Ideas to shop around
Directions rather than one particular thing, for when you’d rather choose. Some come with a few that fit.
Power tools and storage
The big gifts for the garage. Milwaukee M12 is a compact, professional-grade drill kit, while the Husky workbench gives him a permanent place to work.
2 that fit · about $134.99 – $947
Milwaukee M12 Brushless 3/8 Inch Drill Driver Kitabout $134.99 · amazon.com
Husky 46 Inch 9-Drawer Mobile Workbenchabout $947 · amazon.com
Hand tools and measuring
Small tools he will use weekly. Klein and Stanley are trade brands, so they cost a little more than generic sets but hold up better.
3 that fit · about $15.97 – $21.13
Klein Tools 11-in-1 Screwdriver and Nut Driver Setabout $15.97 · amazon.com
Stanley FatMax 25-Foot Tape Measureabout $21.13 · amazon.com
RAK Magnetic Wristband for Screws and Toolsabout $16.91 · amazon.com
Light and warmth
Work lights and warm gear for cold garage mornings. Magnetic lights stick to a car or shelf, which a flashlight cannot do.
2 that fit · about $13.99 – $19.99
Rechargeable Magnetic LED Work Lights, 2 Packabout $13.99 · amazon.com
Carhartt Men's Knit Cuffed Beanieabout $19.99 · amazon.com
Local
A Bellingham gift card for a local hardware or lumber shop.
One that fits
Think Local First Gift Card (Bellingham)bellingham-whatcom.yiftee.com
Drivers, bits and sockets
The tools used on almost every project. DeWalt and Craftsman cost less than premium European sets and are plenty for home use.
4 that fit · about $15.99 – $149
DeWalt ToughSeries Screwdriver Setabout $32.95 · amazon.com
Craftsman Ratcheting Screwdriverabout $15.99 · amazon.com
DeWalt 40-Piece Screwdriving Bit Setabout $17.98 · amazon.com
Craftsman 159-Piece Mechanics Tool Setabout $149 · amazon.com
Pliers, knives and multitools
Cutting and gripping tools that live in a pocket or toolbox. The Leatherman is the premium choice and Gerber is the budget one.
4 that fit · about $9.55 – $129.95
Leatherman Wave Plus Multitoolabout $129.95 · amazon.com
Gerber Dime Multitoolabout $34.99 · amazon.com
Irwin Vise-Grip Locking Pliersabout $32.85 · amazon.com
DeWalt Retractable Utility Knifeabout $9.55 · amazon.com
Measuring and layout
Accuracy tools for building and hanging things. Spending a bit more here saves wasted lumber.
4 that fit · about $16.99 – $49.97
Bosch GLM100-23 Laser Measureabout $49.97 · amazon.com
Stanley Powerlock II Tape Measureabout $16.99 · amazon.com
Johnson Magnetic Torpedo Levelabout $20.98 · amazon.com
Franklin Sensors ProSensor M150 Stud Finderabout $39.97 · amazon.com
- Pick whatever you think fits
Storage and carry
Keeps tools together and easy to find. Cheaper than a big workbench and used every time he starts a project.
2 that fit · about $18.98 – $24.98
Klein Tools Canvas Tool Bagabout $24.98 · amazon.com
Craftsman 16 Inch Tool Boxabout $18.98 · amazon.com
Tools for the job
Hammer, drill, gloves and sharpening: the next level up from basics.
4 that fit · about $22.99 – $116.99
Ryobi ONE+ 18V Cordless Drill Kitabout $116.99 · amazon.com
Estwing Rip Claw Hammerabout $24.98 · amazon.com
Mechanix Wear Original Work Glovesabout $22.99 · amazon.com
Work Sharp Guided Field Sharpenerabout $39.95 · amazon.com