20 Cool Tools for $20 or Less
Some are time-tested. Others are innovative. All are good and cheap. Check out the low-cost, high-value tools that we can't do without.
Synopsis: In this 2004 roundup for the holidays, the editors of Fine Homebuilding pick their favorite inexpensive tools. All the tools are shown in photos along with brief reviews by editors. Also included is contact information for finding and purchasing each tool, including average prices.
“In a pinch, you can use it to swat bees or flip pancakes, but this inexpensive pull saw excels at cutting straight, fast, and flush.” Charles Bickford, senior editor
This $20 Double Cut Saw from Irwin (www.irwin.com) has crosscut teeth on one side and rip teeth on the other. It cuts a fast, thin kerf perfect for flush cuts, finishing stopped cuts, or just working quietly. The blades are too complex to resharpen, but they are removable and can be replaced when they become dull.
“On most of the old houses I’ve worked on, odd angles are the rule, not the exception.” Daniel Morrison, assistant editor
Instead of measuring an odd angle, simply transfer it to your workpiece or saw with Stanley’s Solid Hardwood T-bevel (www.stanleytools.com). With a hardwood handle, a rust-resistant steel blade, and a brass end cap, this $11 tool can stand up to the rigors of home building.
“I manage to drive a lot of drywall screws without hanging any drywall. This drill-and-drive kit gives me a quick way to drill countersunk or counterbored pilot holes, and then drive screws.” Tim Snyder, executive editor
There are plenty of these kits available, but DeWalt’s 8-Piece Drill Drive Set (www.dewalt.com) handles most jobs. The kit costs $20 and comes in a compact, crushproof case.
“I used to put the death grip on miters before shooting a nail to lock them. These clamps changed my life by making it easy to preassemble moldings.” Gary M. Katz, contributing editor
Collins Miter Clamps (www.collinstool.com) are strong enough and sharp enough to hold even the fussiest miter joints. A four-pack of clamps costs $11.50. Add a pair of miter-clamp pliers for $14.99, and the clamps become even easier to use.
“If I’d charged a nickel per sharpening, the rest of the crew would have paid for my pencil sharpener in a week.” Roe A. Osborn, senior editor
Putting a point on a pencil with a utility knife can be an exercise in frustration. Boston’s Battery Operated Pencil Sharpener (www.wbmason.com) costs $10 and makes it easy to draw crisp, accurate cutlines.
“These plastic squares are cheap, they’re easy to find on a messy workbench, and they don’t go out of square when you drop them.” Tim Snyder, executive editor
You can use Empire’s Polysquares (www.empirelevel.com) to lay out angles, guide a circular saw for a straight cut, or simply check for square. Buy a 7-in. square for less than $2 and a 12-in. square for less than $7.
“Three screwdrivers are packed into the handle of this multitool, along with a knife, a saw, a wire stripper, and — for the end of the day — a bottle opener.” Tim Snyder, executive editor
At $19, the Schrade Tough Grip (www.schradeknives.com) is a lot less expensive than most other multitools, and it has one thing that competitive models don’t: Vise-Grip long-nose pliers.
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