Are you still trying to figure out what to ask for this holiday season? We’ve got you covered with plenty of variety in our 2012 tool gift guides. For all of you DIYer, weekend warriors, and even pro users, here are 10 Craftsman tool and accessory gift ideas that are sure to put a smile on your face.
Be sure to check back over the next two weeks – we’ll be reviewing each of these tools in order, one per day, with bonus reviews over the weekend.
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All of these tools are available online and in-store at Sears. If you order online, you can usually opt for in-store pickup. Be sure to use coupon SEARS2012 for an extra $5 off $50+ online purchases.
1. Craftsman Bolt-On Modular Tool Kit
“Wow.”
“Neat.”
“Amazing.”
“Everything fits in that bag?!”
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Craftsman’s Bolt-On modular tool system seemed to have been a big hit with NYC Comic Con attendees who had the chance to check out the new tools in person, and it’s easy to see why.
The Bolt-On system, which we previewed when it first came out, includes a base handle and selection of tool attachments you can purchase separately. Do you need to drill some holes? Cut some boards? Cut curves? Drive some screws? Profile some edges? Sand something smooth? There’s a Bolt-On tool head for that.
Buy Now(via Sears, $80 on sale)
2. Craftsman C3 XCP Li-ion Drill/Driver Kit
Are you ready for a drill/driver upgrade? Craftsman’s new XCP drill/driver looks to be their most powerful C3 cordless drill yet. It features a 2-speed gearbox and can deliver 465 in-lb max torque. High performance, reasonable price, and the new Li-ion battery tech works with all other C3 tools.
Buy Now(via Sears, $100 on sale)
3. Craftsman 56pc Universal Multi-Tool Set
My preference is to have a tool box filled with wrenches, ratchets, and sockets sourced and purchased separately. It makes sense for me and works well for what I use the tools for. But that type of mindset is not right for everyone.
If you’re the type of person that likes all-in-one tool sets, check out this 56pc Craftsman universal mechanics tool set. It comes with wrenches, sockets, a 3/8″ ratchet, screwdriver bit holder, and a case to keep it all in.
Not my cup of tea, but 110 users gave it an average rating of 4.5 stars out of 5.
Buy Now(via Sears, $80 on sale)
4. Craftsman 80pc Max Axess Socket Wrench Set
What can be better than the 51pc Max Axess socket set we reviewed a year ago? This expanded 80pc socket set that also comes with a great selection of hex and Torx screwdriver bit sockets.
Buy Now(via Sears, $80 on sale)
5. Craftsman 200-Piece Mechanics Tool Set
Craftsman’s mechanics tool sets offer great bang-for-the-buck, but which one is right for you? For me, a 94pc set was a good choice. The 154 pc, 255 pc, and 309 pc sets seem to be particularly popular.
For many users, this 200-piece set provides a good balance of ratchets, wrenches, and sockets to build your tool collection around. It includes 1/4″, 3/8″, and 1/2″ drive sizes, with both 6pt and 12pt sockets.
The set comes with a total of 128 sockets, 62 hex keys and screwdriver bits, 3 ratchets, 1 extension, and 6 combination wrenches.
Buy Now(via Sears, $190 on sale)
6. Craftsman Blacked-Out Ball Bearing Tool Storage Combo
Craftsman’s newest limited edition tool storage combo features a 6-drawer chest and 4-drawer mobile cabinet with a great-looking blacked-out matte black finish. You really have to see this in person, it looks amazing.
Take away the cool-looking exterior finish and you still have a very versatile tool storage setup. I am quite fond of the shallow 6-drawer configuration of the top chest, as this maximizes the amount of space available to store and organize tools in. The 4-drawer rollaway is a bit different, and instead features spacious drawers to hold bulkier items.
Not a good fit for your storage needs? Check out our Black Friday coverage, which lists a couple of other Craftsman storage combos that will likely go on sale again during the holiday shopping season.
Buy Now(via Sears, $400 on sale)
7. Craftsman Garage Gear: Pub Table & 2-Stool Combo, Saw Blade Clock, Bottle Opener
Your garage is boring, it really is. Your neighbor told me.
If you’re going to spruce up your garage or workspace with doodads and decorations, why not choose something functional? Craftsman’s pub and stool combo gives you a place to sit with a buddy, the bottle opener helps pop the caps off your beers, and the saw blade wall clock tells you when it’s time to head back inside for the big game.
Buy Pub Table with Stools
Buy Screwdriver-Handle Bottle Opener
Buy Saw Blade Shop Clock
8. Craftsman Miter Saw and Stand Combo
Miter saws are indispensable for making clean repeated crosscuts in wood. I occasionally use mine to cut plastic and aluminum as well, with the proper blade of course. But 10″ and 12″ blades can be overkill for many DIYers to store around for occasional use. Craftsman’s 7-1/4″ sliding compound miter saw seems to offer a reasonably good cut capacity (9″) without taking up your entire workbench.
This new universal miter saw stand is a good match for any size miter saw. It features universal brackets, spring-loaded folding legs, extendable support arms (up to 80″), and two height-adjustable rollers for added workpiece support.
Buy 7-1/4″ Sliding Compound Miter Saw ($170)
Buy Universal Miter Saw Stand ($70 on sale)
9. Upgrade the Basics: Craftsman Hand Tools
Who says that this year’s holiday gift has to be the latest and greatest tool? Maybe it’s a good idea to instead focus on upgrading the tools you use most often. If you have a multi-bit screwdriver, upgrade to a screwdriver set, such as this 17pc assortment. If you already have basic screwdrivers, look to add additional sizes and styles.
Do you need new precision screwdrivers? As we showed in our recent roundup, Craftsman makes those too.
While you’re at it, how about a new hammer? Happy holidays, here’s a hammer! It sounds strange, but hammers make great gifts for new homeowners, renters, and even college students. Have you ever seen or heard someone use a stapler to drive a photo-hanging nail into the wall? It’s not pleasant.
Buy 17pc Screwdriver Set ($20 on sale)
Buy 16oz Claw Hammer ($18)
10. Craftsman Track Cut Saw
What do you get when you cross a plunge-cut track saw with a mini circular saw? Craftsman’s 3-1/2″ Trak-Cut saw with miter base. I am as intrigued with the saw now as when I previewed it almost four months ago. The concept is great and the execution well done. Take away the very handy miter gauge and you still have a very functional multipurpose saw.
Buy Now(via Sears, $105 on sale)
teicher
I would recommend against a couple of those items: the universal multi-tool set and the storage. You’d be much better off with a decent 12pt socket set or even the max axess set in this guide, the universal fits all sorts of bolts but doesn’t do a good job with any of them.
As for the storage, the matte black looks cool but the quality isn’t there for the price they’re asking. You can get a much better box for less money at Harbor Freight.
http://www.harborfreight.com/roller-cabinet-26-8-drawer-with-8-drawer-top-chest-67831.html
Stuart
Universal wrenches and sockets aren’t for everyone. Personally I don’t prefer them, but a lot of people do. It’s a good choice for homeowners and DIYers who know they will need wrenches and sockets but don’t know exactly what they want.
As for storage, I bought a number of Craftsman ball bearing and Griplatch tool chests and they all served me well. When I moved I gave the better ones to my father and sold the rest.
I’ve never seen the HF boxes next to Craftsman ones so can’t compare. If I had to choose I would probably go for the Craftsman chest shown above. I really do like that 6-drawer configuration. With the blacked out version there’s probably a premium built in there for the finish. My favorite is still the sunburst orange finish, and I’m hoping Craftsman brings back yellow as well. If I have to look at it everyday it might as well look good.