{"id":41709,"date":"2023-12-13T07:39:00","date_gmt":"2023-12-13T14:39:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/?p=41709"},"modified":"2023-12-11T14:45:13","modified_gmt":"2023-12-11T21:45:13","slug":"gars-tips-tools-issue-169","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/gars-tips-tools-issue-169\/","title":{"rendered":"Gar&#8217;s Tips &#038; Tools &#8211; Issue #169"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><em>Gar\u2019s Tips, Tools, and Shop Tales is published by Cool Tools Lab. To receive the newsletter a week early, sign up\u00a0<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/garstips.substack.com\/\" target=\"_blank\">here.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1><strong>Hidden Tools Within Tools<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"epyt-video-wrapper\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\"  id=\"_ytid_10387\"  width=\"480\" height=\"270\"  data-origwidth=\"480\" data-origheight=\"270\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/1AofoIibLak?enablejsapi=1&#038;autoplay=0&#038;cc_load_policy=0&#038;cc_lang_pref=&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;loop=0&#038;modestbranding=0&#038;rel=1&#038;fs=1&#038;playsinline=0&#038;autohide=2&#038;theme=dark&#038;color=red&#038;controls=1&#038;\" class=\"__youtube_prefs__  epyt-is-override  no-lazyload\" title=\"YouTube player\"  allow=\"fullscreen; accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen data-no-lazy=\"1\" data-skipgform_ajax_framebjll=\"\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Leah Bolden<\/strong>&nbsp;has done some&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/TkoCWUJt10w?si=hhJWPcLHZibseNyX\">eye-opening videos<\/a>&nbsp;in the past about tools and common tool functions that many casual makers may not know about. Watching this recent video, I knew most of the hidden tools-within-tools she reveals. The ones that were new to me were the 90- and 45-degree angles built into handsaws and the tool inside of a retractable box cutter knife for snapping off the blades. Of course, this only applies to some models of saws and utility knives. My saws and knives do not include these features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1><strong>Project Farm\u2019s Top Ten Products of 2023<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"epyt-video-wrapper\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\"  id=\"_ytid_94265\"  width=\"480\" height=\"270\"  data-origwidth=\"480\" data-origheight=\"270\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/fGKolFibqy0?enablejsapi=1&#038;autoplay=0&#038;cc_load_policy=0&#038;cc_lang_pref=&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;loop=0&#038;modestbranding=0&#038;rel=1&#038;fs=1&#038;playsinline=0&#038;autohide=2&#038;theme=dark&#038;color=red&#038;controls=1&#038;\" class=\"__youtube_prefs__  epyt-is-override  no-lazyload\" title=\"YouTube player\"  allow=\"fullscreen; accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen data-no-lazy=\"1\" data-skipgform_ajax_framebjll=\"\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s that time of year again and&nbsp;<strong>Todd<\/strong>&nbsp;of&nbsp;<em>Project Farm<\/em>&nbsp;has posted his top ten products for the year based on his year of product testing. Tools on the list include&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/geni.us\/k26jZ\">3-Ton Jack Stands<\/a>,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/geni.us\/SbopJx\">Bubba Kinetic Energy Rope<\/a>,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/geni.us\/jRTMr\">Drill Doctor Drill Bit Sharpener<\/a>, and the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/geni.us\/X9lJCsX\">YESWELDER MIG welder<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1><strong>How to Properly Use a Crimping Tool<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"epyt-video-wrapper\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\"  id=\"_ytid_21436\"  width=\"480\" height=\"270\"  data-origwidth=\"480\" data-origheight=\"270\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/goxVeefDpQg?enablejsapi=1&#038;autoplay=0&#038;cc_load_policy=0&#038;cc_lang_pref=&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;loop=0&#038;modestbranding=0&#038;rel=1&#038;fs=1&#038;playsinline=0&#038;autohide=2&#038;theme=dark&#038;color=red&#038;controls=1&#038;\" class=\"__youtube_prefs__  epyt-is-override  no-lazyload\" title=\"YouTube player\"  allow=\"fullscreen; accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen data-no-lazy=\"1\" data-skipgform_ajax_framebjll=\"\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>I don&#8217;t know that much about crimp connectors, but I thought I at least had a solid command of the basics. Then I watched this video. In it,&nbsp;<strong>James Gatlin<\/strong>&nbsp;covers identifying&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/geni.us\/6ZWz\">different gauges of connectors<\/a>, the difference in crimping insulated and non-insulated connectors, tips on using a crimping tool, how to properly execute a crimp, why you don&#8217;t want to scrimp on your&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/geni.us\/YTm2\">crimping tool<\/a>, and lots more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1><strong>Maker Slang<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Slang, jargon, and technical terms for the many realms of making things<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>[Value of Measurement] Strong<\/strong>&nbsp;(Example: \u201c4-5\/8 strong\u201d) \u2014 Meaning the stated measurement (4-5\/8\u201d) plus a little extra, but that extra (4-11\/16\u201d) doesn\u2019t matter at the resolution you care about measuring (e.g. framing a wall).<strong><br><br>Baby fat<\/strong>&nbsp;&#8211; Used at JPL to describe extra storage space that you will soon grow out of. [Via Adam Savage]<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Interference fit<\/strong>&nbsp;(also known as \u201cpress fit\u201d) \u2014 A form of fastening between two parts where the parts are so tightly fitted together that the interference of their surfaces results in a secure join. Used in machining.<br><br><strong>Peck drilling<\/strong>&nbsp;&#8211; A method involving periodically retracting the bit from the hole being drilled. The primary purposes of peck drilling are to improve chip removal, reduce heat buildup, and enhance lubrication of the cutting surface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Shadow line<\/strong>&nbsp;&#8211; In industrial design, a feature where a narrow, recessed gap is created between two surfaces or panels. This gap is usually very precise and intentional, creating a visual effect that mimics a shadow. Shadow lines are often used to enhance the aesthetics of a product, giving it a more defined, sleek, and modern appearance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1><strong>Untying Knotty Knot Tangles<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe542c643-1dd1-4e6b-9aeb-b3881a769527_1188x778.png\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe542c643-1dd1-4e6b-9aeb-b3881a769527_1188x778.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"478\" height=\"313\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>I\u2019ve really been enjoying the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/kevin2kelly\/\">Instagram excerpts<\/a>&nbsp;from&nbsp;<strong>Kevin Kelly\u2019s<\/strong>&nbsp;book,&nbsp;<em><a href=\"https:\/\/geni.us\/1W2w7nG\">Excellent Advice for Living<\/a><\/em>. I appreciate that they range so widely, from philosophical life lessons (\u201cTo manage yourself, use your head, to manage others, use your heart\u201d) to the very pragmatic, as seen above.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1><strong>Shop Talk<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Readers offer feedback, tips, tales, and tool recommendations.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>Michael Una<\/strong>&nbsp;writes:<\/em><br>In your&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/garstipsandtools.com\/p\/gars-tips-and-tools-issue-168\">most recent<\/a>&nbsp;<em>Tips &amp; Tools<\/em>, you mention that buying old tools is a great way to get started. I wholeheartedly agree, and I&#8217;ll offer a tip here: If you ever see an estate sale, go into the garage or the basement and try to find the old guy&#8217;s stash of tools and parts. Oftentimes, the estate sale company will grossly undervalue tools and let them go for $1-5 apiece. And, as you say, they are generally of high-quality, old American steel. I have acquired many clamps, saws, drill bits, chisels, copper wire, wrenches, pliers, and various hand tools from estate sales. Sometimes you might find an old table saw or drill press as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe3b0bbe0-98b2-4c51-8b7e-60781e24e652_1154x762.jpeg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe3b0bbe0-98b2-4c51-8b7e-60781e24e652_1154x762.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"370\" height=\"243\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><em>My old pal&nbsp;<strong>Andrew Sasaki<\/strong>&nbsp;sent in this tip:<\/em><br><br>If you remove different-length screws from a device, say the bottom cover of a laptop, it can be difficult to remember which screw goes into which hole. Placing the removed screws on a stable surface in the same relative positions they were removed from (see above pic) helps reduce the trial-and-error when you need to screw them back in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h1><strong>Introducing The Whiteboard Deck!<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc415b1e5-8900-40f7-b8f6-4b9c480dc812_3138x3024.jpeg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc415b1e5-8900-40f7-b8f6-4b9c480dc812_3138x3024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"441\" height=\"425\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>My latest product \u2014 10 US Poker-sized (2.5&#8243; x 3.5&#8243;) dry-erase cards wrapped in a paper band and stored in a muslin drawstring bag. The deck also comes with a fine-point dry-erase marker that has a sponge eraser and built-in magnet. The Whiteboard Deck is $10 with $5 shipping (foreign orders at the shipping rate to your country). Order up to five decks for the same $5 shipping.<br><br>The Whiteboard Deck can be used for everything from to-do lists, to notes around the shop, to idea brainstorming, to game design, to&#8230; Imagine the Possibilities! If interested,&nbsp;<a href=\"mailto:garethbranwyn@mac.com\">email me<\/a>&nbsp;for payment arrangements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd1a4b05f-a28f-437d-b1cb-3779cadcba2b_3024x4032.jpeg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd1a4b05f-a28f-437d-b1cb-3779cadcba2b_3024x4032.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"429\" height=\"571\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Weekly-ish access to tools, techniques, and shop tales from the worlds of DIY<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0},"categories":[2371],"tags":[2372],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41709"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=41709"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41709\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":41711,"href":"https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41709\/revisions\/41711"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=41709"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=41709"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=41709"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}