Have you seen our ultimate tool gift guide? If not, go ahead and check it out, but make sure you’ve got a few minutes. That gift guide is more of an “upgrade your stuff” tool guide, filled with more than 50 tool recommendations.
I’ve been meaning to create an updated gift guide since then, but it’s always been back-burnered due to the amount of time and work involved. That first ultimate tool gift guide is basically 50 mini posts rolled into one.
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Over in a recent mid-October misc. tool news post, I asked for review requests. In a comment, Tom wrote:
New idea-Love to see the holiday gift guide updated. I have used it in the past to add items to my amazon wishlist that people draw from for Christmas presents. But the list is two years old and I have acquired most of the tools that I like on it. The guide was great originally because it listed some tools that I had never even heard of (including the Gearwrench Gimbal Ratchets and Knipex Pliers Wrench). Adding new, clever tools may be appealing.
Many of us tool addicts wind up getting whatever the new gimmick tool is from Home Depot or Sears every Christmas.
Okay, I’ll do it!
The ultimate gift guide includes a lot of my favorite tools, and the second edition won’t be different in that respect. In other words, no BS.
I have no shortage of ideas for the second edition of the ultimate gift guide, but I’ve been thinking – a reader’s picks section or separate compilation might be a nice addition. Or maybe it’ll serve as a “I should try this” guide for next year’s edition. Or maybe there will be some great ideas for me to draw giveaway plans from.
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If you still haven’t checked it out, take a look at the ultimate tool gift guide! If you’re up to it, here are 2 questions to consider:
1: Do you like the linear look/style/format of the first ultimate tool gift guide, or should the second edition have a different structure to it?
(I might split up the next ultimate gift guide into a couple of separate categorized posts for faster loading. Or how about a slideshow that you have to click through one tool at time? Just kidding, I hate those.)
And here’s the more important question:
2: Do you have a favorite tool that would be fitting for the Ultimate Tool Upgrade Gift Guide Part 2?
Oh, and that image above? It’s not at all related to the gift guide, it’s just a jumble of many different tools I bought from Sears prior to 2012.
In case you need another link:
Greg
The knipex mini bolt cutter is priceless. From nails to screws to hard wires this thing cuts them all. Goes on sale every now and then for $20.
http://www.amazon.com/Knipex-7101200-8-Inch-Action-Mini-Bolt/dp/B000SOSC4Y/
fred
The angled-jaw variety is also very useful:
http://www.amazon.com/71-22-200-SBA-Highleverage/dp/B005EXO8B0
Gilbert
I have these bad boys. Their a great set. Real comfortable too. The angled jaw gives better gripping power.
Sean
The amazon page says “cuts up to 5.2mm” (which is almost exactly 1/5″) However, down below it says “will cut up to 1/4″ with ease…”
Which one is it? I can’t really see this cutting through a 1/4″ bolt with ease, but if it does that is pretty impressive. I want!
This would have come in really handy as I had to cut through a chainlink fence when I got my first house. I was able to rip most of it straight out of the ground by tying a chain to it pulling with a Kabota. However, there were sections I couldn’t reach or where trees had grown into the chain link. Poor trees!
John
I believe the specs depend on the type of metal you’re cutting. 1/4 max is for copper and plastics. The number specs on the handle indicate piano wire and bolt sizes.
For example my 71 22 200 states on the handle and on the website:
http://www.knipex.com/index.php?id=1216&L=1&page=group_detail&parentID=1367&groupID=1473
Max:
3,6 Ø mm – piano wire
4,0 Ø mm – hard wire
5,2 Ø mm – medium wire
6,0 Ø mm – soft wire
and:
bolts, nails, rivets, etc. up to 5.2 mm diameter
John
Be sure to check out the just recently “updated versions” that Knipex put out for those mini Cobolt cutters on their site. They added a “micro-structured cutting edge” to the blades so that wires and bolts don’t slip forward out of the jaws and the cut is perfect. Defiantly a good update and makes me seriously want to get a new set just for that change alone. Love my Knipex Cobolt cutters!
Sean
The Picque Six-Pack screwdriver or similar would be a good choice. Cheap, easy-to-find, and one of the best screwdrivers someone could own.
Mike
Any idea where to get replacement bits in the US? I have one that’s been missing one for a long time. Nobody else makes the 3″ bits and I haven’t seen individual bits since Ace quit carrying them.
Sean
I thought the whole idea of the screwdriver was to make it nearly impossible to lose a bit. 😉 Hah – I know…it happens.
If you’re anything like me, you’ll never actually call the makers of the tool and ask about replacement bits, but I think that would be the best route to go.
I have never seen replacement bits, nor have I even seen them at Ace like you mention. I do have various 3″ driver bits that have come in those variety sets. I think the Picque is 1/4″ hex so most anything should fit in there; it just might not look good. Here is a set of colored 3″ bits at HF: http://www.harborfreight.com/8-piece-3-inch-color-coded-driver-bit-set-99860.html
fred
You might try Eden Saw:
http://www.edensaw.com/MainSite/Store1/StoreProducts/ProductDetail/30533
mikedt
Lots of replacement Picquic bits on amazon.com
tmb696
Mike, you can get genuine Picquic bits at: http://www.firehawktech.com/PQ_home.html
Mike
Thanks, all. I had hoped to find a retail outlet so I wouldn’t spend $8 shipping for a $1 bit but it looks like that isn’t going to happen. I’ll toss the bit into my cart the next time I order from Amazon.
The manufacturer is in Canada and is happy to list plenty of places to buy them… in Canada.
Adam
Hollow wall anchor setting tool:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00372S37U/
Sure, you can achieve same result without it but not as fast, easily, reliably, or effectively.
Definitely a ‘why didn’t I buy one before?’ gadget.
fred
Similar to the Picus (Taiyo Seiko) AP-100 pliers that were sold in the US in the 1990’s
BikerDad
In other words, no BS. What?? No bandsaws? Why not?
:p
I like the linear approach. With the ToC up top, anybody can jump easily to a specific section if they want. (note: those gimbals are magic, crafted by some clever dwarves undoubtedly)
For tools that I think would be good to add, here’s a few:
I would suggest the Flexcut Carving Jack, or the more basic Tri-Jack Pro.
There is a Nupla (also Craftsman branded) 2lb dead blow hammer with one steel face and one plastic face that is one of the finest persuaders I’ve ever encountered.
A centering rule is a mighty useful tool to have. The Bridge City Tool Works BR-12 Zero Glare Bench Rule is really handy. And at a mere 22.95, it’s also quite affordable by “quality tool” standards. They also make a 6″ version.
In the flashlight department, the NiteCore Tube is really good for someone who wants a keychain flashlight that’s not going to damage things (a concern for many motorcyclists) and is small. Again, inexpensive at $10.
For the Multi-tools, I think some of the best are the Leatherman Micra, Style PS and Style CS.
Now, these next two are going to sound like they’re out of left field, because they aren’t “gifty” in the least. Yet a LOT of home shops and tool users should, but don’t, have ’em.
Uvex Bionic Face Shield.
A good fire extinguisher. (Every home should have one in the kitchen, and one in the garage/shop if there is a garage/shop.)
For tool storage, I can’t think of a better low cost gift than this:
A step stool tool box. Contico has one, and there are several others out there. http://www.amazon.com/CONTICO-Step-Stool-Tool-9402TPBK/dp/B007I9SO4U/
Having a step stool, a seat, and tool storage all in one convenient, easy to carry package? It’s another thing that’s like magic. Only this one was probably cooked up by elves, because they’re lazy like that.
Note that every one of these suggestions, with the exception of the Carving Jack, is something that I have, I use, and I’d replace ASAP if I lost it.
K2
I really like having a hi lift jack. The one with a five foot bar is less than $100. I find I use it quite a bit, pulling posts, moving cars, removing stumps, bending steel. When coupled with a Jack-mate, a small accessory that acts as a chain grab, it’s a great combination.
http://www.hi-lift.com
Gilbert
I had been waiting for (Ultimate Tool Gift Vol. 2) Myself as a avid reader/follower, don’t just enjoy but use these recommendations. I also think the original format is good. I would like to share items I have bought and been using from the 1st. list,
1. GEARWRENCH Gimbal Ratchet Set Both 1/4 – 3/8
2. WERA Zyklop Ratchet 3/8 (Liked it so much bought the 1/4 Metric & SAE Sets)
3. KNIPEX Pliers Wrench (Have since added 7 Pliers)
4. WERA Bit Ratchet Set (Along W/ other bits & such)
5. FELO Screwdriver Set
6. BOSCH Axial Glide Miter Saw 12″
7. KLEIN Bottle Opener
I’m sure I’ll be adding more to the list, but for now here’s a short list;
1. VETO PRO PAC TP4 (Service Technician’s Tool Pouch)
http://www.vetopropac.com/products/model-tp4
2. KLEIN All-Purpose Pliers with Crimper J2078CR
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B016XE2CHA
3. COAST POLYSTEEL 400 Pure Beam Focusing Flashlight
https://coastportland.com/product/polysteel-400/
https://coastportland.com/product/polysteel-600/ (Also The Big Brother)
4. MILWAUKEE M12 Fuel Hex Impact Driver Kit Mod# 2453-22
https://www.milwaukeetool.com/power-tools/cordless/2453-22
MILWAUKEE M12 2-Tool Combo Kit (This Comes W/ Impact Driver 1/4 – Hammer Drill/Driver)
https://www.milwaukeetool.com/power-tools/combo-kits/2597-22 (Even Cooler)
All of these tools are all well made, great ergonomics, durable & backed by great reputation. I have them all in my arsenal, use them daily & stand behind them. You can tell great thought was put behind them.
Gilbert
FASTCAP Power Mag For Screw Gun/Drill MOD #power mag screw gun $19.95
http://www.fastcap.com/estore/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=52446&idcategory=0
This magnet is insane..! I have it on all my drills, my ladders as well. So simple, but very effective.
fred
Some of the new Fastap items have me intrigued. Their “Stile Rite Clamps” and “10 million Dollar Stick” look like nice ideas – and I might order one of their “How Far Out” level attachments to try out.
https://www.fastcap.com/estore/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=55686
Tom
Wow, I inspired a post! What an honor!
I’d like to see a 6 in 1 screwdriver in the $10 range up there. I love my $40 Wera for most jobs, but I have probably five or six cheaper models laying around. I keep one in the kitchen, one upstairs, one in the garage, another in the office…. I just can’t seem to get enough. So many in this range are junk. I love the Enderes ones, but sourcing them can be tough (ebay is your best bet).
I also think that a California Air Tools Compressor deserves honorable mention. I am ordering one soon, so I can’t really endorse it yet. However, just based on the noise reduction alone, I think that it should be on the list.
Another vote for the Knipex Mini-Bolt Cutters. Those things are great to have around.
I would also suggest a Fastcap tape measure. I have a metric and imperial one and it is great. Love that they actually write out the 1/16ths on it. It really helps me avoid simple mistakes.
I would also mention the Kreg Jig. There probably isn’t a better way to get into really basic, homeowner-level carpentry than the $40 R3 Jr model.
Rockler Square Check-Cheap and handy when squaring up boxes.
Finally, clamps… you can never have enough. If someone were to start building a set, what would you recommend? Bessey K-Series seem great, but how much worse are the Craftsman bar-style? I like my Craftsman ones and on sale, they are probably a quarter of the price.
glenn
I got one of Milwaukee’s folding Jab saws via a redemption offer and while I initially would not have gone out and bought one, I am glad I have it as it has been very useful on a number of occasions.
A bonus is that it uses standard reciprocating saw blades.
glenn
Here is a link to it.
http://www.milwaukeetools.com.au/hand-tools/non-powered/saws-and-cutters/show/48220305
Jay
Milwaukee 48-22-2202 3PC 1000V Insulated Screwdriver Set
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00D5YLI4U/
Jay
Klein Tools D213-9NE 9-Inch High Leverage Side Cutting Pliers
http://www.amazon.com/Klein-Tools-D213-9NE-Leverage-Cutting/dp/B0000302W6/
Klein Tools 89 Replacement Klein Tools-Koat Tenite Pliers Handles
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00093D7AI
Chris Fyfe
Knipex Plierwrench – 125 and 150mm.
Chris
Yadda
Knipex plier wrench. Any size or a whole set!
Stuart
The larger sizes are already mentioned in the Ultimate Gift Guide. =)
Hang Fire
Please add the Chapman 5575 Master set. Any handy person would be very happy to receive that as a holiday gift. I have one and wouldn’t mind having another!
Rain
Lindstrom 80 Series Cutters.
http://www.lindstromtools.us/products/product-assortment/80-series-cutters
I’ve seen my dad use these cutters as long as I can remember. I have some too, and I personally like the 8150 and 8160 styles. Made in Sweden, these cutters can last a lifetime. They are STRONG. We’ve been using the same ones for over 10 years and they all still cut like new; they never become dull. I think some of the ones we own are nearing 20 years of use.
The only thing on this cutter that could possibly wear is the handle material. If you don’t take good care of it, it’ll probably start sliding off and look worn in less than 10 years. But isn’t that the same with any tool? The blade is sharp no matter how old it is. We never sharpen them or anything; we cut thick wires and cables everyday and it just does its job.
I found some on Amazon for $40~60. Knowing the quality, I don’t think it’s expensive at all. I never looked up the price before, but I always imagined it’s over a hundred dollars. The cuts are clean, they take all the beating… the quality on Lindstrom cutters are just superb.