Categories
Woodworking saws

Band Saw vs. Table Saw – The Big Saws Compared

Band saws and table saws are two of the largest saws you are likely to own as a hobbyist, or even as a professional woodworker. Given the substantial investment of money and workshop space you have to dedicate to either of them, you might be wondering whether you really need both of these large saws? […]

Categories
Measuring and marking

Why Use Automatic Center Punches?

Punching your hole centers is an absolute essential for accurate drilling – it is one of the few ways of making sure the drill bit starts where you intend it to. Traditionally, this task has been achieved with a manual punch and a hammer, but there is a smarter alternative: an automatic center punch. With […]

Categories
Multi-tools

Leatherman Bit Kit Reviewed

Leatherman multitools and its similar competitors are pocket-sized wonders of utility: their multi-functional pliers head, knives, saws and scissors allow you to grap, grip, cut, rip, saw and file almost anything. They deliver this versatile functionality in an incredibly compact form factor, and have thus earned their place in the tool boxes, backpacks, belts and […]

Categories
Pliers

Which Pliers for Bending Wire?

Bending metal wire is a common task in the crafts, whether you are working on jewelry, electronics or household decoration. While some wire-bending work can be even done by hand, the number one tool category for bending wire is pliers. But which type of pliers to use? The challenge is that there are tens of […]

Categories
Electronics

Do You Need Insulated Tools?

If you have been working in electronics or electrical installation and maintenance for any length of time, you probably have run into the topic of insulated tools. These tools claim to offer improvements in safety, and are considered essential by some for any work near electricity. You may have wondered when exactly are insulated tools […]

Categories
Joining

Epoxy vs. Super Glue – What are the Differences?

Epoxy and cyanoacrylate glue, more commonly known as super glue, instant glue or CA glue, are two of the strongest glues available to consumers – and even for professionals for that matter. Both glues have wide applicability in the workshop and around the house, and are popular choices from small repairs and assemblies. But you […]

Categories
Pliers

What are Round Nose Pliers?

Round nose pliers are a peculiar-looking pliers type: their short round and conical noses are very different from practically all other pliers. With small slippery jaws and no wire cutters, these pliers do not seem too well equipped for either gripping or cutting. As their name gives no hints of their application, you might have […]

Categories
Screws

Torx vs. Phillips – Which Screw Drive is Better?

Screw drive types are one of the oldest standards contests in woodworking. The two most popular drives for general-purpose wood screws are currently the traditional Phillips drive and the more recent Torx or star drive. While many other drive types are still holding their position, the Phillips and the Torx are clearly the leaders: estimating […]

Categories
Pliers

Combination vs. Lineman’s Pliers

Lineman’s and combination pliers are two general-purpose plier types both suited for gripping and cutting. The types are both medium to large in size and with short stubby jaws, they look rather similar, and on a quick glance, you could take them as just the same. However, Lineman’s and combination pliers are actually not the […]

Categories
Pliers

Are Long Nose and Needle Nose Pliers the same?

If you have been working in the crafts, you are likely to have heard the terms long nose pliers and needle nose pliers. You also probably have at least a rough idea what kind of pliers these refer to. But you may have wondered are long nose and needle nose pliers just the same, and […]