Tech

5 Viral ‘Do-It-All’ Tools Users Say Are Actually Useful

Published

3 weeks ago

5 March 2026

It’s not hard to see the appeal of all-in-one tools. When it comes to getting things done, many of us prize efficiency nearly as much as quality and performance, if not more. Whether it’s an everyday carry product, where combining as many functions as possible is important for portability, or a more specialized multipurpose tool that saves the time and hassle of switching between devices, multi-tools have their place in our lives.

Some multi-tools will even go viral as users discover them and all that they can do. You can often find products getting buzz online, whether through various subreddits, price spikes, or a sudden glut of TikTok and YouTube videos showcasing and reviewing them. Not all viral all-in-one tools come from the best multi-tool brands on the market, though. They say there’s no such thing as bad press, but that applies to the people selling products with said bad press — not the ones using them.

Some tools may go viral because of their interesting look, as all-in-one designs often result in creative, if not downright funky, forms. Others do become popular specifically because they work well, justifying their utility, whether because they perform well or handle multiple functions simultaneously. Based on user feedback, online discussions, and expert reviews, here are five viral “do-it-all” tools that are actually useful. More information on how these products were evaluated can be found at the end of this list.

1. Wallet Ninja

Sometimes minimalist or otherwise unique wallet designs go viral, but the Wallet Ninja isn’t one such product. Instead, it’s an everyday-carry device that slips right into your wallet, making it an invaluable mini multitool perfect for daily use. That functionality — alongside its downright cool design — is a big reason it’s one of the viral multi-tools on TikTok, with excited users showing it off to their followers.

If you’re not into TikTok, you can also find the Wallet Ninja in action on YouTube. After testing it, Everyday Tactical Vids gave a measured, though not gushing, positive review of the apparatus. The reviewer finds that, like many multi-tools, its various functions can be performed more effectively with dedicated tools — if you need to unscrew something, a screwdriver would be faster and easier. However, they note that its compact size offers a benefit that multiple tools simply cannot, and specifically say that it can be very useful on the go, especially when flying, as it’s often allowed through security.

The Wallet Ninja’s TSA-friendly design is also cited by EricTheCarGuy in their video review, who confirms they’ve successfully taken it through security. They add that its utility and role as a “conversation starter” are other major points in its favor, and commend the tool’s strong steel construction, noting that it barely bends. There are actually a few different Wallet Ninja models available, including the Wallet Ninja 2.0, which comes in hot pink as well as black. The flagship tool boasts 19 functions — four types of openers, four screwdrivers, six hex wrenches in different sizes, and five other EDC implements.

Amazon sells the Wallet Ninja for about $15, though you can save money by buying two- and three-packs.

2. Gordon 20-in-1 Multi-Tool

Multi-tools built around a core set of pliers are a dime a dozen, so it’s notable when one goes viral. The Gordon 20-in-1 Multi-Tool from Harbor Freight earned lots of buzz last year, thanks in part to the tool effectively being a clone of — and cheaper alternative to — long-popular Leatherman Wave. Gordon’s multi-tool has a straightforward, gray, stainless-steel look and is packed with implements, including needle-nose pliers, scissors, drivers, a wire cutter, a knife, and more — all of which lock into place for added stability and protection. Despite all these functions, it weighs less than a pound and is just over four inches long.

Not only does it resemble and function like Leatherman’s multi-tool, but, according to The New York Times Wirecutter, Gordon’s device is superior as well. In addition to being much more affordable, Wirecutter’s reviewer praised Harbor Freight’s multi-tool for including features the Wave lacks, such as a gut hook and glass breaker. The ability to cut seat belts and break windows quickly makes it especially useful to keep in your car.

While many people who’ve operated the Gordon 20-in-1 Multi-Tool — 90% of surveyed Harbor Freight customers recommend it — confirm its usefulness, not everyone is so gung-ho about the product. A GearPatrol reviewer explicitly says they “won’t buy Harbor Freight’s viral Leatherman dupe” for multiple reasons, including that it’s unclear how well it’s built. The Leatherman Wave is constructed from durable 420HC steel, whereas Harbor Freight only describes Gordon’s makeup as stainless steel, which GearPatrol suspects is likely not as strong as Leatherman’s chosen alloys. Generally, though, users don’t seem to mind this possible downside.

Harbor Freight sells the Gordon 20-in-1 Multi-Tool for $39.99.

3. RAK Multi-tool Pen

Pliers and knives are common bases for multi-tools, but those built around a pen may be even more suited for everyday carry, since a pen often gets much more use. Not all cool multifunction pens with built-in gadgets are alike, though, and can differ greatly in quality. One brand that’s often mentioned when the topic comes up is RAK, whose multi-tool has a strong 4.6 out of 5 overall customer rating on Amazon, based on over 12,500 user reviews.

RAK says its Multi-tool Pen has a durable and heavy-duty build. Since it’s made of aluminum, the thin device stays very lightweight. In addition to being a fully functional ink pen, the multi-tool offers several other functions: a stylus tip, a bubble level, a Phillips screwdriver, a bottle opener, an LED light, and two rulers (one metric, one standard). It’s also priced affordably enough to make it a smart gift idea or stocking stuffer that’s a bit outside the box.

Its value as a gift is mentioned in several positive user reviews, and even more reviews applaud the quality and utility of RAK’s Multi-tool Pen, confirming that the product is sturdy and well-made. One reviewer notes it’s useful for quickly measuring small items, and another says the bottle opener is useful for prying. This owner adds that the pen works well as, well, a pen, reporting that it “writes very smooth with nice ink distribution and no smudge even on wood or drywall.” A small number of mixed-to-negative reviews say it could be more durable, and a few disappointed owners say the pen is too large or heavy for an EDC pen.

Amazon sells a 2-pack of the RAK Multi-tool Pen for $19.99, which includes two ink refills.

4. Hori-Hori Knife

Some “do-it-all” tools are more specialized than general-purpose EDC multi-tools. For example, one product that’s gone viral in gardening and landscaping circles is the hori-hori knife. While it is indeed a knife, it also gives users everything they need to plant or transplant in a single tool — “hori” comes from the Japanese onomatopoeia for “dig.” It can also be used for weeding and testing soil moisture. One side is a flat, sharp knife for cutting — whether it’s twigs, roots, or bags of topsoil — and the other is serrated for sawing thicker material. Crucially, both blades are part of its trowel-shaped base, which enables users to dig, and a scale is etched into the shovel so users can get the precise depth needed for planting.

The hori-hori knife is so useful in the yard that the entire tool type has gone viral — not just one specific product. For the most part, hori-hori knives are very similar no matter who makes them, though they may differ a bit in size, material, and additional features, like belt clip holes or included sheaths. Amazon’s top-rated hori-hori knife from Perwin features an aesthetically pleasing black blade and a walnut handle.

A more affordable option is the Akakd Hori Hori, one of the best Amazon tools for gardeners, which comes with a pair of non-slip gardening gloves. Showing what the Sensei Hori Hori Knife can do, Nature’s Always Right extols the pros of the tool while mentioning that it’s particularly useful for harder and/or more clay-based soil, as well as getting rid of infamously stubborn Bermuda grass. The review notes that a sharper tool would be better for harvesting, however.

Amazon sells the Perwin Hori Hori Garden Knife for $24.99.

5. Leatherman Skeletool

Leatherman offers several kinds of “do-it-all” multitools, but one of the most popular is its Skeletool, which you’ll often find users praising or recommending in subreddits like r/multitools and r/EDC. A post on r/BuyItForLife asks redditors for their favorite multitool, and the Skeletool is mentioned most often, with users highlighting its overall utility and its compact, lightweight design, which makes it easy to keep in your pocket all day. One user says they’ve used the tool around the globe for “rock climbing, caving, all my search and rescue missions,” and other applications, adding that they even keep a backup. Another appreciates that its knife function can be used without opening the pliers.

Another advantage for some users is that the Skeletool is made locally, as Leatherman is one of the many brands that still make tools in the U.S.A. Even those who use and praise the tool note certain drawbacks, though, such as its pliers being uncomfortable to use and too fragile for some applications. In an r/Leatherman post calling the Skeletool a “game-changer,” a commenter bemoans the lack of a scissors function.

The Leatherman Skeletool is pliers-based, equipped with both needlenose and standard options. The 7-in-1 tool includes five other implements: wire cutters, hard-wire cutters, a bottle opener/carabiner, a bit driver, and a 420 high-carbon combo knife. The tool comes in a stainless steel gray, but several other colorful styles are available, including sublime green, denim blue, and coyote tan.

Amazon sells the Leatherman Skeletool starting from $89.99.

How these do-it-all tools were evaluated

To determine which “do-it-all” tools users actually find useful, a variety of sources were consulted. These include professional reviews from reputable publications, such as GearPatrol and The New York Times Wirecutter, whose experts spend hands-on time testing products before critiquing them. Video breakdowns and reviews on social media, including YouTube, were also researched, where multi-use tools could be seen in action alongside expert feedback from reviewers with thousands of subscribers and strong reputations for their reviews.

User reviews from average owners were also sought on retail websites like Harbor Freight’s and Amazon, where both pros and cons from firsthand experience can be found, supplemented by details like how the tools are used and for how long. Similar firsthand information can be found in online forums such as Reddit, where many users not only share their two cents but also engage in back-and-forth conversations about the pros and cons of tools, which often add insight to isolated reviews.

It’s also often easy to find which products are currently going viral using such online forums, where “meme” tools often become hot topics. Other tools determined to be or have been viral were based on sales numbers, descriptions from professional publications, and aggregators and tags found on social media, like TikTok’s viral multi-tools page. All recommended tools included in this list are currently available for purchase.

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Tech

Dell’s latest laptops shed some weight, trim the waistline, and get sensible names

Published

7 minutes ago

25 March 2026

NewsAdmin

Dell has overhauled its commercial PC lineup with four new Pro notebooks: Pro Premium, Pro 7, Pro 5, and Pro 3. The devices are thinner and lighter than their predecessors, pack Intel and AMI processors, and finally ditch the old Latitude branding for a cleaner, number-based naming scheme.

Which laptop is actually built for you?

The Dell Pro Premium is the executive pic. It is up to 7% thinner, the lightest of them all, and wears a classy magnesium alloy chassis in a dark gray finish. The notebook offers an optional tandem OLED display and comes with an 8MP HDR camera for video calls that don’t make you look like you’re broadcasting from a basement.

The Dell Pro 7 is for those who want it all in a small package. Up to 18% thinner than the previous generation, the Pro 7 is the thinnest 13- and 14-inch commercial laptop and 2-in-1 in its class. The edge-to-edge Gorilla Glass touchscreen can achieve up to 500 nits, and the higher trims can add OLED displays, 8MP cameras, and a mini-LED backlit keyboard.

The Dell Pro 5 could be a popular choice

The Dell Pro 5 delivers the most scalable performance of the laptops. It is available in 14- and 16-inch sizes, it’s up to 12% thinner than last year, and up to 21% thinner than competing designs. It also houses a 70Wh battery and optional OLED display, making it the practical workhorse of the range.

There’s another Pro 3, which starts at just 2.89 pounds with a scratch-resistant metallic finish, Wi-Fi 7, and solid battery life. Dell’s latest laptops run on Intel Core Ultra Series 3 or AMD Ryzen AI 400 processors with Copilot+ PC support.

Product	Sizes	Availability
Dell Pro 14 Premium	14-inch	March 31, 2026
Dell Pro 7	13-inch, 14-inch	May 2026
Dell Pro 5	14-inch, 16-inch	May 2026
Dell Pro 3	14-inch, 16-inch	May 2026

Beyond laptops, the company has also announced the compact Pro 5 Micro desktop, new Pro Precision workstations, and a range of Pro P monitors with built-in conferencing features.

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Meet the 91-year-old gamer who beat Resident Evil Requiem the old-fashioned way

Published

20 minutes ago

25 March 2026

NewsAdmin

Yang’s meticulous, analog approach has captivated gaming communities in China and abroad, where clips of him leafing through notebooks filled with hand-sketched maps and puzzle notes have drawn admiration and nostalgia in equal measure. His accomplishment – finishing Resident Evil Requiem entirely unaided – has been hailed by fans as…
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Citrix urges admins to patch NetScaler flaws as soon as possible

Published

33 minutes ago

25 March 2026

NewsAdmin

Citrix

Citrix has patched two vulnerabilities affecting NetScaler ADC networking appliances and NetScaler Gateway secure remote access solutions, one of which is very similar to the CitrixBleed and CitrixBleed2 flaws exploited in zero-day attacks in recent years.

The critical security bug (tracked as CVE-2026-3055) stems from insufficient input validation, which can lead to a memory overread on Citrix ADC or Citrix Gateway appliances configured as a SAML identity provider (IDP), potentially enabling remote attackers without privileges to steal sensitive information such as session tokens.

“Cloud Software Group strongly urges affected customers of NetScaler ADC and NetScaler Gateway to install the relevant updated versions as soon as possible,” the company warned in a Monday advisory.

Citrix has also shared detailed guidance on how to identify and patch NetScaler instances vulnerable to CVE-2026-3055.

The company also patched the CVE-2026-4368 vulnerability affecting appliances configured as Gateways (SSL VPN, ICA Proxy, CVPN, RDP proxy) or AAA virtual servers, which can enable threat actors with low privileges on the targeted system to exploit a race condition in low-complexity attacks, potentially leading to user session mix-ups.

The two flaws affect NetScaler ADC and NetScaler Gateway versions 13.1 and 14.1 (fixed in 13.1-62.23 and 14.1-66.59) and NetScaler ADC 13.1-FIPS and 13.1-NDcPP (addressed in 13.1-37.262).

Internet security watchdog group Shadowserver is currently tracking over 30,000 NetScaler ADC instances and more than 2,300 Gateway instances exposed online. However, there is currently no information regarding how many of them are using vulnerable configurations or have already been patched against attacks.

*Citrix NetScaler ADC instances exposed online (Shadowserver)*

Since Citrix released security updates to address the vulnerability, multiple cybersecurity companies have warned that it’s critical to secure NetScaler against attacks targeting CVE-2026-3055.

Many of them have also pointed out obvious similarities to the CitrixBleed and CitrixBleed2 out-of-bounds memory-read vulnerabilities exploited in zero-day attacks in recent years.

“Unfortunately, many will recognise this as sounding similar to the widely exploited ‘CitrixBleed’ vulnerability from 2023 and the subsequent ‘CitrixBleed2’ variant disclosed in 2025, both of which were and continue to be actively leveraged in real-world attacks,” cybersecurity company watchTowr said.

“Although Citrix states that the vulnerability was identified internally, it is reasonable to expect that threat actors will attempt to reverse engineer the patch to develop exploit capabilities.”

“Exploitation of CVE-2026-3055 is likely to occur once exploit code becomes public. Therefore, it is crucial that customers running affected Citrix systems remediate this vulnerability as soon as possible; Citrix software has previously seen memory leak vulnerabilities broadly exploited in the wild, including the infamous ‘CitrixBleed’ vulnerability, CVE-2023-4966, in 2023,” Rapid7 added.

In August 2025, CISA flagged CitrixBleed2 as actively exploited and gave federal agencies a single day to secure their systems. In total, the U.S. cybersecurity agency has tagged 21 Citrix vulnerabilities as exploited in the wild, seven of which were used in ransomware attacks.

Malware is getting smarter. The Red Report 2026 reveals how new threats use math to detect sandboxes and hide in plain sight.

Download our analysis of 1.1 million malicious samples to uncover the top 10 techniques and see if your security stack is blinded.

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AI Economy Is a ‘Ponzi Scheme,’ Says AI Doc Director

Published

46 minutes ago

25 March 2026

NewsAdmin

An anonymous reader quotes a report from Vanity Fair: Focus Features is releasing The AI Doc: Or How I Became an Apocaloptimist in theaters on March 27. If you’re even slightly interested in what’s going on with AI, it’s required viewing: The film touches on all aspects of the technology, from how it’s currently being used to how it will be used in the near future, when we potentially reach the age of artificial general intelligence, or AGI. AGI is a theoretical form of AI that supposedly would be able to perform complex tasks without each step being prompted by a human user — the point at which machines become autonomous, like Skynet in the Terminator franchise. […]

[Director Daniel Roher] interviews nearly all the major players in the AI space: Sam Altman of OpenAI; the Amodei siblings of Anthropic; Demis Hassabis of DeepMind (Google’s AI arm); theorists and reporters covering the subject. Notably absent are Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg. “Have you seen that guy speak? He’s like a lizard man,” Roher says regarding Zuckerberg. “Musk said yes initially, but it was right when he was doing all the stuff with Trump, and we just got ghosted after a while,” adds [codirector Charlie Tyrell]. Altman, arguably AI’s greatest mascot, is prominently featured in the documentary. But Roher wasn’t buying it. “That guy doesn’t know what genuine means,” he says. “Every single thing he says and does is calculated. He is a machine. He’s like AI, and it’s in the service of growth, growth, growth. You can be disingenuous and media savvy.” […]

How, exactly, is Roher an apocaloptimist? “We are preaching a worldview,” he says, “in a world that’s asking you to either see this as the apocalypse or embrace it with this unbridled optimism.” He and his film are taking a stance that rests between those two poles. “It’s both at the same time. We have to try and embrace a middle ground so this technology doesn’t consume us, so we can stay in the driver’s seat,” says Roher — meaning, it’s up to all of us to chart the course. “You have to speak up,” says Tyrell. “Things like AI should disclose themselves. If your doctor’s office is using an AI bot, you have to say, I don’t like that.” The driving message behind the film is that resistance starts with the people. That position is shared by The AI Doc producer Daniel Kwan, who won an Oscar for directing Everything Everywhere All at Once and has been at the forefront of discussions about AI in the entertainment industry. […]

Roher and Tyrell both use AI in their everyday lives and openly admit to it being a helpful tool. They also agree that this technology can make daily tasks easier for the average consumer. But at the end of our conversation, we get into the economics of AI and how Wall Street is propping up the industry through huge evaluations of these companies — and Roher gets going yet again. “This is all smoke and mirrors. The entire economy of AI is being propped up by a Ponzi scheme. The hype of this technology is unlike any hype we’ve seen,” he says. “I feel like I could announce in a press release that Academy Award winner Daniel Roher is starting an AI film company, and I could sell it the next day for $20 million. It’s fucking crazy.” […] “These people are prospectors, and they are going up to the Yukon because it’s the gold rush.”

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Amazon and FedEx, together again, this time for e-commerce returns

Published

59 minutes ago

25 March 2026

NewsAdmin

An Amazon Prime delivery van and a FedEx Ground van on a Seattle street. The two companies are expanding their rekindled partnership into returns. (GeekWire File Photo / Todd Bishop)

Amazon and FedEx are expanding their partnership after starting to patch things up last year.

The companies announced Wednesday that more than 1,500 FedEx Office locations nationwide are now accepting Amazon returns as part of a network of more than 10,000 drop-off points across the U.S. where customers can return items without a shipping box, tape, or label.

It’s notable in part because of the history between the two companies.

FedEx severed its logistics relationship with Amazon in 2019 as the e-commerce giant built out its own logistics network. But the two have started working together again over the past year, with FedEx reportedly helping to fill delivery gaps for Amazon left by UPS, which said last year that it would cut its Amazon package volume by more than half.

Amazon says four out of five U.S. customers now have a drop-off point within five miles of their home. Other locations in the network include Whole Foods Market, The UPS Store, Kohl’s, Staples, and regional partners such as Winn-Dixie, Save Mart, and Goodwill.

Returns have become a competitive battleground in e-commerce logistics because they boost shipping volume, lock in merchant relationships, and generate foot traffic for retail partners.

UPS acquired Happy Returns in 2023 and offers box-free returns at 5,000 UPS Store locations as part of a broader network. FedEx has been rolling out its own Easy Returns service.

Amazon benefits from the competition, gaining more drop-off density and better economics while also continuing to grow its own in-house network.

To make a return, customers start the process in their Amazon account, choose a nearby location, and receive a QR code. They bring the unpackaged item and QR code to the drop-off point, where it’s scanned and prepared for shipping.

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Tech

vivo Y21 5G, Y11 5G Launched in India With 6,500mAh Battery, 120Hz Display

Published

1 hour ago

25 March 2026

NewsAdmin

It’s no secret that vivo has recently been on a roll by launching plenty of budget offerings. Keeping up with that momentum, the Chinese smartphone maker has expanded its Y-series lineup in India with the launch of the vivo Y21 5G and vivo Y11 5G. Both smartphones focus on endurance and everyday usability, and here’s everything you need to know about them.

The vivo Y21 5G starts at ₹18,999 for the 4GB + 128GB variant, going up to ₹22,999 for the 8GB + 128GB model. Meanwhile, the vivo Y11 5G is priced at ₹14,999 for the 4GB + 64GB variant and ₹16,999 for the 4GB + 128 GB variant.

Big Battery, Built for Endurance

The biggest highlight here is the 6,500mAh battery on both phones, which vivo claims can easily last through a full day—and then some. The company says users can expect up to 48 hours of video playback, extended music streaming, and long social media sessions without constantly reaching for a charger.

Charging speeds differ, though. The Y21 5G gets 44W fast charging, while the Y11 5G sticks to 15W charging. Both devices also feature battery health optimizations designed to maintain performance for up to five years.

Design & Performance

vivo is also pushing durability this time. Both phones come with IP65 ratings and military-grade shock resistance, which should help them survive daily wear and tear. The design itself stays minimal, with a matte finish, side-mounted fingerprint sensor, and a lightweight build that should feel comfortable for everyday use.

On the front, both phones pack a 6.74-inch HD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate, which is still a rare feature at this price point. Brightness reaches 1200 nits, improving outdoor visibility, while TÜV Rheinland certification aims to reduce eye strain during extended use. Under the hood, both devices are powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset, with 5G connectivity and dual-SIM support. The setup should be enough for regular tasks like browsing, streaming, and light gaming.

Cameras & Software

The vivo Y21 5G features a 50MP main camera, while the Y11 5G has a 13MP main camera. Both devices include multiple camera modes, such as Night, Portrait, and Time-lapse, for basic versatility.

On the software side, the phones run OriginOS 6, based on Android 16, with features such as Circle to Search, AI photo enhancements, and Google Gemini integration for smarter interactions.

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13 Highly Rated Harbor Freight Hand Tools For Your Starter Kit

Published

1 hour ago

25 March 2026

NewsAdmin

Building a quality selection of hand tools to help support your repair, DIY renovation, or emergency preparedness needs isn’t always easy. Finding great gear is rarely the problem, though. Starter kits demand an odd blend of cost-effectiveness and value that can be difficult to identify. As a beginner creating your first collection of versatile hand tools, you’ll often want to target sets of equipment (like a bundle deal of screwdrivers or a socket set with a wide range of turning tools) while purchasing the best brand options you can afford at a reasonable price point. There’s no need to focus on premium quality everywhere, and even those with experience seeking to reimagine their existing mechanic’s tool kit will want to save in some areas and splurge in others. In fact, many pros suggest a different route, opting for inexpensive gear that’s unlikely to last a long time. The things you break first are naturally going to be the equipment you use the most, giving you a personalized blueprint for where to upgrade over time.

Harbor Freight tools offer a solid blend of both worlds. Harbor Freight’s catalog of in-house brands features plenty of quality implements at surprisingly bargain-friendly prices. The outlet certainly carries its fair share of expensive equipment, but many of the hand tools offered by the tool and home improvement store are inexpensive without sacrificing quality or key build features that users crave. These 13 tools are cost-friendly options with great reviews in their respective categories, providing reliable coverage for numerous jobs you may be gearing up to tackle.

Pittsburgh Comfort Grip Screwdriver Set (70-Piece)

There’s always room in a garage or workshop for a set of screwdrivers. This is one of the baseline tools that every fixer, builder, or renovator needs to have in their collection. No matter the task you’re squaring up against, three functions remain at the top of any job’s requirements: measuring, cutting, and fastening. You won’t get very far without screwdriving tools, and a set of handheld fastening tools can be a true game changer. The Pittsburgh Comfort Grip Screwdriver Set includes Allen keys, nut drivers, precision screwdrivers, and standard screwdriving tools. It’s all contained within a storage rack that makes organization simple.

Each screwdriver features an oil-resistant TPR cushion grip that makes the set useful in demanding environments while also remaining comfortable for use over long periods of time. The screwdrivers feature chrome vanadium steel construction with magnetized tips and flat-sided handles that offer additional gripping power while reducing the risk of rolling. About 98% of buyers recommend the set, and its price is among the primary reasons. It’s offered at Harbor Freight for $30, but Inside Track Club members can save $10 on their purchase before April 2. The tool has been reviewed by over 1,230 buyers and holds a 4.8-star average rating.

Central Machinery 5-Inch Swivel Vise with Anvil

The Central Machinery 5-Inch Swivel Vise with Anvil is an in-store-only tool offered by Harbor Freight. The vise is available for $50 for Inside Track Club members until April 2, and $60 for other buyers. Both prices are favorable for a quality swiveling vise designed for heavy-duty use in your garage or workshop. The tool features 5-inch, heat-treated replaceable jaws and can produce 6,600 pounds of clamping force. The tool’s body is made of cast iron, resulting in a 21-pound tool that can offer portability when necessary but is dense enough for solid workholding when you need to lock down a component.

The vise features a 2-1/8-inch throat depth, and the swiveling base offers a full 360-degree rotational arc. The tool has received over 270 buyer reviews with a 4.7-star average rating. It has a 96% recommendation rate, and the replaceable jaws and multifunctional capability, underpinned by the addition of a 3-1/2-inch by 3-5/8-inch anvil, have a lot to do with this high praise.

Quinn 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2-Inch Drive SAE and Metric Hi-Vis Socket Set (66-Piece)

There are plenty of great mechanic’s tool sets for every budget, including some that feature no additions beyond the ratchet and sockets. The Quinn 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2-Inch Drive SAE and Metric Hi-Vis Socket Set is a quality choice in this regard. It’s listed at Harbor Freight for $60, offering 66 total pieces for a good price per element and a relatively low cost overall. The set comes with a carrying case featuring individual storage slots, allowing you to find exactly what you’re looking for without hassle. The set is built with chrome vanadium steel, offering scratch and rust resistance for long-term durability. Each ratchet features a 72-tooth quick-release head, and the sockets offer high-visibility markings with color coding to indicate drive size.

Customers overwhelmingly give this high praise, with a 4.8-star average rating from over 1,460 reviewers. 98% of buyers recommend the item to others. In addition to standard fastener-turning tools contained within the set, it includes three extensions and two spark plug sockets, allowing buyers to change their own spark plugs without having to go out and buy a new, specialized tool.

Pittsburgh 3/4-Inch Pipe Clamp with Base

Clamps come in a dizzying array of styles, but they all feature a basic commonality. Clamping tools are used to hold workpieces in place, allowing glue to set or keeping a component held firm while you fasten or cut away excess material. While numerous clamps can be of great value to someone building a starter toolkit, perhaps the most versatile solution you’ll find is the pipe clamp. Unlike other options, this tool comes as a pair of cast ends that fit onto a pipe you’ll add to the mix yourself. This allows you to customize the length to your own needs and provides extreme adaptability.

The Pittsburgh 3/4-Inch Pipe Clamp with Base is a great option, listed at Harbor Freight for $12. It’s an in-store-only tool. The clamp features a four-plate clutch to deliver intense clamping pressure, along with a quick-release lever to back it off when the job is finished. It’s built with cast steel and a heavy-duty ACME lead screw. It doesn’t come with a pipe but fits 3/4-inch-diameter pipes and includes pre-drilled holes to attach additional jaws if necessary. 98% of buyers recommend it, and more than 420 reviewers give it a 4.7-star average rating.

Doyle 12-Inch Professional Rafter Square

The Doyle 12-Inch Professional Rafter Square is a layout tool with huge functionality built into its subtle frame. Also known as a speed square, this tool makes measuring and marking boards significantly faster. The tool is built with an anodized aluminum body with high-visibility, laser-etched markings across its face. One end of the triangular tool features a lip that allows you to quickly square it up against the edge of a board, with the 90-degree angle delivering a perfect marking edge to scribe measurements or cut lines onto a workpiece with ease. It also features notches along its edge that allow users to drag a line horizontally across a board for rip cuts.

The tool is essential for getting the angles and markings correct when building roof trusses and other angular constructions on a job site or in your own backyard, but it also serves as a key asset for many other projects. It’s available from Harbor Freight for $17 and has received over 500 reviews with a 4.9-star average rating. Among buyers, about 98% recommend it to others.

Central Forge 15-Pound Rugged Cast Iron Anvil

The anvil is often thought of as a tool that’s only required in metalworking shops. Forging hand tools, bladed instruments, and other cast decorative elements is specialized work, so it’s easy to overlook the tool. However, this addition, which acts in opposition to your hammer or other workpiece manipulation assets, can add significant value to many aspiring home improvers’ collections and workshops of all sorts.

The Central Forge 15-Pound Rugged Cast Iron Anvil is a relatively lightweight solution. It also won’t break the bank. The tool’s $20 price tag and 15-pound weight make it a small-scale investment that can pay huge dividends for users long into the future. In the same way that a vise can provide massively versatile workholding capabilities, the anvil offers a smooth striking surface to work with across many different job requirements.

This tool features a cast iron construction with a milled face. It offers an 8-1/4-inch by 3-inch work surface with a hardy hole that supports punching through material, bending components, or accessory installations. It also offers a rounded horn for shaping and smooth bending. The tool also includes extra-large feet that help keep it firmly planted while in use. The anvil has a 4.6-star average rating from more than 470 buyers, with a 93% recommendation rate.

Pittsburgh 16 oz. Fiberglass Rip Claw Hammer

Another critically important tool: Virtually everyone who uses hand implements, even sparingly, will need a hammer to support striking functions and basic fastener removal tasks. The Pittsburgh 16 oz. Fiberglass Rip Claw Hammer is a $7 purchase at Harbor Freight, offering a fiberglass handle for effective shock absorption. It features a non-slip rubber grip as well, pairing with a drop-forged steel head. The tool features a rip claw construction rather than the more commonly observed curved claw, delivering a straighter swing path and improved striking control. The hammer features a smooth face for a classic finish.

Nearly all customers (99%) recommend the hammer to others, and across 2,460 reviews it has received a 4.8-star average rating. The 16 oz. head weight is an ideal middle-ground solution that delivers more than enough force to drive heavy nails while remaining light enough for lengthy use. The handle is 11 inches long and features a tapered shaft layout to allow users to grip up on the tool when setting a nail and move their hand to the rubberized bottom for more striking force.

Doyle 13-Inch Heavy Duty Professional Hand Riveter

The Doyle 13-Inch Heavy Duty Professional Hand Riveter features a double compound hinge that offers added leverage over the standard riveting tool. This makes it an upgraded option for driving fasteners in even the most demanding applications. It includes five interchangeable nose pieces that are color-coded for easy identification and don’t require additional tools to install or remove. It also utilizes a collection bottle that’s built into the back end of the tool, collecting used mandrels rather than dropping them all over your workshop.

The riveter also features an ergonomic PVC grip construction that helps to reduce fatigue as you work on fastening tasks. The tool is available for $25 at Harbor Freight, making it a cost-effective option for securing all manner of material as you work to complete renovation or construction jobs. Buyers give it high praise as well, delivering a 4.8-star average rating across more than 530 reviews. It also has a 97% recommendation rate from those who have purchased the tool.

Icon 1/2-Inch Drive 18-Inch Professional Breaker Bar

The breaker bar is a tool mechanics and many others lean on in a pinch, both literally and figuratively. The breaker bar is an elongated ratchet-type tool that offers more leverage to create additional torque on a stubborn fastener. It’s a tool that’s all about muscling through a tough turning task, and so a heavy-duty option is always going to be a priority. The Icon 1/2-Inch Drive 18-Inch Professional Breaker Bar delivers a critically important crossover between strength and durability, and an approachable price point. It features more than enough length and strength to tackle seized fasteners, while being listed at Harbor Freight for $30.

The tool runs with a 1/2-inch drive size and features a 180-degree pivot in the head to deliver access to your workpiece from a range of angles. The tool is made from chrome vanadium steel and weighs a little over 2 pounds. It’s also chrome-plated to resist corrosion and rust. Nearly 170 reviewers have given it a 4.9-star average rating, with 99% of them recommending it to others.

Pittsburgh Metric or SAE Ball End Hex Key Set (13-Piece)

Allen wrenches come in many formats, but anyone who has used the standard straight-end devices for long enough will know that the typical unit comes with a notable disadvantage. One of the most useful changes that has taken place in these fastener-driving tools is the ball end. The short side of the L-shaped Pittsburgh Metric or SAE Ball End Hex Key Set features the standard square end for a firm connection with your fastener and plenty of driving force as you turn the tool. The longer side of the hex key features a ball-shaped tip that allows users to turn fasteners while the tool is positioned at an angle.

This enhances the reach you experience while trying to tighten a screw, with the ability to engage a screw head from a 25-degree offset. This set comes with all of the standard sizes you’d expect in either SAE or metric measurements. Both options are listed as in-store-only tools, and both are available for $6. The tool set has been reviewed by nearly 1,800 Harbor Freight buyers and holds a 4.7-star average rating with a 96% recommendation rate. There are other Allen wrench sets out there for cheaper, but there’s really no reason to settle for a standard model when the enhanced variant can be found for such a low price.

Fasten-Pro Hammer Tacker

The Fasten-Pro Hammer Tacker is an update to the classic staple gun. Hammer tackers are designed for faster installation with less physical effort than their alternatives. They fire the same staples that a staple gun can accommodate but achieve that result with significantly less hullabaloo, allowing you to work quicker without nearly as much fatigue. This Fasten-Pro model is available from Harbor Freight for $15 and features a 4.4-star average rating across over 510 reviews. Similarly, 90% of customers recommend it to others, with its price coming in as a key strength.

The tool features a spring-loaded strip magazine that continuously pushes the next staple down into the ready position. The tool is 13-1/2 inches long and weighs a hair over two pounds, making it a mobile solution that’s easy to carry and even easier to deploy. It utilizes a non-slip comfort grip with additional oil-resistant features that make it usable in a wide range of situations.

Pittsburgh Precision Electrical Screwdriver Set (6-Piece)

The precision screwdriver is essential for tackling electrical repair and handling access to small parts within all manner of objects you might be working to service or repair. Everything from battery changes in smoke detectors or children’s toys to delicate work under the hood of your project vehicle can benefit from the addition of a precision screwdriver set. The Pittsburgh Precision Electrical Screwdriver Set is a 6-piece solution that’s available from Harbor Freight for $8. This option features electrical insulation with a protection rating up to 1000V. Failing to use insulated tools while working on the wiring in your home or other electrical projects is an easy mistake to make since the consequences aren’t immediately apparent.

The insulated, soft-grip handles make it more comfortable to use the screwdrivers, and they feature GS and VDE-certified protection that can minimize or even negate the risk of electrical shock. The kit also comes with a storage case, and each screwdriver features a color-coded element to help make identification easier. The set features three flathead screwdrivers and three Phillips models, all in small sizes that are essential for tackling delicate tasks like jewelry or watch repair and much more. The low price tag combines perfectly with a 4.8-star average rating and a 99% recommendation rate across more than 520 reviews.

Pittsburgh Ratcheting Screwdriver Set (26-Piece)

There are a wide range of great multibit screwdrivers that can make a difference in your workflow, and the multibit screwdriver is among the most valuable and useful hand tools you’ll encounter. Therefore, it can feel like a big decision when selecting one. Fortunately, Harbor Freight offers a solid choice in the Pittsburgh Ratcheting Screwdriver Set. It features a $14 price tag and a 4.5-star average rating across over 1,560 reviews. It also has a 93% recommendation rate, underpinning a cost-effective and highly rated solution that can help users tackle a wide range of jobs. The tool comes with 24 driver bits as well as a nylon carrying case to keep everything contained and organized as an on-the-go solution or for effective storage in your workshop between jobs. It includes six nut-driving bits as well as a range of Phillips, Pozidrive, TORX, and slotted bits.

Each bit is constructed from chrome vanadium steel to deliver long-lasting performance across numerous jobs, regardless of how demanding each use might become. The screwdriving head also features a ratcheting function with left and right directional shifts as well as a stationary center position that locks the mechanism for standard use.

Methodology

All of these tools have been reviewed by at least 150 buyers. Most have near-perfect average ratings, with the lowest of the bunch scoring a 4.4-star average. They represent a quality cross-section of hand tool options that can provide plenty of versatility throughout the typical installation, repair, or fabrication tasks you might face. They’re also all inexpensive options that won’t break the bank as you search for good value at fair prices.

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Why strong authentication beyond the browser will define the future of connected devices

Published

2 hours ago

25 March 2026

NewsAdmin

The way we interact with technology is no longer confined to the browser. Cars, smart homes, wearable devices, and industrial systems are now deeply connected, driving unprecedented convenience and innovation, but also creating vast new attack surfaces.

And regulators are taking notice: In the automotive sector, global cybersecurity regulations are setting baseline requirements for vehicle software updates and data protection through UNECE WP.29; the U.S. federal government’s IoT labeling program, meanwhile, is pushing manufacturers to build more secure products from the start.

Andrew Shikiar

Executive Director and CMO at FIDO Alliance.

security can no longer be an afterthought. All connected devices must be built with strong authentication at their core.

Article continues below

How enterprises approach security can vary, particularly for those who are newer to the world of authentication than their legacy counterparts in tech and banking. Yet they can all benefit from one unified source.

FIDO’s user and device authentication standards, already proven at internet scale in consumer platforms and financial services, can be embedded directly into connected devices.

smartphones, cloud applications, and payment platforms.

A driver unlocking their car, an engineer accessing industrial machinery, or a consumer pairing a smart appliance should all benefit from the same phishing-resistant, cryptography-based security that has already replaced billions of passwords online.

Instead of bolting on security measures after the fact, manufacturers can design devices with secure sign-in and trust models from day one.

This convergence creates enormous opportunity but also exposes shared vulnerabilities. A phishing-resistant login for a cloud service is only as effective as the weakest connected link in the chain.

If a malicious actor can compromise a connected thermostat in a factory or exploit a weak credential in a vehicle’s infotainment system, they can often gain a pathway into far more critical systems.

Enterprises are already experiencing this in real time. Bring-your-own-device policies blurred personal and professional boundaries years ago; now, bring-your-own-IoT is creating similar challenges, with employees using connected wearables, smart assistants, or even vehicles that link into corporate accounts.

The result is a patchwork of authentication models with passwords in one place, biometrics in another, device tokens somewhere else that only work to create confusion for users and costly complexity for IT teams.

collaboration tool, authenticating to their car, or controlling smart infrastructure, the same secure, interoperable standard provides ease of use and peace of mind.

The result? Simplified security, consistency for users, and lower integration costs for manufacturers and enterprises alike.

We are at an inflection point. The industries that embrace this unified model will be best positioned to build trusted ecosystems where consumers, employees, and businesses interact seamlessly and securely, regardless of the device or environment.

The connected world, whether in the car, the factory, or the living room, needs a consistent, scalable approach to authentication. As regulators raise the bar and consumers demand simpler, more secure solutions, enterprises can no longer afford the risks of fragmented systems.

Embedding FIDO standards into connected devices ensures that security becomes an enabler of innovation that helps lay the foundation for connected ecosystems to truly thrive.

We’ve featured the best endpoint protection.

This article was produced as part of TechRadarPro’s Expert Insights channel where we feature the best and brightest minds in the technology industry today. The views expressed here are those of the author and are not necessarily those of TechRadarPro or Future plc. If you are interested in contributing find out more here: https://www.techradar.com/news/submit-your-story-to-techradar-pro

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Kindle Colorsoft drops back to Black Friday price ahead of Amazon Spring Sale

Published
2 hours ago
on
25 March 2026

By
NewsAdmin

Colour e-readers have always felt like a compromise, but this Kindle Colorsoft deal lands at a price that finally makes switching from traditional black-and-white feel genuinely worthwhile.
That is what makes the timing of this deal stand out, with the Amazon Kindle Colorsoft 16GB now reduced to $169.99 from $249.99, shaving $80 off and bringing a 32% saving ahead of the Amazon Spring Sale.
What immediately defines the Kindle Colorsoft is its 7-inch display, which introduces paper-like colour while still preserving the soft, glare-free readability that makes long reading sessions comfortable.
Unlike the Kindle Paperwhite, which focuses entirely on black-and-white clarity, this display is built specifically for colour, making book covers, illustrations, and highlights feel noticeably more engaging.
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That difference becomes more useful when reading visually rich content or studying material, where colour highlights in yellow, orange, blue, and pink help organise notes more clearly.
The Kindle Colorsoft also keeps the practical strengths people expect, including a battery that can last up to eight weeks, depending on usage, which makes it easy to rely on daily.

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