Stuff We Love: Stuff We Still Love
Updated: Feb. 24, 2022We searched through 70 years of tool and product reviews to find our favorite stuff that has stood the test of time. Here are three of our top picks!
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As part of Family Handyman’s 70th anniversary celebration, we searched back through years of tool and product reviews to find our favorite stuff that still holds up. We came up with an amazing list that we are calling Stuff We Still Love.
Today, Mike Berner describes three of our top picks from this list. Watch the video for his take on this Stuff We Still Love. Then read on for further detail and to learn where to buy the modern versions of these classic tools.
The Wolcraft Multi-Angle Drill Guide
The Wolcraft Multi Angle Drill Guide is a portable and versatile drill guide that, when set up with a 3/8- or 1/2-in. drill, gives you drill press precision. Its other features include:
- Drill centered holes — Twist the base for immediate centering on the edge of a board;
- Angle-measuring scale — Set your preferred angle up to 45 degrees;
- Adjustable depth stop — Thumb screw quickly releases and sets depth;
- V-Groove base — Secures a wide variety of round and odd-shaped work pieces up to three inches in diameter;
- A 3/8-in. mounted drill chuck & key — Used with all 3/8- and 1/2-in. portable drills;
- Removable handle — Adds control and leverage for heavier-duty jobs.
I use this Wolcraft drill guide when drilling diagonal holes to install cable rail on deck stair runs. Set at the matching angle of the stairs, it made consistent holes through my posts to quickly thread the cable rail through. Throw in all the additional features of this Wolcraft, and it makes for a capable drill guide at an affordable price of $30.
Multi-Purpose Screwdrivers
Four-in-one, six-in-one and other multi-purpose screwdrivers have been a favorite at Family Handyman for years. Why have a whole set of screwdrivers when you only need one? You’ll save time looking for that other screwdriver you need, and save space in your toolbox.
Klein 11-in-1 Screwdriver
This Klein 11-in-1 is the most formidable multi-purpose screwdriver available today. It’s integrated screwdriver and nut driver shaft holds eight popular tips and converts to three nut driver sizes. The specs on those bits and drivers:
- 3/8-in., 5/16-in. and 1/4-in. nut drivers;
- #1 and #2 Phillips;
- 1/4-in. and 3/16-in. slotted;
- T10 and T15 TORX;
- #1 and #2 square recess.
All are quick and easy to switch out, and the handle has a super comfortable grip. The best part? You get all this for only $15. It’s the best money you’ll ever spend on a tool.
Forward Action Staple Gun
This version of a staple gun has been around a while but may not be familiar to everyone. With the handle facing forward instead of backward, the design requires less squeezing than a typical staple gun. You simply push on the handle towards where you want to place your staple. Although the term might not have been used back when we discovered them, “ergonomically” speaking, these staplers are a better and more productive way to staple.
Arrow PowerShot Stapler
The Arrow Power Shot is the most popular forward action stapler available today. It will shoot six types of Arrow T50 staples and also drive 9/16-in. brad nails. The easy loading chamber mechanism has a visual refill window so you can conveniently check staple levels. This is an ideal stapler for upholstery, screening, roofing, wiring and many other tasks.
