Gallery: Toolbox Upgrades: 5 Wired Workshop Essentials
01tools
Even in the most well-stocked workshop, there's always room for improvement. Each of these gadgets offers a new twist on a common task.
02rockwell-trans4mer
Rockwell Trans4mer ------------------ The Trans4mer is fast—2,200-strokes-per-minute fast—with a pivoting head that allows it to be used as both a reciprocating saw and a jigsaw. The 2.6-pound unit is nimble, too. We cut 3-inch-radius circles in 1.5-inch-thick pine and never had the blade stick. __WIRED__ Integrated LED light for accuracy in dark spots. __TIRED__ Jigsaw's metal base can scratch wood. $250 | [Rockwell Trans4mer](http://www.amazon.com/Rockwell-RK2516K-Trans4mer-Recip-Style-Lithium/dp/B0058PBVQY)
03wiss-auto-retracting-utility-knife
Wiss Auto-Retracting Utility Knife ---------------------------------- No more reminding yourself to stow the blade on your box cutter. This one retracts as soon as it loses contact with whatever it's cutting. Just slide it out and start slicing. If you drop the knife, internal springs will sheathe the blade before it hits the ground. __WIRED__ Works with standard replacement blades. Grippy rubber handle. __TIRED__ Can't override the retraction. $8 | [Wiss Auto-Retracting Utility Knife](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7DDz3D8SiY)
04etymotic-hd-15-electronic-earplugs
Etymotic HD-15 Electronic Earplugs ---------------------------------- Under normal conditions, the HD-15s relay sound almost as clearly as if you were plugless. But when constant noise exceeds 85 decibels (think: shop vac), integrated chips mute it by 15 db. __WIRED__ Softens loud impact noise. 5X sound amplification mode. Five tip shapes. __TIRED__ No power switch; have to open battery lid to turn off. Expensive. $500| [Etymotic HD-15 Electronic Earplugs](http://www.etymotic.com/hp/hd15.html)
05dewalt-dcf895c2-impact-driver
DeWalt DCF895C2 Impact Driver ----------------------------- Impact drivers have a small spring-loaded hammer behind the spinning bit to add extra muscle to your drilling. We drove a 3-inch screw into 4-inch-thick white oak in three seconds. __WIRED__ The two bundled Li-ion batteries will last you all day. __TIRED__ You'll need the Etymotic HD-15s; this thing is loud. No bits included. $279 | [DeWalt DCF895C2 Impact Driver](http://dewalt.com/tools/cordless-impact-driverswrenches-drivers--wrenches-dcf895c2.aspx)
06black-decker-all-in-one-laser-level
Black & Decker All-in-One Laser Level ------------------------------------- The All-in-One makes working solo easier: When it hits level, a light on the unit turns from red to green. If you're working on something bulky and can't see your progress—like the fridge we evened out—a buzzer sounds when you're squared up. __WIRED__ Laser visible in direct sun. __TIRED__ Suction-cup mounts don't hold on drywall. Laser shoots from only one side. $30 | [Black & Decker All-in-One Laser Level](http://www.blackanddecker.com/power-tools/BDL100AV.aspx)
