Trusty. Iconic. As all-American as Ma’s apple pie. Yes, the Phillips screwdriver. Bearing the name of a Portlandian businessman who didn’t even invent it, the Phillips is the reigning standard in most American toolboxes. Henry F. Phillips bought the screw design from inventor John P. Thompson, who wasn’t able to muster up any commercial interest for his screwhead. Phillips was obviously a better (or luckier) salesman—or we might all have Thompson screwdrivers in our toolboxes now.
This Star Wars Day, we have something truly special for you. Some might think this is a Jedi mind trick—or, worse, it’s a trap. Lay aside your cynicism, fixers, this is no April Fools’ Day prank. We procured a lightsaber through Endor’s eBay affiliate—it has travelled more than twelve parsecs to get here—and now, it’s time to tear it down.
We want to make it easy for people like you to start their own businesses. The Pro Tech Network empowers repair technicians with free online repair guides, business development wikis, marketing tools, and a vibrant community of repair businesses online.
I knew little about the “Maker” movement when I first stepped into the World Maker Faire in New York last month. It felt kinda like going to Disneyland and not knowing about Mickey Mouse. From the first moment I walked into this celebration of creative tinkering, I was awed and overwhelmed by wandering robots, a life sized game of mousetrap, and machines I couldn’t even begin to describe or comprehend. Suddenly, I spied a banner that read: “Zero to Maker.” I knew where I needed to start.
