Robert McNees

What are your favorite low-tech tools? I mean things you use regularly that you really appreciate, that aren't computers, tablets, phones, AirPods, etc.

For example, my Stanley thermos is perfectly crafted and I use it every day. And this Rotring 600 mechanical pencil might as well be part of my hand. Exquisite balance and weight, makes writing a joy.

Interested to hear your answers in the replies.

Nov 26, 2022 at 5:42pmMastodon for iOS
Show threadRobert McNeesNov 26, 2022
I am hoping the answers here double as an interesting gift guide for the holidays.
Show threadMichael BuschNov 26, 2022

@mcnees As when you asked this on Twitter:

The cast-iron teapot is a wonderful invention.

Show threadRobert McNeesNov 26, 2022
@michael_w_busch Hoping to get a comparable list of answers here, so that the very useful list people generated exists outside of that place.
Show threadPolluxNov 26, 2022
@mcnees For me, it's probably card scrapers, as a cabinet maker, it amazes me that you can do so much with just a blank piece of metal and an other harder one!
Show threadRobert McNeesNov 26, 2022
@polluxpimpim Oh! What exactly are they for?
Show threadRobert McNeesNov 26, 2022
@polluxpimpim (Also, would love to see examples of your work!)
Show threadPolluxNov 26, 2022
@mcnees They are perfect when dealing with complicated grain, veneering, marquetry, and preparation for finishing a piece.
I did this simple walnut jewelry box recently, I also just finished a desk that I need to take some pictures of!
Show threadRobert McNeesNov 26, 2022
@polluxpimpim gorgeous
Show threadPolluxNov 26, 2022
@mcnees Thank you so much!
Show threadMBWilsonNov 27, 2022
@polluxpimpim @mcnees beautiful work!
Show threadPolluxNov 27, 2022
@mbwilson @mcnees thank you so much
Show threadBrian SianaNov 26, 2022
@mcnees
Show threadCarolyn FleggNov 26, 2022
@mcnees today, it's my wooden double pointed #knitting needles #DPN
Show threadRobin MarwickNov 26, 2022
@mcnees ooh interesting question. I guess my fountain pen; a really good mechanical pencil with a thicker lead; my asthma inhaler is pretty gosh darn neat; binder clips are useful for so many things; darning needles and embroidery hoops ditto; I replaced the lock on my front door this summer and highly recommend keys that actually work; really good scissors.
Show threadShanna Peeples 🏳️‍🌈Nov 27, 2022
@electricland @mcnees Binder clips! Also: sticky notes, index cards, multi-color thinking Sharpies. These are my essential #teacher and #facilitation tools.
Show threadGuyNov 26, 2022

@mcnees I probably use the little flat head screwdriver end of this little pocket knife as much as the actual knife:

https://thejamesbrand.com/products/the-elko

The Elko

Show threadRobJLowNov 26, 2022
@mcnees Ball point pens (I find it hard to believe that they work) and bicycles (even now it seems somehow magical that I press down on a pedal and it goes forwards without falling over.)
Show threadKitsyNov 26, 2022

@mcnees

If we were playing #ISWYS, ...

Let's play #ISWYS!

Play #ISWYS (I See What You're Saying) with me. I will toot an image. To you, that image may ask a #question that needs an #answer or #solution, or it may evoke a #memory in you. Then you reply with an image that shows that.

If you include these instructions and boost, then others can reply to your image with their own. #tools

If you like ISWYS, then #boost this post instead of #favoriting it.

Here's my reply...

a P-38.

Show threadGeoff 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿Nov 26, 2022
@kitsystratton @mcnees Genius bit of kit. I prefer them to most "normal" kitchen tin openers in terms of reliability, let alone compactness.
Show threadChris Cramer 🇺🇸👨🏼‍🔬🇮🇹🌎Nov 26, 2022
@kitsystratton I only WISH I could respond with some digitized pictures from when they were using up the last of the Army's C rations on us poor ROTC cadets back in the early 80s! Haven't seen a P-38 in DECADES! 😂
Show threadKitsyNov 27, 2022

@ChemProfCramer

My ex saved every one ever issued to him in his 8 years in. He had a shoe box full!

Except for my children, it was the best thing I got out of the marriage! ;-)

Show threadChris Cramer 🇺🇸👨🏼‍🔬🇮🇹🌎Nov 27, 2022
@kitsystratton 😂 lot to unpack in THAT response! but, as a divorced father of three (albeit still on very good terms), definitely good with children #FTW.
Show threadKitsyNov 27, 2022

@ChemProfCramer

It's not that complicated. I have great kids. They are both grown now. My daughter is living with me while she finishes grad school.

Show threadKeith FieldhouseNov 26, 2022
@mcnees My Leatherman Wave multi-tool. It’s a fairly conventional (high quality) multi-tool. Knife blades, pliers, can opener etc. What sets it apart is that it takes multiple bits (screwdriver, square, star, etc. ). Mini toolbox on your hip. Invaluable in the field.
Show threadKnut MoråNov 26, 2022
@kd2pyk @mcnees having one when i first moved out to university was incredibly useful for all kinds of small fixes etc, it's been in my desk drawer ever since. Very rarely have I felt i needed a more specialized tool, though i do feel guilty when using it as a hammer :)
Show threadJen McCulley Nov 26, 2022
@kd2pyk @mcnees I wish my Leatherman bracelet had pliers. I would not have to carry my Swiss Army multitool everywhere. Thing feels heavier than the Tread on my wrist. Pliers, man. I always need pliers.
Show threadJen McCulley Nov 26, 2022
@kd2pyk @mcnees other than my Leatherman Tread bracelet, Swiss Army knife, my LARQ Pure Vis insulated bottle is always at work. The lid self-cleans the bottle every two hours and in 60 secs keeps my water fresh. I never leave the house without them.
Show threadRicki Yasha TarrNov 26, 2022
@mcnees My Mercer Bread Knife I use it nearly every day, very well designed.
Show threadla bibliotequetressNov 27, 2022
@RickiTarr @mcnees Yes!
Show threadkdacarNov 27, 2022
@RickiTarr @mcnees I'm gonna like this just for the picture!
Show threadRicki Yasha TarrNov 27, 2022
@kdacar @mcnees LOL thanks, I think.
Show threadMike FragassiNov 26, 2022
@mcnees Fountain pens, for me.
Show threadSal From JerseyNov 26, 2022
@refrag these are beautiful, especially the one on the right. My BiL let me use his fountain pen over thanksgiving and I really liked it. Had no idea they're used outside of art these days. My only encounter with one prior to this week was in an elementary school art class, where we literally had to dip for the ink. Now I want one ... lol
Show threadMike FragassiNov 26, 2022
@saltrifilio Pen on the right is a silver Kaweco AL Sport, made of aluminum. They run like $70-80, but Kaweco make plastic models with the same size & shape that cost less than half that. They're great, and very sturdy, but do get scuffed if you pocket carry.
Show threadSal From JerseyNov 26, 2022
@refrag Appreciate the reply and suggestion, Mike! How do you feel about how much ink these things use? The one I used this weekend felt like it was right on the border of delivering too much ink, that would cause page bleed—or make it so you can't really write on both sides of the page.
Show threadMike FragassiNov 26, 2022
@saltrifilio The thing is, that's a factor of 3 things: the ink, the pen/nib you're using, and the paper you're writing on. Some paper is notorious about bleeding ink - official "Moleskine" brand notebook paper is like this; oddly enough, generic big box store notebooks made in Vietnam often are really good. Some inks are known to be particularly 'dry' or 'wet' (based on viscosity) and some pens are too, although that can be ameliorated by only writing with really extra-fine nibs.
Show threadMike FragassiNov 26, 2022
@saltrifilio There's a whole world of pen/ink/paper reviews out there that covers this sort of thing. It's a real rabbit hole, which is how it becomes an addicting hobby. One place to start, for ink reviews, is here:
https://mountainofink.com/
Mountain of Ink

Reviews of fountain pen inks, notebooks, and pen holders.

Mountain of Ink
Show threadSal From JerseyNov 26, 2022
@refrag TYSM!
Show threadSal From JerseyNov 26, 2022
@refrag Love it when people know their gear like this. You've inspired me to do some of my own research into this, although I do really appreciate all you've shared. Curious, what's your go-to combination of the Big 3 Things™️ ?
Show threadMike FragassiNov 26, 2022
@saltrifilio
Paper: Field Notes dot grid pocket books for EDC, and Midori MD notebooks
Ink: Waterman Serenity Blue
Pens: I'm a collector, so it's hard to pick one, but that Kaweco in Extra-Fine is my everyday pocket pen. I'm actually using Monteverde Capri Blue cartridges in it right now.
Show threadSal From JerseyNov 26, 2022
@refrag *opens tab, begins searching feverishly* 🧐
Show threadMike FragassiNov 26, 2022
@saltrifilio Just keep a leash on your wallet while you're getting your feet wet! If you have access to a physical store that deals in fountain pens, I highly recommend visiting to try ones out.
Also, for super-cheap, extra-fine pens to try, check out the Platinum Preppy in 0.3 mm.
Show threadSal From JerseyNov 26, 2022
@refrag Def will do, although I can't think of a shop I could go and try out a pen at other than maybe Staples? lol
Show threadMike FragassiNov 26, 2022
@saltrifilio Don't know where you're at at the moment (Jersey?) but there are shops out there dealing in fountain pens
Show threadSal From JerseyNov 26, 2022
@refrag MA, but I'm sure I can find something up here as well. Can't find a thing with your eyes closed, of course!
Show threadMike FragassiNov 26, 2022
@saltrifilio Althogh with Preppies you have to use the cartridges they come with (pens cartridges are like razor cartridges, there's compatibility issues across brands) or buy a converter & use bottled ink, which I'd avoid for now as you're just starting out. But their ink is good, no issues.
Show threadRobert McNeesNov 26, 2022
@refrag @saltrifilio If you ever spot the Field Notes "Arts and Sciences" edition out in the wild, you should definitely pick it up. Was my go-to doodling / scratch work notebook for years, and not just because I was responsible for the puzzle on the insider cover.
https://fieldnotesbrand.com/products/arts-and-sciences
Arts and Sciences

Arts and Sciences is a 2-Pack of larger 7-1/2" x 4-3/4" note books big enough to accommodate ideas from both sides of your brain.

Field Notes
Show threadMike FragassiNov 26, 2022
@mcnees @saltrifilio I take it no one won that pen? 😄
Show threadmoliverNov 26, 2022
@mcnees
I keep a three foot crowbar in my truck. It has served me in many capacities over the years.
Show threadRobert McNeesNov 26, 2022
@moliver The lever is a classic for a reason.
Show threadmoliverNov 26, 2022
@mcnees
Yes, it occasionally serves as a lever too.
Show threadJade Nov 26, 2022
@mcnees I am of the perspective that a pair of comfortable shoes/boots are often underappreciated. When my feet are happy, I am happy. I use my feet literally every day.
Show threadJames Davenport 🔭☕️Nov 26, 2022
@mcnees @Jade YES!!! I’ve been breaking in a new pair of Iron Rangers this fall and my feet are so happy!
Show threadJade Nov 26, 2022
@jradavenport Red Wings. Iconic!
Show threadSquirrelyGrrlNov 26, 2022
@mcnees
My old, beloved cast iron skillet. Knitting needles. Loom. Embroidery hoops.
Show threadem dee (they/them)Nov 26, 2022
@mcnees water color paper, paint, and brushes. I also *love* good black drawing pens and illustrator paper. Good sewing scissors and my Dr Grip pen. I've been using them for prob 15 years and they are outstanding (and affordable).
Show threadRobert McNeesNov 26, 2022
@meoutloud Same here. Good pens, pencils, and paper an absolute must.
Show threadSpeed Paste RobotNov 26, 2022

@mcnees

YES:
#ReasonsToBeCheerful

uniball bold 207 pen,
exacto knife mini razor
pink cutting mat
blank index card

all of these compact, like a portable nano studio

Show threadBen EvansNov 26, 2022
@mcnees My Florentine kitchen knives. Cooking is a major way that I relax and stop working - the knives help with the entirely different sort of flow state that cooking helps induce. Likewise, my cast iron casserole dish and my father's wood-chopping axe.
Show threadRobert McNeesNov 26, 2022
@kittylyst Anything that promotes a flow state!