Modern tools even the Luddite thinks are better.

[bonneyman]

Rather than hijack another thread I thought I'd start my own on old vs. new tools.

I've been called an old fart, old crank, a luddite, a throwback, an old schooler, a stick in the mud - you name it. I used to defend myself and disagree, but then started looking at all the evidence and realized, yes, I am old fashioned about tools and things. But that doesn't mean I shun everything modern or hi-techie.

To that end I thought I'd list those tools or items that are (more) modern inventions that I agree are better in some way than the old way of doing things. Perhaps you guys can add some of your own thoughts.

Hex plus enhanced grip allen wrenches     https://www-de.wera.de/en/great-tools/hex-plus/
PIGS Form-A-Funnel     https://formafunnel.com/
LED flashlights and conversion bulbs
Jar Key jar opener    http://www.brixdesign.com/388/jarkey-jar-opener
Laundry soap Pods
EZ Trap condensate line trap   https://rectorseal.com/product/ez-trap-100-series/
Polyurethane linked fan belts   https://www.fennerdrives.com/product-lines/hpc-v-belts/
Synthetic motor oil (modern lubricants in general)
Line splitter electrical tester   https://www.homedepot.com/p/Klein-Tools-Line-Splitter-69409/206799961
Plug-In polarity circuit checker https://www.homedepot.com/p/Receptacle-Tester-400-029/206303234   
Self-Lighting propane torch attachment
Non-contact voltage (NCV) tester
Compact flourescent light bulbs
Reverse sweep fan blades  https://www.supplyhouse.com/Lau-6139940001-24-4-Blade-Cobra-Blade-Master-1-CCW-27-Pitch
Magnesium fire starter
Magnetic 6-point sockets
Ball-to-threaded shower head adaptor 
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Whedon-AS1C-American-Standard-Shower-Arm-Adapter/150622556?athcpid=150622556&athpgid=athenaItemPage&athcgid=null&athznid=PWVAV&athieid=v0&athstid=CS004&athguid=9bf6f201-007-1735e714fa55f0&athancid=null&athena=true

[hickory n Steel]

Good idea, I don't always know what to ask so here I can just listen

[slip knot]

Sawzall and cordless impact drivers were game changers for me. When they first came out I was skeptical. even had my first impact driver a year before I used it. No way will I be without either now. In fact I take 2 impact drivers out to a project, just in case the first one breaks.

[walrus]

Sawzall and cordless impact drivers were game changers for me. When they first came out I was skeptical. even had my first impact driver a year before I used it. No way will I be without either now. In fact I take 2 impact drivers out to a project, just in case the first one breaks.

Yup I agree, battery operated tools on a jobsite are game changers. I had 18v Drill, Sawzall and circular saw, 28v metal circular saw and 12 v impact and ratchet out of my truck most of the week. Never charged one battery. The ratchet rules doing strut clips. Metal saw, 3/4 rigid conduit and strut, cuts it all day long. Probably should charge some batteries this weekend for next week but gone are the days of corded tools for me when on the job. In fact I rarely use corded tools in shop.

[bonneyman]

Some other cute "new" gadgets.

Single serving salad dressing holder for lunches  https://www.amazon.com/Evriholder-Dressing-2-Go-Condiment-Containers-Salads/dp/B0076PNQNU
Craftsman Premium garden hose
Zoom Spout telescoping oilers   https://hvacpartstore.myshopify.com/products/do1-norvey-zoom-spout-oiler
RFID wallets
Programmable thermostats
Nickel "electroless" metal coating  https://wrightarmory.com/np3-metal-finishing/

[hickory n Steel]

Some other cute "new" gadgets.

Single serving salad dressing holder for lunches  https://www.amazon.com/Evriholder-Dressing-2-Go-Condiment-Containers-Salads/dp/B0076PNQNU
Craftsman Premium garden hose
Zoom Spout telescoping oilers   https://www.acehardware.com/departments/automotive-rv-and-marine/fluids-and-lubrication/lubricants/12054
RFID wallets
Programmable thermostats
Nickel "electroless" metal coatinghttps://wrightarmory.com/np3-metal-finishing/

That zoom oil with the long tube is great.

[bonneyman]

Some other cute "new" gadgets.

Single serving salad dressing holder for lunches  https://www.amazon.com/Evriholder-Dressing-2-Go-Condiment-Containers-Salads/dp/B0076PNQNU
Craftsman Premium garden hose
Zoom Spout telescoping oilers   https://www.acehardware.com/departments/automotive-rv-and-marine/fluids-and-lubrication/lubricants/12054
RFID wallets
Programmable thermostats
Nickel "electroless" metal coatinghttps://wrightarmory.com/np3-metal-finishing/

That zoom oil with the long tube is great.

Yeah, it's not all that new (IIRC it came out in 1987) but now everybody makes a version of turbine oil in that kind of squeeze bottle. I learned from the start of my A/C career to use it, as I could oil some motors while the fan was running. Worst that would happen is the extendable spout would get cut off but o damage to the blade - or my fingers!
Dial Corporation (who makes evap cooler parts), Supco, and La-Co are brands I can recommend. Stay away from the other no-name or store brands. The oils they use are inferior though the container says "turbine" oil.

Another good brand: Highside Chemicals    https://www.highsidechem.com/zoom_spout.php

[J.A.F.E.]

<snip>
Another good brand: Highside Chemicals    https://www.highsidechem.com/zoom_spout.php

Highside represented by their two top sales reps.

[bonneyman]