Extra–Long Scissors

Very handy for gift wrapping: the 14"–inch–long stainless steel blades on these scissors will make the holidays — dare I eat a peach as I say it? — a snip.

"Also great for coupon clipping and arts and craft projects."

$4.99 here.

Got you all excited about things extra–long, have I?

Then you're in just the right state of mind to view the next in today's cavalcade of elongated things: the very weird–looking but potentially quite useful extra–long needle–nose pliers below.

Measuring nearly a foot from stem to stern, they feature blue rubber handles for a sure grip and a serrated tip to grab and hold.

"Good for retrieving lost objects, too."

Well, that's not very accurate, is it?

I mean, by definition you can't retrieve something that's lost, only something that's found.

Well, cut the people who write the catalog copy a little slack, OK?

Not everyone can afford a staff of wizards like my crack research team.

The pliers are $8.49 here.

***************

Now comes the most fun part: a great idea.

First off let me say that I didn't think of it.

I was looking through some catalog last week and saw these cheap cutters with interchangeable blades on top and on the bottom... a ruled blade.

Genius.

Why aren't all cutting tools like scissors and, for that matter, all tools like pliers, wrenches, etc. similarly etched or marked?

Think of how often it would be useful have a handy built–in ruler when you were working on something.

Take this idea and get rich.

Claim it as your own.

I don't want the credit, only that you prosper.