It’s time to root around in the bottom of the tool bin, close our eyes, grab something and wonder what the heck is that?

If you know the name of the tool in the photo, send an email to: [email protected] and write “Mystery Tool #12 – April” in the subject line. Along with your guess, please include your mailing address and your telephone number.

Last Month’s Winner

Last month’s mystery tool was a sumitsubo, the Japanese equivalent of the American chalk line.

Michael Montgomery, an architect/builder from San Diego, California, submitted the winning guess. It wasn’t a blind guess, though: Michael studied Japanese architecture and woodworking at U.C. Berkeley and has a number of Japanese tools he considers too beautiful for use on any but the most special projects. His correct email wins him a year’s subscription to Fine Homebuilding magazine.

For more information on the sumitsubo and other antique tools check out Sandor Nagyszalanczy’s  The Art of Fine Tools .

Contest Rules

Tools may be known by different names in various parts of the country, but there is a common, accepted name we’re looking for. So even if you and your buddies call it this, but we’re looking for that, the final decision is left to the editor. Sorry, those are the breaks.

To make the competition fair to those who receive this email at home and don’t see it until the evening, all correct answers received in the first 24 hours will be put into a hat, and one winner will be drawn. Good luck!

The winner will be chosen at random from all correct entries received in the first 24 hours. The correct answer and winner will be announced on the following eLetter’s contest page. In the event there is no correct response, no prize will be awarded. The Taunton Press is not responsible for system breakdowns or lost emails.

This contest is open to legal residents of the 50 United States or the District of Columbia who are 18 years of age or older. Employees, officers, and directors of The Taunton Press, its subsidiaries, affiliated companies, dealers, advertising and promotion agencies, their respective employees, officers, directors and agents, and those associated with the development, distribution or implementation of this Contest, their immediate families (including parents, in-laws, siblings, children or spouse, regardless of where they live) and members of the same household, whether related or not, are not eligible to participate. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. Winners agree to allow The Taunton Press to use their name in conjunction with this contest and subsequent promotion.

Prize

The winner will receive a free year of Fine Homebuilding magazine. If the winner is a current subscriber, a year will be added to his/her subscription term. The prize is non-transferable, and no cash substitutions will be made. The total value of this prize is $37.95. All taxes are the responsibility of the prize winner.

Fine Homebuilding Recommended Products

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Large-Capacity Lightweight Miter Saw

This very capable miter saw weighs less than 30 lbs. and can cut a 2x12 @ 90 deg. and a 2x8 @ 45 deg. Precise cutting and smooth-adjusting controls make it a pleasure to use.

Buy at Amazon

Hitachi Pin Nailer (NP35A)

This compact, no-frills nailer is a good choice for someone starting out in the trades or a builder unsure of how to get the most out of a 23-ga. pinner.

Buy at Amazon

Paslode Cordless Finish Nailer (IM250A)

This finish nailer from Paslode is well-balanced, easy to handle, and good with even dense materials. The depth of drive is consistent and sensitive, making it a great countersinking tool.

Buy at Amazon