Tools of the Trade: David's Latest Articles

12 Odd and Unusual Tools from NHS

Fri, 24 May 2013 10:29:47 EST

At this year's NHS show I saw number of odd and unusual tools – some of which will be useful to tradesmen.

DeWalt Mechanics Tools

Fri, 24 May 2013 10:28:40 EST

In June 2013 DeWalt will release its own line of mechanic's tools, which will initially be sold only at Sears.

A Wrench That Makes Bolts Beg for Mercy

Fri, 24 May 2013 10:13:54 EST

Pull with all your might but the nut or bolt won't budge? Enter the striking wrench.

The One Tool You Can't Buy – A Hand

Fri, 24 May 2013 09:36:44 EST

Ronald Walters has two hands. But he wanted a third. So he made one.

Making Doors with Loose Tenon Joinery

Fri, 24 May 2013 09:30:36 EST

The first time I saw the Domino XL I said to myself, "where was this thing when I was building doors in a millwork shop?"

Hand Built Wood Lathe

Fri, 24 May 2013 09:24:01 EST

Who says you need power tools?

Laborer Dies in Trench Collapse and Lives to Tell the Tale

Fri, 17 May 2013 02:30:13 EST

The doctors didn't think he would survive, and that if he did he’d have extensive brain damage. Fortunately, they were wrong.

The Work Van That Wasn’t

Mon, 13 May 2013 10:57:13 EST

In 2008 Nissan released sketches of a radical concept van. I’m not surprised they never built it or that an individual cabinet maker built something similar on his own.

Home-Made Wormdrive Gears

Fri, 17 May 2013 02:30:38 EST

Why is it so hypnotic to watch wooden gears turn?

Festool Systainers

Mon, 13 May 2013 10:00:13 EST

If you are familiar with modular tool organizers, then you know about Systainers.

What's New from DeWalt?

Tue, 14 May 2013 11:50:20 EST

I recently traveled to DeWalt headquarters in Towson, Maryland, for the annual unveiling of new tools and accessories.

Bosch Click and Go Storage Solutions

Thu, 2 May 2013 10:41:37 EST

The manufacturer refers to these tool organizers and as the Click and Go System because of the way they clip together.

The Ultimate Workbench 2.0

Thu, 2 May 2013 10:36:43 EST

If Ron Paulk's original portable workbench was excellent (and it was), then this new and improved version is beyond excellent.

I Meant Vise, Not Vice

Mon, 6 May 2013 02:33:23 EST

Don Williams describes searching for a vise that is cool enough to be called Studley-esque.

Can't Get it Here: All-Day Cordless Work Light

Thu, 2 May 2013 11:12:18 EST

I stumbled across a picture of this uber-cool Metabo LED light on Facebook and decided to find out more about it.

Neal’s Way Cool Home-Made Truck Bed Storage

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 05:14:55 EST

The solution I settled on was a set of pullout drawers that deliver reach-and-grab accessibility.

One-of-a-Kind Tool Store

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 05:15:53 EST

If the Liberty Tool Store is not unique and unusual, then I don’t know what is.

Metabo Automatic Dust Extractor

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 12:37:24 EST

Hate breathing dust? Well here’s a machine that can help solve your problem. And if I heard correctly, it goes up to 11.

Festool Rotex Sander

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 12:36:51 EST

Here’s a quick video I shot of a dual-action sander, which can be set to rotary mode for heavy sanding/grinding and random orbit for finer finishing.

Knipex Pliers Wrench

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 12:37:05 EST

I saw this tool online and immediately ordered one. It was not a choice; I had to have it.