Thumbs Up for The ThumbSaver

Recently I had the pleasure of testing this new product from FW Tools in Tennessee. The ThumbSaver is one of those things that makes you say, “why didn’t I think of that?!”

The ThumbSaver is made from aluminum and has a strong magnet that will hold most any fastener - staples, screws, nails and more - in place, even in hard-to-reach spots. As the product details state, you can use the ThumbSaver for many different types of projects, such as assembling furniture, hanging pictures, installing drywall and roof shingles, and building decks and fences.

The ThumbSaver comes in a kit with two sizes, large and mini. I tested both sizes and was equally pleased with both. I used the large ThumbSaver to hang several pictures, using various sizes of nails and picture hangers. I also used the larger tool to hold screws that I was drilling into wall anchors. I used the mini ThumbSaver for some really tiny nails I was using to secure a sawtooth hanger onto the back of a frame.

Both ThumbSaver tools were easy to handle with comfy grips. I fumbled a bit with the smaller one while working with the sawtooth hanger - but I have to tell you, those things are the bane of my existence. I’m an artist, and I paint a lot on canvas and board - most of the canvases are thick enough/large enough that I use wire hangers on the back. But on the smaller ones, sometimes it’s better to use the sawtooth hanger thingies. Well, I don’t know if I’m just a buffoon or what, but those things are real suckers to attach with teeny tiny nails. I am not sure how much help the ThumbSaver provided in attaching one, but again - I hate those things anyway, so it could very well have been my disdain for the hangers themselves that made it a frustrating experience.

The larger ThumbSaver really was helpful in installing a bunch of picture hangers, and it felt pretty natural to be holding it in one hand while hammering with the other.

My husband tested out the larger ThumbSaver, and he liked it as well. He said that it would probably come in handy when assembling furniture, especially in those spots where the manufacturers give you a place to put a screw that you don’t think you’ll ever be able to reach without being a contortionist.

There are some things you might not be able to do easily with the ThumbSaver, like hang a heavy shelf by yourself (for example, you couldn’t hold onto the shelf if you had the ThumbSaver in one hand and your drill or hammer in the other) - but really, if it’s a one-person job, you can pretty much do it with a ThumbSaver. And in the example cited, if you had someone holding the shelf, you could definitely use the ThumbSaver while drilling or hammering with the other hand.

The ThumbSaver two-tool kit sells for $12.95. You can buy it online here or click here to locate a retailer near you. For more information, visit ThumbSavertool.com and/or download the product brochure.