My column this issue will focus on two technology trends I see as we move into the second decade of the 21st century. Number one on the list is battery power. This trend has gained tremendous traction in the past 10 years in the world of cordless tools, cell phones and laptop computers, with the current state-of-the-art lithium-ion cells leading the way. This technology continues to move forward as we speak, and suddenly the prospect of mass produced non-hybrid, electrically powered “plug-in”... more

Here we are deep into fall and wouldn’t you know, it’s getting dark outside really early. So now is the time I again become interested in a classic gadget, the flashlight. The last few years have seen some major innovations, number one on the list being the widespread utilization of LEDs for the light source, and for good reason. These lamps (diodes actually) last virtually forever and use hardly any juice, allowing your batteries to last significantly longer. Their transmission characteristics... more

Working near electricity can make even the bravest soul a bit squeamish. No one enjoys getting accidentally “zapped,” especially if your project doesn’t involve any electrical work at all. There are times, however, when basic household repairs can place one close to live wires (example: behind a wall) whose precise location just can’t be foretold. Professionals have long taken precautions such as pulling the fuse or tripping the circuit breaker before a repair, and most will... more

Palm-held finishing sanders are among the most popular tools purchased, and if you’ve ever spent time hand sanding even a modest-sized project, you know why. Their ease of use and ergonomics help speed a typically tedious job. But these advances in the current crop of sanders, so much improved compared to the old ¼ sheet ‘vibrators,’ have had an unintended effect. Consumers have demanded that these tools do more than ‘finish,’ and the increased availability of coarser... more

The First Cordless Drill Here we are in the 21st century, and everything is just so high-tech. There are exceptions of course, and in the world of cool tools, there are plenty of oldies that serve a useful function while still having a neutral carbon footprint. So today I give you the Yankee Screwdriver, still the quickest “green” way to turn a screw. The earliest versions of this tool were manufactured by the Decatur Coffin Company in the late 19th century and were not reversible, leading... more

The tool box is a thing of the past. Tool “storage” is in. No more dumping and digging for tools. A place for everything and everything in its place. The line-up of tool storage bags from Veto Pro Pac, short for “vertical tool orientation, protected and packed”, is the ultimate expression of this concept, with the design and build of these bags something that must be seen to be believed! Roger Brourard, a carpenter of 25 years, was frustrated by the poor quality of tool carriers. His design,... more

The invention of the laser beam is widely considered a ground-breaking technology. In commercial construction, lasers have replaced plumb bobs, chalk lines, measuring tapes, and even surveying instruments because of their unparalleled accuracy and ease of use. As this technology has moved into the consumer market (under $100), the race to the bottom has fostered tools and toys of questionable function and durability. Who hasn’t witnessed the “laser pointer at the cinema” experience?... more

Screwdrivers with interchangeable tips have been around for quite some time, and their evolution has not always been for the better. The last ten years have been a wasteland, a race to the bottom to make the cheapest tool so the Marts and Depots of the world can wow you with the lowest price. When one passes my desk that does not immediately fail the comfort, utility, and quality triumvirate I look for, well I guess I must share it with you. The Picquic Company, located in Quebec, has been manufacturing... more