Gadgets which cost less than 10 bucks...

Quiet Storm

Quiet Storm

Joined
May 17, 2002
Messages
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I know that we had something similar before, but I'd like to revive the idea of a fellow forumite and ask for the most inexpensive stuff that can be defined as a "gadget". Price range should be up to 10 $. And no, please don't post stuff like "well, if one would spend 5/10/20 bucks extra, it would be enough for a XYZ".

Only CHEAP gear. OK? ;)


Don't have much to contribute, except for those:
- Paracord and duck tape (instant repair kit for uncountable purposes)
- Opinels (the carbon steel version)
- chemical light sticks (instant light source without any external power supply)


I'm sure there's much more interesting stuff out there in this very low price range and the ones I mentioned are well-known and I more or less only wrote 'em down for the record.

Your ideas, please! :)
 
swiss tech micro pliers
swiss tech utili key
Swisstech Screwzall
Princeton tec Rage Flashlight
Princeton tech Blast Flashlight
Underwater Kinetics 2AAA flashlight
Victorinox Classic

Just for starters
:)
 
GI P-38 can opener
Swedish Fire Steel
V-nox Pocket Pal
Parker Pen
small diamond rod sharpeners
Bic Lighter
Craftsman 4-way screwdriver

Paul
 
Many of the micro keychain lights can be had for less than $10 (Photon 1/2, Pulsar 1/2, Innova, etc..)
 
spy capsule
fox whistle
comtech stinger
kubotan
inova microlight
executive icescraper
swisstech screwzall
keychain compass
 
The good ole Zippo
Boker Snac-Pac
The Fisher Space pen (field not bullet)
Rite in Rain notepad
Frosts deck knife
Ushba Ti Rap ring
MSR tool spoon
silicone hot pad for use in the kitchen.
 
I think the Snowpeak Ti Spork is right around $10, give or take.

Not exactly a gadget but you can get a big bag of tie-wraps for under $10--always a use for them.

McMaster Carr had some 6 and 8 mil resealable plastic zip lock type bags for under ten--fantastic for certain kinds of storage.

Tuff-Cloth is typically under $10, great for any knife buff.
 
I've never held one in my hand, but Lee Valley sells some kind of pocket wrench for $6.

Don't forget those little Vise-Grip pliers! (Although I prefer the Craftsman version--less likely to pinch you.)
A lot of self-contained ratchet screwdriver sets, usually with 4-6 bits, can be had for $10. Much nicer IMO than using multi-tool screwdrivers.
If you're into bicycles, Crank Bros. makes a tire-release gadget for $7 that's much supposed to be much faster and more convenient than traditional tire levers.

I like the socks myself. I'll have to try the WigWams.
 
Yes, Johnniet, the Lee valley Pocket wrench definately goes on my list. I bought one for me and one for my dad.

How about the Chawly Changer-holds $1.34 in change without it rattling around in your pocket. $5.00 IIRC.

A 3-pack of Mini Bic lighters, less than $3.00 when I bought them yesterday.

Gatco Tri-seps sharpener, bought mine used, but I don't think they run much over $7-8.

Suunto compass to go on a watchband, about $10 but I found a stack of them on closeout for half that.
 
Great topic. Good gift ideas. I'll add:

A coin sorting machine, although you may not need one if you get the Chawly Changer.

Photon X-light flashlight.

Rayovac PS-1 battery charger.

NexStar bulbs for the MiniMagLite mentioned above.

Sanford PhD Multi pen (pen, pencil, stylus, ergo grip).

A letter opener, the kind with concealed razor blade (handy).
 
tons of neat gadgets and tools at leevalley.com are under or very close to ten bucks.

jeff
 
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