If you've ever built a model plane, cut the head off a rusted bolt, or buffed out handcuff marks from your bedpost, chances are you've used a Dremel rotary tool.

I've had one ever since I watched Dad of Bachelor Guy employ one in the building of a massive train set in our basement back in the 70's. (When massive basement train sets were considered a source of pride among neighborhood dads.) It etched out mountains and places for trees, ground burs from the metal tracks, polished train cars... everything. It has been an indispensable part of my toolbox ever since.

The newest Dremel, the Stylus, has a new contour-grip design, which makes using it is as easy as holding a pencil. It'll also give you more control for those projects where precision is critical. Like at-home dentistry. (That is, of course, a joke. Please don't email me and ask where you can by tooth-drilling attachments).

Speaking of which, the Stylus comes with 25 assorted accessories in the box, enough to let you clean, carve, grind, sand, and polish, without heading back to the store. And the speed control dial lets you pick the perfect rpm for whatever material you're working on. Bedpost or otherwise.

$69.99 Available at most hardware and home improvement stores
www.dremel.com

Unless you’re an heiress famous for starring in night-vision videos, or the lead vocalist for a hot alt-rock band, you might think getting past the velvet rope is impossible. So did I. To find out how the average guy can get his girl in for a night of dancing, and maybe a little celeb spotting, I went to see Fabrice Vilder, head doorman at Avalon, LA’s hottest club.


Fabrice, a Montreal native with a calm, but authoritative, demeanor, has been a professional doorman at upscale venues for several years, and it’s his job to make sure the right people get in, and the wrong people stay out.


OK, so who are the right people? “It’s all in how you present yourself,” Fabrice says. “If you come up to the door dressed nicely, with a good attitude, and look like you are here to have a good time, you will have no problem. We want quality people in our club. If you come to us dressed sloppy, or are arrogant, or are obviously drunk, you’re going to have a more difficult time.”


Who else gets in? People on “the list”. At most clubs, you’ll notice a separate, much faster moving, line for people on the list. You’ll also notice people trying to convince the doormen that, even though their name is not on the list, it’s supposed to be. Does this ever work? “No,” says Fabrice. “You are either on the list, or you are not.” And you can forget bribes. These men are professionals.


So how can you get on the list, short of winning a Grammy, or showing up with a supermodel? I was surprised to find out that at some clubs, there is actually more than one list. There is THE list, for VIPs, celebrities, rock stars, etc. And there is the list for people who have been referred by hotels and concierge, or who have called in advance. At Avalon, this is the “reserved guest list”, “You can call ahead and let us know you are coming, and that it is a special occasion,” Fabrice told me. Does being on this list get you off the long line and into the club? Yup. So when your girl asks you to take her that new hot club, call ahead and see if they have a reserve list. And get on it.


But remember, the same rules for dress and attitude apply.