The One Thing I Bought After 36 Hours of Prime Day Coverage

We’ve covered so many deals during Prime Day that my head is spinning. But after four days of doing our damndest to try and help folks save money, the thing I’m most hyped for is a simple tool for fixing my most egregious mistakes. I bought a pair of Vampliers.

If you’re unfamiliar, Vampliers are Japanese-made pliers designed for one simple task: removing stripped screws. I don’t even remember when I first heard of them, but I threw one on my wishlist long ago and thought, “I should get one of these eventually.” That time is now: the standard 6.25-inch VT-001 Vampliers is on sale for $25.58 (about $6 off) at Amazon . I recommended a smaller pair of Vampliers in our roundup of Prime Day deals under $25 .

I knew from people I trust how handy these things are. I even read Chris Person’s excellent ode to his Engineer “Neji-Saurus” pliers , which are the same thing with a green handle. (Engineer makes both sets of pliers; Vampire Tools distributes rebranded Engineer tools in the US.) Over the years, I’ve abandoned far too many stripped screws in door jambs, junction boxes, and even under my desk.

And now I finally have a means to correct my mistakes. Maybe it’s the full pot of coffee I’ve been drinking every day since Tuesday, but I’m done with Prime Day and I’m done with stripped screws. The significance of this purchase goes beyond just a personal win.

For developers, makers, and DIY enthusiasts, having the right tools can make all the difference in a project's success. The Vampliers' ability to remove stripped screws can save time, reduce frustration, and prevent further damage. As the maker community continues to grow, the demand for specialized tools like Vampliers will likely increase.

This Prime Day deal may have seemed minor, but it highlights the importance of having the right tools for specific tasks. For those who frequently work with electronics or undertake DIY projects, investing in a pair of Vampliers could prove invaluable. The question now is: what other niche tools will become essential for makers and DIYers in the future?