Hand Tools

Uncover new tools, cutters, sharpeners and bench grinders!

Discover new hand tools like the Klein Tool flush cutters, Speedy Sharp burr tool, Smith’s and Benchmade sharpeners. For those big jobs, consider the Wen Bench Grinder. Need to cut something quickly and confidently? Utilize the Klein Tool Diagonal Cutting Pliers. If you have dull knives and carving tools, shop our favorite tools, measuring tools – Kreg mark and measure, calipers and learn more about the Benchmade and Smith Manual Field Sharpeners. For tough outdoor steel, rely on the Wen grinder.

Flush Cutters and Speedy Sharp

Hopping into the more refined tools that are essential to have in the shop, those that aid in working more efficiently. Let’s begin with the Klein Tools flush cut pliers, perfect for cutting without leaving any rough edges. Say goodbye to dull carving tools or chisels. Get your hands on a variety of manual sharpeners, progressing from the Benchmade Field Sharpener, to the Speedy Sharp to remove and define that burr.

While you’re out in the field the guided Smith’s pocket sharpener is ideal for hooks and quick edge work. Additionally, for tools that require fine sharpening and extra power when steel is necessary for outdoor tasks such as cutting grass, wood chisels, hand tools and scissors that need some special attention, the Wen Bench Grinder.

Generally speaking, the official name for flush cutters is diagonal cutting pliers with precision, or wire ‘snips’ in layman’s terms! Previous posts have covered deburring tools, like the AFA Deburring set or the Klein Tools screwdrivers. While those tools have been discussed in previous posts, today we are focusing on flush cutters. Surprisingly, flush cutters are used daily in the shop, garage and yard. I use these cutters all the time, with an easy-to-use ‘squeeze’ and firm handle setup, sometimes spending hours cleaning up prints or cutting zip-ties. It’s helpful to have a comfortable set of cutters around the office.

Additionally, flush cutters, as implied by the name, leave zip ties and copper wires clean and snag-free. Maintenance is easy – simply spray lubricant on them every so often, towel dry, and then run them through a sharpener for clean, flush cuts as intended. All you #makers out there, make sure to have a sharp pair of cutting pliers (snips) for any delicate wire work or clean-up effort.

Cut A New Edge, Forming An Edge (Burr)

Moving on, those of you who use hand tools  such as carving knives, whittling knives or field knives, it is important to keep a proper edge on them. Who can forget about the Speedy Sharp sharpeners? When a new edge is needed, turn to Speedy Sharp for a quick repair or to fix a damaged blade or broken edge. Simply run the diamond cutter across the damaged area quickly to create a new, fresh edge that is perfect for our next step. Hone and clean up the edges with the Smith’s pocket sharpener, which allows for coarse to fine edge work. By doing so, we are one step closer to achieving a fine edge.

Smith’s Pocket Sharpener, Benchmade Field Sharpener

Introducing the Benchmade Field Sharpener designed specifically for knives and other hand tools such as scissors or fishing lures. This compact field sharpener is perfect for fine-turning edges while out in the field, creating a precise 20-degree edge angle for most pocket knives and carving tools.  Finish off your sharpening process with the ceramic edge for an incredibly sharp finish, and use the strop on the other end for a polished touch. This handy field sharpener is a must-have for any workshop Stay tuned for our upcoming article on sharpening stones, going up-to 8000 grit!

Tool Variety, Applications and Wen Bench Grinder

Let’s dive into the world of cutters, sharpeners, and bench grinders as we wrap up with the Wen Bench Grinder. Do you have an old worn out scythe, pruners, axes or tree trimming knives? Are you a farmer in the field who needs a high-quality bench grinder to fix your field tools? Whether you need to fix warped edges or hone those stubborn cutting edges on old, tough tool steel the Wen Bench Grinder is the perfect choice.

All-In-One Bench Grinder

Power when you need it, unlike hand tools, this grinder has variable speeds to help grind away rust, age, work blemishes, fractures and dents. You can’t go wrong with the wheel options, which include both an 80/36 grit wheel option, a light and guards/rest so that a sharpened edge may emerge. Perfect for bigger jobs, providing power when you need it.

More tools you say? Check out the following: , or may be you need something bigger, bolder… lightning! how about the Lincoln Electric 140 Welder? How about what’s on the Gadget Backlog – ? Working on that car again I see, pick up a telescoping magnetic picker… fan favorite by the way! Same for the Calipers, I like our updated caliper set by Mitutoyo, an upgrade from the Neiko set. All relative to the post and to have around any shop, office or garage space.

So far,  we’ve covered the best guided, field hand sharpeners, flush cutters and bench grinder for our #makers space. Leave a comment below for other suggestions, hand tools or sharpeners to have around the shop.