Hammer (Hardcore Hammers) ***

The USA has a great tradition in creating beautiful and very useful straight and curved claw hammers. However, carpenter Stephen Spencer was not happy with the milled straight claw hammers that he used on a daily basis. The milled face, an adaptation to get a better hit on the nail could leave marks on the wood and the teeth itself wore quite quickly. Recently, he introduced a hammer whose milled face on an disk is slightly deeper placed in the head. I must say the hammer looks very nice this way. Interesting new feature!

See more on: http://shophardcorehammers.com/index.php/hammers/hardcore-hammer-the-original-curved-natural.html .

Nail puller (Bahco / SNA) ***

Bahco has over the years introduced great innovative hand tools in their ERGO-line. Recently, the company introduced a very nice new tool to remove nails that are deeply embedded in wood. A nail puller ... The tool can be hit with hammer, has a lever to bend the tool over and has even two positions where the claw of the hammer can be introduced to get improved leverage. Interesting new approach.

On their website there is, apart from extra photographs, also an instruction video: http://www.bahco.com/english/products/nail_puller.html .

Fret Saw (Hegner) ****

There are a few great manufacturers of fret saws in Germany. Especially for frames that span around 30 cm (10 inch). Pebaro (Peter Bausch) makes a beautiful one. Also Hegner has a great tradition in making these. Some time ago they introduced a very sturdy square rod frame (bent in what we call the American way) in which the saw blades can be very easily put under tension. By turning the outer screw the tension can be adjusted to any preferred grade. How simple can a tool reach perfection? Great stuff this LS-series.

See more on: http://www.hegner-gmbh.com/index.cfm?contentid=91&subparent=91 ..

Foldable Scissors (Leatherman) ***

Always nice to see new products from Leatherman. Recently, they showed their new foldable scissors. The Raptor! These tools with all kinds of features are meant to be used by medics. A large pair of scissors with extras similar to the line of multitools by Channellock for certain professionals. They cover all the needs an ambulance or senior boy scout might need in serious situations. Introduction on the market is expected in the spring of 2013.

See more on: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9QUv1AilGc .

Cable Key (Wiha) ***

Adjusting screws that receive banana plugs or other electrical plugs can be difficult. The connector is hampering the actual adjustment. Wiha recently introduced a new range of cable keys that can be fitted in their universal handles. The cable keys make a diversion when they encounter the plug. In this way the handle still operates centrally to tighten the nut but passes the plug on the side. Nice solution!

Read more on the new cable keys on: http://www.wiha.com/england/ROOT/MAIN/News-Press-Releases/Press-Area/Press-Releases/Wiha-cable-keys-ideal-safety-for-circular-plug-connectors .

Foldable Scissors (KUM / RayMay) ****

If you put your scissors in a bag they might damage it. The sharp end can intrude the fabric of your companion. German firm KUM introduced a few years ago a simple pair of scissors in the form of a pen. The construction was engineered by Akio Fujii from RayMay. On the top part there is a cap to prevent injury. First you remove the cap. If you then open the rest two eyelets made from flexible plastic material pop out (by sliding on each side a fastener from the joint downwards). A smart solution to an every day problem. Would be nice if there came a higher quality version. The idea is nice! The scissors are called the PenCut. A simple product for any pupil that needs scissors at school. Because of its symmetry and the two way sharpening of the blades these scissors can be adjusted for both right and left hand users. Fascinating!

See: www.pencilsharpener.com/Produkte.asp?Cat1=985&Cat2=986 .. Or demonstration: www.youtube.com/watch?v=rI26cNNot-s .

Lawn Rake (Gardena) ***

Removing leaves or cut grass from your lawn is simple when you use a lawn rake. To prevent damaging the grass plants underneath a soft rake is preferred. In the past these rakes were made from bamboo nowadays polypropene is an excellent, more reliable substitute. To pick the pile of organic matter Gardena (design team: Wolfgang Arndt and Karin Schaffer) introduced a rake that can be split apart. With the two halves you do the job without getting green or dirty fingers. Nice one, this new extra wide (77 cm) combi XXL vario rake.

See more on (in German): www.gardena.com/de/gartengerate/combisystem/combisystem-xxl-vario/ .

Bit Holder (Wiha) ***

German firm Wiha, from the Black Forest, has in recent years introduced many interesting new hand tools. This year they introduced a new bit holder. I know, there are many excellent solutions for installing a bit securely to the shaft of a screwdriver or machine. New is that they have made the cup using a very strong magnet from neodymium of which the attractive force can be switched on and off. So after introducing the bit and finishing your task you will also be able to remove or replace the bit with little effort. The bit holder is called the MagicFlip. Wiha already won a 2013 prize for the design of the new product. Still, there is very little information on the internet to be found.

See more: www.wiha.com/england/Onlineshop/Bits4/Wiha-bit-holders-and-adapters-Bit-holder-for-electrical-tools/7123-Wiha-bit-holders-and-adapters-Quick-release-holder .

Sewing Scissors (Fiskars) ***

Always nice to see new scissors designs for certain specific areas of use. For opening seams and cutting accurately Fiskars introduced a new pair of scissors. Because of the angle in the instrument your hand is closer to the cut making it easy to work more precisely. The new design is a real seam ripper according to the manufacturer. You immediately fall in love with such a simple and useful tool.

More on: www.fiskars.eu/Crafting-Sewing/Products/2013-New-Products/5992-Seam-ripper-Scissors-15-cm .

Level (Channellock) ***

Good old Channellock from the USA is widening its assortment by the day. They started off with their famous groove lock pliers but over the years many new products like nippers, adjustable wrenches and screw drivers were added to the portfolio. Recently, Channellock introduced a professional level. It is very solid and delivers good results. Equipped with laser diode and four rare earth magnets. Made in Taiwan and Taiwan these days delivers! It looks great.

See more on: www.channellock.com/Levels.aspx .