Toolbox: Handy Hand Tools

Good tools don’t need to be complex or expensive — sometimes the best tools are those inexpensive ones that just make your life a little easier. And sometimes good tool innovations are the result of a tradesperson realizing, “There has to be a better way,” and inventing it. Here are three tools designed by creative individuals who recognized a common problem and came up with an innovative solution. I haven’t spent much time with these tools, but even a cursory look tells me they’d all be welcome in my toolbox. Multi-Purpose Ruler The RascalRule was invented by a former miner who needed to measure angles, slopes, and dimensions quickly and accurately under difficult conditions. One leg of this durable