#hardware-durability
17 episodes
#3865: The Spudger Problem: Thin vs Strong
Why pry tools bend and what materials science says about the perfect spudger.
#3613: Paint-Fill Engraving: Permanent Tool IDs That Survive Everything
Why paint markers fail on metal tools — and how a $120 engraver plus a paint-fill trick creates markings that last.
#3333: How to Read a Plastic Bin Spec Sheet
Resin type, additives, and processing determine if your storage bin lasts 3 years or 30.
#3078: Silver vs White: Why Metallic Markers Outlast Everything
Silver paint markers outlast white ones because aluminum flakes form a protective UV barrier instead of eating their own binder.
#3064: How Salt Destroys Leather (And How to Stop It)
Why some leather goods last a decade while others fall apart in two winters — the science of maintenance.
#2948: Toolbox Survival in Extreme Sunlight
UV radiation destroys plastic toolboxes from the inside out. Here's what actually survives Israeli sun.
#2947: Monocles, Pocket Watches & the Science of Obsolete Tech
Why people still train their facial muscles to wear monocles in 2026 — and the precision engineering inside modern pocket watches.
#2942: Why Your Outdoor Storage Crumbles in 3 Years
Plastic outdoor storage fails fast in harsh sun. Here's what actually works in extreme UV climates.
#2124: The Flashlight You Actually Need
Most cheap flashlights fail when you need them most. Here’s what to buy instead.
#1801: Why Hospitals Still Use Pagers in 2026
Despite 5G and smartphones, pagers persist in critical infrastructure. Discover the physics and reliability behind this "legacy" tech.
#1006: When a Plastic Box Becomes a Life-Support System
Discover the material science and engineering that turns a plastic box into a high-tech shield for your most expensive equipment.
#774: Why Your Phone Fights You for Control
Tired of bloatware? Discover how to reclaim your mobile privacy in 2026, from hardened Android ROMs to the rise of true Linux on smartphones.
#726: Decoding IP Ratings: What Waterproof Really Means
Don’t let marketing buzzwords ruin your gear. Learn what IP ratings actually mean and how to protect your outdoor electronics from the elements.
#658: Beyond Peanut Brittle: The Search for the Toughest Laptops
Stop carrying a "sheet of peanut brittle." Herman and Corn break down the ruggedization spectrum to find laptops that actually survive the road.
#562: The BIFL PC: Building for Industrial-Grade Durability
Can a PC be "Buy It For Life"? Herman and Corn explore how to source industrial-grade components for a build that stands the test of time.
#561: Why Cheap Tools Cost You More
Stop ruining screws with cheap bits. Corn and Herman break down the essential high-quality tools for tech repair and home DIY projects.
#520: The Truth About Lumens and CRI
Stop buying cheap plastic lights. Herman and Corn break down how to find a headlamp that lasts a lifetime, from CRI to aerospace-grade aluminum.