{"id":43881,"date":"2025-03-28T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-03-28T16:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/?p=43881"},"modified":"2025-03-24T14:17:23","modified_gmt":"2025-03-24T21:17:23","slug":"gars-tips-tools-issue-196","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/gars-tips-tools-issue-196\/","title":{"rendered":"Gar&#8217;s Tips &#038; Tools &#8211; Issue #196"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h1><strong>The Clam Switches of Warsaw<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/files\/2025\/03\/garstips1966.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-43887\" width=\"509\" height=\"295\" srcset=\"https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/files\/2025\/03\/garstips1966.jpg 820w, https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/files\/2025\/03\/garstips1966-300x174.jpg 300w, https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/files\/2025\/03\/garstips1966-768x446.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 509px) 100vw, 509px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>I found this 14-minute documentary utterly captivating. In Warsaw, Poland, they use clams to monitor water quality\u2014an ingenious and surprisingly elegant system. Eight clams are outfitted with a tiny, spring-mounted contact on their top shells. If the water becomes too polluted, the clams instinctively shut, triggering an alarm and closing off the water supply. Simple, natural, brilliant. The film itself has a slow-burn, meditative European quality\u2014like if Ingmar Bergman did a documentary on city water management. [Via\u00a0<strong>Jay Townsend<\/strong>]<\/p>\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_35740\"  width=\"480\" height=\"270\"  data-origwidth=\"480\" data-origheight=\"270\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/h1lRDdPbhio?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<h1><strong>Clamps: Their History and Uses<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/files\/2025\/03\/garstips1961.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-43882\" width=\"315\" height=\"490\" srcset=\"https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/files\/2025\/03\/garstips1961.jpg 488w, https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/files\/2025\/03\/garstips1961-193x300.jpg 193w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 315px) 100vw, 315px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>One of me besties,&nbsp;<strong>Peter Bebergal<\/strong>, sent me a link to&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/archive.org\/details\/ClampsTheirHistoryAndTheirUses\">this 1980 guide to clamps<\/a>&nbsp;from the Cincinnati Tool Company. Basic stuff, but a fun browse for anyone who loves tools, tool history, and vintage industrial training materials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/files\/2025\/03\/garstips1962-1024x792.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-43883\" width=\"531\" height=\"410\" srcset=\"https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/files\/2025\/03\/garstips1962-1024x792.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/files\/2025\/03\/garstips1962-300x232.jpg 300w, https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/files\/2025\/03\/garstips1962-768x594.jpg 768w, https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/files\/2025\/03\/garstips1962.jpg 1100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 531px) 100vw, 531px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h1><strong>Tips from an Engineer: Improving Workflow and Precision<\/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_81800\"  width=\"480\" height=\"270\"  data-origwidth=\"480\" data-origheight=\"270\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/JTEtiO3evbk?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>In this insightful video,&nbsp;<strong>Zach<\/strong>,&nbsp;<em>The Byte-Sized Engineer<\/em>, shares eight invaluable lessons he\u2019s learned during his years of hands-on engineering and project building. From the importance of failing quickly to improving problem-solving efficiency, to the hidden functions of&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/geni.us\/dhAnd\">digital calipers<\/a>&nbsp;(depth gauge, step measuring) that enhance measurement accuracy, these practical tips can save time and frustration. He highlights tools like logic analyzers for debugging,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/geni.us\/gNn9\">deburring tools<\/a>&nbsp;for cleaning 3D prints, and corrugated tubing for better wire management, all aimed at making engineering work more efficient. Additional tips include using isopropyl alcohol to remove hot glue easily, strengthening CA\/super glue bonds with baking soda, and adopting better soldering techniques using flux gels and third-hand tools. Whether you&#8217;re a seasoned engineer or a hobby maker, these tips might help improve your workflow and precision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1><strong>Did He Say \u2018Home Depot Arrowheads\u201d?<\/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_64055\"  width=\"480\" height=\"270\"  data-origwidth=\"480\" data-origheight=\"270\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/LEaYXht3_rY?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>Maker pal&nbsp;<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/dug-north-maker\/\">Dug North<\/a><\/strong>&nbsp;sent me this recent video of his \u2018cause he thought that I \u201cmight get a kick out of it.\u201d He was right! Having always been interested in flintknapping, I love watching videos of people doing it. And I especially fine glassknapping fascinating. In this video, Dug makes his own knapping tools from common Home Depot materials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p>Cool Tools\u2019&nbsp;<strong>Kevin Kelly<\/strong>&nbsp;has pointed out something interesting about flintknapping (and other \u201cbygone\u201d technologies). There are actually more people practicing this stone age technology today than when it was the reigning tool tech. In fact, Kevin argues, technologies rarely die off. Once conceived, human inventions, regardless of their obsolescence, continue to exist through enthusiasts, historians, and niche communities. Dug knows a few things about this. When not knapping glass arrowheads and doing bushcraft, he also engages in the ancient art of&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/Rn0gHb9hDw4?si=2wYRz1u15zaMaPox\">mechanical automata<\/a>.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h1><strong>Making a Screw Shortening Jig<\/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_35166\"  width=\"480\" height=\"270\"  data-origwidth=\"480\" data-origheight=\"270\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/pLca-flylUA?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>Quinn<\/strong>&nbsp;of&nbsp;<em>Blondihacks<\/em>&nbsp;delivers another fantastic machining tutorial, this time focusing on creating a custom screw shortening tool\u2014a handy bit \u2018o kit for model engineers, watchmakers, and anyone needing small, precision screws cut to length. The project evolved from a makeshift aluminum jig she originally made into a durable steel fixture with precisely-machined threaded holes, solving the problem of deforming screw ends while ensuring repeatable accuracy. As usual, along the way, Quinn offers valuable machining insights, including stress-relief techniques, optimal cutting methods, and the importance of deburring. A clever last-minute fix\u2014adding a &#8220;keeper&#8221; to stabilize the tool\u2019s jaws\u2014proves the iterative nature of good design. Finished with cold bluing and stamped size markings, the final tool is both functional and refined. Another fun and informative watch for machining enthusiasts, armchair [raises hand[, or otherwise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1><strong>Your Inspired Objects<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p><em>I got a wonderful response to my&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/garstipsandtools.com\/i\/155182450\/what-are-your-inspired-objects\">piece about inspired objects<\/a>. I\u2019ll be showing them over the next few issues. This is inspired objects \u2014&nbsp;<strong>humble objects edition<\/strong>. If you have an object you think is inspired (humble or otherwise), please&nbsp;<a href=\"mailto:garethbranwyn@mac.com\">share it<\/a>!<\/em><br><br><em><strong>Sydney Smith<\/strong>&nbsp;writes:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p>This is an inexpensive Japanese utility knife purchased on Amazon. Search for Takagi Gisuke Cutting. Before decorating with chip carving, it was so-so. After decoration, it&#8217;s enjoyable to pick up and use. Now it&#8217;s a workbench favorite.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/files\/2025\/03\/garstips1963-1024x492.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-43884\" width=\"595\" height=\"285\" srcset=\"https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/files\/2025\/03\/garstips1963-1024x492.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/files\/2025\/03\/garstips1963-300x144.jpg 300w, https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/files\/2025\/03\/garstips1963-768x369.jpg 768w, https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/files\/2025\/03\/garstips1963.jpg 1100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 595px) 100vw, 595px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><em>I love this handle \u201chack\u201d from reader&nbsp;<strong>Gideon Weinerth<\/strong>. I think I\u2019m going to have to try this:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p>This is my inspired object. I took a<a href=\"https:\/\/geni.us\/6Bn6BL\">&nbsp;Rada brand vegetable peeler&nbsp;<\/a>which was excellent but had a crummy discolored handle. I wrapped the handle in aluminum foil and then applied a layer of&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/geni.us\/VYOlwDQ\">Sculpey polymer clay<\/a>&nbsp;over it. I then squeezed the bulkier handle until it perfectly matched my hand positions for way I like to peel. I baked it, let it cool, then dipped it in&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/geni.us\/Wuh1\">Plasti-Dip<\/a>&nbsp;which needs another application. Makes meal prep a dream. Great technique for any other sub-par handle.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/files\/2025\/03\/garstips1964-1024x566.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-43885\" width=\"604\" height=\"333\" srcset=\"https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/files\/2025\/03\/garstips1964-1024x566.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/files\/2025\/03\/garstips1964-300x166.jpg 300w, https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/files\/2025\/03\/garstips1964-768x424.jpg 768w, https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/files\/2025\/03\/garstips1964.jpg 1100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 604px) 100vw, 604px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>Ernie Hayden<\/strong>&nbsp;writes:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p>I was given one of these&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/geni.us\/pANS\">iSlice ceramic cutters<\/a>&nbsp;about 10-15 years ago and use it almost daily to cut open tight, cellophane packaging, sealed packages, etc. It is really terrific. My old one even has a magnet in the handle so it can be placed on a metal cabinet or metal toolbox for handy use.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/files\/2025\/03\/garstips1965-1024x676.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-43886\" width=\"621\" height=\"409\" srcset=\"https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/files\/2025\/03\/garstips1965-1024x676.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/files\/2025\/03\/garstips1965-300x198.jpg 300w, https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/files\/2025\/03\/garstips1965-768x507.jpg 768w, https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/files\/2025\/03\/garstips1965.jpg 1100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 621px) 100vw, 621px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h1><strong>Consider a Paid Subscription<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Gar\u2019s Tips &amp; Tools<\/em>&nbsp;is free, but if you&nbsp;<em>really<\/em>&nbsp;like what I\u2019m doing here and want to support me, please consider a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/garstipsandtools.com\/subscribe\">paid subscription<\/a>. Same great taste, but more cheddar for me to help keep me stocked in&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/geni.us\/kakiMp\">neodymium magnets<\/a>. I will also pick paid subscribers at random and send them out little treats on occasion.<br><br>We have a winner!&nbsp;<strong>Rob Stone<\/strong>, you were the winner of our Work Pro multitool (or PDFs of my tips books) drawing. Congrats! I sent you an email.<br><br>Special thanks to all of my paid subscribers so far and an extra special thanks to Hero of the Realm,&nbsp;<strong>Jim Coraci<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\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","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Access to tools, techniques, and shop tales from the diverse 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\/43881"}],"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=43881"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43881\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":43888,"href":"https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43881\/revisions\/43888"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=43881"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=43881"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=43881"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}