By Alden Smith
There isn't a do-it-yourselfer around that doesn't have tons of tools on his gift list. With the holiday season fast upon us, now is the time to consider the perfect tools for the man about the house. Whether he is a casual handyman that does weekend projects, or is a serious do it yourselfer, having the right tools for the job keeps peace in the family and makes the handyman more efficient. Here, we discuss tools for the holiday gift giving season.
The Perfect Gift
No one knows the perfect gift for the handyman better than the handyman himself. If you plan on giving tools to the handyman in your life, whether a he or a she, then consult with them on what they really want. Nothing is more disappointing to a handyman that relishes his tools than to receive a well meaning gift and find it does not meet their needs. The thoughts of a return and the embarrassment of possibly hurting a loved one's feelings is not where you want to go during the holiday season. Ask them, make sure they are specific, and go with that. Then, there is no reason for disappointment or complaint.
Some Are Just Collectors
Many handymen are collectors of tools. If you know them well, you will know that about them. That perfect left-hand widget that he will use maybe once in a lifetime may seem a wasted expense to you. Consider the purchase regardless. There is nothing truer than the old saying that “a workman is only as good as his tools.” If it is something he just HAS to have, then consider the purchase, unless the price is so high that you need to refinance the house.
Settle On A Price Range
Before buying anything, be sure that you set a price range on items. Much of this can depend on what the tools will be used for. You obviously don't want to buy an industrial grade saw for the casual do it yourselfer, but on the same hand, if you handyman works in construction, you don't want to buy something for the business that will be useless or underperform for them. A balance can be found here if there is agreement on the need. For example, a Bosch 15-Amp 10” table saw at Lowe's runs $599.00. It would be ideal for a work site because it has a rise wheeled stand, with large tires ideal for a work site. Or, you might consider a Hitachi 15-Amp 10” table saw, again from Lowe's, for $499.00. It has almost identical features of the Bosch, but is $100 less. The difference is in portability.
In Conclusion
When buying tools for the home handyman, don't sacrifice quality for quantity. Nothing is worse than a poor set of screwdrivers bought at the dollar store. Discuss with the gift recipient what they REALLY would like, and get the best. In the next 2 articles of this series, we look at tools for every need.
Alden Smith is an award winning author and regular contributor to DoItYourself.com. He writes on a variety of subjects and excels in research.
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