Power Tools - singing my song!

It would not be a proper list without some power tool recommendations. So, let’s start with surface preparation first. FESTOOL. It’s German. It’s perfect. I’m not kidding. Let’s look at their sander first. Then, you can dive down a rabbit hole of all kinds of tools that they make. I have this sander. It is amazing. The battery lasts forever and when you kill it, will recharge before the second battery dies. It’s a fast charger. But I always like a backup so I have a power cord. Yep, you can go from battery to corded. Really cool. For those that sometimes manage projects in the house dust control is a real issue. Not anymore. These folks have it figured out. It is simply WILD to sand on a surface and there is ZERO dust. I mean nothing. Nada. Zilch. You’re going to pay for this tool but you will be glad you did when you use it. Here is the starter list for surface preparation. Just buy it and trust me.

https://www.festoolusa.com/products/surface-preparation/random-orbital-sander/577696---etsc-125-3,0-i-plus-us#Contains

https://www.festoolusa.com/accessories/cordless-accessories/battery-and-charging-technology/mains-adapter/202502---aca-100-12018v-ergo-usa

https://www.festoolusa.com/accessories/accessories-for-equipment/plug-it/plug-it/203923---sjo-18-awg-4-usa

https://www.festoolusa.com/accessories/surface-preparation/abrasives/granat/abrasives-systainer%C2%B3/578193---sys-stf-d125-gr-set

https://www.festoolusa.com/products/dust-extractors/mobile-dust-extractors/577874---ct-36-ei-ac-hepa-us

https://www.festoolusa.com/accessories/dust-extraction/filters-and-filter-bags/filter-bags/496186---sc-fis-ct-365

Get Lit

Lighting is another one of those personal preference items in a market with a dizzying array of options. I have been using this Petzl lamp for years, and it has never let me down. It is a hybrid lamp which means it is rechargeable and it can also run off of 3 AAA batteries if you run out of charge. You can always buy extra rechargeable batteries to keep them on hand. It is just a great light that performs very well and can take a beating. You won’t be disappointed.

https://www.petzl.com/US/en/Sport/Headlamps/ACTIK-CORE

Wind me up!

Any watch fans here? Mechanical watch fans? Are you tired of having to wind a watch you have not worn in a while, having to set the date and time each time? Get a watch winder and be done with that non-sense. This is a slick piece of gear. Tuck it away in your closet or leave it out as a presentation piece. Why I like it? It looks good. Rotations per hour can be adjusted. Rotation direction can be adjusted. Or, just leave it on auto and let it do its job. Either way, if you want to switch up your watch, you will put one on that is wound with the correct time and date (assuming you have a date function). These only work on AUTOMATIC watches. Watches that wind themselves using the kinetic energy of your wrist movement. If you have to wind your watch manually, it won’t help you.

https://www.heidenwatchwinders.com/heiden-quad-watch-winder-walnut-p-362.html

Who doesn’t appreciate a clean car?

OK, this is just going to be a rabbit hole for those who obsess over cleaning their own cars and the proper gear to buy in order to do so. If you think I am diligent in my research, I don’t hold a candle to Matt Moorman, founder of Obsessed Garage. If it is on his website, it’s good to go. This guy has spent tens of thousands of dollars buying just about every possible car detailing and garage product known to man and tested them all. His recommendations never disappoint.

https://www.obsessedgarage.com/

https://www.obsessedgarage.com/collections/detailing-kits-packages-solutions/products/ultimate-car-washing-solution

Breaking Down Sucks

Looking for the perfect piece of equipment to carry with you in your vehicle for emergencies? Sometimes it can be a pain to procure what you need, find the right box and then make it all work right. Uncharted Supply Company has got you covered! The ONLY additions I would add to this kit are a reflective vest and a reflective triangle. Other than that, it pretty much has what you need when you get into a jam. Heads up, these tend to sell out pretty quickly.

https://tinyurl.com/jkrfuhbx

https://a.co/d/bGTusTA

https://a.co/d/bGTusTA

Retro Denim Goodness

The Mister Freedom® RANCH BLOUSE pattern is their original take on classic denim jacket styles from the Golden Age of American workwear, 1930s to 1950s. This will level up the cool factor during Rodeo season or just knocking around at the ranch. Make sure to check out their other denim products as well as regular wear.

https://misterfreedom.com/products/ranch-blouse-midnight-denim

Headphones for Audiophiles

I know there are some of you out there that like to slip on a pair of headphones and get lost in the sound and music of your favorite artist and/or composer. Why are you doing them wrong and not experiencing the true depth and emotion of their recording? Think they sound good through your Bose over-ear headphones. Pfffft.

Start with these:

https://mezeaudio.com/products/109-pro

Graduate to these:

https://mezeaudio.com/products/elite-tungsten

And if you are a super-technical audiophile and need to have the absolute best there is, you will need bank wires to buy most of this gear. Dig in, do your research, have some fun.

https://www.audiogon.com/

 

Boots for a lifetime.

Handmade in Canada, ay, there is a style here that will check your box for the perfect boot. Maybe it is their classic Chelsea or perhaps The Scout. Do you prefer the look, feel and durability of Cordovan? They have that as well. Handmade and serviceable for many worn-out soles or even general repairs. They will take a bit to break them in, just like any good boot.

https://viberg.com/

The Time is Now

If you are looking for that perfect accessory that will tell you the time, look no further than the NIXIE tube clock. Retro lovers unite! These unique hand-made clocks will look good in any environment and will certainly be conversation starters. I want one for my office. Wonder where I can buy one? Hmmm…

https://nixieshop.com/nixie-clock-slim-model-2-solid-wood-with-plastic-bottom.html

More home and office Goodness

 

Are you aware that Dyson makes products other than those that suck? Yep, surprise. And they have modern-day lighting figured out. From the early morning of dawn to the warm rays of the last light of dusk, you will enjoy this lamp. Watch the video and look at how it “stows away”. Super neat.

https://www.dyson.com/lighting/floor-lamps

For the Chef’s in the House

 

Presenting the Anova Precision Countertop Oven. But it is so much more than that. Bake, convection, steam, sous vide, proof, steam roast, broil, the list goes on. Here is where it get cool. Whatever you are going to cook, put it in the oven, it sees it with cameras, knows the food you are cooking, and recommends the perfect cook. If you don’t trust the tech (and you should), you can scan the recipe from your phone to the oven so you will produce Julia Childs perfection every time.

https://anovaculinary.com/products/anova-precision-oven

Prometheus Design Werx

I am always on the hunt for items that have a utilitarian purpose. This little carry capsule not only looks cool (like a little grenade) but is made of titanium and will hold some essentials. Carry waterproof matches, some twine, emergency cash, and a little knife. Throw it in your pocket or clip it to your backpack. Good to go.

https://prometheusdesignwerx.com/collections/pocket-tools/products/ti-sst-dtb?variant=39594196140118

FLIR technology in your pocket

 

Who wouldn’t want FLIR technology in your pocket? Looking for a leak, having an issue with a breaker and need to identify which one is ‘hot’. Need to find water damage? Or, do you just need a good reason to buy a cool toy? That’s good enough for me!

https://www.flir.com/products/flir-one-pro/

For the Kitchen

Remember going to your grandmother’s house for a meal and she always had homemade bread sitting on the counter in a bread box? You would sneak a slice with a big slab of soft salted butter sitting on the countertop and sneak off to eat it in delight. Why don’t we use bread boxes anymore? Heck, where do you get bread boxes? The good ones made of steel like grandma’s? Here you go. And, it’s German so it will probably last for generations.

https://wesco.de/Grandy-Brotkasten/8036031

And check out their trashcans, I am getting one for the garage.

https://wesco.de/Pushboy-Muelleimer/S05183

 

Did someone say Gin?

No, not that kind. The kind where you go down after the second draw and watch your opponent melt down. The classic Gin card game! Or any card game for that matter. Physical playing cards can be boring. Why not find some that match your style or that of your gaming parlour. These are super cool gifts you can give year round. TONS of different styles to choose from.

https://www.artofplay.com/collections/playing-cards

 

Too many flashlights?

What’s wrong with you, there is no such thing as too many flashlights. Sheesh. Check out this little power burner. 7,000 lumens baby! That will throw a beam more than a quarter mile away. Shazam! See and be seen. Lot’s of cool features, this should be a fun one to keep around the house or in the glove box.

https://www.olight.com/marauder-mini-powerful-led-flashlight

 

Keys are noisy, and kind of a pain

With this little caddy, you can keep the jingle down to a minimum in your pocket. There is a cool flip feature that will fold out your most used key. It is small details like these that you most appreciate day to day.

https://www.orbitkey.com/collections/all-keys/products/key-organiser-pro?variant=41276830580832

 

Perfect large clear cocktail ice

This is cool gear. Fill it with water and it will make 6 large clear ice balls for your favorite cocktail or drink. Keep a few dozen in the freezer for guests when they arrive. This is a pre-order item and will be shipping in 2026. I think it will be worth the wait.

https://www.wintersmiths.com/products/juniper-ice-maker

 

Espresso at home, just a little different

 

If your idea of coffee is a Mr. Coffee with coffee you don’t care about, all you want is a hot cup to grab and go, skip this one. It ain’t for you. If your idea of coffee is to dive into the process of making a perfect espresso (or Americano, or Latte), then have a look at this. These espresso presses are hand-made in Brazil by a small manufacturer that cares about what they are selling. They make it for you when you order it. Comes with two-sized filters for a single or double. Perfect to take on a camping trip or leave it on our countertop at home to admire its elegant and straightforward design.

https://aram.coffee/product/aram-espresso-maker-experience-copy/

Toast done right

 

Did you know that you have been making your toast the wrong way for years? These folks figured out the secret to bringing out the most flavor from the bread you use to make toast. When to add a splash of water to the toasting process. So, if you want to take your homemade sourdough bread to the next level when you make a slice of toast, this is for you.

https://us.balmuda.com/collections/toaster-pro