Gar's Tips & Tools - Issue #192
Access to tools, techniques, and shop tales from the diverse worlds of DIY
The $15 Mini Toolbox from Harbor Freight
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:
Bosch M42 Cobalt Drill Bit Set: Combines speed, strength, and affordability. Drills through tough materials, like spring steel, with ease.
Granitestone Nonstick Pan: Offers even heating and unbeatable scratch resistance.
Wizeka Knife Set: Razor-sharp and durable, outperforming even pricier competitors.
Dreo Space Heater: Quiet, safe, and energy-efficient heating for home or workshop.
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.
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Loved this issue: I like nothing better than perusing best of lists and this one contains some beauties. Thanks, and Happy holidays
As always, another solid installment. My fave? "8 Cheap Tools That Might Change Your Life"