Once a week we’ll send out a page from Cool Tools: A Catalog of Possibilities. The tools might be outdated or obsolete, but the possibilities they inspire are new. Sign up here to get Tools for Possibilities a week early in your inbox.
Smaller than most pocket knives, and with the ability to unfold into a completely handy pair of snips, the stainless steel Micra contains two functional flat-blade drivers (micro and “regular”) and a #2 Phillips-equivalent screwdriver, so I can achieve most anything I need to do inside a server closet or at a customer’s desk. You could opt for the Wave, which features more tools. However, the less expensive Micra is lighter (1.75 vs. 8.5 ounces) and smaller (2.5″ vs. 4″), and overall it’s much more of an urban survival tool. It comes with tweezers, scissors, nail file, and a bottle opener, but the features that make it the most valuable to me are the “Phillips” blade (a flat blade shaped to fit into a Phillips head) and the micro flat driver blade. I’m constantly opening stuff – packages from FedEx (knife,) packages of sunflower kernels (scissors), laptops (micro screwdriver,) data racks (Phillips) and the like. This tool has everything I use on a daily basis in a simple, little package. — Steve Sussex
I bought this tool about four years ago in preparation for a backpacking trip around Australia and it has been on my belt ever since. I have used it in every camping situation imaginable. Between the locking straight-edge and serrated blades, I have been able to cut everything from thin sheet metal to steak to wrist thick hemp rope. This tool was a first for me in that the saw blade actually cut wood with ease. Unlike many other models, the blades are on the outside of the tool so you don’t have to unfold the whole thing to get to them. This makes it less awkward to use and even allows one-handed use in a pinch. Another nice feature is that the edges of the plier handles are rounded, so they don’t dig into your hand when you need to apply a little force. The scissors, can opener and screwdrivers have never let me down. I have found the Wave to be just as useful indoors. I take apart computers on a daily basis, and it is usually all the screwdriver I need, although it is generally too clunky for tight spots. After four years of heavy use it’s still going strong. — Travis Seay
The Manager Swiss Army Knife has been in my pocket for nearly 2 years. This compact tool has all the useful stuff you expect from the line of Swiss Army knives: blade, scissors, tweezers, file, bottle opener, and separate flat-head & Phillips-head screwdrivers.
What makes it a must-have is the retractable ballpoint pen. It’s smooth writing and hasn’t dried out on me in the past 2 years. I’ve taken meeting notes, written checks, and signed receipts. Just extend the combination Philips-head / bottle opener tool for a more comfortable grip during extended composition sessions.
The Manager comes to the rescue time after time for occasional writing needs and tiny DIY tasks because it’s always in your pocket. (I just changed the batteries in a Nerf gun with the Phillips-head screwdriver.) It’s more comfortable to carry in the pocket than a normal pen and more useful, too. — Sean Singh
The Midnite Manager model comes with a built-in LED flashlight in addition to a pen. — Mark Frauenfelder
I’ve tried a fair number of pocket knife and combination tools: Gerber, Leatherman, Victorinox, Wenger, and others. The quality and versatility of these tools are quite amazing. I own both versions of the Husky 8-in-1, which are excellent when you have a workspace or are able to carry them in a pack, but not so good to carry in your pocket. I used to work on servers but have been promoted to management, and now don’t do as much hands-on work as I once did, but still like to be prepared. For day-to-day use, I want something that fits easily into my pocket, has a small enough profile to work in confined spaces for light-duty computer repairs and other minor jobs. I’ve found the Swiss Army Victorinox CyberTool 29 to be the best compromise.
It has a nice long 5mm driver that uses four double-ended bits, including my favorite Phillips #2, two smaller Phillips bits, a straight bit, three Torx drivers (#8, #10, #15), and a 4mm hex bit. It also includes the classic straight-blade screwdriver, can opener, awl, two knife blades, corkscrew (yes, I use it fairly regularly!) and a tiny screwdriver ingenuously tucked in the corkscrew. I really like that the straight-blade screwdriver and Phillips driver are at opposite ends. Having the two screwdrivers open at the same time often makes the task go quicker. — Rurik Spence
The beauty of these tools is they feel like a fetish item in your hand and, due to their size, you can always have them with you. They’re handmade by Peter Atwood and have incredible strength because he uses a specialty stainless steel made via a powder metallurgy process (“The powder is compressed under significant force to a homogenous, solid state and the steel is rolled to required stock size. Molecules are uniform, inclusions of impurities are insignificant”).
Both of my EDC knives — a Swiss Army Cybertool and a SOG Multi Tool — have slightly bent tips on the main blades because I tried to open or pry something I shouldn’t have. That will never happen with the Mini Son of Prything I carry in my pocket or my Prybaby. The trend in tools is to include more and more features. An Atwood piece – and there are a variety of them worth checking out — is generally designed to do a couple of things really well, and it does: open a package, pull a nail, cut some tape, strip a wire, etc. There are obviously other discovered tasks — like propping up a new power supply in my computer while I get a couple of screws in — but it’s calling on that intended purpose that is most gratifying. — Greg Needham
Pocket-sized driver/Allen set
Doc Allen’s VersaTool, docallensversatool.com
When I am wearing my 5.11 tactical cargo pants, this pocket- sized screwdriver/Allen-wrench with interchangeable bits always goes in the right-hand cargo pocket. I’ll often use the screwdriver of my Leatherman several times a day, but the VersaTool does a better job due to the interchangeable bits (better fit to the screws). Also, the handle can be adjusted to provide additional leverage or to fit tight spots. To get greater torque, you just slide the handle into “T” or “L” configurations. Recently, I used it to reinstall a bathroom cabinet door that the kids somehow managed to detach. My kids are good at dismantling things, so having this on hand saves time and allows me to complete repairs immediately without having to remember to return to them later. In one weekend, I also managed to complete several repairs on my truck without having to grab the tool box. Interestingly, the hex adapter will disconnect and the VersTool will then accept any 1/4″ socket so that it can be used as a nut driver. I do not have enough room left in my pockets for a set of 1/4″ sockets, but I plan on buying a couple more VersaTools, one of which I’ll be dropping in my briefcase along with a spare socket set. — John Rigby
Originally founded in 1866, HSNY has the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating watch association in the world. Now it expands and names its horological library, one of the largest in the world, and adds watchmaker student scholarships.
Before you go on your next grocery shopping trip, consider heart-healthy options for your meals.
February is National Heart Month — so what better time to put a little extra effort into changing your diet and focusing more on the health of your heart?
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Spend time learning more about your heart and begin habits to continue throughout the year for an overall healthier lifestyle.
Here are a list of heart healthy foods to keep in your fridge or pantry.
Dark leafy greens include veggies like spinach, kale and collard greens.
Isa Kujawski, MPH, RDN, founder of Mea Nutrition LLC, says consuming these vegetables helps to protect you against cardiovascular disease because they're packed with nutrients.
Dark leafy greens are high in fiber and micronutrients, which help to keep your heart healthy.
Incorporate olive oil into your recipes when you're able to in order to keep your heart strong.
Erin Kenney, MS, RD, registered dietitian and CEO of Nutrition Rewired, recommends putting olive oil into your salads or adding to homemade hummus as opposed to just heating it and using it to cook.
Olive oil is full of antioxidants, polyphenols and vitamins, all of which are good for your heart, says Kenney.
No matter how you eat your avocados, they assist in improving your heart health.
Mash them for your favorite homemade guacamole recipe or spread them over your morning toast and receive the same nutritional benefits.
Amy Adams, RDN, LDN, says that avocados are a great source of monounsaturated fats plus potassium and magnesium.
All of these things, Adams said, are good for keeping a healthy blood pressure.
Berries are sweet, refreshing and contain lots of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
Though eating more fruit in general has a positive impact on heart health, according to Kristi Ruth, RD, LDN, blueberries are at the top of the list when it comes to heart healthy fruits. Blueberries are high in antioxidants, including anthocyanin, which is very good for the heart.
What food lowers cholesterol, blood pressure, inflammation and helps with digestive wellness? Beans.
Beans, according to Kujawaski, are great for the heart, mainly because of the high fiber content. They also contain plenty of vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals.
Did you know that high-fat fish such as salmon can decrease your risk of death by cardiac arrhythmias? Cardiac arrhythmia is an irregular heartbeat that can lead to death.
The omega-3 fats that are found in fish reduce inflammation, says Kenney. She recommended eating two to three servings of high-fat fish per week, which includes salmon, but also herring, anchovies or mackerel.
If fish isn't your cup of tea, fish oil supplements are also a good option that can provide similar benefits.
You can do so by switching to whole grain pasta, brown rice or wheat bread.
Kristin Gillespie, MS, RD, LD, adviser for Exercisewithstyle.com, said whole grains have the opposite impact on your body that refined carbohydrates do.
Refined carbohydrates increase the risk of heart disease, while whole grains protect the heart.
What makes walnuts stand out among other nuts in terms of heart health is their high percent of omega 6, omega 3 and polyunsaturated fats, according to Adams.
Whether you eat these on their own, or mixed with other nuts, trying to incorporate walnuts into your daily food intake can have a good impact on your heart health.
Flaxseed is a great source of omega-3, according to Ruth, who also said it is high in fiber and lignans. Both lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.
If you are stumped on how you can incorporate flaxseed into your diet, mix it into your oatmeal or blend it into a smoothie.
The Concord grape used for 100% grape juice has polyphenols, which has been associated with improved blood flow.
Simply drinking grape juice with breakfast is an easy, juicy way to assist in a healthy heart.
Papayas could have a major positive impact on health.
They are high in lycopene which shows protective activity against the risk of heart attacks, among other things.
Papaya can be added to smoothies, on top of salad or on a yogurt parfait.
Chocolate can be very good for you when enjoyed in moderation, of course.
Dark chocolate, specifically, contains numerous health benefits, including lowering your risk of both heart disease and diabetes, according to Mayo Clinic. Dark chocolate also helps prevent blood clots, improves memory and lowers cholesterol, according to the site.
In the waning months of winter, hotels straddle the line between offering popular winter amenities while also preparing new offerings for spring. From secret passwords that yield prizes to desserts shaped like designer shoes or handbags, these hotels have surprises in store for your next visit.
By Nick Giambruno There’s an excellent chance governments worldwide will soon force their citizens to use central bank digital currencies (CBDCs). CBDCs enable all sorts...
These burritos are an easy, delicious, hearty yet simple way to start any day. Or, for that matter, end any day. Breakfast burritos make for a divine dinner that absolutely everyone will love.
Raising chickens is a joy. Hens lay colorful, delicious eggs, they’re delightful to be around, and they’re very photogenic. I often have a few hens surrounding me while I garden, and my daughter’s favorite likes to be picked up for cuddles. But my husband is less charmed. “I’ve spent some of the most disgusting moments of my life in that chicken coop,” he once told me. Behind every glossy photo of a fluffy hen in a spotless designer coop, there are gritty realities that usually involve poop and a lot of expenses. Anyone considering a small backyard flock needs to understand the good, the bad, and the smelly before committing.
Gareth’s Tips, Tools, and Shop Tales is published by Cool Tools Lab. To receive the newsletter a week early, sign up here.
Solving the Riddle of Roman Concrete
The engineering wonders of ancient Rome are widely known and much of their impressive construction was held together with Roman concrete. Structures like the Pantheon, built in A.D. 128 and featuring the the world’s biggest unreinforced concrete dome, remain intact today, as do ancient aqueducts, still delivering water.
Up until recently though, the reason why Roman concrete could remain so durable, while modern concrete crumbles, had eluded researchers.
Now, a team of investigators from MIT, Harvard University, and laboratories in Italy and Switzerland, has made progress in this field, discovering ancient concrete-manufacturing strategies that incorporated several key self-healing functionalities. The findings are published today in the journal Science Advances, in a paper by MIT professor of civil and environmental engineering Admir Masic, former doctoral student Linda Seymour ’14, PhD ’21, and four others.
For many years, researchers have assumed that the key to the ancient concrete’s durability was based on one ingredient: pozzolanic material such as volcanic ash from the area of Pozzuoli, on the Bay of Naples. This specific kind of ash was even shipped all across the vast Roman empire to be used in construction, and was described as a key ingredient for concrete in accounts by architects and historians at the time.
Under closer examination, these ancient samples also contain small, distinctive, millimeter-scale bright white mineral features, which have been long recognized as a ubiquitous component of Roman concretes. These white chunks, often referred to as “lime clasts,” originate from lime, another key component of the ancient concrete mix. “Ever since I first began working with ancient Roman concrete, I’ve always been fascinated by these features,” says Masic. “These are not found in modern concrete formulations, so why are they present in these ancient materials?”
In this Project Farm product testing video, Todd looks at bench grinders. The brands tested are JET, Shop Fox, Rikon, Delta, SKIL, Hercules, Bauer, Performance Tool, and WEN. Grinders were tested for the amount of time to reach full operating speed, wheel stop speed, electric motor torque, electric motor temperature after 15 minutes of intense use, electric motor watts under load, grinder weight, abrasive wheel quality, and a subjective build quality rating. I am in the market for a cheap, light-use grinder and was hoping the $88 WEN would perform better than it did. In the end, the best of the lot was the expensive JET ($528 at time of testing, now $469), although the far more affordable Shop Fox ($250 at time of testing, now $220) did well, too. I’ll still likely settle for the WEN as I only have light, periodic use for such a tool.
Turning a Drill Press Into a Disc Sander
This is such a cool idea — turning a drill press into a disc sander using a thick, CNC-cut acrylic disc, a mandrel, and adhesive-backed sanding discs. If you have access to a CNC, you could obviously do this yourself, but Mike Taylor of Taylor Toolworks, who comes up with these clever ideas and turns them into affordable products, deserves the support. The 5″ acrylic disc and mandrel only cost $13. And he sells the mandrels for $7 if you want to cut your own disc. See the acrylic discs, mandrels, and sanding discs here.
Making a Home Shop Furnace
On this episode of Clickspring, Chris shows the build process he used to create a home shop furnace. Instead of a fully castable refractory, as is common, he went with a modular design with a burner, a separate refractory body, and a lid.
Making Your Own Fire Piston from a Few Simple Parts
I have always wanted a fire piston, but have never gotten around to buying one. Here’s a quick and easy DIY version that uses little more than a 5″ long piece of copper pipe and end cap (1/2″ Dia.), 1/2″ wooden dowel, an O-ring (9/16″ O.D., 3/8″ I.D), and a wooden knob.
Andy Birkey’s Shop Fire
My pal, and one of the finest ambassadors of the maker community, Andy Birkey, lost his entire shop in a fire this past week. His friends are banding together via GoFundMe to send a little scratch to help him get back up and running ASAP. I think the page will only be up for another week or so. If you know Andy and want to help (or even if you don’t know him personally), please consider contributing. Jimmy DiResta also had a great idea about (when Andy has a space again and is ready) sending him tools. Besides losing everything he uses to do his work (he specializes in Gothic church restoration), I’m sure he lost tools that had sentimental value (we all have those). They can’t be replaced, but new sentiments can come from tools shared with him by a community of friends. I’m already having fun thinking about what I can send him. When he’s back up and running, I’ll post here again so that newsletter readers can send something if so inspired. Hang in there, Birkey. We got you.
Imagine you’re an amateur radio operator in the 70s for a moment. You’ve just purchased a high-tech gadget that lets you talk with people vast distances away simultaneously without any need for wires. As you dial through different frequencies, listening to people speaking with ships and foreign tongues chatting away, you hear a ghostly musical tone through the static before a monotone voice announces: ‘Eight, nine, One… Eight, Nine, One…Two three, seven…’ it repeats it a few times before the static drowns it out. You wonder for a moment, “what was that?” Then the music plays again, and man repeats himself.
Not knowing quite what to think, you get a little scared. You move on, and when you come back to that frequency later, you hear nothing but static and question whether you ever heard anything at all. That ghostly radio station is called The English Man. Not only did it exist in the 70s, it’s still broadcasting today!
Static Spys
This was the experience of many amateur radio operators of the 70s; they’re called number stations and many believe they are strings of secret code being broadcast to spies across the world.
In short, a numbers station is a short-wave radio broadcast transmitting an incomprehensible series of letters or numbers believed to be part of secret instructions to undercover operatives. The idea would be that spies working undercover could use easily attainable short-wave radios to receive information and commands.
In 1998, for example, a network of Cuban spies in the US were caught decoding messages from the station, Atencíon. Decoded messages made public during the trial included: “Prioritise and continue to strengthen friendship with Joe Dennis.”; “Under no circumstances should German nor Castor fly with BTTR or another organization on days 24, 25, 26, and 27.”; and, my favorite, “Congratulate all female comrades for International Day of Woman.”
A tribute to the ‘Cuban Five’ on a street in Varadero, Cuba. Credit: BarryNL Via Wikimedia Commons.
Number Stations may be relics from as far back as World War I, but thousands are still in operation to this day. What are stations like Bulgarian Betty, The Lincolnshire Poacher, Atencíon, Cherry Ripe, and The Russian Man broadcasting today?
The End of an Era?
As recently as 2010—as far as the public is aware—Russian spies embedded in the US were being directed via these shortwave coded radio transmissions. An FBI counter-spy program called Operation Ghost Stories culminated in the arrest of 10 sleeper agents who were in deep-cover assignments to gain access to US secrets. They were even able to make contact with an intelligence official and a scientist who worked on bunker-busting bombs. The 10 agents were arrested and charged with espionage but were eventually freed in a prisoner exchange with the U.S.
So, if these stations are still broadcasting in 2022, are there still spies listening? With cyber security and advanced data encryption advancing so quickly in the face of new technologies, it’s almost romantic to think that somewhere out there a spy is scribbling down short wave radio codes. Nevertheless, analysts and experts point out that these stations have not really lost any of their original usefulness. Though a thumb-drive or encrypted message across the internet may be able to provide more information than a radio message, the message itself hasn’t lost any of its effectiveness at providing expeditious contact in an area where consensual communication is denied or dangerous.
Do you think spies are still listening? Let us know in the comments below!
EXPLORE THE ODD IN PERSON!
Discover hundreds of strange and unusual artifacts and get hands-on with unbelievable interactives when you visit a Ripley’s Odditorium!
Solar panels underneath the dial of this field watch keep it running for months on a single charge.
Tokyo's Direct Cars offers a purpose-built Hilux with a sleek, custom-designed camper and trailer.
Forest dwelling in British Columbia appears to rest on the island's existing granite bedrock.
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