Cool tools really work. A cool tool can be any book, gadget, software, video, map, hardware, material, or website that is tried and true. All reviews on this site are written by readers who have actually used the tool and others like it. Items can be either old or new as long as they are wonderful. We only post things we like and ignore the rest. Suggestions for tools much better than what is recommended here are always wanted. Tell us what you love.

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GRID

LIST

FULL

Small, powered monitors for home recording studios

KRK ROKIT 6 Studio Monitors

WiFi router with impressive range

ASUS RT-N66U WiFi router

First priority: become an expert

So Good They Can’t Ignore You

Inexpensive, lose-able earbuds

Enhanced Bass Hi-Fi Noise-Isolating Earphones

Add-ons for the indestructible Tervis tumbler

Tervis Tumbler Handles and Travel Lids

Best drawing teacher

Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain

Superior back scratcher

Slotted Spaghetti Spoon

The simplest way to clean your bike chain

Park Tool Cyclone Bike Chain Scrubber

Powerful home blender can chop, juice, grind grain, and more

Blendtec Home Blender

Big sound on the road

Bose SoundLink

No-mess cutting board

Prep Master Cutting Block

Best beginner telescope

Celestron FirstScope

Paste that doesn't cause paper to curl

Yes! Paste

Solder-free, moisture-proof wire splicing

Scotchlok Butt Connectors

Basic mold-making skills

Prop Builder’s Molding & Casting Handbook

A modern manual for living off-the-grid

The Good Life Lab

Detailed shape cutting saw for glass, tile, metal, and plastic

Taurus 3 Diamond Ring Saw

Consumer guide to drugs

Tripology

Apparel eases shoulder pain

Posture Support Jacket

IPad Mini case with cover folds to provide multiple stand positions

Giveaway! Smartstyle iPad Mini Case

Hide your tablet in a case that looks like a mailing envelope

Stealth Tablet Case

Green woodworking

Make a Chair from a Tree

$1 plastic cup

Starbucks Reusable Cup

Dual-purpose bike rider accessory

M-Wave Bicycle Safety Reflective Pant Leg Band

Natural food storage

Root Cellaring

Drill through the center of round stock without measuring or clamping

V-Block Drill Press Centering Fixture

Butterfly clamps are good el cheapo money clips

35-Cent Money Clip

The definitive costume inspiration

The Worldwide History of Dress

Spray-on home protection from wildfires

Barricade Fire Blocking Gel

Ensure that subflooring sheets are in the same plane

Carpet Stair Tool

Ultralightweight wristwatch with excellent lifetime warranty

Skagen Titanium Blue Dial Watch

Make espresso without a lot of noise

ROK Espresso Maker

What wood wants

Understanding Wood

Minimalist hard-shell plastic wallet forces you to pare down what you carry

Jimi Wallet

Best beginner intro to Arduino

Giveaway! Copy of Getting Started with Arduino

Precise ingredient measurement and easy clean-up

OXO adjustable measuring cup

Growing Gourmet and Medicinal Mushrooms

Self-contained tube and tire repait kit

Lezyne Bike Tire Patch Kit

Lightweight, smooth-writing pen

Parker Jotter Pen

Easy, no-soap wok and pan cleaning tool

Bamboo Wok Brush