Weird but super useful tech gadgets

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  • OptiVISOR

    OptiVISOR

    See it now: OptiVISOR on Amazon

    The Donegan OptiVISOR is a hands-free, headband binocular magnifier that's super useful when your eyes are just not what they used to be. (Well, mine have never been awesome, so I've used one of these for years.)

    I like the brand because there are loads of different lenses available, along with loupes and even lights.

    Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

  • Nitecore VCL10 multifunctional car gadget

    Nitecore VCL10 multifunctional car gadget

    See it now: Nitecore VCL10

    The Nitecore VCL10 is a multifunctional car gadget, incorporating:

    - a 2.4A QC 2.0 and 3.0 compatible USB charger

    - stainless steel glass breaker

    - emergency and warning light

    Designed to slot into the cigarette lighter adapter, the Nitecore VCL10 is extremely compact and easy to keep to hand.

    Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

  • Swiss-Tech Utili-Key 6-in-1

    Swiss-Tech Utili-Key 6-in-1

    See it now: Swiss-Tech on Amazon

    The Swiss-Tech Utili-Key 6-in-1 is the smallest multitool that I've owned, not much bigger than a key. I have one attached to my car keys, house keys, and I have a couple in the office, and I'm surprised how often I turn to them.

    It features:

    - Flat screwdriver

    - Phillips screwdriver

    - Micro-sized screwdriver (perfect for eyeglasses)

    - Straight blade knife

    - Serrated blade knife

    - Bottle opener

    Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

  • Lume Cube Air

    Lume Cube Air

    See it now: Lume Cube Air

    At first I couldn't imagine why I needed a Bluetooth-enabled LED light that I could use via an app as a flash for my smartphone.

    Then I tried the Lume Cube Air and realized just how superior it was to the built-in flash on my iPhone, especially for video, but also for photography that needed a little bit more lighting than the flash could handle.

    I especially like the fact that the Lume Cube Air is durable and waterproof, and on a full charge it is good for a good 2.5 hours. The daylight LED also offers what feels like super natural lighting, and each Lume Cube Air is kitted out with a tripod attachment and a magnet.

    Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

  • DS212 2-channel pocket oscilloscope

    DS212 2-channel pocket oscilloscope

    See it now: DS212 on Amazon

    Smaller than an iPhone, the DS212 at first looks like a bit of a toy, but it is in fact a very decent 2-channel oscilloscope that is handy for diagnosing problems with low-voltage electrical gadgets (good up to 40 Volts).

    Instructions are a bit scant, so getting to know how to use it can be a bit of an adventure -- Google is your friend -- but once you have the basics down, it is pretty straightforward.

    These can be found all over Amazon from a variety of sellers priced at around the $110 mark.

    Good bit of kit.

    Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

  • Pitaka MagWallet UE

    Pitaka MagWallet UE

    See it now: Pitaka on Amazon

    Leather wallets really don't last very long with me, so I was keen to see how the switch to a carbon fiber wallet would work. Quite well, is the answer to that question.

    The Pitaka MagWallet UE is rugged and durable, yet smart, and features a built-in anti-RFID and anti-degaussing technology to keep cards safe.

    And importantly for a wallet, it's quick and easy to use, and doesn't flap open and dump your stuff everywhere like a traditional wallet.

    Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

  • Fiberglass Scratch Brush

    Fiberglass Scratch Brush

    See it now: Fiberglass Scratch Brush on Amazon

    Seems like a simple thing, but this really has become a staple repair tool for me. This is the perfect tool for removing corrosion, especially in electrical terminals that have corroded as a result of leaky batteries. 

    There are also versions that make use of steel or brass bristles, which are effective at removing corrosion, but I don't like to use a material that is electrically conductive.

    Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

  • Magnetic Wristband

    Magnetic Wristband

    See it now: Magnetic Wristband on Amazon

    Sometimes when I'm working on something where I'm having to swap tools regularly, or have lots of different fasteners and parts to assemble, I find that a magnetic wristband is the perfect solution. 

    I find it great for screws, nuts, drill bits, bolts, nails and washers.

    Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

  • USB rechargeable AA/AAA lithium batteries

    USB rechargeable AA/AAA lithium batteries

    See it now: USB rechargeable batteries on Amazon

    The name is pretty self-explanatory, and these USB rechargeable AA and AAA batteries are super-useful in things like computer peripherals or remote controls. Just make sure someone doesn't toss the dead ones in the recycling!

    Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

  • Koogeek rechargeable EMS smart massager

    Koogeek rechargeable EMS smart massager

    See it now: Koogeek

    I work out quite a bit, and at my age, aches and pains are normal. I find that I get a lot of relief out of using electrical muscle stimulation to relax tired muscles and work out the knots and kinks.

    The Koogeek rechargeable EMS smart massager is a wireless electrical muscle stimulator can relax muscles, reduce fatigue, and relieve muscle pain. At first it looks like a toy, but I love how small and compact this gadget is, and that I can recharge it from any microUSB output. And it works very well.

    Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

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I seem to be someone who buys things on the off chance that they will be useful at some point down the road. While there are many times when it doesn't feel like this pays off, some of the weird gadgets that I've picked up ended up being super useful, and have become part of the kit I use.

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OptiVISOR

See it now: OptiVISOR on Amazon

The Donegan OptiVISOR is a hands-free, headband binocular magnifier that's super useful when your eyes are just not what they used to be. (Well, mine have never been awesome, so I've used one of these for years.)

I like the brand because there are loads of different lenses available, along with loupes and even lights.

Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

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