Toolgasm » Home/Kitchen

Gator Grip Socket

admin — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 00:17:03 +0000

I love it when something you see on an infomercial actually works. The Gator Grip Socket would be one of those things. Its a goto piece for almost any socket like job. I have moved, and have had to leave my workshop behind temporarily. I now have limited space and had to grab just the necessities from my shop, and the Gator Grip was my socket. It will get a grip on just about anything, most impressive, and useful, is its ability to handle those little eyelet screws. It comes with a drill adapter, so hanging plants and such are a breeze. I was very skeptical at first as to its durability, but it has proven very hardy, and I haven’t seen any signs of failure, even on some very hard rusted bolt removals.

There is no substitute for having the exact right socket for a particular bolt. If your on a budget though, have limited space, or just some odd shaped things you need to grip, then this is the choice for you. Its a one tool to rule them all type of thing.

[tags]ratchet,socket,gator grip[/tags]

Cast Iron Skillet

admin — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 21:10:22 +0000

You have one don’t you? If not, you have no idea what you are missing. They can be picked up pre-seasoned for prices that are lower than your ordinary cooking skillet. Some of the best meals I have made come out of mine (not that I’m much of a cook), and you don’t wash it! Not in the traditional sense anyway. Soap will remove the protective seasoned coating, and leaving it in water will make it rust. So just a good scrub with plain water and some scotch bright will do the job. Just make sure you dry it VERY good. They go in the oven no problem, and can get red hot (for searing steaks as an example) without causing any damage what so ever.

Now I wouldn’t suggest backpacking with one, but if you are planning on doing some car-camping, then it’s ideal. Stack up some some rocks over a fire and you’re good. You can’t beat steak over a fire, and the morning eggs……..yum. I’m doing just that this coming weekend too, so think about me when your stuck in your kitchen.

[tags]cast iron, skillet[/tags]

The U25 House Water Filter

admin — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 22:04:10 +0000

This is on my “I have to get very damn quick” list. I always found those individual faucet filters, and the pitchers you have to fill a little silly. I like walking up to the sink, any sink, and getting a glass of water, and I don’t want it to take 30 seconds to fill my glass. At this price point, I just cant imagine not having all the water in the house filtered. Not only is the intial system inexpensive, the refill filters are too, and they last up to 3 months depending on your water usage.

This is just a sediment filter, it wont soften water, but from the reviews I have read, it apears to do a great job. The build quality might leave a little to be desired though. there seem to be some issues with changing the filter, and getting it all back together withought leaking. Overall though, it doesnt seem to be a widespread problem (quality control issue maybe?) so Im going to stick with the go get one call, at least you wont be out much if you get a bad one.

[tags]water filter[/tags]

George Foreman Indoor/Outdoor Grill

admin — Sun, 10 Jun 2007 05:36:03 +0000

I live in a 2nd story condo, and I like steak. So of course I need a grill. I bought one of these more than 2 years ago, and I got such a good deal on it that I bought it 6 months before I even moved into my new condo. Almost every meal cooked at my place has at least part of it cooked on Mr. Foreman’s retirement plan. It grills great, you even get the cool burn lines in your meat, and it gets plenty hot to cook anything that you would on a gas or charcoal grill. I can hear all the charcoal and gas fans screaming from here, but I can honestly say, given the choice of using one of the normal grills out on the deck, or doing the job right in the kitchen, the Foreman is gonna win.

Clean up is a breeze too, the cooking surface comes right off and straight into the sink. Its non stick covering sheds cooked on goop with a quick scrub. It might be nasty, but I have this superstition about cleaning the lid , or what has come to be known as the “flavor dome”. I just feel it makes things taste better if you don’t clean it, or I could just be lazy. I have to reiterate how lost I would be without this thing, it truly is the most valued thing in my kitchen.

Smart Strip

admin — Wed, 30 May 2007 03:53:50 +0000

Sometimes things just make you wonder “what took them so long?”. This is one of those products that made me think that. You plug your main component into the designated slot, and when the component (ie. your computer) is turned off, all the peripherals turn of with it. In an age where energy consumption is becoming more and more of an issue, this seems like a no brain-er for what is a good surge protector to boot. There are other people who agree with me at

Tree Hugger

[tags]power strip, surge protector[/tags]

NexTrend Garlic Twist

admin — Tue, 29 May 2007 18:31:25 +0000

In my opinion Fresh Garlic should go into just about everything, and this little tool makes it as easy and clean to do just that. An essential kitchen tool, the garlic twist makes a messy job effortless. It’s made entirely out of hard plastic, so after placing entire cloves inside to peel and mince (a rewarding sight) it rinses right off, but don’t take my word for it. Hear what some other people have to say about it over at

Cool Tools

[tags]garlic, mince[/tags]