The official Awesome $tüff I bought for <$50

D̷e̷v̷i̷l̷D̷o̷c̷A̷Z̷ · Nov 17, 2024

decided I’d start a thread so we could help each other waste money on neat stuff

The Rules:
-Post a freaking link
-keep it under $50

Here’s mine. A kick ass American Made Flag.

Valley Forge Flag 3 ft. x 5 ft. Nylon U.S. Flag USPN-T - The Home Depot

Acquire the 3 ft. x 5 ft. United States of America Flag USPN-1, for patriotic display it has a durable, polyester canvas heading and rust-resistant, brass grommets from The Home Depot

www.homedepot.com

Trigger Monkey · Nov 17, 2024

Part of my EDC

Rite In The Rain Pocket Pens

https://www.sportsmans.com/camping-...itlS0hl6Xzwk7yOGjNLwuDPiZP47olfxoC2R8QAvD_BwE

I've been carrying this around for a few months now and have zero complaints and always have a writing utensil on me now.

Victorinox Hiker

https://www.swiss-store.co.uk/victo...vxLjp3hAHVdPNLKbNXqbhbpfxN3oE0zhoCn2gQAvD_BwE

Decided to start EDC'ing something more practical than a single blade liner lock knife, haven't regretted it.

Streamlight Microstream Light

https://ads.midwayusa.com/product/1...ajRYNAH0LiA_Ft1P1rvbAqtl1nZeSQgBoClGMQAvD_BwE

Hella good little light with a pocket clip that also allows it to be mounted to a baseball cap.

Dyno Kwick Lock Pick

https://www.duluthtrading.com/lock-...xlDeJQd1kviLVWrOC1CuJRJAS4FHVwoRoCDMoQAvD_BwE

This probably won't get you into commercial door lock but it will crack padlocks and the like, I keep it in my tool kit for whenever.

Huskydriver · Nov 17, 2024

Trigger Monkey said:
Part of my EDC

Rite In The Rain Pocket Pens

https://www.sportsmans.com/camping-...itlS0hl6Xzwk7yOGjNLwuDPiZP47olfxoC2R8QAvD_BwE

I've been carrying this around for a few months now and have zero complaints and always have a writing utensil on me now.

Victorinox Hiker

https://www.swiss-store.co.uk/victo...vxLjp3hAHVdPNLKbNXqbhbpfxN3oE0zhoCn2gQAvD_BwE

Decided to start EDC'ing something more practical than a single blade liner lock knife, haven't regretted it.

Streamlight Microstream Light

https://ads.midwayusa.com/product/1...ajRYNAH0LiA_Ft1P1rvbAqtl1nZeSQgBoClGMQAvD_BwE

Hella good little light with a pocket clip that also allows it to be mounted to a baseball cap.

Dyno Kwick Lock Pick

https://www.duluthtrading.com/lock-...xlDeJQd1kviLVWrOC1CuJRJAS4FHVwoRoCDMoQAvD_BwE

This probably won't get you into commercial door lock but it will crack padlocks and the like, I keep it in my tool kit for whenever.

I see you with that right in the rain pen ... I too keep one on me with my edc

D̷e̷v̷i̷l̷D̷o̷c̷A̷Z̷ · Nov 18, 2024

$18 opens stuff like bottles…or humans

https://a.co/d/4YzmeIr

LuckyLuke80 · Nov 18, 2024

I don’t have a write in the rain pen, but I do have several notebooks.

GLORYFIRE Waterproof Notebook Tactical All-Weather Spiral Memo Paper Notepad with Waterproof Grid Paper for Outdoor Activities Recording 3"x5" (5pcs) https://a.co/d/3uI6TLe

LuckyLuke80 · Nov 18, 2024

Streamlight pen light is pretty legit too. It was around $20 at our local hardware store. Secret service liked it so well they tried to take it from me at a Trump rally.

Tempest 455 · Nov 18, 2024

Used to drag race and play with classic cars for years. UPS packages would show up at the house every day when I was building a motor. She would ask what did that cost? Didn't matter if it was a huge box or small box. I said: $50. She stopped asking!

LuckyDuck · Nov 20, 2024

What a cool idea for a thread and I'll definitely play. There's a number of small purchases that just completely change your world and punch so much over their price point. For shooting related stuff, by far one of the best small purchases I ever got into was the Maglula UpLula. I tend to load up a bunch of magazines in one sitting so when I'm at the range I'm focused on shooting and not loading and just about every time I use them, I continue to be impressed and wonder what the hell I've been doing for all those years beforehand. They're like $30 and come in different models for most popular firearms magazines. Absolutely some of the best money I ever spent shooting related.

Maglula Uplula Magazine Speed Loaders - Official Website

Maglula, Uplula's Speed Loaders: Pistol Mag Loaders & Rifle Mag Loaders. Made w Durable reinforced polymer. Eliminates thumb pain & injury.

www.maglula.com

akmike47 · Nov 20, 2024

Trigger Monkey said:
Part of my EDC

Rite In The Rain Pocket Pens

https://www.sportsmans.com/camping-...itlS0hl6Xzwk7yOGjNLwuDPiZP47olfxoC2R8QAvD_BwE

I've been carrying this around for a few months now and have zero complaints and always have a writing utensil on me now.

Victorinox Hiker

https://www.swiss-store.co.uk/victo...vxLjp3hAHVdPNLKbNXqbhbpfxN3oE0zhoCn2gQAvD_BwE

Decided to start EDC'ing something more practical than a single blade liner lock knife, haven't regretted it.

Streamlight Microstream Light

https://ads.midwayusa.com/product/1013250033?pid=168600&utm_source=google&utm_medium=shopping&utm_campaign=[ADL]_[PMAX]_[Category]_Shooting&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAxea5BhBeEiwAh4t5K-P7-n50zg8jkTNWM_ZionajRYNAH0LiA_Ft1P1rvbAqtl1nZeSQgBoClGMQAvD_BwE

Hella good little light with a pocket clip that also allows it to be mounted to a baseball cap.

Dyno Kwick Lock Pick

https://www.duluthtrading.com/lock-pick-tool-69090.html?&srccode=GPSDSHOP&ogmap=PLA|NB|GOOG||||||||20768012558|161222459928&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAxea5BhBeEiwAh4t5K26Hs9t4mbZzsX9EW8jEurxlDeJQd1kviLVWrOC1CuJRJAS4FHVwoRoCDMoQAvD_BwE

This probably won't get you into commercial door lock but it will crack padlocks and the like, I keep it in my tool kit for whenever.

Don’t buy cheap picks, buy sparrow or similar.

Tuxedo set

The Tuxedo lock picking set designed by Sparrows Lock Picks is ideal for everyday carry. It includes 7 lock picks, 6 tension wrenches, and a thin pick for high-security locks.

www.sparrowslockpicks.com

FYI, most commercial locks you see are just stronger versions of home locks in the long run. If you can’t pick it drill it, if you can’t drill it and it’s an emergency break a window. Obviously there’s other ways

LuckyDuck · Nov 20, 2024

Another one, more home related and more of a concept than a specific product/model but heavy duty scissors/shears. Again, a quality set is probably less than $30 and it's hard to get excited for scissors but let me tell you- if you ever get the chance to use a GOOD pair of scissors it's an absolute game changer.

To go from something that cuts paper to being able to easily cut through heavy cardboard, carpet, tile, vinyl, and the one purpose that constantly gets used, that thick ass plastic clamshell packaging that so much stuff seems to come in. Serious as a heart attack, get good scissors/shears and you'll never look back or regret it.

CW10TM 10" Heavy-Duty Titanium Coated Tradesman Shears - Crescent Tools

Count on Crescent Tools to get the job done. Get the CW10TM 10" Heavy-Duty Titanium Coated Tradesman Shears here.

www.crescenttool.com

D̷e̷v̷i̷l̷D̷o̷c̷A̷Z̷ · Nov 20, 2024

LuckyDuck said:
Another one, more home related and more of a concept than a specific product/model but heavy duty scissors/shears. Again, a quality set is probably less than $30 and it's hard to get excited for scissors but let me tell you- if you ever get the chance to use a GOOD pair of scissors it's an absolute game changer.

To go from something that cuts paper to being able to easily cut through heavy cardboard, carpet, tile, vinyl, and the one that purpose that constantly gets used, that thick ass plastic clamshell packaging that so much stuff seems to come in. Serious as a heart attack, get good scissors/shears and you'll never look back or regret it.

View attachment 8550130

CW10TM 10" Heavy-Duty Titanium Coated Tradesman Shears - Crescent Tools

Count on Crescent Tools to get the job done. Get the CW10TM 10" Heavy-Duty Titanium Coated Tradesman Shears here.

www.crescenttool.com

Agreed on the “good” scissors.

I picked up this set at Lowe’s. They are by far the most aggressive pair I’ve ever used. It’s on sale through Dec.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-Stainless-Steel-2Pc-Set-Scissors/5014205721

I like them a lot, I picked these up today when I was grabbing some spray paint for an upcoming project. They were in the BF sale area. If they are as good as the others I’m going to really enjoy them.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-8-in-Serrated-Molded-Grip-Scissors/1000371995

Oh and one more thing I grabbed since I’m schilling for Lowe’s….some Knipex Knockoffs. These are great for a range bag. Taking my Knipex out and putting them in the truck.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-Water-Pump-and-Pliers-Wrench-2-Pack-Mini-Plier-Set/5015255385

akmike47 · Nov 20, 2024

Set of 8” files and needle files, use them shits on the regular. Even the $8-9 nicholson(crescent) from Homie Deport work great for the shit I do and I get old golf balls to use as a handle. Always filing/cutting down and smoothing the ends of machine screws that are too long but the right thread pitch.

Big bit set with oddball shit (200+ bit craftsman since I don’t work with them)

D̷e̷v̷i̷l̷D̷o̷c̷A̷Z̷ · Nov 20, 2024

akmike47 said:
Set of 8” files and needle files, use them shits on the regular. Even the $8-9 nicholson(crescent) from Homie Deport work great for the shit I do and I get old golf balls to use as a handle. Always filing/cutting down and smoothing the ends of machine screws that are too long but the right thread pitch.

Big bit set with oddball shit (200+ bit craftsman since I don’t work with them)

That’s a good one.

Don’t forget the File Card!

https://a.co/d/9CfiNbi

akmike47 · Nov 20, 2024

Trauma shears, and a CAT TQ(though every one here should already own a few) and have them staged correctly for use.

DO NOT buy the off brand look alike.

D̷e̷v̷i̷l̷D̷o̷c̷A̷Z̷ · Nov 20, 2024

akmike47 said:
Trauma shears, and a CAT TQ(though every one here should already own a few) and have them staged correctly for use.

DO NOT buy the off brand look alike.

I have one on my workbench for that day I fuck up w the table saw. I even put flagging tape on it since I’ll prob be yelling at someone else to get it.

akmike47 · Nov 20, 2024

D̷e̷v̷i̷l̷D̷o̷c̷A̷Z̷ said:
Agreed on the “good” scissors.

I picked up this set at Lowe’s. They are by far the most aggressive pair I’ve ever used. It’s on sale through Dec.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-Stainless-Steel-2Pc-Set-Scissors/5014205721

View attachment 8550148

I like them a lot, I picked these up today when I was grabbing some spray paint for an upcoming project. They were in the BF sale area. If they are as good as the others I’m going to really enjoy them.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-8-in-Serrated-Molded-Grip-Scissors/1000371995

View attachment 8550152

Oh and one more thing I grabbed since I’m schilling for Lowe’s….some Knipex Knockoffs. These are great for a range bag. Taking my Knipex out and putting them in the truck.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-Water-Pump-and-Pliers-Wrench-2-Pack-Mini-Plier-Set/5015255385

View attachment 8550151

knipex Chicano locks are the shit(price fluctuates between sizes), those are copies but for that price fuck it.

D̷e̷v̷i̷l̷D̷o̷c̷A̷Z̷ · Nov 20, 2024

akmike47 said:
knipex Chicano locks are the shit(price fluctuates between sizes), those are copies but for that price fuck it.

Knipex are def not cheap. This is the set I’m taking out of the range bag and tossing in the truck. If I need them they will be close but I’m hopeful the Kobalts will be more than enough. $92 vs $15 is a pretty far gap to close.

LuckyDuck · Nov 20, 2024

Right at the $50 mark, but a good/large cast iron pan. Damn I love this thing and use it all the time and will probably outlive me. Pretty sure I've posted at least one picture here even using it. Money well spent once again and not all that much money either.

Classic Cast Iron Skillet | Shop All Sizes Online | Lodge Cast Iron

Made in the USA. Shop our range of Classic Round Cast Iron Skillets at Lodge Cast Iron, offering heirloom-quality cast iron cookware, skillets, pans & more.

www.lodgecastiron.com

-LD

akmike47 · Nov 20, 2024

LuckyDuck said:
Right at the $50 mark, but a good/large cast iron pan. Damn I love this thing and use it all the time and will probably outlive me. Pretty sure I've posted at least one picture here even using it. Money well spent once again and not all that much money either.

View attachment 8550156

Classic Cast Iron Skillet | Shop All Sizes Online | Lodge Cast Iron

Made in the USA. Shop our range of Classic Round Cast Iron Skillets at Lodge Cast Iron, offering heirloom-quality cast iron cookware, skillets, pans & more.

www.lodgecastiron.com

-LD

Mines enamel coated because I’m too lazy to take care of them properly, but yes.

akmike47 · Nov 20, 2024

Deep hole markers(store it wherever you want)

Pica Ink - Deep hole marker for drill holes - Pica Marker

The Pica Ink is the original deep hole marker and ideal for marking deep drill holes on wood, metal, tiles, walls or other smooth surfaces.

pica-marker.com

Reusable thread locker

Vibra-Tite VC-3 Threadmate

www.vibra-tite.com

If you write a lot a decent pens

LuckyDuck · Nov 20, 2024

You'll have to bear with me on this one as it may be regional and it's definitely on of those 'IYKYK' type of products but around the $10 mark, a tick key. This would be on that list of products that I never thought I'd need (hey I know how to use tweezers right) but I want to say REI had a deal where they were only a couple of bucks (they're at around $10 now) and I picked up a few to try out.

Well I easily have over $100 worth of these things now and have given probably that much out to friends for gifts because I've been that impressed with them. I don't know what changed lately but in the past 10 years or so, ticks here have been terrible both in quantity and percentage of which carrying lyme disease. I have a good friend that went undiagnosed with Lyme disease for years (never got the typical 'bullseye' mark) and it absolutely rocked his world and will have lingering effects for the rest of his life at this point. That shit is no joke by any stretch and I'm more afraid of ticks anymore than I am of bears or any other critters in the woods. Again, this may be regional and as they say, your results may vary but I take ticks very seriously anymore.

So back to the product, it's called a tick key and works substantially better than tweezers do on humans and exponentially so if you have pets like cats or dogs that tend to pick them up and fight you when you try to hold them still to remove them. So that's my contribution for this post, it's about $10 a pop but likely can be picked up for $5-$7 on sale and I'll never be without one anymore mainly because they work more efficiently in particular when you catch a tick early than tweezers in removing them (all of 'em and not just the body leaving the head dug in).

So yeah, a tick key, the product I never thought I needed but once I had 'em, I'm not going back to tweezers. They're stupid simple, super effective, and cheap insurance compared to the alternatives.

Amazon.com

akmike47 · Nov 20, 2024

Fuck the factory spouts, or just buy a race jug with the hose spout to begin with

6.5SH · Nov 20, 2024

akmike47 said:
Deep hole markers(store it wherever you want)

Pica Ink - Deep hole marker for drill holes - Pica Marker

The Pica Ink is the original deep hole marker and ideal for marking deep drill holes on wood, metal, tiles, walls or other smooth surfaces.

pica-marker.com

Reusable thread locker

Vibra-Tite VC-3 Threadmate

www.vibra-tite.com

If you write a lot a decent pens

VC-3 is good stuff but unless going to use it in quantity multiple times a day do not buy the bottle with brush to "save" money. It will gas out and gum up, even putting MEK in it will not return it to a usable state. The little plastic tube is fine if you squeeze the air out.
Another cheap-ass tip for use; the little plastic sachets that come with many optic mounts can be kept usable with a binder clip. Snip off a corner, use what you need then wipe it off and fold the top and clamp it.

Pharmseller · Nov 20, 2024

A fifth of Patrón is $49.95 around here.

P

D̷e̷v̷i̷l̷D̷o̷c̷A̷Z̷ · Nov 23, 2024

Robot or human?

This knife fucks.

-d2 ateel
-axis lock
-$10!!!

Anb618 · Nov 23, 2024

On the subject of Walmart knives;

I bought this (and a second I gave to my BIL) on Clearance at Walmart for $9. Usual price is ~$25, and it comes with a few replaceable blades. I’ll never sharpen a hunting knife again. It’s amazingly sharp and blade refills are cheap. Worth the price at $25.

Amazon.com

LeftyJason · Nov 23, 2024

LuckyDuck said:
What a cool idea for a thread and I'll definitely play. There's a number of small purchases that just completely change your world and punch so much over their price point. For shooting related stuff, by far one of the best small purchases I ever got into was the Maglula UpLula. I tend to load up a bunch of magazines in one sitting so when I'm at the range I'm focused on shooting and not loading and just about every time I use them, I continue to be impressed and wonder what the hell I've been doing for all those years beforehand. They're like $30 and come in different models for most popular firearms magazines. Absolutely some of the best money I ever spent shooting related.

View attachment 8550128

Maglula Uplula Magazine Speed Loaders - Official Website

Maglula, Uplula's Speed Loaders: Pistol Mag Loaders & Rifle Mag Loaders. Made w Durable reinforced polymer. Eliminates thumb pain & injury.

www.maglula.com

There's a better one. Speed beez.

Shop Magazine Loaders – Speed Beez

The Ultimate Clip Loader is so fast it can load your pistol in as little as 3 seconds. Our magazine loaders holds up to 50 rounds of .22 ammo, made in USA

www.speedbeez.com

I have one for my Walther (mags lock in) but it will still work with my m&p mags just that those don't lock in. Loading 9mm American eagle 147's in Walther mags I have to load 2 first manually.

JJMoody · Nov 23, 2024

Anb618 said:
On the subject of Walmart knives;
View attachment 8552499

I bought this (and a second I gave to my BIL) on Clearance at Walmart for $9. Usual price is ~$25, and it comes with a few replaceable blades. I’ll never sharpen a hunting knife again. It’s amazingly sharp and blade refills are cheap. Worth the price at $25.

Amazon.com

These little blades tune up pretty nicely on a leather strop with a little jewelers rouge to slick out the grind a touch more.

Ghogs Nightmare · Nov 23, 2024

Sure there are other ways to clean but this lil guy makes things much easier and pretty much only worthwhile cat and to clean up the dog after a muddy day this paw washer is awesome:

https://catoutdoors.com/product/cat-m4-tool/

https://www.chewy.com/dexas-popware-pets-dexas-mudbuster/dp/399627?utm_id=401602796&msclkid=5067e844a92c1387fce88f06e1d5917e