Father’s Day Gift Ideas
Before you go out and buy another neck tie for Father’s Day stop and think about what you’re guy really wants and needs . . . now I realize that is a loaded question, but what do all guys really want or need?
No it’s not a blonde girlfriend, a motorcycle or a winning lottery ticket, although they do have their place, it’s tools!
Tools Are Manly!
All guys want and need tools, after all tools are manly and they help us fix things. Fixing things is also a manly thing to do. Not only is it extremely satisfying to “Do It Yourself” rather than pay some other guy to come and do it for you faster and better than you can, but it’s rewarding.
In a perfect world every man should have a complete set of tools. Unfortunately, modern society dictates that we cannot always make these things the sole purpose of our existence.
My job here is to take the guess work out of this manly procedure for you and suggest some great quality tools for your man. They are not in any specific order but all have great value to us men!
Note – The highlighted link after each tool will bring you to an article I wrote explaining the tool in further detail.
Father’s Day Tool Gift Guide
Kershaw Funxion Knife:
The Kerhaw Funxion is one kick ass DIY-er knife and should be in every mans pocket. It features a 3 inch folding knife with Kershaws, “Speedsafe technology” designed into it. Speedsafe is an assisted opening system that uses a torsion bar to allows the blade to open swiftly.
The Funxion blade has a satin finish, and the body has a charcoal grey aluminum handle with black rubber inserts. This knife measures 4 1/4 in. when closed. The Funxion also features a multi function blade that includes screwdriver, hex wrench a carabiner clip and bottle cap opener. Each tool has a separate locking liner.
The Funxion is a must have “every day carry” knife and sells for $37.80 online here: Kershaw-Funxion-DIY-Speedsafe-Knife
Channellock 440 tongue and Groove Pliers:
Any PRO or DIY-er worth one’s salt knows that you can’t fix anything without a set of ChannelLock pliers in your toolbox. Frankly you’re not allowed on a job site if you don’t have a pair. I remember one of my first days on a construction crew and the Forman asked me for a pair of water pump pliers. I returned with an adjustable wrench and was told to sit in the truck for the rest of the day.
To me ChannelLock is an American success story, it is a fifth generation, family owned company with history that is a century and a quarter long of perseverance, innovation and follow though in good times and bad, and in an economy when everyone else was outsourcing their tool manufacturing process.
Made in the U.S.A means something to ChannelLock and the folks behind this product work hard and really focus on developing and manufacturing tools that exceed consumer expectations, ANSI and competitor standards.
One thing I learned that I was not aware of is that ChannelLock Tongue and Groove pliers have 90 degree that are induction hardened with lasers which allow the tools teeth to be strong enough to be used multi-directional. ChannelLock believes that this is a better design and that it allows the user to use their pliers upside down which increases functionality. The laser hardening process increases tool teeth strength and grip.
For this Father’s Day I suggest purchasing a pair of ChannelLock 440 Pliers. They sell online for $ 16.39 here: Channellock-440-12-Inch-Tongue-Groove
Bosch 12 Volt Job Site Radio:
Whomever said “size doesn’t matter” must have owned a Bosch 12 volt radio. This little gem is compact and can run off a wall outlet or on Bosch 12 volt batteries.
For a guy that lugs tools out of a vehicle and onto a job site daily this radio is a friendly sight, at12 x 3 x 7.5 inches and a few pounds its a must have for lightweight portability and quality sound with it’s Neodymium speakers. If you’re not on a job site daily this radio sounds great poolside, at the beach or set up in your wood shop.
Bottom line is that this radio is DIESEL!
With trade professionals, our tools take up a large majority of space, so acquiring a device that has a high strength, shock absorbing housing and is compact, is a win!
The Bosch 12 volt radio sells online for $102.00 here: Bosch-PB120-12-Volt-Compact-Radio
Milwaukee M12 Cordless 1/4″ Hex Screwdriver:
The Milwaukee M12 Screwdriver, Model 2402-20 is a real deal, compact, lightweight and super powerful driver. This tool can do anything my older 18-volt line did and do it faster, longer and better. Hmmm sounds nice!
You know it’s funny because most guys on the job site laugh when they hear that these tools are 12-volts. That is until they try it out for awhile. While I’m not advocating that the 12-volt replace the 10 or 20 line all I’m saying is that they are real deal contenders and have a place on the job site. My electrician wants a set for his service installs and my plumber loves the size for hanging pipe straps.
This M12 driver is small enough for every and all DIY-er needs and is a must have for a serious woodworker or PRO in the service field.
The Milwaukee M12 Cordless 1/4″ Hex Screwdriver sells online for $ 169.00 at Ohio Power Tools
DEWALT XR Impact Driver:
The DEWALT Impact Driver DCF886D2 20V Max XR Lithium Ion Brushless 1/4″ Impact Driver Kit
I used the DEWALT DCF886D2 to install 3/8” x 3” long lag bolts into PT 4×4 lumber and this baby kicked ass! It was fast, powerful, light and comfortable to use.
The DEWALT DCF886D2is a super compact driver measuring approximately 5 ½” front to back and weighing only 2.9 pounds. This tool fits into tight spaces and is super comfortable to operate.
DEWALT does a nice job with their LED placement on this tool. The three LED lights are spaced abound the working end ring of the tool and stay on 20 seconds after the trigger is released. The LED’s placement significantly reduces shadows often created by the tool or driver accessory.
Similar to previous model the DCF886D2 chuck accepts 1″ bit tips and you can insert them without operating a chuck release.
SKIL 360 QuickSelect:
When I first picked up the SKIL 360 Quick Select I was amazed at how light, compact and comfortable it was in my hands.
I was also thinking that this 4 volt max tool would be outstanding in tight and awkward fastening applications and that there was NO WAY that this driver was going to be able to drive screws – BOY was I wrong!
The SKIL 360 Quick Select provides you with twelve [12] of the most commonly-used integrated bits and instantly allows the user to quickly select the proper fastener bit by simply twisting the built in bit holder cartridge.
RIDGID 7 Inch Tile Saw:
The RIDGID 7 Inch Tile Saw is a lightweight, affordable, solid tile saw with durably quality features.
In my opinion this saw is serious DIY-er or light duty PRO saw. As a contractor I would use this innovative saw as my go-to saw on small jobs where using a hand cutter is not feasible and carrying and setting up a larger saw is a hassle or space is limited. What Every Man Needs!
Porter Cable 20 Volt Lithium Ion Compact Drill/Driver:
I as impressed with the Porter Cable 20 Volt Compact Drill Driver. It performed as advertised was able to drill large diameter holes and drive fasteners reasonably well. The 1.5 Ah battery limits its longevity but it also keeps the weight down.
This drill driver is not as heavy duty as some of the more pricier models out there but you cannot deny the price vs. value. In my opinion this drill driver is an amazing value for what you get and what you pay. While maybe not suited for rugged job-sites this tool would make an outstanding addition to the workshop or finish carpenter or cabinet installer.
The Porter-Cable 20 Volt drill driver sells online for $150.00 here: Porter-Cable-PCCK600LB-20-volt-2-Inch-Lithium
Coast HP14 LED Flashlight:
Coast makes professional grade, impact and water resistant flashlights that can stand up to the demands of public safety, and construction professionals and anyone needing a quality light.
The best part of the Coast HP14 LED flashlight is that fact the that run on commonly available and reasonable priced AA batteries. Making it a versatile and affordable lighting option.
My favorite part of the lighting optic is the “Bulls Eye” spot beam pattern which provides gives a super focus, bright spot light and an ou
With a very reasonable cost and exceptional value this flashlight is top notch. The Coast HP14 LED flashlight can be purchased for $ 52.00 online here: Coast-HP14-Performance-Focusing-Flashlight
DEWALT Mechanic Tool Sets
DEWALT recently released a slew of mechanics tools from wrenches to socket sets. I first got a peek at these sets when I attended the 2013 DEWALT media event and LOVED THEM!!!!!!
Let’s face it all trades carry mechanic sets! In fact everyone I know needs these tools for home maintenance. Get a set for Dad!
These sets are going to be offered exclusively at SEARS and are designed to compete in the Craftsman, Husky and Kobalt mechanic sets.
DEWALT is offering a no hassle, “take your word” replacement policy and guarantee to have your tool replaced within 24-48 hours. This is very similar to the, old but loved, craftsman warranty – remember that one?
