Welcome back to Threaded, the regular newsletter for tool geeks, tinkerers, and impulse shoppers. With the year coming to a close, I thought I’d tick an idea off my list that’s sure to spark debate.
Yep, it’s a list covering some of my favourite tools. These tools have consistently stood the test of time (and imitators) and have never failed to impress. The newest item on this list is almost old enough to begin school, while the oldest could legally drink. Put another way, these are the tools I’d buy again in a heartbeat if they were ever to go missing, wear out, or break.
It’s been said before, but a great quality tool does more than its intended task – it can offer a higher level of user feedback, tactile control, trustworthy strength, make a task easier, faster, more precise, or merely last longer. And in my eyes, all the tools to make this list tick many, if not all, of these boxes.
You’ll notice that not every tool category is covered in this list. That’s partly to ensure you’re not still reading this by 2024, but ultimately I can’t decide on a “best” for many categories. Rather, consider this a list of gateway purchases to the respective brands, a gift wishlist, or merely a way to judge my irresponsible spending habits.
PB Swiss Rainbow
There are countless hex key options on the market, but PB Swiss holds a special place in my heart. The first thing you’ll notice is the Skittles-esque colours for easy size identification (a feature PB Swiss was the first to offer). Pretty colours aside, it’s the steel and consistent sizing that matters most to me.
Compared to other popular hex keys with bulbous centres, the consistent extruded shape of these fit everywhere, while that classic profile offers a controlled springiness and feel for what the bolt is doing. The hex end sizing isn’t super snug, but they then fit into every fastener, all while not rounding bolts – a tough balance to strike. The powder-coat colour coating now has me associating certain colours with certain sizes, but it also helps to provide a grippier texture for greasy fingers. And then I’ve yet to try anything else that comes close in absolute durability.
The first Threaded was me pleading not to have to pick one hex key, but if I did, it would be a set of PB Swiss 212.LH RB (Long Handle Rainbow). It was a proud dad tech editor moment to see these make the cut in the undisputed best products list from our members.
Expect to pay: US$72
Knipex Pliers Wrench
Is it a wrench or pliers? Yes.
The Knipex Pliers Wrench began its life more than two decades ago as a game-changing tool for plumbers and has since found applications in multiple other industries. It’s somewhat like an adjustable wrench, but quicker to adjust, ratcheting (with the right technique), and with a vice-like grip from the smooth parallel-clamping jaws.
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