This is a curated index of equipment I have personally used and written about. It is not a complete catalog, a price tracker, or a list assembled from product specifications. The “documented since” date tells you when the linked field notes established that experience; it does not promise that a model is still manufactured or unchanged.
Field-tested
Shop
Measuring, assembly, and stationary tools used for woodworking and repair projects.
Long-term pick · Documented since 2020
FastCap Glu-Bot
FastCap
A bottom-feeding glue bottle that stays ready on the bench without shaking.
Why it earned a place: Used for complicated glue-ups including 53 drawer boxes, then given as a gift to other woodworkers.
Shop staple · Documented since 2020
Silicone Glue Brush
A reusable angled brush for spreading consistent glue layers into rabbets and dados.
Why it earned a place: Replaced fingers and scrap wood for routine glue spreading; dried glue peels away for reuse.
Precision pick · Documented since 2020
Fractional Dial Calipers
Direct-reading fractional calipers for thickness, depth, inside measurements, and machine setup.
Why it earned a place: Used for joinery and table-saw setup where a tape measure is too coarse or awkward.
Everyday measuring · Documented since 2015
FastCap Lefty/Righty Tape Measure
FastCap
A compact tape with labeled fractions, left/right readability, and a writable note area.
Why it earned a place: Used for assembly and given to friends; the labeled fractions reduce avoidable measuring mistakes.
Field-tested
Bikes & Outdoors
Compact tools carried for road, trail, and dual-sport repairs.
Ride-kit core · Documented since 2015
Crankbrothers M17 Multi-Tool
Crankbrothers
A compact multi-tool with a chain breaker and the common drivers needed for trailside repairs.
Why it earned a place: Carried as the core of a single-jersey-pocket repair kit refined over years of riding.
Dual-sport kit · Documented since 2017
Motion Pro Combo Tire Levers
Motion Pro
Axle-wrench and tire-spoon combinations that reduce the size of a dual-sport repair kit.
Why it earned a place: Carried with a WR250R toolkit designed around maintenance practice and remote tire repair.
Field-tested
Machines
Tools and parts used to maintain vehicles and larger shop equipment.
Historical review · Documented since 2020
WEN 4214 Drill Press
WEN
A variable-speed benchtop press selected for mixed wood and light-metal work in a home shop.
Why it earned a place: Documented drilling softwood with a one-inch spade bit and 3/16-inch steel with a step bit.
Field-tested
Computing
Durable desk equipment used for software work.
Desk hardware · Documented since 2015
Filco Mechanical Keyboard
Filco
A durable full-size mechanical keyboard configured with custom macOS media-key mappings.
Why it earned a place: Used for software work and documented with a custom Karabiner configuration.