Weird Tools

Weird Tools

Scott Cam, the builder from Backyard Blitz, looked at weird tools and gadgets.

Spiral wrap organizes cables into a single neat bundle, and protects the wires from abrasion. It is available in various sizes and sells for $3/metre from electrical retailers.

Corrugated wire brushes are made in the shape and size of corrugations on metal roofs, making cleaning and rust removal much easier. They cost $12 each and are available from hardware stores.

Volt sticks come in a handy pen size and shape. They make it easy to check for mains voltage in cables, sockets and plugs. They are ideal for finding internal breaks in cables and detecting blown fuses inside plugs or fuse holders. When mains voltage is present, an LED on the tip of the volt stick lights up. They range in price from $20-$50 and are available from electrical retailers.

Brick carriers make it possible to move large numbers of bricks in half the time. They cost $26.50 and are available from hardware stores.

Fencing or combination pliers will cut wire or nails, pull out nails or staples, hammer nails or staples, form loops or twist strands of wire, and tension wire. Cost: around $20 from hardware stores.

Pipe benders bend copper pipe. They range in price from $45-$100 and are available from hardware stores.

Copyright 2003 CTC Productions