Hammer (Vaughan and Bushnell) ****

There are hammers from the US and hammers from Europe. In the US rip hammers are very popular. You can use them for ripping apart structures because their claw directs straight backwards and is not bent. No children's toys! Good rip hammers are useful if you consider the latest nail innovation from Bostitch: the HurriQuake nail. These nails (Hurricane and Earthquake safe attachment) are not easily removed from wood. They have bigger heads and extra friction ribs. It is the new ultimate test! American hammers look futuristic and are often heavier than their European counterparts. The new S2 from Vaughan and Bushnell is mind blowing. Modular so you can replace the different parts. I want one!

More information on the Vaughan & Bushnell S2-split-head framing hammer: www.vaughanmfg.com/shopping/Products/18-Oz-Split-Head-Hammer__S2.aspx ..

Spade (Spear and Jackson) ***

Considering spades Spear and Jackson is famous. Adequate and reliable tooling for a reasonable price. Is there something to improve? Yes, was the reply from Sheffield. They developed a spade wherein the shaft attaches itself to two sides of the iron blade. As a consequence you now can use your foot centrally. The new spades were called the E-series and they look futuristic. Of course, also forks and other tools using this principle are available.

More on S&J E-Series: www.spear-and-jackson.com/e-series/ .