Gizmodo: Tools

Micro-Max is 19 Tools in the Palm of Your Hand

Elaine Chow — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 23:30:00 EDT

Like a useful little Autobot, the Micro-Max tool transforms into not just two or three, but nineteen different doohickeys for you to use. Included within its moving parts are six types of screwdrivers, two hex wrenches, a bottle opener, pliers, a file, and wire tools. If you're a DIY enthusiast, or just like really tiny and complicated things, the Micro-Max is $13 off of ThinkGeek. [Think Geek via Random Good Stuff]

10 Scary Zombie Killing Weapons

Sean Fallon — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 16:00:00 EDT

I've been seeing the trailer for the upcoming [REC] remake zombie flick Quarantine quite a bit recently and, naturally, it has got me thinking about zombie killing. The basic must-have weapons have always been a shotgun, pistol, chainsaw, baseball bat and a crowbar—but if you want to go the extra mile when preparing for Armageddon, the following weapons and tools will let the undead horde know that you really mean business.

Quarantine Trailer:

Super Pen Is Thirteen Tools in One Tiny Package

Sean Fallon — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 19:30:00 EDT

Besides being a magnet for penis puns, this pen is absolutely bursting with functionality that will leave just about any tool junkie satisfied. At the most basic level you get a handsome stainless steel ballpoint pen, but it can also transform into "a hole puncher, a stainless steel file, a short cutting blade, a flat screwdriver, a wire sleeve remover/small nail remover, an ear pick, a long cutting blade, a tweezer, a Philips screwdriver, and a stainless steel fork and a saw." It could very well be the best $15 you ever spend outside of a bordello my friend. [Firebox via SlipperyBrick via OhGizmo]

We Dare You To Find A More Badass Tool Chest

Matt Hickey — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 22:30:40 EDT

This isn't the tool box you'd likely see at your local garage right now. No, this is straight out of a gearhead's rock n' roll fantasy: A huge tool chest that also comes with an integrated Pioneer sound system and beer fridge. Top that off with self-illumination and built-in power strip and you've got almost everything you'd need. Except tools. At $1600 it's something you might actually start seeing in hobbyist garages soon. I know my stepdad's going to want one. [Kobalt tools via Uncrate]

iPhone Apps We Want To Like: A-Level Could Replace the Floating-Bubble Level, Soon

John Mahoney — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 18:40:07 EDT

I was really excited to see A-Level hit the App Store today—I've actually needed to use a level recently, but I don't have one. And replacing a physical tool with a 99-cent mobile software app is what the future's all about, right? But after grabbing it and giving it a test, it's a well-executed app but with one fatal flaw: you can't re-zero your accelerometers.

If you've played Super Monkey Ball, you know that the EA folks are right when they told us the iPhone devs still have a ways to go before they can tease statistically accurate data out of the acceleromters for precision control of a game. The same problem unfortunately applies to A-Level. Right now, every reasonably level surface in my house is registering around -2 degrees off-center when a measurement is taken in landscape mode. When you tilt the phone straight up to measure with the bottom, the orientation of the accelerometers shifts, and the inaccuracies EA was talking about become apparent as it swings to the opposite side of the spectrum—around +6 degrees off-center.

A simple re-zero button will help this app immensely—allowing you to take quick comparative readings that aren't as susceptible to error. The developer, Posimotion, says this is on the way—but until then, hold on to your old, non-virtual level.

UPDATE: As many of you have noticed, one of the iPhone SDK demo apps is a similar moving-bubble level. While that doesn't preclude someone from releasing what is in itself a potentially useful app (I just used it tonight while moving some furniture around, actually), charging the 99 cents is indeed a little galling.

[iTunes Store via Gadget Lab; Giz's iPhone App Review Marathon]

Cool Concept: Handheld Electric Pneumatic Gun

Brian Lam — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 10:59:59 EDT

Here's a great idea that DeWalt should get their asses on: A handheld 18-volt air gun that can be used to dust, airbrush, or fill up basketballs or bike tires. I'd get one if it meant less time on the bike pump, and it could start a new genre of krylon-free, duel-wielding graf artists. Found this cool gem of a fantasy gadget over at the newly designed and even sexier Core77 website. [Core77]

Padlock Scares Off Thieves With a 100dB Alarm

Sean Fallon — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 17:30:00 EDT

I have actually been looking for a decent padlock over the last couple of weeks, but so far nothing has suited my needs. While many of these locks would do a fine job of protecting my stuff, I think I was waiting for something a little different. This siren padlock may be just the ticket because it locks up property and it is liable to have a thief shitting bricks when they hear the 100dB alarm.

When the alarm is activated, the padlock will emit a blaring noise for 10 seconds every time it is tampered with. So even if they could get past the hardened steel and zinc-alloy shell, it would hardly be worth the risk. Plus, it is one of the more affordable locks at only $20. [Siren Padlock via Toolmonger via Boing Boing Gadgets]

Ground Effects Lighting From Snap-On Makes Your Toolbox Look Fast

Sean Fallon — Fri, 16 May 2008 18:40:00 EDT

Sure a toolbox is functional, but it lacks aesthetics. My suggestion: paint flames on the side and add some ground effects lighting from Snap-On. The AC-powered lights come in singles or dual packs in blue, red and green colors—and they can be attached to any number of surfaces using magnetic clamps. Unfortunately, the Snap-on site is a little wonky with regard to pricing on these things, but we do know that the dual packs will set you back about $90 (which seems to be the same price for a single green). Way overpriced if you ask me, but that is what you get when you buy a big name brand. [Snap-On via Toolmonger]

Magnetic BBQ Tool Light Brightens Up Your Beef

Sean Fallon — Thu, 15 May 2008 20:20:00 EDT

Did you know that May is national BBQ month? If you haven't celebrated yet, I suggest you make up for lost time by firing up that grill morning, noon and night. That's right, you can even cook in the dark thanks to this LED BBQ tool light. It isn't the first BBQ light out there, but it is the only one that can attach magnetically to your spatula so you can catch all of the action close up. It even has a bendable neck for added versatility. If you think about it, this sort of device could come in handy in all sorts of situations outside of the grill. Not bad for only $14.95. [Solutions via EB$29.99 via Techie Diva via DVICE]

Mr. T-Wannabe Halves Car with Angle-Grinder to Hack Off Police

AddyDugdale — Mon, 12 May 2008 08:30:00 EDT

A British man who had his car clamped outside his home used an angle-grinder to cut it in two. Ian Taylor's car, which he had bought for $100 for his stepson to use (guess he doesn't like his stepson much) and had yet to tax, was parked on his front drive, but was protruding by two inches onto the pavement. Although Taylor had legally registered it to be off the road, the clampers didn't care, and stuck a Denver Boot on it. Taylor's revenge was to play "Will it Angle-Grind?" on the vehicle.

Using a petrol-powered disc cutter, 40-year-old Taylor sawed the Ford Fiesta in half, almost setting it on fire in the process. Both the Fire Brigade and the police were called in, amid reports of a crazed man on the loose with a chainsaw (memo to onlookers, KNOW YOUR TOOLS).

Taylor, a builder, was originally going to restore the Fiesta but, realizing it was beyond repair, decided to scrap it. And then the clampers turned up. "We tried to talk to [the parking enforcers]," said 40-year-old Taylor. "I said, 'you're not taking it.' I got my cutter and cut it in half," he said. "[I'm] happy I got one over on them. They're jobsworths, for the sake of an inch and a half on the path."

The clampers saw it differently, however. "We were astonished at the reaction this gentleman had to the fact we put a clamp on his car," said a spokesman for NCP Services. "It was a remarkable incident which highlighted some of the problems my colleagues face while they're doing what is a very important job in ensuring that motorists tax their vehicle." Yes, but—

"And in cutting his car in two," continued the spokesman, "he managed to put both himself at risk and also a number of bystanders—along with ourselves, the police had to be called and the fire brigade, as he set fire to the car while cutting it in two." Finished?

Apparently not. "Fortunately, the only damage was done to his car and as far as our people are concerned we stand by what they did." Thank you. [The Sun and BBC News]

A Set of Chocolate Tools Please

Christopher Mascari — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 12:20:00 EST

The holidays are all about candy, and nothing says holiday sweets like a set of chocolate tools. Wait, is that right? We know there are chocolate shaped bunnies, Champaign bottles and even gadgets, so we guess chocolate tools aren't that strange. These photos from Sicily, Italy, show a set of working chocolate tools, complete with moving parts and threaded nuts and bolts. As for how much work you can actually get done with these tools is unknown, but we would imagine not much. For more chocolaty tooly goodness hit the jump.

[Make]

Laser Guided Hand Saw Transforms an Ordinary Tool Into an Ordinary Tool...With a Laser

Sean Fallon — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 19:30:33 EST

If you consider yourself something of a handyman, my guess is that your toolbox at home has become increasingly filled with laser guided goodies over the last few years. That having been said, feast your eyes on this new laser guided hand saw. I could be wrong, but it seems like it would be fairly difficult to maintain a straight line with the beam flailing wildly about as you work — but hey...it has a laser on it! Available for $19.99 [Product Page via Uberreview]

T-N-T Multi-Tool Helps Firefighters Kick Ass and Break Stuff

Sean Fallon — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 21:30:17 EDT

The fires currently raging in Southern California got us thinking about tools that can help firefighters do their jobs more effectively, and few devices can do more than the T-N-T or "Denver" Multi-tool. It is an axe, a pry bar, a ram, and a D-handled pull hook all-in-one—so it can smash or rip through just about anything. The product site also notes that the T-N-T is equally useful for those involved in law enforcement, construction, or "other." I suggest that "other" be home protection. With a device like this, you could surely lay an epic beatdown on an intruder. Available in various sizes for around $180. [Product Site and TNT Tools via Toolmonger]

Coleman FlashCell Cordless Screwdriver Charges in 90 Seconds

Charlie White — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 14:04:42 EDT

If you're like us, you might use a cordless screwdriver once a year, long enough for its charge to trickle away. But get this: The Coleman FlashCell Cordless Screwdriver will be ready for you in a jiffy, charging in 90 seconds or less. That's because it's not charging batteries, it's charging a large capacitor, sucking up the juice and getting you back to your screwing duties lickety-split (yikes, how many double entendres can I use in one sentence?).

The Popular Mechanics reviewer says it'll last a little less than two thirds as long as a regular rechargeable screwdriver on a charge, but then, you can plug it in, and a minute and a half later it's ready to go again. Only drawback we can see? It's $99.99. [Popular Mechanics, via Oh Gizmo]

Crayola Total Tools Audio Ruler, the Talkative Measuring Assistant

Charlie White — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 13:20:00 EDT

Here's an odd toy from Crayola that could function as a tool, too. The Crayola Total Tools Audio Ruler lays down a line of disappearing ink, and then blurts out exactly how long that line is as soon as you're done drawing it. It's accurate to within a quarter of an inch, but has a major limitation.

It can only measure up to a foot in length, which would probably prove to be a drawback if you wanted to use this as an actual tool. If it could resolve measurements down to at least a 16th of an inch, it might be useful for someone who can't see very well. But wait a minute, blind carpenters? It could happen, it really could. Until then, parents will long for the day when rulers remained silent, minding their own business. [Crayola, via Book of Joe]

Get This S2 Hammer, and Everything Will Start Looking Like a Nail

Charlie White — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 13:09:01 EDT

Just when we were thinking the hammer had already been perfected, ATOMdesign steps in with this S2 Hammer, designed with a split head that reduces the shock to the hands and arms of the poor sucker who has to bang on stuff with it all day long. He-man hammer beta testers say this beast can drive a nail to the hilt with just two strikes, approaching nail-gun territory. Despite all of its high-tech design goodness, this mofo hammer's creators decided to stick with the carpenter-favorite hickory handle.

Designed for tool purveyor Vaughn & Bushnell, the S2 was deemed pretty and practical enough to win a Best of Category award in International Design Magazine's 53rd annual Product Design Competition. It also snagged a Bronze Award in the International Design Excellence Awards (IDEA) sponsored by BusinessWeek (see some of the other award winners here).

This is one serious-looking hammer, and while it probably can drive a nail in with two hits, were worried about what it's going to do to our thumbs when we miss. Ouch. We'll stick with a nail gun, which can drive dozens of nails in just a few seconds. [ATOMdesign]

Amazing SawStop Cuts Anything But Your Fingers

Charlie White — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 08:42:16 EDT

SawStop is a safety feature that immediately stops and retracts a spinning saw blade if it comes in contact with anything that even remotely resembles your finger. Check out the startling video above, where it practically self-destructs in order to save this innocent hot dog's life. If that were actually your finger, you would escape with just a scratch and maybe need a stitch or two rather than running around your woodshop looking for your finger.

How does it work?

The SawStop safety system includes an electronic detection system that detects when a person contacts the blade. The system induces an electrical signal onto the blade and then monitors that signal for changes. The human body has a relatively large inherent electrical capacitance and conductivity which cause the signal to drop when a person contacts the blade. Wood has a relatively small inherent capacitance and conductivity and does not cause the signal to drop. A fast-acting brake stops the blade when contact is detected.

This invention has been around for a half a decade, but we're wondering why every saw in the world doesn't have this technology on board. It's not a retrofit; a saw must be built around this mechanism. How many fingers have been lost since its invention, because manufacturers were afraid the extra $100 it would add to the cost of the saw might drive buyers away? – Charlie White

Product Page [SawStop, via TGISFW]

Multi Meter Does Everything You Could Want

Travis Hudson — Fri, 25 May 2007 14:40:14 EDT

As I have become an adult I am turning into a bit of a tool hound and this is something that definitely needs to be added to my box of tricks. This Multi Meter does everything you could want. It does so much you even get it in a bulleted list!

• Locates concealed AC power cables
• Locates concealed metal objects like pipes, nails, screws, cables etc
• Incorporates a Laser Level
• Incorporates a Spirit Level
• Incorporates a 'white-light' LED Torch
• Tests Light Bulbs including fluorescent and incandescent bulbs/tubes
• Tests Cartridge Fuses, Diodes, Capacitors, Heating Elements etc
• Locates breaks in an AC power cable
• Checks polarity on two cable (no earth) AC appliances
• Incorporates a 'self-test' battery check for added safety and piece of mind

Hell, I don't even know what a Spirit level is, but I want it. The Multi Meter is available for $36. –Travis Hudson

Product Page [Via OhGizmo!]

Get Medieval On Your Hand

www.gizmodo.com — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 18:40:00 EDT

Whether you are a speed whittler, an oyster shucker, or a pimp looking to make an authoritative fashion statement, a chainmail glove could be of some use. Pair it with a matching chainmail iPod case, or wear it solo, like Michael Jackson back when he wasn't scary. Whatever you do, its vendor warns you not to use it with power tools. Something to do with electric current coursing through your palm until you have nothing but a charred stump. Go figure.–Wilson Rothman

Chain Mail Glove [Kevin Kelly — Cool Tools]

Console Toolkit is a Must-Have For Gaming Modders

Jason Chen — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 15:54:51 EDT

If you're trying to get into console modding and customization, you've probably noticed that most consoles have non-standard screws in order to prevent you from getting in. This $15 Zoozen Pro Tool Access kit gets around that. With this, you can get into the Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox 360 controllers, Wii, GameCube, GBA, DS, DS Lite, Nintendo and Gamecube carts, PS3, PS2, PStwo, PSP, and Sony Controllers.

Word of warning though.

This toolkit is up for sale from Divineo, which we've had questionable luck with in the past. They once charged our credit cards after we placed an order and didn't bother notifying us that product was delayed a month. We had to send multiple e-mails to get a response. It was eventually shipped about a month and a half later. Oh, and when it got here it punched our dog in the face. – Jason Chen

Access Pro Tool Kit V2 [Divineo via Oh Gizmo!]

GearWrench Electronic Torque Wrench Keeps You From Breaking Stuff

Charlie White — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 13:20:00 EST

We're aware that most of you Gizmodo readers are blessed with Herculean strength, so here's something just for you: the GearWrench Electronic Torque Wrench, a techno-tool that will keep you from stripping bolts by telling you exactly how hard you're torquing them down. This would go well with those bionic gloves of yours.

It measures the force you're applying 2500 times per second and starts flashing green warning lights and buzzing when you're reaching your target torque. Pretty fancy wrench—it's $340. – Charlie White

Product Page [GearWrench, via The Uber-Review]

Cyber Snipa Tool Kit Dogtag

Travis Hudson — Tue, 05 Dec 2006 12:12:09 EST

Yes, we've all been there. Casually lounging around the coffee shop when suddenly a frantic person comes running into the coffee shop needing help with their computer. No longer will you have to delay the inevitable by going home to get some repair tools, now it is all stored right on a handy, geeky dog tag. The Cyber Snipa dog tag comes loaded up with enough tools to crack open that computer case and fix whatever the problem is with the help of the included LED flashlight. If it is a software problem the dog tag also comes with a 512mb removable flash drive perfect for storing spyware and virus removal tools. Once you are done you can even crack open a cold one with your rescued damsel/dame in distress with the included bottle opener. This tool set will set you back $46 or so. – Travis Hudson

Product Page [Via uberreview]

Gentlemen, We Have the Technology: The Bionic Wrench

Charlie White — Fri, 21 Jul 2006 15:14:57 EDT

Gearheads and grease monkeys everywhere are raving about The Bionic Wrench, a tool that grips a nut or bolt on all six sides, giving you leverage and strength you never knew you had. That means you have 10 to 30 times more contact area than garden-variety wrenches. Plus, the equal pressure on each side of the bolt lessens the possibility of stripping it. Loosen your grip for the next turn, and it's as fast as a ratchet.

Available in 6-inch ($26) and 8-inch ($29) models, it fits a variety of bolt and nut sizes. No wonder it was the winner of the Popular Mechanics Editor's Choice Award, and the coveted Red Dot Award honoring the Best of the Best 2006 for pioneering tool design. Why didn't anybody think of this before? – Charlie White

The Bionic Wrench [Think Geek]

Dog Tag Multi-Tool, Now 100-Percent More Trendy!

Travis Hudson — Fri, 14 Jul 2006 11:25:57 EDT

Besides being the coolest fashion accessory at the gym, this dog tag also includes a barrage of tools that will help you fight off the killer attack ponies, who happen to have their secret lair at the gym. This dog tag multi-tool includes tweezers, a knife, a file, a bottle opener, a Philips screwdriver and even an LED light—you know, for the killer pony attackers who are afraid of the dark. All of this is housed in a stainless steel dog tag that is only a fourth of an inch thick. Unfortunately, they don't do custom engraving for the dog tags. You didn't want derogatory killer pony comments on your dog tag, anyway. $32. – Travis Hudson

Product Page [Via OhGizmo!]

Water Bottle Bike Repair Kit

Travis Hudson — Mon, 05 Jun 2006 17:39:33 EDT

Staying hydrated is overrated anyway. Use that water bottle holder for something more useful, like tools! This kit has everything a cyclist would need—minus the water, of course. It includes a bit screwdriver handle, 6-15mm ball wrench, six driver bits, three hex key wrenches, two tire levers and tire patch kit with glue. It's available at Lillian Vernon for $20. – Travis Hudson

Product Page [Via Boing Boing]

Weenie Roaster

Charlie White — Fri, 19 May 2006 12:38:29 EDT

After posting a picture like this, what else can we say? This hot dog roaster has an oak handle and is available in a variety of life-like colors. It can be conveniently hung by its rope strap, too. Get this ballsy gag gift on eBay for $14.99.

Novelty Hot Dog Roaster [eBay, via Strange New Products]

Airtrax Sidewinder: Omnidirectional Forklift

Charlie White — Wed, 17 May 2006 08:28:10 EDT

Check out this video of the Airtrax Sidewinder, the forklift truck that can move in any direction, even sideways. Whoa!

Product Page [Airtrax] Thanks, Steven!

Measuring Tape Tape

Charlie White — Wed, 03 May 2006 09:15:16 EDT

This measuring tape is actually sticky tape, too, marked with inches, making it not only graphically interesting but downright useful. It's used by our buddies in the theater and film industry to block off sets and sound stages, but you can use it for, well, we're sure you can figure out something. Just remember that size isn't everything. A half-inch wide, it's $8 for a 50-yard roll.

Measuring Tape Tape Made In USA [Museum of Useful Things, via boingboing]

Floral Pliers For a Prettier Toolbox

Charlie White — Fri, 21 Apr 2006 14:21:54 EDT

Everybody knows that hand tools are just not pretty enough, so Bloomsbury comes to the rescue with its floral pliers. If you've spent any time in a Home Depot lately, you'll realize that a large percentage of those who do household repairs and do-it-yourself projects are women, so it makes sense to create tools that appeal specifically to them. Heck, these tools might appeal specifically to some men, too, not that there's anything wrong with that.

Bloomsbury also offers a six-in-one floral screwdriver for your visual and DIY pleasure. Even though these tools are a great way to get yourself laughed off the construction site, it's an interesting idea nonetheless. They're $10.59 for the pliers, the screwdriver is $12.37.

Product Page [Bloomsberry, via GadgetCandy]

RadTech I-Sight Flashlight

Charlie White — Thu, 30 Mar 2006 18:26:56 EST

We're getting accustomed to having foreign objects hanging off our ears, so this RadTech I-Sight (hey, isn't that name already taken?) flashlight won't be too uncomfortable unless we want to talk on a Bluetooth earpiece at the same time. It weighs just a little more than a half an ounce, and its adjustable boom gives you hands-free lighting for those night chores that just can't wait.

Too bad it doesn't have a rechargeable battery, but the company says the replaceable coin-shaped battery inside will last you 36 hours. The light's available in brilliant white, but for an especially black-ops look, order it in night-vision green. It's available now for $12.95.

So there must be some legal diff between the name I-Sight and iSight. Mm-k.

Product page [via productdose]

DIY Pink Toolbox for the Ladies

Charlie White — Wed, 01 Mar 2006 09:36:22 EST

If you've been to a Home Depot lately, you know that chicks are into hardware, so it's no surprise that Tickled Online is offering this pink toolbox, a comprehensive array of tools for the enterprising do-it-yourself lady. There are pink phones, pink everything else, why not pink tools? In addition to a two-toned pink hammer, pliers, measuring devices and screwdrivers, there's even an array of fuses and picture hooks to give that lady something to bang on. And remember, when you get a new hammer, everything starts looking like a nail.

Pink Toolbox [Tickled Online]

Tool Kit for Girls

johnb — Thu, 21 Jul 2005 15:04:29 EDT

I know what my best gal is getting for her birthday—a big hug! But if I did buy her something it would be this excellent toolkit containing a hammer, a level, some pliers, and some other household stuff design just for the ladies. Each one of the tools is specially marked with the name Barbara K who is apparently some woman who fixes stuff all over the world. Priced at about $80, I'd suggest giving your squeeze a hammer and a couple of nails and telling her to put a new roof on the outhouse afore yonder storm comes instead of wasting your money on color-coordinated tools.

Barbara K! girl power toolkit Review [Pocket-Lint]