Top Gift Ideas for the Tool Fanatic on Your List

If you are lucky enough to have a handyman or handygal on your gift list, you may be wondering what to put under the tree for them. Well, wonder no more, as I am presenting you with some my favorites.

12V Lithium Ion Drill Kit—When these first came out, we thought they were kids toys. Boy were we wrong. These drills may be small, but they have surprising power—plenty for most drilling and driving tasks. They don't have the punch to drive lags for a deck ledger or drill a large hole for a lock, but they'll handle small pilot holes all day long. Plus, they are compact enough to fit in your tool pouch, which is handy if you're working off of a ladder. I got the Menards version for a steal, and it would be fine for occasional use around the house, but won't hold up on a remodeling job site.  I have since upgraded to the Milwaukee version.

• Menards 12v drill kit
• Milwaukee 12v drill kit

Oscillating Multitool—Is there anything they can't do? Cut, scrape, sand, grind...the list goes on. More attachments are always becoming available. The carpenters I work with all have one, ranging from the $20 Harbor Freight model, $150 Rockwell, and all the way up to the $400 Fein from Germany. The one that gets used most is the 12v version that works on the same batteries as the above mentioned drill.

• Harbor Freight Oscillating Tool
• Fein Multimaster Oscillating Tool
• Milwaukee 12v Oscillating Tool

Kreg Jig and accessories—If you have a woodworker on your list, these jigs and fixtures will completely change the way that they work. The ancient Egyptians used pocket hole technology to build the pyramids, and the concept transfers great for woodworking. Pocket holes are fast and easy to create, and they don't require extensive clamping or glueing, so assembling your wood project goes a lot faster than biscuits or dowels.

• Kreg Jig Kit

Good Quality Drill & Driver Bits and Sawblades—These make great stocking stuffers! Beware of the inexpensive bits and blades. They are so lousy that they are prone to breakage during use, which can cause injury. This is a good time of year to stock up!

• Drill Bit Set
• Driver Bit Set

I hope this helps you tackle your shopping list.  If you have another tool favorite, share it in the comments section!