I've used this tool for the past 40-years and find it to be the perfect solution for a variety of tasks. My favorite uses are breaking the seal of a rubber hose on a metal spigot (for example, when working with automotive radiator hoses force the sharp end of the pick between the hose and the spigot and work it around the circumference), removing cotter pins/small clips/retainers, untying otherwise untie-able knots, lining up small holes in linkage, and prying an item up from a flat surface.

There are numerous other radiator picks but this one from Snap On is my favorite because of the particular bend of the shaft. It is just right for providing leverage to break a hose, pin, or small shaft loose. Highly recommended for anyone working with small engines, car engines, models or other mechanical devices and linkages.

I've used these Sea to Summit eVent compression sacks the last few times I've travelled abroad or while backpacking, and found them to be an essential travelling companion. Their main function is to keep stuff dry while also compressing and organizing the contents of my pack. The Sea to Summit sacks are unique in their use of eVent fabric (a semi-permeable membrane) which allows for greater compression and the formation of a vacuum like seal.

Before compressing the sack with the supplied compression straps, the Sea to Summit bag's roll-top is sealed. Then, by pulling the straps taut, air is driven out of the one-way breathable eVent membrane that lines the bottom of the bag. As air is pushed out something akin to a weak vacuum is formed (eVent is impermeable to water and semi-permeable to air). I found that even after loosening the straps the contents remain compressed (it will eventually equalize as air seeps back in, but very slowly). This dramatically reduces the amount of space soft compressible items like socks, clothes, sleeping bags, etc. take up.

I currently own two, in small (10 L) and large (20 L), and have been blown away at how much I've been able to compress into my pack. They are super light (4.5 oz and 5.9 oz, respectively), and as tough as any other compression sack I've tried. While travelling in Bangladesh they kept my moisture sensitive camera gear dry even during downpours, and all my tests at home found them to be 100% waterproof (just be sure to not compress anything with sharp edges). While they are more expensive than traditional dry sacks, the superior compression and vacuum-like seal really make it worthwhile when trying to minimize pack space while maximizing protection.

The recent return to so little sunshine had me reflecting on a wake-up combo that's so subtle I enjoyed it for years without really recognizing it. I use a dawn-simulating BioBrite alarm clock along with a programmable thermostat (anyone who has central HVAC without a programmable thermostat these days is just missing out). The combination of light and warmth really gets me awake at consistent times in the morning without really relying on any audio cues. The BioBrite can also be adjusted to increase the light output over longer periods of time (15/30/60/90 minutes), reversed to simulate dusk, or be used as a nightlight.

In the winter, having light come up along with heat is the most natural way to ease back to consciousness that I can imagine.

Droopy (or Droo.py) is the most idiot-proof way for other people to get files to your computer that I have found, and I have been using it for a year now.

It's a Python script (so you would need to have Python installed) that creates an HTML page that lives on your computer. You give your IP address to whoever wants to send you a file, and they go to the page and click "send file," which gives them a way to send you a file directly to your computer (rather than via a remote server).

It's definitely not idiot-proof to set up (if you want people to be able to reach the site from the outside world, you have to set up port-forwarding on your router), but the important thing, and the thing that makes it my go-to way for somebody to send me a file, is that I need to know nothing about their computer, and neither do they. Once I get it set up, it is virtually impossible for the other person to mess up the file transfer.

Belts are boring, but essential tools. Outside of holding up pants their utility tends to be fairly limited. I own the previously reviewed 686 Tool Belt, and find it useful from time to time, but decided I wanted something simpler for traveling. After reading about the benefits of nylon webbing, I picked up one of Patagonia's Travel Belts.

The Travel Belt, like the previously reviewed Tech Web Belt, is made up of nylon webbing that can be cut down to size and sealed with an open flame. Unlike standard webbing belts, the Travel Belt has a long 19" x 1.5" zippered pocket sewn on the inside that can easily stash a folded copy of a passport, folded currency, and keys. The pocket is surprisingly lengthy and capacious that when filled is never uncomfortable or ungainly.

I'm not a paranoid traveller, but I do recognize that it's possible to lose a wallet, or have a bag whisked away at an inopportune moment. The Travel Belt makes it very unlikely that I'll lose everything. On a recent trip to Bangladesh, I kept a folded copy of my partner's and my passport, $20 in local currency, and an apartment key in the hidden pocket. Luckily, we never had need of the belt's contents, but the security of knowing we wouldn't be without bus fare home was comforting.

I would wager that it's impossible to tell from the outside that the belt contains a pocket which should be a deterrent for any potential thieves (I also believe it very unlikely that any assailant would check). I hope to never find out, and in the mean time remain impressed with the added utility provided by the Travel Belt.

It's been several decades since I bought a wood sander, but I recently needed a new one for a large finishing job. I was pleasantly surprised by the technological advances now standardly available in inexpensive sanders.

There are three key innovations here: "random" sanding patterns, using sandpaper disks that attach via a velcro-like surface, and a vacuum that works through holes in the paper. Together these three features produce a much superior machine to the simple vibrating sander I had before. Random-orbital sanders spin as circles within circles, leaving little discernible pattern of abrasion on the work. The round hook-and-loop paper is magic. These disks securely attachment and detach in a second, and don't slip. This quickness encourages you to instantly change to the appropriate grit size without hesitation. Lastly, sanding produces massive amounts of dust, and the mini vacuums really decrease the volume of stuff flying around. The debris is sucked into a small cloth bag that doesn't interfere much with work.

All these features and more are available in higher end machines, but also in cheaper ones as well. I've been using a Dewalt, D26451K which is an entry model at about $55 street price. With a coarse grit paper, its 3-amp motor will eat wood if you need to, but it is light enough to feather touch a fine grit. It takes the standard 8-hole hook-and-loop disk. Many companies make these disks in all possible grades, varieties and types. Although they seem expensive, I found these disks lasted longer than the pieces I used to cut from standard sheets for my old machine. The small dust bag is sufficient for most weekend projects, but may seem small if you are sanding whole walls; you just have to empty it more often.

None of these features may be new to most woodworkers, but I have not been paying attention; I wish I had got one of these years ago.

I have had a lot of expensive and time consuming dental work done over the last five years, so I am a really motivated electric tooth brush user. I have used at least three different electric tooth brushes and the Colgate 360 is by far the best, while also being the least expensive.

It is powered by one AAA battery so the handle is slim and easy to pack. The one battery lasts a long time. The brush has a non slip rubber on/off switch that has a satisfying click and is more intuitive to use than the two battery brushes with bigger handles. There is no worry with expensive replacement heads. Just buy a new 360. It also has a tongue cleaner feature that I haven't seen elswhere.

As an aside I took one of the Colgate 360 electric tooth brushes apart to see what makes it work. It has some really sophisticated engineering. The on/off swith is a formed piece of metal that clicks open and closed like the clamp that women use to hold their hair curls at night. The power source is a vibrator in a metal cylinder and the energy is transmitted to the brush head by a rigid plastic rod encased in a flexible plastic sheath. Cool stuff.

Strava is a web service that lets you get the most out of your bicycle or running-based GPS device. Out on your bicycle ride (in my case), your GPS records and plots your ride. Afterwards, you can upload the data to the web service Strava which pulls out common segments: these can be significant climbs, popular sprint sections, etc. Your speed on these segments can then be compared against your older rides, as well as other riders (can be against everybody or just your friends/club, whatever). If you achieve a personal record, your ride is awarded certain medals and tokens.

Over the last year, I've watched my overall average speed and cycling fitness increase as I specifically go after the "Queen of the Mountain" medal, or overall leader, for my usual segments. I've once even borrowed a special race bike to even get one of them, as the increased aerodynamics helped cut through the windy bits. As I find new segments, my competitive nature starts figuring out what to try different next time to get even faster. It's... rather addictive.