Cheap and easy edge protection
It’s a joy to use a chisel with a razor-sharp edge, and a tragedy when a perfect edge gets ruined by an accidental drop or ding. WoodRiver chisel guards provide cheap insurance against damage. For less than ten bucks, you get a set of ten guards that will fit chisels from 1/8" to 1-1/4". These flexible silicone guards will fit and tenaciously grip a range of different chisel shapes, unlike hard plastic chisel guards. If you hate regrinding chisels as much as I do, you’ll appreciate these top-notch tips.
—Tim Snyder
Defying gravity
Moving heavy machinery and furniture takes a toll on more than just your back. It can damage floors, walls, fingers, and toes. Forearm Forklift Lifting Straps won’t bring back your 20-year-old physique, but these 3"-wide nylon straps can help you move heavy objects without damaging yourself or your surroundings. To relocate a chunk of cast-iron or a china cabinet, slip the straps under the object, then slip your arms into the loops and lift. Transferring the weight from your fingertips to your forearms reduces strain while increasing your control over the load. These straps do a good job of keeping me out of my chiropractor’s office. I keep a pair in my shop and second pair in my truck.
—Joe Hurst-Wajszczuk
A little saw with big benefits
I was looking for a small folding saw to fit in my tool belt — something compact but capable of trimming shims, cutting boards to rough length, and handling other unexpected sawing assignments that come up during remodeling projects. The Genbaya folding saw excels at these tasks. The 5"-long, 14 tpi, Japanese-style “woodworking” blade that comes with this saw will make smooth, accurate cuts in any kind of wood. But if you want to expand your cutting capabilities, the saw accepts seven different blades, including keyhole, MDF, and camper/gardening versions. The blade locks in the open position, and the plastic handle has proved to be both sturdy and comfortable. No wonder this pocket-size saw has become my favorite.
—Tim Snyder
