As you can imagine, thermal cameras can be used for a wide range of diagnostics where there may be a gradient in temperature. Overheating components, heat loss/leaks, excessive friction in bearings or other mechanical components – the detection applications of a thermal imaging camera are virtually endless. Thermal Image of an Engine Block During the […]
Skil’s New 18V Li-Ion Power Tools
A few weeks ago, Skil announced a new line of 18V Li-Ion power tools targeting DIYers and professionals who need pro-grade features at consumer-level prices. These tools are not mere adaptations of last generation’s NiCad-powered tools; Skil designed these tools to be more powerful, longer lasting, lighter, more compact, and comfortable to use. As of now, there are four new tools […]
Bosch Multi-Construction Bits
Bosch’s multi-construction bits are designed for high performance drilling through wood, masonry, ceramic tiles, plastic, and metal.
Beta Tools Now Available via Small Parts & Amazon!!
As promised a few weeks ago, Small Parts is now selling Beta tools! You can purchase these fine Italian-made tools from Small Parts’ website, or their shop on Amazon (which we find easier to navigate). I am VERY excited about this – can you tell? Oh, and if any one reading this should win the lottery, my birthday’s coming up (not […]
Rose Antique Tools’ Directory of Old Tool Catalogs
If you enjoy browsing through tool catalogs, then you will definitely want to head on over to Rose Antique Tools. Rose Antique Tools maintains a directory of old tool catalogs that have been scanned in and converted to downloadable PDF files. You should also check out Rose Tools’s store – they have quite a few antique […]
Bosch Launches New Line of… Nailers!
Bosch recently launched a complete line of nail guns that are said to be “20% smaller and 10% more powerful.” Bosch’s Full Force Technology helps the tools achieve this by eliminating wasted energy and power to deliver 100% of the driving energy directly to the fastener. While it shouldn’t be a main focus of these nailers, the […]
New DAP 3.0 Sealants with “Kwik Dry”
DAP has recently released a new series of sealants and caulks with Kwik Dry that can be exposed to water in just 3 hours instead of 24-36. Not only that, these DAP 3.0 sealants provide an improved waterproof and weatherproof seal and are expected to respond exceptionally well to temperature fluctuations.
ToolGuyd Guides – Comments Needed
Ok, here is the deal… we are currently working on a tool brand/manufacturer reference guide. The guide is intended to provide basic reference information about tool brands and their product offerings. The guide is not quite finalized, so we thought it would be a good time to ask for comments and criticisms. What we are most […]
Tool Chest Dresser
This Step2 child-sized tool chest dresser is perfect for the little ones in your home that want to have a toolbox just like dad’s (or mom’s). If you ask us, its size makes it better suited for use as a night table or as a toy box. The tool chest dresser retails for about $95 including shipping. Step2 Tool Chest Dresser […]
There’s Nothing Like a Good Dead Blow
The main advantages of a dead-blow over a standard rubber mallet are the reduction of recoil and increase in striking control. The dead-blow excels in loosening stuck or stubborn parts, and also comes in handy when a breaker bar cannot provide enough leverage to turn a fastener by itself. Stanley’s 21oz Compo-Cast is my dead-blow of choice, […]
The New Leatherman Freestyle – Preview
Leatherman’s new Freestyle is due to be released in May, and we are very excited. Leatherman’s Freestyle is based off of their Skeletool design, but whereas the Skeletool is a full-size tool, the Freestyle is slightly smaller and lighter, making it a more pocket-friendly tool. Full-size knife? Check. Full-size pliers? Check. “I want one now” […]
What We’re Reading: Make #17
We’re currently pouring through the 17th issue of Make: Technology on Your Time. Make magazine is published quarterly, and is always packed with great ideas and projects. Each issue retails for $15 at newstands but can be found online for slightly cheaper, and an annual subscription costs $35. Strapped for cash? Makezine.com provides enough free material […]
Grip-On Bunion Relief Pliers?!!
I was browsing Grip-On’s catalog the other day, and found mention of this unusual tool. Grip-On’s bunion relief pliers can be used to spot-stretch all types of footwear to accomodate bunions, corns, and other painful bumps on the feet. In case you’re wondering, no, this is not an early April Fools Day joke.
Ikea Car April Fools Day Joke?
A new website popped up and appears to be announcing the release of an Ikea car. This is probably an elaborate April Fools Day joke, but the effort that went into either disassembling a spoof vehicle, or sourcing and arranging all those various loose parts together, is impressive nonetheless. Then again, it could also just be CGI… […]
Proto Wrench Found in Video Game
As you can see, we spotted an adjustable wrench in a video game and promptly took a screenshot. It is not unusual for video game designers to add tools and other everyday items to scenes for added realism. What is unusual about this wrench is that the designers of Fear2 labeled it a Proto 708S – a real designation.
Sears VP Stands Behind Craftsman Guarantee
The Consumerist recently ran a string of posts discussing the troubles one person had in trying to exchanged rounded Craftsman sockets. Some of the replacement-denial excuses given by Sears associates conflicted with previously stated official policies, and one even seems to have been outright fabricated. Brian, a lifelong Craftsman user, unsuccessfully tried to exchange nine rounded […]
Sog Kilowatt – a Charged Up Pocket Knife
The charged up Sog Kilowatt is a quality liner-lock pocket knife for anyone who might need to strip wires or cables at a moment’s notice. The Kilowatt features a 3.4″ blade, a zytel handle, a conventional 12-24ga wire stripper, a spring-loaded wire stripper, and a “hole stripper.” The Kilowatt’s electric-centric aesthetics are well matched to the functions of […]
Plano Waterproof Storage Containers
About one week ago, there was a thread on the Garage Journal forums asking about how one would bury their tools if faced with an unforeseen disaster. Without a doubt, I would definitely use Plano’s waterproof containers for the task if I had enough on hand. These Plano containers are water resistant, durable, and fairly inexpensive. These features make them a good […]
Fixed-Blade Knife for Shop Use?
Just thinking aloud: are there any legitimate home or shop uses for a fixed-blade knife? Knives like these are great for camping and other outdoor activities, but what else can they be used for?
Streamlight Stylus Pro – New Colors!
We are absolutely thrilled at having just discovered that Streamlight is releasing three new Stylus Pro flashlights. In addition to flat black, Stylus Pros are now available in red, silver, and blue. Since my Stylus Pro is used as a tool for a total of 10 minutes a day, and carried as an accessory for 10 hours, a bit of color might […]