First Impressions: Leatherman Sidekick

Home Depot recently had the Leatherman Sidekick on sale for $18.00.  The Wingman was on sale for around $20 before that, but the Sidekick for $18 seemed a much better deal, so I splurged and bought it.

So far I'm impressed with it.  It's the first Leatherman I've owned, and the quality difference between this multi tool and other multi tools around the same price is evident.  The tool is all metal, so it weighs a little more than other multi tools, but it's functionality is well worth it.  It has a locking knife blade and locking saw blade -- both of which are accessible with the tool closed -- and the spring-loaded pliers are impressive.

I'll write up a full review once I've had a chance to use it and test it, but so far I like what I've seen.

Tool Review: DCI Travel Tools Keychain

Key Features:
 +   Very lightweight
 +   Fits on a keychain
 -    Over-priced

This set of keychain screwdrivers may be seen by some as a gimmick gift or novelty gift, but the DCI Travel Tools Keychain can come in handy more often than you might think.  The set comes with two small screwdrivers, each about the size of a key -- one slotted and one Phillips -- and a keychain.  Each driver weighs about the same as a key, too, so you won't notice any added weight.  You can carry them with your keys and forget about them until you need them.

If you're someone that always likes to have a screwdriver within reach, then you'll like the DCI set.  The drivers are small, but the tips are sturdy and hold up to moderate use.  The handles of the drivers are wider than the shafts, providing for a little bit of added room to grip.  If you have a really heavy keychain, then you might need to remove the drivers from your keychain in order to use them, but otherwise you can just pull your keychain out of your pocket when needed and start turning a screw.

The DCI Travel Tools Keychain can be purchased on DCIGift.com for $6, which is slightly over-priced, especially considering that you can get a good pocket multi screwdriver for less than that.  Amazon.com also lists this set, but it's currently out of stock.

Tool Review: Shop Basics BTT-12001 15-in-1 Multi-Function Tool

Key Features:
 +   Strong pliers with good tension
 -    Too heavy for what it offers
 -    Pliers have to be opened to get to the other tools


Multi tools range from the very expensive to the very cheap. In general, the expensive ones are better quality tools than the cheaper ones, with some exceptions. The Shop Basics 15-in-1 multi-function tool (item #BTT-12001) is one of those exceptions.

Shop Basics is a Big Lots brand, and the Shop Basics multi tool is sold in Big Lots stores for $5. That price tag definitely puts it on the lower end of inexpensive multi tools. But this tool is worth more than its price, especially when compared to similarly-priced multi tools.

Like many other multi tools, the Shop Basics tool folds out into a pair of pliers with other smaller tools contained in the handles. The pliers are strong, with long nose tips and standard jaws, and a wire stripper close to the hinges. The wire stripper is about average for multi tool standards; better than some multi tools but worse than others. The pliers are spring-loaded, which is a nice feature, and the spring tension is perfect. The spring does make some noise during use.

The other tools that are part of this multifunction tool include a Phillips screwdriver, three different-sized flathead drivers, two knives (one small, one large), a file, a fish scaler, a hook remover, a ruler, a can opener, and a bottle opener. These tools are decently made, and they look like more thought was put into their design than is typical of the tools included on a low-priced multi tool.

The Phillips driver has a thick, square shaft, and the tip is sturdy. The flathead drivers are slightly rounded at the tips, but are definitely functional. The large knife has a sleek shape to it, with a very sharp tip and a sharp enough blade. The small knife would be called an awl on other multi tools. Most of the tools are easy to get to, and the tension on them (as well as on the pliers) can be adjusted with a Torx screwdriver.

One negative for this tool is that the knives, screwdrivers, and other implements are all stowed on the inside of tool, meaning you have to open the tool up to get to any of them.  The knife has a smooth edge, and would be more useful (in my opinion) if it were partially serrated.

A problem shared by many multi tools plagues this one as well. Because of the design, when you are using any of the screwdrivers, if you apply too much force the driver tends to collapse inward. You can sometimes avoid this issue by angling it slightly, but it's a common problem among multi tools. However, the two handles can be folded so that they somewhat resemble a long shaft, giving you some additional leverage when using the screwdrivers or other tools.

This multi tool is big. It measures about four inches long when closed, and it's heavy. For carrying around in your pocket, it's not the best choice (unless you have thick pants or reinforced pockets) and it doesn't come with a pouch, belt clip, or even a hole to attach to something. But it's a great tool to have with you; you could stow it in your tool bag, glove box, or trunk, or even just leave it in a kitchen drawer. For its $5 price tag, the Shop Basics 15-in-1 multi-function tool is a good value.

(Originally published on Helium.com, March 2013)

Shop Basics tool reviews

Multi Tools:
- Shop Basics BTT-12001 15-in-1 Multi-Function Tool

Harbor Freight tool sale

Harbor Freight Tools always has various discounts and sales going on.  Currently they have a 20% off coupon you can use in-store or online (through 12/17/14).  Here are some other deals you can get right now at HarborFreight.com:

- A magnetic bit holder for $0.99
- A puck-shaped grip wrench for $3.99
- A 1/4-sheet palm sander for $9.99
- A 40-piece SAE and metric socket set for $4.99

Tool Review: Stanley 42-240 Pro I-Beam Level

Key Features:
 +   Three bubbles so you can make easier checks
 +   Long reach allows for leveling multiple items together


A good level is an important part of any home tool kit. You could always go out and buy a cheap portable level, and for most jobs it would probably be sufficient, but the Stanley Pro I-Beam level (model #42-240) is well worth the $10 or $15 investment. It's a sturdy, reliable level that will provide accurate readings for a long time.

This level is long—24 inches—so unlike smaller levels it can be used to measure between two things on a wall, such as matching picture frames or two sides of a towel rack. That's a nice feature to have, and you often don't think about it until you need it. Although it's two feet long and made of metal, the level doesn't weigh a lot, so it can easily be carried around.

The level has three vials to test whether a surface is level or plumb. There is a horizontal level in the center and a vertical level on either side, so you can stand the level on an end and have a vial right there to check. There is also a slot cut into the top of the level so you can lay the level on its side in tight spaces and still be able to check the bubble.

The level is reliable in everyday use, and Stanley claims it's accurate to 0.0015 inches per inch (or 0.15 millimeters per meter), which seems very likely. You can easily check the accuracy of the two vertical levels because they both should give the same reading every time, and the horizontal vial can be checked like any vial by turning the level upside down and seeing if it shows the same reading.

In addition to working well, the level looks nice too. It has Stanley's traditional yellow-and-black coloring, and it is shaped like a long I-beam. There's a black plastic cap on either end to protect both the level and the surface you place the level on. The level has a durable aluminum construction and it holds up well over time.

Unlike many modern levels, the Stanley Pro I-Beam doesn't have a lot of fancy features or attachments. There's no pull-out tape measure or laser sighting, and it doesn't even have a magnet so you can stick it to a metal shelf. All it has are three accurate, reliable vials and a hole at one end to hang it from a nail or peg. With the Stanley Pro I-Beam, you won't be disappointed.

(Originally published on Helium.com, March 2013)

Tool Review: General Tools 744 Pocket 4-in-1 Mini Screwdriver

Key Features:
 +   Sturdy bits for precision work
 -    Very little grip
 -    Plastic will warp over time, causing bits and caps to fall off


It never hurts to have a screwdriver close at hand.  Slotted screwdrivers especially are useful for popping off e-clips, prying off plastic covers, or doubling as a blade to cut open boxes or packages.  There are many models of pocket screwdrivers you can buy and carry with you.  One of these is the General Tools Pocket 4-in-1 Mini Screwdriver (model #744).

This pocket screwdriver is about five inches long -- about the size of a pen -- complete with a clip for hooking it onto your pants pocket or shirt pocket.  It comes with four interchangeable bits -- two slotted bits (1/8" and 1/16") and two Phillips bits (#1 and #00).  Each pair of bits are mounted onto a reversible plastic assembly which fits into either end of the screwdriver and has its own cover.  You can store the bits so that the two you use most often are protruding, and are easily accessed just by popping off one of the covers.

For a pocket screwdriver, the bits themselves are surprisingly sturdy.  When used as a lever against a metal rod with plenty of weight behind it, the screwdriver held up and did the job (even though the bit did bent slightly).  The two different sizes for each type of bit make the screwdriver useful in many situations.  When you need to change the bits, they slide out easily.  The screwdriver is lightweight and convenient, and can be handy to have in a pinch.

The caps on each end of the screwdriver are made with a lightweight plastic, and over time they tend to loosen.  Eventually they will become loose enough to fall off of the driver, both during use and storage.  The plastic shaft will also warp and loosen with use, causing the bits to fall out easily.  These two flaws are the main drawbacks to this pocket screwdriver.

Home Depot used to sell this screwdriver for about two bucks, and some stores may still do that.  (The HDX pocket screwdriver at Home Depot is the same thing, just branded differently.)  If you're looking for it online, Amazon.com lists it for $4.74, which is a lot of money for this pocket screwdriver.  You can also purchase it directly from General Tools for $2.74, which is a much more reasonable price but is still too high compared to other comparable drivers.

(Originally published on Helium.com, April 2011)

General Tools tool reviews

Screwdrivers:
- General Tools 744 Pocket 4-in-1 Mini Screwdriver

Tool Review: Husky 74500 7-Piece Nut Driver Set

Key Features:
 +   Color coded
 +   Recessed shafts
 -    Smallest driver does not fit well in case


If you do a lot of work with nuts, bolts or hex screws, a good nut driver set is a must-have. For a wide variety of different sizes, a socket set and driver work great, but a standard nut driver set can be cheaper, especially if you only need a handful of sizes.  For SAE bolts, nuts, and hex screws, the Husky 7-piece nut driver set (model #74500) is a good choice.

This set includes seven nut drivers of different sizes: 3/16", 1/4", 5/16", 11/32", 3/8", 7/16", and 1/2". This range is a good mix of sizes, and these drivers are useful for everything from license plate bolts to lawn mower air filter covers to backyard swing sets. Part of the handle on each driver is a different color, so if there is a size you use more often than others you can quickly tell which one it is at a glance.  The drivers are sturdy, and the handles provide a good grip.

These drivers are neither magnetic nor ratcheting, and they probably won't appeal to anyone who only wants top-of-the-line, fancy, or hi-tech tools. But this is a good nut driver set that won't break the bank (depending on where you buy it) and will last for a long time.

The driver set comes with a plastic case that also doubles as a rack that you can use to hang your drivers from a peg board or hook. The case is decent, and can lock to prevent the drivers from falling out when they are hanging or being transported, but the smallest driver doesn't fit perfectly in its slot and might sometimes work its way loose (though not out of the case completely).

This set is a good nut driver set to keep in the garage or basement, but if you are looking for nut drivers to take on the road, you'll probably want to go with a more compact socket set.  Seven individual drivers take up a lot more space than one driver and many bits.  When space isn't an issue, however, this set is convenient because you don't have to switch bits before using the drivers for different applications.

Each handle is clearly marked with its size, in addition to the color coding.  The driver shafts are recessed -- a nice feature that allows you to turn nuts farther down on the bolt than many other nut drivers.  This nut driver set is a good basic set to have.  It gets a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars for its usefulness and functionality. Husky also makes a similar 7-piece metric nut driver set (model 74510 instead of 74500).  Both sets are currently sold for $15.97 on the Home Depot website.

(Originally published on Helium.com, January 2013)

Tool Reviews: Gerber Shard

Key Features:
 +   Many useful functions
 +   Compact

 -    Can poke you from your pocket


The number of rigid, single-piece multi tools on the market (like the Leatherman Brewzer and the Screwpop Pocket Wrench) seems to be growing, with many variations.  One such multi tool is the Gerber Shard (model #22-01769) which offers about as much functionality as the others, for a much lower price.

The Gerber Shard is a very small multi tool, smaller than I thought it would be.  It measures 2.75" long and 1" wide at its widest point -- about the size of a standard key.  It barely weighs anything, and it has a large hole so you can carry it on your key ring for easy access.

This multi tool packs a lot of functionality into a tiny frame.  Some of its many uses include pry bar, bottle opener, box cutter, cross-tip screwdriver, and slotted screwdriver (two different sizes).  Gerber claims it can also be used as a wire stripper, but I haven't tried that yet.

As a slotted/flathead driver, it works pretty well.  The large and small drivers are right next to each other, however, so it isn't much use for a recessed screw.  For a screw that's flush, the Shard loosens and tightens fairly well.

The cross driver, on the other hand, is not very functional.  It barely turns some screws, and won't do much except strip out the heads on other ones.  If turning Phillips screws is a deal breaker for you, then look for another multi tool instead of this one -- such as the CRKT Get-A-Way Driver.

The cross tip may not be very good for turning screws, but it works great for cutting tape on boxes and packages.  The tip is sharp, so if you keep the Shard in your pocket, be careful when reaching for it.

As a bottle opener, the Shard works, but if you're buying it mainly to use as a bottle opener, I would look for something else.  (The CRKT Get-A-Way Driver has a much better bottle opener.)  The Shard's small size makes it hard to grip and get leverage, and you have to be very careful how you hold it, otherwise you'll end up poking a hole in your hand with the sharp cross tip.

The pry bar is a handy feature, and is surprisingly strong for such a small tool.  If using it for large nails on a long flat surface, it probably won't be much help, but for smaller nails (or other objects) when you have room to get leverage, it works great.

The Gerber Shard is a handy pocket multi tool.  It would make a great gift for a DIYer, professional repairman, or technician.  It takes up hardly any pocket space, doesn't weigh anything, and puts several useful tools at your fingertips.  Amazon.com currently sells the Shard for $5.99, which is a good price for what you get -- far cheaper than other comparable tools.