2024 Holiday Tool Gift Guide

This year’s TBB’s 2024 Holiday Gift Guide will help you pick out the perfect gift(s) for that hard-to-buy-for tradesperson in your life. Especially if you’re shopping for someone who just wants tools but already seems to have too many. Or that special person talks about tools and hardware even when they know you don’t have a clue what they are talking about. Yeah… we’re here to help!  Whether you need that last small gift or are looking to start off with a big bang, we have you covered. We go through the heartache, pain, and suffering of testing out some of the industry’s uniquest (yep, that’s a real word), most practical, and just plain coolest tools and job site gadgets to create a full-spectrum holiday gift guide.

To help you out, regardless of your budget, we broke down the tools by price categories which are:

• $30 and under:  The Simple gift
• $30-75:  The Perfect gift
• $75-200:  The Surefire gift
• Over $200:  Santa’s REALLY nice list!

And all of the tools in this year’s Holiday Gift Guide are ones that are in our job site kits or our Pros’ workshops. So hang some lights and then get ready to hang out with us for a bit.

$30 and under Gifts | The Simple gift

• Ryobi Titanium 22-Piece Drill Bit Set

You can never go wrong with extra drill bits. And this 22-piece Ryobi drill bit set is an easy choice for a quick gift grab. This titanium-coated drill bit set is an upgrade over a black oxide coated set. The 1/4 in. hex shank is also a must to allow for use in either a drill or impact driver. And the secure case is always nice to keep your bits stored safely and help prevent losing them in a disorganized drawer. They are great for a variety of materials including wood, metal, and plastic so you can’t go wrong.

purchase it here from Home Depot

• Helly Hansen Reversible Beanie

We like staying warm. At the Jobsite. In the workshop. Wherever. And we love the quality Helly Hansen offers with their warm workwear. This reversible beanie is comfortable and easily machine washable. It also comes on 4 different color combo options. It makes an easy and not too expensive gift option that’s worth the price.

purchase it here from Helly Hansen

• Kreg Panel Clamp

Sometimes you see a tool or accessory and immediately know its going to be great. That was our take on this Kreg Panel Clamp and we weren’t wrong; this is a great accessory! The Kreg Panel Clamp allows you to easily and very comfortably + safely lift and carry a 4×8 panel of plywood, drywall, wallboard, etc…  It automatically adjusts for panels up to 3/4 in. thick and holds them securely in place with a solid anti-slide gripping inner surface. The handle is ergonomically comfortable and doesn’t dig into your hand when lifting and carrying panels up to 100 lbs. this panel carrying clamp is awesome!

purchase it here from Kreg

• 5.11 Deploy K-USB Tactical Flashlight

Flashlights are a staple feature of our gift guides. I mean what tool lover doesn’t love a compact, bright, and rechargeable flashlight? The 5.11 Deploy K-USB flashlight definitely fits this mold. It’s a great option to keep on a keychain or in your glove box. At 180 lumens in surprisigly bright and offers good battery life with 2 options – low and high modes. The machined aluminum case looks great and it built to last. And the standard type-C charging port wont make you search for cords to recharge it with.

purchase it here from 5.11

• Gerber Prybar Utility Clip Knife

Another staple item for our gift guides are knifes. These may be the most basic yet useful tool there is. So we again loved the idea of pairing with Gerber to give you some great gift options. The Prybar Utility Clip knife is functional in a variety of settings and offers 8 tools in one. These include a utility blade, cord cut notch, bottle opener, pry bar, large flat head driver, small flat head driver, nail puller, wire stripper. Its made of rugged machined aluminum and comes on 3 stylish color combinations. This is sure to be a loved and often used gift for sure.

purchase it here from Gerber

$30-75 Gifts | The Perfect gift

• Milwaukee 12 Oz. Packout Bottle

This Milwaukee 12 ounce bottle is built for the jobsite for two reasons. First, it actually locks into place with any Milwaukee Packout Components. That means its easy to add to your jobsite kit and get to the jobsite without getting lost or falling. Secondly, its rugged aluminum and double walled construction means it can actually withstand the rigors of the jobsite while keeping hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold. Its available in Milwaukee red or black. Oh, and its even dishwasher safe so its quick and easy to clean. Not bad!

purchase it here from Home Depot

• Crescent Tongue and Groove Plier Set

Having a well-built, adjustable, and comfortable set of pliers is a must. These Crescent Z2 pliers have some great design features that help them stand out… They are designed easy one-handed adjustability with Cresent’s “auto bite” lever. They also have a slim jaw design allowing them to more easily fit into tight spaces. This set includes 10 in. and 12 in. pliers for a wide range of applications. The grips are comfortable and feel built to last. They are alloy steel forged and have an anti-rust coating to help them stay in better shape longer. So, whether you’re looking for a new set or to gift someone an upgraded set of pliers, these are a great option.

purchase it here from Home Depot

• Kreg Corner Routing Guide Set

Leave it to Kreg to design such a useful and sturdy jig. This corner routing guide allows you to use both a trim router or router table to shape perfect rounded corners on your next woodworking project. It’s got a sturdy handle to prevent slippage and keep your hand safely in place. You can adjust the stainless steel alignment feet to match the material you’re working on and get clean lines on your finish project. This set comes with 8 snap-in profiles (5 radius and 3 chamfer) that securely store in an included holder. And at $40 it’s well worth the purchase.

purchase it here from Kreg

• Holex Multi-Function Electrical pliers

Electrician’s pliers are one of those tools that always come in handy, whether tackling bigger electrical installations jobs or doing basic home repairs. These Holex pliers feature a variety of crimps, threaded cutters, and wire stripper sizes. The plastic-dipped handles and powder coated finish keep them feeling and looking good. And from a trusted brand like Holex you really can’t go wrong giving these as a gift to your tool love or homeowner gift getter.

purchase item here from Hoffman Group

• Hilti USB Charger Adapter

When we’re on a jobsite we can never have enough options to keep devices going. Hilti’s charging adapter furthers this cause by allow you to turn any 22V Nuron battery into a mobile device charging station. It features Type-C (16W) and Type-A (18W) USB charging ports as well as a wireless phone charging (up to 10W) capability. It also sports an integrated flashlight feature. Better yet, you aren’t limited to charging one device at a time… it can simultaneously charge multiple devices at once. So if your worker is using Hilti tools, then this should be a no brainer!

purchase item here from Hilti

• 5.11 Deploy PL-USB Tactical Flashlight

Not everyone wants a tactical flashlight small enough to fit on their keychain. For those who want a slightly larger (and brighter) option than the 5.11 K-USB light, check out the 5.11 PL-USB flashlight. It checks in at a max of 300 lumens or up to 9 hrs 40 mins in low mode. It also features a rugged anodized aluminum body and USB-C charging port for ease of use. Plus the PL-USB light has a removable pocket clip if that’s your preference. You really can’t go wrong with this tactical flashlight.

purchase it here from 5.11

• Pittsburg Manual Tire Changer

Most of us have changed a tire before but if you want to give someone the ability to mount a tire… well that requires a different skill set. Or at least a different tool. The Pittsburgh manual tire changer is a cost-effective way to mount or remove your own tires from a rim. This can save you some serious cash and perform basic tire repairs at home. It’s also a great starting point before committing bigger bucks on a more expensive, automated version. It doesn’t take up a lot of room and works great on all types of tires… from trailer to automobile.

purchase item here from Harbor Freight

• Ryobi Heated Seat Cushion

No one likes to be cold, whether on a jobsite or relaxing off the clock. Ryobi’s heated seat cushion is a game changer in this department. It’s a plush 3 in. thick pad with three heat settings. magical. You can load either 1 or 2 Ryobi USB rechargeable batteries for up to 5 hours of heat. It has an integrated LED indicator as well so you can easily check how much battery life you’ve got left with the touch of a button. Oh, and there’s also a USB port to allow you to charge mobile devices while you’re recharging off having some fun.

purchase item here from Home Depot

$75-200 Gifts | The Surefire gift

• Milwaukee 18V Rover Light

When you need hours of hands-free light outside or in a dark crawl space, the Milwaukee Rover light is a great choice. First, it connects right onto a Milwaukee M18 battery. It’s super compact and checks in with a max of 1000 lumens. It also has 4 modes and boasts up to 110 hrs of light in high-efficient mode. The light is adjustable throughout a 300 degree range. It also has built in USB-A and USB-C ports (one each) so you can turn your M18 battery into a combo light and device charging station. And best of all it has an integrated metal rafter hook so you have even more mounting options in a variety of settings.

purchase item here from Home Depot

• Crescent Craftsman Rawhide Backpack

Tools are great. And so are ways to get them to and from the jobsite. On those occasions you don’t need a rolling or stackable toolbox, then the Crescent Craftsman Rawhide Backpack is a great option. It’s got plenty of room for all your tools. It looks as nice and its feels too which is a plus. the 30+ pockets/sleeves provide a place for everything and the predominantly open-bottomed sleeves mean your bits and small parts won’t get lost at the bottom of a deep pocket. the water-resistant base provides extra moisture protection in wet conditions too. Add in some integrated magnetic storage spots and it got it all. This is a great, portable tool carrying option.

purchase this item at Lowe’s

• Vulcan Auto Darkening Welding Helmet

We take safety seriously… and a poor performing welding helmet is a hazard we avoid at all costs. This Vulcan Auto-Darkening Welding Helmet is a great cure for that curse. It’s features REALVIEW Lens Technology with an overall 1/1/1/2 optical clarity rating, offering great visibility of weld puddle while reducing eye strain. It’s got four independent arc sensors delivering super-reliable arc detection for out-of-position welding. Plus its lightweight and looks great with the modern American flag design that exudes patriotism. This is a definite winner!

purchase it here at Harbor Freight

• Helly Hansen Oxford Soft Shell Jacket

Helly Hansen’s Oxford Soft Shell Jacket is the perfect blend of comfort, warmth, and style. It features a soft fleece-pile lining and ribbed hem and cuffs help keep the wind out and heat in. This jacket also has a removable hood with a built-in draw string. It’s also got heavy-duty YKK zippers throughout. The 2-tone color option in green combined with the 2-material finish give it a great look. And being easily machine washable makes it super easy to clean up after getting it dirty while working. This jacket is definitely another winner in Helly Hansen’s Workwear lineup.

purchase it here at Helly Hansen

• Ryobi 18V Stick Vacuum

If your tool lover is good at making messes then maybe they need another option to help clean up said messes? Ryobi’s 18V ONE+ Stick Vacuum is a great and versatile option to help out. It has 8 different cleaning configurations from a standard roller vacuum configuration to a hand vacuum perfect for a work truck. The roller bar easily comes out for cleaning as does the washable filter. Its impressive suction worked great on sawdust and pet hair alike. Plus emptying the cyclone suction cup is as easy as it gets. And since it’s part of Ryobi’s 18V lineup you’ll have no shortage of batteries if you’re already a Ryobi owner.

purchase it here at Home Depot

• Gerber complEAT Cooking Set

We fully support the “work hard play hard” mantra. So we quickly highlighted the Gerber ComplEAT cook wear set as a great holiday gift guide option. This portable cooking set easily packs into your truck or camper when you need a quick weekend getaway away from civilization. It features 16 pieces of stainless-steel cook wear and durable polypropylene eating ware (that might be a real word). Gerber included a Saute pan; detachable handle; basting dome lid; stock pot; slim lid; 4 plates; 4 bowls; mixing bowl; hot pad; and storage bag. The set features volumetric markings and triple ply construction on the stainless-steel item bottoms making them highly versatile and built to last. Lastly, it’s lightweight and easy to clean up as well so there’s nothing not to love!

purchase it here from Amazon

$200+ Gifts | Santa’s REALLY Nice List!

• Hilti 22V Nuron Caulking Gun

We were pumped to include Hilti’s 22V cordless caulking gun in this year’s gift guide. While a battery powered caulking gun may not be the first cordless tool to come to mind, they are fantastic when you need to lay feet of beads with an even finish. It limits waste and has a drip free stop feature to limit messes too. The LED light is well placed and bright to make sure you can clearly see where you’re working. But best of all the even finish comes with the added bonus of reduced fatigue. If your tool lover already owns Hilti 22V Nuron products then this is a great addition to their shop or kit.

purchase it here from Hilti

• Milwaukee 18V Compact Drill & Driver Kit

There is no way we can have a gift guide with including a drill or impact driver. This year, Milwaukee was the top choice with this great deal on their M18 drill and impact driver kit. We’ve been using these in our shops for a while and have only great things to say about both tools. They perform exceptionally well, are built to last, and are ergonomically excellent choices. Plus, a new and drill and impact driver are always a welcomed sight after the old set has been put through its paces. If you are looking for a gift set to start someone of on a cordless brand you can’t do better than this Milwaukee set.

purchase it here at Home Depot

• Kreg Loose Tenon Jig

Sometimes when we see a tool in action the results are a thing of beauty. And other times the tool itself is a work of art. In the case of the Kreg loose Tenon Jig, both hold true. This Kreg jig lets you cut loose mortises on two faces and then use a floating tenon to make tight and perfectly aligned joints. It does this using a standard drill and ensures a smooth finish via an automatic step-down design so only 1/16 in. of material is removed at a time. It comes with an integrated work surface pre-fabricated with clamp cutouts. It’s built to last featuring all-aluminum-machined components in an anodized Kreg-blue finish.

purchase it here from Kreg

• Evolution EVOMAX Metal Chop Saw

The last (and priciest) gift in this year’s guide is Evolution Power tools newest metal cutting chop saw. The EVOMAX 14 in. chop saw (model S14CPS) has two notable upgrades over previous versions; a redesigned motor with an extended life and an independently tested 14″ blade delivering over 3500 cuts in mild steel. It still features the quick clamp and release system, precision shadow line, and automatic safety stop brake. And it provides super clean and accurate, weld-ready cuts time and time again. This is worth every penny as an upgrade if your gift target is still using an abrasive cut off saw. They will thank you every time they use it for sure. We’ve also pictured this mounted on Evolution’s exception chop saw stand if they need a place to securely mount it as well.

Purchase it here at Evolution Powertools

HAPPY HOLIDAYS… | 2024 Holiday Gift Guide!

We know shopping for tool lovers is definitely a labor of love. It makes you ask “What do you get someone who seems to already have everything?” Just trust TBB’s 2024 Holiday Gift Guide to give you some great suggestions whether you are looking for the perfect small gift or that one unbelievable, big gift. Happy Holidays from the Tool Box Buzz Team!

2024 Holiday Tool Gift Guide is a post from Tool Box Buzz

2023 Holiday Tool Gift Guide

This year’s TBB’s 2023 Holiday Gift Guide will help you pick out the perfect gift(s) for that hard-to-buy-for tradesperson in your life. Especially if you’re shopping for someone who just wants tools but already seems to have too many. Or that special person talks about tools and hardware even when they know you don’t have a clue what they are talking about. Yeah… we’re here to help!  Whether you need that last small gift or are looking to start off with a big bang, we have you covered. We go through the heartache, pain, and suffering of testing out some of the industry’s uniquest (yep, that’s a real word), most practical, and just plain coolest tools and job site gadgets to create a full-spectrum holiday gift guide.

To help you out, regardless of your budget, we broke down the tools by price categories which are:

• $30 and under:  The Simple gift
• $30-75:  The Perfect gift
• $75-200:  The Surefire gift
• Over $200:  Santa’s REALLY nice list!

And all of the tools in our 2023 Holiday Gift Guide are ones that are in our job site kits or our Pros’ workshops. So hang some lights and then get ready to hang out with us for a bit.

$30 and under Gifts | The Simple gift

• DEWALT Elite Ceramic-Coated Abrasives

If you are trying to think of something small to finish off your list or throw in a stocking these DEWALT abrasive discs are awesome. They come in a variety of sizes to fit a wide range of angle grinders. The ceramic abrasive quality is second to none. It may not seem exciting but having discs on hand that don’t burn out in a hurry is awesome when you’re in the middle of metal fabrication of any kind. It’s a fun way to let someone try a new brand or style of something they may already buy on a regular basis.

Purchase at DEWALT for $8-20

• Kobalt 24 & 48 in. Levels

We’re sure you builder has calibrated eyeballs (just like us) and doesn’t always need a level. But when they do… have them reach for one of these Kobalt levels. The 24″ level is great for most common indoor tasks like hanging pictures or shelves. And the 48″ level is great for more intense tasks like leveling framing or as a straight edge for plywood or drywall sheets. The bubbles on these Kobalt levels are easy to see, they are durable, and best of all the price is reasonable.

Purchase at Lowes for $18-25

• Milwaukee Tape Measure 2-Pack Set

We will probably never have a holiday gift guide without a tape measure. This year it’s the Milwaukee tape measures that caught our eye. They are the most essential tool at hand and one that typically wears out from such frequent use. These tape measures are easy to read, have a solidly designed locking lever, and are rugged as hell. They have great extension rigidity until they hit their fold point. They are sure to last until you decide to replace them next holiday season (and beyond). You cant go wrong with a Milwaukee tape measure.

Purchase at Home Depot for $20

• Gerber Zilch Knife

If you’ve relied on any of our previous holiday gift guides you’ll know that we love a good pocket knife. Chances are your tool lover may as well. Look for further than the Gerber Zilch. This is a sharp-as-hell out of the box, straightforward folding knife. There are multiple color schemes to choose from (we loved the tactical coyote brown and black knife). Its lightweight and sports a great belt clip. The locking mechanism is a standard inside handle locking tab design and it works great.

Purchase at Gerber for $25

• Elgin Firebolt Flashlight

The Elgin Firebolt is a well-rounded flashlight in every way. First, it features a tough yet lightweight metal case. And the case is hex shaped to prevent it from rolling off work surfaces. It also has a magnetic integrated into the side so you can stick it on a close metal surface to work hands free. Second, its satisfyingly bright (~100 lumens) for a single LED light. And third, the battery life (2x AAA batteries) is surprisingly efficient. And the IP66 rating means it’s actually quite weatherproof. Shoot, get a couple to leave in the shop or in some vehicles and you’ll be reaping the rewards of a solid holiday purchase for a long time to come.

Purchase at Elgin USA for $25

• Ryobi USB Rechargeable Inflator

Having an inflator in your vehicle can be a literal lifesaver. The Ryobi USB-battery digital readout inflator works wonderfully. It’s the most compact battery powered inflator we’ve used and includes an integrated inflator needle if you need to fill up a ball. The USB battery is recharged using a Type C USB cord which is pretty universal these days. Getting the tire pressure low warning on a cold winter morning is no fun but skipping a quick trip to the gas station or firing up your air compressor saves time and frustration.

Purchase at Home Depot for $30

• Milwaukee Hex Key Set

There are few things more annoying than having a missing hex key when you are in the middle of a task involving small bolts or fasteners. This Milwaukee hex key set eliminates that hassle by conveniently mounting common hex key sizes on a flip out style handle. The handle, unlike some cheaper versions, is sturdy and won’t crack under the torque applied from breaking free stuck fasteners. They are compact and easy to store too with hardened metal that won’t strip easily. These make a great small gift or stocking stuffer for sure!

Purchase at Home Depot for $30

$30-75 Gifts | The Perfect gift

• Craftsman Versastack Tool Box

A good storage option is always appropriate. And the Craftsman Versastack Deep Tool Box is a great option in the storage department. It checks all the boxes we look for — weather protected (IP54 rated), stackable, reconfigurable, durable, and cost effective. The last thing we want is to spend more on the toolbox than the tools inside them. But the Versastack is not a compromise as much as its a innovative solution. It allows you to fit a variety of tools and parts in mutliple compartments to make getting them safely to and from a jobsite hassle free.

Purchase at Lowes for $38

• KREG Rip Cut System

For those of us that may not have a panel saw set up in the garage or want to go through the hassle of laying out and fitting up a track saw… check out the KREG Ripcut System. This system incorporates a universal base to house your circular saw and a sturdy, adjustable guide bar to quickly and easily Rip panels to desired widths. It takes up hardly any space and is surprisingly accurate for rough carpentry jobs. And in this price category it probably doesn’t break the bank either.

Purchase at Home Depot for $40

• Microjig Dovetail Ratchet Clamp

One of our shop Pros recently needed some quick-adjusting clamps with a dovetail-compatible foot for a table saw rail and CNC table hold-downs. He tested out these Microjig Dovetail Ratchet Clamps and loved them. The foot securely slides along a T-Track or dovetail groove. The foot firmly ratchets into place and includes a spring mechanism to allow it to maintain its setting despite gravity’s best efforts. The angle of the foot is designed to work with a 14-degree dovetail as well so this clamp allows for completely custom jig and clamp designs that can be reconfigured with ease.

Purchase at Microjig for $42

• KREG Drawer Front Mounting System

We couldn’t decide which KREG tool we loved more (see above) so we decided to include the KREG drawer front mounting system as well. This custom jig set makes quick, accurate, and repeatable work of mounting drawer fronts on custom drawers. So not only does this work great for new build projects on the horizon but can also help with renovating current installs with easy drawers’ front swaps to upgrade your current abode. It’s another space efficient, low cost, unique tool that your tool lover might not realize they’ve always wanted.

Purchase at Kreg for $50

• Gearwrench 3-Ton Jackstand Set

Does your tool hound like to get under a hood and turn a wrench? If so, or if they aspire to, then check out the new Gearwrench 3 ton jack stands. They have a double pin locking feature for an added safety feature to make sure the vehicle you’re working on stays where it should – above you! They are rugged and offer an industry standard wide base and ratcheting adjustment design. Plus the yellow powder coat finish looks great… especially if your gift getter has other gold toned tools in the shop!

Purchase at ACME Tools for $50

• Garret Wade Caliper & Compass set

Fine craftsmanship and finish carpentry require precision. So whether your making sure the thickness of your substrates and materials is exactly the same or ensuring that multiple work points have the same center radius offset, these Garret Wade precision tools are perfect. They are crafted from solid back steel with brass fittings. So they not only are designed well but look outstanding. They come in a convenient storage box that will ensure they stay in place to be handed down to the next generation of woodworker in your family line.

Purchase at Garret Wade for $50

• Ryobi USB Rechargeable Soldering Pen

You know what we don’t love? Contorting our bodies into confined spaces while doing plumbing or electrical work and THEN having to manipulate a hot soldering iron and cord with Flux and wire. So we love a cordless option here to make maneuvering to secure (or resecure) a tight to reach pipe or wire connection. The Ryobi USB soldering iron incorporates a Type-C USB rechargeable, 2 Ah battery into a compact design to create a functional yet lightweight and comparatively inexpensive option to benefit any homeowner DIYer. It’s definitely worth considering!

Purchase at Home Depot for $70

$75-200 Gifts | The Surefire gift

• Bosch Colt 1-HP Palm Router

Palm or trim routers are very useful tools to ensure smooth laminates or layer-ed glue-up tasks. As far as routers go, they are lightweight and portable. The Bosch Colt 1-HP palm router is impressively powerful and smooth and stands out in this compact router class. It is great for small shops where power and outlets are plentiful. It is also an excellent choice for any CNC router tools and investments which is a task we tested heavily while trying out the Bosch Colt. The variable speed dial is responsive and stays in place despite constant vibrations which is an important feature. The collet was easy to access, and the quick release collar was well designed and easy to adjust. All in all, this is a great trim router option with all the core features we look for in a corded option.

Purchase at Lowes for $79

• Elgin Rampage Headphones

We’ve had Elgin USA hearing protection on our shops for years and are as impressed with them today as we were when we first put them on. And we appreciate a variety of designs to match a variety of tasks. So, while we love Elgin’s REBEL earbuds for welding and grinding, the RAMPAGE headphones are awesome for tasks like cutting and nailing. They fit snugly over your ears without becoming uncomfortable after hours of use. They offer a respectable 25 dB noise rating (OSHA compliant!) and connect to a phone via Bluetooth. Best of all though the button design was designed in an easy-to-operate-even-with-work gloves way. Use it to adjust volume or make calls with the integrated mic. These is truly a well thought out piece of hearing protection.

Purchase at Elgin USA for $85

• Go Rhino HS-30 Hitch Step

Not all of those getting gifts are young and spry. So if your gift target might be a little slower or more careful reaching into the bed of their truck these days, check out the Rhino hitch step. It’s a straightforward design that fits into a standard 2 in. female hitch receiver. Between the heavy-duty steel, powder coat finish, and non-slip surface treatment, this is a rugged and practical gift that will earn its keep time and time again. Even better? The angled-corners design of the HS-30 means that if you forget it’s mounted at walk into it (not that we ever do that) you are less likely to hobble away with a serious injury.

Purchase at Real Truck for $86

• Bosch BLAZE 165 ft. Green Laser Measuring Tool

When you need to frequently take long distance measurements this is the tool for you. But this Bosch BLAZE (GLM165-25G) does way more than just straight liine measurements. Integrated features include: Fixed/Continuous measurement, area, volume, indirect height, and wall area calculating among others. The green laser is extremely bright and easy to see even in full daylight at distance. And if you’re skeptical on its precision don’t be; this laser measurement tool is accurate to +/- 1/16 in.  Bosch included a haptic vibrate feature so even if you’re on a loud jobsite, you can still feel confirmation of button presses even if you can’t hear the audible beeps. Lastly, the BLAZE is a rugged design ready for the elements with an IP65 weather-protected rating and reinforced housing. This is a great investment for PROs and folks doing onsite estimates and measurement with regularity.

Purchase at Home Depot for $97

• Gerber FAST Tanto Knife

Does a knife enthusiast ever have enough knifes? Nope, no way. So if you’re looking for a good knife option with some unique features you should consider Gerber’s FAST Tanto knife. Gerber has an assisted opening design, called FAST, that makes this knife as fun to open as it is to use. It’s got a great textured grip that helps keep it firmly in your grip. And the black Tanto-style blade is different than your average round edged blade and really stands out. And at $99 its a mid-range option that feels more high end than that!

Purchase at Gerber for $99

• Kobalt Utility Cart

There is nothing more frustrating than setting down a tool mid task only to turn around and have it disappear. We blame it on shop Gremlins… Having a utility cart that easily rolls from task to task is a life saver for keeping the Gremlins at bay. This Kobalt cart makes it easy to sort and store your tools and accessories as you go. It saves you time and frustration. And can even prevent you from losing or accidently breaking pieces and having to re-buy them. It’s a great option that may not be the first thing they think of or ask for.

Purchase at Lowes for $119

• Husky Liners Weatherbeater Floor Mats

We admittedly put our work trucks through their paces. So, one of the first things we make sure they have is some heavy-duty rubber floor mats. These Husky floor mats fit like a glove and are built to stand up to the rigors of a work crew. But that doesn’t mean that they are only for work trucks. They look so good that they are an instant upgrade to any vehicle – cars, vans included. The only vehicle we wouldn’t put them on is a motorcycle. They are a breeze to pull out and hose or power wash off as well. And the sectioned design means that spills of mud won’t spill off the edges of the mat. Grab a set for an easy win.

Purchase at Real Truck for $60-199 ($125 as shown)

• Gearwrench Rolling Mechanics Seat

Sometimes it’s nice to get off your feet in the workshop. And when you can do that in a seat designed to make shop or mechanic work easier than all the better. This Gearwrench rolling mechanics seat features an adjustable height air shock and full 360-degree swivel to allow you to adjust to any angle or position required by the task at hand. Its powder-coated steel finish and rubberized, solvent-resistant seat are built to last. And maybe best of all? The base hoses 5 magnetic pie-shaped storage trays to conveniently hold your small parts as you work. Don’t wait to load one up so your holiday recipient can take a load off.

Purchase at Home Depot for $135

• Craftsman OVERDRIVE 121-piece Mechanics Tool Set

Another staple we like to include for gift guides is a well thought out hand tool set. And Craftsman’s OVERDRIVE mechanics set is a great option. It has all the common wrenches and sockets your tool lover will need to tackle any nut and bolt-based task they can dream up. It has a wide range of both metric and SAE sizes conveniently packaged in a hardshell clam case to keep them secure and accounted for. The gunmetal grey style finish looks great too. Plus, these sockets and wrenched meet or exceed all AMSE certified tolerances so they are plug and play for any commercial uses as well. You can’t go wrong here with this mechanics set from Craftsman, especially with an extra $50 off for the holidays.

Purchase at Lowes for $149

• Garret Wade 333 drill/driver Bit Set

Can we ever have enough drill and driver bits? No… we cannot. And this Garret Wade 333-piece drill and driver accessory set is a huge step in ensuring you always have the drill and driver bits you need on hand. The case makes for secure and organized storage which can be a huge timesaver vs. hunting for a loose accessory. Drill bit styles include: long and short masonry, long and short spade, TiN twist, black oxide twist, and brad point bits. Driver bits include: 100 hex shank drivers of every description, a drill sizer, multiple nail sets, drill stop collars, a countersink, and a dozen fractional socket drivers. Yeah, it’s a complete set for sure!

Purchase at Garret Wade for $160 (on sale)

• Danner Bull Run Chelsea Boots 6 in.

When you’re on your feet for hours at a time, usually on hard, rocky, or uneven surfaces, a good pair of work boots makes a world of difference. Enter the Danner Bull Run Chelsea boots. They look great and feel just as good. The Ortholite sole and steel shank keep your foot well supported and protected, as does Electrical Hazard protected sole (ASTM F2892-18 rated). In addition, the traction is oil and slip resistant while the lace-free slip on design means that wood or metal shavings and slag won’t get trapped in the tongue or laces. These boots are a great value considering they’re under $200. And if the person receiving them is inclined to get them re-soled vs replace them down the road then that’s even an option as well. There’s a reason Danner has a great reputation and these boots definitely live up to it!

Purchase at Danner Boots for $173

• Ryobi 18V Cordless Drill & Driver +2 Combo Kit

There was no way we could put together a gift guide without featuring a cordless too combo. We were still surprised to be able to put the tool combo in this price category though. Here’s the kicker though; this 2-tool Drill Driver combo comes with 2 free additional tools to choose from. Besides that, this Drill Driver combo kit is worth the cost on its own. It makes easy work of 1/4 in. hex shank bits and round bits up to 1/2 in. diameter while providing ample power for any DIY task you throw at it. Ryobi’s ONE+ 18V lineup has countless compatible tools so this is a great starting point for anyone looking to get into a cordless DIY lineup!

Purchase at Home Depot for $199

• Helly Hansen Insulated Oxford Work Jacket

Having to work outside on a cold jobsite in the winter can be miserable. So, we are always open to outdoor workwear to keep up warm and comfortable so we can focus on our work and not the weather. The Helly Hansen Insulated Oxford Jacket is a heavy-duty option that is warm and comfortable. We were impressed that it didn’t impede our overall mobility as much as other winter workwear we’ve tried out. Plus, It looks awesome so you can wear it out on weekends, and it will still impress. Helly Hansen is a go to brand for us because they deliver great looking, tough clothes that are built with the details in mind. And the insulated Oxford Jacket exemplifies these traits.

Purchase at Helly Hansen Workwear for $199

• Gearwrench 3 & 3.5 Low-Profile Ton Jacks

So, if you’re considering 3-ton jack stands why not up the ante with a heavy-duty jack from Gearwrench to go with it? Whether you opt for a standard 3 ton or 3.5-ton low profile jack, they’ll be thrilled. These are automotive tech geared, professional-level floor jacks. They offer exceptional speed and ease of lifting in a rugged piece of equipment. The protected handle is a nice feature to prevent accidental automotive paint scratching while the dual pistons create a smooth and easier lifting action. They even have an integrated small parts storage spot to throw small parts so they don’t get lost. Lastly, these jacks are certified to the ASME PASE lifting standard to keep any commercial uses industry safety compliant.

Purchase at ACME Tools for $190-220

$200+ Gifts | Santa’s REALLY Nice List!

• Milwaukee M18 Cordless Finish Nailer, 18GA

Here’s a simple fact… waiting for air compressors and dancing around air hoses is not ideal. So when we tested out the Milwaukee 18V finish nailer a while back, it didn’t take long for us to fall in love. This nailer is as smooth and reliable as any pneumatic one we’ve used without the hassle. and with approx. 1500 nails on a single 2Ah battery, the battery life won’t hold you back. It offers versatility and performance in a compact design that upholds Milwaukee’s standards of excellence. it is a great addition to the M18 lineup and would make a great gift for the handyperson on your shopping list. It also made it a great inclusion in our 2023 Holiday Gift Guide.

Purchase at Home Depot for $249

• Dovoh 3-plane 360-degree H3 laser level

We were very impressed with Dovoh’s new 3-plane, 360-degree laser. It has all the features we hoped for — super bright (110mw), green laser lines with fantastic optics (up to 197 ft!), rugged construction with a secure case and good rechargeable battery life up to 18 hrs (plus it comes with a spare battery).  The Dovoh 3-plane laser gives you the ability to easily switch between auto level mode or angle lock mode for non-level line projections. And it’s among the best as far as level accuracy goes (±1/13 in. at 33ft). It comes ready to mount on a standard tripod 1/4 in. x 20 threat mount. The magnetic base with the fine adjustment design allows you to easily get the exact alignment you need. And if you’re hesitant about going with a new brand, know that Dovoh backs their products with a 2-Year Quality Warranty + 5-Year Accuracy Warranty!

Purchase at Dovoh for $279 (10% off w/ code SASOFF10)

• DEWALT 20V Cordless Belt Sander

Most woodworkers have a variety of sanders, and a few of them are likely to be cordless. But a belt sander is often thought of as a corded tool and may not be one of them. The DEWALT 20V cordless belt sander (Bare tool) may just change this assumption. It proves power on par with mane 110V corded belt sanders. Better yet it features a swiveling shop vac port that provides good flexibility and a dust decreased (never free) environment. They lock-on button is easy to use, and the variable-speed trigger and dial settings allow for a wide range of speed settings. Loading new sandpaper is easy with the quick release lever too. and the 3×21 in. roll size is comparatively large for a cordless belt sander. This is on Santa’s really good list for a reason; it’s a really good sander!

Purchase at Lowes for $299 (Tool Only)

• Lund Duraloader Arched Aluminum Folding Truck Ramps

We load/unload a lot of tools and equipment into our work trucks. So anything that makes that job easier and lowers our risk of breaking them or hurting ourselves while doing it is a great thing. The Lund Duraloader Arched Folding Ramps are priceless when it comes to loading your truck. And if your gift receiver regularly loads an ATV, dirt bike, lawn mower, or other power equipment with wheels into a truck and doesn’t have a good set of ramps then just commit to these ramps now. They are long (10 ft.) and arched to provide a shallow entry angle and prevent bottoming out while loading. They only weigh 17 lbs yet can support 750 lbs per ramp. And they fold in half for easy truck bed storage. They are made of durable aluminum and have a great grip design to prevent slips and falls even in slick conditions.

Purchase at Real Truck for $299 (per ramp)

• Kobalt 7 in. 20V Cordless Wet Tile Saw

We were thrilled to test this tool out since the versatility offered by a cordless tile saw is phenomenal. cutting tile is not something that many folks think cordless for but after testing out the Kobalt 24V tile saw, you may want to reconsider. The water basin design does a good job of catching spray to recirculate while the full sliding top is smooth and allows for repeatable and accurate cuts to a variety of sized tiles. This tool is a godsend when working in a renovation with no power. It limits trips to and from the saw to remeasure tile fit since you can easily bring the saw right to your tiling location. And you don’t have to fight for generator outlets or drags cords to get there. Awesome!

Purchase at Lowes for $380

HAPPY HOLIDAYS… | 2023 Holiday Gift Guide!

We know shopping for tool lovers is definitely a labor of love. It makes you ask “What do you get someone who seems to already have everything?” Just trust TBB’s 2023 Holiday Gift Guide to give you some great suggestions whether you are looking for the perfect small gift or that one unbelievable, big gift. Happy Holidays from the Tool Box Buzz Team!

2023 Holiday Gift Guide is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Festool Enters the World of Outdoor Adventures

Weather your enthusiast or are looking too treat yourself, or you know one,  Festool has you covered with their outdoor themed Festool Systainer. This new Systainer package features two insulated stainless steel Festool branded mugs and a camouflage-style Festool hat.  It is also compatible with Festool’s well-known Systainer system, which offers effective ways to move, arrange, and store tools, parts, and accessories for the workshop and job site.

The Outdoor Systainer Includes:

• [2] Two Festool insulated stainless steel mugs
• [1] Festool  camo-style hat.
• [1] outdoor themed SYS 3 M112 Systainer.

Availability

This special Systainer is available for shipping beginning November 14, 2023. According to Senior Product Marketing Manager at Festool Rick Bush,

Our limited edition Outdoor Systainer is a new item for consumers who are ready to roam the outdoors and explore personal passions.

Festool Outdoor Systainer Specifications

• Hard Style Case
• Weight: 3Lbs
• Model Number 577712
• Depth: 16″
• Height: 12″
• Compatible with all Festool Systainers

Where to Buy The Festool Outdoor Systainer

For almost a century now, Festool has been creating power tool solutions that are sturdy, well-engineered, and inventive.  This special edition Systainer is lightweight and portable and slick looking.

For a limited time you can purchase this Outdoor Systainer (577712) for $99.00.

Festool Outdoor Systainer is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Milwaukee Releases NEW TOOLS for 2022

We recently attended the 2022 Milwaukee Pipeline event to preview the recent tools releases and updates for Qtr. 2. Most of these tools will come out in August or October 2022. Below is a sampling of just some of the products released by Milwaukee!

M12 – New Generation 3

The M12 FUEL ½” subcompact drill, ½” hammer drill, and ¼” impact driver were updated to Gen 3. They all got a little smaller, faster, and safer. We’ve covered and written a lot on the M12 line, and the reason is, that it’s pretty awesome.

While I (Rob) keep these tools in my shop because I love the size but the truth is that they are capable to do probably 90% of our drilling and fastening on the job site as well, which is why crew member Scott uses them almost daily!  They are truly impressive 12-volt tools.

M12 FUEL ½” Hammer Drill/Driver (3404-22) $179

• Volts: 12V
• Torque: 400 in-lbs.
• RPM: 0 – 450 / 0 – 1,550
• BPM: 0 – 6,750 / 0 – 22,500
• Chuck Type: ½” All-Metal
• Tool Weight (Without Battery): 2.1 lbs.

Kit Includes: M12 FUEL ½” Hammer Drill/Driver, M12 REDLITHIUM CP2.0 Battery Pack, M12
REDLITHIUM XC4.0 Battery Pack, M12 Charger, Carrying Case, Belt Clip
Also available as a bare tool (3404-20)

M12 FUEL ½” Drill/Driver (3403-22) $169

• Volts: 12V
• Torque: 400 in-lbs.
• RPM: 0 – 450 / 0 – 1,550
• Chuck Type: ½” All-Metal
• Tool Length: 5.9”
• Tool Weight (Without Battery): 2.1 lbs.

Kit Includes: M12 FUEL ½” Hammer Drill/Driver, M12 REDLITHIUM CP2.0 Battery Pack, M12
REDLITHIUM XC4.0 Battery Pack, M12 Charger, Carrying Case, Belt Clip
Also available as a bare tool (3403-20)

M12 FUEL ¼” Hex Impact Driver (3453-22) $ 169.00

• Volts: 12V
• Torque: 1,500 in-lbs.
• Speed: 4-Mode Drive Control
• RPM: 1,500 / 2,700 / 3,600 / 0 – 3,600
• Light: Tri-LED
• Tool Weight (Without Battery): 1.6 lbs.

Kit Includes: M12 FUEL ¼” Hex Impact Driver, (2) M12 REDLITHIUM CP2.0 Battery Packs, M12
Charger, Carrying Case, Belt Clip
*Also available as a bare tool (3453-20)

M18 – New Generation 4

The new M18 Gen 4 release offers some pretty cool updates. The drill is 30% more powerful than the previous generation. The drills are smaller measuring in at 5.9″ and offer an all-metal 1/2″ chuck, mechanical clutch, and an all-metal gear case! The hammer drill is 33% faster and has improved thermal motor capabilities.

Milwaukee claims to be the first manufacturer to utilize machine learning (AI) combined with advanced sensors in an industry-leading solution that shuts down the tool’s motor to prevent over-rotation. Milwaukee calls it AUTO-STOP and it’s a super-fast, anti-kickback, and binding control. The Auto-Stop Control Mode offers enhanced safety for the operator by preventing over-rotation in a bind-up with a super-fast best reaction time. Our takeaway with this is that the tool will stop itself from spinning and locking up your wrist joint and causing damage, whereas other tools will stop, but not before over-rotating.

M18 FUEL  ½” Hammer Drill/Driver (2904-22) $299.00

• Volts: 18V
• Torque: 1,400 in-lbs
• RPM: 0 – 500 / 0 – 2,100
• BPM: 33,000
• Chuck Type: ½” All-Metal
• Tool Weight (Without Battery): 3.3 lbs

Kit Includes: M18 FUEL ½” Hammer Drill/Driver, (2) M18 REDLITHIUM XC5.0 Battery Packs, M18 &
M12 Multi-Volt Charger, Carrying Case, Side Handle, Belt Clip
*Also available as a bare tool (2904-20)

M18 FUEL 1/2″ Drill/Driver (2903-22) $ 309.00

• Volts: 18V
• Torque: 1,400 in-lbs
• RPM: 0 – 500 / 0 – 2,100
• Chuck Type: ½” All-Metal
• Tool Length: 6.9”
• Tool Weight (Without Battery): 3.3 lbs

Kit Includes: M18 FUEL ½” Drill/Driver, (2) M18 REDLITHIUM XC5.0 Battery Packs, M18 &
M12 Multi-volt Charger, Carrying Case, Side Handle, Belt Clip
* Also available as a bare tool (2903-20)

M18 FUEL ¼” Hex Impact Driver (2953-22) $ 299.00

• Volts: 18V
• Torque: 2,000 in-lbs.
• Speed: 4-Mode Drive Control
• RPM: 0 – 3,900
• IPM: 0 – 4,400
• Single Hand Bit Insertion: Yes
• Light: Tri-LED
• Tool Weight (Without Battery): 2.2 lbs.

Kit Includes: M18 FUEL ¼” Hex Impact Driver, (2) M18 REDLITHIUM XC5.0 Battery Packs, M18 &
M12 Multi-Volt Charger, Carrying Case, Belt Clip
Also available as a bare tool (2953-20)

New Milwaukee High Output Batteries

New M12 battery packs, which are being referred to as “Resistant Batteries,” now deliver 25% more power and run 25% cooler in a lighter and more compact package. The battery is built with resistant housing to deliver increased protection against exposure to common oils, greases, and solvents found in automotive and manufacturing environments. These batteries are fully compatible with all M12 tools and chargers. An XC5.0 “RESISTANT BATTERY” will cost you $169.00

Milwaukee Mechanic Tools

Milwaukee also released some pretty sweet mechanic tools for the pro and also the shade tree mechanic like me.

• 1/4″ / 3/8” DRIVE 6” 9″ 12” FLEX HEAD RATCHET PRICE: $50-65

• 1/2″ DRIVE 11″ FLEX HEAD RATCHET PRICE: $74.99

In order to give workers better access and more versatility when working in constrained places at various angles, the Flex Head Ratchet offers a 4° arc swing. The ratchet head includes a lever to secure it in place and can bend to seven different positions. Extended handle length, slim profile design, flush directional lever, and improved accessibility all contribute to higher leverage.

• RATCHETING COMBINATION WRENCHES – SAE / METRIC PRICE RANGE: $69.99 – $109.99

These Combination Wrenches deliver 2.5 degrees of arc swing and 144 ratcheting positions, allowing quick and efficient work in tight spaces. The wrench features double-stacked pawls within the ratcheting mechanism to provide increased durability and extend the life of the tool. The Open-End Grip improves the wrench’s grip on nuts and bolts, offering 25% more torque than smooth-faced wrenches. The combination wrench features an ergonomic I-Beam handle design to increase users’ comfort while the ink-filled size labels allow for easy size identification and the quick distinction between SAE and metric sets.

M18 FUEL 6-1/2” Track Saw

The track saw provides 6,300 RPM and can cut 2” hardwood with ease. The adjustments on the saw, such as the track tension, anti-tip, depth, and bevel, seem well designed, and durable and we found them intuitive and easy to use.

As a kit, this saw comes in a PACKOUT XL case with a Dust Bag, HIGH OUTPUT XC 6.0 Battery, and Multi-Voltage Rapid Charger.

This 9.9lb track saw has a variable speed of 2,500 – 5,600 RPMs, a 20 mm arbor size, and can bevel from -1 to 48° with a cutting capacity of 2-¼” at 90 degrees.

The three guide rails for the track saw come as 31”, 55”, and 108”, as well as, guide rail clamps and connectors, plus they offer a sweet guide rail bag. This saw will be released in late October 2022.

M18 FUEL 6 ½” Plunge Track Saw (2831-21) $549.00

Dust Bag
Blade
Splinter Guard
Speed: 2,500 – 5,600
Arbor Size: 20mm
Bevel: -1 to 48°
Capacity: 2-¼”
Weight (w/out battery): 9.8 lbs
Warranty: 5 Years

M12 FUEL ORBITAL DETAIL SANDER

The M12 FUEL Orbital Detail Sander is a dedicated detail sander. It has an orbital sanding motion and a 1.5mm orbit diameter. The pad shape provides sharp, straight edges for access into confined corners. The sander weighs in at only 1.3lbs and an internal counterweight mechanism minimizes vibration. The detailed sander has four-speed modes, an LED light, and a trigger with variable speed and a lock-on button. For $11.98, Milwaukee will also sell its own line of mesh sanding sheets for the M12 sander. The mesh sheets are made to be up to 12 times more durable than regular sandpaper and are engineered to be tear-resistant.
The sheets’ open weave pattern lessens material buildup and clogging. The use of sharp aluminum oxide grain combined with a strong nylon backing increases protection from cutting edges, tight corners, and demanding material removal applications. The end of October 2022 will see the release of the sander.

M12 FUEL Orbital Detail Sander (2531-20) $149.00

• LED Work Light
• Variable Speed Trigger
• Lock-On Button
• 4-Mode Speed Select
• 14,000 Max RPM
• Height: 4.6”
• Width: 2.1”
• Weight (w/out battery): 1.35lbs
• Warranty: 5 Years
• Includes M12 FUEL Orbital Detail Sander, Sponge Pad, Pad Saver, Abrasives Kit (3) 80 Grit, (3) 120-Grit, (3) 180-Grit

Milwaukee POWERGRID Mesh Sanding Sheets

Available in 7 Grit Types:

• 80 Grit Milwaukee Mesh Sanding Sheet 12pk + Pad Saver\
• 120 Grit Milwaukee Mesh Sanding Sheet 12pk + Pad Saver
• 150 Grit Milwaukee Mesh Sanding Sheet 12pk + Pad Saver
• 180 Grit Milwaukee Mesh Sanding Sheet 12pk + Pad Saver
• 220 Grit Milwaukee Mesh Sanding Sheet 12pk + Pad Saver
• 320 Grit Milwaukee Mesh Sanding Sheet 12pk + Pad Saver
• 400 Grit Milwaukee Mesh Sanding Sheet for M12 FUEL Orbital Detail Sander 12pk + Pad Saver
• Sponge Interface Pad
• Assorted 80, 120 & 180 Milwaukee Mesh Sanding Sheets 12pk + Pad Saver
• Assorted 80, 120 & 180 Milwaukee Mesh Sanding Sheet 36pk + 3 Pad Savers

M18 FUEL 3″ X 18″ Belt Sander

The 3″x18″ Belt Sander was cool. It generates the power and torque of an 8A corded belt sander and removes material fast.
An internal fan or wheel helps collects over 80% of the dust. The dust collection system is paired with Milwaukee’s durable dust bag or universal hose adapter. A variable speed dial, users can choose from 1350 to 750 SFM [Surface-Feet Per-Minute]
One cool feature is the adjustable front handle, which allows for flush sanding against the front of the sander and offers a more compact size for storage.

The sanders’ automatic belt tracking, a tool-free belt tracking knob, is easy to use and the dual-LED lights are a nice feature.

M18 FUEL 3″X18″ Belt Sander Specifications $279.00

Kit Includes M18 FUEL Belt Sander, (1) 80-Grit Sanding Belt, (1) Dust Collection
Bag, and (1) Universal Vac Adapter

M18 1/4″ Orbital Sheet Sander

WRECKER Reciprocating Blades

The WRECKER NITRUS CARBIDE SAWZALL blades for demolition and remodeling jobs feature a 6TPI design. These blades will be available in sizes: 6″, 9″, 12″ and will sell in a range from $16.00 to $24.00. The WRECKER will provide unmatched life expectancy, offer superior cutting versatility, and will “wreck” anything in its path.

Event Takeaway

Finally!!!! We can stop asking the Milwaukee folks when we can expect their version of the track saw! Just playing!! We are super excited that Milwaukee is ramping up its remodeling/carpentry section while not taking anything away from its other product categories. June Pipeline 2022 did not disappoint and we are super stoked to cover August Pipeline 2022 with some more new and innovative products coming out!

Milwaukee NEW TOOLS for 2022 Video

Milwaukee NEW TOOLS for 2022 is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Please Take Our Reader Survey

Hey guys, Rob Robillard here from Tool Box Buzz.

While I am usually here to share some information with you — be it tool reviews, or carpentry tips, or DIY projects — today, I want to flip the tables.

Today, I want to hear from you. Why? Because everything we do here on this YouTube channel and on our website is for you guys.

I mean, yeah, the beer and pizza and bad jokes with the guys are fun — but really, we are trying to create content that you will find useful, and that might help you on the job site or in your own home.

A few years ago, we did a brief survey and we found it so incredibly helpful.

I swear this is true: we created content based on what you wanted. We changed how we approached that content. And it helped us to refine our overall approach. It was just. so. Helpful.

In the years since we’ve grown, and we recognize that the interests and challenges of our audience — you — may have evolved, or changed somehow. And we want to know.

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We’re always trying to improve, and the only way we can do that is with your input.  Thanks so much. I hope you all had a safe Thanksgiving and are looking forward to a happy holiday season.

Take Survey Here

2021 ToolBoxBuzz Subscriber Survey is a post from Tool Box Buzz

2020 Holiday Tool Gift Guide

Every year we put out a holiday tool gift guide to help you pick out a gift for that hard to buy for tradesperson in your life or maybe a gift for yourself. All of the tools in this year’s guide are ones that are in my job site kit or in my shop. I can personally recommend all of these because I use them regularly.

Tool Gift Guide Stocking Stuffers

Milwaukee Tool Fastback 2 pack

What’s to say about these knives? I’ve been using them for years both on the jobsite and in the shop. One of them, either the compact or normal fastback is always on me and sometimes I’m even carrying two. Now you or your loved one can get in on the action with this great deal from Home Depot for under $15.

Stanley Fatmax 2 pack

Here’s another sweetheart of a deal from Home Depot. This time it’s 2 for 1 on the perennial best tape measure. Just $20 is all you need for this one. At this price, buy one for yourself and one for your loved one.

Stanley  6-Way Screwdriver

I love this screwdriver. It isn’t one of those fancy 800 in 1 drivers but what’s great about it is that it has the two Philips sizes (#1 and 2) on opposite ends of one bit and the two standard sizes on opposite ends of the other bit. I love these so much that I own 3. Under $5 at ACME Tools.

Gearwrench Micro

I bought this last year as a stocking stuffer for my then 6 year old son (on a recommendation from my buddy Stuart). It’s a good quality, compact kit with most of the sizes you may need around your house. It is especially useful on knockdown furniture. I bought it for him but I borrow it so much that I should just get my own… and you should too! Just over $16 on Amazon.

Bosch GLM50C LDM

When laser distance measures first came out, I didn’t think they were all that useful outside of estimating. Now I use them quite frequently just to do quick material calculations, or sqft measurements, or heights, or any other measurement that’s longer than my tape. Stan reviewed it a couple years ago and it’s still a great tool. On sale now at ACME Tools for just under $100. 

Measurements can be directly imported into a phone/tablet app for quick layouts

Stiletto 10oz Hammer

Up until this point, all the tools in the gift guide have been on sale or some kind of special holiday deal. Not so much with this hammer, it’s listed at the normal price. So why am I including it? Because it’s the best hammer I’ve ever swung. Sure a hammer’s greatness is pretty subjective based on how it feels to the user but it was our best pick for our finish hammer head to head a few years ago with 6 of 7 of us picking it over the rest of the field. You can get it for about $85 at ACME.

My trusty hammer is a little worse for wear but it stills bangs nails like a champ

Tool Gift Guide – Under $100 Gifts

Kindling Cracker

This cool little tool is something I bought for my dad as a gift a couple years ago. It’s a dead-simple piece of cast iron that you put small logs on top of and whack them with a hammer to get small pieces of kindling. No moving parts and it’s fun to boot! $90 at ACME

Metabo HPT 10″ Miter Saw

Are you or a loved one in need of a miter saw to finish off that honey-do list? Every year ACME has a honey of a deal on this Metabo HPT 10″ miter saw. Is it the greatest miter saw on the planet? No but the price is fantastic for a decent little saw. Don’t believe me? Check out the price and reviews at the following link. $89 at ACME.

Dewalt 20V Blower

I’ve had this blower a couple seasons now and while it’s similar to other blowers on the market, the concentrator nozzle is what makes this one special. Usually this model is around $140. At only $99 at ACME, this is a screaming deal.

Cordless Inflator

Battery-powered inflators have been out for almost a decade on the RYOBI One+ platform. It wasn’t until a couple years ago the Milwaukee and Dewalt also released inflators of their own. An inflator isn’t an everyday tool so get the one that goes with your current battery platform. Either Ryobi ($49 bare tool), Milwaukee ($99 w/battery and charger), or Dewalt ($99 bare tool).

Milwaukee USB Rechargeable Headlamp

As a commercial carpenter, I’m often in low light job sites. One of my most used tools is my hard hat headlamp. It’s usb rechargeable so I just plug in my hardhat to my truck at the end of every day so that it’s ready to go for the next day. I like the milwaukee one not only for the rechargeability but the attachment system is second to none. At 475 lumens, it’s no slouch in the light output either. Home Depot has a screaming deal right now for the headlamp and an additional battery for under $60.

Gearwrench 20pc SAE/Metric Ratcheting Wrenches

Gearwrench was the first company to develop ratcheting wrenches and this 20pc set is about the easiest way to get your hands on them. I’ve bought this set twice over the last couple years. Once for myself and then a set for my dad because I liked mine so much. Ohio Power Tool has a great deal on these wrenches at just over $55.

Here is my wrench drawer with part of the Gearwrench set

Tool Gift Guide – Over $100 Gifts

Milwaukee Packout

I use Packout every day. Almost all of my tools that I bring to the jobsite are in a packout box, bag, or container. Milwaukee was later than some brands to the party but they’ve been blowing the rest out of the water with the shear number of options in the lineup. The gateway for most is the three case stack. If you don’t want to wait, head to your local Home Depot and pick up the stack for $197 plus tax. Otherwise you can grab it at ACME for similar price and free shipping.

The three box stack is a gateway drug to all the other great SKUs in the Packout line, like these bags

Dewalt Tough System 2.0

If your loved one has a penchant for the color yellow instead of red, take a look at the all new Dewalt Tough System 2.0. They took many of the things that frustrated users with the original and fixed them all the while keeping the new ones backwards compatible. A three box stack is similarly priced to the Milwaukee around $200 but is currently $179 at ACME Tools.

Gen 1 can click right onto the 2.0 boxes

Makita Rear-handle Circular Saw

Beast is the word that best describes this saw. Gobs of power, so much so that you may think it’s corded. With the ability to cut through 3x material in one pass, this saw is sure to be a hit with the tradesperson in your life. Right now you can get the saw with 2 additional batteries too so that means you get the saw, charger, a bag, and 4 batteries for $249 at ACME.

Milwaukee Mid-Torque

As Goldilocks said, “This one is just right.” The same is true for the Milwaukee Mid-Torque impact wrench. It has just the right amount of power and finesse for most fasteners. Lug nuts and automotive bolts to lag bolts and screw anchors in concrete. The version I have is gen 1 and it has 600 ft/lbs of nut busting torque. As a bare tool it is $199 at ACME. There’s also a newer version that just came out but that one is $40 more for only 50 ft/lbs of additional torque. Dewalt and Makita both have mid torque offerings as well and they seem really nice but I’ve only used them at media events.

My wrench and ratchet packout box. Mid-Torque is upper right.

Makita Couple Shaft

Hands down the best attachment system I’ve ever used and it appeals to most users because it comes in either gas or battery powerheads and about every attachment imaginable is available for this system. This isn’t something you’re probably going to gift someone (unless you’re married to them and get to benefit from it) but maybe it’s a gift you buy yourself this holiday season. Check out all the options at ACME.

Couple Shaft powerheads are available as X2 battery or 4-stroke gas

2020 Holiday Tool Gift Guide is a post from Tool Box Buzz

What do you build when you give a tool as a gift?

The gift giving season is fully underway and the pressures to give a memorable and thoughtful token is the battle that many of us face. For tradesmen, contractors, woodworkers, hobbyists, homeowners, parents, etc… tools are often the de facto gift of choice. However, these tools are often never something that you would go out of your way to spend money on. They are usually something that you don’t need or that you scoffed at as you walked past it at the home center. They usually aren’t the same color scheme or quality as the tools that you are accustomed to working with. They are almost never on the same battery platform you run…if they even have a battery. But in my honest opinion none of this matters. Tools are the ultimate gift. It doesn’t matter if they came from the bargain bin at the hardware store or if they are a cutting edge new release. They are all good and I would like to share with you how I came to this realization.

I grew up in awe of my father’s skill as a carpenter and general know-how of just about anything construction related. He had worked most of his life in the residential construction world, later becoming a developer/builder and then later on shifting into the heavy civil and commercial side of construction. I spent weekends going to supply houses with him and visiting job sites. Rough framed houses became playscapes and I would often get invited to join the framing crew for donuts if I was brave enough to climb the makeshift ladder to the top floor. I loved every bit of it. Dad also lived several states away for most of my life and was constantly traveling for work.

The Old Man was a bit of a wild one back in the day.

When holidays and especially Christmas came around I made it my mission to find the perfect tool for my dad that would be worthy of his talents. Looking back on it now, they were honestly all probably shit. But I didn’t care. I believed in my heart that whatever tool I had picked was the ultimate gift. Something that he would use daily. Something that would produce a quality of work never seen before. Dad always put up the good front and acted super appreciative when he received the gifts. But I would usually find the tools in like new unused condition years later in a cabinet or closet.

One year I decided to pull out all of the stops. I was at Home Depot and saw a Christmas special on a DeWalt Ni-Cad 18V combo kit. It was a drill/driver and a circular saw with a couple of batteries. I knew Dad didn’t own any cordless tools and thought this kit would be the absolute pinnacle of gift giving. I couldn’t afford it on my own, so Mom ended up helping me buy it.

The OG. If you know, you know. Guys who ran these hammer drills had sculpted forearms.

When I gave the set to Dad his reaction was not what I was anticipating. He was almost skeptical of it. Maybe because he had been unimpressed by any cordless tool up until that point. Regardless, I was still proud to have given him that DeWalt set.

Maybe a month after Christmas he called me. I didn’t get to see him very often or talk to him over the phone, so I was excited. He called to tell me about how he had used the tools that day on a job. I remember it to this day. He was hanging rafters and a couple had been cut too long but he was already on the ladder trying to hang them. His helper passed the circular saw up to him and he trimmed them in place and then hung the saw off his belt and kept moving. He couldn’t believe the power that little battery saw had.

This started a tradition of him calling me and telling me about something he had done using the tools that I had bought him. It became a ritual that I eagerly awaited and cherished the memories. I remember most of the conversations and most of the stories to this day. Unfortunately, Dad died two years ago pretty unexpectedly and our tradition came to an end.

Me and the Old Man from a while back. He loved that damn flip phone.

This is why tools are the ultimate gift. It’s not about what brand it is or how fancy it is. It’s about the memories you build with that tool after receiving it. If you are the one receiving that tool, use the damn thing. Make it a point to use that tool as often as you can and include whoever gave it to you in the process. That is how you make a long lasting and memorable connection with a gift. I don’t care if it’s from the dollar store, you can find something to do with it.

Check out our Holiday Gift guides for this year if you need a little inspiration:

• Holiday tool Gift Guide
• Ridgid Tool Gift Guide

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilgtszZrukk

Most of us really don’t need more stuff in our lives. But a tool is different. If you are here looking for gift ideas, you are off to a good start. If you receive any tools this year as gifts, make sure you get out there and build some memories.

Thanks for taking the time to read this and hopefully it resonates with you as well. Merry Christmas to you and everyone around you. Myself and the rest of the Tool Box Buzz Crew look forward to continuing to bring you great content and maybe some ideas for gifts as well.

My first Head to Head day with the crew. Carrying on a legacy of playing with tools.

What It Means to Gift a Tool is a post from Tool Box Buzz

CAT S31 Rugged Smartphone

Not too long ago, when I went to work at commercial constructions sites, one of the first things I put on with my high visibility vest was a job site two-way radio. These communication systems were job specific with a set of crystals that enabled all of the radios to communicate together on a dedicated frequency.

I could drop these radios, get them wet in the rain and bang them into walls or job boxes. They ‘took an licking and kept on ticking.’

The S31 CAT Rugged Smartphone is the modern day equivalent to these rugged radios.

Today, commercial contractors and workers use smartphones in place of radios. The industry is more efficient with these modern phone products as communications and information transfers are reliable and fast. Communication overall is enhanced and you have the added benefit of searches via Internet. However, one big problem is very evident and stems from a simple fact. The rigors and hazards in a construction site are simply greater than the durability and ruggedness of most smartphones.

On a recent project of mine, I asked a group of workers about their experiences with smartphones while doing earth moving, concrete and excavation work. Their tales and tribulations with smartphones in this technology-hostile environment were not only humorous and entertaining but the group, on average, had broken, seriously compromised or replaced one to three devices, each, within the last year.

Site work seems to be especially brutal on smartphones. While my sampling of workers was not statistically large, the number of these site work personnel that had replaced or were carrying around bandaged, damaged or broken phones struck me as a very large percentage.

Bringing Durability to Modern Technology

That is when I took out my S31 CAT Rugged Smartphone. Because they were a group of site contractors, they first wanted to know where I had purchased a CAT cover and CAT screensaver for my phone and how could they buy them. They loved the CAT branding.

Without answering them, I purposefully tossed my S31 into a two-foot deep muddy puddle of water next to us. They thought I had lost my mind, until I pulled the wet phone out and showed them that it still worked.  My S31 was passed around the group, who repeatedly dunked, dried off and passed around to the next guy to dunk it.

Another trip in the puddle for the S31 Rugged Smartphone

Besides the ability to withstand drops and water, the group made comments about the screen brightness on the sunny day, the easy-grip case design and scratch-free glass.

Keeps on Ticking

Of course, I had even more fun amazing them when I showed them how the screen works with gloves on.

If I had some S31 phones with me, I could have sold 18 of them on the spot.

The S31

The engineers at CAT worked hard with their manufacturer to produce a phone that is suitable for the construction environment. The S31 meets or exceeds the IP68 certification and MIL-SPEC 810G requirements. In practical terms, this means that the S31 is dustproof and waterproof at 1.2m (4 ft) water depth for up to 35 minutes of immersion and is fall-proof from heights of up to 1.8m (6 ft).

With a diagonal screen size of 4.7 inches, the S31 is a relatively small form factor. I like this size for the construction environment because it easily fits into and retrieved from my pants or vest pockets. I agree with the site work guys and like the ribs and easy to grip features of the case. It is great to have a phone with an integral case that is custom-fitted at manufacture and rugged enough for construction.

Technical Stuff

From a technical perspective, the S31 works on a wide variety of cellular networks. The phone is unlocked when sold. In my case, I simply inserted the SIM card from an old iPhone into the slot and I was up and running on my AT&T network.

The S31 has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 210 MSM8909 processor with the Adreno 304 graphics engine. The S31 has 2GB of memory and 16GB of flash memory. These technical features place the processing speed of the S31 in the mid-range of most smartphone performance. This may not be the best phone on which to play graphic intensive games or applications. However, I found the performance of the S31 very suitable for the construction and communication apps that I put on and used with the S31.

The S31 has both a memory and SIM-card slot on the right hand side of the phone and tight-fitting flaps protect the environment seals for these slots. Users can put in up to 128MB of additional memory in the expansion slot and seal in the memory card with a flap.

Speaking of flaps, the S31 has a feature that reminds me to close the flap on the charging port when I neglect to do so after removing the micro-USB cable.

With an 8 MP main and 2MP front camera, the S31 has less resolution than the top-of-the-line smartphones that may have 12 MP and 8 MP, respectively, in today’s offerings. As a web-cam, the 2MP front camera performance is lacking in picture quality. In my experience, the 8 MP camera is sufficient for the photographic needs on the construction site.

Especially outdoors, the S31’s 1280 x 720 screen visibility is excellent. Screen content is bright, clear and visible any screen angle. The S-31 screen is a super star in outside bright conditions and is superior to any other smart phone screen I have used.

As a phone, I was impressed with the call quality and I especially liked the S31 speaker for hands-free talking. The speaker volume is very loud and sufficient for all but the loudest construction noise.

One S31 feature that I liked a lot is the assignable free key. I used this key to open the camera app directly with a short click and to open the phone app with an extended click. The operating system allows others to choose from a list of over 38 apps (limited by my specific number of apps) on the phone to enable with the key.

Finally, I like the duration of the battery life. I tested the battery life with a wireless LAN with the display switched on and an active browser application opened. The battery lasted over 17 hours and 34 minutes for this test. Additionally, CAT indicates that standby time for the S31 is around 38 days.

The S31 Rugged Smartphone– How I like It

The S31 represented a different type of smartphone for me. Full disclosure – I have been an iPhone user from the first introduction of that product. As a result, the Android operating system was a real departure from the iOS that I know well. My learning curve for the S31 was steeper than I would have liked. I attribute that steepness to the difference in my experience with the two operating systems. As time had gone on, I am now operating system-bilingual. There are features that I found and like about the Android OS. I really like the feature of keeping the phone unlocked while it is in my hand or pocket. (Uses a lot more battery but is ready to go when I need it.) And there are other features of the Apple operating system that I like.

The S31 smartphone can be purchased from the CAT website for a price of $329.99.  Search www.catphones.com. In this day of $1,000 smartphones, the S31 represents an excellent value for a ruggedized smartphone. A visitor will see other CAT smartphones with additional capabilities in addition to the S31.

My bottom line on the S31 is that it is a perfect match for what I need in my construction environment.

Outstanding features

• Robust Easy Grip Case
• Water and Dust Proof
• Gorilla Glass Screen
• High Visibility and Brightness in Daylight Conditions
• Gloved-hand Operation
• Impact Resistance
• Memory Expansion Slot
• Assignable Free Key

Areas Needing Improvement:

• Enhanced processor performance
• Higher Resolution Cameras

Summary

Smartphone survival on a construction site is a real issue as these devices are operating in an unforgiving environment. Luckily, CAT can offer a solution.

I think the S-31 is a perfect match for my needs on the construction site and for what I do. It is a great utility device for my communication and information field needs.

The S31 is a ruggedized phone that is suited for these conditions. While no phone is indestructible, the CAT S-31 proves to be the device that CAT promises. Carrying on Caterpillar’s leading heritage of supplying tough, reliable equipment for rugged conditions, the S31 is a rugged smartphone that can cope in the construction world.

Highlighted CAT S31 Features and Specs

• Powerful 4000 mAh non-removable Lithium Ion battery provides up to 38 days standby time and 15 hours of 3G Talk time
• IP68 certified waterproof up to 1.2 meters (3.9 feet) for 35 mins; military standard 810G shock and drop proof up to 1.8 meters (6 feet); scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla glass 3 screen
• Super bright 4.7” HD 720 x 1280 display can be read in direct sunlight and used when wet or with gloved hands
• 8MP Autofocus rear Camera and 2MP fixed focus front Camera, with 720P video capture at 30fps
• Wi-Fi: 802.11 b/g/n (2.4G), sim type: Nano sim, dual and single SIM variants. 16GB Internal storage, expandable with Micro SD up to 128GB (not included)

S31 CAT Construction Phone Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz

EMNARI Youth Remodeling Career Day

In August of this year, we, at Toolboxbuzz, were approached by the Eastern Massachusetts National Association of the Remodeling Industry (EMNARI), to see if we would be interested in participating in the second annual Youth Remodeling Career Day at the Bolton Fairgrounds.  At Toolboxbuzz we know that there is a huge need for skilled labor in the trades and anything we can do to help we want to do.

Trade Skills – A Forgotten Art?

For several years now our society has mistakenly pushed college education as a necessity for a successful life and turned kids away from vocational opportunities and construction/remodeling career paths.

Here’s the problem….If everyone goes to college, and nobody goes into the trades, who will build or houses, fix our plumbing, or repair our electrical problems.

Something Different Everyday!

The great thing about remodeling is the fact that every day offers something different.

One day you replace windows, the next day you replace cabinets in a kitchen.  It can be physically demanding work, but it also can be extremely rewarding in terms of seeing instant results of your work, and it surely beats pushing papers across a desk all day.

EMNARI Youth Remodeling Career Day

With that being said,  On Tuesday October 17th, we at Toolboxbuzz, along with several area contractors and trade professionals will take part in the second annual Youth Remodeling Career Day at the Bolton Fairgrounds.

Toolboxbuzz along with our tool partners, Dewalt, Makita, and Milwaukee will showcase and demonstrate some of the newest tool innovations to over 500 students from local vocational trade programs.  some of the tools and topics we’ll cover are:

• Bluetooth technology
• Silica dust removal
• Hydraulic impulse drivers
• Track saws
• Other new cordless innovations

The ToolBoxBuzz crew believes that supporting these young men and women’s decision to go into the trades, as well as, showing them the right tools for the job makes all the difference.  The right tool makes thing’s safer and helps you to be more efficient, maximizing profit and limiting the chance of injury.

Get Involved – Help Promote the Trades!!

If you’re in the Boston, MA area please check out the EMNARI.org website and leave us a comment. #KeepTheCraftAlive!

If you would like more information on this worthwhile event:

Contact

Michelle B. Glassburn, Executive Director
Eastern Mass. Chapter, National Assn. of the Remodeling Industry, Inc. (EM NARI)
admin@emnari.org
(508)907-6249

Promoting the Skilled Trades

Promoting The Trades is a post from Tool Box Buzz

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Tool Box Buzz Survey is a post from Tool Box Buzz