Laser-guided Trimmer Gives Us Ideas for Other Laser Gadgets

Even those of us who don't have any practical experience with firearms likely has played a game where a laser sight proved useful in aiming precision. For the pacifists, some power cutting tools come with a laser line guide to aid in cutting straight lines. Of course, both of those applications are for limited use – but what if we could apply lasers to more things?

I asked myself that after I learned about the Philips BT9295. It's an electric clipper and it worked excellently for beard trimming, or those getting ready to keep things neat while participating in Movember. What makes it unique is that it has a laser guide just to make sure you're not shaving off more than you intend to. The laser can help neat groomers to make a straighter or more precise line, as the laser on the Philips is perfectly parallel to the cutting edge. While not a revolutionary change in shaving, it did make things easier – and really, isn't everything cooler with lasers? That got us thinking: what else would be better with lasers?

For us system builders, why not put a laser sight on a screwdriver? Sure, it may not be an essential addition, but neither are laser guides on many things. It would just make life easier – and lasers are just damn cool, regardless of what they're attached to. For a tool that requires more precision, such as a solder iron, would a laser be better appreciated there?

We tried a few applications with a laser pointer. First, with a screwdriver:

Then we wanted something that has a trigger and shoots stuff – so, a can of compressed air:

Share your ideas and feedback with us in the comments below!

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