Standby power is getting more press lately, and a few companies out there want to sell you something to save you money — strange, they want you to give your money to them instead.

BUT! Fellow Toolmongers! Today for you we have something fan-tastic, practically for free, something that you can use, something that if you had to pay for it you would give real money for it!

Nah, really I just want to point out that putting your electronics on switches, and turning them off, is the easiest solution. But these resources may help you if you’re really into convenience, or measuring your specific situation.

As usual, Wikipedia provides some interesting information, including the fact that the government got on the bandwagon in 2001. You know it’s bad if the government is ahead of you in saving money! At least they’ve compiled lists of low-standby-power appliances, in case you want to take it into consideration when you go shopping.

Surge Protector With Remote [Belkin]
Standby Power [Wikipedia]
Appliance Database [LBL.gov]
Standby Power [Energy Star]

If you don’t know, ask. I ask lots of questions — because I don’t know everything — and my inquisitive nature recently led to a badass experience at the metal yard we frequent.

Last week I started chatting with the the gentleman working the counter at the steel yard. When I mentioned we were building a rig to break some tools, he told me the steel yard crew is really hard on their tools, so they’ve found a great supplier for big ticket items like magnetic drills. I immediately asked, “What’s a magnetic drill?,” and he rewarded my question with a delightful demonstration of the tool.

While we were talking I asked about a lion that was sitting in the front office, a design similar to Bob the Dinosaur. That question led to a tour of the shop, where I got to check out the CNC projects they’ve been working on, including some big steel bugs — clearly worth a few moment’s conversation in coolness alone.

These guys know their stuff and can help out with advice on what stock to buy and how to make it easier on the wallet. For instance, by asking a few questions, the Toolmonger crew found out long ago that a few lengths of 6″ flat bar can replace plate in some cases, and it’s cheaper.

So get out there and ask some questions — in addition to the answers you’re looking for, you might also find a few sweet surprises.

Photo posted on Flickr by Paul Goyette.

Toolmonger Photo Pool [Flickr]

When the proud day finally comes, and your son/daughter/mother/girlfriend loved one is finally moving out, what tools do they need? Whether you donate some of your extras or head off to the big box in search of a tool kit, you’ll have to decide which tools are the essentials for someone moving out on their own. From previous posts, we obviously all agree that they’ll need a knife, at least a utility knife — but what about wrenches, pliers, and other handy life-saving tools?

Let’s say you’re limited to what can fit in a small tool bag, like the size of an overnight bag, or an average-sized men’s boot. What critical tools go with your loved one, to get them through the shock of not being able to borrow yours? And which tools do you wish would fit in the boot? Let us know in comments.

Now that the holidays are over, ’tis the season to get organized! And to help you find a place for all those new (large) tools Santa brought, we’ve selected two great consumer models –  Rubbermaid’s and Gladiator’s — from all the many storage systems on the market to profile here on Toolmonger. Read on past the jump for photos and details.

Rubbermaid’s FastTrack System 

Rubbermaid’s FastTrack system, shown above, installs easily and reconfigures quickly. You can add on baskets and shelves and various hooks and holders. The FastTrack’s structural configuration draws heavily from Rubbermaid’s closet organization system, making the FastTrack perfect for those who want plenty of shelves.

Gladiator’s System

Gladiator’s system, shown above, resembles Rubbermaid’s in that it’s simple to install, and its accessories are easy to position and rearrange. Its “J”, “L”, and “loop” pegboard hooks attracted me to this system. Gladiator also offers repositionable wall-mountable cabinets, mobile drawer units, durable flooring, and even heavy duty appliances. The fact that they offer a heavy duty refrigerator shouldn’t be too surprising given that Gladiator is a daughter company of the Whirlpool corporation.

You can install both systems in most types of walls, but you may need to pick up the installation hardware for the Gladiator system while you’re at the store. Home Depot carries Rubbermaid’s system and the accessories. Both Lowe’s and Sears have the Gladiator system on sale this week.

If you know of other systems that are as good as or better than these, please share your opinions with us in comments, and photos in the flickr pool!

FastTrack Organization [Rubbermaid]
Garage Works [Gladiator]

In our families, pocket knives have represented “keepsake” gifts that last for generations. Some are intended for daily carry, some for special purposes, and some for collection, but all are appreciated and treasured.

We’ve taken a little time to round up some of our favorites this season to help you get started finding the one that’s perfect for your father, mother, brother, sister, or friend.  We broke down the products we researched into daily carry knives, multi-tools, large knives, and exclusives (collector knives) — and we marked some of our favorites with a distinct symbol.

At the end of the post we’ve also linked a downloadable and printable PDF of the ‘guide.

Case Mother of Pearl Lockback
As you probably already know, we love shiny things – and Case’s Mother of Pearl Lockback is shiny. While we wouldn’t want to carry it in the shop, we’d love this as a daily carry knife for the office. Its smallish form-factor (3” long, closed) makes it unobtrusive yet functional, and the mother of pearl covers make it a knife that’ll be handed down for generations.
Street Pricing: $100

Case 6.5 Bonestag Tiny Trapper
The Case 6.5 Bone Stag Tiny Trapper represents an excellent daily carry knife with a good-looking handle and useable blades. Closed, the knife is only 2-3/8” long, and the rounded corners slip cleanly in and out of pockets. Good form + good function = great knife.
Street Pricing: $40 

Buck Trapper
This is a solid everyday knife that’s at home in the shop or in your pocket for everyday use – a good entry into pocket knives.  Spey and Clip patterned blades will take care of most daily carry needs.
Street Pricing: $20

Buck Stockman
Much like the Trapper in concept, the Stockman adds a common drop-point blade.   
Street Pricing: $20 

Buck Nobleman
The Nobleman is a bit more contemporary in its design.  Featuring a slimline form factor and a frame-lock – as well as a thumb knob opening — it integrates modern features into a 3-3/4” classic look.
Street Pricing: $20

Buck Metro LED
A compact, ergonomically-shaped knife featuring a 5mm LED light, the Buck Metro LED also doubles as a keychain. (Just don’t bring it to the airport.) Its 1-1/4” blade is cradled by a 2-3/8” stainless steel sub-frame and a nylon handle. Batteries included.
Street Pricing: $25