Honest Bob Co

Gear & PPE we trust

Basic tools, boots and safety gear for people who fix things. Short notes, plain links to the maker or the product page. For this week's picks, see the Gear Picks strip.

Made with AI help, then checked against each maker's product page. Specs come from those pages.

Safety first

  • 3M SecureFit 400 Safety Eyewear

    Light wraparound glasses with anti-fog, scratch-resistant lenses. Meets ANSI Z87.1. Low-profile temples work with ear protection. Clear for indoors, gray for outdoors.

    See it at 3M

  • 3M Disposable Classic Earplugs

    Soft foam plugs, NRR 29 dB. Roll them down, let them expand in your ear. 3M says to count on about half the rated protection in real use.

    See it at 3M

  • AcerPal Full Brim Hard Hat (blue, non-vented)

    Full brim sheds rain and sun. Six-point ratchet suspension and a chin strap.

    See it at AcerPal Affiliate link. We may earn a commission.

  • Mechanix Wear ColdWork Original Gloves

    60 g Thinsulate insulation, water-resistant back, touchscreen-capable palm. Machine washable.

    See it at MRO Supreme Affiliate link. We may earn a commission.

Boots

  • RockRooster Edgewood 6" Steel Toe Waterproof Wedge Boot (SAP858)

    Steel toe and EH rated (ASTM F2413-18 I/75 C/75 EH). Waterproof membrane, slip-resistant rubber wedge sole that sits flat on concrete and ladder rungs.

    See it at RockRooster Affiliate link. We may earn a commission.

  • Durango Maverick XP 12" Steel Toe Waterproof Work Boot (DDB0207)

    Pull-on with steel toe and a waterproof membrane bootie. Nail-free electrical hazard build, fiberglass shank, and a slip- and oil-resistant rubber outsole.

    See it at Durango Affiliate link. We may earn a commission.

Tools

  • KNIPEX Cobra 10" Water Pump Pliers (87 01 250)

    Push-button adjust right on the work, 25 positions, grips pipe up to 2". Self-locks so it doesn't slip off a nut.

    See it on Amazon

  • Klein Tools 11-in-1 Screwdriver / Nut Driver (32500)

    One handle: Phillips, slotted, square and TORX bits plus 1/4", 5/16" and 3/8" nut drivers. Not insulated, so it's not for live electrical work.

    See it at Klein Tools

  • Klein Tools Non-Contact Voltage Tester Pen (NCVT1P)

    Beeps and lights red near live AC voltage (50–1000V) in outlets, switches and cords. Klein says it's not for tamper-resistant outlets. Use it before you touch anything near a fixture, and still call a pro for electrical work.

    See it at Klein Tools

  • Milwaukee REDLITHIUM USB Low-Profile Headlamp (2115-21)

    Thin light head, wide flood beam, up to 600 lumens. Charges by USB-C and comes with hard hat clips. Good for under-sink and crawlspace work.

    See it at Milwaukee

Always follow the maker's instructions. Gas and electrical are jobs for a licensed pro.