Can You Guess What This Crazy-Looking Tool Is For?
Updated: Jun. 16, 2020Looks can be deceiving, but if you inspect these photos carefully, you may be able to guess what these quirky tools are for before we tell you.
Webcaster
Jerky Gun
Spud Wrench
A spud wrench is a wrench with an adjustable or standard box wrench on one end and a tapered spike on the other. The spike can be used to line up bolt holes when installing pipe fittings, doing automotive work or—in the case of iron workers—for lining up bolt holes in girders and beams. Some have offset handles for better leverage or access to parts. There are other types of wrenches that carry the moniker “spud,” so make sure you know what you’re buying before plunking down your dough.
And yes, we know there is another tool called a “closet spud wrench” that is used in close quarters for closet spuds, basket strainers nuts and spud nuts.
Torpedo Level
It should come as no surprise that most torpedo levels are tapered or torpedo-shaped. What is surprising is how many uses people find for them. They’re small—6 inches to 12 inches in length—and have vials that indicate plumb, level and, sometimes, 45 degrees. Because of their diminutive size and shape, they’re ideal for working in tight spaces. Some have magnetic edges giving plumbers and those working with metallic parts a “third hand” while working. Torpedo levels fit nicely in a tool belt and junk drawer and are handy for leveling pictures, determining the slope of pipes and leveling over short distances.
Darby
A darby is the tool to reach for when you need to flatten concrete. Here’s how you can add a concrete pathway.
Plumb Bob
A plumb bob is a weighted object connected to a string that can be used to establish a vertical line. That weighted object can be as simple as a rock or as elaborate as the brass plumb bob shown. Some are bullet- or cone-shaped, but in the DIY world they’re often in the guise of a chalk box or chalk line.
Plumb bobs have been around a long time. Egyptians used them to build the pyramids and builders throughout the ages have used them to determine if walls are “plumb” or perfectly vertical. They’re ideal for tasks like centering lights over a kitchen island, determining the proper spacing of recessed lights or framing basement walls.
What is it?
You might have to think about a different era before getting this one.
Photo: Via Martin J. Donnelly Auctions
Patent Gold-Plated Ivory Handle Presentation Wrench
This wrench was supposed to be a gift to Chauncey Depew, an attorney for Cornelius Vanderbilt’s railroad interests who later became president of the New York Central Railroad System and a U.S. Senator from New York. It’s a gold-plated, ivory-handled wrench with one standout feature. Depew’s name is misspelled on it. It fetched $5,980 at auction. Keep your wrenches straight with one simple trick.
Photo: Via Martin J. Donnelly Auctions
Reversible Jaw Adjustable Wrench
CHANNELLOCK thinks that they’ve got the solution to help unclutter your tool belt. The new CHANNELLOCK Reversible Jaw Adjustable Wrench is just like a normal wrench, but also features a part of the jaw with angled teeth. All you have to do is reverse the jaw and the teeth will let you get a tight grip on objects that that a regular wrench would just slide off of. These new wrenches are available in 6, 8, 10 and 12-inch sizes. They are available in most major hardware retailers in the US and Canada. Price and availability will vary by retailer. Find a place to store all your tools with ease.
Groover
A groover makes joints in the concrete to control cracking. Make sure you’re mixing concrete properly.
Electrician Scissors
A trusty pair of electrician scissors is the most used tool of many of the low-voltage electricians that we’ve talked to, and Klein seems to be the go-to brand. If you’ve never heard of electrician scissors, here is a primer: Of course like any scissors, Klein’s new Electrician Scissors can cut through stuff with the blades, but they also have a cable cutting notch so you can rip through wire up to 14 AWG. They’ll strip 19 and 23 AWG wire all day long and have a notch in the tip for de-burring electrical boxes. There’s also a scraper on both blades for convenient wire cleaning. Klein’s All-Purpose Electrician’s Scissors are available online and in home centers for $24.35.
Magnesium Float
A magnesium float with help compact the concrete and give it a smooth look. Get a refreshed look for your patio in two days.
Froe
A froe is great for splitting wood and it’s used with a maul. The froe is struck with a maul to split wood. Traditionally it was used to split shingles, panels and boards. A froe will produce straight, strong wood because the grain is straight.
Edging Tool
An edging tool gives the concrete a round edge when you’re finishing a concrete project. Here’s how to pour and form concrete.
Adze
An adze is an old tool used to shape wood. There’s a hand tool version and one where cuts are made at shin level. Using an adze might fit better for an advanced woodworker but there are 40 projects perfect for beginners.
Undercut Saw
An undercut saw is great for getting at door jambs and making sure you can get new tile to fit in a room. It’s pretty similar to an oscillating tool. Check out these tips for using an oscillating tool.
Photo: Via Amazon
Power Chisel
A power chisel can be a great addition to the workshop for the woodworker. Here are are some tips for using a wood chisel.
Photo: Via Amazon
Hydraulic Torque Wrench
A hydraulic torque wrench is a great tool to get the correct amount of torque on a fastener. See why a torque wrench is great for working on a car.
Photo: Via Egamaster
Nail Remover Gun
A nail remover gun is a great time-saving tool for DIYers who are in the middle of a remodeling project. Try these tips on how to remove a stubborn stuck nail.
Photo: Via Amazon
Cartridge Puller
This tool will remove your faucet’s cartridge and fix any leaking issues. Find out how to fix any plumbing leaks.
Photo: Via Home Depot
Pedestal Sink Slip Joint Wrench
This little wrench can make work on a pedestal sink a little easier with it’s ability to reach. Find out how to plumb a pedestal sink.
Photo: Via Amazon
Honing Guide
Some experts master the art of sharpening entirely by hand. But for the rest of us, a honing guide is essential. There are basically two types of guides: Some clamp a chisel from the sides, while others clamp top to bottom.
The side-clamping guide works only with chisels whose sides taper to an edge that’s less than 1/16 in. thick. If your chisels have thicker sides, you’ll need a guide that clamps top to bottom.
The side-clamping guide shown here is made by many manufacturers and is widely available in woodworking stores and online. Inexpensive top-to-bottom clamping guides, made by General Tools and Stanley, are harder to find in stores but are also available online. Here are some terrific tips on how to sharpen a chisel.