# Cool gadgets or tools you use that have a very specific purpose **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [August 11, 2017, 10:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cool-gadgets-or-tools-you-use-that-have-a-very-specific-purpose/793369 "2017-08-11T22:17:18Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![xizor](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/xizor/32/102_2.png) [@xizor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/xizor)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2017, 5:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cool-gadgets-or-tools-you-use-that-have-a-very-specific-purpose/793369/21 "2017-08-15T17:07:45Z")
[This](https://www.amazon.com/WAAO-Stainless-Pineapple-Peeler-Remover/dp/B06X3VSSSZ) tool only cores pineapples, but it is very fun to use and the only way to eat fresh pineapple ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2017, 5:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cool-gadgets-or-tools-you-use-that-have-a-very-specific-purpose/793369/22 "2017-08-15T17:14:50Z")
I have a gadget that’s built specifically for rubbing sheets of applique letters to transfer them onto a surface. I had to [ask here on the Dope](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=719549) when I found it, just to figure out what it was. A dead ballpoint pen works just as well, and so that’s what most people use, but apparently my dad thought that he needed a tool just for that, and so he got one, and so now I have one. ---
**Author:** ![stillownedbysetters](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/41988e/32.png) [@stillownedbysetters](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stillownedbysetters)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2017, 5:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cool-gadgets-or-tools-you-use-that-have-a-very-specific-purpose/793369/23 "2017-08-15T17:15:12Z")
I don’t have a photo at hand, but I have a custom made tool that looks much like a Notary Public seal whose sole purpose is to cut replacement pads for my flutes. It was engineered by my long ago teacher and I have no idea why he never sought to patent or produce it as it does the job perfectly and is so much handier than taking the instrument in periodically for a pad replacement. The circumference is adjustable so I can make pads for my piccolo and my alto and bass flutes with a few clicks of a dial. ---
**Author:** ![CookingWithGas](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cookingwithgas/32/485_2.png) [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2017, 5:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cool-gadgets-or-tools-you-use-that-have-a-very-specific-purpose/793369/24 "2017-08-15T17:33:15Z")
I just got a [watch case opener wrench](https://www.google.com/search?q=watch+wrench&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwicn7T_4dnVAhUL2IMKHTHeCy8Q_AUICygC&biw=1600&bih=808) so I can change my own watch batteries (I have several watches). It has three adjustable attach points that will fit any notched watch back. ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2017, 7:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cool-gadgets-or-tools-you-use-that-have-a-very-specific-purpose/793369/25 "2017-08-15T19:11:57Z")
And I just realized that the OP was asking for tools we actually use, and I’ve never used the one I mentioned. So I’ll offer another, which I don’t own but have used: [A tool for separating stuck Lego pieces](https://shop.lego.com/en-US/Brick-Separator-630). ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2017, 8:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cool-gadgets-or-tools-you-use-that-have-a-very-specific-purpose/793369/26 "2017-08-15T20:06:17Z")
> [@xizor](#): > > [This](https://www.amazon.com/WAAO-Stainless-Pineapple-Peeler-Remover/dp/B06X3VSSSZ) tool only cores pineapples, but it is very fun to use and the only way to eat fresh pineapple \*Tres \*cool. How well does it work? I enjoy pineapple a bunch but the hassle of disassembling one means I usually buy it pre-chunked. But only when there’s a super sale because otherwise the mark-up on chunks over whole fruit is horrifying :eek:. A pineapple tool that wasn’t a gimmick that was robust enough to use every day would get a \*lot \*of mileage at my place. Is this tool all that? ---
**Author:** ![Fluffy\_PickleSniffer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/77aa72/32.png) [@Fluffy\_PickleSniffer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fluffy_PickleSniffer)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2017, 8:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cool-gadgets-or-tools-you-use-that-have-a-very-specific-purpose/793369/27 "2017-08-15T20:16:52Z")
I have a lefse stick, very similar to [this one](https://www.amazon.com/Bethany-Housewares-Lefse-Turning-Stick/dp/B000LNVBFE/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_79_lp_img_3?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=XTP575VED4E3H27HWDZ3) but I don’t use it for turning lefse (I prefer a spatula). I use it as my toy fetching stick. It’s a perfect size for reaching underneath the low-bottom sofa to get the cats’ toys back out again. That is its only purpose in life - to fetch the cats’ toys. ---
**Author:** ![minor7flat5](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/minor7flat5/32/258_2.png) [@minor7flat5](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/minor7flat5)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2017, 1:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cool-gadgets-or-tools-you-use-that-have-a-very-specific-purpose/793369/28 "2017-08-16T01:54:16Z")
> [@Chronos](#): > > And I just realized that the OP was asking for tools we actually use, and I’ve never used the one I mentioned. So I’ll offer another, which I don’t own but have used: [A tool for separating stuck Lego pieces](https://shop.lego.com/en-US/Brick-Separator-630). Wow! I have held those in my hand before without having a clue what they were for–it looks like yet one more specialized part for a spaceship or something. It’s what happens when the house is full of kids who are into Lego. ---
**Author:** ![Fir\_na\_tine](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/a587f6/32.png) [@Fir\_na\_tine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fir_na_tine)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2017, 3:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cool-gadgets-or-tools-you-use-that-have-a-very-specific-purpose/793369/29 "2017-08-16T15:15:40Z")
If you ever need to drive lots of old fashioned common slotted screws, you need one of these, [Drive common slotted screws with drill or hand brace](http://www.autotoolworld.com/search_results.html?k=apex+finder+) Doing museum restoration work we must use slotted screws and some jobs call for hundreds. Driving with brace and bit is so much easier on the forearms! Can be done with a power drill but you run the risk of too much torque and snapping screws. ---
**Author:** ![Barbarian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e19adc/32.png) [@Barbarian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Barbarian)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2017, 4:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cool-gadgets-or-tools-you-use-that-have-a-very-specific-purpose/793369/30 "2017-08-16T16:47:10Z")
Anyone who rides motorcycles probably has a grunge brush, so you can reach three sides of a chain at once. [The Grunge Brush - RevZilla](https://www.revzilla.com/product/the-grunge-brush) ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2017, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cool-gadgets-or-tools-you-use-that-have-a-very-specific-purpose/793369/31 "2017-08-16T16:58:13Z")
Yeah, I’d seen those Lego things for a long time before knowing what they were for, too. Though I will say that they’re also very good for getting underneath enemy battlebots for flipping them. ---
**Author:** ![amaguri](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/49beb7/32.png) [@amaguri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/amaguri)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2017, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cool-gadgets-or-tools-you-use-that-have-a-very-specific-purpose/793369/32 "2017-08-16T17:52:40Z")
> [@Max\_Torque](#): > > How about a [book weight](http://a.co/4l0hYP6), which I bought for myself last year, monogrammed no less? Two lead slugs sewed into a length of leather, to hold your book open. It never occurred to me that something like this even existed-- and I suppose now with all the eReaders out there it’s even less relevant-- but I just ordered one thanks to this thread 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2017, 8:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cool-gadgets-or-tools-you-use-that-have-a-very-specific-purpose/793369/33 "2017-08-16T20:52:34Z")
The other sort is a cloth tube about afoot long and ~3/8 in diameter filled with sand or fine lead shot. It sorta drapes itself over the book. It’ll also sit in the gutter of an open book and help hold it open. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2017, 9:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cool-gadgets-or-tools-you-use-that-have-a-very-specific-purpose/793369/34 "2017-08-16T21:16:50Z")
[Impact driver](https://www.amazon.com/TEKTON-2905-8-Inch-Manual-7-Piece/dp/B000NPPATS/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1502918065&sr=8-3&keywords=Hammer+driver) The best way I’ve found to loosen stuck machine screws. Only use it every couple of years, but it’s a life saver. ---
**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2017, 9:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cool-gadgets-or-tools-you-use-that-have-a-very-specific-purpose/793369/35 "2017-08-16T21:20:42Z")
> [@Barbarian](#): > > Anyone who rides motorcycles probably has a grunge brush, so you can reach three sides of a chain at once. [The Grunge Brush - RevZilla](https://www.revzilla.com/product/the-grunge-brush) I leave the grunge on the chain. Those brushes can damage the O-rings. ---
**Author:** ![xizor](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/xizor/32/102_2.png) [@xizor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/xizor)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2017, 10:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cool-gadgets-or-tools-you-use-that-have-a-very-specific-purpose/793369/36 "2017-08-16T22:26:54Z")
> [@LSLGuy](#): > > \*Tres \*cool. How well does it work? > > I enjoy pineapple a bunch but the hassle of disassembling one means I usually buy it pre-chunked. But only when there’s a super sale because otherwise the mark-up on chunks over whole fruit is horrifying :eek:. > > A pineapple tool that wasn’t a gimmick that was robust enough to use every day would get a \*lot \*of mileage at my place. Is this tool all that? It works great if you get the metal kind, I have seen plastic versions but won’t vouch for them. It is as simple as screwing it into the pineapple and pulling out the delicious rings. ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2017, 10:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cool-gadgets-or-tools-you-use-that-have-a-very-specific-purpose/793369/37 "2017-08-16T22:51:20Z")
A [bacon press](https://www.amazon.com/Norpro-8-75-Inch-Bacon-Press-Handle/dp/B0000DDVV9/ref=sr_1_4?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1502923775&sr=1-4&keywords=bacon+press). No snipping, no muttering, no cursing, no under-cooked bits. ---
**Author:** ![Ethilrist](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ethilrist/32/4604_2.png) [@Ethilrist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ethilrist)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2017, 11:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cool-gadgets-or-tools-you-use-that-have-a-very-specific-purpose/793369/38 "2017-08-16T23:22:30Z")
Where do you get round bacon? Aside from Canada. ---
**Author:** ![Baal\_Houtham](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/baal_houtham/32/13604_2.png) [@Baal\_Houtham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baal_Houtham)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2017, 1:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cool-gadgets-or-tools-you-use-that-have-a-very-specific-purpose/793369/39 "2017-08-17T01:42:51Z")
> [@Chronos](#): > > I have a gadget that’s built specifically for rubbing sheets of applique letters to transfer them onto a surface. I had to [ask here on the Dope](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=719549) when I found it, just to figure out what it was. A dead ballpoint pen works just as well, and so that’s what most people use, but apparently my dad thought that he needed a tool just for that, and so he got one, and so now I have one. That brings back memories. Before the times of computerized graphic design you would show the client a rough design done with felt markers … or a tight design where the headlines were spelled out with “rub down” type and the body text was “greeked in” with rub down “lorem ipsum” type. There were dozens, maybe hundreds, of different fonts available in black, and a smaller selection of white. I welcomed the arrival of computer design. In the thread you linked to, you asked about the flat plastic end of the burnisher. Generally that was used to give the finished design a final burnishing. The sheets of rub down type came with a silicone-impregnated backing sheet (like cooking parchment) that kept the letters from collecting dust and from sticking together. After you had spent 20 minutes rubbing down a headline, you’d lay the silicone sheet down, and rub out any bubbles, and get everything down tight. The adjustable tension feature on the flat plastic end was mostly for marketing, rather than function. Overkill – rather like this explanation. ---
**Author:** ![racer72](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/racer72/32/3075_2.png) [@racer72](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/racer72)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2017, 3:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cool-gadgets-or-tools-you-use-that-have-a-very-specific-purpose/793369/40 "2017-08-17T15:03:14Z")
Got me a set of [123 blocks](https://www.amazon.com/BL-123-Precision-Steel-1-2-3-Blocks/dp/B00092CJC6) a year ago. They have been a great addition to my wood working tool box. They are great for making sure tools are square, drilling holes straight and I used them to build some precision miter boxes for baseboard installation. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cool-gadgets-or-tools-you-use-that-have-a-very-specific-purpose/793369.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cool-gadgets-or-tools-you-use-that-have-a-very-specific-purpose/793369.md?page=3)