Gallery: Your Guide to the Weirdest, Most Wonderful Things in the World
01Cool Tools catalogue. Photo: Josh Valcarcel/WIRED
View the gallery in full screen to read more about these cool tools.
02South Pointing Chariot Kit - Pg 17
A wooden dragon wagon that always points south.
03507 Mechanical Movements - pg 33
Use the individual gears and mechanisms to create elaborate geared machines.
04Kugihiki Flush-Cutter Saw - Pg 43
Make flush cuts with this bendable saw that's cheaper than a Dremel.
05Pocket Radar - Pg 59
Find out how fast you car, running buddies, and fast ball are with this portable radar gun.
06iFixit Magnetic Project Mat - Pg 70
Keep those tiny screws from falling off your work desk and disappearing forever with this mat.
07How to Build a Log Cabin for $3000 - Pg 120
Build your own home on the cheap. Just add logs.
08Mann Lake Beekeeping Starter Kit - Pg 135
A quick-start kit to beekeeping. Finally corner the honey market on your block.
09Celestron FirstScope - Pg 235
An inexpensive telescope that's great for kids and anyone interested in the stars.
10GustBuster Umbrella - Pg 260
Keep the rain off your head even in the gale-force winds.
11HitchSafe Key Vault - Pg 268
A secure hide-a-key solution for those moments when you need to leave your car keys behind.
12Go Gloves - Pg 291
Up your bike-safety game with reflective gloves that can be used to signal turns and stops at night.
13Ultralight Backpacking Tips - Pg 296
Helpful ultra-light backpacking tips set to entertaining illustrations.
14Shower Slate - Pg 354
When inspiration strikes in the shower, write it down.
15Split-Pea Lighter - Pg 306
A tiny emergency lighter that attaches to your keychain or backpack.
16Theo Gray's Mad Science - Pg 410
A fun book of experiments you shouldn't try at home. No really.
17Mr. McGroovy's Box Rivets - Pg 418
Keep those box forts from falling over with these helpful rivets.
18Nosefrida Nasal Aspirator - Pg 452
Not as gross as it sounds and looks. Ok, yes it is.
‘Darth Vader’ Wants You to Know He Definitely Supports Flock Surveillance
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Vittoria Elliott
The Best Early Labor Day Kitchen Deals for Busy Fall Days
With school and sports starting again, these discounts on Instant Pots, cookware, and coffee gear arrive right on time.
Kat Merck
Google’s Pixel 11 Pro Fold Is Better, but Not the Best
A polished update to Google’s foldable brings real improvements, but the price bump and rampant competition make it a tough sell.
Simon Hill
The US Just Recorded Its First 2 Measles Deaths This Year
The fatalities come amid declining vaccination rates and calls from President Donald Trump to split up the MMR vaccine.
Emily Mullin
The Supreme Court’s Mail-In Ballot Ruling Is a Step Toward Chaos in the Midterms
The Supreme Court has removed one roadblock from the Trump administration’s attempts to impose severe restrictions on voting.
David Gilbert
Apple Refreshes the Mac Mini and Mac Studio, Both With New AI-Ready Chips
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Luke Larsen
I Tested the Best Kitchen Composters and Food Recyclers—and Yes, Some of Them Stink
After years of smells, strange noises, and “tea,” these are the composters and food recyclers I’d actually recommend.
Kat Merck
The Best Car Phone Mounts Are Magnetic. Change My Mind
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Matthew Korfhage
The County Prosecutors Who Became ICE Informants
Illinois prosecutors shared defendants’ personal data with federal immigration agents without criminal warrants, public disclosure, or legislative oversight.
Aura Bogado
This Projector Is a Hole-in-One as a Golf Simulator, but Subpar for Anything Else
The Optoma GT2400HDR laser projector is great for setting up a driving range in your living room, but mediocre video quality makes it less appealing for home entertainment.
John Brandon
Border Wall Construction Threatens 6,000 Years of History on Private Lands
Archeologists are confronting an “unfathomable” loss as border wall construction is set to cut across ranches that are home to unique historical sites, many of which haven’t been fully studied.
Gabrielle Saulsbery
It Should Be Harder to Apply for a Job. No, Really
Thanks to a dwindling supply of open roles, “one-click” applications, and the rise of artificial intelligence, it’s easier than ever to apply for a job. We’re all paying the price.
Kate Taylor