Tools Archive

In one sense, working on computers is easier than most laypeople think it is. Most components simply plug together, and soldering is never required — at least for desktops. The most complicated part of building a PC is actually making your parts list, and determining which components are compatible. Actually putting the whole thing together is the easy part. It’s a simple, step-by-step process that …

What do you do if you need to see inside a confined space, like a wall, pipe, or engine cylinder? The answer, in all of these cases, is to use an inspection camera. An inspection camera, sometimes called an “endoscope” or a “borescope,” consists of a camera mounted on a semi-rigid rod. The rod can be inserted, flexed, and moved around inside an enclosed space. …

When you’re working on a big job, you need to take a lot of measurements. For instance, let’s say you’re painting a very large room. You need to know the height and width of the walls. Now, a tape measure and a pen and paper are often a good way to take these measurements. But they have inherent limitations. For one thing, if you’re measuring …

If you’re an automotive professional, an electrician, or a plumber, you already know the importance of a good endoscope. It’s an essential tool for the job. Not only that, but endoscope are frequently used by HVAC technicians, computer techs, and others. Basically, if you want to see a location that’s out of your direct view, they’re great tools. But what makes a good endoscope? To …

For many people, there will never be a need to get an ultra-accurate humidity reading. Sure, you might turn on a humidifier if the air is too dry, or run a dehumidifier in a damp basement. But very few people care whether their indoor humidity is 58 or 60 percent. That said, there are a number of reasons you might want a very accurate reading. …