Howdy HandyFolks,
I've actually had the below article sitting on my PC's desktop for about a year now. I kept it because I want everything it talks about... And then some. So, with Christmas a week away... Here are some great gift ideas for... Us! --Barry ********** chicagotribune.com A handy gift guide for the handy types on your list By Noah Lieberman Special to the Tribune Do-it-yourselfers should be the easiest folks to shop for, if only because there are thousands of tools from which to choose, and as gifts go, they're at least practical, right? Well, DIYers also are notoriously choosy. So, with that in mind, we've put together a list of tools and home improvement products that caught our eye for their innovation and utility. The list contains suggestions for handy homeowners of all skill levels--from beginner to pro. SMALLER STUFF (For new do-it-yourselfers and as stocking stuffers) BLACK & DECKER 8-INCH AUTOMATIC ADJUSTABLE WRENCH Hard-core mechanics are skeptical of new twists on tried-and-true tools, but this one has been getting strong reviews and one test-run tells you why: Push the thumb-tab and the jaws clamp down with authority or open up to 1 1/4 inch wide. The wrench itself is a bit beefier than the standard adjustable wrench, but the auto-feature means your fingers don't have to maneuver in tight spots. Uses two AAA batteries. About $30. (www.blackanddecker.com; 800-544-6986) 6-IN-1 PAINTER'S TOOL Lots of companies make this terrific tool (Warner, Hyde, True Value), which is like a painter's Swiss Army knife. Its six advertised uses are scraping (paint, etc.), spreading (putty, etc.), opening (paint cans), cleaning (rollers), pulling (nails) and pounding (can lids or protruding nail heads). But This Old House magazine recently counted 23 uses, including removing tile and sliding painter's masking tape into cracks. The point is, it's an indispensable part of any workshop for the novice or pro. And at about $9, it's an unbeatable stocking stuffer. 5-IN-1 SCREWDRIVER SET While we're on multi-use tools, the tool cataloger GarrettWade is offering a real innovation in an all-in-one screwdriver. The Phillips screwdriver has four head sizes (from 0 to 3), and every mechanic knows the frustration of rummaging around for the right one. With this tool, a single tip accepts all four heads. (The fifth is the standard flat blade.) At $9.95, it wouldn't hurt to buy two or three of these, for various spots in the house and workbench. (garrettwade.com, 800-221-2942) A STEP UP (For pro and newbie alike, especially the do-it-yourselfer gearing up for a remodel) LITTLE GIANT LADDER SYSTEM TYPE 1A How many ladders do you have around the house, including little stepladders, traditional A-frame ladders and extension ladders? This product replaces them all and does things those can never do, such as functioning as scaffolding (by forming two A-frame units) and spanning a stairway where one portion of the A-frame needs to be longer than the other. It's immensely strong, immensely versatile and immensely clever. A great gift for someone with a lot of rehab ahead. Prices range from $320 for 13 feet to $440 for 26 feet. (littlegiantladder.com, 800-453-1192) PRO LITE ELECTRONIX LER24C TASK LIGHT Think of the classic "trouble light" hanging down as the plumber fixes your water heater or the mechanic looks at your leaky transmission. That metal shade and the incandescent bulb get blistering hot and put off waves of heat. And the bulb is almost guaranteed to break if the light is dropped. Well, this sleek little item does everything that old trouble light did, but it's cool to the touch, exceedingly bright and uses less energy. Some, like this 24-LED model, are even rechargeable. The LED technology is the key--fluorescents aren't bright enough. About $30 from thetoolwarehouse.net and at Menards stores. (www.alertstamping.com, 800-400-5020) EQUIPMENT FOR EXPERTS (For the serious do-it-yourselfer) STILETTO 12-OUNCE TITANIUM REMODELER HAMMER Every home and workshop already has a hammer, but all hammers are not created equal. Plus, it's always nice to own the Cadillac of something, right? This hammer has classic looks, but its 12-ounce head is made of titanium, a harder, lighter metal that gives this hammer the power of a 21-ouncer with 10 times less recoil. Stilletto makes several variations on this theme, but the 12-ounce "Remodeler" version is a good bet for both finishing and framing work. If the DIYer on your shopping list has a taste for classy innovation, he or she will cherish this hammer. It's $99.95 from stilettotools.com. RYOBI 215-PIECE DRILL BIT SET For the devoted do-it-yourselfer, getting the gift of drill bits is like getting two dozen ties. But this gargantuan set of bits is so over-the-top, you can't help but smile--and start thinking of new projects. The best part is the specialty bits--masonry bits, hole drills, etc.--that are guaranteed to save the DIYer a half-dozen trips to the hardware store in the next few years. That alone is worth the reasonable list price of $49.97--and cheaper of late at Chicago-area Home Depots. (www.ryobitools.com, 800-525-2579) 36V BOSCH BRUTE TOUGH 1/2-INCH HAMMER DRILL/DRIVER Power tools with rechargeable battery packs are nothing new, nor is the feeling, "Didn't I just recharge this sucker?" However, 36-volt power supplies are out to change that, thanks to lithium-ion technology that's improving rechargeable batteries of all sizes. A 36-volt tool--available from Bosch, Milwaukee and other companies, as well--provides longer power, "and they're not as heavy as you think," says John Leonauskas, marketing manager for the Menards chain. More benefits of lithium-ion: It holds a charge for up to 18 months, and if you recharge the battery before it's fully discharged, it doesn't diminish the battery's capacity, unlike other types of rechargeables. Pricey and built for pros, the Bosch hammer drill promises corded power in a cordless drill and retails for about $470. It comes with two batteries, a lighter one for shorter jobs and a heavier one for bigger ones. BOSCH PS20-2 LITHEON 10.8 VOLT LITHIUM-ION POCKET DRIVER For remodelers looking for an ultra-compact drill/driver, this also packs some power. Measuring only 6-by-6 1/2 inches and weighing under 2 pounds with its battery, it comfortably fits into a tool belt pouch or back pocket. It comes with two batteries, 30-minute charger, soft carrying case. About $215. (boschtools.com/where-to-buy/, 224-232-2000) HTC PM7000 PORT-A-MATE MITER SAW WORKCENTER This nearly 10-foot-long workstation by HTC solves problems the hardcore DIYer faces--like how to get heavy tools such as miter saws off the ground where they can be used more safely and easily and how to secure materials such as wood planks for planing when you're not near a workbench vise. The bench also folds up, has an 8-inch wheel for transporting and includes extra features such as an onboard electrical outlet and a storage area. A universal mount system accommodates almost any kind of big, portable power tool--drill press, miter saw, planer--and you can order extra mounts and supports for more complex uses. A dedicated vise is available as well. It sells for about $200. (www.htcproductsinc.com, 800-624-2027) POTENTIAL PROJECTS (For the DIYer who's looking bored) RUSTOLEUM EPOXYSHIELD GARAGE FLOOR COATING There are two kinds of homeowners: the kind who don't give a rat's whisker about the condition of their garage floor and the kind who cover theirs in a layer of epoxy on the way to "the ultimate garage." Recent technology has improved this product, making it resistant to hot tires, which used to pull the stuff up. If you'd like your DIYer to clean the doggoned garage, consider buying him this--widely available for about $80--for a real makeover. (rustoleum.com, 800-553-8444) REIKER ROOM CONDITIONER CEILING FAN A ceiling fan does so much, is it fair to ask it to do more? Yes. About the only thing the common ceiling fan doesn't do is heat the air itself, which means it can be ineffectual in a chilly porch or a bedroom where you turn the heat low at night. The Reiker Room Conditioner includes a small electric heater and internal fan, which economically produces the heat the room lacks. Then the big blades take over to help heat the room evenly. A remote-control unit doubles as a thermostat--just set your temp and hang out. About $339. (www.buyreiker.com, 866-473-4537) Chicago Tribune
