=UK_Home_Garden_PowerTools_SM&hash=item3cd769e7e3
Michael
It would have to be a Chraftsman C3 18 Guage nailer. It is not as fast as a pneumatic, but it sure beats dragging the compressor in the house.
ajw1978
I am really, really wanting to pull the trigger (pardon the pun) on the C3 nailer. I mean, I’m really fighting the urge.
Nathan
based on the review on here and the price
I told the wifey I wanted a SK thumbwheel ratchet – in 1/4 drive. Yes that means I sent her the amazon product link – but still.
I’ve used it far more than I thought I would – completely replaces the need for a stubby bit driver – IMO. smooth, clean and surprising torque application. I’d like to think I’ve sold 4 more since having mine out and about.
RobertW
Nathan, check out the GearWrench 81270 3/8″ Drive Gimbal Ratchet & GearWrench 81027 1/4″ Drive Gimbal Ratchet. And an Amazon reviewer (William L Baty) has reviewed 30 palm/finger ratchets.
Joe M
My new DeWalt DCS331 20 Volt Max Jigsaw, and Dremel MotoSaw MS20 are somewhat tied for favourite purchase of 2014. My Jigsaw makes quick work of a lot of tasks, and the MotoSaw gives me so very many possibilities for small projects.
ajw1978
Well, I suppose it still qualifies as new but I’ve got to go with my “first” major tool purchase, my Craftsman Compact Sliding Miter Saw. I got the idea to splurge on a saw while walking the dog one day and saw one of the bar owners in my neighborhood building tables for his patio — and they looked much better than the one I had “built” last summer. Shopped around and tried several models (Craftsman 10-inch slider; Ryobi 10-inch slider; Performax) and finally decided to go with this model, for the simple fact that I lack a true shop and space was at a premium. I love it. I absolutely love it. And I’ll probably love it even more once I learn how to use it properly.
BikerDad
DeWalt 20v Max XR Compact Drill/Driver.
Followed closely by the Armstrong Locking Flex Head 3/8″ ratchet. I’ve only used it once, but it was a wondrous experience. I know I’ll be getting a lot more use out of the DeWalt, but there’s something special about a tool so well suited for it’s first time out.
rx9
Armstrong indexing 1/2 ratchet, harbor freight transmission jack, m18 fuel impacts (compact and full size), harbor freight low profile jack (3 ton).