Tool Gifts for your guy - advice

**nancycg56** · 10-28-2009, 10:54 AM

Or you can do like me ~ buy a Lowe's, Home Depot, Sears, whatever gift card and let him get what he wants

I wouldn't know one tool from another and I like to keep it that way!

**dolphin** · 11-09-2009, 08:18 PM

This is a very funny thread! Thanks for the laugh that I needed so badly.

Tools....My dh loves his DeWalt Tool Set. He got me a 9 Volt DeWalt Drill a few years ago and I love it (for those ladies, it's not so heavy)! His set is 18 Volt but mind you, they are heavy. DeWalt also makes a 14 Volt set. 9 Volt tool sets are fine for home and hobby and for work if limited but if you or your dh does lots of repairs working with or building stuff, go with the 18 Volt set.

Also, Klien makes the very best hand tools for construction of any kind. Their screwdriver sets will last a lifetime if taken care of and they have really nice plumbing tools. JMHO.

Actually, Ryobi is a cheaper set of tools but are fine for the home repair hobbyist. We have a friend who does maybe 1 or 2 projects a year and he loves his new set. They now have a 1 year no questions asked return policy and for a bit more you can buy an extended policy.

Good thread, got me thinking of things to get for dh! Thanks!

**frugalwarrior** · 11-09-2009, 09:06 PM

Dolphin enjoyed your synopsis of toolology (LOL). I have never heard of Klien.
I do need suggestions for tools for making musical instruments. Is there anything specific I should looks for. DS is currently working in his friends workshop making a cello. I know he would like to make a Mandolin for hmself. I hope he will do this as a paid sideline.(he is only 17 now.)
I am thinking hand tools. He is the craftsman w/ a modern twist type. He has taught himself bass,folk and electric guitar and banjo so far. He has made a guitar from a chunk of wood. I definately want to encourage him.

**Russ** · 11-09-2009, 09:16 PM

basic woodworking tools would be a good start.
A nice set of chisels, or planers I imagine would be of good use.

**Palooka** · 11-09-2009, 09:51 PM

What about a tool box? My dh has every tool known to man but sooooo disorganized and this drives me crazy mad! He will lay his tools everywhere in this house and then he can't remember where he put it at. One time I found a phillips in the cabinet next to the dinner plates. No joke. grrrrr

So I know these can get expensive but just something basic(not those huge ones) but not cheap either so maybe that will give him an incentive to keep 'em organized.

ETA, he has like a thousand of drill bits for this and that. He will end up buying more because he can't find them.

**frugalwarrior** · 11-09-2009, 10:04 PM

I got him chisels and a planer and a iron shaped sander which he loved. I also found this uber cool vintage set of books at the end of a church sale 4/$1.00 about making things from scratch ( like that yankee woodworking guy) which is what started a lot of this. I just remembered a woodworking store on woodward in Royal oak. I may check it out alone and then bring him.
I wish I could get vintage tools pictured in the books. Maybe an estate sale. It's hard to beat the collectors. LOL He makes me junk pick wood for him now that he's in school and can't himself.

Forgot to say he has a toolbox. Wish I could rent a grandpa who was in good shape to mentor him. Isn't his dads thing. Kid kinda borrows his friends dads.

**Russ** · 11-10-2009, 06:57 AM

Originally Posted by frugalwarrior

I just remembered a woodworking store on woodward in Royal oak.

I remember that one.

There is also this place in Sterling Heights...

http://www.woodcraft.com/stores/store.aspx?id=321

**Lora88** · 11-10-2009, 07:39 AM

Originally Posted by rcannon

Ladies, as a service to some of you, I'd like to offer some tips on gift giving tools this year. (hoping my wife heeds this advice).

Please don't buy some of the "gadget tools" you see at the check out or advertised on TV. (below is an example) Most of them are junk and usually wind up in the back of the tool box rarely, if ever used.

Buy quality tools. Personal preferences for me--
Hand tools from Sears, The Craftsman series. Kobalt and Snap-on also make good hand tools.
Power tools - I buy Dewalt brand but Makita is also a good brand.

Harbor Freight typically sells "limited use" tools. In other words the tools they sell are cheaply made and not for heavy use. Most guys will call them "one time use" tools.

Just a couple of thoughts and if you need help with a purchase I would be more than happy to give you my opinion.

Having sold both Makita and Bosch tools for many years I find Bosch to be a higher quality product with better customer service. Also tool buying should be based on usage ei homeowner level or contractor need Surprise woman know about these things Do you know that we are DRs and lawyers and they even let us vote lol