3/15

Stanley #1 Odd Jobs

In 1888, Stanley Tools introduced its “Convenient Tool,” the original Odd Jobs, which was later marketed as “Ten Tools In One.” For 47 years, carpenters relied on the versatile metal gadget as a tri-square, spirit level, miter square, scratch awl, rule, marking gauge, mortise gauge, depth gauge and beam compass. It was discontinued in 1935, but some manufacturers, like Garrett Wade and Woodpeckers, still sell modern versions.

4/15

Lignatool Set Schnittführung

If you’ve been searching far and wide for a precision cutting tool to guide the blade of your chainsaw, you can stop looking. We found the Lignatool Set Schnittführung SF400 all the way in Austria. It even uses a laser to align the cuts perfectly. The sophisticated piece of equipment costs around $3,000, but sadly, the manufacturer, Wimmer-Maschinen, doesn’t appear to ship to the U.S.

5/15

Hydraulic Torque Wrench

This tool, which uses hydraulic power to exert torque and get a fastener in place when it’s just too tough to do on your own, may seem like a modern concept, but it was actually invented in the 1960s. Quieter, lighter-weight versions can be found on the market today, at pretty hefty prices, from Grainger and Hytorc.