Holiday Home Improvement Gift Guide 2008-Part 3

by Alden Smith

In the first two articles of this series, we looked at how to make the proper decision when buying tools for the holiday season. We looked at hand tools and some specialty tools in Part 2. In this last segment, we will look at the ultimate in gift giving - power tools. Nothing will please a handyman more than the gift of a power tool. Power tools have almost a cult following amongst American males. Just ask Tim Allen! In this article we look at various power tools, their cost, and their usability.

Power Tools For Every Use

If you have ever done any remodeling, you know how handy power tools can be. Cordless drills, hammer drills and nail guns are a real lifesaver. In cost estimates for a build out on our store, the purchase of a nail gun was essential for efficient installation of dry wall, paneling and trim. The savings in labor paid for the nail gun and air compressor to drive it. Nail guns are fairly inexpensive. A Dewalt Heavy Duty 18 gage 1-1/4” nail gun was seen on Yahoo Shopping for $78.73. This gun would handle all remodeling tasks with the exception of framing. If considering a framing gun, expect to pay $250.00 or more, depending on brand and needs.
Another gift item to consider is a hammer gun. They come in different strengths depending on usage, but are indispensible for drilling into concrete, masonry or brick. The hammer action of the drill helps break up the material you are drilling through a cam that is engaged for hammer drilling. When hammer drilling is not needed, the cam can be switched pout of the drill. Expect to pay $50.07 for a Skil ½” electric hammer drill. For larger and heavier duty applications, consider a cordless hammer drill from Dewalt. Their 18V ½” cordless hammer drill is on sale right now at Lowe's for $329.00.

The Ultimate Combo Set

Dewalt makes fine cordless equipment, and their combo set is no exception. The Ultimate Combo set gives the handyman everything he would need for a home workshop or job site at a very affordable price. From the Dewalt site, here is what is included:

DC925 XRP™ 1/2" 18V Hammerdrill/Drill/Driver
DC390 XRP™ 18V Circular Saw
DC385 XRP™ 18V Reciprocating Saw
DW056 18V 1/4" Hex Drive Impact Driver
DC410 18V Cut-off Tool
DW919 18V Flexible Floodlight
1 Hour Charger
360° Side Handle
Carbide Tipped Circular Saw Blade
Circular Saw Rip Fence

It comes with accessories and a canvas contractor's bag to carry everything in. Priced at $579.00, it is the ultimate in gift giving for the handyman and contractor.

Buying gifts for the holiday season is fun when buying tools for a handyman. There is a great variety of tools on the market, both specialized and utilitarian. The beauty of giving tools during the holiday season is never running out of choices.

Alden Smith is an award winning author and regular contributor to DoItYourself.com. He wrties on a variety of subjects and excels in research.