It’s taken me longer than anticipated to prepare a new set of Top Tool Picks, but 4 products stood out as being suitable for this next round of recommendations.
They’re more workshop staples than traditionally defines “tools,” but that doesn’t make them any less vital to our everyday productivity.
Check out previous ToolGuyd Top Tool Picks!
1. Gladiator Adjustable Height Workbench
Gladiator makes a mighty fine adjustable height workbench. I just ordered another one, for my office space, which will double as my electronics workshop.
It’s super sturdy, and reasonably priced.
The review sample I tested a few years ago was a 4-foot bamboo-topped model. The second one I just ordered is 6 feet long and also bamboo-topped. I might order an 8-foot workbench for my main workshop.
I still plan on building a workbench or three to fill my spaces, since that will let me better customize tops and storage bases to best suit my needs, but I don’t think there’s anything that will sway my love for these Gladiator benches.
There’s a good chance that I’ll order my third bench later today, assuming my recent order arrives in great condition from Amazon.
Review(via ToolGuyd)
Buy Now(via Amazon)
Update: FedEx delivered the workbench while I was out, and it arrived in HORRIBLE condition. The box was bulging, seemingly because the box burst open, parts fell out, and they just taped the box together over the parts without trying to Tetris them back to where they were supposed to be. There are also tears at both sides, with visible damage to some of the other components.
If the replacement doesn’t arrive in any better condition, I’ll order from elsewhere. Some places require freight shipping fees, but I’d rather pay freight shipping fees than receive busted boxes with damaged parts and potentially missing pieces.
I’ll leave this as a recommended tool pick for now, because I do love my 4-foot Gladiator workbench, but Amazon shouldn’t ship them via FedEx if FedEx can’t handle the shipping and delivery without dealing substantial damage to the box.
I can see damage at the ends where the box is torn open, so I’m not even going to try to lug it inside to check for missing parts.
Grr.
2. Tripp Lite Industrial Surge Protector Power Strip
I recently talked about my search for some nice USA-made all-weather extension cords, and discovery of Flexzilla cords. As part of the same order, I added on a Tripp Lite “industrial” surge protector power strip.
I bought the smaller 6-outlet 15-foot surge protector, but think this 8-outlet 12-foot model will be better suited for the other corner of my workspace.
I am currently using Tripp Lite’s Isobar metal-cased surge protectors ( in 4-outlet and 8-outlet configurations), and they’ve been working out really well. The industrial models have different configurations and wrap-around cord storage.
My initial take is quite positive, but it’ll me some time to figure out if I like the Isobar or industrial style surge protecting power strips better.
Buy Now(via Amazon)
3. Velcro Cable Wraps
I use Velcro’s 8″ x 1/2″cable wraps for so many thing. I started off buying 50 packs of cable ties – which came with 25 black and 25 gray ties – but my last purchase was for a 100pc pack of black cable ties for around the same price.
I would swear that there’s a difference in quality, but in practice these new cable ties have been working out well for me.
You get 100 black ties for $5. It’s an add-on item at Amazon, so you’ll need to tack it onto a larger order, even if you’re a Prime member.
Buy Now(via Amazon)
4. PowerPax Battery Caddy
I wrote about these PowerPax battery caddies a few years ago, and briefly gushed about them in a video last year:
I don’t carry loose batteries in my tool bag, camera bag, or pocket. I pack them into PowerPax caddies. They’re made of hard plastic, and the AA and AAA caddies allow for reversible battery placement. That way, you can clearly see which batteries are fresh, and which need to be disposed of or recharged.
I used these in various sizes, but when on the go, the 4xAA size is ideal.
Buy Now(via Amazon)