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.

Tool Deals on Amazon

With Black Friday just passed and Cyber Monday coming up, there are a lot of great deals to be found online.  Here are some tools that can currently be had for lower-than-normal prices on Amazon.com:

- Irwin Pocket Level, $2.63

This pen-sized pocket level was listed for $3.09 last week -- not a huge discount, but cheaper is still better.  If you use a level a lot, this one doesn't weight much and can clip onto a pocket, belt, or strap.

- Stanley All-In-One Screwdriver, $3.58

This simple screwdriver with 4 bits and two hex nut driver sizes is normally sold for about $5 on Amazon.  It's a good screwdriver to throw in a drawer or glove box, because it has several standard-sized bits included.

- Stanley Stubby Ratcheting Multibit Screwdriver, $4.24

This driver is a good stubby screwdriver.  It ratchets, has magnetic tips, and comes with several different bits, as well as storage for those bits in the handle.  The Stanley stubby ratcheting driver usually costs $5 or $6 on Amazon.  You can read a full review of this driver here.

- Leatherman Wingman, $19.96

The Wingman is one of the cheaper Leatherman multi tools that you'll find, but it's not a cheap multi tool.  It has many tools built into one -- pliers, knife, screwdrivers, bottle opener, etc.  The Wingman is typically sold on Amazon and in Home Depot stores for around $30.

- Wiha 1000-Volt Magnetic Driver, $22.85

If you do any work around live electricity, an insulated screwdriver is a good thing to have.  This one from Wiha comes with both slotted and Phillips bits, with internal storage in the handle for 8 bits.  It normally sells for close to $30.

Tool Review: Ultra Steel TR30206D Magnetic Pocket Level with Clip

You might have a heavy-duty foot-long level at home, one that you could brain a burglar with if you had to, but that level isn't the most practical tool to be carrying around with you everywhere you go. There are many different types of smaller, more portable levels.  One such portable level is the Ultra Steel magnetic pocket level with clip (model #TR30206D).

This plastic level (distributed in the USA; made in China) is compact and bright yellow, and it can fit in the palm of your hand. It is actually two levels in one, each set at 90 degrees from the other, and you can use them both for improved accuracy. The level is flat on two sides, so it will sit flush on any flat surface or in a 90-degree corner.

The level is small enough to fit in your pocket — about the size of a miniature stapler, a little larger than a stubby screwdriver. If you don't want to risk sitting on it and breaking it, however, it comes with a belt clip so you can attach it to your belt, toolbag strap, or the outside of your pocket. It also comes with a short ball chain so you could attach it to your key ring if you wanted to (though it's too big to carry it that way with much practicality).

Part of the underside of this level is magnetic, so you can stick it on your fridge or other metallic surface when it's not in use. It uses two straight magnets for added support, but the magnets are of varying strength. One of the magnets easily stuck to the tip of a screwdriver and clung there without dropping, while the other wouldn't even attach briefly before falling.

The Ultra Steel magnetic pocket level is probably not as reliable as a larger level from a more well-known company — it gave similar, but not identical, readings to a Stanley Pro I-Beam level — but it's a good value for a cheap, portable level.  This level gets 3 out of 5 stars.  It can be especially handy for someone who doesn't have a lot of room to carry around a larger level, but who may need to level something out from time to time.

This level sells for $1.00 in-store at Walmart. Online, it can be purchased from Amazon for $5.99.  It's very similar in appearance and features to the Stanley magnetic pocket level, which is listed at $16.38.

(Originally published on Helium.com, February 2013)

Ultra Steel tool reviews

Levels:
- Ultra Steel TR30206D Magnetic Pocket Level with Clip

Screwdrivers:
- Ultra Steel TS90354J 4-in-1 Mini Screwdriver

Tool Review: Ultra Steel TS90354J 4-in-1 Mini Screwdriver

Ultra Steel is a brand of tools sold in Walmart stores.  The tools are generally cheaper than most other brands, but sometimes they are a good value because the tools work well.  The UltraSteel 4 in 1 mini screwdriver (model #TS90354J) does not fall into this category.

The Ultra Steel mini screwdriver looks like a knock-off of Stanley's 4 in 1 pocket screwdriver (model #66344).  It's a pen-shaped pocket screwdriver, a little over six inches long, with two removable caps and a pocket clip.  The body is black, with a rubber coating, and the two caps are an almost-neon red.

This pocket driver comes with two metal double-sided bits.  Unlike the Stanley pocket driver, the Ultra Steel driver does not have magnetic tips.  There are two Phillips bits (#0 and #1) and two slotted bits (1/8" and 5/32").  The four bit sizes are printed on the driver body.

The bits slide into plastic slots in the driver, but the bits and slots weren't sized right because the bits slide in too loosely and can easily slide out.  The caps that cover the bits are also very loose.  General Tools makes a similar pocket screwdriver, with caps that loosen and fall off over time, but this Ultra Steel driver starts off that way.  The one nice thing about the caps on this driver is that each one has a large enough cut-out near the tip so that you can see which bit is installed on that side.

The driver handle is covered in a cheap-feeling rubber that provides no grip at all, so if you're trying to loosen or tighten a stubborn screw, this driver won't be much help.  The soft handle is comfortable to hold, but it provides no traction for your hand when turning a screw.

The Ultra Steel 4 in 1 mini screwdriver is made in China and sold at Walmart for $1.97.  That may seem like a great price, but for this screwdriver it's way too much.  For about the same price, you can buy the General Tools pocket screwdriver (model #744) at Home Depot, and that one is much better made than the UltraSteel driver.  For about twice the cost of either of those pocket screwdrivers, you can buy Stanley's pocket driver, which has magnetic tips that won't fall out and is manufactured to be much more durable.  This pocket driver gets 1 out of 5 stars.

(Originally published on Helium.com, April 2013)

Pittsburgh tool reviews

Tape Measures:
- Pittsburgh 69031 25' x 1" QuikFind Tape Measure

Pliers:
- Pittsburgh 40696 5-3/4" Needle Nose Pliers

Ratchets:
- Pittsburgh Pro 94011 3-Piece Thumbwheel Ratchet Set

Screwdrivers:
- Pittsburgh 69470 4-in-1 Screwdriver

Tool review: Pittsburgh 69031 25' x 1" QuikFind Tape Measure

When it comes to choosing a tape measure, there are certain factors that different buyers will look for.  Assuming all of the tape measures are accurate, some qualities that differentiate the different models include tape length, size, casing, and measurement units.  Sometimes, it's just how the tape measure feels in your hand.

The Pittsburgh 25-foot by 1-inch QuikFind tape measure (product #69031) is a good middle-of-the road tape measure.  As the name suggests, the tape reaches 25 feet, and it's an inch wide.  This QuikFind tape measure is self-supporting up to 78 inches, so you can stretch it out, unsupported, 6 and a half feet before the tape buckles.  A few times I got it out to 81 inches before it folded.

This tape measure is solid, and not very lightweight, but it comes with both a strap and a belt clip.  (The belt clip is removable.)  It has a hard, contoured, black plastic case that provides good grip.

One area in which the QuikFind tape measure sets itself back from other, similar tape measures is that it doesn't provide metric measurement.  The tape is only marked in inches and feet, not centimeters or meters.  However, it does have hash marks every 1/32 of an inch, allowing for very accurate measurements.  The metal tip on the end of the tape measure has both a hole and a slot, so you can rest it on a nail or other protrusion when measuring.

As long as you don't care about brand names, this QuikFind tape measure is a good value.  It doesn't have any "extras," but it's solid and it works.  It gets 3.5 out of 5 stars.  Since many tape measures are very similar, price can be an important differentiating factor.  At Harbor Freight stores, this tape measure is listed for $6.99 (though recently it was on sale for $3.99, and part of a give-a-way promotion for free.)  Below is a brief price comparison between this tape measure and other comparable tape measures.  (All prices are taken from Amazon.com.)

- Pittsburgh 25' QuikFind Tape Measure:   $4.37
- Tekton 25' Tape Measure:   $6.57
- Klein Tools 25' Tape Measure:   $14.99
- Snap-On 25' Tape Measure:   $17.49
- Stanley 25' FatMax Tape Measure:   $19.52
- Ridgid 25' Tape Measure:   $22.21
- DeWalt 25' Tape Measure:  $22.98

Some of these tape measures are higher quality than the Pittsburgh tape measure, but they are all fairly comparable.  (The DeWalt tape measure, for example, stands out on its own up to 10 feet, and the Klein Tools tape measure has a shock absorber built into its metal tip.)  If there is no special feature that you require that the Pittsburgh tape measure doesn't have, it's a great value for its price.

Tool Review: Columbia River Knife & Tool 9094C Get-A-Way Driver

Key Features:
 +   Lightweight
 +   Functions as a standard or offset driver
 -    Bit extender doesn't lock into place well
 -    Carabineer doesn't spring closed reliably


The Columbia River Knife & Tool Get-A-Way Driver (model #9094C) is an interesting little multi tool.  It's basically a pocket multibit screwdriver, with a few other tools built in.  If you've never seen this driver, it's worth at least checking out.

The Get-A-Way Driver is extremely lightweight, making it great for pocket carrying.  It's official weight is listed as 1.9 ounces, but it feels lighter than that.  Stow it in your pocket and you won't even know it's there.  It measures 3.75" without a bit; about 4.25" with a bit.  It comes with a spring-loaded carabiner, so you could attach it to your key chain, but I wouldn't trust the carabiner.  The non-adjustable pins that hold the joint in place are loose, so the latch doesn't always catch right, leaving the clip open sometimes.

There are four screwdriver bits included, which are stored horizontally in the driver body.  The bits are standard 1/4" hex bits, but they are shorter than normal bits.  They all have ball-and-spring mechanisms on their sides, to help them "lock" into the driver so they don't fall out.  There are also handy nail grooves cut into the base of the bits, which make it much easier to remove the bits when you want to use them.  However, because of the bits' short length and their distribution of weight, when you remove any of them from their storage area, they have a tendency to pop out and fall onto the floor, instead of sliding out into your hand.

The four bits -- two Phillips, two slotted -- fit into the bit holder on the end of the driver for use.  There is also a bit extender, which in addition to providing a little bit of extra length, also enables you to attach the bits to the side of the Get-A-Way Driver, allowing for angle or offset driving.  This offset feature can be very handy, especially for turning screws in very tight places.  The driver provides good grip and leverage, whether being used offset or standard.  You can also fit regular hex driver bits into the end of this driver, but they are too big to be stored in it, and without the ball and spring, they would slide right out.

The bit extender is a nice feature, but the spring that helps to hold it in place is very weak.  The ball does not stick out far enough to really "lock" the bit extender into the driver, and it pops out of place easily.

On the bottom side of the Get-A-Way Driver is a bottle opener.  It works well, and because of the way it's mounted against the flat side of the driver, it holds onto the bottle cap as you remove it, rather than just popping it off.  If you don't want the bottle cap opener, you can remove it.

The Get-A-Way Driver also has an LED flashlight.  On the side closest to the key chain loop, there is a small black button that you can push to turn on the flashlight.  It's a decent light for a pocket screwdriver -- not very focused, but somewhat bright.  It's great for lighting up a dark hallway at night, or for looking around the inside of a computer or printer.  The light uses two 3-volt CR927 batteries, which come already installed when you buy the driver.  If you use the light often enough that you eventually have to replace the batteries, instructions for doing so can be found on the back of the Get-A-Way Driver packaging.

In theory, this driver is simple to use.  In practice, it's a little more awkward.  To remove the bit you want from its storage, you have to slide it out a little from the bottom, then use your fingernail in the cut-out to pop it out, then hope to either catch the bit or pick it up where it falls, then insert it into the bit holder.  Then when you're done and you remove the bit from the bit holder, you have to make sure the extender doesn't pop out with the bit.  It's not difficult to use; just not as smooth as you might like.

With a few minor improvements, the Get-A-Way Driver could be a really useful pocket screwdriver.  It also has an oxygen bottle wrench and a 10mm hex wrench on the bottom side, neither of which I've had occasion to try yet.  The Get-A-Way driver is currently sold on Amazon.com for $9.83, which is a lot to pay for a pocket screwdriver.  If you can find it for $5 or so, it's a great buy.  Amazon also sells a Torx version of this driver, for those who work with Torx or star screws more often.

Columbia River Knife & Tool tool reviews

Multi Tools:
- CRKT 9094C Get-A-Way Driver

First impressions: Gerber Shard and CRKT Get-A-Way Driver

Today in the mail I got a Gerber Shard and CRKT Get-A-Way Driver.  The Gerber Shard I'd been wanting for a while, but the Get-A-Way Driver I hadn't even heard of until recently.  Both tools are smaller than I thought they'd be -- a good thing, since they are both pocket tools.

The Gerber Shard is impressive so far, especially for its size.  I don't like the cross driver on its tip, but I didn't expect that to be a great screwdriver.  The CRKT Get-A-Way Driver is a neat multifunction screwdriver, but a little lower quality than I would have expected from Columbia River Knife & Tool.  I'm looking forward to using, testing, and reviewing both multi tools.

Tool Review: FineAuto Products 31 Piece Roadside Emergency Kit

It's always a good idea to be prepared. Keeping tools in your home helps you prepare for emergency repairs that might need to be made.  Similarly, keeping tools in your car or truck can help you be prepared for an auto emergency. When you're stranded on the side of the road and the closest tow truck can't get there for an hour or two, it's nice to know you have some tools on hand for small repairs.

You obviously can't keep every tool you'd like to have in your trunk, but a small, simple tool kit like the FineAuto Products 31 piece roadside emergency kit is much better to have than nothing at all when your car breaks down. This kit does not take up much space, and it only costs about $10 at BigLots (though it sells for $20 or more online).

The FineAuto Products kit includes a variety of tools that could be useful to have at various times. There are two screwdrivers (one slotted, one Phillips), a nut driver with nine different bits, a pair of slip joint pliers, some spare fuses and electrical terminals, a tire pressure gauge, and a pair of cloth gloves. Perhaps most useful of all, the kit includes a set of jumper cables.

These tools are not top-of-the-line, but they will get the job done. The slip joint pliers are made of very thin metal and the nut controlling the tension tends to loosen, but it can easily be tightened again. The nut driver bits don't fit perfectly on the nut driver, but they fit well enough for normal usage, and they won't fall off unless you really try to knock them off. The bits are standard quarter-inch bits and can be used with a quarter-inch socket wrench.

There are four common fuses in the kit, which are nice to have on hand, and some electrical tape along with the spare terminals, so if you're comfortable working with wires you should be able to fix most small wiring problems — at least temporarily, if not permanently.

This kit is certainly not comprehensive, but it contains a lot of useful tools and parts that you'll be happy to have when you need them. This kit gets 2.5 out of 5 stars.  For 10 bucks or so, it's a decent kit to throw in your trunk and forget about until you need it.  It's probably not worth the $20 or $25 it would cost online ($26.99 at Amazon.com right now).  For the same price, you should be able to find a better tool kit.

(Originally posted on Helium.com, February 2013)

Tool Review: Stanley T16 FatMax Multi Tool

The Stanley T16 FatMax Multi Tool (item #FMHT72414) is the same tool as the DeWalt MT16 Multi Tool.  The only real differences are exterior body style and coloring.  I've already written a full review of the DeWalt multi tool (which you can read here) so I'll focus on the differences between the two tools for this review.

The Stanley T16 is darker in color than the DeWalt MT16.  Where the MT16 is yellow with black accents and silver tools, the T16 is dark gray with black accents and black oxide tools.  The pliers on the DeWalt are black, and the pliers on the Stanley are silver.

Like the MT16, the Stanley T16 is a solid multi tool for its price.  It has strong, well-made pliers, a good locking knife, and functional screwdrivers.  The tools are all easily accessible, and the spring action on the pliers is very good.

The only non-aesthetic difference I've found is that the handles for the DeWalt's pliers are slightly more contoured, providing a little better grip.  The Stanley pliers have a decent grip, but the handles are less textured than those on the DeWalt, making it a little easier for your hands to slip.  Some of the interior finish on the Stanley tool was already starting to flake off upon removing the tool from its package, but that's a minor issue.

The Stanley T16 FatMax Multi Tool is a good multi tool for around $15 or so.  I bought mine at Lowe's for $17.98 (on sale from $19.98).  I've only seen it so far in-store at Lowe's and on the Lowe's website, so it may be a Lowe's exclusive, or it may just not be marketed widely yet.  I give the T16 4 out of 5 stars, a much better multi tool than the Sheffields and generic brands that you'll find for around the same price.

Tool Review: Sperry Instruments E132446 Outlet Circuit Tester

Sperry Instruments' outlet circuit tester (part #E132446) is just your basic, run of the mill outlet tester.  I bought mine for three or four bucks at Home Depot, and it has come in handy more than a few times.

The tester is designed to tell you whether or not your outlet has power, and whether it's wired correctly or not.  It couldn't be easier to use -- just plug it into an outlet.  The only limitations on this tester are that it won't work with non-grounded (two-wire) outlets, because it has three prongs on it, and it is only made for use with 120-volt circuits.

The tester has three lights, and depending on the condition of the outlet, some, all, or none of them will light up.  The legend that tells you what the different lights mean is printed right on the front of tester, and it is pretty specific.  For example, rather than simply telling you that the outlet is wired wrong, it will show you whether hot and ground are reversed, whether hot and neutral are reversed, or even if one of the lines is open.

It is small enough to fit in the palm of most people's hands, and it is lightweight and very portable.  The tester makes a great troubleshooting tool for copier and printer technicians -- as well as anyone who's working on a device that runs on 120-volt AC power -- to help determine if an electrical problem is internal or external to the device.  While it can't give you an exact reading like a voltmeter or multimeter can, or display a quick fluctuation in voltage, it will show you at a glance whether or not the outlet is providing the correct power.  And since it plugs right into the wall, it doesn't require batteries.  For very specific line problems, the tester is no substitute for a multimeter, but it is nice to have as an extra tool.  For what it's meant to do, I would give it 4.5 out of 5 stars.

This specific Sperry Instruments tester isn't currently available online, but you may be able to find it (or a similar one) at your local hardware store.  It looks like an electrical plug set into a squarish piece of yellow plastic, and it shouldn't be any more than five bucks.  You can also get a GFCI-compatible tester -- it performs just like the standard tester does, but it can also test (and reset) GFCI circuits.

(Originally published on Helium.com, April 2010)

Sperry Instruments tool reviews

Testers:

-  Sperry Instruments E132446 Outlet Circuit Tester

Tool Bench tool reviews

Screwdrivers:
- Tool Bench 12-in-1 Screwdriver Set

Tool Review: Tool Bench 12-in-1 Screwdriver Set

The saying "you get what you pay for" holds true sometimes more than others. With the Tool Bench 12-in-1 Screwdriver Set (SKU# 178179) that maxim definitely applies.

The Tool Bench 12-in-1 Screwdriver Set is sold at Dollar Tree discount stores for a dollar. Any time you see a screwdriver with 12 attachments for a buck, you're probably right to be wary.

In theory, this set is nice. It comes with a driver, seven bits, and five sockets. The bits include one slotted bit, one Phillips bit, two star/Torx bits, two hex bits, and one 1/4" drive adapter (for the sockets). The packaging is very nondescript, and doesn't specify what sizes any of the bits or sockets are. The Phillips bit looks like it's probably a #2.

The sockets look okay, and they work okay, but the bits look soft and poorly-made. The star bits, even before their first use, are rounded at the top edges, so they will probably slip during use. The sockets fit loosely onto the 1/4" drive bit, which makes taking them off easier, but doesn't inspire a lot of confidence for their use.

This screwdriver's main selling point is that it can store all of the bits and sockets in its plastic handle. Half of the handle swings open, revealing 12 holes for storage. All of the bits and sockets are easy to take out and reinsert. The handle is held shut by a flimsy piece of plastic that barely latches over a small plastic tab, and it looks as though the plastic latch piece will break off after a handful of uses.

The driver itself is not particularly well made. The hole where the bits fit in is extremely shallow, and doesn't provide a lot of support for the bits themselves. The bits also fit loosely into the hole, and there is a significant amount of wiggle room.

All you really need to know about this tool is that it's sold for $1. Unless you are experiencing an emergency where you absolutely need a screwdriver and you don't have more than a dollar in your pocket, this driver and bit set is a waste of money. An argument could be made that it's worth the price for the 1/4" drive adapter bit, if you happen to need one, but you'd probably be better served spending a little more on a quality adapter.  I give this screwdriver 1.5 out of 5 stars.

(Originally published on Bubblews.com, January 2014)

Tool Review: Stanley 69-189 FatMax Ratcheting Screwdriver

Key Features:
 +   Bits lock into place
 +   Easy to adjust ratchet
 +   Plenty of storage for bits
 -    Bit storage cover doesn't feel very durable


I'd been looking for a good all-in-one, everyday-carry screwdriver recently.  The two screwdrivers I mainly relied on -- the Craftsman Auto-Loading Screwdriver and the Kobalt Double Drive Screwdriver -- were both good drivers, but I had recently received an Amazon gift card and what better way to spend it than on a new screwdriver?

The Craftsman is still one of my favorite drivers, but it doesn't ratchet.  The Kobalt is highly functional, but a little too bulky to carry.  Enter the Stanley FatMax Ratcheting Screwdriver (model #69-189).

The FatMax ratcheting screwdriver is very affordable -- only $8.15 on Amazon.  It comes with six bits:

- two square bits: #1 and #2
- two slotted bits: 1/8" (3mm) and 1/4" (6mm)
- two Phillips bits: #1 and #2

There is storage for all six bits in the handle, as well as room to store two additional bits so you can add other bits that you use often.  The bits are all standard hex bits, so they are easily interchangeable with other bit sets.  The bits are strong, and may chip slightly during use but hold up well.

The FatMax driver is not a light driver, and it feels heavy in your hand.  Almost all of the weight is in the handle, so it gives you added power when turning the driver.  It has a three-position ratchet, for loosening and tightening as well as a locked position.  The ratchet direction is easy to change during use.  The ratchet isn't a precision ratchet -- by feel, it seems to have 16 teeth -- but it works well enough for most applications.

The bits lock into the tip of the driver, which is a neat feature I'd never seen before.  Push the textured lock ring up to remove or insert a bit, and let it slide back down to lock the bit into place.  It's easy to install and remove bits, but the lock holds them securely in place.

The handle is designed in the black and yellow Stanley colors, with alternating rubber and plastic panels.  The rubber gives you good grip when turning the driver, and the ratcheting function is very easy to adjust.

The Stanley FatMax Ratcheting Screwdriver is heavier than I expected it to be, but it is a very good driver that could be an everyday screwdriver.  The only improvement I could reasonably expect on this driver would be to add a strong magnet to the tip, so the bits would be able to attract and hold screws, but you could easily add that capability by attaching a magnetic bit holder.

Tool Review: Titan 16061 61-Piece Bit Set

Key Features:
 +   Great selection of bits
 +   Bits are good quality
 -    Magnet in bit holder is weak


Recently we had an issue with our furnace not putting out heat.  I wanted to fix it, but some of the components were fastened with security screws.  I needed a set of security bits, and searched Lowe's and Advance Auto Parts without success.  Finally, at AutoZone, I came across the Titan 61 Piece Bit Set, part# 16061.

AutoZone sold this set of security bits and regular bits for about $15, which was more than I was looking to spend, but it seemed like a good bargain for the amount of bits it included.  There are 60 bits, plus a 2-1/2" magnetic bit holder, which is nice if you don't already have a magnetic driver.  The magnet in the bit holder isn't very strong, but it will suffice if you don't move your screwdriver too fast.

I am very impressed with this bit set.  It comes with such a wide selection of bits that you really don't need any additional bits for most projects.  There are slotted bits, Phillips bits, Torx/star bits, hex bits, security star bits, security hex bits, spanner bits, and even square bits.  More bits than most people would ever need, but definitely a good selection to have.

The bits are of durable quality.  I've used several cheap bits that start to wear down after the first use or two, but even after many uses these Titan bits have held up without so much as a scratch.  I haven't tried all of the bits, but the ones I've tried so far work great.

Even the plastic case they come in is nice.  It's a compact rectangular case, with enough room between each of the bits so that it's easy to remove and reinsert them.  The case isn't flimsy, and it stays shut so the bits won't fall out.  The back of the case lists all of the various bit types and sizes that are included, and it has a slide-out tab with a large hole so you can hang the case from a peg board or nail.

If you're looking for a good set of bits, I would strongly recommend this Titan set.  Titan is a brand of tools that is often cheaper than many others, and I've used a Titan pocket screwdriver before that I would not recommend buying, but this bit set is of good quality and is worth the $10 or $15 it will cost you.  It's a bit set you can rely on for a long time.  Amazon.com sells this set, currently listed for $12.19.

(Originally published in similar form on Bubblews.com, January 2014)

First Impressions: Stanley FatMax Multi-Bit Ratcheting Screwdriver

I just got the FatMax Ratcheting Screwdriver in the mail yesterday, and already I'm liking it.  I bought it to hopefully use as an everyday screwdriver, and it looks up to that task so far.  The bits lock in place nicely, it has plenty of storage in the handle -- you can even store more bits than came with the driver.  It did come with two square bits, which it didn't say in the description and I won't use much, but they will be replaced with other bits.

I'll post a full review after using it for a while, but for $8.15 I'm glad I bought this driver (at least, so far).

Tool Review: Tekton 2740 2-Piece Stubby Screwdriver Set

I've owned several different Tekton tools, and for the most part I have been disappointed with the quality. However, the Tekton 2740 2-piece stubby screwdriver set is rather impressive for an inexpensive pair of stubby drivers.

This set comes with two drivers -- a #2 Phillips driver and a 3/16" slotted driver. Both drivers are marked with their sizes. The drivers look typical for stubby screwdrivers -- fat handles and short shafts.  The shafts are 1-1/2" long, and the drivers from end to end are about 4" long. The plastic/rubber handles are colored Tekton's signature black and red, and the shafts are silver with painted black tips. Each driver has a hole in the handle so you can hang it from a peg (or a nail with a thin head).

The handles on these drivers are contoured differently than any other stubbies I've ever used, and they provide a very good grip. The handles bulb out toward the end, then slim down closer to the shafts, which makes for easy gripping and natural finger placement. The rubberized texture also adds to the grip.

The shafts are chrome vanadium and seem very strong. The tips of the shafts are painted black, which makes them look nice, but the paint chips off quickly with use. The tips are also magnetic -- a nice feature on almost any screwdriver. The magnets are strong enough to pick up and hang on to small to medium-sized screws, like the screws you would find in electronics, televisions, or office copiers.

This stubby set is a very good offering from Tekton. It comes with Tekton's lifetime warranty, which from what I've seen they stand behind very firmly. I give this stubby set 3.5 out of 5 stars, and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a good pair of stubby drivers. Amazon sells the Tekton 2740 stubby screwdriver set for $4.15 as an add-on item (which means you have to spend at least $25 on your order, but it is eligible for free shipping).

Tool Review: Gerber Mini Suspension-P Multi Tool

Before I bought the Gerber Mini Suspension-P, I'd never owned a Gerber multi tool, so I wasn't sure quite what to expect.  I've owned a couple of Gerber knives over the years and I was very impressed with them, and I'd had my eye on the Gerber Suspension multi tool for a while now.   (The Mini Paraframe is still, for my money, one of the best pocket knives around.)

Then recently I saw the Mini Suspension-P at Home Depot for about $10.  The price was right, so I took a chance and bought it.  After carrying it and using it for a couple of weeks now, I have to say I'm a little let down.

The Mini Suspension-P is not a bad multi tool.  It's about average compared to other $5 or $10 multi tools.  It's better than some Sheffield multi tools, and not as good as some others.  I wouldn't get rid of the Mini Suspension-P, but it won't make the cut as my "everyday-carry" multi tool.  I guess what I'm saying is, $10 is probably a fair price for it (perhaps a little high) but it's not worth any more than that.

The tool looks nice -- it has a neat straight-line finish with different shades of gray, and it looks like a lot of care went into its appearance.  Two of the implements (the knife and the nail file) are even labeled, which I've never seen before on a multi tool.

The Mini Suspension-P is sturdy.  Mine got dropped on concrete a few times (okay, thrown) and it has no scratches or scuff marks.  The pliers are strong and well-made, with good spring action.  The handles don't have any textured grip, but it's still easy to hold the pliers because of the strong spring action.

This multi tool is very heavy for its size, perhaps due to the strength built into the pliers.  The Mini Suspension-P is noticeably heavier than other multi tools of a similar size, and even heavier than some larger multi tools.  It comes with a loop that can be used with a key chain, but unless you like your key chains weighed down, you probably won't want the Mini Suspension-P hooked onto it.

The opening and closing action of the tool's handles is a lot jerkier than I've seen with other multi tools.  The handles don't swing open smoothly -- they sort of pop open in stages.  It makes for a neat snapping sound when you fold the tool up, but for quick access it's a little awkward.

It isn't a 15-in-1 multi tool, but the Mini Suspension-P does have some useful implements.  Aside from the pliers/wire cutters, there's a very serviceable knife, a nail file, a small pair of tweezers, a cross screwdriver (the flat blade kind) and large and small slotted screwdrivers.  The tools open from the outside, so you can get to any of them (other than the pliers) without having to open the handles.

The knife pivots out easily.  The tip isn't very sharp, but the blade is.  The nail file works, and it has a pick on the end.  The two slotted drivers are about what one would expect -- functional, but a little more rounded than they could be.  The tweezers work well but are very short, so they won't be able to reach into narrow spaces.

The Phillips driver is next to useless.  The tension on that driver (at least on my tool) and the design of the nail nick make it almost impossible to extract with your hand.  You need something to pry it out with just to be able to use it.  You can adjust the tension on the screwdriver with a Torx driver, but in order to do so you'll need two Torx drivers, because turning the one screw just makes the screw on the other side turn as well, which doesn't do anything for the tension.  You'd have to hold one Torx driver in place, as well as hold the multi tool, while you turn the other driver.

Once you get the Phillips driver out, it works okay for some screws.  For others, it won't grip the head enough to turn the screw.

The Gerber Mini Suspension-P is not a multi tool I would buy again, given the choice, nor recommend.  For the same price you can get a lighter multi tool that functions just as well.  I'll still look forward to testing its big brother, the Suspension, but I would recommend passing on this one.  If you want to check it out, Amazon.com lists it for $18.00 (eligible for free shipping) and HomeDepot.com sells it for $9.97.

Pros:
- strong pliers
- sturdy, well-made construction
- tools open from the outside
- two of the tools are labeled

Cons:
- Phillips screwdriver is difficult to extract
- too heavy for its size
- tweezers would be much more useful if they were longer
- pliers don't open or close smoothly

(originally published in the Multitool.org forum, July 2014)

Gerber tool reviews

Multi Tools:
- Gerber Mini Suspension-P Multi Tool
- Gerber Shard
- Gerber Vise

Craftsman tool reviews

Drivers:
- Craftsman 47380 Autoloading Multi-Bit Screwdriver

Tool Review: Craftsman 47380 Autoloading Multi-Bit Screwdriver

It used to be that everyone with a tool box had a good pair of screwdrivers that they relied on. Now, however, screwdrivers that don't have changeable bits are becoming less and less common. People are turning toward multi-bit screwdrivers because of the convenience of having more than one bit at your fingertips. One good multi-bit screwdriver that I've had for a long time is the Craftsman 47380 Autoloading Multi-Bit Screwdriver.

Many multi-bit screwdrivers come with a case or holder for the bits that aren't currently being used.  However, this Craftsman driver stores all the bits internally, in a revolver-like cartridge inside the driver. If you want to switch bits, all you have to do is retract the handle, twist it until you find the bit that you want (the cartridge is clear so you can see each bit) and then push the handle back in.  Switching between bits could not realistically be made much easier.

This autoloading screwdriver comes with six bits -- three slotted bits and three Phillips bits -- but the bits can be removed and replaced with other standard-sized bits.  If there is a bit you don't use often, you can replace it with one that you do. Each bit is clearly marked with its size.  The three slotted bits are sized 1/8", 3/16", and 1/4", and the three Phillips bits are marked P1, P2, and P3.  All of the included bits are good quality and have held up well over time with moderate use, even under high-torque conditions.

This driver doesn't have a ratcheting function, but it is magnetic. The product description on Craftsman's web site states that it's non-magnetic, but the driver I have is definitely magnetized, and it does attract (and hold) screws.

If you are looking for a high-end expensive screwdriver, the Craftsman autoloader is not that driver. But it is a handy screwdriver to keep in a glove box or somewhere close by, when you're not sure exactly what size and type of screwdriver you'll need for a particular job. The bits are sturdy and durable, and the case is plastic but it's easy to grip and turn. It would make a good gift for a new homeowner or someone who doesn't own a lot of tools. On the Craftsman website, this driver has a customer rating of 4.37 out of 5.  Personally, I would give it 4 out of 5 stars.


This version of the driver is outdated now, and Craftsman has updated it slightly.  The handle of the newer model (same model number, sold on Amazon for $28.26) is more textured, but otherwise the driver looks the same.  You can still get the older version from FineHomeBuilding.com for $20.00.

Amazon also has other brands of autoloading screwdrivers that look identical to the Craftsman (other than coloring and logo).  I can't attest as to these drivers' quality, but they do look the same, and they are much cheaper.  The Triplett driver sells for $11.97, the KR Tools driver is listed for $14.99, and there is an unbranded version for $14.88.

(Originally published on Helium.com, January 2013)