Gear Patrol

Defy Bags Defender Workcase Made (in the U.S.A.) from military canvas, reclaimed truck tarps and leather, the bag is sealed shut by kickass buckles; inside is a protective computer pocket. The modern workplace equivalent of a handcuffed-to-the-bad-guy briefcase, which is completely awesome. $332 (★) Bang & Olufsen BeoLab 14 Surround Sound Speaker System Anodized aluminum…

The cordless drill is the most useful tool in any man’s bag. Untethered power and portability combined with the ability to go from drill to drive in mere seconds make it the go-to grab for most projects around the house. While the 18V and 20V bit-twisters of the world have homes on the belts of contractors and semi-pro weekend warriors alike, breaking out the big guns just to hang a picture or tighten some screws is well, overkill — plus every now and then things can get a little tight. Whether you’re just beginning your collection or adding to the fleet, the torque and twist-time offered by today’s 12V versions rivals many of their corded counterparts, minus the heft; that can often be the difference between completing a job and cursing til the cows come home.

The Milwaukee 6-in-1 Diagonal Cutting Pliers ($22) continues Milwaukee Tool’s tradition of useful rough and ready tools. Here, the tool replaces the bolt cutter, nail cutter, nail/staple puller, and wire cutter with one versatile cutting instrument. And not to leave good enough alone, Milwaukee has also added a reamer on the back of the plier arms…