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This version of the driver is outdated now, and Craftsman has updated it slightly.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)

First Impressions: Sequoia & Stalwart multi tools

I just got two new multi tools to review: the Sequoia 10-in-1 Multi Tool and the Stalwart Hawk Deluxe Multi Function Garden Scissors.   I haven't had a chance to really use either one much yet.  First impressions of the Sequoia tool are not good; first impressions of the Hawk Deluxe are much better.  I'll post full reviews once I've had a chance to test them both out.

Tool Reviews: Regal 19605 4.5" Diagonal Pliers

If you walk into a Home Depot or other hardware store, you can often find bargain-bin diagonal pliers for about $3.  These pliers are nothing fancy, but are usually sufficient for most basic jobs.  At Ace recently, I bought a pair of Regal diagonal pliers, model 19605, for about the same price.  Unfortunately, the quality of these Regal pliers is far below that of whatever bargain brand pliers hardware stores typically stock.

In theory, the Regal pliers seem like an average pair of 4.5" diagonal pliers.  The handle has grip, the plier jaws look sharp, and the pliers have spring tension.  But after using them just once, you can tell that very little care was put into manufacturing these pliers.

Even out of the packaging, the pliers already look used.  The handles look dirty, the jaws are scratched, and there are chips in the metal in three different places.  It's not just a bad pair that I got -- I checked out the other pliers that were in the same bargain bin, and they all looked similarly scuffed up.  It may have just been a shipment of cast-offs, but they definitely don't give me a good first impression for the Regal brand, and they sure weren't worth paying full price for.

The plier jaws don’t line up evenly with each other.  You can see space in between them when they are all the way closed, which means for very small things (like wires) it won’t cut them well.  Even just using the tip of the pliers, where the jaws do line up, the pliers are not sharp enough to cut a lot of things.

The closing action on the pliers is not smooth.  The pivot point looks like it wasn't forged smoothly, so when you use the pliers they stick for a moment as you squeeze the handles.  Lubrication on the pivot point didn't help at all.

I give these pliers half a star (out of 5 stars).  They barely function well enough to justify not throwing them in the trash, and they are certainly not a pair of pliers that you will be excited to keep in your tool box.  This is the pair that you toss in your trunk and forget about, just in case you ever need them.  But even for that purpose, you could easily find better pliers for the same price (or cheaper).  Amazon.com currently lists these pliers for $8.66 -- the picture shows the 6” pliers instead of the 4.5” pliers -- which is far too much to pay for this low-grade tool.

Regal tool reviews

Pliers:
- Regal 19605 4.5" Diagonal Pliers

Tool Reviews: Stanley 85-721 3-Piece 3/8" Drive Professional Grade Spark Plug Socket Set

Stanley is a reputable brand, known for good-quality tools. The Stanley 85-721 3-Piece 3/8" Drive Professional Grade Spark Plug Socket Set definitely falls into that category. The set comes with three different size sockets: 5/8", 3/4", and 13/16". These are three common sizes for spark plugs (the last size fits many lawn mower spark plugs) so it's a good basic set to have if you plan on changing or removing plugs. All three of the sockets use a 3/8" drive, so you'll need a 3/8" drive ratchet or an adapter.

The sockets are solidly-made, with Stanley's Max-Drive design for better performance. They won't damage your plugs, and they do a good job of both loosening and tightening spark plugs.  They seem very well-made, and so far have held up well over time.

The sockets come in a small sturdy plastic case which can be stuffed in a tool bag or hung from a wall or peg board.  The case can be hard to open at first, but it gets easier with use.

Amazon sells the Stanley spark plug socket set for $9.55, which is comparable to many other socket sets, and with the Stanley sockets you'll be getting good-quality tools that will last a long time. Eventually, you may want a larger spark plug socket set, but if you're just starting to work on engines or you don't work on a wide variety of engines, this set should work out well.  I give this spark plug socket set 4 out of 5 stars.

(Originally published on Epinions.com in slightly different form, November 2012)

Tool Review: Helping Hand 20600 12' Tape Measure

It's always good to have a tape measure around the house.  You never know when you'll need one.  A tape measure comes in handy for many normal household tasks, such as hanging pictures, centering a sofa on a wall, or measuring how much space you have for a new piece of furniture.  While brands like Stanley or Craftsman are well-known and respected, you can save a few bucks and buy a cheaper tape measure, like the Helping Hand 12' Tape Measure (model #20600).

The Helping Hand 12' Tape Measure is lightweight and small (it can fit in the palm of your hand).  Like many tape measures it has a locking steel blade and comes with a belt clip.  However, the fractions on this tape measure are better-marked than many other tape measures; the number is written for every eighth of an inch, making it easier to read and quicker to take measurements.

The tape measure comes wrapped in a black rubber casing, which gives it better grip and helps protect it if it's dropped.  The blade extends and retracts smoothly, and it is fairly rigid when locked -- as rigid as an average tape measure is -- even when extended out several feet.  At 66 inches the blade can still support its own weight without buckling.

25' tape measures are nice because there are a lot of times you'll need to measure something longer than 12 feet, but they are also more expensive, bigger, and heavier.  It's hard to walk around with a 25' tape measure in your pocket, or even clipped to your belt, but this smaller 12' one is very portable.

Helping Hand products are often sold at grocery stores and drug stores, so you may be able to find it in a local store.  If you can find it for around $2 or $3 (it was $2 at the drug store I bought it from, but that was several years ago) it's a very good deal.  You can buy it from the Helping Hand website, but it's currently listed for $5.99 -- way too much for this tape measure.  For a new homeowner or someone who just wants to have a tape measure laying around, this one will fit the bill, if you can find it for a fair price.  Amazon.com used to sell it, but it's unavailable right now.

This tape measure is great to keep around the house or even in a tool bag.  If you don't need a longer tape measure for your project, the Helping Hands tape measure should do the job.  I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars.

(Originally published on Helium.com, October 2010)

Helping Hand tool reviews

Drain Cleaners:
- Helping Hand 10000 Zip-It

Tape Measures:
- Helping Hand 20600 12' Tape Measure

Tool Review: Helping Hand 10000 Zip-It

The Zip-It is one of those simple products that when you come across it, you kick yourself for not having invented it first. It's a handy little tool that makes use of a remarkably simple idea. The Zip-It is great at unclogging sink drains, and it only costs a couple of bucks.

Made of a thin strip of sturdy plastic about two feet long, the Zip-It has barbs that run down both sides. When it's inserted into a pipe or hose and pulled slowly back out, the barbs will snag whatever is causing the clog (hair, dirt, plastic army men, etc.) and drag it out. It has a finger hole on one end for an easy, comfortable grip.

I bought a Zip-It from Home Depot when I was looking for something to unclog the hose leading from my dishwasher to the garbage disposal. I'd never heard of the Zip-It before -- I just happened to see it sitting on the shelf, and it looked like it might do the trick. It was only two or three bucks, so I didn't have much to lose (and nothing else I'd tried so far had worked.)

When I pushed the Zip-It into my dishwasher hose and retracted it, it came back covered with a bunch of black gunk. I was surprised how well it worked. My only problem was that it wasn't long enough to clean the entire length of hose. I shaved off some of the plastic around the finger hole to make it thinner so I could insert it farther, but it still wasn't able to reach the end of the hose. I finally duct-taped a thin screwdriver to the handle and was able to make it reach that way.

Offering Zip-Its in several different lengths would be a nice improvement, but as for the tool itself, there's really nothing to be improved upon. It's flexible enough to bend when following the curve of a hose, and at the same time tough enough that it won't break easily.

One advantage of the Zip-It being so cheap is that it can be disposable. Once you've stuck it down a few clogged pipes, it starts to get that dirty water stink. If the smell gets too strong (mine's not quite there yet) you can just throw it away and buy a new one.

The Zip-It is a great tool for homeowners. It's simple and easy to use, and it can prevent a costly service call from your plumber.  I give it a strong 4 out of 5 stars for its combination of simplicity and effectiveness.

The Zip-It is available from Home Depot, Lowe's, Sears, and several other stores.  It may be branded as Helping Hand, or Cobra Products, or some other brand, but it's all the same tool.  Amazon lists the Helping Hand version for $8.73 and the Cobra Products version for $4.77 -- both of which are over-priced -- but the Helping Hand website currently has the Zip-It for $2.49.  Home Depot recently offered a deal where you could get a two-pack of Zip-Its for about a buck fifty.

(Originally published on Helium.com, July 2009 -- review has been updated)

Home Essentials 5' Drain Cleaner Brush

When you get a clog in a drain or a pipe, you can often clean it out yourself without having to call a plumber.  There are various inexpensive tools you can use to clean a drain or pipe, including the Zip-It and Turbo Snake.  Another tool is the Home Essentials 5' drain cleaner brush.  (It was branded as "Home Essentials" when I bought it, but it might be labeled as another brand now -- should still be the same brush though.)  While it's longer than the other two, it may or may not be better suited for the particular job you need.

The Home Essentials brush, model #83190, is a long bendable plastic tube, with a brush on one end and a handle on the other.  It looks like it would be a great drain cleaner, but it's not as flexible as it seems.  It wouldn't bend enough to make a shallow U-turn in a rubber pipe joint, nor would it navigate a 90 degree turn in PVC pipe.  However, when used in straight PVC pipe it worked great, knocking out a couple of clogs.

The brush itself is made up of sturdy bristles that can probably knock loose just about any clog it comes in contact with.  But when you get the brush, because of the way it's packaged, the bristles may be flattened.  You'll have to force them back into place, which may or may not be possible.  On my brush, I was able to reset the bristles enough to be effective, though not all the bristles would pop back into place.  By reading some of the reviews on Amazon, it seems that this is a common problem with this model brush.

The bristles, when they are sticking out like they are supposed to, are a good size for cleaning out a 1" pipe.  For a thicker pipe, the brush may or may not work, and for a smaller pipe, the brush should still work as long as you can force the brush through the pipe.  The five foot length of the brush seems adequate for most residential jobs, as long as you can force the brush through any turns in the pipe or hose.  This brush gets 2.5 out of 5 stars -- an average tool that can be helpful in some situations, but the way it's packaged negates its usefulness a little bit.

The Home Essentials drain cleaner brush is not very expensive, so it may be worth buying it if you have a stubborn clog that other drain cleaners won't clear.  It was about $8 when I bought it online a few years ago, but right now Amazon.com has it for just $0.99, plus $4.49 shipping.

(Originally posted on Helium.com, Sept 2011 -- has been updated since then)

Tool Reviews: ProCaulk Caulking Kit

ProCaulk was a neat idea when it first came out -- a set of tools packaged together that can make your caulking job easier and more professional-looking. At around $20 it's not terribly expensive, and it comes with a money-back guarantee.

I'd been putting off re-caulking my bathtub for months. The other day in Bed, Bath & Beyond (my wife dragged me there -- I didn't go by choice) I saw the ProCaulk kit. I'd seen it on TV a few times and commented to my wife that it looked helpful. So while we were at the store, I bought it.

The kit comes with three different caulking tools of various sizes, designed to help smooth the caulk along joints and corners so you don't have to use your finger anymore. It also comes with a hook-shaped caulk removal tool and a tube of DAP Kwik Seal Plus indoor caulk. (The ProCaulk website used to let you choose whether you wanted indoor or outdoor caulk, but the site isn't up anymore.)

I broke the kit open and used it to remove the old caulk from my bathtub and lay new caulk. The caulk removal tool is kind of cool -- it has a hook and a point that both work fairly well to remove the old caulk. The hook is good for dragging out a chunk of wedged-in caulk. However, for bathtub corners (where the two walls and the tub meet) it's next to useless. Neither the hook nor the point can get in there. The tool is a durable plastic, but it bites into your hand if you push too hard, and I got the feeling I would be better off with a flathead screwdriver (though I was too lazy to actually get up and get one). The hook is better than a utility knife for the sole reason that it will cut through the caulk but not your tile.

When I applied the new caulk, the three smoothing tools were nice to have. Even when moving from one tile to the next, the tools were fairly steady, keeping the caulk a lot smoother than it would have been if I'd used my finger. For corners, though, my finger would have worked just as well. The tools are easy to clean, and they are made of a sturdy but bendable plastic with a guaranteed life of at least five years. The multiple sized edges also came in handy for different parts of the tub.

It was nice that the kit came with a tube of caulk, but if you're like me and you can't caulk without a caulk gun (or just prefer not to) the tube won't do you any good -- it's a soft tube that won't work with a caulk gun.

The ProCaulk kit seems to be marketed toward homeowners who know how to caulk but are not experts, and would rather do the job themselves than pay someone else to do it for them. ProCaulk is affordable, and the tools in the kit, while certainly not lifesavers, are helpful.  From me, this kit gets 3.5 out of 5 stars.

You can get the ProCaulk kit online at Amazon.com for $11.74 (plus shipping).  There's also a smaller version of the kit -- all the tools, but no caulk -- for $7.64 (eligible for free shipping). It used to be sold at Bed, Bath & Beyond stores, but it might be an online-only product now.

(Originally posted on Helium.com, June 2009 -- has since been updated)

Miscellaneous / Unbranded Tool Reviews

Caulking Kits:
- ProCaulk Caulking Kit

Drain Cleaners:
- Home Essentials 5' Drain Cleaner Brush
- Turbo Snake

Multi Tools:
- A1ST Mini Multifunctional Pocket EDC Tool
- Jeep H07 Multi Tool
- Sequoia 10-in-1 Multi Tool

Pick-Up Tools:
- WorkShop 87602 Telescoping Magnetic Pick-Up Tool

Screwdrivers:
- DCI Travel Tools Keychain

Tool Kits / Tool Sets:
- FineAuto Products 31 Piece Roadside Emergency Kit

Tool Review: Jeep H07 Multi Tool

You've probably heard of Leatherman and Gerber multi tools, and possibly some other brands as well -- SOG, Sheffield, etc.  But, if you're like me, one company that you definitely would not associate with multi tools is Jeep.  Until you meet the Jeep H07 multi tool, that is.

Apparently there are a lot of branded Jeep products, including multi tools and knives.  (I never knew this.)  I came across the H07 multi tool on eBay one day, and thought it looked neat so I bid on it.  I ended up winning the auction but didn't think much about it.

Several days later, the multi tool arrived, and the first thing I noticed was that it was a lot smaller than I thought it would be.  The H07 can actually fit in your pocket somewhat comfortably, and it's not significantly heavier than other multi tools.  It's very compact for everything that it offers.

The obvious draw to this multi tool (at least for me) is that it has both an adjustable wrench and pliers in the same tool.  That by itself is unique.  Both tools are very functional.  The wrench opens to half an inch -- pretty good for a small pocket tool -- and the wheel spins freely.  The pliers handle is held in place by a flip lock, so it doesn't get in the way when not in use (though on occasion it will pop open in your pocket).  The pliers have good spring action and are easily gripped, and the plier jaws open to a good inch and a quarter.

In addition to the wrench and pliers, the H07 has a swing-out knife with a 2.5" blade and a very sharp tip.  The knife can be opened and closed one-handed (right hand only) and does not lock in place.  The only improvement I would like to see on the knife is a partially serrated blade.

The H07 also has three small screwdriver bits stored in its handle.  These bits can be inserted into hex holes at the pliers head or on the side of the jaws, to make either a straight screwdriver or an offset screwdriver -- another cool function.  There are two slotted bits and one Phillips bit, all unmarked.  The black plating on the bits chips off quickly, but the bits themselves seem durable.  They fit snugly into the hex holes, so you don't have to worry about them falling out during use.

When not in use, the bits are stored in holes in the side of the handle, which is another example of how the H07 makes use of all possible room to provide an optimal amount of usefulness while requiring a minimal amount of space.  The bits are held in by a slight spring tension that keeps them from falling out, but still allows for removal.  Removing the bits can be a hassle sometimes, especially if you have big fingers and no fingernails.  (On a side note, if you ever remove the plastic handle where the bits are stored, be very careful because the springs will pop out.  Without the springs, the bits will slide right out of their slots.)

There is a belt clip on one side, which can be removed if you don't want it.  The H07 also comes with a Jeep-branded black storage pouch, and the pouch has loops so you can fit it onto your belt either horizontally or vertically.

I would have liked if the designers could have worked a saw blade into this tool somehow, but that wouldn't be possible without making the tool thicker, or reducing some other functionality.  As it is right now, this tool is very versatile, and offers a lot in the way of performance.  A bottle opener somewhere would have also been nice, but certainly not necessary.

The Jeep H07 multi tool is pretty cool when you first use it, I think mainly because of the combination of pliers and wrench, and because of how functional the driver bits are.  It's almost as cool, in my opinion, as the DeWalt MT16, though slightly more awkward in your pocket.  It gets 4 out of 5 stars.  It is a neat little tool, and very handy to have around.  I would recommend picking one up if you can find it for about $15 or so.  (They often go on sale on eBay.)  Amazon currently lists the H07 at $21.97 -- a little high in my opinion, but not extremely over-priced for what you get.  For Jeep owners, it may be worth paying slightly more.  Before buying the H07 I was considering buying Columbia River Knife & Tool's Guppie multi tool, but the Jeep multi tool is such a good tool that I have no problem keeping the Guppie on my wish list.

Good Vibrations tool reviews

Multi Tools:
- Good Vibrations Spark Doctor Spark Plug Tune-Up Tool

Tool Review: Good Vibrations Spark Doctor Spark Plug Tune-Up Tool

Key Features:
 +   Multiple sockets for common spark plug sizes
 +   Tool tension is easily adjustable
 -   Slightly too bulky to carry in a pocket


There are a lot of multi tools on the market that are useful for many things. Some multi tools are designed for fishing, others for camping or hunting or gun maintenance, and still others for sailing.  There are countless multi tools designed for general repair or installation work. However, there are not a lot of multi tools aimed at spark plug repair or replacement. One multi tool that fills that void is the Good Vibrations Spark Doctor spark plug tune-up tool.

You can find combination spark plug gappers and gauges just about anywhere, but the Spark Doctor multi tool comes with many other tools as well as those two. This is a good multi tool to have if you work with spark plugs, whether they are plugs for lawn mowers, chain saws, or other power equipment. (For auto spark plugs, you will probably want something more robust, with longer reach.)  It is especially handy for anyone who works on the go and might not have access to a full toolbox all the time.

The Spark Doctor multi tool includes a ramp-style gauge that is marked in both inches (0.01" to 0.06") and millimeters (0.4mm to 1.5mm).  The gauge extends upward from the body of the tool and can be pushed back down when not in use. The numbers are clearly marked but can be hard to see in certain light.

In addition to the gauge, this tool includes a spark plug gap adjuster (similar to the gappers found on many other gauges), a pick, a file, a spark plug wrench that can accommodate three different standard sized plugs (5/8", 3/4", and 13/16"), and a cleaning brush. Except for the gauge, each of the tools swivels outward, and the tension on the tools can easily be adjusted with a Phillips screwdriver to make them easier or harder to pivot out. The tension on the gauge can also be adjusted, so each person can set this tool up with the pressure that they like best.

The wrench is sturdy and the socket locks on securely, but it can also be easily removed. The tool can be folded up and stored either with the socket attached to the wrench, or with it unattached. The brush is strong, and should last a long time. This tool is large—larger than a standard pocket knife or multi tool—and heavy enough that most people probably won't want to carry it around in their pocket. It does have a hole punched into the bottom so you can hang it from a hook, post, or nail. Most of the tool's weight comes from the wrench body and the metal casing, and when you heft it you can quickly tell that it's not made of cheap plastic.

The Good Vibrations Spark Doctor spark plug tune-up tool is a good buy for anyone who routinely works on spark plugs and engines, or for anyone who thinks they might need to. It's a great tool to keep in a glove box, trunk, or shed, so you'll have it close by when you need it, especially when you don't have convenient access to other tools.  The Spark Doctor is currently listed on Amazon.com for $16.54 (eligible for free shipping).

(Originally posted in a similar version on Helium.com, January 2013)

Tool Review: Sheffield 12913 Hammer 14-in-1 Multi Tool

I'm a big fan of multi tools, as anyone who reads my reviews can probably guess. I've had my eye on the Sheffield 12913 Hammer 14-in-1 Multi Tool for a while now, because of its unique take on the multi tool concept. Local Home Depot stores recently dropped the price to around $7, but they never had the tool in stock. On Amazon it always hovered around $10, and last week when I saw that it had dropped to under $8, I decided it was time to give it a try.

I got the package a few days later and tore it open. Let me just say, I have never been so disappointed with a tool so quickly. There is a lot of potential packed into this hammer mult tool, and most of that potential evaporates as soon as you take it out of the package.

The 12913 multi tool is supposed to be a smallish hammer that also functions as pliers, and has several fold-out tools. The tools that fold out from the handle include a 1/8" slotted screwdriver, a #2 Phillips driver, a 2" mini saw that also functions as a 1/4" slotted driver and a file, a 2-1/2" knife blade, and a can opener that has wire stripper grooves cut into it. The hammer itself has both the standard hammer head and the nail claw, and the pliers claim to be standard pliers, linesman pliers, and wire cutters. It also comes with a decent carrying pouch with horizontal and vertical belt loops.

All in all, that sounds like a pretty useful tool for under ten bucks. Until you pull open the pliers' handle and realize that the pliers only open 1/4". If you're doing precision work, a quarter of an inch may be enough, but if you're doing precision work, an 11-ounce hammer tool is probably not the best pair of pliers for the job. By pulling the handles apart manually, I could stretch the pliers to open a little over 1/3", which is still far too small to be useful.

The can opener and saw blade are extremely difficult to swing out. For the saw blade, you have to pull the knife out first to get a good grip on it, and for the can opener is difficult to remove at best, even after pulling out both the knife and saw. The small slotted driver is next to impossible to remove, without prying it open with a screwdriver or knife. The Phillips driver can be swung open by hand, but it's not easy. Even after soaking all of the joints in oil, they still are difficult to move.

So that's everything that's wrong with this tool. I definitely would not recommend buying it. But there are some positives to it, too.

The hammer works well -- it's heavy and strong. The Phillips driver does not give you a lot of length, but it also works well and seems sturdy so far. The saw is not the sharpest you'll ever see, but it's sharp enough to easily cut through thick cardboard. The knife is sharp and is actually a decent pocket knife blade. I haven't used the file for anything yet but when you touch it, it feels like it was machined well and would be useful.

The pouch it comes with is nice to have, but the hammer sticks out on one side or another -- either the hammer head or the nail claw, which could be bad if you're wearing it on your belt. The brown design on the hammer's handle looks dated (at least to me) but Sheffield also makes the same tool available with a black handle, item# 12912. The packaging says that the hammer also comes with a "key ring" -- the metal ring on the bottom that holds the pliers handle in -- but who would want an 11-ounce hammer hanging off their key chain is beyond me.

All in all I give this multi tool 1.5 out of 5 stars, and I wouldn't recommend it.  As a small hammer with a knife blade and some tools that are barely usable, it's not worth more than a couple bucks.  Amazon.com currently lists it for $7.35, eligible for free shipping.

Tool Review: Husky 179 681 19-Piece 1/4" Mini Socket Set

Husky makes many different tools and tool sets.  One of them is the 19-piece 1/4" mini socket set (model# 179 681), which I saw sitting on a shelf in Home Depot and bought because it was only five bucks or so and the only socket set I had at the time was a free one I got when I opened my checking account.

This Husky set comes with everything you need for a basic starter socket set.  It has a stubby ratchet (with a comfortable rubber grip), eight different-sized metric sockets, nine different driver bits, and a bit holder that fits onto the ratchet.  And it all comes conveniently stored in a small plastic case with a spot for everything, which makes the set easy to transport.  The only problem with the case is that it does not latch; a sliding plastic tab opens and locks the case.  The tab is sufficient if the case remains stationary, but if you put it in your trunk or somewhere else where it will move around, the case could work its way open.  Everything inside the case is reasonably secured, however, so even if the case opens inadvertently nothing should spill out (unless you hit a big bump or the case drops on a hard floor).  There is a little bit of room in between the wrench, bits, and sockets so that you can fit an extension bar or two.

The sockets range from 4mm to 12mm, and each one has its size imprinted on the side.  The screwdriver bits include three Phillips bits, three slotted (flathead) bits, and three hex bits.  Unlike with other socket sets, none of these sockets lock onto the ratchet's 1/4" head, but they all fit snugly enough that you don't have to worry about them falling off by accident.  As is typical with Husky products, this set comes with a lifetime warranty.

Being a mini socket set, it may not provide enough torque or force for large jobs, but it works great for most tasks around the house.  The ratchet turns smoothly, and its rubber grip makes it easy to hold on to.  The only limitation I've come across so far with this set is that the sockets are too small to fit the bolts on my lawnmower wheels, but for everything that it fits it works great.

Unfortunately, you can't find this particular set on the Home Depot website anymore, but you may still be able to find it on a store shelf for a few bucks.  Amazon.com had it for sale, but it's listed as unavailable right now.  I give this socket set 3 out of 5 stars.  If you can find it for $5 or so, it's a good deal.

(Originally published on Helium.com, Sept 2010)