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The EDC Tool Roll: Nebo Tools Work Lights

By on October 24, 2017 in Reviews, The EDC Tool Roll

The EDC Tool Roll is a feature on Jerking the Trigger in which we profile various every day carry worthy tools. The tools shown aren’t multi-tools but rather real tools, that by virtue of their compact size, light weight, usefulness, or unique functionality, can find a place in any range kit, emergency kit, or every day carry bag.

Feel free to comment on the tools that you carry so we can all learn! The discussion on these posts has been very valuable so far.

The EDC Tool Roll series has generated more reader email than just about anything that has ever been on the pages of JTT. You’ve really come through for me with recommendations. Several emails have asked when I was going to include a flashlight in this series and I typically responded that I was hesitant to do so because I think most of us are already carrying a flashlight. Reader James R. changed my mind when he showed me the Nebo Tools series of pocketable work lights. I wish I would have known about these years ago.

To call these lights “flashlights” does them a disservice. They really have more in common with your typical work light that you would find on a small stand or tripod… except these fit in you pocket or small tool kit. Like a work light, they are designed to be used hands free. You can obviously hold them in your hand but they really work best out of your hands.

They have a rotating pocket clip that allows you to clip the light to your clothing (shirt pocket, collar, etc.) for hands free use and then aim it where you need it. The clip is also magnetic so it can cling to ferrous surfaces like your vehicle, your tool chest, or even the 74″ PTO snow blower that are getting ready for winter (ask me how I know). They can be stood on end on a level surface.

Here is a trick I figured out that is probably the most versatile way these can be used. I’ve found that I can stick them to a steel tool as ballast so that I can place it on any surface without worrying about it tipping over. I can direct it anywhere I need it in this configuration. It works really well when stuck to a handgun magazine on the range if you need to light up an admin area during low light training and it takes up about the same amount of room as a marker in your range bag.

A long, wide LED emits 170 lumens of light. This ribbon like emitter is used, rather than a smaller point of light in the center of an optic or reflector, to create a wall of light with no discernible hotspot. It lights up a room evenly from a distance or can be used to light up your work piece up close without washing out thanks to the lack of hotspot. I get about 3(ish) hours of continuous runtime before I swap batteries.

There are a number of similar lights on the market and, honestly, it can be hard to tell which ones are decent so I was happy to have a direct recommendation of the Nebo Tools line. They are dirt cheap ($7-8 a piece for the model shown) and seem to be of decent quality. They also have a solid review history.

The lights shown in this review are the Larry C model. They take 3 AAA batteries and are fairly compact but they are long(ish) since the batteries are installed end to end. They just barely fit in my tool kit. There are a number of other lights in this format with different battery configurations offered by Nebo Tools including more compact models that take two batteries.

Where to Buy: I’ve seen similar lights at some brick and mortar hardware stores. I purchased mine at Amazon because that was the easiest place I could find the Nebo Tools brand that was recommended to me. I purchased a 3 pack for just over $7 a piece ($21.01 total) including batteries!

Nebo Tools Larry C 3 Pack on Amazon (this is an affiliate link)

These lights are available in a variety of colors, battery configurations, and bulk packs (this is an affiliate link).

Alternatives: Similar lights are available from a number of brands – just make sure you don’t overpay and that they will work hands-free all the ways you need them to. You could also use the EDC light you are already carrying.

Do you have a compact work light or other tool that want to recommend? Tell us about it below.

The EDC Tool Roll: Engineer DR-07 Twin Wrench Driver

By on July 17, 2017 in EDC, The EDC Tool Roll

The EDC Tool Roll is a feature on Jerking the Trigger in which we profile various every day carry worthy tools. The tools shown aren’t multi-tools but rather real tools, that by virtue of their compact size, light weight, usefulness, or unique functionality, can find a place in any range kit, emergency kit, or every day carry bag.

Feel free to comment on the tools that you carry so we can all learn! The discussion on these posts has been very valuable so far.

The Engineer DR-07 Twin Wrench Driver is my favorite screw driver solution for a compact tool kit. I’ve had it for some time now and purposely held off on mentioning it here until I could test the Tekton 14-in-1 Offset Driver as a potential lower cost alternative. While the Tekton is functional, everything about the Engineer DR-07 is a step above.

The Engineer DR-07 Twin Wrench Driver is a Japanese manufactured replaceable bit screw driver that accepts bits at either end of its “L” shaped handle. The 10 included bits and bit carrier are of excellent quality and well marked both on the bit carrier and the bits themselves. The included bits are very much like standard 1/4″ shank bits but slightly longer. However, the DR-07 will accept standard bits though they sit slightly deeper in the bit holders.

The bits are retained via a detent and spring steel collar. This set up applies solid tension even on bits that aren’t notched. The spring steel collar is thicker and provides better tension than the one found on the Tekton version. The bit holders are also magnetized which is a nice touch.

The Tekton version of this tool has a hard plastic cover on the handle but the Engineer DR-07 features a very resilient rubber handle that feels great in the hand. The rubber is molded over an entirely steel structure beneath for strength. The DR-07 also has finer knurling on the bit holders that allows good grip and fine control when turning a screw.

The beauty of this driver is the offset design. This “L” shape keeps the tool very compact but allows the user good reach and the ability to apply a lot of torque when necessary. This one is what you will find in my EDC Tool Roll more often than not. It is one of the few compact drivers that can actually reach screws like an AR-15 grip screw and still provide enough tool to hold onto when loosening or tightening the screw.

I should note that, like the previously profiled Tekton driver, this tool does NOT ratchet. For some reason, almost everyone who puts hands on this thing thinks it is going to ratchet but it does not.

Everything about this tool screams quality. The chromed finish is smooth and seemingly very durable. The bit holders have great tension and use robust parts to retain the bits. The grip is very comfortable in the hand. The included bits and bit holder are some of the nicest I’ve seen included with a tool like this. I own a handful of tools from Engineer and this is what I have come to expect from them.

Where to Buy: I’ve never seen this tool anywhere but online. I purchased mine from Amazon for around $26 shipped. It shipped from Japan which took about 3 weeks to arrive but it was worth the wait given that it is easily my favorite compact screw driver. As of the time of this writing, the price has dropped significantly to around $17 shipped on Amazon: Engineer DR-07 Twin Wrench Driver

You may also be able to find a deal on auction sites. Be advised, these will ship from Japan most of the time so expect to wait.

Alternatives: We’ve reviewed a number of other compact screw drivers in previous installments of The EDC Tool Roll (click the links below to read the reviews):

Tekton 14-in-1 Offset Screwdriver (2945) (This is nearly identical to the DR-07 but with lower, though still acceptable, quality)

Replaceable Edition Fix It Sticks

Doc Allen’s VersaTool

Wera Kraftform Kompact 25

Do you have a compact driver that you prefer or any other tool you want to recommend? Tell us about it below.

The EDC Tool Roll: Tekton 14-in-1 Offset Screwdriver

By on July 11, 2017 in EDC, The EDC Tool Roll

The EDC Tool Roll is a feature on Jerking the Trigger in which we profile various every day carry worthy tools. The tools shown aren’t multi-tools but rather real tools, that by virtue of their compact size, light weight, usefulness, or unique functionality, can find a place in any range kit, emergency kit, or every day carry bag.

Feel free to comment on the tools that you carry so we can all learn! The discussion on these posts has been very valuable so far.

I initially bought the Tekton 14-in-1 Offset Screwdriver (2945) because it looked like a more affordable version of one my favorite tools. It turned out to be a pretty solid tool on its own. I’ll profile the original tool in a future edition of The EDC Tool Roll.

The 14-in-1 Offset Screwdriver is a replaceable bit screwdriver that can accept bits at either end of it’s “L” shaped handle. The bits that come with it are double sided but it will also accept standard 1/4″ shank bits (they just sit a smidge deeper in the bit holder). The tool includes 7 double sided bits – hence the 14-in-1 moniker.

The bits are retained via a detent and spring steel collar. This set up applies solid tension even on bits that aren’t notched. The handle is plastic over metal with the metal seeming to run all the way through the tool. There is no flex or twisting under load so it seems that the metal shaft runs from end to end.

The beauty of this driver is the offset design. This “L” shape keeps the tool very compact but allows the user decent reach and the ability to apply a lot of torque when necessary. I find myself reaching for this tool in all kinds of situations, even when I have a tool chest full of other screw driving options. I keep this one in my range bag because it is one of the few compact drivers that can actually reach screws like an AR-15 grip screw and still provide enough tool to hold onto when loosening or tightening the screw. It’s ability to accept standard bits means I can use it on just about any fastener found on my guns.

I should note that this tool does NOT ratchet. For some reason, almost everyone who puts hands on this thing thinks it is going to ratchet but it does not. There are even people who give it poor reviews online because it doesn’t ratchet… even though the descriptions of the tool never say that it does.

I should also note that the bit holder is marginal. It holds bits but it doesn’t clip onto the tool very well which renders the pocket clip on the holder mostly useless. This wasn’t a big deal for me since I’ll never clip something like this into a pocket.

Overall, this is a very handy tool for around $10.

Where to Buy: I’ve never seen this tool or the other version of it that I use anywhere but online. I purchased mine from Amazon for $10 shipped (which is almost half what I paid for the other tool I mentioned): Tekton 14-in-1 Offset Screwdriver (2945)

Alternatives: We’ve reviewed a number of other compact screw drivers in previous installments of The EDC Tool Roll (click the links below to read the reviews):

Replaceable Edition Fix It Sticks

Doc Allen’s VersaTool

Wera Kraftform Kompact 25

Do you have a compact driver that you prefer or any other tool you want to recommend? Tell us about it below.

The EDC Tool Roll: GearWrench MicroDriver Set

By on June 9, 2017 in The EDC Tool Roll

The EDC Tool Roll is a feature on Jerking the Trigger in which we profile various every day carry worthy tools. The tools shown aren’t multi-tools but rather real tools, that by virtue of their compact size, light weight, usefulness, or unique functionality, can find a place in any range kit, emergency kit, or every day carry bag.

Feel free to comment on the tools that you carry so we can all learn! The discussion on these posts has been very valuable so far.

The two most popular tools that we have featured in The EDC Tool Roll so far are the Knipex Cobra Pliers and the VIM Tools HBR5 Ratchet/Driver. I know several of you have emailed me to say you picked up the HBR5 and love it (thanks for those emails by the way). I have also had a couple of emails regarding commonly seen alternatives to the HBR5 like the GearWrench MicroDriver Set that appears so similar… So, I bought one.

The ratchet that is included in the GearWrench set is remarkably similar to the HBR5 but it is slightly larger in every dimension – longer, wider, and thicker. This may be good or bad depending on your application. It is reversible via a small lever at both ends and both ends have a thumb disc just like the HBR5. One end accepts standard 1/4″ screwdriver bits. The other end accepts 5/16″ bits and you are most likely to use it with the included socket adapter since 5/16″ bits aren’t common.

The biggest difference between the GearWrench set and the HBR5 is what is included. The HBR5 is inexpensive but only comes with the ratchet and bit adapter. You have to provide all your own sockets and bits (which most of us already have around). The GearWrench set comes with a case and a selection of bits and sockets. The case is too large to EDC in a pocket but it is great for a range bag or EDC bag. If you want to add this to a small tool roll for pocket carry, you can just raid the kit for the sockets and bits that you need and carry those rather than the whole case.

Now that I have used both side by side, I can’t say that I have a strong preference for one tool over the other though the slightly smaller size of the HBR5 makes it handy in some situations. If you need a full kit, the GearWrench MicroDriver Set is probably the better choice for you. I have come to really like either of them for use in a range bag for common range tasks like assembling barricades for drills, assembling target stands, and even optic installation.

Where to Buy: My local Sears Hardware has the GearWrench MicroDrive Set on sale for less than $17 right now which is a great deal. Some of the larger automotive chains also carry GearWrench tools so they may be worth a look. You can also pick up this set on Amazon: GearWrench MicroDrive Set

Alternatives: My favorite tool of this type is the VIM Tools HBR5.

Chapman makes a number of excellent ratchet kits with similar functionality but they use proprietary bits. Stanley also makes a kit under both the Stanley and Bostitch brands that you can find at some Wal-Marts. Finally, a reader named Brian recommended the Tekton 1485 bit ratchet which could work if you like a padded handle. Thanks Brian!

Thanks again to everyone for all the emails and comments. You’ve really had some great tips.

Do you have compact bit ratchet that you prefer or another EDC worthy tool you would like to recommend? Tell us about it below.

The EDC Tool Roll: Adjustable Wrench Comparison – Knipex Pliers Wrench, Channellock 804, Lobster Shorty

By on May 22, 2017 in The EDC Tool Roll

The EDC Tool Roll is a feature on Jerking the Trigger in which we profile various every day carry worthy tools. The tools shown aren’t multi-tools but rather real tools, that by virtue of their compact size, light weight, usefulness, or unique functionality, can find a place in any range kit, emergency kit, or every day carry bag.

Feel free to comment on the tools that you carry so we can all learn! The discussion on these posts has been very valuable so far.

We compared the various pliers options in a recent edition of The EDC Tool Roll and that lead to a handful of emails asking for a comparison of the adjustable wrench options that we have covered so far. Most of the emails were basically asking if the Knipex Pliers Wrench was worth the cost over the other options. That is a personal decision but, hopefully, this comparison can better equip you to make that call.

Check out the earlier entries on the specific tools in this comparison for background:

This comparison is not even really close on functionality. The Knipex Pliers Wrench has a trick up it’s sleeve that a standard adjustable wrench can’t match but they also cost more than twice as much as either of the other two options profiled here. The truth is, if you just need an adjustable wrench for your range kit, any of these will do.

Quality – All three of these options are very high quality and will likely be heirloom tools if you don’t abuse them. The Lobster Shorty is an extremely high quality adjustable wrench with nearly perfectly flush jaws, polished flats, and smooth adjustment. The Knipex Pliers Wrench is everything you expect from Knipex. There is no clear winner here between the Lobster Shorter and Knipex Pliers Wrench. The Channellock 804 lags behind a bit but it is no slouch in the quality department.

Features and Functionality – All three options have the same basic functions of adjustable parallel jaws but the Knipex Pliers Wrench goes beyond that basic adjustable wrench functionality. They offer easier, push-button adjustment and the ability to “ratchet” by simply loosening your grip as you reset the jaws on the fastener. This makes them 3-4 times faster to use than the other options when turning the same bolt. The Knipex Pliers Wrench is the clear winner on features.

Size – The Knipex Pliers Wrench is the largest in the bunch but it also boasts the largest capacity jaws. The Lobster Shorty is the shortest wrench in the bunch but still boasts surprising jaw capacity. The Channellock 804 is the smallest and lightest overall tool in this comparison. All three of them are easily pocketable.

Price – This is where the Knipex Pliers Wrench looses some of its luster. They will typically set you back around $47 – $55. Sometimes you can find a deal that is lower but there is no way around the fact that this is an expensive tool. I found the functionality that the tool offers to be worth it so I paid the price. The Lobster Shorty will run around $20 – $24. The Channellock 804 is around $18. Typically, the Knipex Pliers Wrench is more than twice the price of the other options.

How to Choose – If you need the smallest and lightest adjustable wrench for a very compact kit, the Channellock 804 is the one for you. If you want an adjustable wrench that is small enough to carry but offers plenty of versatility due to it’s disproportionate jaw capacity, the Lobster Shorty is an amazing EDC wrench. If you like the finer things and appreciate the ratcheting functionality, the Knipex Pliers Wrenches are amazing tools. I carry the Knipex Pliers Wrench and occasionally the Lobster Shorter to go with it since you often need two wrenches instead of just one.

Where to Buy – You can almost certainly find the Channellock 804 locally. The Lobster Shorty is imported from Japan so it is usually only available online (Ebay often has the best deal). You may be able to find the Knipex Pliers Wrench locally but the small version profiled here is unlikely to be found at a box store. Online is likely your best bet.

Here are links directly to the tools on Amazon:

Knipex Pliers Wrench on Amazon

Lobster Shorty on Amazon

Channellock 804 and 804N on Amazon

There are a number of compact adjustable wrenches on the market at a variety of price points. Do you have one that we should try? Tell us about it below.

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