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Thread: Tools/ gadgets which you have impressed you costing less than $50

  1. #1
    Join Date
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    Tools/ gadgets which you have impressed you costing less than $50

    I am interested to know what tools /gadgets costing less than $50 that have impressed members

    I found this Wooster brush extremely useful and a pleasure to use

    Wooster Brush Q3211-2 Shortcut Angle Sash Paintbrush, 2-Inch

    https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_s...d=B3G3BRH8MT4O

    regards Brian

  2. #2
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    Gimlets

    Quote Originally Posted by Brian Deakin View Post
    I am interested to know what tools /gadgets costing less than $50 that have impressed members
    Gimlets. The original cordless drill. https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/gimlet

    I use them at the lathe to bore small holes in wood blanks for seating centers. This does several things: it lets me put the center point exactly where I've drawn pencil lines without having to bend over and watch carefully, it keeps the steel points from drifting with the grain when tightening, and it keeps thin spindles of hard or brittle wood from splitting. I keep one handy on a magnet at the lathe.

    I also use gimlets to make starter holes for screws/lag screws in the shop or around the farm. And the little grandkids love to bore holes in soft pine when we go to the shop!

    You can buy a set for $5-$10.
    https://www.woodcraft.com/products/gimlet-set-4-piece

    JKJ

  3. #3
    HF multi tool. Made fortune with it!

  4. #4
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    https://www.amazon.com/JEFFERSON-TOO.../dp/B00461AFY0

    The nail extractor. Does the job every time.
    - - - - - - - - - - - - -
    Jim Mackell
    Arundel, ME

  5. #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by Jim Mackell View Post
    https://www.amazon.com/JEFFERSON-TOO.../dp/B00461AFY0

    The nail extractor. Does the job every time.
    I have one and it works awesome.
    George

    Making sawdust regularly, occasionally a project is completed.

  6. #6
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    Saddle square. I have both of the Lee Valley ones and sometimes wish I had the adjustable one from Woodpeckers, but then the $50 limit wouldn't apply.
    Confidence: The feeling you experience before you fully understand the situation

  7. #7
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    Vix bits.

    66j0824s1.jpg
    "Anything seems possible when you don't know what you're doing."

  8. #8

    LOTS of 'em!

    +1 on VIX bits and Gimlets!

    Transfer Punches from LV. You just wont believe how helpful these things are.

    PEC 4" double square (blemished). The Neanders had to talk me into trying double squares. Now I cant live without (all 4 of) mine!

    Utilitas Hook Rules, from LV. I reach for one of these over my dang Woodpecker rules that cost 3 times as much. (No, the WPs arent for sale. )

    Another thing I've gotten very fond of is my magnetic feather boards. You can find them as low as $35 if you shop around.

    Wixey Angle Gauge. Ive been surprised how much I like this tool.

    Freud Quadracut router bits. No more end grain snipe and many can be had for under $50 each.

    A book's a tool, right? How about Understanding Wood Finishing, by Flexner? When I got this, I gave away 6 others on finishing.

    Great thread Brian!
    Last edited by Frederick Skelly; 06-23-2017 at 7:44 PM. Reason: Kept adding to the list.

  9. #9
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    A couple of my grandkids gave me this https://www.amazon.com/Stanley-93-30...=panel+carrier for Christmas some 15-18 years ago. I dearly enjoy using it when carrying 8' sheets of plywood or wallboard.
    Ken

    So much to learn, so little time.....

  10. #10
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    Similar to the Vix bits my Rockler Insty-Drive bit set. It barely qualifies now, but I'm sure I didn't pay $50 when I brought it. I have used it hundreds of times on various projects.
    Last edited by Charles Wiggins; 06-24-2017 at 9:30 AM.
    "Live like no one else, so later, you can LIVE LIKE NO ONE ELSE!"
    - Dave Ramsey

  11. #11
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    Quote Originally Posted by Ken Fitzgerald View Post
    A couple of my grandkids gave me this https://www.amazon.com/Stanley-93-30...=panel+carrier for Christmas some 15-18 years ago. I dearly enjoy using it when carrying 8' sheets of plywood or wallboard.
    I'V got one of those, yes very handy for carrying sheet goods.
    NOW you tell me...

  12. #12
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    The Pica pencils that LV sells are very handy and easy to keep sharp. I also like the white lead for marking dark woods.

    The Bosch laser measuring device that HD sells for around $30. Measuring has never been so easy- especially long distances.

    Silicon pot holders that only cover your fingers. They look like crab claws and you can easily get them over your fingers to grab a hot handle real quick. Big oven mitts take too long.
    Attached Images Attached Images

  13. #13
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    Quote Originally Posted by Malcolm Schweizer View Post
    The Bosch laser measuring device that HD sells for around $30. Measuring has never been so easy- especially long distances.
    Ain't that the truth! I 'bout wore out my Bosch (different model) when I built my shop and some farm buildings, use it in the house too, height of tree limbs, play with the cats (not). Saves SO much time when measuring studs, blocking, braces, plate length between posts, etc., especially longer distances without help - to tape to sag or come loose from the other end. It is consistently good to 1/16".

    These are the perfect gift for friends in the construction/remodeling business!

    JKJ

  14. #14
    Quote Originally Posted by Malcolm Schweizer View Post
    The Bosch laser measuring device that HD sells for around $30.
    Malcolm, which device? The cheapest I see is a 65 footer for about $60? (Which still doesnt seem bad). Can you post a link?

    Thanks!
    Fred

  15. #15

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