Tools Under The Tree
If you're looking for a gift for someone who loves to putter around with their power tools, or who often strolls up and down the aisles of home centers salivating over the latest and greatest in home improvement gadgets, Danny Lipford, host of "Today's Homeowner," has several ideas.
SMALLER GIFTS
Grip and Zip Cordless Drill & Grip & Drive Powered Screwdriver
Homeowners often find they have a little job that they can take care of quickly, but they don't want to drag out their entire tool kit. IGO Home Products has come up with the perfect solution - Kitchen Drawer Power Tools.
Both the Grip and Zip Cordless Drill and the Grip & Drive Powered Screwdriver are lightweight, battery-operated power tools that can easily take care of simple tasks without having to be recharged or plugged in. They are easy to store; just put them in your kitchen drawer. Good for novices, too.
Cost: $9.99 each, www.igohomeproducts.com - (800) 670-6404
Mr. 7-Hands All-In-One Multi-Tool and Flashlight
No, it's not the latest hair-cutting extravaganza; it's another gadget that can take care of those quick and easy jobs that don't require your whole tool kit. The Mr. 7-Hands All-In-One Multi-Tool and Flashlight is perfect at night or in dark places with seven self-locking tools including 3 Phillips, 3 flatheads, and 2 eye glass screwdrivers in 1 (1 Phillips, 1 flathead). All tools snap right into place when opened. It has a pocket clip (for easy portability and protection against loss) and a magnetized tip (no more dropped screws).
Cost: $14.99, tridirectmarketing.com - (781) 272-4228
MID-RANGE PRICED GIFTS
Husky's Jump-Start System
Whoever receives this gift will never have to wait for a "jump" again. The "Jump-Start System" is a portable power source equipped with built-in jumper cables and its own recharging device. In the event of an automotive breakdown, you can use this device to jump-start your car or truck but it also does more.
A cigarette lighter-style power connection allows you to power any portable appliance that can be plugged into your car. A cable is included. You can recharge the unit by plugging it into your car. Plugging it into an outlet at your house will also recharge the Jump-Start System. An LED read-out on top lets you know when it's fully charged.
Cost: retails around $50. Available at Home Depot homedepot.com
Black and Decker's ZipSaw Multi Project Tool
This compact and versatile tool allows the user to quickly change accessories and switch jobs. You can use it for horizontal or vertical cutting, depending on the application. It cuts wood, plastic, metal, cardboard, linoleum, carpet; sands; removes rust and paint. There are a variety of accessories that make this tool very versatile, including a Circle Cutter which allows the user to cut perfect circles. An edge guide will help you make straight cuts. It comes with a storage case.
Cost: $54.99, blackanddecker.com
FOR THE MORE EXPERIENCED
Porter-Cable's TigerClaw Variable Angle Tiger Saw
This offers a 180-degree pivot adjustment and a 360-degree blade rotation. These features make it possible to cut in almost any direction - in awkward positions and at difficult angles. It has an extra-heavy-duty 11.5 AMP motor which provides maximum power in all cutting applications. Additional features include variable speeds and Quick-Change blade clamp (allowing for blade changes in less than 4 seconds).
Cost: $249, porter-cable.com
Campbell Hausfeld's "Vertizontal" Air Compressor
This award-winning new 5.5 peak horsepower, 22-gallon air compressor is the only compressor on the market that can be stored and operated in either a horizontal or vertical position. It offers homeowners the flexibility to operate virtually anywhere and is among the safest portable air compressors in the marketplace. As with all Campbell Hausfeld compressors, this unit can run an amazing variety of power tools. Everything from sandblasters and spray guns to drills and die grinders can be attached in a matter of seconds.
Cost: $329, chtools.com
Ryobi's "Six Pack"
The Ryobi "Six-Pack" incorporates six cordless tools into one rolling toolbox. The box includes a cordless mitre saw, a cordless reciprocating saw, a spiral cutting saw, a drill/driver, a circular saw, and a flash light. All of these tools operate on the same 18-volt batteries (3 and 1 hour charger are included in the package). The layout of the box also lets you use it as a stand for the mitre saw and storage for bits, blades and drivers of all kinds.
Cost: $399, ryobitools.com