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Tool Tech

OtterBox Defender Smartphone Case

This sturdy, multilayer case protects your smartphone from job-site drops and dust.

By Patrick McCombe
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      With the price of a modern smartphone routinely reaching several hundred dollars, it makes sense to give your phone the best possible protection. Based on input from fellow carpenters, Tool Tech host Patrick McCombe recently put his new phone in an Otterbox Defender case. The Defender series consists of three parts, some sold separately: a holster with a rotating belt clip, a hard protective internal case, and a rubberlike slipcover with a textured grip. In this video, Patrick talks about what he likes and doesn’t like about this sturdy phone case.

      OtterBox Defender Series smartphone cases
      Price: $30 to $60

      Senior editor Patrick McCombe has been testing power tools on behalf of national publications for more than 15 years, and he regularly meets with product manufacturers to try out new introductions. In the Tool Tech series, Patrick reviews the latest tools and materials, discusses building technology, and shows time-tested techniques for better, more-efficient home building. Consider becoming an online member to watch other Tool Tech videos.

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      1. hickoryhandyman | Jan 17, 2018 08:30pm | #1

        um...where's the video?

      2. user-6992932 | Jan 18, 2018 02:13pm | #2

        Love the Defender series OtterBox. I was roofing, went to take a picture, and butterfingered my phone down the roof and onto the ground. Case was a little scuffed up, but phone was fine.

      3. goldenrules | Jan 22, 2018 03:03pm | #3

        I had one of these Defenders for close to 5 years on my Samsung Note II. In the video you dismissed the piece with the belt clip but this cover can be on the back of the phone OR used as a second cover for the screen. I never used the clip and it eventually broke off but with the screen covered I could leave the phone on a workbench or toss it in a tool box without worries. It took a lot of abuse and I never had any issues with the phone.
        Only downsize was the size, but Samsung Notes are already too big for some pockets.

      4. awlright | Jan 23, 2018 09:42am | #4

        Were people able to hear you clearly? I had the problem of people not being able to hear me very well when having a phone conversation...maybe that's gotten better. Anyone have experience with that?

      5. user-4566297 | Jan 23, 2018 10:52am | #5

        OR you can purchase an IP68 military rated phone that is dust, drop, scratch and water proof. Why buy a phone and put a case on it when you can get one built in that is better? These phones are pretty much indestructible. I just bought an obscure, to weterners, Chinese uleFone Armor 2 for $240! Same specs as a samsung 7. Or you could get an active samsung or the CAT phones with the IP68 rating and pay a god aweful amount of money, IMO. CAT phone has FLIR which would be super cool for contractors to show their clients thermal leakage.https://www.toughgadget.com/best-rugged-smartphones-unlocked/

      6. Village_Handyman | Jan 26, 2018 12:55am | #6

        I had one on my Galaxy S6. I ended up with lots of saw dust between the screen protector and the screen. Eventually gave up and got an Otter Box Commuter. Not quite as tough and no screen protector. But I could see all the detail on my phone.

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