Pocket ref
by Thomas J. Glover · first published 1996
6mentions
5recommended by
6HN commenters
2009–2026first – last mentioned
83% recommend17% neutral
Why HN recommends it
Compact collection of reference tables and quick facts across technical fields, especially mechanical and engineering work. It is a handy, portable go-to for engineers, fabricators and tinkerers.
Summarised by Claude from recommending comments
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My personal favourite that I've given as a gift is Thomas Glover's Pocket Ref [0]. Its easily the most useful thing you can buy for anyone in engineering, fabrication or just generally a tinkerer. I've loved my copy since I was given it as a kid. [0] - https://www.amazon.com/Pocket-Ref-4th-Thomas-Glover/dp/18850...
on “Ask HN: What book have you given as a gift?” ↗There's a bit of a cult classic book, "Pocket Ref" by Thomas Glover, and its big brother "Desk Ref." They're just books that attempt to provide reference tables for most of the things you'd need to look up throughout a wide variety of technical fields,…
on “The modern clock; a study of time keeping mechanism (1905)” ↗You should get a copy or three of Pocket Ref by Thomas J Glover. Packed full of useful things in a good size. I keep one in the car even. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pocket_Ref
on “Project Nomad – Knowledge That Never Goes Offline” ↗…numbers, whatever to people over the phone. They do sometimes seem surprised that you are using the "offical" words so I gather knowing this is pretty uncommon. <nostalgia time>I learned it from The Pocket Ref book as a kid</nostalgia time>
on “How to Make a $19 Police Scanner” ↗For the reasons given in the article, the author and readers here who are convinced might also consider getting a copy of Pocket Ref. <https://sequoiapublishing.com/product/pocket-ref/> <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pocket_Ref>
on “I bought an encyclopedia” ↗I'd grab my Wagner's Chemical Technology 1872, a Pocket Ref, a hatchet, my wristwatch (automatic movement, no batteries), my Leatherman, every knife in my kitchen and the entire contents of my medicine cabinet (asprin, alcohol, gauze, etc). That ought to fit in…
on “Survival tips if you find yourself in the Middle Ages?” ↗