6 Lesser Known Stanley Tools And Accessories That Can Come In Handy Around Your Home

Stanley is a trusted brand that's been found in tool boxes across the country since its founding in 1843. The company started out producing boxwood rulers, but began manufacturing basic tools like hammers and screwdrivers about two decades after it was founded in Connecticut by the American industrialist Frederick Stanley. Its lineup of reliable tools grew to include metal tape measures, and by the 1960s Stanley had built the largest hand tool plant in the world. After the turn of this century, the company merged to become Stanley Black & Decker, a parent company that sells 50 tools each second thanks to also owning popular tool brands like Craftsman and DeWalt. Today, Stanley dominates the hand and power tool market and millions of homes contain one of their tools or tape measures. But today, we're not talking about wrenches and wood planers. In this guide, we look beyond Stanley's basic lineup towards some less common tools and accessories you might not know about. While these might be less popular choices, they can still be ultra-handy to have around the home.

From hobby vices to miter boxes, there are several outstanding lesser-known Stanley tools and accessories that can come in handy around your home. With hundreds of products to choose from, we picked items that every household should have on hand, are simple to use even if you don't have much DIY experience, and that cost under $50 each. Buckle up to find out what they are. 

From flawless crown molding installation to serious woodworking projects like handcrafting doors or windows, there's a simple wood cutting hack that makes corner fitting easy. If you're new to woodworking or DIY projects, it can seem impossible to cut multiple boards that meet in a perfect 90 degree angle. That's where a tool like the Stanley Hand Saw with Miter Box comes to the rescue. This miter box can help you make precise cuts thanks to 90, 45, and 22½ degree miter slots that guide the included 12-inch hand saw (which slots into a handy storage compartment at the base of the miter box when not in use). There are holes in the base if you want to secure the miter box to a workbench, but it's also lightweight enough to be moved around for more convenient access.

Although it's made of plastic and isn't intended (or sturdy enough) for cutting thick pieces of wood, hundreds of reviewers give the Stanley hand saw and miter box a five-star rating. Most users say it's perfect for cutting quarter round baseboard molding, creating picture frames, and general purpose crafting. Only a few customers who wanted to cut thicker wood were frustrated by its performance.

Are you a serious DIYer who loves to tackle a wide variety of projects? Perfect for everything from upcycling old furniture with new upholstery fabric to fixing a broken picture frame that's gone loose in a corner, you probably already know that a staple gun is among the tools every homeowner should have. 

But the Stanley SharpShooter Heavy-Duty Hammer Tacker is no ordinary staple gun. This device is used for quickly installing carpeting, roofing materials, or insulation. Instead of a squeeze grip that can cause hand fatigue, you simply smack the staple end of this tool like you would a traditional hammer. Grooved rubber keeps the grip comfortable while a strong steel construction helps make it durable. Capable of loading two full sticks of Stanley TRA700 staples at a time, the hammer tacker provides outstanding performance with little effort.

Hundreds of customers give the tool a five star rating because it is so reliable and easy to use. Several people who use the tool on construction job sites describe it as very durable and say that it doesn't jam, which makes projects like installing vapor barrier or attic vents go smoothly. One Amazon reviewer likened using the Stanley hammer tacker to playing a game of Whac-A-Mole, and said the 15 minutes they spent on their project was "satisfying and fun!"

Do you ever find yourself wishing you had an extra pair of hands while working on a home improvement or crafting project? Made of cast aluminum and steel, the Stanley MaxSteel Multi Angle Hobby Vice fits just about anywhere. Thanks to a ball joint that allows you to rotate it 360 degrees before locking at any angle and a removable rubber jaw that protects delicate finishes while still providing a tight grip, having this vice on hand is extremely convenient especially when you're DIYing solo.

Over 8,000 happy customers give this Stanley hobby vice a five-star rating because it is versatile and dependable. A few had trouble with the removable rubber pieces, and others had difficulty tightening the vice when it was brand new, due to stiffness. But most reviewers highlight the solid performance and high-quality design, especially for the price. It's the adjustable swivel capability that can hold a project at any angle that really scores high marks from users. "Incredibly versatile, allowing me to position the vice exactly where I need it," said one DIYer in an Amazon review. "Words cannot express how fantastic this portable vice really is," said another reviewer.

There are a lot of ways to keep your home renovation from becoming a disaster. But if you're working on a major remodeling project there's no way around it: you're probably going to have to do some messy demolition. Stanley manufactures several different types of pry bars, but you can't go wrong using the FatMax Functional Utility Bar. A forged steel tool weighing just under 3 pounds, the utility bar has a board grabbing jaw for lumber, a beveled nail slot for pulling nails, and a textured grip that's been optimized for comfortable control during demolition. The sturdy construction also means this device can work as a hammer, a rescue tool during accidents, or even for protection during a self-defense situation. 

Reviewers give this tool a 4.6 rating, reporting that it works well for several different purposes. One Amazon reviewer explained, "This tool may not be the best at pulling nails; the best to hammer; the best to pry; it is the best all around at all these jobs plus some. Everyone working near me wanted to use it." It received top marks from users involved in heavy demolition, who appreciated the overall weight and compact design that works well even in tight areas. From turning valves to destroying countertops to forced entry during emergencies, customers said this multi-purpose tool works as well as specialty tools at just a fraction of the price.

There are many important steps in making DIY deck plans for your backyard, but no matter where you are in the design process, having the right tools will make all the difference. Users love the functional and easy to use Stanley Deck Board Straightening Tool. A worthwhile investment for a one-time deck build or if your existing deck is starting to show signs of weathering, the tool consists of an extra heavy-duty, high-carbon steel bar with a cushioned handle. The handle was designed for kneeling to easily create force that works extremely well at bending deck boards straight and squeezing them together. This frees up both of your hands for nailing, making installation and repair processes much easier.

Hundreds of reviewers give the board straightening tool a 4.5 star review, with one customer on Amazon even noting that this was "the BEST purchase I have made in a while". Because it provides an incredible amount of leverage thanks to its unbreakable construction, several users caution that the tool is heavy. If it's your first time building a deck, the device can feel a little counterintuitive, so you may want to watch a few 'how-to' videos before getting started. But overall, the Stanley deck board straightening tool is a must-have for deck construction and maintenance.

When you think of Stanley, a wide variety of bright yellow tools may come to mind. But did you know the company also produces accessories designed with a workshop in mind? The Stanley PowerSquid 5 Outlet Flexible Outlet Multiplier is one of them. Unlike a standard power strip, this accessory was designed to accommodate bulky adapters and tool plugs in one of five grounded outlets. The three foot cord provides extended flexibility, while a built-in on/off circuit breaker switch allows you to quickly power down when work is done for the day. It also has a keyhole on the back for easy hanging. Although we must caution that the accessory is not rated for outdoor use, one user who uses the extension to operate a pond pump said thick rubber material creates a tight fit for plugs that helps avoid any moisture coming in contact with the prongs. Another Amazon customer says it's the perfect solution for Christmas lights.

Over 500 customers give the Stanley PowerSquid a five star rating, finding it ideal for plugging in multiple devices without blocking outlets or overloading circuits. Reviewers praise the simple lighted switch that allows you to easily tell if the device is on or off. Backed by a three year manufacturer's warranty, users say it's built to last even longer. Others, however, warn that it is such a convenient way to plug in multiple power tools you should be careful not to exceed a total power draw of 15 amps through the multiplier.