The Best Gifts for DIYers and Woodworkers
Buying tools for DIY or woodworking enthusiasts can be a daunting task. Since these crafty people in our lives often already have a ton of tools (not to mention that some battery systems don’t work at the same time and not all tools are the same quality), choosing the right gift can be a daunting task. Here’s a guide to help you choose some of the best gifts for that special someone in your life.
Battery powered tool kits
For novice DIYers or novice woodworkers, a battery-operated tool kit is a must-have. Having all the basics in place will set them up for success when working on new projects and give them more opportunities to test. There are some great starter kits to choose from, here are the best:
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DeWalt’s nine-tool 20V combo kit includes a drill, impact driver, square drill, circular saw, saw, oscillating tool, sander, flashlight, jobsite radio, two batteries and charger. It’s a bargain at $599, which is almost 37% off the regular price.
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The Makita 18V 4-Tool Tool Kit includes a drill, impact driver, circular saw, flashlight, 18V 5 amp-hour battery and charger. The set is currently on sale for $547.61, which is 44% off its regular price.
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The Ryobi 6-pack of 18V tools includes a drill, impact driver, reciprocating saw, oscillating tool, circular saw, flashlight, 2 batteries and a charger. This set is suitable for those who are just starting to build a set of tools from scratch. It costs $369.99.
Nailers and staplers
Nailers and staplers are essential tools for anyone doing construction these days. These tools now have more options than ever as they can work with compressors and sometimes even cordless systems. Here are the best gifts to give to the DIY lover:
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The Craftsman Pancake Compressor and Nailer Kit includes an oil-free compressor, hose, and nailer. The nailer can accommodate nails up to 2 inches long. This is the ideal kit for starting projects such as wall paneling. The kit costs about $200.
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The Bostitch narrow crown stapler is a good tool for securing the backs of bookcases and cabinets, as well as other small projects. You will need 18 gauge staples up to 1 ½ inches long. A stapler costs about $120.
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The Dewalt Cordless 18-Volt Nailer runs on a DeWalt 18-volt battery, making it more portable than air-powered alternatives. A finishing nailer is good for more delicate finishing and shaping jobs. It’s currently on sale for $312.49, which is 51% off the regular price, so it’s a good deal for DIY enthusiasts.
Hand tools
Hand tools are an important component in woodworking and can be useful for other applications around the home. Good quality hand tools are often a good choice for a woodworker or someone who likes to do DIY projects. Here are some of the best hand tools for the DIYer.
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A draw saw for cutting pegs and flush joints is a handy addition to any tool kit and will be most useful to a woodworker. You can buy a decent quality flush saw for between $25 and $80, depending on the size.
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A set of sharp chisels from Narex is a good gift for a beginning woodworker or someone who is trying to cut inserts for door hardware on a wooden door themselves. A set of four costs about $75.
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A Craftsman screwdriver set is likely to last a long time and is suitable for everything from assembling box furniture to servicing your air conditioner. This 12-piece set includes a variety of Philips screwdrivers and flathead screwdrivers, plus a magnetizer/demagnetizer that holds the screws on the tip of the screwdriver if you want to avoid dropping them, and you can buy it for about $20.
Clamps and accessories
Clamps are an item that is often overlooked in woodworking and DIY projects until you need it. More comfortable clamps are designed to not leave marks on the surface you use them on and to make them easier to clamp and release. Here are some good clamps:
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The Jorgensen four-piece rod clamp set includes two six-inch and two 12-inch woodworking clamps. The clamps have non-marking rubber tips and screw-in jaws to adapt to the material being used. The set costs about $40.
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The eight-pack of Irwin clamps includes four quick-release clamps that can also be converted into extenders, two manual clamps with one-handed trigger release, and two spring clamps. The kit is suitable for any DIY project where you need to fasten materials, temporarily hang a light fixture, pull back a curtain, or pull a frame out of a frame using the jaws of the quick release clamps in reverse order as a spacer. The kit costs about $40.
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The Fastcap tape measure is a great addition to any toolbox. They’re easy to read, with fractions marked on one edge and a place on the side for writing down measurements with a pencil, as well as a pencil sharpener. This tape is currently on sale for $7.99, which is 50% off the regular price.