Almost everyone has a hammer, but true DIY enthusiasts can’t get enough of those high-powered gadgets and hand tools that make even minor jobs seem like a major event. When the handyman in your life needs something new, give him a gift that will make his life—and yours—a whole lot easier.
The Family Handyman (One-Year Subscription)
It’s the magazine for handymen who crave more projects—and really, what DIY dude isn’t looking for another way tinker? Every issue offers valuable info including how-tos, tool guides, safety tips, and opportunities to learn new skills. It’s a monthly dose of home maintenance master designed to help your personal handyman master everything from cleaning their drywall knives to fixing that flickering ball of Christmas lights.
M12 3/8 in. Cordless Drill/Driver Kit in PACKOUT
If you don’t have a cordless drill, can you even DIY? This powerful drill/driver kit packs an impressive 275 in-lbs of torque and yet remains compact and lightweight. There’s an LED light and gauge so you always know how much battery life you have left before it’s time to recharge and a superior bit grip keeps things in place while you work. As far as ergonomic design and run time go, this drill is a beast.
Shop-Vac 4-Gallon All-Around Plus Wet/Dry Vacuum
Being Mr. Fix-Itunf gets messy. This vac is primed to clean up even the most jaw-dropping household messes, with a crevice tool, round brush, 10-inch wet/dry nozzle, easy-release hose and other sweet features that ensure you can get into crumb-filled corners and unflood your bathroom floor should the need arise. It even has a quiet-operating motor, just in case the handyman in your life is an early riser with a penchant for noisy projects.
Pelican 2720 LED Headlamp
DIY in the dark with hands-free illumination courtesy of this LED headlamp from Pelican. Strap it on and focus on the task at hand (literally)—no fumbling or frustrated cursing necessary. The light is gesture-activated, increasing efficiency and allowing for more intuitive use, and there’s night-vision capability, too. When productivity isn’t restricted to daylight hours, the Pelican is a must-have accessory.
12-Drawer Tool Chest and Cabinet Combo
This may not be the swankiest gift you ever buy, but if you know a handy guy who values organization above almost anything else, this 12-drawer storage chest is a winner. Full-extension drawers support up to 100 pounds of gear, and the cabinet comes complete with drawer liners, a power strip, two USB ports, and an ergonomic push handle. It’s a sleek and surprisingly eye-catching way to everything from screws to nail guns organized and away from grabby toddler hands and curious pets, plus your dude will always be able to find an annular ring shank when he needs one.
Craftsman SpotLite Pointer Stud Finder
Craftsman SpotLite Pointer Stud Finder - $19.99
Never underestimate the power of a stud finder—those who do end up with walls that look like swiss cheese. Whether he’s hanging hooks in the kids’ room or finally installing that floating shelf in the loft, your handyman needs a stud finder to safely hammer in hardware without nailing (no pun intended) electrical wiring or plumbing. This one has both regular and deep-scan modes, making it ideal for use through most wall and flooring materials, and it calibrates automatically for optimal accuracy.
Gerber Suspension Multi-Tool
No gadget is one-size-fits-all, but this one comes pretty close. Gerber delivers a wire cutter, metal file, can opener, pliers, bottle opener, Phillips screwdriver, and scissors in one handheld package. Sure, bigger projects will require bigger tools, but for quick tasks it’s nice to have something you can grab out of your pocket rather than wheel out of the shed.
Thorogood Men’s 1957 Waterproof 8” Moc Toe Work Boots
Meet the Cadillac of handyman footwear. Slip-resistant, electrical-hazard rated, waterproof, cushioned for shock absorption, and made in the USA, these work boots boast a laundry list of attractive attributes. Add full-grain upper leathers and Goodyear storm welts into the mix, plus a fiberglass shank for even more durability, and you’ve got a tough pair of boots that provide comfort and protection in an attractive package.
Bosch BLAZE 135-ft Indoor Laser Distance Measurer
Measuring tapes get a 21st-century upgrade with the Bosch BLAZE Laser Measure. Check out the backlit display to see length, width, area, and volume in real time. Store up to 20 measurements for quick on-the-job recordkeeping and enjoy accuracy up to a miniscule 1/16th of an inch. Small enough to slide in your pocket but brimming with functionality, this tool makes short work of pre-project prep.
DEWALT 10-Inch Compact Job-Site Table Saw
The average handyman isn’t toting his table saw all over town, but it’s still nice to have a compact unit that doesn’t take up the entire garage. What this unit lacks in size it makes up for in utility: there’s an 1850-watt motor, a 610-mm rip capacity, and features like a cast table top and overload protection system for accuracy, precision, and safety in a variety of conditions. Take this saw to the job, rather than bringing the job to the saw, and that master bath renovation or attic conversation will fly by.
Craft Beer of the Month Club
After a long day building a deck or rewiring the den, your hardworking handyman deserves a frosty adult beverage (or two). Each shipment of the Craft Beer of the Month Club includes a dozen 12-ounce beers showcasing four styles. The thirsty recipient also gets a monthly Beer Club newsletter with stories about the brewers, so there’s plenty for your handyman to read while he sips.