In the days before GPS, Google Maps and Waze, people used maps; and to figure how long it would take to get from A to B on a map, you could make excellent use of a Marsch-Zirkel, or march compasses… like the lovely device described in this new article on my History of Computing exhibition. … Read more
Clearly marking tool and instrument controls is always a good idea, but it becomes vital where safety is at stake. And if there is one control where safety is definitely at stake, it is the safety catch! Like this one, on a rechargeable jig saw from Taiwan: See the switch clearly marked “Safety Lock”? Very … Read more
So here is a wonderfully useful tool from Shachihata: the Artline 710 Long Nib Marker. What’s the big deal, you ask? Not if you’re a handyman, you don’t! This funky looking tool is designed to fill a very specific need: marking through deep holes, as when you have to drill holes in the wall to … Read more
Here are two retractable tape measures. The one on the left is a classic by Stanley, the other, made by Panyi, clearly a cheaper clone. Looks the same, works the same… except for one small difference. Notice the difference? This type of tape measure has a stated offset printed on it, equal to the width of … Read more
We all know about vestigial organs in living creatures, such as the useless vermiform appendix that gives many people a bad time. These were useful in earlier releases of our body plan, but are now just along for the ride. So here is a sighting of a similarly useless historical remnant in a Bosch power … Read more
Continuing the theme of using the right tool for the job, here’s my take on a tool that is everywhere: the trusty old stapler. Most everyone uses the usual kind if stapler, either the small size 10 or the regular standard office model. The problem is, neither of these is any good for more than … Read more
We live in an age of throw away technology, and for me, the silver lining of this has always been to take old products apart before trashing them. It’s fun, and it’s instructive to see how computers, home electronics, even the occasional appliance are built inside. And of course, you may bring to light gems … Read more
A major cause of accidents and frustration is trying to use the wrong tool for the job. Professionals usually know, and have available, the right tool. Amateurs and beginners may be blissfully unaware of it. When I was just starting into homebrew electronics in my teens, I actually used to drill holes in metal with … Read more
Another thing worth knowing is how to test a tool before you buy it. Different tools have very different methods… for example, I was saved from losing a lot of money because I knew how to test a Curta mechanical calculator before buying it (basically you start with all zeros, subtract a 1, then add … Read more
So, if quality is critical, how do we find the best tools? One simple method is to go for the best makers; the ones the pros swear by. In my case I did that by interrogating my machine shop teacher in university, a master craftsman with decades of experience. Basically it went like this: Me: … Read more
