Archive for the ‘Cool Tools’ Category
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Saturday, March 13th, 2010
Powerbuilt Digital Torque Adaptor – My Favorite Tools – March 2010
When I’m changing my breaks I just tighten to what I think is “tight enough” — not always a good thing. All automotive bolts and parts have a recommended torque amount that should be followed. Sure, you can get yourself an analog torque wrench, but why would you when you can get the Powerbuilt Digital Torque Adaptor that turns any 1/2″ rachet into a digital one?
This little gadget not only can be used to calibrate analog torque wrenches (which you’d pay about the same as the adapter if taken to someone to calibrate) but you can use it in situations where you need precise torque pressure using a standard rachet wrench. The feature I really like is that you set the torque amount you want to achieve and then as you tighten you get both visual (LED light & LCD torque amount) and audible indication.
The Powerbuilt Digital Torque Adaptor is Mavromatic’s, “My favorite tools”, for March 2010. It runs about $50.
- AMAZON.com – Powerbuilt Digital Torque Adaptor
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Thursday, March 11th, 2010
Final Cut Blade – Blade that sands while it rips
The Final Cut Blade is one of those products that make you go, “Why didn’t I think of that!?”. It’s genius! It really is… a blade that sands while it rips! The way it works it very simple — you attach a self-adhesive sand paper which is designed to fit most blades and comes in sizes ranging from 10″ to 12″ — as the blade cuts, it also gives a nice sanding. You get perfect edges that are ready for glue or staining.
Watch the video above to view how the system works. Blades and sand paper is available directly from the Final Cut Blade Store.
- Final Cut Blade – All in one step… Just cut, the sanding is a bonus
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Monday, February 15th, 2010
Garmin ecoRoute HD bluetooth wireless dongle
The Garmin ecoRoute HD is a bluetooth wireless dongle which plugs into your vehicles ODB port allowing you to monitor sensors such as intake air temperature, coolant temperature, throttle position and engine load, intake manifold pressure, battery and charging system information, mass airflow rate, timing advance and emissions — you can even check and clear engine trouble codes without visiting the car dealership.
The ecoRoute works with newer Garmin Nuvi GPS units that feature ecoRoute firmware, but since this is bluetooth… A) is it hackable? B) will an iPhone App be released from Garmin to pair with the device?
At $149 (retail) the Garmin ecoRoute HD is a great feature to add to your Garmin Nuvi GPS. It’s available for pre-order now from Amazon.com.
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Sunday, February 7th, 2010
Wicked Lasers – The Torch is “World’s Most Powerful Flashlight”
If you are looking for the “World’s Most Powerful Flashlight” then look no further. This is no joke, the Torch is currently being reviewed by The Guinness Book of World Records. With a retina damaging 4100 lumens of light, the Torch can also melt plastic, light paper on fire within seconds, and even fry an egg (as shown in the video above).
The Torch accomplishes this by using an halogen light bulb running at 100 Watts using a custom build high voltage circuit. To keep the front lens from shattering due to the immense heat generated, The Torch flashlight is equipped with a specialized heat resistant glass lens and is encased in a durable, military grade aluminum case.
The Torch will set you back $299 and is available now from Wicked Lasers.
DISCLAIMER: You probably won’t want to use this as a flashlight or around kids… plus it only runs for about 10 minutes and is recommended to be used for around 3 minutes with about 2 minutes of “rest” time to let it cool down.
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Monday, January 4th, 2010
Barnes & Noble Nook – The Unboxing!
I finally got the Barnes & Noble Nook in my hands and here is the live unboxing. It was a challenge but was well worth it! The fit and finish on the Nook is exactly what I expected. Like others have mentioned, the UI needs some refinement and optimization but for a v1 product, I’m extremely happy with it. I will load up my PDF’s (SDK and technical docs) and report back my experiences…
P.S. Sorry about the poor production on the video… I got lazy and tried out the Flipcam I bought my wife for Christmas. If you like the “rawness” of the Flip videos, I can do more of these types of posts as they are a lot easier to create than the edited ones. Enjoy!
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Sunday, December 6th, 2009
Panasonic 360 Quick Iron: Double Sided Iron
Panasonic’s 360 Quick Iron claims up to 25% faster ironing due to its double sided pointy edges. After looking at this iron for a bit, this should have been the original design when the first iron was invented. The traditional flat back side really doesn’t serve a purpose other than needing it to sit the iron upright. The Panasonic 360 model allows you to get into the tight areas like collars and cuffs without the need to turn the iron or yourself around. This goes to show you that you can reinvent things that have been around for a long time. Kudo’s to Panasonic!
The Panasonic 360 Quick Iron line ranges from $80 – $40 and are available at Amazon.com
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Tuesday, August 11th, 2009
REVIEW: Microwave Leakage/EMF Detector (CEM DT-2G)
The responsible folks over at LESS EMF INC. sent me the new version of the Microwave Leakage/EMF Detector that I blogged about last year. The CEM DT-2G offers a backlit LCD display and an even higher sensitivity meter that never needs calibration. The meter also provides an audible “beeping” alarm and red flashing light when it senses microwaves above the 5 mW/cm². It’s sensitive down to 0.01 mW/cm² at 2450 MHz and will read all the way up to a roasting 9.99 mW/cm² in hundredths of mW/cm². The battery operates for more than 12 months under normal use and comes complete with carry case to keep your unit in perfect condition. The CEM DT-2G can also be used to measure radiated power from wireless keyboards, modems, cell phones and all other wireless devices using the 2450 MHz analog frequency. The meter is available now and retails for $34.95.
I measured my home and I’m in safe ranges… phew!
- LESS EMF – MICROWAVE OVEN METER
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Monday, July 20th, 2009
DYMO RHINO 3000 Label Printer – My Favorite Tools – July 2009
One of my pet peeves is having unlabeled wires and cables. It drives me bonkers! That’s why the Dymo Rhino 3000 is My Favorite Tool for July 2009. This little tools lets you label all your wires and cables very simply. If you are asking yourself what makes the Rhino better than say a Brother P-Touch? Well, it’s all in the adhesive and printing layout.
First, the adhesive on these labels is meant to be wrapped around cables and wires so you can be sure they won’t pop off. The label actually feels like it “shrinks” onto the cable (they do have true heat-shrink versions too).
Second, this rugged labeler was designed to print labels for A/V and Networking cables and wires so the way it prints the text is meant for easy reading when wrapped around the cable. Here are even more reasons.
If you have an A/V rack or network closet you owe it to yourself and anyone that works on your stuff properly labeled and organized wires. The Dymo Rhino 3000 is the tool that can make it happen… it will be the best $80 you’ve ever spent!
- DYMO RHINO 3000 Label Printer 15605
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Wednesday, June 10th, 2009
Bosch PS40-2, The Best Power Driver – My Favorite Tools – June 2009
Here’s a fun fact about me, I’ve been around construction tools and machinery all my life. My dad is a Master Carpenter and General Contractor so I’ve pretty much seen power tools evolve over the last 20+ years. I even remember his first cordless drill, which barely had enough power to drive a screw without pre-drilling. So this months favorite tool is the Bosch PS40-2. The Bosch PS40-2 is a 12-volt Lithium-Ion Impact Driver that is very well balanced, light weight and very powerful. If you have never used an impact driver, you’re in for a treat. The sound of it “impacting” when driving a screw or bolt is normal (some think the sound is a defect). Don’t judge it by it’s compact look this drill is a monster… it’s small enough to carry with your and use in tight places but powerful enough to drive a screw without drilling. The battery life is also great… I typically charge it and can use it for the full day before needing to recharge. Just keep in mind that this is a driver, not a typical “drill” so if you want to drill something this isn’t the best tool for the job. Bosch offers a PS30-2A (drill/driver) for that kind of job.
Here are some specs on the PS40-2:
- Hammer and anvil system produces 800 in-lbs of torque
- Delivers 1,800 RPM/3,000 BPM with 60 per cent more torque than 18V drill-driver; 800 in.-lbs of max torque.
- 3 LEDs illuminate work area for use in dark areas.
- Spring-Loaded Impact Mechanism.
- Aluminum gear housing with protective rubber front and a 1/4″ hex drive with quick release.
- Ergonomic Soft Grip Handle; bumpers on side of tool.
- Variable speed trigger.The Bosch PS40-2A also will make a GREAT father’s day gift!
AMAZON.COM - Bosch PS40-2A 12-Volt Max Lithium-Ion Impact Driver
BOSCH TOOLS - 10.8V Litheon™ Impactor Fastening Driver
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Sunday, May 17th, 2009
Felco Classic Pruner & Pruning Made Easy Book – My Favorite Tools – May 2009
I’ve been really getting into gardening lately. Not only is it stress releasing but it also requires some cool tools. I’ve found that my favorite gardening tool has been my Swiss Made Felco #F-2 Classic Manual Hand Pruners. These things can be completely taken apart and refurbished with parts so they will be the last pair of pruners you’ll ever purchase! I’ve also relied on “Pruning Made Easy: A Gardener’s Visual Guide To When and How to Prune Everything, from Flowers to Trees” as a reference guide and I highly recommended it. This book covers everything I have in my garden from my fruit trees and grape vines to our indoor plants. These two items are My Favorite Tools for May 2009.
- Amazon.com: Felco Classic Manual Hand Pruner #F-2
About the archives
Welcome to the archives here at MAVROMATIC.
These are a collection of our previous posts. If you'd like to read about the latest and greatest, click here.
Welcome to mavromatic! My goal is to bring to your attention the latest DIY projects, the greatest home automation and home theater products. As well as, the occasional offbeat entry, to spice things up a bit.
