The week in tools

Chuck has the latest in tools, don’t forget the Toolmonger crew will be at Maker Faire too!

This week we found some sweet-looking “engineer’s squares” – steel squares ranging from 2″ to 6″ that are perfect for squaring a power saw blade before cutting. They’re available in sets (complete with a wooden display case) for around $30. We also came across a flat measuring tape; it’s missing the curve that makes normal tapes “stand out,” but because it’s flat it’ll wrap around curved projects (like furniture!) and it’s easier to mark accurately. We discovered that Dremel makes a replacement bezel for their standard rotary tool that incorporates two bright white LEDs. The best part: a tiny internal generator converts the tools rotation to electricity to power the lights – no batteries required. Finally, we shared our New Yankee cam addiction with readers, who also fell prey to the call of watching Norm Abrams build those awesome projects in real time – mistakes and all. Oh yeah, and we looked at a garden trowel with a serrated edge for cutting tough roots. It’s practical, but a bit scary.

If you get a chance, stop by Maker Faire next week and help us with a drill/driver test. We’ll have a number of tools on-site for you to try out and share your opinions with us. See you there!

Toolmonger’s Top 5: The Week In Tools – Link.