# 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:** 3
**Author:** ![GaryM](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/garym/32/241_2.png) [@GaryM](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GaryM)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2017, 4:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cool-gadgets-or-tools-you-use-that-have-a-very-specific-purpose/793369/41 "2017-08-17T16:01:33Z")
I’m an ammunition reloader, got to recycle you know, and I’ve got gauages for each caliber. A reloaded round should drop in and not stick out the bottom. The cases base should fall between the two machined steps on the gauage. Lyman Reloading 308 Win Case Length/Headspace Gauge [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002RJURSM/ref=cm\_sw\_r\_cp\_apa\_a3BLzbT1CT546](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002RJURSM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_a3BLzbT1CT546) ---
**Author:** ![Snowboarder\_Bo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowboarder_bo/32/229_2.png) [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2017, 4:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cool-gadgets-or-tools-you-use-that-have-a-very-specific-purpose/793369/42 "2017-08-17T16:05:44Z")
> [@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 I have one of those too! ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2017, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cool-gadgets-or-tools-you-use-that-have-a-very-specific-purpose/793369/43 "2017-08-17T17:00:12Z")
I have found that [an endocervical brush](https://www.usamedicalsurgical.com/cytology-brush/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIj_LC897e1QIVAw1pCh3h3gdKEAQYBCABEgJnePD_BwE) makes a pretty good tool for cross-pollinating gesneriads. ---
**Author:** ![GusNSpot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gusnspot/32/436_2.png) [@GusNSpot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GusNSpot)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2017, 5:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cool-gadgets-or-tools-you-use-that-have-a-very-specific-purpose/793369/44 "2017-08-17T17:56:05Z")
> [@UncleRojelio](#): > > I’ve have the premium version of one of those in my tool box for 30 years. I think I’ve used it twice. I have one also and I use it now more than when I was around airplanes. Motorcycles Wire repair as I use a lot of baling wire for seasonal things. ---
**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 17, 2017, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cool-gadgets-or-tools-you-use-that-have-a-very-specific-purpose/793369/45 "2017-08-17T18:43:13Z")
> [@Ethilrist](#): > > Where do you get round bacon? > > Aside from Canada. Am I being whooshed? ---
**Author:** ![Spiderman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spiderman/32/230_2.png) [@Spiderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiderman)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2017, 8:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cool-gadgets-or-tools-you-use-that-have-a-very-specific-purpose/793369/46 "2017-08-17T20:01:48Z")
I doubt anyone has a [cooler](https://www.hamiltonbeach.com/drinkmaster-chrome-classic-730c) appliance than one designed to make milkshakes. Numerous bike cleaning & repair tools, including a [snowflake](http://bikebarn.com/brands/cycleops-power-tap-ig213/riser-block-976.htm). (In days of olde, one could use something called a “phonebook”.) Custom designed &/or built camera mounts to get aerial shots. ---
**Author:** ![purplehearingaid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/7bcc69/32.png) [@purplehearingaid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehearingaid)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2017, 8:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cool-gadgets-or-tools-you-use-that-have-a-very-specific-purpose/793369/47 "2017-08-17T20:04:26Z")
Does a hearing aid count ? ---
**Author:** ![CoffinMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/b9bd4f/32.png) [@CoffinMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CoffinMan)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2017, 8:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cool-gadgets-or-tools-you-use-that-have-a-very-specific-purpose/793369/48 "2017-08-17T20:07:59Z")
> [@Max\_Torque](#): > > Two lead slugs sewed into a length of leather, to hold your book open. Looks like those could be also used effectively as a sap or blackjack. ---
**Author:** ![scr4](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/59ef9b/32.png) [@scr4](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scr4)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2017, 8:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cool-gadgets-or-tools-you-use-that-have-a-very-specific-purpose/793369/49 "2017-08-17T20:48:11Z")
Bicycles require a surprising number of specialty tools. Removing the cranks, removing the cassette from rear wheel, tightening the wheel spokes, etc. It seems each set of bearings (steering, cranks, wheels) requires a different specialty tool to remove and install. Actually several tools each, because there are multiple different standards for each. But my favorite is the derailleur hanger alignment tool. The “derailleur hanger” is the bit of the frame that sticks down below the rear axle, where the rear derailleur attaches to. If that’s bent out of shape, no amount of derailleur adjustment can make the bike shift smoothly. It’s a simple task with this tool, but almost impossible to do correctly without this tool. ---
**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 17, 2017, 9:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cool-gadgets-or-tools-you-use-that-have-a-very-specific-purpose/793369/50 "2017-08-17T21:20:35Z")
> [@racer72](#): > > 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. Great for when your woodworking requires precision to the ten-thousandth of an inch, yes? 😃 You are right though, a pair of 123 blocks is amazingly versatile–one of those tools that doesn’t have a specific purpose, but comes in so handy. ---
**Author:** ![Kropotkin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kropotkin/32/18045_2.png) [@Kropotkin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kropotkin)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2017, 9:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cool-gadgets-or-tools-you-use-that-have-a-very-specific-purpose/793369/51 "2017-08-17T21:23:10Z")
Bone folder for putting a sharp crease in folded paper. It’s actually made of plastic, but they are still called bone folders. The back of a toothbrush or comb works just as well, but this is cooler. 🆒 maybe not cool, but cooler. ---
**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 17, 2017, 9:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cool-gadgets-or-tools-you-use-that-have-a-very-specific-purpose/793369/52 "2017-08-17T21:26:25Z")
> [@Kropotkin](#): > > Bone folder for putting a sharp crease in folded paper. It’s actually made of plastic, but they are still called bone folders. The back of a toothbrush or comb works just as well, but this is cooler. 🆒 maybe not cool, but cooler. I want one of those! I see them being used on “How It’s Made” for things like custom book binding and high end wallet production. It looks like a plenty useful gadget for its niche. ---
**Author:** ![Caractacus\_Pott](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e19b73/32.png) [@Caractacus\_Pott](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Caractacus_Pott)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2017, 2:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cool-gadgets-or-tools-you-use-that-have-a-very-specific-purpose/793369/53 "2017-08-18T02:25:55Z")
For someone who isn’t very handy in the kitchen, I have a few very specific tools. How about: [ul] [li][Radish rosette maker](http://westmark.de/produktkatalog/en/garnishing-decorating/radishrose-cutter-decoretto-51202260.html)[/li][li][Cherry pitter](http://westmark.de/produktkatalog/en/stoning-preserving/cherry-stoner-kernex-40002260.html)[/li][li][Plum pitter](http://westmark.de/produktkatalog/en/stoning-preserving/plum-stoner-steinex-40102260.html)[/li][/ul]All are made from German cast aluminum with stainless steel where needed. They’re going to outlive me. ---
**Author:** ![JHBoom](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/13edae/32.png) [@JHBoom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JHBoom)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2017, 2:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cool-gadgets-or-tools-you-use-that-have-a-very-specific-purpose/793369/54 "2017-08-18T02:42:50Z")
[DMC Safe-T Cable](https://www.dmctools.com/Products/safe-t-cable.html); replaces traditional safetywire. It’s ok, but I can usually do 3-4 traditional safeties in the time it takes to walk to the toolroom, get the DMC kit, check the calibration date, and drag it back to the aircraft I’m working on. It’s also \*very \*expensive. [Cable tensiometer](https://www.usatco.com/item/TYPE%2BT5%2BAIRCRAFT%2BCAB/Type-T5-Aircraft-Cable-Tensiometers/); used with a calibrated thermometer to check the tension of flight control cables. [Propeller protractor](https://www.usatco.com/item/PROPELLER+PROTRACTOR/Propeller-Protractor/); used to determine propeller and rotor blade angles, relative to a fixed reference plane somewhere on the aircraft (usually the prop hub or rotor head). [Composite tap hammer](https://www.abaris.com/product/tap-hammer/); used to “tap test” composite structures to detect delamination and debonding. You haven’t lived until you’ve tap-tested every square inch of a 25ft long, 24in wide [S-92 main rotor blade](http://www.cna.nl.ca/news/press_rel_pics/news_full_212017103151946.jpg)\*… upper and lower surfaces… four times. I could go on, as aviation maintenance is quite literally full of single-purpose specialty tooling, but this is a good representation of things I use often (and in the case of the tap hammer, I actually own one). - Photo is to illustrate scale; I’m not in it or affiliated with it. Here’s a link to the [backstory](http://www.cna.nl.ca/News/News-Article.aspx?MessageID=1112&newstype=REG). ---
**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 18, 2017, 9:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cool-gadgets-or-tools-you-use-that-have-a-very-specific-purpose/793369/55 "2017-08-18T21:04:21Z")
> [@Spiderman](#): > > I doubt anyone has a [cooler](https://www.hamiltonbeach.com/drinkmaster-chrome-classic-730c) appliance than one designed to make milkshakes. I’ve got an original one! The base is Sea-Foam green. ---
**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 19, 2017, 8:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cool-gadgets-or-tools-you-use-that-have-a-very-specific-purpose/793369/56 "2017-08-19T20:30:19Z")
> [@Chefguy](#): > > Am I being whooshed? Well, the press looks like it’s only wide enough to hold down a couple pieces of bacon without them still sticking out on the side. Now, if you had a [rectangular press](https://www.amazon.com/Norpro-8-75-Inch-Bacon-Press-Handle/dp/B0000DDVV9) to be used in a [square pan](http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/253097469790?chn=ps&dispItem=1), that’d make more sense to me. That, or, Canadian Bacon is round… ---
**Author:** ![casdave](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/c6cbf5/32.png) [@casdave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/casdave)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2017, 1:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cool-gadgets-or-tools-you-use-that-have-a-very-specific-purpose/793369/57 "2017-08-20T13:19:55Z")
Q-Max cutter, makes holed in thin sheet plate, especially used for making clean holes into terminal boxes or conduit entry points - far better than a holesaw. > **[Guide to Using a Q-Max Cutter](https://www.angelhomebrew.co.uk/en/content/13-using-q-max-cutter)** > > Guide and short video showing using a Q-Max cutter Fibreglass abrasive pen, used for contactor maintenance - you basically scour the dendrites that form on electric switchgear - stops them getting too rough and either welding or burning out. [https://www.maplin.co.uk/p/abrasive-fibreglass-pencil-kr61r](https://www.maplin.co.uk/p/abrasive-fibreglass-pencil-kr61r) Here is something that older dopers might want - get off my lawn you young whippersnappers! > **[Levelling Lute | Specialist Greenkeeper Tools](https://www.fairwayproductsonline.co.uk/specialist-greenkeeper-tools/levelling-lute)** > > A general purpose heavy duty levelling lute, 24" wide. Suitable for most fine turf areas and preparation sites. Flat side generally used for levelling and ---
**Author:** ![GaryM](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/garym/32/241_2.png) [@GaryM](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GaryM)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2017, 3:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cool-gadgets-or-tools-you-use-that-have-a-very-specific-purpose/793369/58 "2017-08-20T15:10:52Z")
[quote=“casdave, post:57, topic:793369”] Q-Max cutter, makes holed in thin sheet plate, especially used for making clean holes into terminal boxes or conduit entry points - far better than a holesaw. > **[Guide to Using a Q-Max Cutter](https://www.angelhomebrew.co.uk/en/content/13-using-q-max-cutter)** > > Guide and short video showing using a Q-Max cutter [Quote/] Here in the US I’ve always know them as Greenlee punches. Available in various sizes and shapes. ---
**Author:** ![Bookkeeper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bookkeeper/32/281_2.png) [@Bookkeeper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bookkeeper)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2017, 10:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cool-gadgets-or-tools-you-use-that-have-a-very-specific-purpose/793369/59 "2017-08-21T22:03:33Z")
I have a number of specialized tools for scale modellers: A [hex punch & die set](http://rptoolz.unas.hu/en/spd/RP-HPD/Hexagonal-Punch-and-die), for punching scale bolt heads from thin plastic sheet. Most recently used to add 168 track pin heads to a set of military vehicle track pads. A [photo-etch bending tool](http://rptoolz.unas.hu/en/spd/PIR-135/135-mm-long-PIRANHA-PE-Tool#page_artdet_tabs), for precision bending and forming of photo-etched scale model detail parts. And one I haven’t used yet, a [leaf punch set](http://rptoolz.unas.hu/en/spd/RP-LEFS/Leaf-maker-set), for making realistic leaves to add to model bases, dioramas, or [improvised camouflage](http://panzers2.tripod.com/panzer50.jpg). ---
**Author:** ![mixdenny](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mixdenny/32/2962_2.png) [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2017, 10:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cool-gadgets-or-tools-you-use-that-have-a-very-specific-purpose/793369/60 "2017-08-21T22:54:23Z")
> [@Barbarian](#): > > THANK YOU! > > As I [pitted yesterday](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=20411792&postcount=146) I have to fix the vinyl siding - and probably the wood panel behind it - on my shed. > > I was planning to remove every piece of siding, but this will make my life much easier. > > Thank you! If you are doing the whole wall, you don’t really need this tool. Just pull the nails and pop each piece down. The tool is for loosening one panel in the middle of the wall. Dennis [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cool-gadgets-or-tools-you-use-that-have-a-very-specific-purpose/793369.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cool-gadgets-or-tools-you-use-that-have-a-very-specific-purpose/793369.md?page=4)