Make this hyper-useful brass hammer with only simple tools - for under $100

A huge proportion of people who tow 2 tonnes+ are doing so illegally - unwittingly, perhaps, but still illegally. I suspect the percentage of illegality grows considerably with the weight of the trailer, too.This has obvious legal and safety implications. And of course manufacturers are in an 'arms race' where 3.5-tonne tow capacity is not just the 'gold standard' - they know they're not selling as many cars as they could if they don't offer that.Compliance is not as straightforward as it sounds - so here's how you crunch the numbers to stay 'roadside weigh station ready'.

The '$75,000: Do the "right" thing' problem: You can buy a Tesla Model Y, or a RAV4 Hybrid + rooftop solar. One of these options will leave you 4 tonnes of CO2 better off.And it's not the option many people want it to be.

A viewer asked me recently an innocent, and seemingly simple, question: Why are EV fires in the news all the time, and yet power tool batteries (which use the same fundamental tech) are so ubiquitous and seemingly safe? The answer opens a wormhole into the non-linearity of complex systems and failure mechanisms.Prepare to bleed from the ears.

Volvo is recalling almost 35,000 EX-30 battery EVs globally (almost 3000 here in Australia) because the batteries mught just catch fire without warning.All you have to do to enter this lottery is charge to 100%, and see what happens.They don't actually have a fix. The 'fix' (if you can call it that) is to refrain from charging beyond 70%, indefinitely.But that's OK because ... net zero. Obviously.

We all paid $600 million in 2025 for EV sales to remain, essentially, stagnant. (Up 1.1 per cent over two years.)Unincentivised hybrids are selling their ta-tas off, however, and likewise unincentivised PHEVs are 'boom town'...

Kia's sales apocalypse with the Tasman continues - which is awesome news for you if you want a massive discount.

Brass hammers are A) more dense than steel, B) don't damage steel parts you're working on, C) don't spark (in combustible environments) and D) have excellent impact kinematics.They're a superpower in the home workshop, basically.Proving a point here: I made one in under a day, for under $100, without using special tools, and you can, too. So just get started.

Toyota has a reputation for never putting a foot wrong on mechanical design. Unfortunately that's a total myth - and here's just one glaring example...

Kia recently unveiled the new Seltos, which we'll see later this year. Decent little SUV - like its predecessor, only more modern. But the hype surrounding it: reputation-destroying trash (personal opinion).

Basically I think you should have a crack at metalwork - so satisfying. Plus, it's not that hard, or dangerous - provided you observe a few simple guidelines.