15 Unique Tools You Didn’t Know You Needed
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Most toolboxes have a screwdriver, hammer, pliers, and other basic tools. But sometimes, you need a specialized tool to get the job done. We’ve selected 15 cool and unique tools that can make quick work of various tasks, from removing stripped screws to cutting carpet to driving screws and nails in tight quarters.
VamPLIERS Screw Removal Pliers
If you’ve ever faced off against a rusted, stripped, or damaged screw, you know how much of a pain they can be to remove. These uniquely serrated pliers bite into the outer edge of challenging screws and extract them with a few turns. For even more gripping power, check out the VamPLIERS Brute model.
Buy the VamPLIERS Screw Removal Pliers
Worx ZipSnip Cutting Tool
This motorized rotary tool is better than scissors, especially when it comes to cutting materials like plastics, leather, carpeting, cardboard, and vinyl up to 1/4″ thick. It features a self-sharpening blade and ensures a clean, smooth cut in straight lines or curves. Aproca makes a custom-fit carrying case as an accessory.
Buy the Worx ZipSnip Cutting Tool
Permablade Sharpie Pen Knife
It may look like a Sharpie, but this former permanent marker hides a razor-sharp hobby knife inside. Vital Carry takes Sharpie barrels and fills them with a CNC-machined blade holder that keeps them securely in place with a set screw instead of those wobbly friction holders. Available in aluminum, copper, titanium, or brass.
Buy the Permablade Sharpie Pen Knife
Fix Manufacturing Wheelie Wrench
This compact tool packs ten fold-out bits, including hex, torx, flat, and Phillips drivers. Its removable outer clip adds wrenches, a tire lever, spoke wrenches, and a bottle opener. It measures just 2.2″ x 1.3″ x 0.4″, so it’s easy to carry in any pocket. Fix also makes a belt that can hold the tool in its buckle.
Buy the Fix Manufacturing Wheelie Wrench
Whack-It Brass Mini Hammer
This brass mini hammer from Barnett Prototyping is designed for tapping in nails in tight places where an ordinary hammer and handle won’t fit. It’s especially useful for things like pushing cable staples along a baseboard and also works as a nutcracker. Comes in 1.5″ long x 3/4″ diameter and 2″ long x 1″ diameter sizes.
Buy the Whack-It Brass Mini Hammer
CRKT Snap Lock Knife
It was off the market for a while, but Ed Van Hoy’s excellent pocket knife is back. The stainless steel knife features a slick open-frame design. When released, the blade flips out sideways, then locks into position. Available with a smooth or serrated blade.
Spec Ops Pocket Level
These days, you can use your phone as a digital level. But we prefer the visual of a physical bubble level. This pocket-size 4″ level has accurate horizontal and vertical vials and a V-groove with magnets to grip pipe, conduit, and other metal surfaces. Includes a carabiner clip for attaching to a tool belt or bag.
Dewalt Pivot Bit Holder
Ever needed to tighten or loosen a screw in a spot where your drill won’t fit? Dewalt’s pivot bit holder lets you access screws in tight spaces thanks to its adjustable pivot head. It can angle up to 20º or lock into a straight mode, and holds standard 1/4″ hex bits. This set includes a 12-pack of #2 Phillips and #2 square-drive bits.
Vaughan RAGE Demolition Multitool
This versatile hand tool facilitates several demolition tasks in one. Its uniquely-shaped head and handle can grab and yank out 2x4s, extract nails, chisel and punch holes in building materials, and more. It’s also got a built-in magnetic nail holder and a soft, injection-molded handle that provides a firm grip and absorbs shock.
Buy the Vaughan RAGE Demolition Multitool
Gato Short Stubby Screwdriver
This palm-sized screwdriver from Gato Tools is great for getting into tight spaces. It has both flat and Phillips drivers set into a stainless steel holder with a knurled grip. It’s compact and inexpensive enough that you can keep one each in your backpack, toolbox, junk drawer, and glovebox.
Buy the Gato Short Stubby Screwdriver
Lexivon V10 Camping Hatchet
The V10 is a compact, 10″ long axe that’s perfect for carrying in or on your backpack. It weighs just 1.27 pounds, and its high-carbon steel blade is suitable for chopping branches, small logs, and kindling. Its handle is made from reinforced fiberglass with an ergonomic TPR grip. Includes two kinds of blade protectors.
Buy the Lexivon V10 Camping Hatchet
Pocket BBQ Grill Cleaning Tool
Keep your grill grates clean with this pocket-size scraper tool from Kunifu. Skip the sharp and potentially dangerous wire bristles, and use this instead. The tool has V-shaped, square, and rounded grooves spaced to fit a wide variety of grills. It’s made from stainless steel and washes off easily with dish soap or in the dishwasher.
Buy the Pocket BBQ Grill Cleaning Tool
Skil Power Core Auto Hammer
If you’ve ever had to hammer a nail in a tight space, you’ll appreciate Skil’s cordless power hammer. It can drive nails up to 3.5″ long with its percussive action. A magnet holds nails for one-handed driving, and its head adjusts between 0º, 45º, and 90º angles. Includes a 2.0Ah lithium battery and a quick charger. Demo video here.
Buy the Skil Power Core Auto Hammer
Lamp Swan Flexible Light
This multipurpose flashlight features a flexible neck that lets you aim it wherever you need it. Its 40-lumen LED light source is bright enough for reading books or working under the hood of a car. Its tail end has a built-in magnet, and it comes with three self-stick metal dots that can be attached to non-metallic surfaces.
Buy the Lamp Swan Flexible Light
Nail Holder Pliers
Never smash a finger again when hammering in nails. These safety pliers have unique grooves designed for steadying various nail sizes, so you can get them started without having to hold them between your fingertips. They’re made from sturdy plastic and lay flat against horizontal or vertical surfaces.
