What tools need to be invented?

[unslow1]

Wow, didn't expect feedback on my comment earlier. I don't know fellas, I've cut zipties with everything except the fancy Panduit tool mentioned. It doesn't matter what type of pliers or snips used, if you believe that works I have some ocean-front property in Iowa Id like to sell you. My comment was for something less sharp, meaning when I drag the back of my hand over it I don't look like I've been mauled by a bobcat. The Panduit units may work great, but inventing a ziptie that inherently was dull when cut would eliminate the need for specialized cutters to solve an annoying first world problem.

Maybe something that slightly melted the end when it cut it. I recently bought some flush cutters recommended on here but haven't tried them yet.

 

[bonneyman]

A set of US made wrenches that doesn't require taking out a second mortgage to buy....

Well, it is Christmas time, so it is the season of miracles.

 

[bonneyman]

It's really hard to make any money out of inventing tools

Whatever problems you do solve with your ideas, save it for yourself and market the repair service (not the tool) to Joe Public and charge accordingly

 

[Copymutt]

Aluminum magnet. Don't say it can't be done. The world is full of things that were at one time claimed to be impossible.

Solved that by placing a steel blink on the opposite side of the alum. Not foolproof, but works for weld setup.

 

[Copymutt]

There was a patent on a crude nut grabber back in the 30’s.
Basically a slip over your finger magnetic nut holder to assist in tight spots. Certainly the miniature technology exists to make it ratchet. Could also be done at the end of a thin shank to accomplish the same for even tighter spots.

 

[jgromada]

Affordable smoke machine. Works pretty well!
https://www.ebay.com/itm/EVAP-Smoke...242479&hash=item35f18eee19:g:PXUAAOSw4HVWCcHJ

Subaru crank pulley tool.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XT6Q54Y/?tag=atomicindus08-20

So have you tried that smoke machine? Looks interesting seems like i see a Evap system problem on one of my cars every few years.

 

[jgromada]

All in it was less than $50 in parts

what is it?

 

[M6erfan]

Why not a DMM that's designed similar to a modern cell phone with a big bright OLED screen? with user selectable auto orientation/auto brightness. Heck, how about wireless probes? Now that would be something.

 

[MattT]

One small thing I’d like to see is a shorter than standard 1/4 hex to 1/4 square socket drive adapter. In my mind I can see just such a thing an an older Snap On ad but my dealer can’t find it. Not a big deal really but with the stubby Milwaukee impact driver I use for 1/4 sockets, every bit helps.

If Snap-on ever carried a short adapter with a power shank I've never seen it.

Apex do make them, and also make longer ones up to 12" which are also handy. Part #s are EX-250 for pinned anvil & EX-250-B for ball anvil. Longer ones have a number suffix which is the length in inches, so EX-250-B-12 is 12" long with ball anvil.

https://www.zoro.com/search?q=apex ex-250&sort=variants.price:LowtoHigh

 

[Jazz1]

They make a table saw where the blade stops on flesh, how 'bout a hammer that does the same!

 

[jgromada]

I would like to see this commercially available

An easy way to lift and hold up a car

(as seen on YouTube)

 

[Whitworth]

A rope (or cable, or chain) you can push with as well as pull.

 

[richfinn]

Why not a DMM that's designed similar to a modern cell phone with a big bright OLED screen? with user selectable auto orientation/auto brightness. Heck, how about wireless probes? Now that would be something.

Both of those are already on the market!!!!

There is the Fluke 233 and the Virtual multimeter for android smartphones

In Europe OLED meters have been around a while

I think Snap On now sell one too

 

[M6erfan]

Both of those are already on the market!!!!

There is the Fluke 233 and the Virtual multimeter for android smartphones

In Europe OLED meters have been around a while

I think Snap On now sell one too

Yeah, that Fluke 233 isn't anything like I had in mind. It's just a removable readout with the same old smallish LCD screen most DMM's have. I Googled "Virtual multimeter for android smartphones " and came up with zilch. Looks like Vion has a possible solution?

And yes, there are a few multimeters out there with OLED screens but in the same old form factor and no wireless probes.

Edit: Found this for Android, but it's hardly a DMM https://www.banggood.com/VoltOTG-USB-Voltage-Meter-OTG-Interface-Android-Phone-USB-Tester-Voltmeter-40-40V-DC-Data-Save-Fil-p-1395209.html?utm_campaign=3165444&utm_content=3216&p=SB280131692753201903&cur_warehouse=CN

S-o has no OLED screens or wireless probes but their Advanced multimeters are the form factor I had in mind

 

[jives]

A rope (or cable, or chain) you can push with as well as pull.

A stick?

 

[richfinn]

Yeah, that Fluke 233 isn't anything like I had in mind. It's just a removable readout with the same old smallish LCD screen most DMM's have. I Googled "Virtual multimeter for android smartphones " and came up with zilch. Looks like Vion has a possible solution?

And yes, there are a few multimeters out there with OLED screens but in the same old form factor and no wireless probes.

Edit: Found this for Android, but it's hardly a DMM https://www.banggood.com/VoltOTG-USB-Voltage-Meter-OTG-Interface-Android-Phone-USB-Tester-Voltmeter-40-40V-DC-Data-Save-Fil-p-1395209.html?utm_campaign=3165444&utm_content=3216&p=SB280131692753201903&cur_warehouse=CN

S-o has no OLED screens or wireless probes but their Advanced multimeters are the form factor I had in mind

Mooshimeter might be a better search

 

[M6erfan]

Mooshimeter might be a better search

Yes, that's sort of what I had in mind. Still wired probes though and one needs the bluetooth 'brain" along with the smartphone.

Vion is the closest I could find to what I am envisioning...

https://www.reddit.com/r/shittykickstarters/comments/87wntj/vion_bluetooth_multimeter_that_will_literarily/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x

 

[bonneyman]

Why not a DMM that's designed similar to a modern cell phone with a big bright OLED screen? with user selectable auto orientation/auto brightness. Heck, how about wireless probes? Now that would be something.

Heck they have non-contact voltage detection available on just about any good meter. Why not?

 

[el monte slim]

Wow, didn't expect feedback on my comment earlier. I don't know fellas, I've cut zipties with everything except the fancy Panduit tool mentioned. It doesn't matter what type of pliers or snips used, if you believe that works I have some ocean-front property in Iowa Id like to sell you. My comment was for something less sharp, meaning when I drag the back of my hand over it I don't look like I've been mauled by a bobcat. The Panduit units may work great, but inventing a ziptie that inherently was dull when cut would eliminate the need for specialized cutters to solve an annoying first world problem.

The best thing I've found for cutting off the excess length of a zip tie is something almost everybody already owns: It's a compound lever style toenail clipper. It allows you to flush cut right up against the zip tie head, and nicely rounds off the cut leaving no sharp edge. Note: Large zip ties may require two cuts due to the clipper guide post being centered just behind the blades.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nail_clipper

 

[toplessHO]

what is it?

smoke generator
connect to 12v battery

 

[greg13]

The best thing I've found for cutting off the excess length of a zip tie is something almost everybody already owns: It's a compound lever style toenail clipper. It allows you to flush cut right up against the zip tie head, and nicely rounds off the cut leaving no sharp edge. Note: Large zip ties may require two cuts due to the clipper guide post being centered just behind the blades.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nail_clipper

Razor blade works just fine.

 

[el monte slim]

Razor blade works just fine.

To each his own, but I would never consider using a razor blade for trimming the excess off a slippery nylon zip tie. I'm often installing them in tight spaces, where a razor blade has too much potential for inflicting personal injury or causing collateral damage to surrounding components.

 

[jgromada]

smoke generator
connect to 12v battery

AWESOME!
Do you have a thread explaining this?

 

[condition001]

An adapter so I can run my battery powered tools on AC power. For those times when I’ve used up my batteries and don’t want to wait for them to charge.

Edit: looks like it’s been done:

https://toolguyd.com/los-gatos-power-cordless-tools-ac-adapter/

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Corndoggeh]

They sell smoke machines on amazon for a fairly low cost. Different models depending on what you want. Company that makes them is Autool

 

[isb cornbinder]

If a person does not have access to a PANDUIT zip-tie cutter, these Made in Italy flush cutters are really good. A persom canno appreciate how good these work until they are used. At $15,00 each, I consider it a good deal.
After trying one pair, I bought 6 more of them. I have three pair left and the others were gifted.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Pull them off the charger when the 80% light turns on and they'll last damn near forever.

I am a firm believer that NO BATTERY, regardless of chemistry, like to be left on ANY CHARGER for an extended period of time (days). Plug your charger into a cheap mechanical lamp timer and set it to run no more than 4 hours per day.

 

[theoldwizard1]

One small thing I’d like to see is a shorter than standard 1/4 hex to 1/4 square socket drive adapter.

Buy a 3/8" square impact gun and an adapter to 1/4" hex.

 

[theoldwizard1]

10 mm sockets that return home.

My 1/4" drive 10mm has a piece of yellow tape on it. Close second to your suggestion.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Heck, how about wireless probes? Now that would be something.

Not quite down to the size of the probes, but close !

Wireless multimeter

 

[badbascom]

At the moment I would like a tape measure the shoots tape out of front and back in opposite directions and then displays the measurements on the body.

 

[bwringer]

A super compact electric ratchet that is sized similar to an air ratchet and runs off a 9v or similar size battery.

I like that.

There are "regular battery" powered screwdrivers out there, but they're lame.

Something that packs a little punch but optionally runs (for a little while, anyway) off a battery you can find in most kitchen drawers.

I wouldn't mind a ziptie that has a non-lethal end on it after being cut/trimmed.

"Twist-Tail" cable ties don't require tools. Not sure how sharp the edge is.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Catamou...able-Tie-Black-50-Pack-TT-11-30-0-L/203423329

Why not a DMM that's designed similar to a modern cell phone with a big bright OLED screen? with user selectable auto orientation/auto brightness. Heck, how about wireless probes? Now that would be something.

I'd love to see some additional touchless detection capabilities built into or available for cell phones. I mean, you've got a powerful little computer, internet access, and a great screen... most phones have barometers, GPS/compass ability, etc.

There are a few CAT branded cell phones with IR camera capabilities. Why not add UV illumination/detection?

Detection/visualization of electrical or magnetic fields could be incredibly handy. Even just a simple non-contact voltage detection capability would be handy.

I know Apple was working pretty hard on bloodless blood sugar detection for phones. If they ever get it working and through the FDA, it will be a revolution.

 

[condition001]

Here are some self cutting zip ties I saw at Lowe’s recently

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Edit: looks like bwringer beat me to it!

 

[isb cornbinder]

I have two sizes of zip-tie cutters.
They are made by PANDUIT. At well over $100 each they are not for everyone. They work really well as does everything from PANDUIT.

https://canada.newark.com/panduit/g...FL93CmpsrBxAP59aDFL_ToM5-wLuDRoCZ1EQAvD_BwEis the company price list.
https://canada.newark.com/panduit/g...kgFL93CmpsrBxAP59aDFL_ToM5-wLuDRoCZ1EQAvD_BwE

 

[BarryWells]

10mm sockets - no one has any.

Thats because Mark Fox bought them all

 

[PelicanPines]

M12 RO sander...

10mm sockets with GPS alarm.

Socket adapter with a wireless camera so you can see where the nut is. Transmits to the included safety goggles.

 

[Mr_fixit]

through the wall scanner stud finder wire viewer for an I phone.

 

[ChrisLS8]

An adapter so I can run my battery powered tools on AC power. For those times when I’ve used up my batteries and don’t want to wait for them to charge.

Edit: looks like it’s been done:

https://toolguyd.com/los-gatos-power-cordless-tools-ac-adapter/

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

For 250 just get a couple more batteries and a quick charger. I run all day on 4 5.0 batteries and 2 chargers in a commercial setting using grinders, shears, impacts etc

 

[Dumber than lumber]

M12 high torque 1/2in impact wrench or an adapter to run 2 m12 batteries for an m18 tool

An adapter to allow one brand of batteries to run the cordless tools made by any other maker. Call it the Plug-and-Screw, or something similarly clever.

 

[bwringer]

An adapter to allow one brand of batteries to run the cordless tools made by any other maker. Call it the Plug-and-Screw, or something similarly clever.

This has come up a few times in this thread. Obviously, there's a HUGE market opportunity here.

I'm envisioning something like on-demand 3D printing to handle all the possible combinations. Someone would probably need to hand install the connectors and conductors, but I bet you could sell a jillion.

Some combinations are going to be tough; adapting Dewalt or Ryobi "stick up" style batteries to work with the "flat battery" style tools on Milwaukee and many others would be awkward. But adapters for making the eleventy jillion flat-style batteries and tools work might not be too hard.

You go to a website, choose your battery brand and your tool brand, cough up some dough, and a few days later you get a nifty 3D printed adapter in the mail.


I'm not a fan of excessive regulation, but I for one would be 100% on board with jackbooted iron-fisted federal thugs enforcing cordless tool battery compatibility. GodDAMN this is so incredibly annoying and unnecessary.