Every handyman already has a basic set of tools. They wouldn’t be a handyman without a hammer, tape measure and level! But some home improvement projects require an upgrade to their arsenal of tools to get the job done. These tools make the perfect gift to help any handy person complete projects faster and better.
Brad Nail Gun and Air Compressor
A brad nail gun is essential undertaking any woodworking project. Once you own one you’ll be surprised how often you use it. The gun makes nailing exceptionally fast and the nailheads are nearly invisible—or at least easy to hide under wood filler. It will cut assembly time down dramatically compared to gluing and clamping. Additionally, it’s great for hanging paneling or installing trim and molding. You can buy an air compressor, hose, and brad gun–stapler for about $160. Plus, you can attach a blowgun to the air hose to quickly clean off your workbench.
Cat’s Paw
A multipurpose cat’s paw will serve your handyman in variety of uses. Basically a small nail puller-crowbar, it’s great for light demolition work, such as prying molding or trim away from a wall. But its claim to fame is its unparalleled ability to pull nails embedded in wood. It will likely become their ‘swiss army knife’ for tasks it was not necessarily designed for like as a makeshift scraper and chisel. It will also fit easily into any tool belt due to its small size. A new cat’s paw will cost as little as $11!
Lithium-ion Driver
A lithium-ion driver will make every deck project, cabinet hanging or shelving assembly easier. They are lightweight compared to a nickel-cadmium-battery driver, and holds a charge for up to 18 months. Plus, it only takes 30 minutes to recharge when it does run low on juice. They fit easily into tight spots and slip comfortably into a tool belt. With the improvement in battery tech over the past decade, you can expect to find one around the $50 price point or get a more compact model for another $25.
Miter Saw
A miter saw is an indispensable woodworking tool that helps make fast, precise cross and angle cuts. This would make a great addition to any handyman’s workbench as it will likely be used more often than all their other saws combined. Once plugged in, a miter saw is always ready for use. Prices have plummeted over the past few years, so now you can gift one for around $80. But if your handyman does a lot of fine woodworking, it’s worth spending an extra $100 to upgrade to a sliding miter saw which makes cutting wider pieces of wood easier.
Oscillating Tool
Names vary by brand, but an oscillating tool works by having very small, very fast vibrations that power a wide variety of interchangeable accessories. They can use it to cut drywall, wood and even metal. It can be used to scrape paint, sand in tight corners, and remove grout. When they first reached the market, oscillating tools cost several hundred dollars, but now that the patent has expired competition has slashed prices to about $80.
Reciprocating Saw
This is the king of demolition work. With the right blade, a reciprocating saw will quickly chew through drywall, tubing, wood, metals, and more. You can buy specialty blades for removing grout and pruning trees. Saw prices start at less than $50. Manufacturers offer a lot of bells and whistles, such as adjustable handles and pivoting shoes, that aren’t worth the extra money unless you plan to frequently use the tool. A tool-less blade change feature is a nice, but it’s available on even the most inexpensive models.
Angle Square
Lastly is another simple, but essential, tool that won’t break the bank. Angle squares are perfect for quickly marking cut lines on lumber, laying out angles for rafters and stairs, and serving as a guide for cutting with a circular saw. It’s worth your money to buy a metal square as it will outlast many tools. They can make a great add on gift with a starting price as low as $8.
Post brought to you by B&B Supply.