Throughout the millennia of human development, few bonds have rivaled the persisting tie between craftsmen and their tools. While the relationship between parent and child is widely recognized as the strongest, the connection between a craftsman and his coveted tools gives Mother Nature a run for her money. In summary (and in all seriousness), tools are pretty darn awesome. But, there’s a good chance you haven’t even scratched the surface of awesomeness…no matter how impressive your toolbox. Let’s take a look at a few tools you never knew you needed.
LED headlamp
Whether you’re working late into the night outdoors or working in a poorly-lit area, an LED headlamp can be a lifesaver. It gives you hands-free visibility, so you can see what you’re doing without compromising the quality of your work. Why LED? Well, these lights are more energy efficient and last longer than their incandescent counterparts. If you don’t mind spending a bit more, you can get a headlamp with various brightness settings for precision work.
Swiss Army credit cards
Imagine compressing all the versatility of a Swiss Army knife into the size of a credit card. Pretty cool, huh? Well, it’s real! These super-portable tools fit easily into your wallet and boast a diverse array of tools including scissors, screwdrivers (Philips and flathead), magnifying glass, tweezers, LED light, ruler, and – of course – a blade. Plus, you can easily find some Swiss Army credit cards for around 10 bucks. Although, you might have to go off-brand.
Extension cord wheel
One of the easiest DIY hacks for the ultimate workshop is investing in an extension cord wheel. This simple contraption is such a no-brainer, you’re going to wonder why you never thought of it before. Instead of wrestling with those pesky extension cords every time you break out a wired tool, an extension cord wheel allows you to effortlessly pull it out and roll it back up. This accessory even helps you get the most out of your extension cords by limiting kinks.
Telescopic inspection mirror
Don’t worry. This tool is easier to use than it is to pronounce. Basically, it’s a small mirror attached to the end of a metal or plastic arm that extends like a telescope. Whether you need to find the origin of a leak underneath your car, pinpoint the problem area within a machine, or find a tool you’ve dropped behind the cabinet, this telescopic mirror will come in handy. Make sure to get one with an attached light so you can see wherever you’re pointing it.
Further Reading: The Science Behind Assembling the Perfect Toolbox
Thermal leak detectors
Water damage is a recurring nightmare for craftsmen. It’s an ever-present threat that is usually only detectable until a considerable amount of harm has been done. That’s where thermal leak detectors can help. Think of this nifty tool as a stud-finder for leaks. It uses thermal imaging to detect telling temperature changes and pinpoint areas that might suggest an issue. These handheld devices are a great way to rule out or address water leaks quickly.
One-handed bar clamp
Most standard guides to buying work gear and tools will mention a standard clamp, but what you really need is a one-handed bar clamp. Traditional styles require both hands to work properly: one to hold the frame in place and the other to tighten the screw. Unfortunately, many projects require a free hand to hold something into place while you apply the clamp. Enter: one-handed bar clamps. With a few clicks of a trigger, you can easily tighten objects with one hand!
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