Alan Kaufman wrote a nice introduction-to-the-tools-of-sewing piece on ThreadBanger.
Archive for the ‘Tools’ category
The Tools to Get Started Sewing
December 15th, 2009Tool Review: ReadyWrench by Black&Decker
December 13th, 2009
A few weeks ago, the good folks over at Black and Decker sent me a ReadyWrench to review. I wanted to use the tool a few times before writing about it. This week I saw that they started promoting it as a christmas gift idea so I decided that it was time to write the review before the holidays are over!
Let’s get down to it. What is this thing? Basically it’s a handle with 4 box wrenches on each end. To select which size you want to use, just turn the boxes at the end of the tool. The packaging says there’s 16 different sizes, but in reality, it’s 8 sizes which are close-enough matches between SAW and metric: This means that your half-inch box is really a 13mm (0.51 in.) box. A notch every 45º prevents the box from spinning and jerking off the bolt while you’re using it. That mechanism is well done.
The tool feels good in the hand: it’s not too light and doesn’t feel flimsy, although I wouldn’t whack it with a mallet to get a stubborn bolt unstuck. The plastic grip is comfortable, but I feel they could have went with a higher quality material. Also, I didn’t see any markings that would indicate which grade steel alloy it’s made of. In my opinion, at 30$, it should be high quality chrome vanadium steel. Then again, it’s not designed to be a heavy-duty tool — which is fine since it isn’t pretending to be.
I’ve tried it around the car and I must say that it was frustrating at times: without ratcheting action and with 60º teeth, the tool needs a lot of space to work — space that wasn’t always available under the hood of my Volvo. For working on the car, nothing beats a good set of box wrenches.
Around the backyard and in the shed, the ReadyWrench felt more at home. As much as I love to use my extensive tool set when I work on the car, as much I hate taking it out just to tighten a few bolts in the backyard. That’s where the ReadyWrench really shines.
Sure, I have other tools that tighten bolts. But, I don’t leave those in the shed. Having the ReadyWrench handy when you need it is really practical. In fact, the Ready Wrench prompted me to assemble what I call a “satellite tool kit” that I leave in the shed. Nothing fancy, just a multi-bit screwdriver, some pliers, a utility knife and the ReadyWrench. That way, I don’t need to run to the house when I need to tighten a bolt.
So — where does this tool stand?
What they got right:
- Handy all-in-one design
- For noobs, less likely to strip a bolt than an adjustable spanner
- A nice addition to any toolbox
- Lifetime Warranty
What can be improved:
- Somewhat ill suited for tight spots (a 30º bend would help)
- Better quality plastic grip
- Plastic Blister Packaging is annoying
The verdict:
The ReadyWrench is a good addition to any tool kit. For beginners, it’s easier to use than an adjustable spanner. If you’re a seasoned DIY person with a full toolkit, don’t dismiss it too quickly: you can always use it in a secondary toolbox that’s closer to the action! At around 30$, it’s the perfect stocking stuffer.
DIYLILCNC, a open hardware CNC mill
November 18th, 2009
“Artists Chris Reilly and Taylor Hokanson appear to be getting some impressive results from their DIYLILCNC. They certainly aren’t the first to develop an open source CNC mill, however their build looks particularly nice. They claim that the whole thing can be assembled for around $700, including the stepper motors and drive electronics. Want to get in on the action? CAD drawings for the parts and build instructions are available on their site, under the Creative Commons license.”
Leatherman Punch Down Tool
March 12th, 2008
I’ve never been a sys admin or a network technician, but I bet that when you need your punch down tool (a.k.a. Krone tool) the most is when it’s most likely gone missing. This clever hack is a useful one for anybody that does a lot of wire patching.
Don’t let the title fool you, I’m quite certain you can also do this with your Victorinox Cybertool or your trusty Wenger camping knife. Just make sure you measure carefully before cutting your tool.
Leatherman Punchdown Tool [link]
Extra Fine Dual Point Tria Art Marker
February 13th, 2008 
«So I’ve been doing a lot of story boarding recently and in an effort to sharpen up my drawing skills I’ve switched from using a pencil to a pen. The only problem has been it’s much harder to do even fills with a pen than a pencil, so I needed a fat marker, too. But I hate carrying around more junk than I need, and most of the art markers out there have two or more points (prismacolor, tria, copic) but none of them have a point fine enough to do real line work. What’s an art director to do? Hack a tria of course…»
Extra Fine Dual Point Tria Art Marker [link]
World’s simplest bottle opener
February 5th, 2008
Thanks to Bold Lentil for this submission:
« You’ll never look at a screw the same way again. Starting with an
anecdote from a bar in Brazil, this post has a simple DIY to make
your own bottle opener. From there it’s simple to consider how
to fill your world with built in bottle openers and a decent example
of extreme re-use. »
Simple and elegant. There’s no excuse to go thirsty!
World’s simplest bottle opener [link]
How to Sharpen a Chisel
February 3rd, 2008
A well done, straightforward Instructable that shows you how to sharpen your chisels. After all, well cared-for tools will perform better and last you a lifetime.
How to Sharpen a Chisel [link]
Modular Storage Bins made from Water Jugs
February 1st, 2008
This is a great find. I love to drink water and hate having piles of crap everywhere (I really need to clean my office). This upcycling project reuses 2 gallon water jugs and turns them into a brilliant (and modular) storage system.
Modular Storage Bins made from Water Jugs [link]
Survival Kit and Field Soldering Kit in Altoids tins
January 13th, 2008
Although I never really needed a kit like this, I still find it’s a good idea to tag one along in your car. It contains everything you need for basic survival: water, food, warmth, basic tools, etc. Even if you’re not in a survival situation, it still might come in handy, considering it packs a lot in a little package.
If you never leave the city, this Field Soldering Kit might come in handy. It contains everything you need to fix up some wiring when you don’t have access to proper tools. I actually have one in my car and used it once to fix some wiring on a headlamp while camping – far from a soldering iron.
Survival Kit in an Altoids tin [link]
Field Soldering Kit [link]
Knife Making Without Tools
January 12th, 2008
A nice piece on how to make a sharp knife out of a plain strip of metal (or a butter knife) without any tools. Interesting because it’s so simple, yet still useful.
Knife Making Without Tools [link]
