If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!
Working in tight spots is difficult from the start; working in tight dark spots can quickly turn into a nightmare. But while a Screwdriver Light would be useful, the obvious reaction would be that only a handyman would need it.
Yes… and no.
It would definitely be helpful for a carpenter, for example, but even a regular DYI-ing Joe would use it. Hell, anyone who’s ever built an IKEA shelf would. Those things have screws in the weidest places!
This disc easily attaches to a screwdriver and the three LEDs shed light on the screw in question. Best yet, it’s magnetic, so it can also be attached to metal surfaces if needed.
How much under $29.99?
A lot: $8.95 on LeeValley.com.
Via BoingBoing
Is it a tool or an accessory for a rave party? Both, apparently, as weird as it sounds.
The Wrist Light is a bracelet with 4 LEDs that is supposed to make it easier to work in dark places. Holding a flashlight is indeed difficult at times, but we use it because it can shine a lot of light on a single spot - exactly what this gadget won’t do.
Diffuse light further obscured by hands that will get in the way? Perhaps a good idea when nothing better’s available, but don’t throw away those flashlights.
(P.S. Yes, the product description does recommend it for parties too. Dance around for a bit, fix the cupboard in the basement, dance some more!)
How much under $29.99?
Some: $19.99 for a set of 2 on ComputerGear.com.
Via bookofjoe
Oh, why didn’t I find this during the Great Paint Job of ‘08? Before I had to sacrifice a perfectly good pot…
The Magnetic Paintbrush Holder is such an obvious solution for the eternal question of “what do I do with the dirty paintbrush?”… so why isn’t it in all stores already? It takes all of 5 seconds to set up (i.e. clip to the rim of the can) and then you can rest the paintbrush against the magnet. Quick and simple, no victims among the pot population and the paint drips back in the can for super-efficiency.
If you’re planning to do some painting around the house, there’s no reason not to make it easier with this $3.50 tool.
How much under $29.99?
A lot: $3.50 on LeeValley.com.
Via bookofjoe
The Finger Grip Socket Set starts off as a very good idea: tightening screws in small spots can be a pain, mostly because a wrench simply can’t fit in all corners. Doing it by hand would save a lot of trouble… too bad you can’t actually do it with this set.
What you can do is start threading a nut, since the bolt can’t pass through it. And even if it could, the plastic socket wouldn’t be able to withstand the pressure… not to mention that the zip tie grip looks very difficult to remove from the finger.
The set is an impressive effort, with 10 US sizes (3/16″ to 9/16″) and 10 metric sizes (6mm to 15mm), but with very limited use unfortunately.
How much under $29.99?
Some: $19.99 on WhateverWorks.com.
Via OhGizmo!
“Wrap rage” is an apt term for the feeling one gets when trying to open a new electronic component and finding it’s nearly impossible. Even the simplest thing sometimes seems to be protected from a nuclear disaster.
But the Zibra Open It Universal Package Opener is here to help. This pair of special scissors can open sealed clam shell packages with ease and will make many people’s life easier. Even better: it comes with a safety razor and a screwdriver for handy work around the house, so it’s good to have around even when the place is not overflowing with packages.
How much under $29.99?
A lot: $9.83 in our store, powered by Amazon.com.
Via GearDiary
Powertool enthusiasts know the brand Black & Decker well. Although the B&D 8-Inch Auto Wrench doesn’t quite fall in that category (not being that powerful and all), it’s still not a run-of-the-mill tool.
It doesn’t require much effort on the part of the DYIer or the specialist: it automatically adjusts to any size nut or bolt up to 1-1/4-inch at touch of button. It even comes with the batteries, but that makes it weigh 1.3 pounds - it’s not exactly light. Apart from the no-effort operation, it boasts professional heat-treated hardened steel which provides 220 foot-pounds of torque.
Not the kind of thing dad would use every day… but mine would sure love one for the sheer novely factor.
How much under $29.99?
A little: $20.99 in our store, powered by Amazon.com.
Via DVICE
You can never have too many multitools. Hm, let me rephrase that. You can never consider too many multitools until you get the perfect one. These little gadgets can be very useful to carry around, but you need to have the right one. If it does 18 things, but not the one you actually need…
The Gerber Artifact has 8 tools in one: Phillips screwdriver, lanyard, bottle opener, pry bar, wire stripper, 2 flathead screwdrivers and a knife (with standard #11 replacement blades). It’s about the size of a cigarette lighter and it sounds just right for someone into tinkering with electronics. Not so much for a mountaineer, however; remember to choose the right tool for the job, as I said.
The Artifact also makes a better present than all the other multitools I’ve seen. What’s so special? Nothing about the tool itself, but the company offers very affordable engraving so it’s easy to personalize it for the DYI fan in your life.
How much under $29.99?
A lot: $9.99 on Gerber-Tools.com.
Via BoingBoing
Tools have made life easier ever since the first caveman invented the first flint knife. However, sometimes using your hands just works better; utensils are still an extension, not a part of our bodies.
I bet this is what the inventers of the Finger Tongs considered. Kids often get burned trying to pick up hot things because it’s simply the most convenient way to do it… so a silicone “glove” that lets you use your hands instead of a pair of tongs is a very cool idea.
This is one of those times when you don’t need to feel guilty you don’t read the instructions. It’s that easy. Put hand inside Finger Tongs, pick up fried bacon, no blisters, yay food!
How much under $29.99?
Some: $18 on FusionBrands.com.
Just because you’re camping it doesn’t mean you’re supposed to be eating off the grass. A compact set of eating utensils is a must for anyone wants to leave civilization but still preserve a bit of comfort.
The Light My Fire Outdoor MealKit has pretty much everything you need when eating outdoors: two plates, a spill-free cup with lid, a combined colander and cutting board, a “spork” (spoon + fork) and a waterproof box. The fit right into each other, so the set takes up little space, and they’re very easy to clean (very important when dish detergent is far away). Plus (not that it matters very much), the girly side of me is happy that there’s 9 colors to choose from.
Now all you need to do is throw the kit in the backpack, add some cans, eggs, cheese and veggies and you can be on your way.
How much under $29.99?
Some: $19.99 in our store, powered by Amazon.com.
If you’re new to cooking, you are dead without a timer. Yes, grandma knows how the cake is supposed to look like when it’s done, but she’s been doing it for 40 years; you don’t stand a chance.
More things cooking = more timers to keep track of. But alas, the oven only has one… The Double Timer steps in to help. It has two independent timers in one, which means you’ll have 3 separate timers in your kitchen… should be enough for most situations.
However… there is one tiny issue. It looks the same on both sides, so how are you supposed to remember which is which?
How much under $29.99?
Some: $16 on UncommonGoods.com.
Via Coolest Gadgets
