Tools/ gadgets which you have impressed you costing less than $50

[Brian Deakin]

I am interested to know what tools /gadgets costing less than $50 that have impressed members

I found this Wooster brush extremely useful and a pleasure to use

Wooster Brush Q3211-2 Shortcut Angle Sash Paintbrush, 2-Inch
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_7?url=search-alias%3Dtools&field-keywords=wooster+paint+brushes&sprefix=wooster%2Ctools%2C253&crid=B3G3BRH8MT4O

regards Brian

[John K Jordan]

I am interested to know what tools /gadgets costing less than $50 that have impressed members


Gimlets. The original cordless drill. https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/gimlet

I use them at the lathe to bore small holes in wood blanks for seating centers. This does several things: it lets me put the center point exactly where I've drawn pencil lines without having to bend over and watch carefully, it keeps the steel points from drifting with the grain when tightening, and it keeps thin spindles of hard or brittle wood from splitting. I keep one handy on a magnet at the lathe.

I also use gimlets to make starter holes for screws/lag screws in the shop or around the farm. And the little grandkids love to bore holes in soft pine when we go to the shop!

You can buy a set for $5-$10.
https://www.woodcraft.com/products/gimlet-set-4-piece

JKJ

[Bruce Wrenn]

HF multi tool. Made fortune with it!

[Jim Mackell]

https://www.amazon.com/JEFFERSON-TOOL-HL-1121-Extractor-Remover/dp/B00461AFY0

The nail extractor. Does the job every time.

[George Bokros]

https://www.amazon.com/JEFFERSON-TOOL-HL-1121-Extractor-Remover/dp/B00461AFY0

The nail extractor. Does the job every time.

I have one and it works awesome.

[Jerry Bruette]

Saddle square. I have both of the Lee Valley ones and sometimes wish I had the adjustable one from Woodpeckers, but then the $50 limit wouldn't apply.:)

[andy bessette]

Vix bits.

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[Frederick Skelly]

+1 on VIX bits and Gimlets!

Transfer Punches (http://www.leevalley.com/us/wood/page.aspx?p=54892&cat=1,43456,54892)from LV. You just wont believe how helpful these things are.

PEC 4" double square (https://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/4-double-square-4r-usa.html) (blemished). The Neanders had to talk me into trying double squares. Now I cant live without (all 4 of) mine!

Utilitas Hook Rules (http://www.leevalley.com/us/wood/page.aspx?p=72020&cat=1,43513), from LV. I reach for one of these over my dang Woodpecker rules that cost 3 times as much. (No, the WPs arent for sale. :) )

Another thing I've gotten very fond of is my magnetic feather boards (http://www.rockler.com/magswitch-universal-featherboard?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=&utm_content=pla&utm_campaign=PL&sid=V9146&gclid=CIKxkYmF1dQCFQwYgQodtbALqg). You can find them as low as $35 if you shop around.

Wixey Angle Gauge (http://www.rockler.com/search/go?w=wixey%20digital%20angle%20gauge). Ive been surprised how much I like this tool.

Freud Quadracut router bits. No more end grain snipe and many can be had for under $50 each.

A book's a tool, right? How about Understanding Wood Finishing (https://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Wood-Finishing-Select-Finish/dp/1565235665/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1498259417&sr=8-1&keywords=Flexner), by Flexner? When I got this, I gave away 6 others on finishing.

Great thread Brian!

[Ken Fitzgerald]

A couple of my grandkids gave me this https://www.amazon.com/Stanley-93-301-14-Inch-Yellow-Handle/dp/B00004UDN8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1498258337&sr=8-2&keywords=panel+carrier for Christmas some 15-18 years ago. I dearly enjoy using it when carrying 8' sheets of plywood or wallboard.

[Charles Wiggins]

Similar to the Vix bits my Rockler Insty-Drive bit set (http://www.rockler.com/rockler-insty-drive-18-piece-self-centering-countersink-set). It barely qualifies now, but I'm sure I didn't pay $50 when I brought it. I have used it hundreds of times on various projects.

[Ole Anderson]

A couple of my grandkids gave me this https://www.amazon.com/Stanley-93-301-14-Inch-Yellow-Handle/dp/B00004UDN8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1498258337&sr=8-2&keywords=panel+carrier for Christmas some 15-18 years ago. I dearly enjoy using it when carrying 8' sheets of plywood or wallboard.I'V got one of those, yes very handy for carrying sheet goods.

[Malcolm Schweizer]

The Pica pencils that LV sells are very handy and easy to keep sharp. I also like the white lead for marking dark woods.

The Bosch laser measuring device that HD sells for around $30. Measuring has never been so easy- especially long distances.

Silicon pot holders that only cover your fingers. They look like crab claws and you can easily get them over your fingers to grab a hot handle real quick. Big oven mitts take too long.

[John K Jordan]

The Bosch laser measuring device that HD sells for around $30. Measuring has never been so easy- especially long distances.


Ain't that the truth! I 'bout wore out my Bosch (different model) when I built my shop and some farm buildings, use it in the house too, height of tree limbs, play with the cats (not). Saves SO much time when measuring studs, blocking, braces, plate length between posts, etc., especially longer distances without help - to tape to sag or come loose from the other end. It is consistently good to 1/16".

These are the perfect gift for friends in the construction/remodeling business!

JKJ

[Frederick Skelly]

The Bosch laser measuring device that HD sells for around $30.

Malcolm, which device? The cheapest I see is a 65 footer for about $60? (Which still doesnt seem bad). Can you post a link?

Thanks!
Fred

[Bill Orbine]

I can't believe no one suggested this:
362669

[Bill Bukovec]

Yankee screwdriver . I have the one my dad used for years. I also found one new, in the box at a garage sale for 50 cents.

[Mark Blatter]

My son gave me one of these about ten years ago. Have only used it a half-dozen times, but was invaluable when I needed it.

https://tinyurl.com/y83f3q53

[Brian Deakin]

I find this l tool invaluable for vacuuming fine dust in the workshop

Note if you do decide to purchase one, first look on Ebay Consider the generic equivalent, search Dyson soft brush and Dyson accessory kit which may be a better deal

Also note there are some listings a rage of adapters with slightly different diameters or you could simple use a section of hose to form a sleave
between the vacuum hose and the brush I live in the United Kingdom and I used a section of radiator hose from a car

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=dyson+soft+brush


https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71Ng67oS5ML._SL1194_.jpg

[Rich Engelhardt]

Single pocket hole jig for about $20.
Speed square.
Digital caliper.

Harbor Freight (or any really) telescoping magnetic picker-upper-er.

Vice-Grips - the real deal made in the USA prior to Irwin taking them overseas.

[Dave Lehnert]

Malcolm, which device? The cheapest I see is a 65 footer for about $60? (Which still doesnt seem bad). Can you post a link?

Thanks!
Fred

This maybe???
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Bosch-35-ft-Laser-Measure-GLM-10-X/207004914?cm_mmc=Shopping%7cTHD%7cG%7c0%7cG-BASE-PLA-D25T-HandTools%7c&gclid=CjwKEAjwvr3KBRD_i_Lz6cihrDASJADUkGCaU1AJpynT xuHXhUcvWxQdLDHM6xjRQ8PaX2OLjQqwXxoCaSzw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

[Frederick Skelly]

This maybe???
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Bosch-35-ft-Laser-Measure-GLM-10-X/207004914?cm_mmc=Shopping%7cTHD%7cG%7c0%7cG-BASE-PLA-D25T-HandTools%7c&gclid=CjwKEAjwvr3KBRD_i_Lz6cihrDASJADUkGCaU1AJpynT xuHXhUcvWxQdLDHM6xjRQ8PaX2OLjQqwXxoCaSzw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

Betcha so. Thanks Dave!

[Malcolm Schweizer]

This maybe???
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Bosch-35-ft-Laser-Measure-GLM-10-X/207004914?cm_mmc=Shopping%7cTHD%7cG%7c0%7cG-BASE-PLA-D25T-HandTools%7c&gclid=CjwKEAjwvr3KBRD_i_Lz6cihrDASJADUkGCaU1AJpynT xuHXhUcvWxQdLDHM6xjRQ8PaX2OLjQqwXxoCaSzw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

Yup- that's the one. Works perfect except at long distances in really bright sunlight.

[Eric Rimel]

I cannot live without a 6" steel rule in my pocket. I get them from Lee Valley. They have end graduations on them. I think they're $10-$12. Shinwa brand. A 6" rule is handy, but the end graduations make this rule the most used tool in my shop.

i have a telescoping magnetic pick-up tool stuck to the underside of my tablesaw front rail. When I drop my arbor nut in the saw I don't scream anymore.

[Rick Moyer]

I cannot live without a 6" steel rule in my pocket. I get them from Lee Valley. They have end graduations on them. I think they're $10-$12. Shinwa brand. A 6" rule is handy, but the end graduations make this rule the most used tool in my shop.

i have a telescoping magnetic pick-up tool stuck to the underside of my tablesaw front rail. When I drop my arbor nut in the saw I don't scream anymore.
Me too, and the four-finger pick-up tools are handy to have, especially working around vehicles.

[Mark Canada]

i have a telescoping magnetic pick-up tool stuck to the underside of my tablesaw front rail. When I drop my arbor nut in the saw I don't scream anymore.

Do you want to guess the only time I ever remember I need to order one of those?!

[julian abram]

I've found this little Kreg tool @ $15 very useful for layouts on cabinets, drawers, doors, bookshelf units, etc. I have more expensive layout tools but find myself reaching for this one most of the time. The little thumb screw makes for quick adjustments.

https://www.kregtool.com/store/c49/layout-tools/p266/multi-marktrade/

[glenn bradley]

Quality 6" steel rules, saddle squares, double squares, white pencils, chalk, box-o-rags, my oh my the list goes on.

[Kev Williams]

... magnetic pick-up tool...
Years ago I was replacing the valve guide seals on my '84 Corvette. During the process a rocker arm nut slipped out of my fingers. Rather than tinkle around on top of the cylinder head, it fell straight thru a pushrod hole, nothing but net. Didn't think those nuts would even fit. My magnet tool barely fit, but it snagged that nut for me!

[andrew whicker]

1) I once dropped a bolt into my headers (truck work). I tried my telescoping magnet, but it was too stiff (wouldn't bend). I tried my grabber, but that was too much of crap shoot; I could feel the bolt, but couldn't grab it.

Solution: Took the magnet out of the telescoping thing and duct taped it in the grabber hands. Problem solved. Got the bolt.


2) I like my miter gauge angle finder from miterset. I could have sworn I paid $50 ish, but this shows $70: https://www.ebay.com/i/252914476201?chn=ps&dispItem=1

This thread is awesome, I didn't even know half of these items even existed.

[Rich Engelhardt]

Ok - since this is the OT forum & the title is just tools and gadgets (not specifically WWing)

I just picked up one of these things:
Maglula UpLULA universal pistol magazine loader. (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001HBHNHE)
Fabulous tool! Works exactly as advertised - sort of the Kreg Pocket Hole jig of shooting gear.
A real God-send for people with arthritis and/or carpal tunnel.

[Kev Williams]

speaking of shooting gear... :)

363617

[Brian Elfert]

speaking of shooting gear... :)

363617

I had horrible luck with one of these as most of the time the cartridge wouldn't fire. I finally rented a Hilti model from Home Depot that had a trigger. I was at a construction site where someone couldn't get one of these to fire either and the live cartridge got stuck inside.

[julian abram]

Agree with you on the loader. I bought one several years ago off the CZ forum, it's the cat's meow!

[John K Jordan]

I had horrible luck with one of these as most of the time the cartridge wouldn't fire. I finally rented a Hilti model from Home Depot that had a trigger. I was at a construction site where someone couldn't get one of these to fire either and the live cartridge got stuck inside.

I've had better luck - I used one on all the PT bottom plates for my shop, about liniar 250 ft. It always fired perfectly unless I gave it a weak smack. Even a large framing hammer didn't work for me - a small hand-held sledge hammer was perfect.

JKJ

[James Gunning]

+1 on the UpULA loader. My thumbs would never have survived pushing 17 rounds into a Glock magazine over and over again.

[Bruce Wrenn]

Transfer punches, step bits, link belt, dial indicator, magnetic base, calipers, thumb ratchets, clicker torque wrenches, bar clamps, air hose connectors, free flash lights, zip ties, mortising bits for router, socket sets, wrenches, hollow chisel punches, all from HF.

[Rick Moyer]

Since we've already gone off the woodworking rails I'll add the Thermopop meat thermometer. I recommend this to all my friends and family as a wonderful way to keep from screwing up a good piece of meat. Can't say enough good things about it.

[John Sanford]

Saddle Squares, the things are almost magical. (Yes, mine are also from Lee Valley.)

Quick-Grip One handed bar clamps.

Gimbal Ratchets (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CjYQEsrE3o), from GearWrench. (Sears Craftsman brands 'em also) I got 'em on a lark, but man, they are handy. If you've ever been in a situation where you have to put something together, take it apart, put it together, repeatedly as you're dialing it in or such, these are great, because they are fast, they allow you to use a natural hand motion and get enough snugtite on the fastener to hold things together. When everything's where it needs to be, you can break out a proper wrench/ratchet and put some good torque on.

Step bits, ohhhh yeah.

Cat's paws.

Knipex Pliers-Wrench. Better than a crescent wrench 98% of the time. A crescent wrench is better for bustin' heads, and perhaps a few other times, but otherwise, Knipex PW for me. (Anybody want to buy some good ol' American made crescent wrenches??)

[John K Jordan]

Knipex Pliers-Wrench. Better than a crescent wrench 98% of the time. A crescent wrench is better for bustin' heads, and perhaps a few other times, but otherwise, Knipex PW for me. (Anybody want to buy some good ol' American made crescent wrenches??)

I've never used Knipex wrenches but I am a believer in their tools after buying one of their compound leverage wire cutters. 12 ga high tensile fencing wire is one of the hardest things to cut but no problem for the Knipex. Very high quality tools.

JKJ

[Steve Peterson]

Quick change drill bit holders. I keep one in all my cordless drills. They let me easily swap between different sizes of pilot hole drills and screwdriver bits.

Steve

[Malcolm Schweizer]

Well, thanks to this thread, I now own a set of transfer punches and some Vix Bits, plus I am bidding on a Knipex pliers-wrench. My wife would like to ask that this thread be locked for my protection.

[John K Jordan]

Well, thanks to this thread, I now own a set of transfer punches and some Vix Bits, plus I am bidding on a Knipex pliers-wrench. My wife would like to ask that this thread be locked for my protection.

Transfer punches are incredibly useful - I keep them in english and metric sizes. I'm sure you know they are just for making a tiny mark. I've read reviews from unhappy people who must have been trying to make a divot in steel by hitting them with a hammer like a center punch!

JKJ