THE BEST Tools

This ain’t no plastic KFC doohickey: TAD Gear’s second-generation Folding Titanium Spork uses a stronger Ti alloy, tougher rivets, and a combination bottle cap lifter and can opener.

Pry open your brewskies with panache with the Top Gear Bottle Opener: it’s a bolt-like, stand-up chromed brass tool that can rip off caps rapidly either by hooking, pushing, or pulling.

The Split Pea Peanut Lighter is the world’s smallest production lighter; made out of stainless steel, it stands 1.3″ tall with a 0.5″ diameter and runs on standard lighter fluid. Thanks, Alex!

We still remember the ticking of the metronome to count beats per measure, but this Cassette Tape Measure is a physical double entendre: it measures distance instead of time.

It may look like a dead man’s switch, but the Cavius Personal Alarm is a lifesaver: it’ll scare crooks by emitting an ear-spltting 130 dB blast, and also doubles as a visual smoke alarm.

Called a paradigm shift in woodworking for being safe as a hand saw yet accurate as a power-tool, The Jointmaker Pro features Japanese saw blades and a hand-crank with pitch adjustor.

A 21st century road flare, LiteFlares pack two high intensity LEDs with 1 mile visibility, a polycarbonate case that can be run over by a car, and lasts 400+ hours on two AA batteries.

Bikers can stay prepared, save space and stash cash with this Benchmade-built, Harley Davidson branded Levitator Knife; it’s a modified tanto blade with built-in money clip.

Joby’s Gorillamobile stand now supports the 3G/3GS; it still features three flexible legs, a camera adapter, lock ring and adhesive clips, but adds a soft-touch iPhone-only case.

The Holy Grail probably won’t bring eternal life to your paperclips, but pen and pencil robbers will think twice before pillaging your stash of Indiana Jones desktop accessories.

There won’t be anyone running out to clean your windows or check your oil, but the Garage Bell works for us: it rings like a good old full service station when you roll into your garage.

Good by plane, train, car, or boat, Aerotech’s Evolution Bike Case is an all-in-one carrier made out of shock-resistant ABS plastic; it’ll hold your entire bicycle (up to a 64 cm frame).

Use it with your iPhone Stencil Kit: Notepod seems pricey at $18 for 300 sheets, but the iPhone form factor and the thick 80gsm laser stock ensure this’ll be a noteworthy investment.

Liked by Military Times for its durability and simplicity, Surefire’s Minimus Headlamp is ideal for night biking, lasts up to 2 hours at 100 lumens and can be angled upward for overhead work.

An upgraded version of the framelock folding knives used by the Marines, Warren Thomas’ Strider SMF sports hi-tech materials including carbon fiber and satin-finished titanium.

Armed with seven different screwdrivers and an indestructible LED light, the Sputnik looks more like a sci-fi superweapon than a multitool; it actually measures just 5″ long when folded.

Used by Vijay Singh to fine tune his tempo, rhythm and timing, Sonic Golf’s System-1 actually lets you hear these variables by converting swing data into a real-time audio soundscape.

Navigate desktop cable jungles with a LEGO LED Clip On Light; able to be worn either on the head or in true geek style on a pocket protector, each foot packs an LED light.

Introducing the uber-flashlight: the Tactical 5.11’s batteryless Light for Life takes only 90s to charge, is impact resistant, works from -40° C to 65° C, and has a peak output of 270 lumens.

They look ready to explode out of an unsuspecting victim’s chest, but these Alien LED Jumper Cables are purely benign; a high-intensity LED lights up when you squeeze the clamps.

GP has an excellent review up of Craftsman’s Cap Wrench Bottle Opener; it’s basically a opener that acts as a fulcrum, albeit weighing a solid 0.64 lbs and made from solid steel.

Make my day (a little brighter): the Flashlight Speed Holster is designed for torch quick draws with left/right-hand mounting, a triple battery compartment and three size adapters.

Alright, so the name could use some work unless you fancy a perm, but the PowerCurl is a potential godsend for MacBook owners; it’s a clip-on cord wrap for MagSafe Adapters.

Bloxygen is a can of compressed argon and a lifesaver for painters; a two-second blast before sealing a can sprays enough argon to effectively block oxygen from spoiling paint.

Hand-tooled and printed, ThinkGeek had to start from scratch since no factory exists for this authentic 50s-60s Slide Rule; it measures 12.5″ and comes in a vinyl sleeve with retro box.

Designed to be mounted on your bike’s handlebars, Garmin’s Edge 500 weighs a scant 2 oz; it’ll not only track distance, speed, location and elevation but is ANT+ compatible.