Tag Archives: workshop equipment
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.
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.
EZARC Obsidian Oscillating Saw Blades: Our Shop?
In our shop, oscillating blades aren’t “nice-to-haves”—they’re the difference between a clean cut and a long afternoon. The EZARC Obsidian Carbide Oscillating Saw Blades (3-pack) claim multi-material confidence, and we put that promise to work where it matters: trimming PVC, nibbling through drywall, and bumping into the inevitable hidden nail. The carbide edge feels built for those mixed-mess moments, when wood turns into metal mid-stroke and most blades start whining. We also like the quick-release compatibility, which keeps our workflow moving instead of hunting for hex keys. Are these the blades we reach for first? That depends on the job—but they’re firmly in our “ready drawer” for anything unpredictable.
Bosch PS31 12V Drill/Driver Review: Our Shop Fit?
We didn’t expect a 12V drill to earn much bench time, but the BOSCH PS31-2A 12V Max 3/8-Inch Drill/Driver Kit kept sneaking into our hands. Its compact body slips into cabinet corners and tight stud bays where bulkier tools usually stall the job. The variable-speed trigger feels predictable, letting us feather in small screws without stripping heads, then ramp up for light drilling when needed. With two 2 Ah batteries in the kit, downtime stayed low—one pack working while the other sat on the charger. It’s not trying to be a brute, and we didn’t ask it to. For everyday assembly, punch-list fixes, and quick shop tasks, it may be exactly our pace.
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.
BYYDDIY Probe Tool Review: Right Fit for Our Shop?
In our ongoing search for small tools that do big work, the BYYDDIY Stainless Steel Dual Head Facial Reflexology Tools (P-L) caught our eye. It arrives with a simple felt bag, but the real story is in the metal: two distinct ends designed for precision pressing, tracing, and targeted release. In our hands, it feels more like a studio instrument than a casual accessory—cool, weighted, and easy to sanitize between sessions. We can see it fitting into facial mapping routines, alongside cupping, or as a quick trigger-point helper for neck and shoulder tension. Still, we’re asking the practical question: does this probe earn its counter space, or will it become another “nice-to-have” in our kit?
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.
WORKPRO 20V Drill Kit Review: Right for Our Shop?
We brought the WORKPRO Pink Tool Kit with Drill into our shop expecting a novelty splash of color, but the first surprise was how complete it feels. The 20V cordless lithium‑ion drill driver has enough punch for day‑to‑day fixtures, shelving brackets, and quick repairs, while staying manageable in our hands—especially during overhead work. Beyond the drill, the 157‑piece spread covers the basics we reach for most: drivers, sockets, measuring tools, and small hardware, all tucked into a tidy 14‑inch storage bag. The “Pink Ribbon” design reads more purposeful than gimmicky, and it’s easy to spot among our darker cases. Still, we wanted to see how it holds up under repeated use, not just first impressions.
Upgradd 8V Drill Tool Kit Review: Right for Our Shop?
We’ve handled plenty of starter kits, but the Upgradd 180 Piece Tool Set aims to feel like a “whole shop” in one box. The 8V cordless drill is the headliner, and for light-duty tasks—tightening cabinet hardware, assembling flat-pack furniture, or knocking out quick wall fixes—it delivers the kind of grab-and-go convenience we actually use. What surprised us most is the breadth: from common screwdrivers and bits to a mix of hand tools that covers the everyday repairs homeowners run into. The case keeps everything visible, which saves time when we’re moving between rooms or job sites. Still, we’re watching for real-world torque, battery stamina, and how well the tools hold up after repeat use.
