Klein 1005 Crimper/Pliers Review: Right for Our Shop?
Tools & Product Reviews

Klein 1005 Crimper/Pliers Review: Right for Our Shop?

We’ve put the Klein Tools 1005 Cutting/Crimping Tool through the kind of daily use that quickly exposes a pretender. On paper it’s a straightforward cutter/crimper for 10–22 AWG terminals and connectors, handling both insulated and non‑insulated ends—exactly the range that crowds our bench. In hand, it feels like a classic shop companion: sturdy, no-nonsense, and confident when it closes on a crimp. We like that it aims to be an all-in-one helper, trimming wire cleanly and then moving straight into a controlled squeeze for consistent connections. Still, “Made in USA” and a famous name aren’t the whole story. The real question is whether the 1005 earns a permanent spot in our tool roll.
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DzIxY Lace Die Cutter Review: Right for Our Shop?
Tools & Product Reviews

DzIxY Lace Die Cutter Review: Right for Our Shop?

In our hunt for versatile lace accents, we put the DzIxY Lace Semicircle Background Board Metal Cutting Dies to work on everything from birthday cards to layered scrapbook headers. The semicircle motif brings an instant “finished edge” look—delicate without feeling fussy—and it pairs nicely with bold sentiments or minimalist layouts. We ran it through our die-cutting machine with standard cardstock and heavier textured paper, and the cut quality stayed consistent, with the finer lace details holding up surprisingly well. What we’re still weighing for our shop is the niche factor: it’s perfect for romantic, vintage, and wedding aesthetics, but less essential for modern geometric lines. Still, as a background-builder, it’s a compelling tool.

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12×12 Trim & Score Board Review: Right for Our Shop?
Tools & Product Reviews

12×12 Trim & Score Board Review: Right for Our Shop?

We’ve tried plenty of cutters that promise clean edges and crisp folds, but our shop lives or dies by consistency. The 12 x 12 Inch Paper Trimmer and Scoring Board aims to be a true multitasker—trim on one track, score on another, and keep projects moving without swapping tools every five minutes. With two included blades (cutting and scoring), it’s clearly designed for cardmaking, envelopes, book covers, and those gift-box prototypes we always seem to be testing. What caught our attention is the emphasis on precision: measured guides, a stable base, and the kind of straight, repeatable lines that make DIY look professional. In this review, we’ll see if it actually speeds up our workflow—or just adds another gadget to the drawer.
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Rockin’ Wood Paneling Review: Right for Our Shop?
Tools & Product Reviews

Rockin’ Wood Paneling Review: Right for Our Shop?

When we started looking for a quick way to warm up our shop walls, the Rockin' Wood Real Wood Nail Up Rustic Reclaimed Barn Wood Panels (104 sq ft) landed on our shortlist fast. The boards arrive with that naturally weathered look—grain lines, faded tones, and imperfections that feel more like history than damage. We like that it’s real wood and meant for a straightforward nail-up install, which matters when we’d rather be building than babysitting a renovation. At the same time, we’re watching for the usual reclaimed-wood variables: occasional warping, thickness differences, and the need for a bit of sorting before we commit. In this review, we’ll share how it handled, how it looked on the wall, and whether it fits a working shop.

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BESPORTBLE Cutting Board Review: Right for Our Shop?
Tools & Product Reviews

BESPORTBLE Cutting Board Review: Right for Our Shop?

In our search for practical prep gear that can handle both quick lunchtime orders and weekend BBQ demos, we tried the BESPORTBLE 2pcs Apple Cutting Board set (26x25cm). The first thing we noticed was the size: compact enough to slip into our prep station without hogging counter space, yet wide enough for slicing fruit, portioning veggies, and plating small salads. The food-grade PP plastic feels lightweight and easy to wipe down, which matters when we’re moving fast. For meat prep, we’d still pair it with stricter color-coding in our shop, but as a portable board for outdoor grilling and light-duty chopping, it fits the role neatly. Two boards in the kit also help us rotate between tasks.

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OPTP Super Pinky Ball Review: Right Shop Tool for Us?
Tools & Product Reviews

OPTP Super Pinky Ball Review: Right Shop Tool for Us?

We didn’t expect a small sphere to earn a permanent spot in our recovery kit, but the OPTP Super Pinky Ball makes a convincing case. Its moderately firm density hits that sweet spot: assertive enough to dig into stubborn knots, yet not so brutal that we dread using it. We rolled it along tight shoulders, parked it under our upper back against a wall, and even tried it underfoot for plantar fasciitis flare-ups. The targeted pressure feels precise—more “guided deep tissue” than “randomly poked by a rock.” What surprised us most was how easy it is to control: one inch of repositioning can change the whole sensation. Is it the right shop tool for us? It’s getting close.
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Shark WANDVAC Hand Vacuum Review: Right for Our Shop?

In our shop, messes don’t wait—sawdust drifts into corners, packing peanuts scatter, and pet hair somehow finds every mat. The Shark WANDVAC Cordless Hand Vac (WV201RGBRN) caught our eye because it promises serious suction in a 1.4‑lb, grab-and-go body. We liked the simplicity of the charging dock: park it, charge it, and it’s ready for quick cleanups between tasks. The one-touch empty system also feels designed for real work—no wrestling with clumps of debris when we’re in a hurry. With the multi-surface pet tool and duster crevice tool, it aims to handle everything from car seats to bench-top grit. Still, we wanted to see if “compact” can truly mean “capable.”
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Slice Micro Safety Cutter Review: Right Shop Utility Knife?
Tools & Product Reviews

Slice Micro Safety Cutter Review: Right Shop Utility Knife?

We didn’t expect a keychain-sized cutter to earn a spot in our daily toolkit, but the Slice Micro Safety Cutter has been quietly impressive. This 2-pack in green feels more like a smart accessory than a traditional utility knife: small, easy to stash, and quick to grab when boxes, mailers, or stubborn packaging show up. The ceramic blade is designed for safety, and in our hands it delivered controlled, shallow cuts that reduce the “oops” moments without making us work harder. Slice claims the blade lasts up to 11x longer than metal, and while we’ll keep testing, it’s already outlasting the disposable blades we usually burn through. For light-duty opening, it’s surprisingly satisfying.
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Hamilton Beach Hand Mixer Review: Right for Our Shop?
Tools & Product Reviews

Hamilton Beach Hand Mixer Review: Right for Our Shop?

In our shop, a hand mixer has to earn its counter space, and the Hamilton Beach Power Deluxe 6-Speed (62692) makes a convincing case. The 250-watt motor feels ready for everyday batter work—cookie dough, quick frosting, and cupcake mixes—without sounding like it’s fighting for its life. We like having six speeds for control, and the QuickBurst button is handy when a thicker spot needs an extra push. The bowl rest is a small detail that saves messes during busy prep, and the snap-on storage case keeps beaters and whisk from disappearing into the drawer abyss. Still, we’re watching for long-session comfort and how it handles heavier mixes before calling it a perfect fit.
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MāKRS Stain Pad Review: Right Applicator for Our Shop?
Tools & Product Reviews

MāKRS Stain Pad Review: Right Applicator for Our Shop?

In our shop, the difference between a “good enough” finish and a truly clean one often comes down to the applicator. The MāKRS Stain Pad caught our eye because it promises what brushes and rag bundles rarely deliver at the same time: a lint-free, snag-free, streak-free wipe with consistent coverage. Each pad is cut-to-size, so we can tailor it to chair spindles, wide panels, or tight corners without wasting material. The micro brush surface feels like a hybrid of pad and cloth—soft enough to glide, but structured enough to push stain into the grain. With three pads in the pack, we started thinking in phases: stain, second coat, and oil-based finish—without cross-contaminating our results.
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