32 years ago the Phillips screwdriver was patented by Henry F. Phillips who was a Portland, Oregon, businessman.
from Wired
Phillips wasn't trying to make life with hand tools easier. He was trying to solve an industrial problem. To drive a slot screw, you need hand-eye coordination to line up the screwdriver and the slot. If you're a machine -- especially a 1930s machine -- you ain't got no eye, and your hand coordination may depend on humans.
Those looking for the ultimate multi-tool that has a bit more panache as well as pays tribute to a storied history, then check out the 25th Anniversary sterling silver Leatherman. It's currently available as a limited edition (999 only) on Amazon for $440.
Reader's Digest chimes in on the ultimate tool list with 12 Tools Every Homeowner Must Own. I believe a glaring omission is a pair of pliers, standard or needle nose.
Here are a few other lists.
When you're done building your garden box you should pick up one of these Leatherman Gardening Multi-tools. As with every Leatherman they serve many purposes. Not only are they stainless steel pruners but they also have these other capabilities.
Whatever the use, combination tools are convenient--especially for those of us living in apartments or small homes without the luxury of a garage and personal tool bench. GAM Manufacturing offers nine different options for hammer/screwdriver combos each small enough to fit into a kitchen or dresser drawer.
Imagine working with some beautiful pieces of cherry or mahogany, and the project underway is almost done, and in hopes of finishing early for the day, you hammer a little faster than necessary, and ping, the wood splits. A project is now delayed and/or potentially ruined.
Wild and Wolf's graphically vivid floral tools are causing quite the discussion at Apartment Therapy's Chicago blog. Although seemingly innovative, Wild and Wolf isn't the first company to produce tools targeted to women - Barbara K and Tomboy Tools, among others, have also created female-friendly models.
There is nothing more aggravating than screws that poke their heads out and expose the lips of their conical top. An easy method to hide those unsightly blemishes is to countersink.
It is common knowledge that the best way to get a job done is to have the right tools, and thankfully there are countersinking bits available that make the job much easier. It is a process as simple as knowing the length and diameter of the screws you are going to use, and buying the appropriate bits.
Snowboarders need tools that are easily accessible to make quick tweaks to their setups while on the mountain but carrying a set of screwdrivers and wrenches isn't practical. Snowboard manufacturers have devised some small tools that are great for riders but can also work well in your glove box or portable toolkit.
Gear Acres shares a couple of their tools that may have looked good on paper but ended up disappointing on the job. Their putty chaser and heat element (look out for those eBay purchases) cost them time and money and left them frustrated with a tool that didn't live up to their expectations. What tools have you bought with high hopes that ended up at the bottom of your scrap bin?
July 8, 2008 | Comments ()
