Tag Archives: Tool Evaluation
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.
EtchMate Engraving Pen Review: Right for Our Shop?
After a week of putting the EtchMate Engraving Pen through its paces, we’re starting to see where it fits in our workflow—and where it doesn’t. We tested it on scrap metal tags, unfinished wood, a thrift-store glass jar, and a few plastic blanks, aiming for crisp lines, steady control, and minimal fuss. The pen-style grip feels familiar in the hand, which helped us move from quick initials to simple patterns without a steep learning curve. That said, results depend a lot on surface prep and patience; on slick glass, we had to slow down for cleaner strokes. If we’re looking for a compact, giftable tool that invites experimentation, EtchMate makes a compelling case.
Self-Healing Cutting Mat & X-Acto Knife Review: Us?
We didn’t expect a pink A4 cutting mat and hobby knife kit to feel like such a tidy little studio upgrade, but here we are. The self-healing mat gives our blades a forgiving surface—light cuts disappear quickly, and the grid lines keep our stencils, scrapbook borders, and DIY mockups from drifting off-course. Paired with the precision craft knife, we get crisp corners and controlled curves without that “torn paper” frustration. The handle sits comfortably in our grip, though we still take our time on thicker materials where patience matters more than pressure. Overall, this set feels designed for makers who want clean results and a calmer workspace—cute color, serious utility, and minimal fuss.
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.
Edward Tools Drill Mixer Review: Right for Our Shop?
In our shop, mixing paint and joint compound is one of those small chores that can quietly steal time—unless the tool is right. The Edward Tools Paint and Mud Mixer for Drill aims to be that fix, with a 15 3/4" zinc-plated steel shaft and a 5/16" non-slip hex head designed to stay put in the chuck. It’s rated to mix 1 to 3 gallons, which fits the everyday buckets we actually use, and the reinforced weld suggests it’s built for repeated, gritty jobs. What caught our attention most is the promise of easy cleanup—because dried mud on a mixer is a slow-motion nightmare. In this review, we’ll see whether it blends smoothly, resists wobble, and earns its place on our wall.
KAKURI Coping Saw Review: Worth It for Our Home Shop?
In our home shop, the KAKURI Coping Saw Coping Frame and 5 Replacement Blades Set arrived like a small invitation to slow down and cut with intention. The frame feels straightforward in the hand—light enough for long sessions, but steady when we’re tracing tight curves in wood board. We appreciated having multiple blades on deck; swapping from a fine-tooth option for cleaner scrollwork to a tougher blade for plastic (and even the occasional thin metal piece) kept the pace moving without improvising. Tensioning the blade took a minute to dial in, yet once set, the saw tracked predictably and made inside cuts less fussy than our jigsaw. It’s not flashy, but it’s practical—exactly what we want on a crowded bench.
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.
Telescoping Magnet Pickup Tool Review: Our Shop Fit?
We didn’t expect a “magnetic pickup tool” to feel like a small shop upgrade, but this telescoping magnet surprised us. In tight engine bays and behind crowded workbenches, it quietly turns lost screws, dropped sockets, and runaway bolts into quick wins. The extendable shaft gives us reach without crawling on the floor, while the built-in 3-LED flashlight adds just enough visibility to spot what our overhead lights miss. It’s the kind of gadget that’s easy to dismiss—until the first time it saves a job from turning into a full sweep-and-pray session. Marketed as a Valentine’s Day gift for him (or anyone), it lands more like a practical, everyday helper. In this review, we’ll see if it truly earns a permanent spot in our toolkit.
Wire Twister Tool Review: Right for Our Home Shop?
We didn’t expect two small drill attachments to change how we handle wiring projects, but this Wire Stripping and Twisting Tool set made a strong first impression in our home shop. The “quick stripping” feature feels like it’s designed for real-life use: we slid in the cable, let the drill do the work, and watched the insulation peel back with less fuss than our usual manual stripper routine. The wire nut twister is the real time-saver, especially when we’re connecting multiple leads in a junction box and want consistent twists without sore wrists. It’s not magic—setup and steady drill control matter—but it’s a compact, portable upgrade that earns a spot in our toolbox.
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.
