Tag Archives: professional tools
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.
Milwaukee 2626-20 Oscillating Multi-Tool: Our Shop?
In our shop, the Milwaukee 2626-20 M18 oscillating multi-tool quickly proved it’s more than a “nice-to-have” gadget. With up to 18,000 OPM, it hums through a surprising range of tasks—flush cuts in trim, quick notches in plywood, and those awkward, corner-hugging jobs that usually demand three different tools. We appreciated that Milwaukee includes woodcutting blades and a sanding pad with sheets, letting us jump straight into real work without a separate accessory run. The cordless layout keeps our bench area uncluttered, and the tool feels ready for jobsite abuse. Since it’s sold as a power-tool-only kit, we treated it as a smart add-on for anyone already running M18 batteries.
Universal Socket Adapter Review: Right for Our Shop?
In our shop, “one more socket set” usually earns an eye-roll—until a tool actually earns its drawer space. The Universal Socket, Self-adjusting Socket claims to replace a handful of sizes by gripping everything from standard 1/4''–3/4'' and metric 7mm–19mm, and it comes with an adapter for a wrench, ratchet, or power drill. On paper, that’s a tidy answer to mismatched fasteners, odd bolts, and those half-stripped nuts that love to hide in tight corners. In practice, we found it most promising for quick fixes and mixed hardware bins, not precision torque work. Still, as a compact “grab-and-go” option—or a gift for the DIYers in our lives—it’s hard not to be curious.
Vickay Utility Knife Review: Right for Our Shop?
In our shop, a utility knife isn’t a “nice-to-have”—it’s a daily handshake with cardboard, tape, foam board, and the occasional stubborn clamshell package. The Vickay Folding Utility Knife (Light Purple) caught our eye because it promises quick blade swaps and a safety-minded axis lock, all in a lightweight aluminum frame with a belt clip. We like tools that disappear in the pocket but feel steady in the cut, and this one aims for that balance without looking like every other gray box cutter on the peg. With five SK5 blades included, it arrives ready for a week of real work. The question is whether its convenience and lockup hold up when our pace speeds up.
