On the always-inspiring Takuwoodcraft, Takurou shows how he made a simple, clever clamping work piece holder out of a butt hinge and some scrap wood. It would be great for door planing.

Comparing Lithium and Alkaline Battery Performance

In this Project Farm video, Todd tests 26 Lithium and Alkaline AA battery brands. He tests for total milliamp hour capacity, internal resistance, initial voltage, performance in subfreezing temperatures, and performance in a flashlight over a 5.5 hour test. Not surprisingly, the Lithiums ran rings around the Alkalines. He found a performance/price sweet spot in the PKCELL AA lithium at $1.33/ea (at time of testing). That’s still around 3x the cost of Alkaline, but especially in applications where you need long-term performance and reliability, it’s worth the extra cost.

The Problem with Cheap 1-2-3 Blocks

In this fun, snarky Stumpy Nubs video, James prattles on about “Big Block,” the shadowy corporate conspiracy to sell us all cheap 1-2-3 blocks. He makes clear that all such blocks are not created equal. He claims that, as 1-2-3 blocks, known to machinists for decades, became increasingly popular among woodworkers and popular YouTube makers, Chinese manufacturers decided to get in on the action by producing cheap blocks that aren’t really up to the precision standards of machinist blocks. They cut corners on things like the threaded attachment holes (only threading half the depth), impacting the ability to attach blocks together into precise stacks and right angles. The video is basically advertainment for Taylor Toolworks’ 123 Block Attachment Hardware Kit. It has the fasteners (and tools) you need to attach blocks from the inside so that they properly line up and don’t leave any hardware proud. I have a large collection of 1-2-3 blocks and also swear by the Taylor Tools kit.

Under $2 Pocket Notebooks

For decades, I’ve carried a Moleskine Cahiers notebook in my shirt pocket. When I went to reorder a pack (of 3) recently, they were out of stock, so I bought a cheaper alternative. Instead of three 3.5” x 5.5” blank Moleskines for $13, I got six Twone-brand notebooks for $10. I love them and don’t expect to switch back. They have good quality cover stock and internal pages. They don’t have perforated, removable pages, but I rarely use that feature anyway. They do have fewer pages. The Moleskine has 80 pages, the Twone has 60. But that’s a feature for me, not a bug. My notebooks get pretty beaten up and bent, so switching them out sooner keeps them in better shape.

More Praise for the iMini Flashlight

The iMini flashlight I raved about here and gave away as a holiday promotion is continuing to make a splash across the makersphere. In this See Jane Drill video, Leah expresses her enthusiasm for this awesome little tool-of-the-moment

Poor Org in Plain Sight

For the past three years or so, I’ve gone to bed every night with no place to easily offload books, magazines, comic books, and papers (whatever I’m reading before bedtime). The top of the low bookshelves by our bed has only had room for a water glass and my glasses. The rest of the surface was filled with carved wooden boxes, framed art, remotes, my phone charger, pens and markers, etc. Lying there the other night, staring at the top, I realized that two-thirds of what was on it didn’t need to be there. I even had a bunch of available space on the bottom shelf. The next day, I cleaned up, moved things to the lower shelves, and now I have a generous space to plop down whatever is in my hands when it’s time to kiss the Mrs. goodnight and turn the lights out.

To me, this is a stellar example of the kind of organizational blindness we often acquire in areas that we don’t think of as needing evaluation and re-organization. It’s embarrassing to me that I went so long annoyed by the lack of temporary bedside storage without ever stopping to actually do anything about it. It only took a few minutes and it makes a huge difference.

If you look around your own living and working environs, where might you be tolerating a small, solvable annoyance simply because you’ve stopped seeing it a long time ago? Pick one such blind spot today and fix it. It’ll take less time than you think, and the relief will be immediate.

Consider a Paid Subscription

Gar’s Tips & Tools is free. But if you really like what I’m throwing down and want to support it, please consider a paid subscription. Same great taste, more cheddar to help keep me in mini flashlights. Plus, I’ll occasionally pick paid subscribers at random and send them little treats, tools, or tip-related treasures.

Your support keeps this whole Rube Goldberg-style contraption lovingly cobbled together and running…smoothly (enough). Thank you!

Special thanks to Hero of the Realm members: Moses Hawk, Jim Coraci, Donobster, Peter Sugarman, and Will Phillips for your generous support.

My latest maker video obsession is Asian street food vendors on Instagram. Not only is it mesmerizing to watch the videos and try to figure out what they’re making, but the various ovens, grills, hot-tops, and purpose-built tools are fascinating. One leit motif throughout them all? Eggs. Over 75% of the food items are egg-based. This reminded me of my friend Andrew Lawler’s amazing book, Why Did the Chicken Cross the World?, a surprising page-turner that details the history of the domesticated chicken and how it has literally fueled the march of civilization. (And it is apparently still fueling the street diners of Asia.)

Top Project Farm Products Tested Last Year

In his year-end roundup from 2025, Todd from Project Farm details his top ten highest-rated tools. It’s comforting to me to have folks like Todd in the world who are not only passionate about tools but who take the time to rigorously test them. Some of my favorites on his list: Wolfbox Air Duster, Civivi Folding Pocket Knife, Dreo Space Heater, and the Craftsman Screwdriver Set.

4-Color Prints from Rattle Can Paint?

There’s a particular kind of joy that comes from misusing a perfectly respectable technology. This Wesley Treat video scratches that itch.

Wesley applies the logic of CMYK printing (those tiny cyan, magenta, yellow, and black dots that trick your eyes into seeing color photographs) and scales it up. Instead of ink, he uses rattle can spray paint. Instead of printer rollers, he uses laser-cut blocks and Mylar stencils. Instead of precision registration, he embraces drift, overspray, and happy accidents.

What makes this especially satisfying is that it’s not a tutorial striving for a guaranteed outcome, but a series of playful experiments. Up close, the prints proudly announce how they’re made. Step back, and your brain obligingly creates the illusion of a halftone. Fun stuff.

Tested Team’s Best of 2025

Watching the Tested team’s favorite tools and miscellaneous geekery at the end of each year is always a treat. Tools, what they enable, and the possibilities they offer, are so very important to me, so it’s always fun to see what inspired other smart and thoughtful tool enthusiasts. For Adam Savage’s favorites, he includes some eye-openers, like UV glue and cabinet scrapers.

The big aha for me was the magnetic flexible LED work lights. These are cheap, corded flex-shaft LED lights that you can mount on machines via their magnetic base. I found out they’re also called “sewing machine lights” and you can get three of them for $20. They even come with adhesive metal disks so you can mount them to just about any non-ferrous surface, too. I added one to the side of a plastic parts cabinet for extra illumination on my workbench. You can also see last year’s favorites from Norm, Jen, Sean, Kayte, and the entire Tested team here.

Which Wood is Worth Burning?

In this Country Living piece, UK homesteader, Sally Coulthard, shares her advice on seasoning, stacking, and burning firewood. Here she shares the best four woods to burn:

Oak: The king of firewood, oak burns slowly and creates long-lasting heat right through to the embers stage. Needs two years’ seasoning.

Ash: Another excellent hardwood for fires. Burns well with no sparking. Needs at least 18 months’ seasoning.

Birch: Burns well but quite fast – best mixed with a slower fuel, such as oak. The papery bark is great for kindling. Needs at least a year’s seasoning.

Beech: Very good firewood – burns well with few sparks and one log can last for hours in the fire. Needs two years’ seasoning.

Makers Gotta Eat!

Food tips too good not to share

The moment bread, cake, crackers, chips, and similar foods are exposed to air, moisture starts escaping out, and air creeps in, and “fresh” quickly turns into “why are we keeping this?”

Paper bags, cardboard boxes, foil tents, and loose cling film might give the illusion of preservation, but they aren’t airtight. Drying and going stale aren’t just about time; they’re about airflow.

Example: A loaf of French bread left in its paper sleeve turns into a Stone Age club by the next morning. The same loaf, cut to fit and dropped into a Ziplock bag, stays soft for days.

If you want food to last, think about sealing it, not covering it. Push the air out. Seal it tight. Air will win eventually. Your job is to make it work harder (and your food — and your dollars — last longer).

Consider a Paid Subscription

Gar’s Tips & Tools is free. But if you really like what I’m throwing down and want to support it, please consider a paid subscription. Same great taste, more cheddar to help keep me in surge protectors. Plus, I’ll occasionally pick paid subscribers at random and send them little treats, tools, or tip-related treasures.

Your support keeps this whole Rube Goldberg-style contraption lovingly cobbled together and running…smoothly (enough). Thank you!

Special thanks to Hero of the Realm members: Jim Coraci, Donobster, Peter Sugarman, and Will Phillips for your generous support.

I love it when smart and talented makers that I follow give their annual tool recommendations. Case-in-point is Chris Notap’s tool gift guide for 2025. Every one of these is a winner, from the “I am totally ordering a bunch of these for presents” Olight iMini flashlight to the “I also have and highly recommend” DeWalt Oscillating Tool. Besides being a great tool, it will always have a soft spot in my heart ‘cause it’s the last tool my dear ol’ dad gave to me before he died. Other standouts include the Knipex 12” pliers wrench, which looks amazing, the Apple AirTag battery life extender, and the BlueDriver Bluetooth car scan tool.

Tips & Tricks for Using JB Weld

David Riddle’s video on J-B Weld (and J-B Kwik) is one of those tutorials that instantly upgrades your knowledge and approach to a material or process. His whole philosophy for using J-B Weld boils down to: Preparation is everything. Sand until you’ve got some adequate tooth, clean with acetone, mix on something non-absorbent (don’t use paper, card, etc.), spread a thin, even film (he uses a plastic knife like it was a tiny mason’s trowel), and warm the epoxy so it flows into the tooth instead of sitting on the bonding surface. No heavy clamping, no cardboard mixing trays, no wishing. Just clean surfaces, good texture, and slow-cure J-B Weld doing what it does best.

Some Practical 3D Printed Tools

As you likely know, there’s such a profusion of 3D printable tools out there (with many of them less than adequate as serious tool replacements) that the whole category of videos about them are easy to ignore. In this video, Peter Brown prints and tests five actually useful tools. The big aha for me here was the hex-key handles. I hate futzing with hex-keys, especially went you can’t bring proper torque to bear. These handsome little handles solve for that. Other stand-out prints include a snappy one-handed broom hook, a router bits organizer (from Zack Freedman’s Gridfinity system), and a rare earth magnet dispenser.

The History of the Allen Hex Key Wrench

We are all intimately familiar with that little L-shaped tool that carries a dude’s name. The Allen hex key wrench is so ordinary it’s basically shop and household wallpaper. Yet its impact on manufacturing and domestic life are undeniable. This episode of History of Simple Things (a channel I just discovered) explores how a small Hartford company, and an engineer named William G. Allen, helped de-thrown the slippery, injury-prone slotted screw and reshape modern manufacturing in the process. It’s a century-long tale of safety, standardization, and one odd bit of branding that stuck like Velcro and Kleenex. The video is a reminder that even the homeliest of tools have hidden lineages worth appreciating, especially the ones rattling around the bottoms of your kitchen junk drawers.

Regularly Rethinking Your Org

I’m not the most organized person in the world. I’m not terrible—I have my moments of clarity and tidy thinking, but I’m not obsessive or even particularly consistent about it. An example: For years I’ve had a 5-drawer wooden rolly cart by my workbench. I have most of my day-to-day tools on or around the bench, and this cart has additional tools and drawers organized by different activities: small supplies, painting, sanding, etc. Only the top drawer is tool-devoted, and over the years, it has become crammed with tools. Yesterday, I realized that the top drawer includes tools I use on a regular basis mixed in with tools I rarely use. This while some drawers in the cart are filled with materials I might only use once or twice a year. So, I moved those materials to shelves and created two tool drawers: one for everyday tools, one for special-use tools. I can already tell what a difference this will make as I quickly reach for a tool and don’t have to spend 5-minutes shifting and untangling stuff to get it in hand. The takeaway for me is that I’m going to start re-organizational thinking on a regular cadence (every quarter?). Pick some area of my shop and ask myself: Is this really the right system? How am I actually using the space and the tools, supplies, and materials within it? What can I improve?” I don’t do this type of thinking nearly enough. Do you?

Maker’s Muse

Some real eye-opening and inspiring ideas here for gates, doors, windows, skylights, pool covers, and more.

Do You Need an Artistic License?

I created this Artistic License years ago and have been selling them every holiday season. I hear from people all the time that they still have theirs in their wallet and get a kick out of it when they encounter it. Come on, admit it, we all want to feel like we have artistic license. I sell them for $5 each, postpaid, or 5 for $20 (pp). Foreign orders require the exact shipping cost. Message me at garethbranwyn@mac.com if interested.

Your Chance to Win a Flashlight!

I was so intrigued by the Olight iMini flashlight that Chris Notap recommended above that I immediately bought one, and man, is it a cool little bit o’ kit. It’s everything he says and more. Every keychain (and home, car, boat, shop) needs one. So, I decided to give three of them to newsletter readers!

Here’s how it works:

• Every existing newsletter subscriber will get one entry in the drawing. Paid subscribers will bet two entries.

• For everyone who brings on a new subscriber, you’ll get one drawing entry for each new signee (just email me the addresses they used to sign up).

• For everyone that upgrades to a paid subscription, you will get three entries.

I will do the drawing on Dec 16th and have the lights direct-shipped immediately. I can only mail to US subscribers. If you are out of the country and you win, I will send you a PDF copy of my book Tips and Tales from the Workshop, Vol. 2.

How to Sand in Tiny Spaces

Most of my readers, especially the more hobby-minded and small project makers, likely know about sanding rods, twigs, sticks, and other specialty tools designed for small-parts sanding. But sometimes, even these solutions can’t cut it. This Model Car Muse video takes a long time to deliver its core idea… TL;DR: Use the tip of a chop stick or small dowel and circles of sandpaper cut with a hole punch and glued onto it. I am definitely going to make a few of these.

Push Reel Mowers

From the Tools for Possibilities newsletter comes this ode to the manual push mower:

Easiest hand mower

Brill Push Mower

When I first realized that my housemates were serious about me using a push mower to cut our yard, I was a little skeptical. Eventually I was won over by the environmental benefits and the sense of accomplishment that I received from using a “reel mower.” The first mower we purchased is literally called the “Prison reel mower” and I wouldn’t recommend it. The Brill Luxus 38 Reel Mower on the other hand is a sweet piece of engineering. It is very light at 17 pounds, weather resistant, and has variable height ranges. It feels good in your hands and seems very well designed. Now that I use it, I wouldn’t even consider buying a gas or electric powered mower for an average size yard. But let me warn you, using a manual mower is physically much harder, takes more time, and is very difficult if not impossible with tall grass (which means regular mowing). Whether you choose to look at that as an environmentally friendly and money-saving workout or a punishment is up to you. — Patrick Chen

My lawn mowing days are long over, but if I was still able-bodied enough, I would definitely spring for one of these. As Kevin Kelly points out in the comments, dull blades on push mowers is what makes them a chore to use, and sharpening is hard (or expensive). The Brill mower is allegedly designed in such a way that the manufacturer claims it only needs a sharpen every eight years.

TOYS! Tiny Rulers Rule!

One of my favorite moments of tool-love discovery is when I find a tool that’s an instant aha and I want to smack my forehead for going so long without understanding its indispensable utility. Enter the diminutive 6” ruler. I love rulers and I have all sorts of them: printer’s ruler, desk rulers, carpenter’s square, machinist’s ruler, sewing gauge, etc. But they’re all at least a foot long. It had never occurred to me to get a 6” ruler until I saw a hobby modeler using one and they pointed out something I understood all too well: Your workbench gets covered in stuff, then you go to, say cut some polystyrene, and you have to move everything out of the way so your 12” or 15” ruler can lay flat on the cutting mat. For small-scale work, the 6-incher solves that beautifully. And, for under $6, you get three. I now have one at each of my workstations.

Extension Cord and Power Strip No-Nos

It’s coming upon that time of the year when the unknowing play electrical-cord fire roulette with their extension cords and power strips. CNet has a service journalism piece on 7 devices to keep far away from extension cords and power strips. I assume Gar’s Tips & Tools readers know these basic extension cord fire hazard scenarios already (space heaters, toaster ovens, microwaves, etc.). But just in case…

Here’s the TL;DR:

“…The big thing to keep in mind regarding extension cords is to never use them with ‘any appliances whatsoever.’ He also said that your average home extension cords [and by that I assume he means 16- and 14-guage cords -ed] shouldn’t be used for anything above 15 amps (1,800 watts), regardless of where or how the device operates. With power strips and surge protectors, those should only be paired with electronics.”

Which Adhesive is Best for HDPE Plastic

In this video, Hacks By Dad tests 13 different tapes, glues, and epoxies to determine which is the stronger bond between two HDPE bottle caps. The caps were glued together and then subjected to a weight-pulling jig. The top three winners were JB KwikWeld (at 20.2 lbs of holding power), Gorilla 5-min Epoxy (25.8 lbs.), and… the winner is: Dap Rapid Rise (at 27.6 lbs). For mounting tape, Duck brand hung on for an impressive 19.8 lbs. before failure.

How to Repair Broken Plastic

In more plastic makery news: I have always been intrigued by plastic hot staple welding. In this Chris Notap video, he gives one a go on a split recycling can. If you’re gonna repair anything plastic, your recycling can seems top o’ the list. We have a split in out municipal recycling bin. Maybe I’ll try to hot staple weld it rather than turning it in for a new one. The kit he used is cheap, at $35, and there are ones under $20. Since this is not a high-use tool for most of us, a cheap tool is probably good enough.

Consider a Paid Subscription

Gar’s Tips & Tools is free. But if you really like what I’m throwing down and want to support it, please consider a paid subscription. Same great taste, more cheddar to help keep me in tattoo wash bottles. Plus, I’ll occasionally pick paid subscribers at random and send them little treats, tools, or tip-related treasures.

Your support keeps this whole Rube Goldberg contraption lovingly cobbled together and running…smoothly (enough). Thank you!

Special thanks to Hero of the Realm members: Jim Coraci, Donobster, Peter Sugarman, and Will Phillips for your generous support.

I have long flirted with the idea of making my own tabletop spray booth. In this episode of Steady Craftin, everyone’s favorite puppet crafter, The Crafsman, shows how he built a pretty swanky booth on the cheap — at least most of it was cheap. He started with a simple storage tote, a furnace filter, and an under-cabinet light. He finished it off with a $180 Mounto fan. You can probably get away with something less expensive, but never use a brushed box fan for something like this. The beauty of using a fan like the Mounto is that it is guaranteed explosion-proof. Sparks are not your friend here, so you want to make sure you use a brushless-motor. I’ve seen a number of small booth projects using HVAC inline duct fans (available for around $30).

TOYS! El Cheapo Cordless Rotary Tool

When I saw this rotary tool on Amazon for a mere seventeen bones, I knew I couldn’t resist. The reviews were decent and… well… $17! At first, I was disappointed. It doesn’t have a lot of torque, and it binds easily and shuts off. It is definitely not a replacement for my corded rotary tools. But now that I’ve learned its limitations and eccentricities, I love having it on my hobby bench. For small (especially plastic) sanding and shaping jobs, light cutting, drilling through softer plastics, it’s great. Did I mention $17?

Carpenter’s Pencil Pro Tips

You probably already know some of the benefits of carpenter pencils (they’re flat so they don’t roll, they’re about 1/4” so you can use them as a crude ruler, they make a convenient spacer for deck boards, etc.). But Scott of Essential Craftsman is always droppin’ the science, digging deeper on tricks of the trade. Here, he runs through different methods for sharpening the graphite for different marking use, how to use them for measuring, marking, scribing, and more. You always learn something in one of Scott’s videos.

Understanding Benchtop Power Supplies

In Becky Stern’s latest video for DigiKey, she offers a clear, beginner’s guide to benchtop power supplies. These adjustable DC power units let you dial in the exact voltages and current for your circuit projects. Unlike batteries or wall adapters, they provide precision, built-in protection, and flexibility that make them indispensable for prototyping, debugging, and testing, and all serious benchtop electronics work. Becky explains key features (digital displays, coarse and fine adjustments, constant voltage vs. constant current modes), demonstrates practical uses like measuring current draw to size batteries, reviving rechargeable cells, and simulating weak power conditions, and offers tips for safe operation: set current limits first, double-check polarity, and start low and slow. She also points out what to look for when shopping for a supply, such as low ripple and noise for clean, reliable power.

The Uncommon Pleasures of Battery Rolling

It’s the little things. Like squeezing every last bit o’ juice from two measly AAA batteries. I don’t know about you, but I get a surprising kick out twisting the batteries in my remote control to keep them going for as long as possible. Infrared remotes don’t need a lot of juice, so battery rolling (or switching the batts around in the bay) can often keep them in service longer. We’ve had the same AAA batteries in our Samsung TV remote for years and I’ve become somewhat obsessed with seeing how long I can extend their life. Rolling batteries helps redistribute the electrolyte in them, giving you a short-lived boost. Switching them around can sometimes get more juice out of the weaker one(s). OK, so all a little silly for something that’s a couple o’ bucks for two, but as I said… the little things.

Shop Talk

Tips & Tools readers join in the conversation

I’ve recommended these inexpensive 20w LED shop lights a number of times over the years and I’m always thrilled when I get email (with pics) from readers who buy them and are as impressed as I am. You get six 4’, 2200lm, 6500K Super Bright White fixtures that can be daisy chained (up to 8 fixtures) for $43 — that’s just over $7 each! A few weeks ago, I got an email from my old pal Steven Roberts (the venerable high-tech nomad). He’s installed them in his mobile shop and is loving them. Looking good, Steve! Love your organization system, too!

Consider a Paid Subscription

Gar’s Tips & Tools is free. But if you really like what I’m throwing down and want to support it, please consider a paid subscription. Same great taste, more cheddar to help keep me in tattoo wash bottles. Plus, I’ll occasionally pick paid subscribers at random and send them little treats, tools, or tip-related treasures.

Your support keeps this whole Rube Goldberg contraption lovingly cobbled together and running…smoothly (enough). Thank you!

Special thanks to Hero of the Realm members: Jim Coraci, Donobster, Peter Sugarman, and Will Phillips for your generous support.

And here are nos. 11-20 of the most clicked-on tools I have shared in this newsletter. Here’s Part 1 in case you missed it.

The Machinist's Bedside Reader

The Machinist’s Bedside Reader is a quirky, practical collection of shop wisdom and anecdotes. I’m thrilled to see this get so much love, especially because it’s from a small press publisher. If you’re a pro or hobby machinist, you need this book! Read my review.

Milwaukee Adjustable Wrench Set

I love when Todd of Project Farm does his product testing shoot outs, and cheap tools outperform (or at least match) their high-priced competitors. So, it was a real shocker when the $25 (at time of testing, now $35) Milwaukee Adjustable Wrench Set (2 wrenches!) performed remarkably well against a $136 Snap-On wrench. This result seemed to get your attention, too. Read my initial post.

Dreo Space Heater (2024 version)

This Dreo Space Heater was another Project Farm recommendation that lots of you checked out when I posted the Project Farm’s Ten Best Tools of 2024.

Kaverme Precision Tweezers Set

I spent so many years trying to do modeling with a pair of splinter tweezers. I felt like a fool for waiting so long before upgrading to big kid tweezers. These make all the difference for manipulating and gluing tiny parts, apply water transfer deals, laying down thread as scale cable/wire runs, and much more. Read my piece from Issue #201.

Jewel Picker

Like a Jedi mind trick for picking up tiny parts. After seeing one of these jewelry pickers recommended by several makers, I decided to get one and have not been disappointed.

iGaging IP54 Electronic Digital Caliper

A strong contender in the accuracy vs. affordability race. I’ve had one of these iGaging calps for years, reach for it on a regular basis, and have never found myself pining for a Mitutoya (OK, that’s not true, but that’s just out of tool fetishism, not actual need).

Fire Bricks

Almost 500 of you clicked on these fire bricks after I wrote about them, but unfortunately, the link was broken. Here’s where you can get a set of 4 bricks for your benchtop.

Mini Electric Drill Pen

I don’t actually own one of these mini drill pens, but it’s next on my list. Amazon currently offers it for $35. I recently got a mini cordless rotary tool for $17 and am loving that thing. Look for a review in the next issue.

Small-Tube Super Glue

Way back in issue #78, I confessed to the world that I was terrible at using super glue. I was buying expensive “pro” brands and quickly gumming up the nozzles and stabbing myself trying to open them. And half the time, I glue myself to myself (but that’s another conversation). It looks like there are other glue-challenged among you because lots of you have clicked on and bought these super glue 12-packs. This is all I use now.

Winsor & Newton Series 7 Kolinsky Sable Brush, Round #1

The finest brush I’ve ever used. Deserves every click it gets. As I point out in this piece, for miniature painting, you don’t need a drawer full of brushes in progressively microscopic sizes, you just need to know how to use a good brush like this well. At over $25, the Series 1 isn’t cheap, but it’s been my go-to brush for the past 15+ years and I’ve only been through two of them. This is a samurai sword for mini painting nerds.

After years of doing this newsletter, I finally had the bright idea to look up which tools my readers actually click on (I’m not the brightest bulb sometimes). Many of them weren’t surprising, given that they are excellent, go-to tools that I raved about here. A few were a fun surprise, like the number one most clicked-on link is… socks! And the tenth? Soup!

Here are the ten most popular tools that I’ve written about (next week I’ll have ten more).

Carhartt Men's Force Performance Work Socks

I’m thrilled to see these socks get so much attention since they’ve been a game-changer for my old feet. Thousands of you checked them out. I hope those of you who bought them are as happy with them as I am (let me know!). Read my review.

WORKPRO 18-in-1 Multi Tool Pliers

No surprise that the Workpro multitool is high on the list. For under 20 bones, this thing is nearly as good as similar tools costing four times more. I’ve lost track of how many I’ve given away. In fact, I’m going to buy another right now and give it away randomly to one of YOU (I’ll announce who in the next regular issue). My review.

Westinghouse King Size Heated Mattress Pad

I’d love to think that not only did over a thousand of you click this link, but you also bought one of these mattress pads and are now singing its praises (OK, and maybe sending a virtual high-five in my direction) as you rest your shop-weary bones on this baby every night. Read my review.

Acetone Pump Dispenser

At only 2 for $7, these little pump dispensers have become one of my favorite tools on my workbench. My review.

werka Digital Caliper

I haven’t tried these calps yet myself, but Todd from Project Farm says they test amazingly high given their low price and that’s enough for me to confidently recommend them. Todd knows his stuff.

Barrina LED T5 Shop Light 6-Pack

I’ve talked about these shockingly cheap shop lights for years and know from emails that a number of you have outfitted your workspaces with them and are as happy with them as I am. I’ve had one going non-stop in my garage to test its longevity and it’s still glowing strong four years later! Too many workshops are too dark. Let there be light! Read my initial piece.

Outlet Long Power Strip

These 12-outlet power strips came to me by way of Adam Savage. I wrote about them in issue #176. As Adam points out, in a one-person shop, you don’t likely have to worry about overloading a circuit with so many plugs because you’re not going to be using more than a few devices at once.

Book: Tools and How To Use Them

Lovely to see that so many of you took my recommendation to check out this book, my all-time favorite tome on tools.

Tub O’ Towels Heavy-Duty Cleaning Wipes

These wipes remove regret. I’ve watched a number of “shoot outs” between shop soaps, cleaners, and wipes and these always come out smelling like a rose. Here’s the Tool Bandit using them to clean the handles of mechanics tools.

Dr. McDougall's Vegan Miso Ramen Soup

I see you, fellow noodle nerds. I still have this soup every day for lunch. And every day I marvel at how good it tastes and how relaxing my lunch break is while sipping away at it. Here’s my review.

I’m so happy to see my modeling articles in the latest issue of Make:, the “Props, Models, and Miniatures” issue. I did a piece on “trashbashing” (making hobby models out of kitchen trash) and a collection of modeling, painting, and weathering tips. Bill of Bill Making Stuff has a wonderful sidebar in there, too, with his own trashbashing and modeling tips. These articles present many of my top-level takeaways on modeling for tabletop gaming. Here are a few tippy top tips:

One Brush to Rule Them All — New modelers get sucked into the idea that you need half-a-dozen different miniature-painting brushes, from sizes 0, 00, 000, down to ridiculously small ones like 20-0 and 30-0. These brushes have so few hairs that, by the time you introduce the paint to the model, it has already started to get sticky and dry. It’s best to learn how to use a single brush to do the majority of your miniature painting work. A Windsor & Newton Series 7 Size 1 brush is a perfect go-to brush. Use the very tip of it for fine detail work, apply more pressure for medium coverage, and even more pressure for full coverage. It’s made for water colors, so it can hold a lot of paint. It just takes practice to master. Keep it scrupulously clean and pointed, and it will serve you for years.

The beauty aisle is your friend — There are all sorts of tools and materials for modeling to be found in the drug story beauty aisle (or beauty supply stores): nail polish agitators (paint mixing), nail polish racks (hobby paint holders), fluffy make-up brushes (dry brushing), nail polish remover (acetone), cotton pads and plastic cotton swabs, and much more.

Chop up and recombine — In my trashbash piece, I talk about developing an eye for seeing models in your trash (and how I turned a single crudites platter into a derelict sci-fi outpost town). In Bill Mullaney’s sidebar, he talks about further developing your ability to see specific shapes or textures within those pieces of trash. You don’t have to use the piece as-is. You can cut-up and recombine. Super glue and baking soda go a long way to “welding” all of these recombined pieces together.

Quick lens and canopy effects — Painting a lens or glass canopy white and then glazing it with a colored glaze or art ink of a suitable color (blue, yellow, red, green, etc.) effortlessly creates a pretty convincing glowing lens effect.

Micro-pens for eye pupils (and other tiny details) — You can use fine tip India ink pens to add pupils and other super-fine details to models.

Use art pencils and art chalks — Edge highlighting a model can be hard and takes a steady hand. One way of cheating this is using art pencils. You can draw on edges and raised areas to introduce highlights. Just be careful not to scrape off the underlying paint with the pencils. Cheap art chalks can be ground up and used for dirt, dust, mud, rust, and other weathering effects. Just wear a mask when grinding and applying. That dust is not your friend.

DIY Precision CA Glue Applicators

In more hobby news, this video offers a number of really great tips and tricks for using CA glue in model-making (and beyond). The real aha tip for me is the idea of making your own precision super glue applicators by stretching the barrels of plastic cotton swabs (there’s that beauty aisle again). Plastic stretching is a modeling skill unto itself. I can’t wait to try this out.

Impressive Guide to Woodworking Screws

Joseph of Five Duck Studio presents one of the best primers I’ve ever seen on wood screws. It’s practical, funny, clear, and no-nonsense. He breaks down why not all screws are created equally, how the tip, thread, shank, and head each play vital roles in the screws engineering, and why things like cam-out, wood splitting, and screw “jacking” happen. You’ll learn why drywall screws are woodworking’s guilty pleasure, when to pre-drill, and how to avoid crushed fibers or failed joints. Bonus: He introduces the “screw with the mullet.”

The big takeaway: When in doubt, pre-drill. When you don’t, you’re gambling with your time and materials.

Engineering… IN MY MIND!

Well, I guess this issue has taken on something of a modeling theme. I’ve been working on a trashbashed spaceship for the tabletop miniatures game, Stargrave. There are dozens of non-trivial construction issues to resolve. It’s covered in weird angles, and there are structural challenges and constraints imposed by the scrap materials I’m working with. I’ve been finding that most of the design work isn’t happening at the bench. It’s happening in my head, while in the shower, going to sleep, taking out the trash, etc.

This mental workshop, where aha moments happen before the glue ever hits the scrap plastic, is a place of true joy and discovery. It’s quiet, recursive, sometimes obsessive, and deeply satisfying when a plan comes together. By the time I sit down to build, my hands are just catching up with what my brain has already figured out.

Concealing Layer Lines in 3D Prints

Via Donald Bell’s Maker Update comes this clever video about how to design various textures into your 3D prints to hide the tell-tale layer lines of FDM 3D printing.

Shop Talk

Tips & Tools readers join in the conversation.

Michael Butler writes:

Sadly, this doesn't work on typical amber prescription bottles, but works a treat for OTC meds like Tylenol and other granular things with the "safety sealed for your protection" sheets stuck on top. Use a utility/X-Acto knife to remove half or less of that sheet, and voila, you limit how many pills get dumped out at a go. I find this handy in general and suspect it'd be especially helpful for people with certain mobility limitations or difficulties such as tremor. I know it helped me when I was recovering from a stroke.

My old Make: colleague, Michael Colombo:

I saw the piece about Japanese hardware stores in your newsletter, and it reminded me of this piece just released in the New York Times about French hardware stores. I thought it may be of interest to you.

***

Hal Gottfried sent a link to this piece by Mike Smith, on his journeys through ham radio. I like Mike’s emphasis on the idea that ham radio is less about chatting and more about learning, tinkering, and building resilient systems that work when the internet doesn’t.

Consider a Paid Subscription

Gar’s Tips & Tools is free. But if you really like what I’m throwing down and want to support it, please consider a paid subscription. Same great taste, more cheddar to help keep me in Walrus Oil. Plus, I’ll occasionally pick paid subscribers at random and send them little treats, tools, or tip-related treasures.

Your support keeps this whole Rube Goldberg contraption lovingly cobbled together and running…smoothly (enough). Thank you!

Special thanks to Hero of the Realm members: Jim Coraci, Donobster, Peter Sugarman, and Will Phillips for your generous support.

Food tips too good not to share

Ramen noodles are often a punchline in jokes about poor college students, singles eating over the sink, and starving artists. It may sound a little corny to admit, but for me, they’ve become a daily restorative ritual that I’ve come to rely on. Every day for lunch, I microwave a cup of Dr. McDougal’s Vegan Miso Ramen Noodle Soup. I take it out to the back patio and sit quietly in front of our little pond waterfall and savor this simple bowl of noodle soup while soaking in the soothing sights and sounds. I’m not vegan, but I did a pretty wide test of other ramen brands and Dr. McDougal’s was, by far, the best tasting and lowest in sodium. The broth is amazing; the whole experience is relaxing and satisfying…to the point where I’m a little sad every time it’s over. In the middle of a hectic, mentally-taxing work day, I’m amazed at how helpful this little lunch break is. For a little extra depth of flavor, I add a splash of low-sodium soy sauce and a squirt of Sriracha.

Books: The Machinist’s Bedtime Reader

Every now and then, a book comes along that captures a whole subculture within the pages of a modest paperback. For the world of manual machining, that book is The Machinist’s Bedside Reader by Guy Lautard.

First published in the early 1980s, The Bedside Reader is a legendary collection of machining lore, shop tips, clever workholding tricks, and war stories from the world of lathes, mills, and surface plates. It's a quirky little masterpiece of practical knowledge, passed from machinist to machinist like a whispered secret. The tone is friendly, personal, sometimes even philosophical. It’s as much about the why as the how.

What makes Lautard’s book special isn’t just the tips (though there are hundreds of excellent ones), but the way it invites you into the mindset of a maker always looking for a better, smarter way. Think of it as the pre-internet equivalent of a maker forum, except bound in a spine and written with dry wit and decades of shop experience.

If you like building tools, repairing old machines, or just enjoy reading about people who approach their work with care and precision, The Machinist’s Bedside Reader belongs on your bookshelf… right next to your calipers and tap and die sets.

Note: The Machinist’s Bedside Readers are published by Dale Glover and Little Lake Technology. Dale is the person (along with Tom Root) behind the highly-recommended Intentional Makerspace: Operations book (which I covered back in Issue #116). If you’re involved in a makerspace, you should definitely check that book out, too.

Do You Need $250 Mitutoya Calipers?

Seeing a shoot-out between cheap brands of digital calipers and high-end ones like Mitutoya (the gold standard of the category), you’d think the results would be obvious. Spoiler: Not exactly.

In this Project Farm video, Todd tests dozens of digital calipers, checking for smoothness, consistency, accuracy across various dimensions (including tricky groove and depth measurements), even battery life. The high-end models like the Mitutoyo ($250), Fowler ($120), and Starrett ($144) do perform like the champs you’d expect – that part was obvious.

But, the real shocker? The Werka calipers ($27 at time of testing) held their own against the premium brands, for smoothness, reliable accuracy, and even beat several calipers brands double their price. These vastly more affordable calipers scored just behind the big dogs in most categories. If you’re looking for performance without draining your wallet, Werka looks like a great choice.

I’ve been a huge fan of the iGaging IP54s (and have written about them several times) and was disappointed to not see them tested here. At $27, I might pick up a Werka to replace my $10 Harbor Fright that lives in the garage (and is far from reliable).

Inside a Japanese Used Tools Hardware Store

What tinkerpaw worth their multitool doesn’t love to wander through a hardware or tool store? Besides doing this in person, I get a big kick out of watching YouTube store tours. I especially enjoy tours of second-hand tool shops. In this video, we get a look at a typical day at a Kirakuya, a Japanese second-hand hardware store, in the quiet neighborhood of Ichikawa, Chiba. Since 1948, this shop has been a go-to for local construction workers and DIYers. It’s fascinating to see how a different culture approaches tools and tool maintenance and repair.

Working with Tiny Parts

In this episode of Matt’s Models & More, Matt takes on one of the most frustrating parts of scale modeling: dealing with teeny-tiny parts that go flying the moment you look at them sideways. He shares a smart batch of affordable, accessible tips and tools to keep your parts steady, your tools ready, and your sanity intact.

He starts with a reminder to invest in true precision tweezers, sharp, well-aligned, and able to actually touch at the tips. (Additional pro tip: Keep glue off of them! I’ve ruined high-end tweezers with glue gunk!) Toothpicks also get a shout-out, especially when paired with a micro drill. Matt drills holes into tiny parts, inserts a toothpick, and uses it as a stable painting handle. He also swears by beeswax. Grab a puck from the jewelry aisle of the craft store, drag a toothpick through it, and you’ve got yourself a homemade wax pen for picking up the tiniest of parts.

Another standout is the dual-ended sticky jewelry picker, great for placing parts with more control than tweezers. He pairs that with a sticky bead mat (also from the jewelry section) which can hold all your micro parts in place. For painting, he wraps tape, sticky-side-out, around a Popsicle stick to make a simple but effective tool for airbrushing or touch-ups.

For gluing, Matt uses BSI’s Maxi-Cure Extra Thick, a fine-tip applicator and BSI’s fast-set accelerant (never Starbond, which can melt plastic). A tiny drop on a toothpick gives you instant, precise adhesion. And, to see all these details clearly, he DIYed a set of head-mounted magnifiers using Dollar Tree reading glasses and lenses from an Amazon kit. He finds them way more comfortable than the clunky visor ones.

Shop Talk

Readers offer their feedback, tips, tales, and tool recommendations.

Reader Tom Marshall sent a link and a high recommendation for Manning Krull's blog where he covers his amazing papier maché projects. “Lots of creative tips in each post,” say Tom.

In response to Issue #200’s tips on garbage cans and storing supplies as close to the tool as possible, reader Owen Sinclair sent the above two photos. “Keeping my workshop rubbish bin on a stool is surprisingly easier on my back and frees up a little space.” The second pic shows how Owen keeps relevant tools and supplies right on his table saw.

Consider a Paid Subscription

Gar’s Tips & Tools is free, but if you really like what I’m throwing down and want to support it, please consider a paid subscription. Same great taste, more cheddar for me to keep me in precision tweezers and hobby glue. I also pick paid subscribers at random and send them little treats from time to time.

Special thanks to Hero of the Realm members: Jim Coraci, Donobster, Peter Sugarman, Will Phillips, and Moses Hawk. You are the wind beneath my wings.

Hard to believe I’ve now done this two hundred times! Composing this newsletter is more than just the issue you end up reading, it’s a daily/weekly process of exploration, research, and engagement. Since leaving Maker Media and publishing my won tips tomes (Tips & Tales from the Workshop - Vol. 1 and Vol. 2), this newsletter has been my way of remaining anchored in the DIY world and the worldwide community of makers I’ve come to know, admire, and call friends. And that includes you, dear reader! Thank you so much for all of your support, encouragement, and participation. You keep the machinery of this little enterprise humming along. Shall we shoot for another 200?

Most Popular Issue

Probably not surprisingly, the most popular Gar’s Tips & Tools has been issue #167, the Ten Top Tips That Will Change Your Life special issue. This was the summation of my talk at Bay Area Maker Faire 2023 where I presented ten “meta-level” tips that can have a significant impact on your work, your mindset, and your problem-solving skills. I hope you’ll take the time to read (or re-read) this issue and take it to heart.

Favorite Tip

As someone who’s been trading in tips for decades, it’s a challenge to pick the best one I’ve ever shared. Some of the most transformative advice can be found in my Ten Top Tips That Will Change Your Life (see entry below). But the one I return to regularly is deceptively simple:

Store your roll of trash bags at the bottom of the trash can.

It’s such a small thing, but for someone like me with severe spinal arthritis, it’s actual relief. No more bending down under the sink to fish for a fresh bag. When it’s time to take out the trash, I just reach in and grab the next bag on the roll. The difference is real, and it matters.

[Note that some people have pointed out how this can go very wrong: A leak. But we’ve been doing this for several years now and have never had this issue. We use heavy-duty bags.]

And there’s a bigger principle here:

Store tools with their supplies (when possible) .

Blades with the utility knife. Sanding discs with the sander. Paper under the printer. Instead of a big, central supply area, when possible, keep what you need where you use it. It’ll save time, energy, and keep you in your flow.

Favorite Tool

Another difficult choice is trying and think of the most impactful tool I’ve covered. I’ve thought long and hard about this and decided that the most high impact, day-to-day tools I can think of are also the most humble. And I can’t decide on just one. So, here are three:

Workpro 18-in-1 Multitool
I still can get over this tool and how decent it is for under $20. I love a tool with this level of quality and utility at a price where you can afford to get one for the house, the car, the shop, your belt, easily give as gifts, etc. [Here’s my initial review.]

Fiskars Pro Folding Knife
Another tool that never disappoints is the Fiskars Pro Utility Knife. I always have this close by and reach for it daily. It’s also a tool that, when anyone else picks it up and uses it, they comment (“Nice knife!,” “Feels good in the hand,” “Wow, sharp!”). [My initial piece on the knife.]

Plastic Razor Blades
Who would think something as seemingly silly as a plastic razor blade could prove so gosh-darn useful? I’ve been an evangelist for this homely little tool ever since I was first introduced to it through Donald Bell’s Maker Update. [Here’s my previous post.]

Favorite Fail: Tips Busters!

It was a middle-of-the-night ah-ha moment (a nightbulb): Tips Busters!, a feature in this newsletter that tested out and rated popular tips and YouTube tips channels for truth and accuracy. I thought, if it was successful, I could even expand it into a YouTube spin-off of Gar’s Tips & Tools. Eureka! I’ll be rich! But I personally didn’t have time to do all the testing and rating, so I put out a call for volunteers. A few people responded and reader (and a former Make: colleague of mine) Sam Friedman took on a tip and wrote it up. But that’s as far as this idea ever went. I still think it’s a great idea and would love to re-surface it (now that I have nearly 10,000 subscribers). If you’re interested in being a member of my tips-busting team, send me an email and we’ll talk.

Favorite Must-See Maker TV

My wife and I discovered The Repair Shop several months ago, and we now watch an episode every night. It’s become a relaxing evening ritual, a balm at the end of the day. The show is packed with goodness. First and foremost, it’s a maker’s show, full of tips on restoration and craftsmanship in all its forms: woodworking, metalwork, ceramics, jewelry, bookbinding, toy repair, leather work, just to name a few. While the focus is squarely on the human stories, you inevitably pick up a lot about techniques, materials, and tools along the way.

But The Repair Shop is really about people: the charming, highly skilled craftspeople who inhabit the workshop, and the folks from all over the UK who bring in their battered heirlooms and sentimental treasures. What they lay on the table is often laughably far gone, faded, shattered, worm-eaten, hanging on by a thread. But the stories behind them are usually touching, and the restorations often breathtaking.

The show’s “set” is a character in its own right: an 18th-century, reed-thatched barn nestled in the Weald & Downland Living Museum in Singleton, West Sussex. The barn, with its weathered beams and golden reed-light, adds warmth and a sense of timelessness that deepens the show’s emotional resonance.

In a world of harsh tribalism, fast takes, and terrible fakes, The Repair Shop is quiet, compassionate…and slow-paced. It’s a reminder that care, craft, conservation, and human connection still matter, and that sometimes, even the most broken things can be made whole again.

Consider a Paid Subscription

Gar’s Tips & Tools is free. But if you really like what I’m throwing down and want to support it, please consider a paid subscription. Same great taste, more cheddar for me to help fund my growing collection of 1-2-3 blocks. Plus, I’ll occasionally pick paid subscribers at random and send them little treats, tools, or tip-related treasures.

Your support keeps this whole Rube Goldberg contraption lovingly cobbled together and running…smoothly (enough). Here’s to another 200!

Special thanks to Hero of the Realm members: Jim Coraci, Donobster, Peter Sugarman, and Will Phillips for your generous support.

I’ve always been fascinated by “night thoughts,” those weird, often nonsensical thought fragments that float into your conscious mind on your way to Slumberland, when you wake up in the middle of the night from a dream, or when you arise in the morning. I’ve been writing my night thoughts down in a notebook (or my phone notes app) for decades. I have books filled with them. Recently, I’ve been having another kind of night thought: A “big idea” that seems to arrive, fully formed, as I get up to go to the bathroom. Some of them seem useful at the time, but not so much in the morning, some are real gems. I’ve taken to calling these “nightbulbs.” When I first started recording my night thoughts, I realized that the act of recording them seemed to produce more. Same with nightbulbs. If you’ve never done this, give it a try. You might find them useful—or at least entertaining. Two of my all-time favorite night thoughts: “The next thing you know, it’s Adolf and Eva in a bunker” and “Amoeba-shaped power clowns.” For nightbulbs, the name itself is one.

Tin Can Steam Engine

In this wonderful Dug North video, he turns a can of evaporated milk into a steam engine. The design is based on Hero of Alexandria’s Aeolipile and the scant instructions Dug used came from a 62-year-old issue of Mechanix Illustrated. Unlike Hero’s design, this version of the Aeolipile is vertically rather than horizontally aligned. Most of the build is straightforward, using common tools. After Dug builds his engine, he struggles to troubleshoot and tune it properly, but with a number of tweaks, he finally gets it going—and man, does it go.

Fire Bricks

Seeing Dug’s video reminded me that I need to get a few fire bricks. Besides their use as refractory bricks for kilns, forges, and ovens, they’re great for any sort of bench work (soldering, small casting, brazing) where you want to shield your work area from heat.

Dan Gelbart’s “Unusual” Shop Tips

I’ve raved about Dan Gelbart’s channel before. Dan is a Vancouver-based machinist and technology entrepreneur. Although I’m not a machinist and have very little experience in a machine shop, I love watching his videos and seeing the high-level tips and tricks he shares. Some of them are basic enough for me to incorporate into my work, such as how to center-drill a hole on a curved surface (e.g. pipe) without having to use a center punch and creating left-hand thread with right-hand tap.

The really amazing tip here is how you can spot weld aluminum using stainless steel pieces as a heat assist. Dan’s is one of those channels that always makes you feel smarter for watching.

Making DIY Control Panels

Cool-looking control panels have always been an attraction for me. On Accidental Science, they present two methods for achieving near-factory-grade results with tools you probably already have on hand. In the first video, he shows how to design your layout in Inkscape (or similar), print it, laminate, and glue it down with epoxy. You can then drill right through the laminated sheet. The results are shop-hardened, grease-resistant, and tough enough for robots, test gear, or any project that might take a beating. The second method result in more of a sleek, satin finish. Instead of laminating, you coat your printed design with spray varnish, back it with opaque white paint, and glue it directly onto aluminum. A final spray coat seals it, or if you’re feeling fancy, you can roll on a thin layer of liquid epoxy for seriously pro-looking results.

Both approaches are CNC-free, budget-friendly, and scale well from one-offs to short production runs

Maker Slang

Jargon, slang, and technical terms for the many realms of making things

Galling — When two metal surfaces slide against each other under pressure and start to stick, tear, or seize instead of moving smoothly. A form of wear caused by friction that can quickly damage bolts, nuts, or other fasteners, especially if they aren’t properly lubricated.

Tattooing — Slang for etching a design onto a knife blade. Usually done with acids, electricity (electro-etching), or fine abrasives to create designs, logos, or patterns without damaging the blade’s strength or performance.

Témoin — A French word meaning witness. In book printing, it refers to a piece of paper that was accidentally folded into the book’s body during production, leaving an unintended crease or extra flap between the pages.

Wallowed out — Describes something worn down, hollowed, or enlarged from repeated use, pressure, or motion. Often used to refer to a hole, groove, or opening that has become misshapen through friction, erosion, or continual movement.

Almost 200 Issues!

It’s hard to believe that we’re at issue #199 of Gar’s Tips & Tools (and closing in on 10,000 subscribers!). This newsletter, launched all the way back in May of 2019, has been one of the most gratifying projects I’ve ever worked on. And readers seem to agree as I’ve gotten more positive feedback on this newsletter than pretty much anything I’ve done. Thank you so much for your support, contributions, and encouragement.

For the 200th issue, I’d love for you, dear reader, to share something that you’ve learned from the newsletter: a tool recommendation, a tip you now regularly use, a YouTube channel you heard about here and now regularly follow. Anything! Tell me a story!

Paid Subscribers: Get Me Through the Next 200 Issues?

Paid-subscriber support has been a great addition to the bottom line of this project. Not only does it help justify the time I put into it, it also fuels my motivation to create even better content.

If you find value in Gar’s Tips & Tools and are able to contribute with a paid subscription, I’d greatly appreciate it. Every bit helps!

Special thanks to Hero of the Realm Jim Coraci for your generous support.

In this Stumpy Nubs video, James details the history of the Robertson screw (aka “Robbies” or “square drive”) and why they are believed by many makers [raises hand] to be superior to Phillips and (horrors) slotted.

10 Workshop No-No’s (According to Van Neistat)

Van Neistat goes over 10 of his no-nos in the shop, including: No bare feet!, avoiding trip wires (poorly organized/placed power cables), no fixing cheap garbage (reserve time, tools, and attention for meaningful, well-made stuff), don’t Rob Peter to pay Paul (no taking a tool from one toolbox, e.g. the car box, for work in another location — get duplicate tools), never use the last of anything (reorder before you’re out), and many other wise, well-earned nuggets of wisdom. Here’s one that was new to me: No using a straight edge to guide a razor knife (when making straight cuts, guiding with a straight edge tends to cause slips. It’s better to freehand along a drawn line for safer, straighter results). I need to try this and see how well it works.

8 Non-Hobby Hobby Supplies and Materials

In this episode of Black Magic Craft, game-crafter Jeremy Pillipow runs down eight of his most trusted unconventional hobby supplies. He lists old faithfuls like baking soda and super glue and coffee stirring sticks (for making wooden flooring, fencing, etc.), but also covers a few more obscure items, like inkjet printers (for printing out pictures of flooring, DIY decals and miniature poster, even full terrain pieces — printed on sticker paper and adhered to foam core). And, anyone who’s watched Jeremy’s channel knows that he’s fast n’ loose with the latex caulk (for sculpting, ground effects, and other terrain-making applications).

Unconventional Creativity Tips

In this idea-packed video, “artistic woodworker” Dave Picciuto, challenges conventional creative advice by presenting 10 (actually 20) unconventional design “hacks” aimed at unlocking your creativity. From working under absurd constraints and sketching badly (on purpose) to seeking inspiration in flea markets and other unconventional places (instead of Pinterest), Dave emphasizes that creativity is a muscle that you can develop through consistent, intentional practice. With additional advice on remixing past failures and giving yourself nonsense rules to constrain your designs, there are a lot of good (and uncommon) ideas here for makers eager to break through creative blocks.

I especially endorse his daily sketching advice and giving yourself permission to draw badly. We tend to do things like write or draw as if someone is standing over our shoulder, judging our work. But if you’re drawing (or writing) for yourself, ditch the invisible judge. Draw for yourself, to express ideas, not to enter an art or drafting contest. Working those muscles for expressing yourself is a true superpower that only takes one thing: Time. Might I recommend the Maker’s Notebook as a place to record your DIY ideas. This was a project I spearheaded when I was at Make:. Dave also offers a free poster and PDF reiterating the 10 main points in the video.

Dollar as a Ruler

I found this image while cleaning up my office recently. I think it’s from Family Handyman. It shows how you can use points on a dollar to measure 2”, 2-1/2”, 3”, and 6”. Handy in a pinch. I’ve written before about knowing the measurements of your hand (width, length of fingers, between joints) and eyeballing teaspoon, tablespoon, and cup measures in the palm of your hand. Now you can add the measures of George to your impromptu ruling.

Fire Blankets

Luckily, so far in my time down here on the Big Blue Marble, I’ve never had to use a fire extinguisher. But I’ve always known how and always had a number of them around my workshop and kitchen. That said, I’ve also never gotten one serviced and have always wondered, in a real fire situation, if that dusty extinguisher on the wall or under the sink would actually function properly. Several years ago, I added fire blankets to my fire suppression tech and I feel way more confident in them. Of course, they have limitations over an extinguisher: You have to get up close and personal with the flames, the fire needs to be small, and you can’t suppress fire in an area that you can’t reach with the blanket. So, while you’re stuck with needing both, I feel more secure knowing there are blankets at the ready in the kitchen, garage, and my wife’s art studio.

Shop Talk

Readers offer their feedback, tips, tales, and tool recommendations.

On Cool Tools, in response to the Inspired Objects conversation, and a recommendation for Slice-brand cutters, yankinwaoz wrote:

The Slice cutters are great. I have two of them. But not the ones mentioned.

I like their manual mini cutter. It also has a magnet. Ours sits on the fridge where it’s easy to grab to open a package from the grocery store or Amazon.

And, as mentioned, they’re great for cutting open that thick plastic clamshell packaging. It's a lot safer than a pair of scissors. You aren't going to cut the produce inside. You just run the blade along the fold, and bend it open.

The other one is their manual box cutter.

This one sits on the garage fridge handle. It is shaped like a hook so you can hang it, which makes it very convenient. This one is perfect for breaking down boxes and packaging to put into the recycling bin. We’ve had ours for years. They have never gone dull. Never rust. Never had an issue. Can't recommend them enough.

Consider a Paid Subscription

Gar’s Tips & Tools is free, but if you really like what I’m throwing down and want to support it, please consider a paid subscription. Same great taste, more cheddar for me to help keep me plastic razor blades. I will also pick paid subscribers at random and send them out little treats on occasion.

Special thanks to all of my paid subscribers so far and an extra special thanks to Hero of the Realm, Jim Coraci.

I have watched so many tape measure tips and tricks videos over the years that you’d think I’ve seen everything. But there’s always more to learn about any tool, so it’s always worth giving them a peek. In this Honest Carpenter video, he covers things like not marking under the curve (that’s built into the tape for stability and strength), not marking too close to the case, and understanding how the end tab works for getting accurate inside and outside measurements. All pretty basic stuff, but definitely a must-watch for any beginner.

The Best Adjustable Wrench Might Surprise You

Adjustable wrenches are a must-have in any toolbox, but do you really need to spend over $100 on a Snap-On to get the best? Todd of Project Farm recently test-compared budget-friendly options (as low as $10) against high-end models ($136), putting them through strength, precision, and grip tests. Surprisingly, the $25 Milwaukee outperformed many competitors, offering a solid grip, six points of contact for better stability, and resistance to self-adjustment under vibration. Craftsman and SK also delivered impressive results at a fraction of Snap-On’s $136 price. For pros who need the absolute best and don’t mind paying for it, Snap-On still dominated in turning power and durability, but if you're looking for big bang for your buck, Milwaukee is the way to go. Want a wrench that won’t round bolts and will literally last a lifetime? Weight, precision machining, and a solid adjustment screw make all the difference.

Getting Rid of Toxic Liquids

Did he just say he uses diapers? That was my response when I overheard an artist friend talking to another artist about how he gets rid of waist acrylic paint instead of dumping it down the sink. He buys cheap adult diapers, keeps them in his studio, and then when he’s done cleaning his brushes and tools, he dumps the waste water into the diaper. That got me thinking about other safe disposal methods for other toxics. Below is a video of Dirt Farmer Jay discussing various methods of getting rid of latex paint. What are some of the methods you use for getting rid of nasty liquids in in the shop?

Buying Locally

I’ve also always been a fan of the concept of resilient community, efforts to create local communities that are strong, that have intelligent systems in place for natural disasters and other threats, that encourage sustainability, small businesses, local farm-to-table, etc. Lately, I’ve made it more of a priority to support small businesses here in my small town, and every time I do, I feel like I’m contributing positively to our community’s growth and well-being. It feels good to go to the local hardware store, talk to actual people who know tools and materials, and buy from them rather than an online source. I also try and support small online businesses, like Taylor Toolworks and Adafruit.

3D Printed Soldering Station/Fume Extractor

I love this 3D-printed fume extractor that The Byte-Sized Engineer created to marry with the iFixit portable soldering station. As Zach points out, there are instances where you need your electronics to be away from your workbench. This little set-up is perfect for that. In the video, Zach tests out different ways of powering the 12-volt PC fan for the extractor before settling on using the second USB-C port thoughtfully included in the soldering station. He added a USB-C breakout board and a USB-C Power Delivery ‎‎(PD) board. Some CAD work and 3D printing later, and he now has a sweet little portable, battery-powered soldering station.

3D-Printable Solder Scroll

In more 3D printing and soldering news, the 3D guru himself, Josef Prusa, posted this to his Instagram channel. It’s a solder spool pencil where your feed the solder to your workpiece with a scroll wheel.

More of Your Inspired Objects

I’m still getting fun and interesting responses to my inspired object piece from a few issues ago:

Michael Finn:
The Europiccola from La Pavoni is not just a thing of beauty, but an elegant tool that one must practice and work at to achieve coffee brilliance. Even if I never become a latte artist, my Europiccola will be my favorite expression of coffee making. This one is from 1983 rebuilt and used every day.

John Young:
My candidate is my Nikon F camera. This 56-year-old photo shows me, still in high school, using one that I bought from a returning Vietnam vet. After using it heavily in high school and college, it served me through a 30-year newspaper career and still functions as new after thousands of rolls of film. The design of the Nikon F — if not the durability --was mimicked by just about every camera-maker into the digital age. Few shop tools outside of a hammer could survive that level of use and abuse while maintaining functionality — certainly nothing as complex as a camera’s mechanisms.

Consider a Paid Subscription

Gar’s Tips & Tools is free, but if you really like what I’m doing here and want to support it, please consider a paid subscription. Same great taste, but more cheddar for me to help keep me stocked in shop towels. I will also pick paid subscribers at random and send them out little treats on occasion.

Special thanks to all of my paid subscribers so far and an extra special thanks to Hero of the Realm, Jim Coraci.

I found this 14-minute documentary utterly captivating. In Warsaw, Poland, they use clams to monitor water quality—an ingenious and surprisingly elegant system. Eight clams are outfitted with a tiny, spring-mounted contact on their top shells. If the water becomes too polluted, the clams instinctively shut, triggering an alarm and closing off the water supply. Simple, natural, brilliant. The film itself has a slow-burn, meditative European quality—like if Ingmar Bergman did a documentary on city water management. [Via Jay Townsend]

Clamps: Their History and Uses

One of me besties, Peter Bebergal, sent me a link to this 1980 guide to clamps from the Cincinnati Tool Company. Basic stuff, but a fun browse for anyone who loves tools, tool history, and vintage industrial training materials.

Tips from an Engineer: Improving Workflow and Precision

In this insightful video, Zach, The Byte-Sized Engineer, shares eight invaluable lessons he’s learned during his years of hands-on engineering and project building. From the importance of failing quickly to improving problem-solving efficiency, to the hidden functions of digital calipers (depth gauge, step measuring) that enhance measurement accuracy, these practical tips can save time and frustration. He highlights tools like logic analyzers for debugging, deburring tools for cleaning 3D prints, and corrugated tubing for better wire management, all aimed at making engineering work more efficient. Additional tips include using isopropyl alcohol to remove hot glue easily, strengthening CA/super glue bonds with baking soda, and adopting better soldering techniques using flux gels and third-hand tools. Whether you're a seasoned engineer or a hobby maker, these tips might help improve your workflow and precision.

Did He Say ‘Home Depot Arrowheads”?

Maker pal Dug North sent me this recent video of his ‘cause he thought that I “might get a kick out of it.” He was right! Having always been interested in flintknapping, I love watching videos of people doing it. And I especially fine glassknapping fascinating. In this video, Dug makes his own knapping tools from common Home Depot materials.

Cool Tools’ Kevin Kelly has pointed out something interesting about flintknapping (and other “bygone” technologies). There are actually more people practicing this stone age technology today than when it was the reigning tool tech. In fact, Kevin argues, technologies rarely die off. Once conceived, human inventions, regardless of their obsolescence, continue to exist through enthusiasts, historians, and niche communities. Dug knows a few things about this. When not knapping glass arrowheads and doing bushcraft, he also engages in the ancient art of mechanical automata.

Making a Screw Shortening Jig

Quinn of Blondihacks delivers another fantastic machining tutorial, this time focusing on creating a custom screw shortening tool—a handy bit ‘o kit for model engineers, watchmakers, and anyone needing small, precision screws cut to length. The project evolved from a makeshift aluminum jig she originally made into a durable steel fixture with precisely-machined threaded holes, solving the problem of deforming screw ends while ensuring repeatable accuracy. As usual, along the way, Quinn offers valuable machining insights, including stress-relief techniques, optimal cutting methods, and the importance of deburring. A clever last-minute fix—adding a "keeper" to stabilize the tool’s jaws—proves the iterative nature of good design. Finished with cold bluing and stamped size markings, the final tool is both functional and refined. Another fun and informative watch for machining enthusiasts, armchair [raises hand[, or otherwise.

Your Inspired Objects

I got a wonderful response to my piece about inspired objects. I’ll be showing them over the next few issues. This is inspired objects — humble objects edition. If you have an object you think is inspired (humble or otherwise), please share it!

Sydney Smith writes:

This is an inexpensive Japanese utility knife purchased on Amazon. Search for Takagi Gisuke Cutting. Before decorating with chip carving, it was so-so. After decoration, it's enjoyable to pick up and use. Now it's a workbench favorite.

I love this handle “hack” from reader Gideon Weinerth. I think I’m going to have to try this:

This is my inspired object. I took a Rada brand vegetable peeler which was excellent but had a crummy discolored handle. I wrapped the handle in aluminum foil and then applied a layer of Sculpey polymer clay over it. I then squeezed the bulkier handle until it perfectly matched my hand positions for way I like to peel. I baked it, let it cool, then dipped it in Plasti-Dip which needs another application. Makes meal prep a dream. Great technique for any other sub-par handle.

Ernie Hayden writes:

I was given one of these iSlice ceramic cutters about 10-15 years ago and use it almost daily to cut open tight, cellophane packaging, sealed packages, etc. It is really terrific. My old one even has a magnet in the handle so it can be placed on a metal cabinet or metal toolbox for handy use.

Consider a Paid Subscription

Gar’s Tips & Tools is free, but if you really like what I’m doing here and want to support me, please consider a paid subscription. Same great taste, but more cheddar for me to help keep me stocked in neodymium magnets. I will also pick paid subscribers at random and send them out little treats on occasion.

We have a winner! Rob Stone, you were the winner of our Work Pro multitool (or PDFs of my tips books) drawing. Congrats! I sent you an email.

Special thanks to all of my paid subscribers so far and an extra special thanks to Hero of the Realm, Jim Coraci.

I love the concept of the “inspired object,” first introduced to me by maker-philosopher, bike guru, and “shade tree mechanic,” Mister Jalopy. An inspired object is something — a tool or other physical object — that manages to inspire or elevate you whenever you use it. It’s usually something that embodies one or more of the following qualities:

• It’s perfectly designed; a marvel of appropriate technology.

• It’s beautiful, pleasing to the eye, feels good in the hand.

• It’s incredibly well-made, high-quality in every regard.

• It’s imbued with memories — maybe something that you made yourself or has been handed down to you.

An inspired object always impresses you with its extra-special qualities whenever you use it. The effect is almost magical.

So, what are your “inspired objects?” Let me know — share pics!

Maker’s Formulary

Homebrewed recipes, formulas, and low-cost supply substitutes

Periodically, I’ll be sharing these formularies around different areas of making, For this first entry, here are some useful craft and hobby painting recipes.

Paint Washes

• Acrylic paint or artist’s ink (color of choice)

• Matte medium

• Distilled (de-ionized) water

• Flow Aid (optional)

Washes are used in a lot of hobby painting, such as tabletop miniatures, scale modeling, and cosplay costuming. Washes add realistic weathering, aging, and deep, contrast shading. To make your own, all you need is a few drops of your desired paint color or artist’s ink, some matte medium, and distilled water. There are many wash recipes online. Some add Flow Aid (used in airbrush painting) to the mix to help the wash resist clinging to high surfaces and flow better into nooks and crannies where you want it.

Matte Glaze Medium

• Distilled water (~ 6-8 oz)

• Matte medium (~ 4-5 drops)

• Flow Aid (few drops, optional)

Thinning paints in water tends to separate the water and pigment, making it difficult to get a thin coat with adequate coverage. Enter matte glaze medium. It is designed to maintain the integrity of thinned paint for fuller, smoother coverage. There’s no set recipe here. Experiment with the amount of matte medium (and Flow Aid) until you get a nice, thin but pigment-rich mixture.

Acrylic Paint Thinner

• Distilled Water (1 part)

• Matte Medium (1 part)

• Dish Soap (Drop or two)

Airbrush Cleaner

• Windex (without ammonia) or Glass Plus (2.5 oz.)

• Distilled water (5 oz)

• 91% Isopropyl alcohol (25 mil)

• Glycerin (Around 15 drops, available at most drugstores)

Have You Been Doing Loctite Wrong?

Loctite is a go-to product for preventing bolts from loosening, but many people misuse it. In this High Performance Academy video, Matt from Loctite explains the differences between purple, blue, and red thread lockers—and how to apply them correctly:

• Purple: For small, adjustable fasteners.

• Blue: Medium strength; removable with hand tools.

• Red: Permanent; requires heat for removal.

One common mistake is overusing red Loctite—many assume stronger is better, but Red is meant for permanent applications and can be a nightmare to remove. Another issue is applying too much; only two drops are needed where the threads engage. Any excess stays liquid and doesn’t add strength.

Another major error is using Loctite on high-heat components like turbochargers and exhaust manifolds, where heat degrades its effectiveness. Instead, use mechanical fasteners and anti-seize to prevent galling.

Proper Loctite application:

1. Clean the fastener surface.

2. Use a primer on coated or non-ferrous metals.

3. If working with a blind hole, apply Loctite inside the hole not just on the bolt.

Using the right thread locker correctly ensures bolts stay secure without creating unnecessary headaches.

DIY Tablesaw Fence System

Maker pal Geof Meston sent me this video detailing his DIY answer to the Bow Xtender Fence System. innovative DIY table saw fence system that enhances accuracy, safety, and infeed support—all while being more affordable than commercial alternatives like the Bow Fence Extender. The Bow Fence Extender is a popular upgrade, but it comes with drawbacks. It’s expensive, costing around $259 (£240), and its 8.8 lbs (4kg) weight makes it cumbersome for job-site saws. Instead, Geof’s DIY solution uses aluminum extrusion, 3D-printed brackets, and other affordable hardware, reducing the total cost to just $120 (£95) while maintaining excellent functionality. The key improvements in Geof’s system include hold-down clamps to prevent kickback, a thin-rip jig for precision cutting, and customizable support brackets for infeed and outfeed stability. The setup is lighter, just as sturdy, and fully adjustable, making it a great alternative for woodworkers who want a high-quality fence without the high price tag.

More on the Harbor Freight Mini Toolbox

My quest for the mini Harbor Freight toolbox continues. I waited patiently for them to come back into stock (store-only), but by the time I got to my local Freight, they were already sold out. While I’m waiting, I’ve been watching more reviews of the box and videos from makers who’ve created storage trays (and other accessories) for them. What’s kind of hilarious is how controversial these boxes have become. Some people love them, and see the utility in a tiny, sturdy toolbox for small tools and parts. Others see it as a useless gimmick. I guess your use case (and personality type) will determine what you think about this product. I plan on buying at least two and using them for scale modeling tools, airbrush parts, Dremel accessories, and similar.

Simple Green is Simply Great!

I assume most of my readers are familiar with Simply Green. It’s a versatile, biodegradable, non-toxic cleaner used for all sorts of cleaning tasks, both in the shop and around the house. Besides water, the main ingredients of Simply Green are Ethoxylated alcohols (surfactant/detergent), Sodium Citrate (a pH buffer and water softener for adjusting pH and improving cleaning effectiveness), and Sodium Carbonate (washing soda/alkaline builder for more cleaning power, and grease-cutting). I use it for everything from stripping acrylic paint to getting stains out of carpet (diluted) and many other around the house and office cleaning tasks. Recently, I used it to clean a really stubborn, impossibly sticky spill of an ant trap in my office. With a spray of Simply Green and a plastic razor blade, the goo came right up.

Shop Talk

Tips & Tools readers join in the conversation

About the Disaster Prep docs piece in the last issue, Cool Tools reader Stephen wrote:

While it may seem like a good idea to have all those documents stored somewhere in the cloud (Someone else's server) in case of a disaster. Be careful on where that is, because not all cloud servers are created equal and this list contains everything a would-be threat actor would need to wreak havoc on your identity and life…Use a service like Fidsafe or Trustworthy for important docents like these.

Consider a Paid Subscription

Gar’s Tips & Tools is free, but if you really like what I’m doing here and want to support me, please consider a paid subscription. Same great taste, but more cheddar for me to help keep a warm pad under my aching old bones. I will also pick paid subscribers at random and send them out little treats on occasion.

Special thanks to all of my paid subscribers so far and an extra special thanks to Hero of the Realm, Jim Coraci.

In this video, part of Becky Stern’s excellent electronics series for Digi-Key, she shows you how to get started with designing, preparing, and having your own printed circuit boards (PCBs) manufactured. This is something I’ve always wanted to do but have never gotten around to trying. If you’re in the same boat, after watching this, you’ll be more inspired than ever to undertake the process. There are so many great tools and affordable fabrication services available these days, there’s no reason not to give it a go if you’re curious.

Repairing a Beautiful 1960s "Volt-Ohm-Meter"

Via my pal Peter Bebergal comes this restoration video. If you're a fan of vintage electronics, you'll enjoy this detailed restoration of a beautiful 1960s Simpson 270 multimeter from Canada. This once high-end analog meter was in dire need of repair, with corroded battery terminals, failed components, and inaccurate readings—especially on the AC voltage scale. Using a mix of acid cleaning, rewiring, parts replacements, and careful calibration, the repair process revived the meter, bringing it back to its near-original accuracy. And you’ve got to love the overall design, Bakelite enclosure, and the swanky leather case.

Where to Get Free/Cheap Lumber

On this episode of Stumpy Nubs, James shares some great tips on scoring cheap or even free lumber. He discusses firewood, trash day lumber, dumpster diving, construction site trash bins (with permission!), pallet wood, internet searches, yard sales, home store clearance areas, sawmill cut-offs, and more.

One of the more clever tips I’ve ever heard for acquiring cheap lumber (and vintage tools) is to set up a Craigslist notification for the word “grandfather’s.” Any posting with “grandfather’s” (also do “granddad’s”) in the title (e.g., grandfather’s shop, grandfather’s tools, granddad’s wood shop, etc.) will get scooped up. Using this search method James of Wood by Wright got an alert for “grandfather’s barn” and ended up acquiring 20,000 feet of 15-year-old, air-dried white oak for .50/board foot.

What Records to Have in Your Disaster-Prep (Virtual) Go-Bag

With the recent disastrous Southern California wildfires, I’m sure lots of people started wondering about what they would grab in an emergency that required quickly evacuating. My wife and I are in the process of putting together physical go-bags for our Bay Area home, but what about the critical documents you’d want to save? This checklist floated across my transom last week and I thought I’d share it. Compiling your own collection of critical documents, putting them some place safe in the cloud, and scanning them to a go-bag thumb drive makes a lot of sense.

Interview with Eric of Hand Tool Rescue

One of my all-time favorite maker YouTube channels is Hand Tool Rescue. On it, Eric restores all manner of ancient and decrepit hand and power tools with great panache, tips, and goofball humor. In this Essential Craftsman interview (from four years ago), Nate talks to Eric about how his channel got started, the now expansive restoration video space, how he became obsessed with vintage tools, his “white whale” (i.e., impossible-to-find) tools, and lots of other interesting tidbits. When I first started watching Eric’s channel, I thought that he must at least take photos of the disassemblies to be able to reassemble the tools. It turns out, that’s how the channel got started. He started taking photos, then switched to videos on his phone, then he decided he might as well record the entire process and post it on YouTube. 1.5 million subscribers later…

Rules of Thumb

Practical wisdom, simple guidelines

Avoid any Instagram or YouTube tips channels where they wag their finger while showing you what’s wrong and give a thumbs up when the issue has been miraculously resolved (usually via some sketchy or just plain impossible “hack”).

Shop Talk

Readers offer their feedback, tips, tales, and tool recommendations.

Long-time reader Rex Burkheimer writes:

Klein Tools makes your list regularly. I became a believer when the Klein rep demonstrated the 6" needle-nose pliers. These have long thin jaws - truly needle-ish! We watched as the rep gripped a metal strip near the tips and twisted mercilessly. Any other tools like this would have been permanently sprung. The Klein jaws retained their form despite all the abuse we could deliver that day, showing no daylight between the jaws. I bought a pair for myself the next day. Still got 'em, use them daily, still perfect. I have no doubt Klein Tools are the best available. I wish I could afford more of them.

Buy a Sub/Win a Tool!

It’s time to run another subscriber drawing. For the month of February, everyone who signs up for a one-year paid subscription to Gar’s Tips & Tools will be eligible for a drawing (March 1). The winner will get either a Workpro Multitool (that I raved about in issue #184), if you live in the US, or PDF copies of both of my Tips and Tales from the Workshop (Vol. 1 and Vol. 2) if you live outside the US.

A paid sub is a great way to support me and this newsletter.

Special thanks to Hero of the Realm Jim Coraci for your generous support.

Wesley Treat continues his efforts to build “the suckless workshop,” a smartly-designed space for efficient and more productive makery. In this video, he tackles one of his most persistent workshop headaches: finding a proper home for temporary storage solutions like his apple boxes, project trays, poly bags, and the magnetic parts trays he loves. The goal? Create an organized, adaptable storage system that keeps everything accessible, stackable, and easy to label (and re-label). Along the way, we see Wesley refine the design of the trays, add clever whiteboard labels for quick, temporary identification, and sneak in some handles for better portability. A custom-built storage rack pulls it all together, with slots for different box sizes, a dedicated drawer for baggies and small parts, and even space for overflow bins and parts shipment arrivals. In the end, Wesley is happy that he’s moved one step closer toward his elusive goal: a workshop that sucks less.

Polystyrene Basics

I love working with polystyrene. If you’ve never built anything out of it, maybe you’ll be inspired after watching this video. It’s not only a great material for modeling, but it’s great for prototyping, building project enclosures, cosplay accessories, and lots more. Once you have the basics down, and the right glue (he uses CA, I recommend Weld-On 3), you’re ready to jam. And that’s pretty much the approach used here. Modeler and diorama builder, Henrique Ventura, improvises a sci-fi crate using little more than some scrap styrene, CA glue, a razor knife, and some sanding sticks. Some really great tips in here and worth your time even if you’re only mildly interested in working with this material.

Best Stepped Drill Bit

In this Project Farm episode, Todd tests 19 different step-bits. The brands tested are Snap-On’s Blue Point, Mac Tools, Irwin, Milwaukee, DeWalt, Norseman, TEMO, Greenlee, Toolant, Diablo, EZARC, 1WANUE, KSEIBI, OXMUL, Hercules, PIT, Sharptool, Neiko, Anfrere. The bits are tested for speed and durability in mild- and medium-hardness steel, stainless steel, and very hard AR500 high carbon steel. In the end, Todd comes away impressed by the speed and performance of the Temo ($30 at time of testing). Shockingly, the $125 Snap-On Blue Point and Mac Tools ($100) did not fare well at all.

Tips on Shoveling

One of the most popular posts I’ve included in Gar’s Tips & Tools is Scott Wadsworth’s How to Climb a Ladder video. In the above video, Scott describes the functions of different shovels (round nose, square-point/transfer, trench spade), the differences between long-handled and D-handle shovels, and the best, most pain-free way to move a lot of material.

Maker Update’s Fave Projects of 2024

Our pals over at Maker Update share their favorite maker projects of 2024. Donald and Tyler look at 11 projects in total. Some fun stuff here like the Modular Macro Keyboard with its customizable, snap-together design featuring knobs, sliders, and magnetic connections. Equally cool and captivating is the Carpentopod, a walking coffee table inspired by Theo Jansen’s Strandbeest kinetic sculptures. And the Akira motorcycle replica turns heads on the street with its faithful recreation of Kaneda’s iconic bike, complete with innovative steering geometry that preserves both style and handling.

Makers Gotta Eat!

Food tips too good not to share

I married into one of these silicon pastry mats and I don’t know what I did without one. I’ve been a life-long bread baker (off and on, anyway). I’ve used flour on the countertop (messy) and baking parchment (fussy) in the past. The silicon mat is thick and sticky enough to confidently adhere to the counter, and when you’re done, you just sponge it off and roll it back into the tube. The silicone surface is a dream to knead on and the rulers, measurements chart, and sizing circles (pizza dough!) are handy. A highly recommended kitchen tool for $10.

Shop Talk

Readers offer their feedback, tips, tales, and tool recommendations.

My long-time maker friend, Steven K. Roberts (a.k.a. the High-Tech Nomad) sent this email a few issues back:

Loved this issue. The magnetic pencil reminded me that I may never have sent you this.

Back when I had the Nomadness sailboat, I replaced the salon table with a lab desktop. One of its features was an embedded 16x32 piece of 16 gauge steel just under the laminate. This allows magnetic fixturing, which was of course interesting in a sailboat for things like meters and parts trays, but I’ve since moved it into my mobile lab and use it along with my N52 inventory to keep things organized at the video production studio (even when not mobile).

This article details the fabrication process, starring my late friend Fred Westergaard, who remains an inspiration to this day. Working on fabrication projects with him had the twin benefits of superb results and deep learning curves.

Consider a Paid Subscription

Gar’s Tips & Tools is free, but if you really like what I’m doing here and want to support me, please consider a paid subscription. Same great taste, but more cheddar for me to help keep the lights on this enterprise. I will also pick paid subscribers at random and send them out little treats on occasion.

Special thanks to all of my paid subscribers so far and an extra special thanks to Hero of the Realm, Jim Coraci.

How did I not know about the mini toolbox category? In this “Shop Humor” video, they look at these teeny-tiny toolboxes from Snap-on, Micro Tool, Pit, and good ol’ Harbor Fright. While silly and useless to some, this size (e.g. 11” x 6” x 6.5,” with 2 drawers and a lift top for the U.S. General box from HF) is perfect for hobby tools and materials and similar smart parts makery. In the review, the only one that seems worth it is the box from Harbor Freight. It’s only $15(!) (at time of review). I couldn’t hit the link fast enough only to see that it’s currently out of stock. I am definitely looking to get a couple of these for my hobby workbench.

Project Farm’s Ten Best Tools of 2024

Over the past year, Todd at Project Farm tested hundreds of products. Here are some of the tools that stood out to him for their performance, durability, and value:

1. Bosch M42 Cobalt Drill Bit Set: Combines speed, strength, and affordability. Drills through tough materials, like spring steel, with ease.

2. Granitestone Nonstick Pan: Offers even heating and unbeatable scratch resistance.

3. Wizeka Knife Set: Razor-sharp and durable, outperforming even pricier competitors.

4. Dreo Space Heater: Quiet, safe, and energy-efficient heating for home or workshop.

5. GearWrench Tool Set: A versatile toolkit with ratchets and wrenches that outlasted the competition.

Adam Savage’s Favorite Tools, 2024

This year, Adam Savage highlighted some standout tools that bring innovation and efficiency to the workshop. Leading his picks this year is the Bernzomatic torch, a compact brazing and soldering solution offering precise, high heat. For woodworking, he says that the DeWalt Cordless Router is a game-changer, eliminating the hassle of cords for smoother, quieter operation. In the realm of adhesives, Adam swears by methacrylate glue, a robust, quick-setting epoxy perfect for heavy-duty projects. Another practical “homely tool” addition is bamboo cotton-tipped applicators, an eco-friendly upgrade for delicate cleaning and wiring tasks (which I will be ordering post-haste). Well-heeled wireheads will appreciate the (exorbitantly priced) Knipex automatic wire strippers, which streamline precision wire stripping, and Wago lever nuts, which simplify connections in tight spaces. Adam’s final favorite? His redesigned workshop, offering more space and flexibility for ever more ambitious projects. As always, his picks reflect his dedication to finding tools that inspire creativity and workplace efficiency.

Dave Gewirtz’s Tools of the Year

One of the other newsletters that I follow and like is Advanced Geekery with David Gewirtz. His 2024 tool roundup has lots of stuff I’d also recommend. Check it out.

Anyone who’s read Gar’s Tips for a while knows of my great love for 1-2-3 blocks. Here is David on the their bigger sibling, the 2-3-4 block.

No doubt you own, or have heard of, 1-2-3 blocks. They are machined metal blocks that are precisely 1-inch on one side, 2-inches on another, and 3-inches on the third.

These are something different. These are 2-3-4 blocks. They’re a bit bigger, a bit heavier, and they provide a 4-inch measure as well as 2- and 3-inches. Who says big boys can’t play with blocks?

8 Cheap Tools That Might Change Your Life

On this Stumpy Nubs, James shares seven affordable tools that he claims can immediately improve any workshop's efficiency. A Drill Block ensures perfectly straight and accurate drilling without the need for a drill press or fancier jig, while the Edge-Band Clamps deliver strong, three-directional pressure for edge work and beyond. The Non-Toxic Blade Cleaner removes gunk from saw blades and router bits, restoring performance safely and effectively. For on-the-go convenience, the Hex Bit Keychain keeps six hex bits secure and accessible, perfect for quick swaps. The Compact Diamond Sharpening Kit offers a space-saving and customizable sharpening solution for maintaining tools. The Low-Profile Clamping Kit excels at holding odd-shaped or delicate workpieces, making it ideal for CNC tasks and general shop work. Lastly, the Strip Cutting Jig allows for safer, consistent strip-cutting without removing blade guards. These budget-friendly tools are practical, improve safety, and save time, all while supporting small businesses.

Shop Talk

Readers offer their feedback, tips, tales, and tool recommendations.

Darren Kloomok shared his favorite tool:

I love my Klein mini-ratchet wrench, which lets me to drive screws into hard-to- reach areas.

Paid Subscribers: You Rock!

Thanks to my paid subscribers! Your support means the world to me. Not only does it help keep me in automatic pencils, but it also fuels my motivation to create even better content. It feels like a true vote of confidence in this project.

If you find value in this newsletter and are able to contribute with a paid subscription, I’d greatly appreciate it. Every bit helps!

Special thanks to Hero of the Realm Jim Coraci for your generous support.

Here are some of my favorite (mostly small) tools from this past year. This is in no way a comprehensive list, just a miscellany of go-to tools and tool discoveries I made this year.

Every maker’s coffee table (or workbench) needs this gorgeous, eye-opening tool tome. Same approach, structure, and design as Gray’s amazing The Elements.

I actually bought this Fiskars folding utility knife in 2023, after seeing a Project Farm video comparing folding utility knives. It’s become a near-daily go-to.

These Amazon Basics heaters, at $23, were another great Project Farm find. So far, we’ve bought two of them for my wife’s art studio and our guest room.

Another surprisingly decent Amazon Basics product — a set of three groove joint pliers for $27. Perfect for lightweight, periodic use.

In response to my piece about the expensive but really great JustRite dispensers, Cool Tools’ Kevin Kelly introduced me to these plastic acetone dispensers (just $7 for 2!). They now happily sit on my painting desk, dispensing acetone, alcohol, and Goo Gone.

My tool of the year would definitely be the Workpro 18-in-1 multitool. At $20 (sometimes as low as $17), and with such surprising quality and feature set, I can’t stop buying them to hand out to family and friends. Stocking stuffers!

I have finally found an amazing pair of socks that my feet don’t hate! These Carhartt Men's Force Performance Work Socks are comfortable, don’t make my feet sweat, and don’t bind my calves too tightly. At $15 for three pairs, the price is great, too.

Via Scott at Essential Craftsman comes his recommendation for the ideal filthy shop cleanup combo: Fast Orange and good ol’ Tub o’ Towels (which we’ve covered here before).

I bought one of these vortex mixers (widely used in the salon business for mixing nail polish) for my miniature painting. It works great. I don’t get to paint on the regular, so my paints settle in their small dropper bottles. With this device and two mixing balls added to bottle (which come with the mixer), you’re quickly good to go.

Via Adam Savage comes a recommendation for these brass jaw pliers. As he points out, pliers are a great way to accidentally mangle hardware and other materials. These pliers are brass-lined, soft, and smooth to prevent marring of finished or delicate parts.

I’m not going to lie. I’ve been known to strip a few screws in my day. This magical mixture, a polyvinyl alcohol with a gritty mineral filler, adds some grip to fastener heads for sinking them in without stripping or for backing out lightly stripped heads. It’s worth having in your toolkit.

Weird things can change your life. Unexpected things. We finally decided to get one of these heated mattress pads for our bed, and oh man, has it been a revelation! I can’t belief I’m six decades in (never you mind the raw number) and have never had one of these. As my wife said the first night we slept on it: “It’s like a trip to a spa!” Warm, relaxing, good for tired muscles, and it allows us to keep the nighttime house temp lower without getting uncomfortably cold in bed. This pad has two zones and two controllers, three layers of soft, quilted fabric, a quick-heat feature, 10 heat settings and a 12-hour timer. If this at all appeals to you, don’t be like us and wait years to get one!

Your Favorite Tool?

What were your favorite tools for 2024? I’d love to see (and share) some of the tools that made your life and projects easier.

TL;DR: Put a rare earth magnet inside some heat shrink tubing on the eraser end of your shop pencils and stick them all over your machinery. Great idea! This could also work on other light marking, measuring, etc. tools.

Ten Uses for an Oscillating

In this Essential Craftsman video, Scott extols the virtues of oscillating multitools. He especially looks at uses that you may not have thought of. For instance, oscillators excel at removing tough adhesives like glue, caulk, and paint more efficiently than traditional scrapers or blades. Their precision makes them ideal for sanding in tight corners and intricate edges, where other tools might struggle. Oscillating tools also shine in cutting tasks, from removing grout to trimming door jambs (to accommodate flooring), and slicing through embedded nails or screws. For remodeling projects, they offer a clean, dust-minimal solution for drywall cutting and detailing tasks like trimming baseboards and cabinets. P.S.: I have this cordless DeWalt tool and love it!

Arduino for Artists

The Arduino microcontroller has proven to be a transformative tool for artists and other creative types looking to build interactivity, sensing, and movement into their projects. Designed specifically for non-engineers, the Arduino offers an affordable entry point to programmable, digital control with a $25 board and free software. In this DigiKey episode, Becky Stern runs through the ways in which Arduino can be used as an artist tool. She looks at beginner-friendly projects, like kinetic sculptures and interactive lighting, and explains Arduino’s open-source ecosystem, which includes free resources, forums, and libraries to help you learn and innovate, and an active and helpful user community. She talks about how iteration and testing are essential—prototyping and learning from failures are key to refining your ideas. Finally, she recommends joining maker spaces and online communities to connect with others, get help, share knowledge, and collaborate. If you have any interest in playing around with microcontrollers, but are not an engineer or programmer, Arduino is a great gateway product. Here’s a decent and affordable Arduino starter kit.

Custom Clothing Labels with Your Branding

Watching a Van Neistat video recently, I was tickled to discover that he covers the labels of his work clothing with his own custom “Spirited Man” label. I kind of hate prominent branding and for years used to use a seam ripper to remove visible labels from my clothes. But custom-branding them is a fun, clever idea, too. And, with the holidays coming up, getting someone’s logo on a label so they can customize their work clothes is a great gift idea. There are lots of custom label providers online. I haven’t worked with any of them, but this one looks good.

Best Hand Cleaner for the Shop

Here’s another video from Scott of Essential Craftsman, this time testing different hand cleaners for the workshop (with a disturbing amount of grease on his hands). He looks at most of the products you’re likely familiar with, from dish washing liquid to various flavors of Goop. In the end, he settles on Fast Orange and good ol’ Tub o’ Towels (which we’ve covered here before).

Free E-Book of Maker Projects

Via Maker Update comes word of Make It Yourself, an amazing, free, 220-page ebook collecting over 1000 DIY projects. The book is simply and beautifully designed with pages of black and white drawings for each project, hyperlinked to the projects themselves. Projects featured range from home and garden to recreation (cycling, skateboarding, camping, boardgames) to electronic and mechanical tools. This impressive collection of projects could keep you busy for a long time, just pursuing them, let alone making them!

Shop Talk

Readers offer their feedback, tips, tales, and tool recommendations.

My online friend of many decades, Stefan Jones, sent me this message:

As you know, I build model rockets. Sometimes, it takes me years to get around to building a model. Decades, even! I have some bought-at-auction models dating back to 1970. The water-slide decals included with many kits get dry and brittle over time. More often than not, they fall to pieces when dunked in water. I've found that spraying two or three coats of "crystal clear" spray on the decals, then letting them dry thoroughly, reduces the chance that they’ll fall apart when placed in water. I managed to successfully use most of a sheet of 50-year-old decals using this technique!

Reader Tom Brock writes in:

Hello, hello — Long-time fan. Here’s a good one:

Do I paint, draw, or do anything similar? No, that’s my wife. But if we’re talking “things that hold things,” then you have my undivided attention. I had a few aha moments here — external clipboard and plastic were definite great idea moments for me. This inspired me to work on a “temporary project box” with one of my many leftover plastic tool cases. Thanks again for everything you do! 

Wishing you plentiful gravy this week.

Plentiful gravy to you and yours, too, Tom, and to all my Gar’s Tips & Tools readers. You all inspire me and I’m so grateful for the little maker community we’re building through this newsletter. You all are a blessing. Thank you!