Oh it's that time again. Time for the 4th installment of AZ DIY Guy's Favorite Stuff , conveniently timed to help you spend your fistfull of cherished holiday gift cards.
All the stuff I feature on this annual list is stuff I have used. It's quality, usable stuff that a DIY'er can actually afford to add to their arsonal. I include just a few items I've used for the first time this past year.
I've attached Amazon.com (affiliate) links for convenience, but you can find most of these things at other online or brick and mortar retailers.
So, once again, in no particular order, I present to you,...The stuff!
A house is just a place to keep your stuff while you go out and get more stuff.
- George Carlin
DEWALT 20V XR
Lithium-Ion Oscillating Multi Tool
I replaced my el-cheapo oscillating multi-tool with this cordless DeWalt and fell in absolute love. The whole class Oscillating Multi tools is pretty handy, but cutting the cord and moving up to this particular smooth-running, professional-quality tool was one of the best tool moves I've made in a long time. The kit comes with cutting blades, a sanding pad with 3 grits of paper, a handy roller guide, and an adaptor to use with competing brand's blades and accessories.
I found the lightweight tool powerful and the battery long-lasting. It's super controllable, with a variable speed trigger and smooth, brushless motor.
The compact size and LED headlight were perfect for tight spaces.
Seriously, add this one to your toolbox, you'll find more reasons to use it than you expected.
I'm planning a full-featured review post soon, but I couldn't wait to share.
Amazon.com link:
DEWALT DCS355D1 20V XR Lithium-Ion Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit
Original Blog Post:
DIY Built-in-the-Wall Shelving - Reclaim hidden storage space in your home
Bernzomatic TS 8000
High Intensity Trigger Start Torch
I joined Bernzomatic's Torchbearers this year and have been using a wide variety of their flame-throwing tools. The TS 8000 has become is my favorite, for all around use. It's a workhorse. I love the quick trigger start and the adjustable valve. This thing is the top of the line.
A cool thing about this torch is that the trigger starts the gas flowing and sparks to ignite the flame. My old torch required the gas to be turned on with a valve, the trigger pulled to spark it, and back to the valve to turn it off. I can light the TS-8000, lock it in an on position, heat up a pipe, and shut it down, all completely one handed, leaving my other hand free for working the solder.
I use this beauty for all kinds of stuff, both with Propane and with hotter-burning MAP-Pro.
Amazon.com link:
Bernzomatic TS8000 - High Intensity Trigger Start Torch
Original Blog Post:
Burned Pallet Wood Pirate Flag
Re-Plumbing an Exterior Hose Bib - Fun with Fire!
(TS-4000 similar)
KEEN Utility
Braddock Mid AL WP Work Boot
I've been wearing these sweet, American-made Keen boots as part of my weekend-warrior outfit for months and months and they still look great. They are super-comfortable; my feet don't hurt after a long day of work.
I love the wide, rubber-protected toe area, with steel-protection and the non-slip grip. These are serious boots for serious work.
Amazon.com link:
KEEN Utility Men's Braddock Mid AL WP M Work Boot
KEEN Utility Women's Detroit Mid Steel Toe Work Boot
(similar)
Original Blog Post:
Review: Keen Utility Work Boots - All Terrain / All the Time
Uvex S2500C-01 Astro 3001 Safety Glasses
(Worn over Prescription Glasses, Clear Lens)
If you don't safety glasses would be something I'd get excited about, you probably don't wear prescription glasses. Those of us suffering in the ranks of the bespectacled suffer from the lack of cool-looking, form-fitting safety glasses. Throughout our tool-wielding lives we've been relegated to the ranks of the elastic-backed gump-goggles which are uncomfortable, dorky, and suffer from fogging up. I've tried plenty of safety glasses that fit over my eyeglasses and never found one that A) Doesn't rub against my prescription lenses, or B) slip off, or C) Feel uncomfortable. Finally, I really like these Uvex glasses.
Image: Amazon.com
These have a lightweight, adjustable and somewhat flexible frame that fits really well. For whatever reason, they seem to work better with the various prescription frame styles I've worn over the years without rubbing against my lenses and scratching them.
With the flexible temples, they also fit well with other noggin-based personal protective equipment, like the 3M Respirator from my 2014 list of stuff and my ear muff style hearing protection.
The Star Wars Bounty Hunter
Amazon.com link:
Uvex S2500C-01 Astro 3001 Safety Glasses
Original Blog Post:
There's Always a Bigger Hammer - The Paving Stone Demolition Experiment
Bessey BV-CO30 Clamp Base Vice
I picked this little gem up on a whim. I didn't realize how handy it is to have a small, portable vice. This vice is able to clamp on the front of my workbench, a table, or a piece of wood out in the yard.
Image: Amazon.com
I've recently used this "third hand" most of the time for soldering copper pipes. Simply handy.
Amazon.com link:
Bessey BV-CO30 Clamp Base Vise, Hammer Tone Gray
Original Blog Post:
Re-Plumbing an Exterior Hose Bib - Fun with Fire!
I'm looking forward to a bunch of fun new stuff in 2016, with some cool projects in the works. If you want to check out my past lists of stuff:
This has been a non-sponsored post, but I have included Amazon.com affiliate links for your convenience. If you make a purchase through one of my links, I'll earn a modest commission to help run the site. at no cost to you. Thank you for all your support.
My favorite DIY stuff I’ve used this year. I reccomend a bunch of awesome stuff: DeWalt Cordless Nailers, Keen Work Shoes, Kreg Jig’s for cutting, Dewalt Tough System Music Player, Decorative Ceiling Tiles, Lenox Metal Cuting Blade, Diablo Flap Sanding Disk, Night Vision Trail Camera, RZ Mask