It’s time for a catchall discussion of lots of minor tool-related topics.
This post is brought to you by… any reader who purchases the Mora Chisel Knife (~$16 at Amazon), Craftsman V-Series metric wrench set, which is backordered on Amazon but still a fantastic buy at $39.98, and anything at Home Depot.
We Caught a Harbor Freight Shill
I posted about Harbor Freight’s new Icon Pro screwdrivers, and thought my news or preview discussion post was matter of fact and fairly neutrally-toned.
While the new Harbor Freight Icon screwdrivers didn’t look amazing, there’s not a lot design-wise to criticize.
Readers’ comments were also fairly mild. No one seemed amazed by the new Icon tools, but there also weren’t any comments sharply deriding them as garbage.
Fast forward two months, and here’s the comment someone at Harbor Freight left, likely thinking I wouldn’t know exactly who they were:
It is just interesting to see all the comments from not even a real visit to HFT store and tried the Icon Precision Set. Everything on paper, every judgment on mouth. Sad.
I tend to take shill comments somewhat personally, but this one struck a nerve.
If that individual said “I work for Harbor Freight, and we put a lot of effort into designing these screwdrivers, especially [features or highlights],” that would have been tolerable if not much-appreciated.
It didn’t bother me that a Harbor Freight insider was leaving comments. There are actually a couple of Harbor Freight insiders who comment on occasion, and so far they’ve been fair, friendly, and helpful. I never mind that.
What bothers me is that they went out of their way to leave a comment like that, and they contributed zero value to the conversation.
Shout Out to Reekon Tools
Reekon makes some interesting digital tools (check out their Amazon store here).
I hear from a lot of tool brands, a lot of inventors, and just… so many people.
Christian Reed, the head of Reekon Tools, is a different breed of character. He seems genuinely interested in serving the needs and wants of tool users. He’s not alone in this – Mark Martinez is another name that quickly comes to mind – but it’s a rare trait.
@Christian – sorry, I know I owe you a response on the last email, I hope to catch up with emails this weekend.
Who Sent Me a Little Giants Ladder?
Can whoever sent me a Little Giant Ladder 6ft MightLite please let me know? I received the Mightylite 2 6ft fiberglass ladder with Type 1A, similar to what’s available at Lowe’s.
This ladder appeared at my door earlier this week, and I have no clue who sent it. It seems to have shipped directly from Little Giant, but I haven’t been talking to them and am pretty sure they don’t have my address.
I’m not complaining – it looks like a fine ladder, and I’m excited to give it a try. I just don’t know who to thank, or where to direct any questions.
Don’t Trust Strangers
There’s been an uptick in manipulative content, propaganda, and bot activity.
If you see comments or posts from someone you don’t know, don’t trust their motives until you do.
Dewalt Tstak
Dewalt’s Tstak tool box (presently $23 at Amazon) is still a great value for tool users that don’t have very demanding needs. If you need something different, or want to build a bigger system, it stacks and latches with other Tstak (and Versastack) tool boxes and accessories.
So-So Desk Calculator
My son asked for a calculator, so I got him this Casio for under $11 at Amazon. Its build quality is so-so, with the screen discoloring when touched.
I have a feeling it’s not going to last anywhere as long as my favorite TI scientific calculators. (See Scientific Calculators for Workshop Use?)
These Tool Boxes are Down to $5 Again
Amazon dropped the price of this compact tool box from $6 and change back down to $4.98 today.
I ordered 4 more. There’s a max order size of 4, and then it bars you from ordering more. It resets every x-number of days. So, I’ve been collecting a large number of these storage boxes, 4 at a time.
There’s useful for lots of random storage needs, and I now have enough to start labeling.
I wish the ArtBin ones were this price, but these Logix ones are very decent for the money.
Every couple of orders I’ve got to pay the “kid tax.” Hey dad, can I get one? Sure.
I Love Test Jigs
I always found tool test jigs and fixtures to be interesting. Maybe because they’re often an under-appreciated part of media events and tool demonstrations.
No Politics
The presidential election is coming up. This isn’t the place to share your political views.
I Need Small Woodworking Projects
I have a couple of major projects that I haven’t been able to find the time or space to work on.
So maybe I need some small projects. Thoughts?
Tool Brand “Ask Me Anything?”
Which brands? Managers of which types of tools?
What are some questions we should ask?
Don’t Be a Wimp, Wear Your Safety Gear
Wear proper PPE. Nobody’s going to think less of you. And if they do, they’ll laugh harder when you’re hurt, injured, or maimed.
Few people have ever said “oh man, I wish I regret wearing proper protective gear.
Your Favorite and Least Favorite Cordless Power Tool Brand?
Answer the question from the top of your mind, no thinking!
What Happened to CAT Cordless Power Tools?
I haven’t heard from anyone about CAT cordless power tools in years. Goodbye?
Bosch L-Boxx Contractor Tool Boxes!?
A couple of readers tipped me off about a new L-Boxx Contractor tool box series that was shown off in Europe. I then found this image on a Reddit post.
YES, PLEASE!!!
Dear Lowe’s… call up Bosch and MAKE THIS HAPPEN.
Halloween and Christmas News Season
Dear Retailers,
I appreciate that you still send press releases and affiliate promotional opportunities. I am happy to hear about your Halloween and Christmas decoration plans. But maybe also tell me about your new tools?