Among the ways to judge a car, there are a few metrics we are used to seeing. For the average consumer, one must consider how a car performs in everyday tasks. How much do you spend at the gas station? How many kids, and dogs can fit in the rear seats? How much does it cost? Will it break down after 20,000 miles, or will the infotainment glitch and play one song on repeat? For the gearhead, performance is the question. How fast can it get to 60? What’s the braking distance like? Will I embarrass myself at a red light revving with a soft limiter? The concerns vary, as do the measurements in how people judge a car. One area of study, though, is germane to almost every consumer—aerodynamics.
For the consumer, aerodynamics means efficiency. The more harmoniously a car can pass through the air, the less energy it has to burn, which translates to less cash for the owner to spend. For the gearhead, aerodynamics means confidence. Well-designed aero elements help performance cars stay stuck to the tarmac at high speeds, allowing the driver to sling and yank the car in and out of turns without the fear of spinning out. This can be measured by the drag coefficient, where the lower the number, the more aerodynamically efficient the car is. Most cars are good at making themselves slippery, but what about the ones that aren’t?
One look at Tesla’s futuristic four-wheeled polygon, and you can expect the Cybertruck doesn’t exactly finesse through the air. The front fascia is flat and stands completely upright against the air hitting it. The body is made almost entirely of stainless steel alloy that Tesla calls “Hard Freaking Stainless.” That steel body is also rather large, with the Cybertruck measuring up at 18.6 feet long, 6.7 feet wide, and 18.6 feet long. This enormous body translates to curb weight of over 6,000 pounds. That’s a lot of substance to push for the car’s electric motors, and while most of the car seems to scoff at the mention of aerodynamics, it does have some tricks up its sleeve to manage its colossal weight.
One strength of an electric vehicle is the simplicity of the drivetrain under the hood. On gas-powered cars, there are only so many moving parts you can cover up on the underbody, but for an EV the entire exterior floor can be made flat. The Cybertruck does exactly this, which helps pass air through the underside without fuss and turbulence. Another clever addition is the bed cover. The open bed is a pain for most pickups aerodynamically, but the Cybertruck features a sliding cover which, accentuated by its extremely simple downward slope, helps feed air over the bed smoothly. Still, the shape and weight prove difficult to defeat, as the Cybertruck has a drag coefficient of 0.38.
The Land Rover Defender is perhaps one of the most famous nameplates in the world. The original Land Rover has been around since 1948, but it wasn’t until 1990 that the brand introduced a customer version, the Defender, to the masses. By that time, even though the Defender was a new nameplate, the brand’s reputation as Britain’s best off-roader was solidified. In 2019, Land Rover refreshed the Defender and brought their signature rugged 4×4 into the 2020s. The new Defender brought with it all the new tech you’d expect for a car of today, but one aspect seems pulled straight from the past. The Defender’s styling is incredibly reminiscent of the original Land Rovers, and does everything it can under modern safety regulations to bring back memories of the original shape.
The original shape in question, while pretty, is quite boxy, and boxy means poor aerodynamics. The Defender measures up at 6.7 feet tall, 6.6 feet wide, and 16.5 feet long. These measurements all come together at angles that are nearly 90 degrees across the body, making for an undeniably retro shape, but one that feels awkward in the wind tunnel despite the smooth rounding of its historically sharp edges. The Defender does what it can for its shape, but retains a drag coefficient of 0.39.
Besides the Porsche 911’s ancestral connection to the Volkswagen Beetle, there’s really nothing about the Beetle’s essence that screams performance. However, in the early 2000’s, Volkswagen decided they wanted to see what the Beetle would look like if it did. The answer was the Volkswagen Beetle RSi. The RSi took the look of the early 2000’s Beetles and slapped a spoiler, fender flares, and new bumpers to make for something that was very clearly a performance car despite its foundation. Powered by a 3.2 liter V6, the RSi was no joke, with its 221 horsepower and a redline of 6,200 rpm.
The RSi somehow morphed into a performance car in many ways, but this did not come without sacrifice. Although not boxy like many of the other entries on this list, the Beetle’s ballooning roundness was not exactly desirable for aerodynamics either. The addition of new aero parts for the RSi helped in stability, but increased drag too. All said and done, the RSi came out with a drag coefficient of 0.40 — an impressively poor number for a car of its size.
Derived from the aforementioned Beetle, the Porsche 911 became one of the most iconic sports cars of all time. Today, they boast the best of the best in everything performance. Their engines are powerful, their transmissions, such as the PDK, are lightning quick, and their aerodynamic abilities bring racing technology to the streets, as with things like the GT3 RS‘s DRS button. However, things weren’t always like this. While Porsche has always tried to make the ultimate sports car, that doesn’t mean they’ve always succeeded.
Built only from 1978 to 1983, the 911 SC is the classic 911 of yesterday. SC stood for Super Carrera which was fitting, as the car was impressive for the time with its 188 horsepower. The car weighed just over 2,500 pounds, which, combined with its flat-six, made for a lovely sports car. However, the time of its creation had its limits. The 911 SC’s body was fantastic to look at, but not so much in a wind tunnel. Despite its identity as a sports car, the 911 SC produced a drag coefficient of 0.40.
The Porsche 911 might be one of the most iconic sports cars of all time, but the Lamborghini Countach might be the most iconic supercar of all time. First presented at the Geneva Motor Show in 1971, the Countach would go on to father the future generations of Lamborghini’s flagship V12 supercars, and it started the lineage with a bang. The name itself, Countach, translates to plague or contagion, but it is colloquially used in Italian as an exclamation of wonder, which could not be more fitting.
Powered by a monstrous V12, the Countach produces 348 horsepower and a 5.4-second 0-60. You could talk numbers all day, but the real magic of the car is the package those numbers come in. The Countach is the poster boy of the wedge supercar. Its slab-like lowness, sharp angles, and unembarrassed excess are what have earned it its place as one of the all-time greats. Elements like its huge rear wing make it recognizable even under a showroom cover, but they also make a lot of drag. In classic Italian fashion, the form besets function, as most of the aero elements were made to cater to the heart and not the wind. This philosophy is what led the supercar to its drag coefficient of 0.42. A high number, but one that is forgiven after one look at the thing.
In the quest for poor aerodynamics, we return back to the Volkswagen Beetle and its colorful history. Before the second world war, Ferdinand Porsche proposed a design for what he called a “people’s car.” This economic and ergonomic little thing was the Beetle, and just before the factory building them could ramp up production, the war began. Once concluded, production began again, and the Beetle would go on to become one of Volkswagen’s longest-standing nameplates.
The Beetle’s mission was to be the best car it could be at a low cost to both the customer and the manufacturer. It was small, underpowered, and lacking in anything unnecessary. The Beetle became loved, though, for exactly that Spartan attitude, and for its cuteness. Its shape is rounded and compressed, again in line with its utilitarian mission. However, its charming shape was not without issues, though, as the Beetle was poorly sculpted for aerodynamics. The curving roofline looks nice, but it does nothing to smooth airflow over the end of the body as its shape might suggest. The windshield is nearly upright, which allows for good visibility but makes for an uncalculated wall for oncoming air. Even so, you can’t blame it. The Beetle never promised to be some kind of aerodynamic whizz, which is apparent in its 0.48 drag coefficient.
The Hummer H2 is a product of its time. Think back to its release in 2002 America. Halo, Mountain Dew, Tom Brady, Nickelback and Britney Spears. While the airwaves were full of bubblegum pop music and grating nu metal, the roads were full of many now archaic cars, such as the Hummer H2. The Hummer’s origins go back to 1983, when the Pentagon contracted AM General Corporation to build the Humvee. The Humvee was an enormous armored personnel carrier meant to be tough enough to take on any terrain. Later, in 1999, GM bought the rights to the Humvee, and somehow turned it into a civilian vehicle.
It was a civilian vehicle in name only, as the Hummer H2 looked like it had not been picked up from the lot, but from a C130 cargo plane. It was a gas guzzler if there ever was one, and its trademark personality trait was its size. The H2 was huge, almost obscenely large, and weighed just over 8,000 pounds. It wasn’t particularly concerned with efficiency, as evidenced by its 10 mpg rating, which was a good thing, because this hulking brick was anything but aerodynamic. Its huge surfaces and boxy angles were concerned only with presence. There was no effort to make it agree with the air, and it instead muscled through it. At the end of the day, the H2 had a drag coefficient of 0.52, which should come as no surprise after one look at the thing.
Although it predates the Hummer, the G-Wagen seems like Germany’s spiritual answer to the American colossus. Similar to the Hummer, the G-Wagen was derived from a German military 4×4, and was made into a civilian car in 1979. But, it wasn’t until the second generation, called the W463, that the G-Wagen became the off-roading luxury box that it is known as today.
The W463 premiered at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1989. The W463 took everything its predecessor did well in the off-roading department, and souped up the creature comforts, further driving the G-Wagen into its place as the civilians’ favorite off-roader. It introduced things like interior wooden trims and bench seats while retaining its capabilities in the wilderness with things like standard four-wheel drive and electronic locking diffs. It also refreshed the exterior, but only slightly. The G-Wagen remained a very upright box on wheels, and this led to a predictably poor effect in aerodynamics. The wide-open underbody and nearly vertical windshield and front bumper made the W463 the antithesis of aerodynamic. The brash and upright edges and surfaces of the W463 means it has a drag coefficient of 0.54, but hey, beauty is pain.
What happens when a brand known for muscle cars tries to make a supercar? The answer is the Dodge Viper. The Viper is truly the American idea of a supercar. In true American fashion, the Viper’s engine was a V10 that was originally intended for a Ram pickup truck. After some advice from Lamborghini, certified experts in the matters of 10 cylinders, Dodge altered the engine to make it more adept for performance on the track and not on the farm, and the original Viper was born. Since the first model in 1992, the Viper has gotten a lot faster.
At the end of its lifespan, Dodge decided to go all-out and see just how insane they could make the already insane Viper. The result was the Viper ACR Extreme. Some quick numbers help you get a sense of the car’s character. 8.4-liter V10 with 645 horsepower, 0-60 in 3.2 seconds, and a six-speed manual. The outside however, is where things get really crazy. If you opt for the Extreme package, your Viper ACR will come off the line with growths in the splitter, rear wing, and diffuser. These bits are enormous, and while they help keep the angry snake planted to the asphalt, they do a number on its aerodynamic efficiency. With the Extreme package, the Viper’s drag coefficient is 0.54, but remember, here, downforce is the name of the game.
Before the Bronco returned in 2021, the 5th-generation Bronco was the last consumers ever saw of Ford’s iconic SUV. The Bronco 5 was effortlessly pretty, which was an impressive feat for its hulking bodystyle and the time it came from. The 5th generation brought an array of new technologies and features to the nameplate, such as new seating configurations with an optional front bench seat, a digital odometer, three-point safety belts, and more. Outside, the Bronco refreshed its face and cleaned up the lines and proportions of its predecessors, making for a sleeker look.
However, you can only be so sleek as an American SUV. Even as a two-door, the Bronco was still a huge car, and its size and heavy weight tipping the scales at 4,519 pounds meant that the Bronco was doomed to be another poor-performing subject in the wind tunnel. The Bronco 5 had all the hallmarks of an aerodynamically challenged SUV, with big, flat surfaces, tall panels and windows, and a wide-open underbody. All said and done, the Bronco had a drag coefficient of 0.60.
The Lotus Seven is one of the most iconic sports cars of all time. The car is so well respected and loved, that today, even 54 years after Lotus stopped producing the Seven in 1972. Just one year after Lotus ended production of the Seven, Caterham acquired the rights to produce the car from Lotus’s lead man Colin Chapman. Since then, Caterham has produced the Seven the way it was intended by Chapman, all while keeping it up to date with the modern motoring world.
Although the Caterham Seven is a sports car, it ranks particularly low for its aerodynamic finesse. The upright windshield doesn’t help, but the real culprit is the open-wheel design, which has become so iconic for the Seven. The problem is a classic one for race cars, and one that can only be solved by covering the wheels, which eliminates drag but fundamentally changes the car’s character. Open-wheel designs offer no protection for the spinning wheels, creating a chaotic, turbulent airflow zone. A fender covering would be the quick fix for this issue, but then the Seven would no longer be a Seven. The Caterham Seven’s signature look means it has a drag coefficient of 0.62.
The one that started it all, the Ford Model T is the grandfather of the modern automotive industry. Born in 1908, the Model T did not compete with other cars, but did compete with horse-drawn carriages. Henry Ford’s creation set the blueprint for the skeletal basics of the consumer car, with things like steering wheel placement, a tool kit, and a gas tank. The Model T had the barest of bones, and much of its look came from the Horse-pulled buggies before it, such as its tiny, bicycle-like wheels and its leather bench seats. The Model T was powered by a four-cylinder engine that had to be started via crank, and which produced a modest 22 horsepower. Those 22 horses could push the Model T up to 40 miles per hour, almost neighborhood speeds today, but vastly impressive for its time.
Given that Henry Ford’s goal was quite simply to make a car and nothing more, it feels unfair to critique his landmark creation for its aerodynamic capabilities. Still, Ford was extremely limited by his time, and by today’s standards, the Model T suffers from abhorrently poor aerodynamics. The upright windshield, open-wheel design, and exposed cabin make for a nightmare of chaotic air channels and haphazard flows, all of which give the Model T a drag coefficient of 0.79.
Tohme Accounting believes AI is becoming essential in cross-border accounting as firms manage growing regulatory complexity, faster reporting demands, and larger volumes of financial data. The firm uses a customized in-house AI system to support workflow management, data analysis, and advisory services while maintaining human oversight for strategic decision-making.
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Tohme Accounting, a cross-border tax and advisory firm serving clients throughout Canada and the United States, sees artificial intelligence becoming increasingly influential in modern accounting. It observes that as financial activity expands across jurisdictions and regulatory frameworks continue to evolve, firms are adapting to larger volumes of data, faster reporting expectations, and more complex compliance requirements.
“You can see the shift in cross‑border accounting today. Companies are juggling multiple tax systems at once, and the firms supporting them are trying to keep up with rules that change constantly. Clients want answers fast, and they expect those answers to be backed by real‑time information,” founder Samer Tohme says. He adds that as these demands continue to increase, conversations around AI have moved beyond experimentation and into broader operational use.
Recent industry research reflects that momentum. According to a survey, 59% of finance leaders reported using AI within their finance functions, while organizations with more advanced implementations expressed growing confidence in the technology’s long-term value. Additionally, many finance leaders continue facing obstacles related to technical expertise, operational integration, and data management, illustrating how AI adoption involves much more than introducing a new platform into an existing workflow.
“The implementation challenges continue to appear across the accounting field, where longstanding processes and structured workflows are common. Because of that foundation, transitions to new technologies naturally take time,” Tohme says. He notes that many firms are still assessing how AI fits within their operational models, especially when dealing with compliance-sensitive work that requires precision and review. Tohme adds that in some cases, uncertainty surrounding customization, oversight, and practical application has slowed adoption, even as demand for faster and more integrated financial guidance continues rising.
He believes much of the conversation surrounding AI becomes more meaningful when viewed through the lens of integration instead of replacement. “Accounting involves understanding context, identifying patterns, and interpreting how financial decisions connect to larger business objectives,” Tohme says. “AI expands the ability to organize information quickly, but professional judgment remains essential in translating that information into advice that fits the client’s situation.”
That perspective has influenced how the firm developed its technology infrastructure. Instead of depending entirely on widely available third-party software, Tohme Accounting built a customized in-house AI system tailored to its internal workflows and client needs. The platform supports operational functions including organization, workflow management, data analysis, and client communication, while remaining under the firm’s direct oversight.
This level of control, Tohme explains, has become especially important in cross-border accounting, where businesses often navigate Canadian provincial regulations alongside U.S. federal and state tax requirements. He notes that legislative updates, filing obligations, and reporting standards can vary significantly between jurisdictions, creating an environment where information changes quickly and precision becomes increasingly important.
Within Tohme Accounting’s workflow, AI assists with organizing financial information, identifying regulatory developments, and interpreting quantitative data in real time. This allows the firm to evaluate how changes in tax legislation or reporting requirements may influence specific clients across multiple jurisdictions. As a result, advisors can dedicate more time to strategic analysis and personalized planning instead of manual data organization.
“To work across borders effectively, you need visibility into how multiple systems connect at the same time,” Tohme states. “AI can help organize those moving parts efficiently, which creates more opportunity for meaningful discussions around planning, operations, and long-term financial decisions.”
The growing volume of financial data has also changed how firms think about personalization, according to Tohme. Business owners seem to be increasingly expecting accounting relationships to reflect their operational priorities, timelines, and growth objectives. Maintaining that level of customization across hundreds of clients can become difficult without integrated systems supporting the process behind the scenes.
Tohme Accounting uses AI to organize client-specific information, operational details, reporting timelines, and strategic objectives so advisory recommendations remain connected to each client’s broader financial goals. That integration, as Tohme notes, also contributes to faster documentation processes, more efficient reporting preparation, and improved coordination across ongoing tax and accounting work.
At the same time, the firm maintains active oversight throughout the process. Tohme emphasizes that AI functions most effectively when paired with technical expertise and continuous review. “Technology can process information quickly, but accounting still depends on interpretation, experience, and accuracy,” he says. “Professional oversight remains an important part of ensuring the information supports the right financial decisions.”
As firms continue integrating AI into their workflows, Tohme notes that the profession itself is also evolving. He observes that more accounting professionals are spending time on advisory, analysis, and strategic planning while automated systems assist with repetitive administrative tasks.
Industry research suggests this transformation is becoming more widespread. According to an industry report, AI adoption among accounting firms increased from 9% in 2024 to 41% in 2025, with many firms integrating AI into workflows designed to improve operational efficiency, financial insight generation, and client service. The report also notes that firms are increasing investment in integrated technologies and advisory-focused services as client expectations continue evolving across international markets.
Tohme believes the future of accounting will continue combining technological capability with human expertise. “Clients value insight that connects financial information to practical business decisions,” he says. “AI contributes analytical speed and organizational support, while accountants provide interpretation, strategy, and perspective informed by experience.” Through its customized AI infrastructure and advisory-focused model, Tohme Accounting continues refining how technology can support precision, responsiveness, and personalized financial guidance within an increasingly international accounting landscape.
Samsung Galaxy S25 users in the United States are finally getting the One UI 8.5 update. After rolling out to newer devices, the update is now making its way to last year’s Galaxy S25 series, bringing a solid list of improvements worth knowing about.
Users on X have reported receiving this update on their Samsung Galaxy S25 devices, so if you own one, now might be the time to go into the software update settings and get the latest update.
One UI 8.5 is bringing several new features and a bunch of UI improvements. The biggest visual change is to the quick settings panel. You can now grab, resize, and drag individual controls wherever you want. The volume and brightness sliders can go vertical, and the media control can expand to a larger size.
The lock screen also got some love. There are new clock fonts with animations, and a thickness slider lets you fine-tune your clock’s look. A weather toggle now shows live weather animations on your wallpaper, which is a small but genuinely fun touch.
One UI 8.5 also brings a bunch of AI-powered photo editing tools, including erase, move, create, and style. Erase removes objects cleanly, move lets you reposition elements in a shot, create adds sketched objects using AI, and style transforms selfies into cartoon versions of yourself.
While last year’s Galaxy S25 models are finally getting the One UI 8.5 update, it’s not all good news. It seems that there are several missing features in One UI 8.5 that the older models are not getting.
Users at Korean Samsung forums have discovered as many as nine missing features, with the two biggest being the Now Nudge and 24MP camera mode. Other glaring omissions include Notification Highlights, Finder shortcut on the Home Screen, Samsung Browser’s Ask AI, and more.
It doesn’t feel like any of these features depend on the new hardware of the Samsung Galaxy S26 series. They are just feature gatekeeping on Samsung’s part to force users to upgrade to new devices.
I criticize Apple every year for gatekeeping new camera features on the latest iPhone models. It seems that Samsung is not only following in Apple’s footsteps but also pushing things much further.
For those of us who keep hundreds of Safari tabs open, Apple is reportedly testing out a new feature that can organize all of it automatically. According to Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman, Apple is working on a Safari feature called “Organize Tabs” that will debut with iOS 27, iPadOS 27 and macOS 27. As the name suggests, the new feature will automatically organize your Safari tabs, but Gurman added that it won’t carry the Apple Intelligence label, even though it’s likely using some form of artificial intelligence. Once the feature is live, Safari users will be able to choose if they want the grouping to be automatic or not, according to Gurman.
This Organize Tabs feature adds onto the Tab Groups option that was introduced to Safari 15 back in 2021. Of course, Google already debuted a similar capability on Chrome in January 2024, called Organize Similar Tabs, marketing it as one of its new generative AI features. However, Apple has been known to lag behind its competitors when it comes to AI-powered features. According to Gurman, we could get our first look at the Organize Tabs feature at WWDC26, which is scheduled to kick off on June 8.
Modders have been experimenting with cardboard enclosures for years, but few can pull off something as elegant as computer enthusiast mryeester’s latest creation. His finished system appears to have been put together as a purposeful design choice rather than an emergency repair job. It has the works, as in clean cutouts, lots of layers to keep it rigid, and just enough room inside to fit conventional components without difficulty.
The real magic happened when mryeester collaborated with a friend who is familiar with cardboard, in this case a retail display designer. They worked together to rough out the overall design in CAD software before sending the drawings to a professional CNC cutter capable of handling thick, corrugated cardboard. They ended up stacking numerous layers on top of each other to form walls that are relatively solid. What could have been a flimsy substance that flexed and bent if looked at incorrectly? Those panels can actually withstand a significant amount of weight without failing.
Sale
They added some ventilation slots to the latest revisions, which are hacked right into the sides to allow air to flow freely around the GPU and CPU. To be honest, putting the thing together was a bit of a challenge at first, but everything eventually fell into place. The motherboard mounting points matched up perfectly, and once everything was screwed down, the entire assembly was rock solid. Adding the graphics card was a little more complicated; an extra cut was required to clear the input-output bracket, but even without screws, it just rested there nicely, due to the stacked cardboard and bolts holding it down.
The power supply location was not a problem because the initial design called for a compact SFX unit, which they simply replaced with a full-size ATX. This required a bit of fiddling with scissors to clip the material back a little more. Overall, it was really simple; once they had the alignment correct, the side panels clicked into place with ease, and the whole thing snapped shut like a charm.
However, it’s the small details that really make the build stand out, such as the nine unique power buttons on one panel, each of which is wired such that only the correct combination will turn on the system. It’s a funny security feature that adds individuality to the system when turned on. They’ve also done an excellent job with CNC cutting, as every edge and corner appears clean and polished, rather than rough-around-the-edges DIY.
Of course, as with any build like this, there were a few hurdles to overcome along the road, as nothing ever goes perfectly smoothly. They had to double-check some measurements for certain brackets on the fly, and fitting in some of the larger parts required some patience with a trusty old utility knife, but each adjustment only reinforced how strong the layered cardboard was in real-world use. They didn’t bother with moisture-proofing this time, but they have ideas for future iterations that may include it.
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Pop star Dua Lipa has taken legal action against Samsung, accusing the electronics giant of using her face to sell TVs without compensation or permission. As first reported by Variety, the lawsuit also claimed Samsung is responsible for copyright and trademark infringement, along with “unauthorized commercial exploitation.”
The complaint stems from Samsung using an image of Lipa’s face on cardboard packaging for its TVs last year. The English musician found out around June 2025 and repeatedly demanded Samsung stop using her likeness on the packaging. However, the suit claimed that Samsung’s response was “dismissive and callous,” while the products in question are still being sold to this day. In the complaint, Lipa’s lawyers said that Samsung has profited from using her image, giving the impression that Lipa has endorsed the product when she hasn’t. The lawsuit also quoted posts on X that suggested some customers would buy the TV after seeing Lipa on the box.
“Samsung’s infringing conduct makes a mockery of [Lipa’s] hard work in establishing a successful brand and has deprived her of the ability to control and monetize her assets,” the lawsuit read. On top of the alleged ill-gotten monetary gains, the lawsuit added that Lipa owns the copyright to the photograph used on Samsung TV boxes, since it was taken backstage at the Austin City Limits Festival in 2024. It’s not the first time that Samsung TVs have been hit with legal trouble either, since Samsung was one of five TV manufacturers to be sued by Texas’ attorney general, Ken Paxton, in December for using ad-targeting spyware on their TVs. We reached out to Samsung for comment on the Lipa lawsuit and will update the story when we hear back.
Many a DIYer might be quick to tell you that their local Harbor Freight has aided in several of the projects they’ve undertaken in their home, yard, or garage. They’d likely also tell you the retailer has helped them accomplish those tasks while coming in under budget, as the family-owned hardware store chain has made its name by offering customers high-quality tools at prices that shouldn’t break the bank.
If you are familiar with the chain, you may already know that Harbor Freight Tools actually owns many of the notable brands whose tools appear in its stores, and that list includes those bearing the brand name of Quinn Tools. That brand is largely focused on the manufacture of non-powered hand tools, with Harbor Freight currently listing some 100 different offerings in the Quinn Tools lineup both online and through its various brick-and-mortar outlets.
If you’ve perused Quinn Tools products before, you’ve likely noted that they are particularly budget-friendly, even by Harbor Freight standards. Even within Quinn’s budget-minded parameters, there are items bearing its brand that are considerably cheaper than others. Budget basement pricing aside, some of those tools are still very much worth checking out if you are looking to save a few bucks on essential tools. Here’s a few handy Quinn Tools you can currently pick up from Harbor Freight for less than $25.
Scissors may not be something many people consider a tool in the proper sense, but a good set can be invaluable for folks working on smaller DIY jobs and virtually any level of crafting project. To that end, high-quality scissors can also be surprisingly pricey, depending on your needs and, of course, the retail environment you’re shopping in.
If you are shopping for quality scissors at Harbor Freight, you might be happy to learn you can currently purchase not one, but three such items from its Quinn Tools brand for a mere $5.99. For that low price, you get one large 9-inch scissor, one medium 8-inch scissor with a detachable serrated blade, and one small 5¼-inch pair. Each of those scissors is made of titanium-coated stainless steel and equipped with molded ergonomic grips for comfort.
As for their quality, Harbor Freight shoppers who’ve purchased the three-scissor set are almost universally happy with them, rating the tools at 4.8-stars out of 5. Those who rated the scissors at four or five stars claim that they are sharp, durable, and comfortable to use. Price is also a common point of praise, with some users noting that many other brands charge the same or even more for a single pair of scissors. Some users did note potential quality control issues, however, claiming that the 8-inch scissor in particular was prone to breaking. Others noted their scissors struggled to cut heavier items like cardboard.
As with any budget-minded brand, you’d be correct in assuming that there are a few products in the Quinn Tools lineup you’d be wise to avoid. The brand’s pry bars are clearly not among them, though, with its two-piece Set currently boasting a user rating of 4.9-stars. That set should be all the more enticing to Harbor Freight shoppers as it is currently selling for just $11.99.
That modest investment will net you one 8-inch pry bar for smaller jobs, and one 18-inch bar built for more heavy duty work. Per Quinn, the tools are ideal for demolition projects, aligning mechanical equipment, and any number of other jobs that might require a certain degree of leverage from users. To that end, the pry bars are made from heat-treated chrome-vanadium steel and boast a black oxide finish to protect against corrosion. The steel shafts also run all the way through the molded handle and are equipped with a beveled edge to provide maximum torque and leverage.
As noted, the pry bars’ esteem among customers is very high, with 99 of the 100 reviews posted on their Harbor Freight page being four or five stars, and the lone outlier being three stars. Users praise the set for its quality, durability, and variety, with many noting the small pry bar is an ideal alternative to using a screwdriver. Moreover, many note the 18-inch bar is great for engine work, while one and all agree it’s hard to beat the quality for the cost.
Sometimes, a delicate hand is preferable for mechanical work, particularly when it comes to jobs where smaller screws and fixtures are part of the equation. If delicate is the order of the day in your work, then a precision screwdriver set is an absolute necessity, and that means this Quinn 12-Piece package is well worth a look.
That set is priced at $14.99, and includes 12 precision screwdrivers, each of which is made with three holding zones to make it easy for users to pivot between power, precision, and fast spin driving. The versatility is heightened by the set including precision slotted heads for hex, Phillips, and star head screws. They are also manufactured using S2 Steel for increased strength and durability. The screwdrivers are also color coded to make it easy to distinguish one driver style from another, with Quinn even including a handy carrying case for the lot.
Harbor Freight customers generally agree the set is worth the modest investment, rating it at 4.7-stars, while noting that the set provides excellent value and is ideal for repairing eye glasses and electronics, as well as other small precision jobs. Some YouTube reviews even compare it favorably to similar sets from Icon. However, one unsatisfied Harbor Freight customer noted they felt the tips on the drivers were too soft and not well-enough defined.
For many, a socket and ratchet set is the very definition of a must-have tool. There are, of course, several different versions of socket and ratchet sets, all of which are handy in any number of situations. While Quinn Tools makes sockets and ratchets to fit most of those needs, one of the more common size sets you’ll find is ¼-inch, with the brand selling such a kit through Harbor Freight for $19.99.
That set comes with 21 individual pieces, including 10 SAE styled socket heads — sized 3/16-inch, 7/32-inch, ¼-inch, 9/32-inch, 5/16-inch, 11/32-inch, ⅜-inch, 7/16-inch, ½-inch, 9/16-inch – as well as 10 in Metric style — sized 5 millimeters, 6 millimeters, 7 millimeters, 8 millimeters, 9 millimeters, 10 millimeters, 11 millimeters, 12 millimeters, 13 millimeters, and 14 millimeters. It also includes a 72-tooth quick-release polished chrome-vanadium steel ratchet.
If you’re familiar with Quinn’s sockets, you may already know that they are fairly well-regarded by customers as a solid investment. So, it may not come as much of a shock that this socket and ratchet set is also well rated, with Harbor Freight shoppers rating it at 4.8-stars. That rating is based on more than 1,300 reviews, by the way, so it’s about as legit as you’ll find. Those users claim they use the set for everything from oil changes and light engine work to other small repairs, and generally agree it’s incredibly durable and versatile for the price, even as some claimed their ratchet malfunctioned with little usage.
In the arena of must-have tools, pliers are pretty high on the list of devices any DIYer would need to add when assembling a home tool kit. Like any tool, buying a full set of pliers can add up with a quickness. If you’re not looking to splurge on a set of pliers, you’ll no doubt be interested to know that Quinn is selling a four-piece plier Set through Harbor Freight right now for $24.99.
Like the other items on this list, Quinn’s four-piece plier set has an impressive user rating, with customers awarding it a 4.7-star rating. And yes, like the other items on this list, price point is a major point of praise, with users happy enough to pay under $25 to add groove joint pliers, long nose pliers, diagonal pliers, and linesman’s pliers to their tool box. For the record, the quality of the tools themselves is another common point of praise, with some claiming they were surprised by the durability at the price point.
Some users did, however, note the exact opposite experience, claiming that their pliers broke or rusted soon after purchase. As for their makeup, the set is manufactured using forged and hardened steel, boast jaws with milled teeth, and are fit with hardened cutting edges. They are also designed with riveted joints to reduce wobbling during usage. Perhaps best of all, the set comes backed by a lifetime warranty from Quinn Tools, which should cover any potential issues.
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Let’s get to those Mini Crossword clues and answers.
The completed NYT Mini Crossword puzzle for May 11, 2026.
1A clue: Itty-bitty insect
Answer: GNAT
5A clue: “Excellent job!”
Answer: BRAVO
6A clue: Bird that “croaks the fatal entrance of Duncan,” in “Macbeth”
Answer: RAVEN
7A clue: Each and ___
Answer: EVERY
8A clue: Swollen mark
Answer: WELT
1D clue: Deathly serious
Answer: GRAVE
2D clue: Belly button
Answer: NAVEL
3D clue: Prevent, as a crisis
Answer: AVERT
4D clue: ___ the Tiger, mascot of Frosted Flakes
Answer: TONY
5D clue: Beer, informally
Answer: BREW
President Trump wants to show off the executives he has behind him on a trip to China, where he will discuss trade with President Xi Jinping. Still-CEO Tim Cook is rumored to be among the invitees.
If there’s one well-understood policy held by the Trump administration, it’s to show up when requested. One of the few times that Apple CEO Tim Cook didn’t show up resulted in a special tariff just for iPhones in May 2025.
It’s time for Cook to pick up the phone again, as President Trump is headed to China to speak to President Xi Jinping about trade. The discussions will likely be of little relevance to Apple, according to a report from Semafor, but Trump likes to have powerful individuals surround him on such trips.
These kinds of in-person events may increase for Cook as he steps down from his role as CEO on September 1. He’ll be the Executive Chairman where he will also act as a kind of political liaison.
It’s a role that Cook has likely chosen for himself, as he has borne the brunt of most of the political scandal that has occurred since Trump took office in both instances. It’s Cook’s name on the $1 million donation to the inauguration, the gold plaque in Trump’s office, and the reservation to each event after all.
And seemingly, Trump has taken the bait. Apple hasn’t changed anything about how the company operates in spite of immense pressure from the administration to do so.
For example, Apple just announced its latest Pride Band for Apple Watch even as other companies distanced themselves from progressive initiatives.
These interactions also meant Apple didn’t have to pay nearly as much as it could have when dealing with the illegal and seemingly random tariffs. It has also insulated Apple from being required to do the impossible and bring all iPhone production back to the United States.
Cook is also known for his diplomatic trips to China, so the latest invite will likely be just another day on the job. Time will tell if incoming CEO John Ternus will have to act similarly, or if Cook will be able to shield him from the responsibility.
One computer enthusiast finally hit the wall with a crowded closet full of loose gear and realized something had to change. He set out to create a small data center that would run its own servers, manage networking, and keep everything neat enough to fit inside a regular room. He ended up with a 12U rack on wheels, complete with corporate hardware, unique cables, and smart mounts that kept everything accessible while remaining relatively compact.
The first step was to install the rack, as the adjustable rails and robust wheels made it simple to roll it into the closet to a reasonable depth without requiring any permanent adjustments to the area. It all came in at around $200, which is a fairly good value given that it gave him a lot of vertical space while also leaving flexibility to grow later if necessary. At the top of the rack, he installed a mountable power surge strip, which provided many outlets with built-in protection as well as ample distance to prevent the plugs from becoming jammed.
Sale
The servers, the core brains of the operation, are essentially an HP Z4 G4 enterprise desktop put into a dedicated rack tray, providing him with considerable processing power for activities such as storage or virtual machines. He also has another tower-style machine with numerous drive bays that stacks alongside it, providing him with additional data storage capacity without the need for a full room. Both computers just bolt in using conventional hardware, and what was formerly a collection of distributed PCs became a single system ready to function 24/7.
Networking equipment is all about getting data flowing smoothly, so he installed a 5-port Gigabit switch and a tiny router in some custom 3D-printed brackets that just clip onto the rack rail. The best part is that the library allowed him to 3D print them for nearly nothing, so he now has off-the-shelf gadgets converted into rack-friendly components. A patch panel at the front of the rack keeps all the wires neat and tidy, directing each connection through designated ports rather than dangling all over the place.
Cabling truly makes the difference between order and chaos, as he used 250 feet of Cat6e solid copper cable as the base material, then simply measured and crimped each segment before terminating on shielded jacks. He has varied lengths for different requirements, so he has a short one that goes to the modem and a longer one that connects the switch and router. He created a diagram of the entire system so that anyone could see how everything fits together at a glance. I learned a few lessons along the road, such as how to properly sequence the wires and which tools to use, but in the end, everything simply lays there looking flush and trustworthy.
So the power and accessories completed the package, as the surge strip provides electricity for the entire stack, and he included a mountable shelf to store tools or spare parts. The rack’s wheels allow the entire unit to slide in and out for repair before rolling back in without needing to be disassembled. The entire setup still fits within the closet footprint, demonstrating that real capabilities does not require a big warehouse.
Following its settlement with the FTC earlier this year over its sale of drivers’ data to brokers, General Motors has now also reached a settlement in California. The company agreed to pay $12.75 million in civil penalties to settle the lawsuit led by Attorney General Rob Bonta on behalf of the people of California, and is banned from selling driving data to consumer reporting agencies for five years. The lawsuits came after a 2024 New York Times report revealed that GM collected consumers’ driving data through its OnStar program and sold this information to data brokers Verisk Analytics and LexisNexis Risk Solutions, which in turn could market the data to auto insurers.
In some cases, that driving data could be used by insurers to increase customers’ rates. However, in California, customers were likely spared this consequence, as laws in the state prohibit insurers from using driving data in this way. Nevertheless, the complaint alleges that GM violated consumers’ privacy by nonconsensually selling data that included people’s names, contact information, geolocation data and driving behavior data.
The settlement agreement stipulates that GM must delete any driving data it’s retained within 180 days “except for certain limited internal uses,” unless it has the customer’s express consent. It also requires GM to develop a privacy program to assess the risks of collecting data through OnStar, and report its findings to the DOJ and other agencies. In a statement on Friday, Bonta said, “Today’s settlement requires General Motors to abandon these illegal practices and underscores the importance of the data minimization in California’s privacy law — companies can’t just hold on to data and use it later for another purpose.”
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