February 10th, 2008
grady
IRWIN Unibit Drill Bit: “
I’ve been easing into more and more metal work over the last year and half (propane art, collapsible fire fans and fire hula hoops a la Burning Man), so I drill a lot of multi-size holes in aluminum tubing. This is by far the best bit I’ve found for drilling through such thin materials. To get precise placement and a clean hole, normally I’d drill a small pilot hole, then run a larger drill bit in that hole to get the size and placement right. With this bit, I do not need to create a pilot hole (though, a center punch can help). I simply drill until I get to the right size (1/4′ and 1/2′ mostly). Because the bit has a single flute (cutting edge), it makes very clean holes. It’s also very accurate: the bit is very stiff, so it wanders less when starting a hole. Since I don’t need to change drill bits in my drill press to successively drill larger holes or change the jig I’m using to hold the part, it’s become a real time saver.
– Sean Rutledge
IRWIN Unibit
$14
(3/6′ – 1/4′)
Available from Amazon
$62
(three-piece set)
Also from Amazon
$67
(four-piece set)
Also from Amazon
Manufactured by IRWIN
Related items previously reviewed on Cool Tools:
The Complete Metalsmith
Panasonic Impact Driver
Transmaterial
“
(Via Cool Tools.)
February 10th, 2008
grady
Doc Allen’s VersaTool: “
When I am wearing my 5.11 tactical cargo pants, this pocket-sized screwdriver/Allen-wrench with interchangeable bits always goes in the right-hand cargo pocket. I’ll often use the screwdriver of my Leatherman several times a day, but the VersaTool does a better job due to the interchangeable bits (better fit to the screws). Also, the handle can be adjusted to provide additional leverage or to fit tight spots. To get greater torque, you just slide the handle into ‘T’ or ‘L’ configurations. Recently, I used it to reinstall a bathroom cabinet door that the kids somehow managed to detach. My kids are good at dismantling things, so having this on hand saves time and allows me to complete repairs immediately without having to remember to return to them later. In one weekend, I also managed to complete several repairs on my truck without having to grab the tool box. Interestingly, the hex adapter will disconnect and the VersTool will then accept any 1/4′ socket so that it can be used as a nut driver. I do not have enough room left in my pockets for a set of 1/4′ sockets, but I plan on buying a couple more VersaTools, one of which I’ll be dropping in my briefcase long with a spare socket set.
– John Rigby
Doc Allen’s VersaTool
$13
Available from Duluth Trading
Manufactured by and also available from Doc Allen
Related items previously reviewed in Cool Tools:
Credit Card Survival Tool
Wiha Microbits
Offset Screwdriver
“
(Via Cool Tools.)
February 10th, 2008
grady
Doc Allen’s VersaTool: “
When I am wearing my 5.11 tactical cargo pants, this pocket-sized screwdriver/Allen-wrench with interchangeable bits always goes in the right-hand cargo pocket. I’ll often use the screwdriver of my Leatherman several times a day, but the VersaTool does a better job due to the interchangeable bits (better fit to the screws). Also, the handle can be adjusted to provide additional leverage or to fit tight spots. To get greater torque, you just slide the handle into ‘T’ or ‘L’ configurations. Recently, I used it to reinstall a bathroom cabinet door that the kids somehow managed to detach. My kids are good at dismantling things, so having this on hand saves time and allows me to complete repairs immediately without having to remember to return to them later. In one weekend, I also managed to complete several repairs on my truck without having to grab the tool box. Interestingly, the hex adapter will disconnect and the VersTool will then accept any 1/4′ socket so that it can be used as a nut driver. I do not have enough room left in my pockets for a set of 1/4′ sockets, but I plan on buying a couple more VersaTools, one of which I’ll be dropping in my briefcase long with a spare socket set.
– John Rigby
Doc Allen’s VersaTool
$13
Available from Duluth Trading
Manufactured by and also available from Doc Allen
Related items previously reviewed in Cool Tools:
Credit Card Survival Tool
Wiha Microbits
Offset Screwdriver
“
(Via Cool Tools.)
February 10th, 2008
grady
IRWIN Unibit Drill Bit: “
I’ve been easing into more and more metal work over the last year and half (propane art, collapsible fire fans and fire hula hoops a la Burning Man), so I drill a lot of multi-size holes in aluminum tubing. This is by far the best bit I’ve found for drilling through such thin materials. To get precise placement and a clean hole, normally I’d drill a small pilot hole, then run a larger drill bit in that hole to get the size and placement right. With this bit, I do not need to create a pilot hole (though, a center punch can help). I simply drill until I get to the right size (1/4′ and 1/2′ mostly). Because the bit has a single flute (cutting edge), it makes very clean holes. It’s also very accurate: the bit is very stiff, so it wanders less when starting a hole. Since I don’t need to change drill bits in my drill press to successively drill larger holes or change the jig I’m using to hold the part, it’s become a real time saver.
– Sean Rutledge
IRWIN Unibit
$14
(3/6′ – 1/4′)
Available from Amazon
$62
(three-piece set)
Also from Amazon
$67
(four-piece set)
Also from Amazon
Manufactured by IRWIN
Related items previously reviewed on Cool Tools:
The Complete Metalsmith
Panasonic Impact Driver
Transmaterial
“
(Via Cool Tools.)
February 10th, 2008
grady
Col. Ichabod Conk Shaving Soap: “
After receiving some nasty shaving lotion in a foil package at a hotel, I went on a quest for a travel shave soap I wouldn’t have to declare as liquid or gel at airport security. This soap comes inside a hinged, clear plastic container. Pack it wet or dry the soap off first with a towel or piece of toilet paper/Kleenex — either way, you shouldn’t have any water/dampness issues in your luggage, as it seals well. The soap foams up a little when you get it nice and wet, seemingly a bit more than regular soap. Based on my usage, I’d say it’s good for at least 25 shaves (at the rate I seem to travel that should do it for life). Though ease of carry-on was my initial criterion, the quality of the shave, price, expected lifespan of the product, and the functionality of the packaging make this a great option. Bonus: it smells really good (I use the lime version).
– Joseph Stirt
Col. Ichabod Conk Shaving Soap
$3.50*
(lime)
Available from Amazon
Also available from Amazon in almond, bay rum, and amber
Manufactured by Col. Ichabod Conk Products, Inc.
[*Before buying, please note the shipping price ($8+); if you've ordered from a different source with reasonable shipping charges, please let us know; for now, the best deal is to stock up on several at once or go in with some friends who also want to try one out -- sl]
Related items previously reviewed in Cool Tools:
Total Shaving Solution
Silicone Travel Bottles
Merkur Classic Razor
“
(Via Cool Tools.)