I posted about Noga deburring tools the other day, and it blew JoeM’s mind. So, as I work on the next batch of posts like that one, here are some throwbacks from ToolGuyd’s post archive that you might not have seen before.
Split Ring Pliers
Split rings (also known as key rings even when used for other applications) are used for keychains, fishing lures, jewelry, and lots of other things. Opening smaller or stiffer split rings can be brutal on your fingernails. That’s where split ring pliers come in.
Split ring pliers are singular-purpose tools, but they’re extremely effective, and they don’t cost too much either, although the price has gone up in the 9 years since I purchased my Xuron’s.
Read More: How to Use Split Ring Pliers
Buy Now(via Amazon)
The Mug Boss
I’m sure you’ve seen Bucket Boss and other brands’ 5 gallon tool organizers, right? This one is the Mug Boss, and it’s a similarly styled organizer for standard 10 ounce mugs. Ha!
I used to keep one on my desk, but I haven’t seen it since a move a few years ago. I remember some of what I kept in it too – a disposable stick for stirring epoxy, a tire chuck, and super glue. There was other stuff too – a pencil, a pen or two, and for some reason I believe I kept spare boot laces in there.
Read Also: 5 Great Tool Gifts for Under $10
Buy Now(via Amazon)
(This one was a bonus item, since it’s not technically a hand tool.)
Surface Level
Several brands make these mini circular surface levels.
Although useful at times, it’s not an “everyone needs this” kind of tool, but more “it’s good to know this exists in case you need it” doodad.
Read More: Swanson Mini Surface Level
Buy Now(Swanson via Amazon)
Buy Now(Starrett via Amazon)
Buy Now(Kapro via Home Depot) – second least expensive
Buy Now(Johnson via Home Depot) – least expensive (thanks Big Adam!)
Starrett Pocket Level
This Starrett Pocket Level has been on my wishlist for a long time now. It’s a compact 2-1/2″ level that’s small enough to fit in a pocket, although you’ll want to keep it away from keys. The body is made from satin nickel-plated brass, and the vial is glass.
One day I’ll find a reason to buy one. But in the meantime, I don’t have any needs that a torpedo or different breed of compact level can’t handle.
Read More: Is that a Starrett Level in Your Pocket?
Buy Now(via Amazon)
Swivel-Head Ratchets
I’m sure you’ve seen swivel-head ratchets by now, but I thought they were a good tool to talk about, just in case.
Gearwrench’s Roto Ratchets are a good place to start, since you can get them for fairly economically – the 2-piece set is currently $41, and can usually be found for just under $50. I like these because you can tighten up the pivot screw if you want the action to be a little stiffer.
They behave like flex-head ratchets, but with a wider range of adjustments. My favorite way to use them is with sockets (especially bit sockets) in inline mode, like a screwdriver – at least when space allows for it – and then I swing them to 90° (standard ratchet orientation) for final tightening (or initial loosening).
Read More: Gearwrench Roto Ratchet
Buy Now(via Amazon)
Wera makes something similar – their Zyklop speed ratchets, but they’re pricier. I also have a love-hate relationship with the pivot head’s locking mechanism. Move the slider one way, and you can change the angle of the head. Move it the other way, and you lose your socket.
Milwaukee’s swivel-head ratchet is similar to the Gearwrench. Other brands make swivel head ratchets too.
Handi-Hammer, Handle-less Dead Blow Hammer
The Nupla Handi-Hammer is unique tool, but I think it counts.
it’s a 10oz dead blow hammer head that you hold in your hand. And then you pound on something with it. That sounds barbaric, but I’m not quite sure how to describe it any more eloquently.
One end has a non-marring face, the other has a steel face. It’s convenient for assembling certain things, and for times when a wrench or ratchet needs a little extra persuasion in a controlled manner.
Nupla says it’s also goof for driving pins, rods, and pistons.
It’s not as powerful as a full-sized mallet or dead blow, but I can fit it in my pocket.
Read More: Nupla Handi-Hammer Review
Buy Now(via Amazon)
