A reader turned us on to these cool vise bookends found via the re-purposing site CoolMaterial.com. But we’re pretty sure no Toolmonger would shell out $70 for ‘em. That said, we bet you’ve got some similar out-of-use tools lying around the shop — we do — that would do the job just fine.
Specifically, I know that I have an old pre-electric-era clothes iron that’s screaming for this kind of treatment. (Hell, I barely use my awesome modern iron, much less one that I need to hold over a fire.) This could also be a great use for old worn-out cordless drills. Throw together a little wooden stand and they’d make a great conversation starter. I’m sure they’d hold up books, too.
In fact, I’ve unknowingly been following this stylin’ trend for over a year. Check out my office doorstop:
Vise Bookends [Cool Material]
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6 Responses to A Use For Old, Un-Needed, Or Worn-Out Tools
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{ Just grind the sides of an extender to the proprietary leatherman shape (actually a flattened 1/4"hex)and you can use standard bits (at standard prices) in... } – May 23, 6:37 AM
{ Oxy-gasoline cutting torch, alternative to acetylene cutting torch } – May 23, 2:53 AM
{ Undeniably imagine that which you said. Your favorite justification seemed to be at the internet the simplest factor to consider of. I say to you,... } – May 22, 11:55 PM
{ Wow the third design is cool. In fact all of them are cool
. Kinda helped me to generate some ideas. } – May 22, 11:40 PM{ What did you do about the glass surfaces on the limbs? Did you sand and refinish them as well, and if so, what did you... } – May 22, 9:48 PM
The “problems” with using modern tools in this way are 1) too much plastic and 2) garish colors, so they don’t have the same cool factor as the really old tools. I suppose you could always paint them, but painted plastic still won’t be as cool as an artistic hunk of iron with wood accents.
My aunt has been using an old iron like what you mention for as long as I can remember for a similar purpose to the drill in the second photo.
Simple solution, turn them into drag racers… http://www.toolraces.com
The bookends pictured are actually from Restoration Hardware. My wife gave me a set a few years ago. I guess I’m a little hard to shop for
The book ends look great.
Came across 2 old coal irons a few years ago and they’ve been keeping books on my shelf upright ever since.