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"Give ordinary people the right tools, and they will design and build the most extraordinary things"

-Neil Gershenfeld

Handy Tool Adviser

Your Adviser on Tools & Industrial Maintenance!

At Handy Tool Adviser, we strive to provide valuable information on power tools and hand tools for people who build stuff. We also talk about industrial maintenance management and philosophies.

Guides & Info

How to Test Outlet with Multimeter (or Clamp Meter) – 10 Steps 

We explain how to test outlet with multimeter (or clamp meter) in 10 simple steps elaborated with pictures.

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Explaining the Difference Between Milling and Welding 

We explain the difference between Milling and Welding - two manufacturing processes used for making stuff.

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Welding Skid Guide + Ideas for Pickup & Flatbed Truck 

Intro to welding skid with examples of custom made welding skids for pickup trucks & flatbeds. We also give important design considerations.

How do I choose an oscillating tool? – Complete Guide 

We discuss the most important factors in selection of oscillating tool and answer some FAQs along the way.

What should I look for when buying an electric chainsaw? 

We discuss the factors you should consider when choosing an electric chainsaw as well as answering some FAQs along the way.

A Guide on Choosing the right Impact Driver 

We discuss in detail the most important factors to consider when choosing an impact driver. Some Impact Driver FAQs are also discussed.

How do I choose a Brad Nailer? – The Complete Guide 

We discuss the important factors you must consider before making the final choice of buying a brad nailer.

How to Strip Wires with Wire Strippers? – A Brief Guide 

We explain how to use wire strippers to strip normal as well as 3 core flex wires. We also discuss if pliers can be used for the same job.

How to Choose the right Cordless Circular Saw? – Step by Step Guide 

We explain the factors that play the most important role in selection of the right cordless circular saw for your requirement.

What to look for in a Reciprocating Saw & Its Blades? | Buying Guide 

We discuss the important factors you should consider and understand when selecting a reciprocating saw or its blades.

Best Power Tool Brand | Ranking 18 Famous Brands 

We rank 18 manufacturers on history, innovation, popularity, product versatility & cost effectiveness to find the best power tool brand.

History of Power Tools – A Timeline of Innovation 

We look into the history of power tools industry to trace when the top brands were born and when important power tools were invented.

Brushless Motor Technology in Power Tools | Gimmick or Worth it? 

A detailed look into the use of brushless motor technology in power tools and comparison of tangible vs. theoretical advantages.

A Sample Torque Wrench Calibration Certificate

Torque Wrench Calibration | Why, When & How – Complete Guide 

We bring a complete guide on torque wrench calibration from the basic concept of calibration to calibration certificates, we explain it all.

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Remove Rust from Tools – from Ketchup & Coke to Ultrasonic Wave 

From home remedies like soaking in vinegar to industrial techniques like ultrasonic cleaning, we explain how to remove rust from tools & metallic parts.

Maintenance Management

Autonomous Maintenance (Jishu Hozen) – Simple Explanation 

Learn about Autonomous Maintenance - part of Total Productive Maintenance that empowers machine operators in basic maintenance tasks.

RAMS [Reliability, Availability, Maintainability, Safety / Supportability] – What is it? How It’s Done? & What’s its Purpose? 

Learn what is RAMS - acronym of Reliability, Availability, Maintainability & Safety/Supportability - in industrial maintenance.

The Intended Role of Maintenance Planner in Industry 

We explain what is the supposed role of Maintenance Planning Department in industry. We clear misconceptions and give do's and don'ts.

The 6 Types of Maintenance: Preventive, Reactive, Corrective, Predictive, Proactive & Reliability-Centered Maintenance – Simple Explanation 

Explaining 6 industrial maintenance types: Preventive, Reactive, Corrective, Predictive, Proactive and Reliability Centered Maintenance.

The Practical Aspects of P-F Curve and P-F Interval in Maintenance & Reliability 

Practical aspects of PF Curve and PF Interval in maintenance & reliability explained. Learn what's the most important question in PF interval?

Understanding ABC Classification of Inventory for Maintenance Spare Parts: Examples from Different Industries 

The practical application of ABC classification of inventory for maintenance spare parts with examples from different industries.

What is Inherent Availability in Maintenance & Reliability? – Clarifying Misconceptions & Addressing Knowledge Gaps 

We explain the concept of Inherent Reliability - A metric used in industrial maintenance and reliability management.

What is Achieved Availability in Maintenance & Reliability? – Intuitive Explanation with Example Calculation 

Intuitive explanation of Achieved Availability - Metric used in Industrial Maintenance & Reliability Management.

Layman Explanation of MTTR (Mean Time To Repair or Replace) 

Explaining in simple English the term Mean Time To Repair or Replace (MTTR) used in maintenance management.

MTBF & MTTF – Simple English Explanation 

We explain the terms Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) and Mean Time To Failure (MTTF) in simple and practical language.

Example Calculation of Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) – How to Calculate OEE? – Explained with Storytelling 

We give a detailed example of calculating Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) for HVAC equipment (in a story telling style).

The 8 Wastes of Lean Maintenance Management – Applying Lean Manufacturing (or Lean Production) Philosophy to Maintenance 

Explaining the 8 wastes of lean manufacturing (or lean production) philosophy that are applicable on maintenance management.

Total Effective Equipment Performance (TEEP) vs. Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) – The Difference Decoded 

Intuitive explanation of the difference between Total Effective Equipment Performance (TEEP) & Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).

Layman Explanation of Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) 

We explain in layman terms what is Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) - a metric maintenance teams aim to maximize in industry.

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How Much Maintenance Manpower Does an Efficient Plant Need? – Ratio of RAV to Craft-wage Headcount: A Useful Metric to Understand 

We explain a useful metric that is used by maintenance managers to determine efficiency of their maintenance workforce.

Power Tools Reviews

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The Best Spotlight for Long Distance – Top 12 Rankings 

To find the best spotlight for long distance, we rank 12 popular models while giving application-wise recommendations along the way.

WEN 6550 vs 6552 Benchtop Thickness Planer | Handy Tool Adviser 

We present WEN 6550 vs 6552 benchtop thickness planer comparison to find where each model has edge over the other.

Makita MAC5200 Review – Portable Air Compressor 

We present Makita MAC5200 Review to highlight pros and cons of this great value portable air compressor from Makita.

Hitachi C10FCG Product

Hitachi C10FCG Review – Compound Miter Saw for Homeowners & DIYers 

We present Hitachi C10FCG review highlighting the pros and cons to ascertain if this compound miter saw is worth the money.

Dewalt DWE7491RS vs Bosch 4100-09 Jobsite Table Saw 

We compare Dewalt DWE7491RS vs Bosch 4100-09 jobsite table saw to find pros and cons of each tool and ascertain the better option.

Best Oscillating Tool – Reviewing 15 Popular Models 

From Fein to Makita, we compare 15 popular models for finding the best oscillating tool based on common applications.

Best 20 Gallon Air Compressor – 10 Electric & 01 Gas Powered 

From Husky quiet portable air compressor to Dewalt DXCMPA198205420, we find the best 20 gallon air compressor.

The Best Chop Saw for Metal | Top 7 Rankings 

Are you looking for the best chop saw for the money? In this post, we compare 7 popular models to find the best chop saw for metal.

Best Band Saw: Top 5 Benchtop + Top 5 Portable Models 

We give our top recommendations for the best band saw for woodworking and metal cutting covering both benchtop and portable handheld models.

Best Track Saw | Top 08 Picks by Handy Tool Adviser 

From Festool, Makita and Dewalt to Shop Fox and WEN, we find the best track saw for carpentry including cabinet making, jointing & much more.

Best Electric Chainsaw | Ranking 18 Popular Models 

We review 18 popular models to find the best electric chainsaw - corded & cordless for uses from cutting firewood to overlanding and more.

Best Dremel Tool – Top 6 Picks + 4 Best Dremel Alternatives 

Dremel 8220 to Dremel 4300, we find the best dremel tool for your application from as well as the best rotary tool alternative to Dremel.

Best Impact Driver (1/4″) – Top 9 Rankings 

We research the market to bring you the best impact driver for mechanics, woodworking, construction, HVAC and DIY applications.

Best Angle Grinder 4.5″ Size | Top 5 Corded & Cordless Models 

In a hunt for the best angle grinder, we give our top 5 picks for corded as well as cordless models for varied applications.

Best Miter Saw Stand – Top 8 Picks + 1 Notable Mention 

Our top picks for the best miter saw stand for each of professional, DIY, heavy duty and light applications from Bosch and Dewalt to Toughbuilt and Bora.

Hand Tools Reviews

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Best Tap and Die Set – Top Picks for Mechanics, Machinists, Technicians and Home Use 

From Irwin to Gearwrench, we review popular packages to find the best tap and die set overall as well as the best budget and pro picks.

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Best Torque Wrench for the Money | Top 3 in 1/4″ & 3/8″ | Top 5 in 1/2″ Drive Size 

We find the best torque wrench for different applications as cost effective alternatives to the premium Matco & Snap on torque wrench.

Top 10 Best Wire Strippers | Handy Tool Adviser 

Our recommendations on the best wire strippers for electricians, electronics technicians, HVAC technicians, auto electricians, DIYers & homeowners.

Best Screw Extractor Sets | Application Based Top Picks 

We give you the top 2 picks for best screw and broken bolt extractor sets for occasional use and top 2 picks for professional use.