Gar's Tips & Tools - Issue #203

Access to tools, techniques, and shop tales from the diverse worlds of DIY

My Most Popular Tools —
Special Issue (Part 1)

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.