By Alden Smith
In the first part of this 3 part series, we looked at how to decide what to buy when considering a home improvement gift for the handyman in your life. Here, we will look at what is new this year in the world of tools, give some prices, and discuss their finest features. We will look at hand tools in this article.
The Best Hand Tools
- Without a doubt, the best made hand tools in quality and price comes from Sears. The Craftsman line has been made for a very long time, and has a lifetime guarantee on any tool made by them. I have returned Craftsman tools that belonged to my grandfather and have broken, and they have been replaced with no questions asked. Quality in craftsmanship has long been the best thing about their tools. Prices are competitive. For example, a complete set of Craftsman Mechanics tools with 260 pieces and a lift top tool chest runs $199.00 at Sears's stores nationwide. It contains socket sets in both SAE and metric, end wrenches in SAE and metric, ratchets and accessories, a hex key set, and assorted screwdrivers. This set is enough to get the average mechanic going in good order.
- Another quality set of hand tools is made by Snap-on. Snap-on has a great reputation in the professional community as a leading manufacturer of hand tools, specialty tools and almost anything for the automotive industry. Expect to pay premium prices for their tools. An 11 piece set of SAE combination wrenches in sizes 3/8” to 1” will cost $166.35. For the discriminating mechanic, they are well worth the cost. Snap-on also has a lifetime guarantee on their tools.
Specialty Tools
- Because most handyman and mechanics have the basic tools, the holiday season is the time to give specialty tools that they have been wanting but could not justify the expense. Depending on the needs of your handyman, an air compressor makes a great gift. Sears' Craftsman 26 gallon 1.6 HP compressors maintain 160 pounds of pressure, and will maintain that pressure for long lengths of time. The price is $319.95. Be careful when considering an air compressor. They must have the capacity to be able to maintain pressure for long lengths of time and large enough to be able to perform tasks more detailed tasks than merely blowing up car tires.
- One of the hottest new tools is the laser level. These handy gadgets make calculating area in square feet and cubic feet a breeze. They work great for everything from leveling shelves to a complete build out. A decent Craftsman laser level will cost from $24.95 to $249.00, depending on need.
- Other specialty tools can make great stocking stuffers. Consider an electronic stud finder for the casual handyman. Sears also has a great deal of utility items for contractors, such as tool pouches and knee pads for working on roofs. Whatever the price range, there is something for every budget.
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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