DIY Tool Buying Guide

By Robert Robillard on Tool and Product Reviews

DIY Tool Buying Gift Guide

Whether it for increasing resale value or simply putting a personal stamp on your house, home improvement projects are made easier when using the appropriate tools while working safely. With the handyperson in mind, these gifts make a great addition to any toolbox.

Remodeling is dirty and can be dangerous work. That is why safety is so important. Previously, safety glasses more closely resembled lab goggles, big, bulky and prone to fogging when wearing a dust mask. Today, advancements in eyewear have made it easier to stay stylish while working.

DIY Tool Buying GuideUvex ExtremePro Safety Glasses

$26.00

Uvex offers safety glasses that combine function and style in its line of ExtremePro glasses that feature both anti-fog and anti-scratch coatings on the lens. This helps keep the interior of the lens clear from fogging while protecting the exterior of the lens from scuffs and scratches, adding up to three times* more life to lenses.

Purchase here: Uvex-SX0300-ExtremePro-Supra-Dura-Hardcoat

DIY Tool Buying GuideStoneBreaker MasterSmith Work Gloves

$32.49

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics study, more than 79 percent of workers in the construction/ do-it-yourself (DIY) industry do not wear gloves for some time during the day, often because they cannot find the comfort, dexterity and protection they require in a single hand protection product. With exposed nails, sharp edges (think tiles) or working with abrasive materials, there are plenty of opportunities to sustain an injury.

StoneBreaker is one company that has proven to provide a glove that fits while providing full flexibility. Their MasterSmith glove which features multiple areas of reinforced padding and added leather patches. The shell consists of 22 separate pieces so the leather conforms to the hand and won’t bunch up at the palm.

Purchase here:  StoneBreaker-MasterSmith-Medium-Glove-Black

DIY Tool Buying GuideZircon’s MultiScanner i520

$74.39

While Superman could see through solid objects, most homeowners don’t possess this power. That’s where a stud finder comes in handy. The cavities between the studs are home to plumbing, gas and electrical lines. Drilling into any of these can be disastrous. Stud finders do what their name says; they locate the framing members so fasteners can find purchase for installing shelves or hanging mirrors or family pictures.

Zircon’s MultiScanner wall scanners can not only find the edges, but center, of wood or metal studs up to 3/4 inch deep while the DeepScan mode detects up to 1 1/2 inches while an audio tone alerts users when stud edges are located. Also, the AC scan mode finds and traces live, unshielded electrical wire up to 2 inches deep.

Purchase here: Zircon-MultiScanner-i520-Center-Finding-Electrical

 

DIY Tool Buying Guide

Empire e-Series levels

E70- 48” level $ 42.63

Plumb means that something is straight, up and down and level is when an object is straight horizontally. So, after finding the studs to install shelves, a level is needed to make certain that both ends are at the exact same height to eliminate any sagging. Box levels are the most common type used by professionals and are accurate enough for any household task. Looking for an easy-to-read and capability to take on bigger projects, then check out a digital level.

Empire Level makes it breeze to get the best results with their e100 Series level. An audio beeper will sound when level or plumb is reached, memory hold stores any reading and allows for angle transfer and it digitally displays degrees, percent slope and inch/ft. for project specific applications and will automatically shut off.

Purchase here:  Empire-48-Inch-Professional-Aluminum-Level

 

DIY Tool Buying GuideBosch GLM 15 laser distance measurer (LDM)

$40.00

Traditional tools are getting boost with technological advances and one example is the new Bosch GLM 15 laser distance measurer (LDM). While LDMs have been out for quite some time, this compact, precision measurement tool sells for less than $50 which is a whole lot less than previous offerings.

With only one button this tool is very easy to use as it only does two things, measures up to 50’, either in continuous mode or as a fixed measurement and holding that measurement. While it only remembers two dimensions, that is enough for the most common applications such calculating tile. The continuous function is really handy when installing a fence or walking out property lines.

Purchase here:  Bosch-GLM-50-Distance-Measurer

 

DIY Tool Buying GuideRyobi Tool Sets One+ 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Ultimate Combo Kit

$299.00

Whether it’s driving or removing screws or making holes, a drill driver is the go-to tool. One of the biggest considerations is the battery platform because it is the foundation for this tool and can possibly power a number of other tools as well. 18v is the most common size as it can easily handle the most common tasks without putting too much strain on the battery and provides enough juice for tougher applications. Without the proliferation of cordless tools, it is important to pick a company that produces a number of other tools where the drill driver’s batteries can be used, thus saving money down the line.

Ryobi’s One+ system has more than 50 tools that work with the same 18v lithium-ion battery, providing more flexibility and versatility to tackle almost any home project, indoors or out. From radios, leaf blowers, string trimmers, impact drivers, sanders to orbital buffers, this is the most comprehensive line of tools.

Purchase here: Ryobi-18-Volt-Lithium-Ion-Ultimate-6-Tool

DIY Tool Buying GuideSENCO One-gallon Compressor

$99.99

One of the most versatile and oldest, dating back to the 1870s, of power tools is the air compressor. SENCO offers a one-gallon compressor that delivers enough power for most common chores like inflating tires, nailing wainscoting or stapling upholstery. At 68dBA, it is one of the quietest compressors on the market and weighing only 21 pounds, it is highly portable. The long-life induction motor and oil-free pump design eliminate the need for oil or regular maintenance.

Purchase here:  Senco-PC1010-1-Horsepower-1-Gallon-Compressor

DIY Tool Buying GuideEmpire Laser Etched Speed Square

$16.00

Empire Level has highly visible laser-etched graduations, constructed of 6063 anodized aluminum for maximum durability so it will not rust, corrode, or crack. It also features a 40% wider heel, providing more stability on any working surface.

Purchase here: Empire-Level-E2994-7-Inch-Definition

DIY Tool Buying GuideCHANNELLOCK® Xtra Slim Jaw adjustable wrenches

The 6″ is $33.90 and the 8″ is $36.08

CHANNELLOCK® Xtra Slim Jaws are 40 percent thinner than a regular wrench and has up to 20 percent greater jaw capacity – supporting larger nuts and bolts and a super-wide opening that allows users to tackle big jobs with a compact wrench.

Purchase here: Channellock-6SWCB-Adjustable-WideAzz-Opening

DIY Tool Buying GuideKlein Adjustable Length Screwdriver

$21.00

The Klein Adjustable Length Screwdriver has a removable shaft that adjusts within 4” to 8” range for numerous length combinations. Blades feature #2 Phillips and 1/4” Slotted tip for multiple screwdrivers in one tool.

Purchase here:  Klein-Tools-32751-Adjustable-Screwdriver

DIY Tool Buying GuideDewalt 5-inch Variable Speed Random Orbital Sander DWE423K

$ 79.00

I recently took the DeWalt 5-inch variable speed random orbital sander DWE6423K into my workshop to evaluate. Nothing beats a random orbital sander. When used with long, sweeping strokes a random orbital sander gets the job done quickly, and leaves behind very few sanding and mill marks. It allows you to sand with the grain, or across it with outstanding results.

DIY Tool Buying GuideKershaw Scallion Knife 1620NB

$79.99

The Kershaw Scallion Knife is a compact, yet effective 2 1/4-inch blade, it’s the perfect size for everyday pocket carry. It weighs 2.3 ounces, has a high-carbon stainless steel blade, and offers good edge retention and excellent corrosion resistance.

A SpeedSafe assisted opening mechanism allows you to open the knife back on the ambidextrous flipper or by pushing on the thumb stud and the blade moves out of the handle, locking open. Whether you’re a first-time Scallion owner or want to grow your collection, you’re going to like this one.

Purchase here: Kershaw-1620NB-Scallion-Folding-SpeedSafe

Tools, Not-Diamonds Make the Heart Grow Fonder

It may be the thought that counts, but solid tools make things happen. Whether you looking for a new tool or looking to upgrade something specific, these tools will get you on your way.

 

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About the author

Robert Robillard

Carpenter / Remodeler / Editor

Rob Robillard is “The Concord Carpenter” Rob is a builder, general contractor, carpenter, woodworker, and editor of Concord Carpenter and ToolBoxBuzz As a General Contractor and carpenter, Rob owns and operates Concord Carpenter LLC. A full-service remodeling and construction company. Rob is a recognized leader in home building best practices and a source for how-to information for building professionals. On this website, Rob covers all aspects of home construction, building science, home improvement, woodworking, remodeling, and some of the best product and tool reviews. Rob is in charge of our Tool and Product Review series - Concord Carpenter Videos where we post all of our tool reviews and video tutorials. Rob approaches remodeling and building construction with a pragmatic and problem-solving approach. He enjoys using his knowledge and experience to help and educate building professionals as well as DIYers on best practices in the construction and remodeling industry. He's a strong advocate for "raising the bar" in the construction trades and promoting the trades to youth. #BeAMentor #Green2Great Craftsmanship, quality, and pride guide his journey on this channel The Concord Carpenter's motto: "Well done is better than well said!" : Read more about Rob

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