I’ve got to say, it was a pretty fun year here at ToolGuyd, and I hope you had an enjoyable experience as well! Thanks for your continued readership and support!
Readership
2013 was our highest traffic year to date:
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Comments
The 4 most active commenters were: fred, Javier, Jerry, and John S.
(Everyone’s comments are always appreciated – I love hearing from everyone!)
Posts
In 2013, there were:
- 300 published New Tools previews and reviews
- 592 new posts in total
- 7556 new comments, 6300 if you don’t count mine
- Readers from 215 countries
Favorite New Tools
Flir E4 (modified)
Festool Systainer Cantilever Tool Box
Zero Tolerance 0801 Rexford Knife
Maglite Mag-Tac LED Flashlight
More: 5 Favorite New Tools of 2013
Power Tools
Favorite Brand: Bosch
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Most Recommend Brand: Milwaukee
Holiday Spending (Tools & Related)
Overall Spending (Mainly Tools)
Happy New Year!
ToolGuyd wouldn’t be much without its readers, so thank you again for your readership and support!
I hope you all had a happy and healthy New Year, and that you’re excited as I am to see what’s in store for 2014!
Richard
I think I can speak for a lot of users in that one of the reasons you’re seeing not only more unique visits, but more pageviews from each of those users is because you’re so active a commenter, Stuart. It adds a very personal touch to the site. I feel like this is a small corner of the web where like-minded people can just shoot the breeze about tools. 🙂
Stuart
I appreciate the comment and sentiment! I try to respond to as many comments as possible, but even if I cannot, I still read each and every one.
I too feel the sense of community, and have considered launching a ToolGuyd forum where readers and commenters can start their own discussion threads. However, I really don’t think I’m up for the added workload though, as forums can be very time consuming to maintain and grow.
Richard
Forums have a way of getting out of control… I honestly think things are pretty great as-is. Don’t let the temptation of new features grab hold! 😀
Javier
I think toolguyd forums are a good idea. Sometimes I feel like rambling on about things but feel it’s inappropriate many times because the comments section aren’t a forum format
jesse
I don’t see the vertical scale in the graph.
Stuart
I might release the numbers at a later date. What I can say that is the y-axis is linear, and so the plot is a true representative of exact numbers.
jesse
I’m a little surprised not to see Chad’s Toolbox.
Stuart
I didn’t really need to order anything from them this year. I didn’t place a single order with them in 2012 either. My last order from Chad’s was for a whole bunch of Wera and NWS tools back in July 2011.
Jerry
Nice growth of ToolGuyd. I have to say, it is my favorite tool related blog. Keep up the good work. I especially like your brief but thorough reviews, and your ‘deals’.
fred
I’m working on my own chart of what I bought from whom – and where (as least according to the package label) they were made. I’ve always kept a database for my businesses – and now that I’m retired I’m keeping one for my personal collection as well. I spent quite a bit in 2013 – and it was easy enough to assemble my list of where things were made. Here’s my list based on dollar value – where US made items still dominate:
ASIA – OTHER 0.2%
AUSTRALIA 1.8%
CANADA 7.5%
CHINA 10.1%
EUROPE – OTHER 0.9%
GERMANY 9.3%
ISRAEL 1.8%
ITALY 3.7%
JAPAN 0.9%
MEXICO & BRAZIL 0.8%
SWITZERLAND 2.5%
TAIWAN 4.6%
UK/ENGLAND 2.8%
UNSPECIFIED 0.4%
USA 52.7%
fred
I got my list together – dropped out the vendors with really minor representation – and added up the rest – adds to almost $40k with % of spend noted below:
% of Total
CARPENTRY:
MAKITA 3.3%
MILWAUKEE 2.3%
DEWALT & PORTER CABLE 1.8%
JET 1.3%
ESTWING 0.7%
IRWIN 0.6%
SMART-BIT 0.5%
VAUGHAN 0.2%
10.6%
ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONICS:
FLUKE 0.9%
KLEIN 0.7%
KNIPEX 0.4%
XURON 0.3%
EXTECH 0.3%
WIHA 0.2%
WERA 0.2%
3.0%
MASONRY & STONE WORK
TROW & HOLDEN 4.7%
BONTOOL 1.3%
MARSHALLTOWN 0.6%
THOR HAMMER 0.4%
7.1%
METALWORK
MALCO PRODUCTS 1.5%
BONEHAM & TURNER 0.8%
CHAMPION CUTTING TOOL 0.5%
NICHOLSON 0.4%
LOC-LINE 0.3%
PFERD 0.2%
3.6%
MISCELLANEOUS
RIDGID 1.9%
BROWNELLS 1.9%
PC COX 1.4%
3M 1.2%
MARSON 0.6%
GEARWRENCH 0.3%
7.2%
PNEUMATIC TOOLS
POWERNAIL CO. 3.0%
INGERSOLL RAND 1.0%
TAYLOR PNEUMATIC TOOLS 0.5%
CHICAGO PNEUMATIC 0.2%
4.7%
ROUTER BITS
AMANA TOOL 1.7%
WHITESIDE 0.8%
ONSRUD 0.7%
TREND ROUTING 0.6%
MLCS 0.6%
HARVEY TOOL CO. 0.3%
WOODJOY 0.3%
5.1%
SNOW REMOVAL
ARIENS 4.5%
WOODWORKING
BOSCH 6.5%
FESTOOL 6.0%
STARRETT 5.7%
LEE VALLEY / VERITAS 5.5%
FREUD 3.3%
FORREST 2.4%
LIE-NIELSEN 1.5%
WOODPECKERS 1.1%
KREG TOOL 0.9%
WILLIAM NG WOODWORKS 0.7%
SENECA WOODWORKING 0.7%
KNEW CONCEPTS 0.6%
RTS ENGINEERING 0.6%
INCRA 0.6%
SABURR TOOTH 0.5%
MICROJIG INC. 0.5%
GEOFFREY NODEN 0.4%
WOODHAVEN 0.4%
JORGENSEN CLAMP 0.4%
INFINITY CUTTING TOOLS 0.4%
M-POWER 0.4%
TENRYU 0.3%
ROCKLER 0.3%
BENCH DOG TOOLS 0.3%
JESSEM TOOL 0.3%
PEGAS 0.2%
MICROPLANE 0.1%
IGAGING 0.1%
MCHENRY TECHNOLOGY 0.1%
41.0%
WOODCARVING & PYROGRAPHY
FOREDOM 5.1%
RAZERTIP 2.3%
IBEX 1.9%
ARBORTECH 1.8%
FLEXCUT TOOL CO. 0.6%
IWASAKI 0.5%
PAUL BEEBE KNIVES 0.4%
BENCHMADE 0.2%
DREMEL 0.2%
13.1%
Stuart
Thanks for the interesting breakdown!
I considered doing something similar, by my records only list date, vendor, and dollar amounts. I do have a “ToolGuyd’s Tools” list in the works, but it’s going to take a lot more work before it’s ready.
Yadda
Another great year in the can. Keep up the good work!
John Blair
The consolidation in the tool industry really showed in 2013. There seemed to be much less innovation and more and more similar products under different labels.
We’ve seen enough 20v Max products, heated jackets, brushless drills, etc. I look forward to the Dewalt Brushless Nailer. I’d also love to see someone knock off the Festool Domino (or a half price sale).
Jerry
Stuart, what are your plans for ToolGuyd in the future? Are you going to keep doing what you are doing, on a bigger scale, or expand into a wider variety of items to test?
Just curious on your thoughts of where you want to go from here.
Stuart
What other types of tools do you want to see more of on ToolGuyd?
I can tell you right now with absolute certainty that I have no shortage of tools to preview, review, and discuss in 2014. The only thing I’m short on is time.
I will continue to focus more on tool types that readers and visitors have shown stronger interest for in the past, but will mix in more about the types of tools I use more regularly.
I plan to test out a few changes for reviews. My policy has been to test tools in a controlled manner and naturally, but that “testing tools naturally” part has really slowed me down.
More videos. Hopefully better videos. Preferably, more and better videos.
There are a few things I’d like to do to standardize my drill/driver testing, as this is a tool category of near-universal interest. Maybe a rating system? Torque/power testing? Standardized testing will require planning and budgeting, and I’m not sure the interest will be strong enough to justify the expenditure.
More projects. There are so many things on the drawing board, but I’ve been slow to get things done.
Site-wide tweaks, improvements, and updates. e.g. the contact page could really use an overhaul.
I have a lot of great content already planned, but am always eager for suggestions and requests.
fred
Your stats indicate that you are doing it right – so the trick would seem to be how to continue to keep it fresh – maintain your current readership and appeal to new ones. As you may have guessed, I’ve been a “toolaholic” for many years – probably starting as a young boy in the 1950’s in my Great Grandfather’s shop. Much of my professional career involved the use of machine and hand tools – and I spent six to seven figures per year – for many years acquiring, maintaining and updating them. Some of what I bought was cutting-edge – but some was older than I am – and some of these tools are still very much in use (OSHA upgrading included in some cases) . This is not to suggest that you change your blog to devote time to antiques – but there is a continuing (and I think building) interest in traditional hand tools and techniques. I’m sure that you take your cues from what’s sold in the mass market (HD, Lowes, Sears etc.) as being the strongest part of the market. With the emergence of the Internet market – the Amazon best seller lists are probably another clue as to what has most appeal. I was drawn to your site (first seeing you as a commenter on the apparently defunct Toolmonger) as a place to get a feeling for some of what was new – and how that might help me improve productivity. In retirement – I’m still interested – but now it’s more about how I can do things easier, safer or with more enjoyment. As you may have gleaned from my breakdown of 2013 purchases I’ve put a Festool Domino XL to work – with the help of some nice aftermarket add-ons from Seneca and RTS. This has been a big game changer for me. I’ve also decided that shoveling snow (I did the smaller parts myself) – while good exercise – is better left to younger folks – so I bought my first snow thrower. A long put off flooring project was facilitated with a Powernail’s pneumatic tool (I was dreading using my old hand-actuated PortaNailer) – but the hand planes I added to my collection – have also been put to good use – and so on.
Stuart
While I’m not very interested in the process of researching, finding, and restoring antique tools, I am interested in traditional hand tools and joinery. I have been slowly becoming more and more proficient, and it has been a slow but ongoing process.
Toolmonger was a long time ago for me. First I was a frequent commenter, then I was a writer, and then I took a break to focus on my research and studies. I started spending more time on tool-related forums, but the itch to talk about tools just never went away. Here we are, 5 years later.
Jerry
You do great on tool reviews, I like the format/style you use. Direct and to the point, yet detailed enough to include intangibles like ‘feel’, etc. If time is your main constraint I sure don’t want to ad to your workload, but have you considered accessories or clothing? Like what is your favorite tool belt? Are there truly comfortable boots that will keep your feet warm/dry all afternoon on a cold/muddy/snowy jobsite? Do those hearing protectors that are supposed to allow you to hear normal conversations really work? Which goggles don’t fog over, which fit over prescription glasses?
I know tools are your mainstay, hence the ToolGuyd, but anyone who uses tools to any extent, would find that extra info handy.
Oh, and I am a (very casual) knife collector, and was curious if you ever did performance tests for knives. By that I mean a stay-sharp type of test. I would be curious to know if the premium steels like Elmax or the friction-forged D2 are really worth the cost.
Stuart
Work clothes – I have a few that I’ve tested but haven’t reviewed yet. In general I like Carhartt.
Favorite tool belt – I bought a bunch of ToughBuilt stuff 2 years ago but wore the tool belt maybe twice. I don’t really use tool belts, which is why I haven’t reviewed many yet.
Comfortable boots – Keen. I have a pair of taller steel toe boots that they sent over a while ago that I love, and soft toe waterproof hikers that I love for more casual work. I wear Smartwool, Darn Tough, and other wool socks year-round.
Hearing protection – I’ve been meaning to pick up a pair of Surefire ear buds that allow for normal conversations, but they don’t seem to provide a lot of dampening unless you plug them up. These have been on my wishlist for a while. Eventually I might try earmuffs with conversational frequency pass-thru, but haven’t considered them strongly yet.
Goggles – they all fog over. Dewalt offers rebranded Radians that I love, and Uvex also makes decent goggles. The Dewalt/Radians are a firmer fit, Uvex are more comfortable but feel larger. I wear glasses and haven’t found good over-the-glasses safety glasses, so I wear goggles for everything.
I don’t do knife performance tests, as it’s too subjective to say that one is sharper. It’s also somewhat moot as users can always sharpen and hone their knives to have finer edges.
Jerry
Thanks for the reply. Do you have a rubber insulated work boot you like? I’m using Mucks right now, comfy, but I think I’m going to need something warmer.
Stuart
I haven’t had the need for rubber insulated work boots yet.
Joe C.
I understand what I am about to ask would take way too much time, however, it might be a cool “one off” type post.
I am a hobbyist/DIY person. I have my regular day job and fix/build things for the enjoyment on weekends (you know, outside of the honey-do list). Since there is a very limited budget, and most DIYers are learning as they go, I think it would be neat to see an article comparing two ways of doing the same thing with different tools.
I.E. if you were fixing a leak and only had access to a limited set of tools, what would they be, and why (pulling from your reviews as explanations similar to the neat Maker Tools Buying guide). Or, I built item A with a knock-off soldering station and a high-end station; here’s what you’re missing using the knock-off’s, time it took for set up from one brand to another, etc.
In similar fashion, a list of tools in tier’s, your top tier being highest rated (for miter saws Tier A Makita, Ridgid, Bosch; tier B Dewalt, Milwaukee; tier C Chicago electric and Craftsman).
Thank you for the hard work and excellent site.
Stuart
I actually don’t do a lot of DIY repair work. We hope to move to a house this year, and so that will probably change.
A while ago I discussed my precision screwdriver and wire stripping tools purchasing decisions, but I think the Maker Tool Buying Guide might be a better format. I ultimately intend to put together informational bundles about different approaches for certain tasks, such as drilling holes in sheet metal, cross-cutting wood, and so forth, but it takes a lot of time and there’s not as much interest.
It is tough to list and compare different tiers of tools as well, but I could aim for “economical,” “better,” and “best” selection guides. I tested the waters with last year’s cordless drill guide and refined it with the recent cordless oscillating tools guide. Interest in these posts has not been particularly strong, but at the very least it helps me consolidate thoughts in one place.
Blair
Fred,
Thanks for reminding me that you, and Stuart were also loyal toomonger fans. As sad as it is to see that site with no activity, this site has been a daily read since it’s inception (I do hope things are ok with Chuck, & Sean, good guys from my correspondence with them).
Stuart, you are doing us all a great service with this site, and I for one hope you have nothing but prosperity in the new year
Stuart
I believe Chuck and Sean are both well, and that they simply fell into other priorities. The time and effort required to keep an online publication going can be staggering. I find it to be extremely rewarding, but it’s not easy nor effortless.
Thanks for the kind words and warm sentiments! Readers like yourself make the endeavor even more worth it.
DanG
Stuart, I really enjoy ready your articles. Don’t give up on us readers. Your articles are flourishing with intellect and are brilliantly written. I’ve truly had a great reading experience with your columns last year. Keep up the wonderful job.
Adam
Congrats on you growth in 2013 Stuey. It’s hard maintaining a website and updating it consistently but you do a great job. I’m sure 2014 will be an even better year for you.