Technabob » tools

Craftsman Tool Cabinet Has Built-in Speakers: No Modding Required

Lambert Varias — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 21:00:55 +0000

Last week we saw a Craftsman-sponsored mod that converted one of the company’s tool chests into a boombox. But if you need something bigger and louder, wait until Craftsman releases the Contour Powered Series Tool Storage.Not only is it decked with drawers, it also has two 220W speakers built-in that connects to music players via Bluetooth.

Craftsman’s press release also mentioned that the tool cabinet has a “built-in power charging station” for up to four devices, so I’m guessing there are four powered USB ports – or maybe even a whole power strip – somewhere on or in it. The Contour Powered Series Tool Storage will be available in the 2nd quarter of 2012. Hopefully mods of the cabinet will come soon after.

[via NotCot via Apartment Therapy]

Rechargeable Illuminating Wrenches Let You Tighten Your Nuts in Dark Places

Conner Flynn — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 13:00:15 +0000

We’ve all been there. You are working under the hood of your car and you can’t see the nuts and bolts that you are working with. It’s a real pain. You could always ask your buddy to hold the flashlight, but he never shines it where you need it.

Of course there is also the overhead light that you can hang above you, but the problem there is that you always end up blocking the light with your own shadow. Well, here is a simple and clever solution that should eliminate the problem entirely.

This wrench set has LED lights built into the wrenches. This means that you will always have light where and when you need it. They even have high and low beam settings. The set of seven open-ended wrenches will cost you $99.95 (USD) from Hammacher Schlemmer. Sure, it’s pricey, but it will make your job a lot easier. Darkness will never come between you and your nuts again.

Gerber Multitool Gets Camera Tripod Feature

Shane McGlaun — Sat, 23 Jul 2011 12:30:00 +0000

I have had a bunch of different multitools over the years. I tend to lose them before long and need to replace them. I think the multitool is perfect for the geek toolbox and is a good thing to take with you when you are out hiking or hunting too. Gerber has a new multitool in the works which could really come in handy if you’re into photography.

This particular multitool has a knife and 12 other implements that are tucked away until you need them. What exactly those 12 tools are isn’t noted. I would bet that you would find a couple screwdrivers, scissors, and a bunch of other things that can come in useful when you are outdoors. The coolest feature of the new tool is the camera tripod attachment. It has a couple legs on the front to prop it up, and a normal threaded tip attachment that can screw into your camera’s standard tripod mount.

This would be perfect for taking group shots or self-shots. The only real drawback I can see to this thing is that I’d bet that the little table tripod will only hold the smaller cameras out there. The Gerber tripod multitool will sell for about $65 (USD) when it’s released sometime next year.

[via GearJunkie]

Star Trek Bottle Opener Set: Pop That Iw Hlq

Lambert Varias — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 15:08:37 +0000

Having drinks with your friends and qorDu’? No need to bring out a phaser or a bat’leth. The tools in the Star Trek-themed bottle opener gift set will do the trick, whether you need to pop crowns or corks.

As you can see the set comes with two Enterprise bottle openers and a Bird-of-Prey korkscrew – that’s Klingon for corkscrew btw. Probably not, but it should be. The three ships come in a presentable tin container, ready to be beamed to the hands of a grateful Trekkie.

You can pre-order the Star Trek bottle opener tin gift set from Urban Collector for $42 (USD). Shipping starts this September. Booze me up Scotty!

Prism 200c Radar Sees Through Brick, Concrete and Wood Walls

Shane McGlaun — Wed, 04 May 2011 18:44:54 +0000

I talk a lot about things that will help you survive the zombie invasion. One day when you open your door to see that old lady across the street eating your neighbor, you will thank me. Yesterday, I reckoned that the Crovel would be the perfect tool for said invasion. I would like to add the new Prism 200c to my zombie survival box.

We all know that zombies might be too weak to turn a doorknob, and not particularly fast, but they are able to hide in a dark room waiting for dinner like a fat kid trying to raid the snack drawer. The Prism 200c is a radar-based device that you wear like a backpack and when you need to see if and where people, living or dead, are in a room you press it to the wall.

It looks like some sort of old school Pong game in a backpack, but that display is actually giving users a 3D representation of how many people are in the room and exactly where they are. It will also show when the people move around. The device is made for soldiers in the field to check a room and can be networked with zombie command.

Click to View Embedded Video Clip

[via DailyMail]

Ctrl+O Bottle Opener Leaves Mac Users Green With Envy

Lambert Varias — Tue, 03 May 2011 12:18:34 +0000

Here’s a product that could only be designed by the creative minds at Art Lebedev. Like its namesake Windows command, the Ctrl+O will help you pop open bottles in real life. This can easily lead to an entire suite of Windows command products. Ctrl+X scissors, Ctrl+C carbon paper, Ctrl+V glue…

You can order the Ctrl+O bottle opener at the Art Lebedev online store for $18 (USD). I guess this is an opportunity for a copycat to make a ⌘+O version for Apple fans.

[via TechEBlog]

Doctor Who Sonic Screwdriver Actually Drives Screws

Shane McGlaun — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 15:20:31 +0000

This might piss off some of you hardcore Doctor Who geeks out there, but I have tried to watch the show and it is some of the worst TV in history in my opinion. I would put the suck factor right up there with the time my wife forced me to watch America’s Next Top Model, only worse because there are no hot models with Doctor Who.

Apparently, this Sonic Screwdriver is based on the design used by the 11th doc in the series. The cool part about this is that unlike some of the toy Sonic Screwdrivers we have seen, this one actually screws things. I don’t mean screws you out of your money either, well at least not totally.

The replica has an actual flat tip screwdriver on the front that you can use for those little screws on electronic sand other gear. That flat tip is interchangeable with a Philips tip too with three sizes of tip at your disposal you can sonically screw just about anything in your house It also lights up and makes sounds.

[via Neatorama]

Brink Metal Tool Pen is the Geeks Sword

Shane McGlaun — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 11:30:56 +0000

It never fails that I can buy a box of 100 pens and three days later when I need one I can’t find any. I think I might work harder to keep up with a pen this cool and geeky. This thing is simply called the “Metal Pen with Level and Screwdriver”, and it’s made by Brink.

The name really gives away what this thing is all about. It’s a pen with ink and all, it has a inch and metric ruler markings on the side and a bubble level recessed inside as well. Under the lid, it has a small flat tip and Philips screwdriver for taking stuff apart and trying to put it back together. It’s also conveniently hex-shaped so it won’t roll off your desk.

The cool part is that it’s cheap at $14.95 each. If you have a geek on your graduation gift list to shop for, I would go with this pen since it won’t break the bank and it is really cool too. You can grab one over at the Neatoshop. They’re currently out of stock, so you might be able to find one over on Amazon too.

[via Neatorama]

Most Powerful Pencil Sharpener in History [Overkill]

Shane McGlaun — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 16:06:10 +0000

I always used mechanical pencils when I was growing up as much as possible. I hated having to go to the sharpener and sharpen my pencil. I did indulge in the occasional grade school game of get your pencil super sharp and throw it dart-style into the ceiling though. Naturally, I had to have a few wooden pencils handy for that. We had an automatic pencil sharpener in one of my classes and I really like to just grind my pencil down to a nub for no real reason.

I can only imagine those childhood pencil grinding issues would come back in force with this new drill powered pencil sharpener from C.H. Hanson. The thing has a drill driver flange on the back just like a screwdriver bit does. You slip it into your drill, stick in a pencil, and pull the trigger. The drill spins the sharpener for you and you get super sharp pencils in seconds. Just look at the video and see how awesome it is.

Click to View Embedded Video Clip

You know you would just be standing around grinding down pencils just because you can. The thing even comes with some pencils in the box for you to grind up and turn into ceiling darts.

[via NOTCOT]

Apple Starts Using Nasty New Screws on New iPhone 4s

Chris B. — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 06:01:27 +0000

Do you like taking apart your gadgets? Soon, it will be more difficult to take apart your iPhone 4. Why? It seems that Apple has decided that standard Phillips screws are far too easy to take out, and will be replacing the ones in future iPhones with something a little different. Specifically, the company is using a somewhat rare type of screw called a Pentalobe, which is shaped like a flower. These can not only be found in brand new iPhone 4′s, but also in recently repaired phones as well.

Apple hasn’t made any comment on this, but it is rather obvious that they are trying their best to keep people from opening up their phones. While it’s true that most people aren’t going to be able to do any sort of repairs themselves, there are things like custom cases and such that one could add if they chose. These new screws more or less prevent such modifications, and the screwdrivers for these are very difficult and costly to find.

Of course, if a person really wants to mod their phone, they’re going to figure out a way, right? The people over at iFixit have already put together an iPhone 4 Liberation Kit, which gives you the tools you need to remove and replace those two pesky screws with regular Philips ones. The kit will only run you $10, which isn’t expensive, but you really shouldn’t have to buy something like this just to open your phone.

[via iFixit]

SawStop Does Its Best to Not Cut Your Finger Off

Technabob — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 04:02:58 +0000

If you’ve ever used a table saw, you’ve probably had the horrific image of your fingers going flying off if you slip.

The incredible SawStop system uses capacitive sensors to detect when you accidentally touch the deadly spinning blade with your flesh. The SawStop can detect skin within 5 milliseconds, and as soon as it senses flesh, an aluminum brake springs into action, stopping the blade and forcing the blade beneath the top of table. Power is instantly shut off at the same time. Your finger might get a little nick, but the injury potential is greatly limited by the system.

The technology manages to stop a saw that’s spinning at 5,000 RPM dead in its tracks. If you don’t believe it, check out this video of Steve Gass, SawStop’s creator, who’s so confident in his invention that he sticks his own finger right into the path of a spinning saw blade.

Click to View Embedded Video Clip

Sure, the mechanism pretty much destroys the saw blade and the mechanism in the fraction of a second that it takes to stop the blade on a dime, but I’d rather destroy $69 blade cartridge than lose my digits. And if you don’t believe it, check out these images of actual customer’s fingers which have been spared by SawStop technology.

Plus, as we learned from the video, it will also prevent hot dogs from being mangled – in case you frequently drop those into the buzz saw.

[via Make:]

Nail Hammer Holds Your Nails, Saves Your Teeth

Shane McGlaun — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 13:30:18 +0000

I have a few hammers around the house for different things. One came in a cheap tool kit my wife bought in pink so I wouldn’t use her tools on my car and get them greasy. I also have a big red hammer that I snuck out of my mom’s house over a decade ago when I moved out. A hammer tends to last.

I would consider upgrading to a new hammer though if they would build this concept Nail Hammer. The thing works like your basic hammer in that you can bash things with it. It has a handle with a slide up door that hides a silicone section you can stick your nails in rather than holding them in your teeth.

If they could make the thing load itself automatically from a cartridge so you didn’t have to risk a finger to hammer in a nail that would be ever better. I like tool gadgets like this. I would be able to find both my hammer and my nails with this thing rather than one or the other like I usually end up with.

LEGO Circular Saw With Real Blade

Technabob — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 03:22:34 +0000

Keep your fingers and hands away from this LEGO creation, which features an actual motorized spinning saw blade.

Created by Dave and John Zandegar, the “Cutmaster Pro” has a LEGO brick structure, but a 9-volt battery powers the spinning saw blade and could definitely looks like it could do some damage in the wrong hands. Check out the video below to see it in action:

Click to View Embedded Video Clip

They’ve removed the sharpest points on the blades, and set up a safety mechanism to auto-stop if touched, but I wouldn’t want to be the one to test if that works. I’d like to keep all of my digits.

[via Brothers Brick]

The Tmt Tactical Wallet: the Swiss Army Wallet

Lambert Varias — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 14:10:04 +0000

With a compass, a tweezer, a toothpick, a pen, a glass breaker, 2 hidden compartments and ample space for money, the TMT Tactical Wallet is ten times more useful than me.

Made by North Carolina-based Toner Machining Technologies, this XXXXL cousin of Swiss army knives measures 4.0 x 3.57 x 1.150-inches and weighs a whopping 7 oz. when empty. It’s made of “CNC machined solid billet 6061-T6 (tempered) hard coat anodized Aluminum”. Trust me on this, I’m a blogger: the more words it takes to describe a material, the tougher it is.

The picture above shows the tweezer, the round, pointy glass breaker below it, and the toothpick. Below you see the pen, and the inside of the wallet. The Tactical Wallet is lined with O-ring seals “to keep water, dirt and dust from entering the interior.” TMT also claims that the Tactical Wallet provides the “ultimate in credit card information protection by actually blocking your personal information from the theft of RFID type scanning devices.”

But what if there’s a nuclear bomb explosion? No problem! Just hide in the Tactical Wallet and it will protect and sustain you for up to a thousand years! Need a weapon? It’s got you covered! The Tactical Wallet is also a nuclear bomb! Need a friend? The Tactical Wallet has a great sense of humor, and is very sociable! None of those statements are true, of course. I think.

The TMT Tactical Wallet sells for $125 (USD). Interested parties can call 828-432-8007 for more information; call the same number if you want to order via credit card. You can also send a check or money order to: Toner Machining Technologies PO Box 2876 Morganton, NC 28680. I bet MacGyver has a Tactical Wallet. Or not. He’d probably make one from scrap if he needed to.

[via The Gadgeteer]

Electronic Power Lock Pick Gun: the Modern Locksmith’S Favorite Weapon

Lambert Varias — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 12:21:26 +0000

Keys? What keys? For busting down locked doors, all you need is a gun. An electronic power lock pick gun.

The electronic lock pick gun can be used to “open most of pin tumble locks, dimple locks, cross locks, 2-side and 4-side auto locks.” It runs on 6V rechargeable batteries and also has a LED light on its nose, so thieves locksmiths won’t have a problem if they have to work in the dark.

The gun pops locks easily thanks to its 6 different picks and its “strong vibratility.” Awesome.

You can buy an electronic lock pick gun at DealExtreme for $50.53 USD (free shipping).

[Please don't use one of these to break into my place - ED.]

[via Gadgetizer]

Pro Tool Kit Opens Every Console

Technabob — Sun, 04 Mar 2007 03:59:19 +0000

If you’ve ever tried to crack open your video game console for curiosity’s sake (or other, more devious purposes), you know how challenging it can be to find all of the right tools to get the job done without damaging your console. Now, a company called ZooZen, has put together this kit which includes all of the tools necessary to open just about every modern gaming console.

The $12.95 Access Pro Tool Kit V2 claims to have everything you need to open up the Wii, Gamecube, DS, Game Boy, GBA, Xbox, Xbox 360, PS2, PS3 and PSP. Tools include a variety of Torx, hex, Philips and flat bits, as well as some hard to find items such as an Xbox 360 case separator, and special nut setters and oddly shaped tri-wing bits specifically for Nintendo products. It all comes in a convenient carrying case with custom cutouts so you don’t lose any parts.

[via MaxConsole]

Is That a Swiss Army Knife in Your Pocket?

Technabob — Fri, 25 Aug 2006 15:36:04 +0000

..or are you just glad to see me?

The folks at Wenger thought it would be a good idea to create the ultimate in Swiss army knives by including every tool they make (85 in all) in a single form-factor. The result…

I’m not sure whether to call it an engineering marvel or just insane. Regardless, you’ll have a tough time fitting the Giant Knife Version 1.0 in your jeans. It weighs almost 3 pounds, and is 8.75 inches thick. I have a funny feeling that the TSA won’t allow this in your carry-on.

In exchange for its bulk, you’ll be able to not only open beer bottles, but cut cigars, adjust your bicycle spokes, fix your putter, saw wood, find magnetic north and pick your teeth with it.

Currently, you can only order it direct from the company at 800-431-2996, for a cool $1200 USD.

[via OhGizmo via Outdoor Life]