These highly rated noise cancelling bluetooth headphones are normally but if you use code MPOW284A1 at checkout on Amazon, you can get them at a much lower price. They are USB chargeable and have a wired mode, too. Read the rest
I do most of my reading on a Kindle, but I also read a lot of print books, and I need a way to read them without disturbing Carla when I routinely wake up in the middle of the night. I use a small clip-on reading light like this one. I don't have this particular model but it has good reviews on Amazon and is on sale for just Read the rest
I stay in hotels quite a bit, and these silicone putty earplugs are the best ones I've found for muffling noise. My ear canals don't work well with those cylindrical foam plugs. They leave an air gap. These silicone earplugs form a perfect seal, and they don't penetrate my ear canal at all. They are the only earplugs that feel comfortable for me. I've also found them useful when I use an air blower or an angle grinder. They cost for a 12-pack on Amazon. Read the rest
Amazon has a good sale going for this 20-pack of small succulent plants: . That's currently cheaper than the 15-pack. Read the rest
Use code CT4HKL7Z to get this 4-pack of MFi certified lightning cables for a fraction of the usual price. The set includes one 3ft cord, two 6ft cords, and one 10ft cord. Read the rest
These silicone gloves are good for handling meat and vegetables on a barbecue but they excel at letting me tear apart a hot roasted chicken without burning my fingers, which is the main reason I use mine. Use code JSSLT8IG for a discount at checkout. Read the rest
We have a new newsletter at Cool Tools called "What's in my bag?" Each week, one interesting person shares four favorite things in their bag. This issue's interesting person is Lenore Edman, co-founder of Evil Mad Scientist Laboratories.
Maldon Sea Salt Flakes Pinch Tin Flake salt gives more flavor because of the huge surface area, and it has a pleasant crunch as well. It’s great on anything you would sprinkle salt on like tomatoes, cucumbers, home fries and more. I use this when I’m cooking in someone else’s kitchen, at work, or when I’m picnicking. I refill it from the larger salt cellar we keep at home.
USB Flash Drive I’ve had this Keroppi flash drive in my bag for nearly forever. You never know when you’re going to need to move a file from one computer to another. This one hasn’t gotten lost because it’s distinctive.
Etymotic High Fidelity Earplugs These come in a package that doesn’t take up much space or get crushed in my bag. I use them for concerts or events and they’re always on hand for when there are unexpectedly loud things happening.
UV keychain flashlight I have this on my keychain because there are so many interesting things that fluoresce under UV. Rocks, creatures, inks, paints, chemicals, and even my hair dye.
About the bag My bag is from Modcloth and has just enough useful pockets (3 inside and 1 outer pocket) and plenty of room in the main compartment for laptop and more. Read the rest
Once a year or so I replace our dishtowels with a new set. I learned today that Amazon has a good deal on a 24-pack of 15 x 25 inch cotton towels: . I ordered them. When they arrive the old ones will become cleaning and shop rags. Read the rest
The Aukey Dual USB Wall Charger is available at a very low price when you use code YIAZF27X. Read the rest
I like this mesh steel Apple watch band mainly because it is not tiny belt. The magnetic latch makes it easy to wear and remove the watch from my wrist. It is infinitely adjustable, so I have the perfect fit rather than being a the mercy of the hole spacing. I think it looks great, and it's just on Amazon. I've had mine for over a year now and I wouldn't want any other kind of band.
When Tod Kurt of ThingM recommended these reversible Micro USB cables, I bought a 3-pack on Amazon for . They really do work. Both the USB male plug and the micro plug can be inserted without regard to the orientation, like a USB C plug. There is no "right side up."
Why aren't all USB cables made this way? Read the rest
Over at my other website, Cool Tools, we just posted a new video produced and hosted by my old MAKE colleague, Sean Michael Ragan, about steel rules. I had my doubts that a 10-minute video comparing 6-inch precision steel rules would hold my interest, but it did! Sean looks at rules under a microscope and points out the differences between three brands of rule. I would have thought the cheap General tools rule would be about as good as the Starrett that costs four times as much, but Sean's video convinced me that it really is worth spending the extra money for the Starrett.
Tools (Recommended):Starrett C604RE-6 6" Rigid, US Units (4R - 1/64", 1/32", 1/16", 1/8")Starrett C636EM-6 6" Rigid, US/Metric (36 - 1/32", 0.5mm, 1/64", 1mm)General Tools 676 6" Rigid, US Units (4R - 1/64", 1/32", 1/16", 1/8")General Tools CF667ME 6" Rigid, US/Metric (31 - 1/32", 1/64", 0.5mm, 1mm)
Related tools mentioned:PEC Tools 402-006 6" Rigid, US Units (4R - 1/64", 1/32", 1/16", 1/8")Starrett C304SRE-6 6" Semi-Flexible, US Units (4R - 1/64", 1/32", 1/16", 1/8")Starrett C304R-6 6" Full Flexible, US Units (4R - 1/64", 1/32", 1/16", 1/8")General Tools 616 6" Flexible, US Units (4R - 1/64", 1/32", 1/16", 1/8")PEC 262-006EZ 6" Rigid, Black Chrome, US/Metric (31 - 1/32", 1/64", 0.5mm, 1mm)PEC 262-006TN Tools 6" Rigid, TiN, US/Metric (31 - 1/32", 1/64", 0.5mm, 1mm)
Image: YouTube/Cool Tools Read the rest
It's just black electrical tape, but it's made by 3M and a roll costs just on Amazon. It's temporarily out of stock but you can still buy it at this price and you'll get it when Amazon gets more. Read the rest
I have a Kano computer and they are a lot of fun, and actually can be used as an everyday computer, if you aren't looking for blazing speed. It comes with a wireless keyboard/trackpad, a Raspberry Pi 3 (with Wifi and Bluetooth built-in), speaker and amp, a microSD card with Kano's custom Linux OS, a case, and all the cables you need. The only thing it needs is an HDMI monitor. It comes with a lot of excellent custom software, including apps that teach you how to program in Python. Amazon is selling it for , which is less than you'll pay if you buy the components individually. Read the rest
Amazon's Fire TV Stick with Alexa Voice Remote is the media player we use. I even keep an extra set with me to use in hotels and Airbnbs. Amazon is selling it as a Prime Day deal at a very low price. Read the rest
This battery-powered (4 AA cells, included) adjustable work light is bright and has a clamp, making it a great option for people with fewer than three arms. The clamp even doubles as a stand, so you can put it on a floor or desk while you work on your project. Read the rest
Hardly a day goes by that I don't use my Instant Pot to make chili, curry, soup, or yogurt. I paid about $100, but right now this 6-quart model is just minus another $10 when you click the coupon button on Amazon's product page. Read the rest
