TBB’s 2023 Father’s Day Gift Guide

TBB’s 2023 Father’s Day Gift Guide will help you pick out the perfect gift(s) for that tool-loving dad or father figure in your life. And that can be a tall task if they already seem to have ALL the tools. But have no fear… Whether you just want a small gift or are looking to go big, we’ve got you covered. To help you out, regardless of your budget, we gave you a wide spectrum of gift options. So sit back, relax, and let us help your crush Father’s Day this year!

Plus, the tools in this 2023 Father’s Day Gift Guide are ones that are in our job site kits or our Pros’ workshops. So rest assured we’re recommending products we know and love and not just popular picks we’ve never tested. Ok, now on to the gifts!

TBB Gift Choices

• Microjig Grr-Ripper2 Go Push Block

Table saws can be dangerous, so we’re always interested in table saw accessories that make work easier AND safer. Enter the Grr-ripper2 Go from Microgig. It’s a specially designed push block that allows the blade to pass through open space while giving a solid grip to push materials through the blade. The offset design means that rotating the block 90 degrees is all it takes to “adjust” the open space positioning. It’s now our go-to table saw push block for good reason.

Purchase the Grr-ripper2 Go for $30

• Crescent G2 ShockForce Night Eye Tape Measure

Tape Measures may seem pretty standard and unexciting. But the attention to detail on the Crescent G2 Night Eye will make you reconsider. The Night Eye marking features a high-contrast, high luminescent paint scheme that makes it incredibly easy to read in low light settings. The ShockForce design is built to last with protective steel guards built into the case. And the belt clip even has a thumb tab to make it easier to open and limit wear and tear from repeated use. As far as tape measures go, this is the best of the best.

Purchase at Lowe’s for $28

• Dust Right FlexiPort Power Tool Hose Kit

Dust control is a never-ending task. So why make it even harder fighting to connect a shop vac to a cutting or sanding tool? The Dust Right FlexiPort hose kit helps solve this problem. It provides a universal and flexible solution to help you quickly hook up a range of shop vac outlet sizes to a range of dust port diameters. The Flexi design helps prevent mid task disconnecting as you maneuver around a worksurface or materials. Its an easy option that is sure to get a lot of use on a number of projects.

Purchase at Rocklers for $30

• Rockler Silicone Project Mat (15 x 30 in.)

Glue ups are an essential part of earning a workshop project badge. But this Rockler silicone mat means that scraping the dried glue off a wooden workbench when you’re done doesn’t have to be a part of the process. This mat gives you a slip-free surface to work on. And it also makes it a snap to remove dried glue. Its super easy to clean and rolls up so you can tuck it away when you’re not using it.

Purchase at Rocklers for $30

• Crescent 20 Oz. Steel Hammer

If the tool loving father (or father figure) in your life needs an upgrade to their hammer collection then check out the Crescent 20 oz. steel hammer. Its full forged steel head and handle mean it’s also incredibly rugged. Yet the hammer neck also features effective vibration dampening design features to limit fatigue from prolonged use. The Crescent steel hammer also has a magnetic nail quick starter molded into the hammer head. Overall, it’s well balanced and ergonomically comfortable. And at $26 it won’t break the bank either.

Purchase at Home Depot for $26

• Helly Hansen Manchester Service Shorts

A great Father’s Day gift can be more than a great tool. These Helly Hasen work shorts provide a great fit. They are also durable and functional on any job site or in the workshop. The blended materials have a slight stretch that allows better movement when reaching, lifting, or climbing. They even have a convenient ID card lanyard loop and reflective elements making them more construction friendly. If you want to get some clothes for Father’s Day for home or work then you should check out these Helly Hansen service shorts.

Purchase at Helly Hansen for $45

• Gerber Custom Pocket Knife (Savvy Pictured)

We love knives. They are practical and fun. We also love custom stuff that stands out. So when we got our hands on a custom Gerber knife that combines these options, we were very impressed. Gerber has a range of knives at various price points to work with a spectrum of Father’s Day gift budgets. We opted for the Savvy with a custom logo on both the handle and the blade. We also customized the hardware, blade, and handle colors. The web-based design interface at Gerber.com is super user friendly. It also allows you to upload custom images in additional to offering some really cool stock patterns and text options. So if your guy likes knives this is an easy surefire winner!

Purchase at Gerber for $55-$170

• Craftsman 20V Drill/Driver Set

We thought it was worth highlighting a great cordless option from Craftsman for those looking to start building a DIY-friendly cordless kit – their 20V Drill/Driver kit. This is an affordable 2-piece kit that provides ample power via Craftsman’s 20V Li-Ion battery platform. It’s a great starter kit that can easily be added onto with other Craftsman 20V tools as needed. It comes with a carrying case and 2 batteries providing you everything you need for a wide range of drilling and driving needs. It’s also on sale for 33% off so grab one while there are still some available!

Purchase at Lowe’s for $99

• Rockler Rock-Steady Knock-Down Table Saw Outfeed Kit

A table saw is an essential staple in any woodworking workshop or garage space. But often times your guy/father’s workshop may also be limited on square footage. If this is the case, consider buying Rockler’s Rock-Steady Knock-Down outfeed table as a great table saw accessory gift. It easily mounts on a wide range of table saws. And its fold down storage design means it won’t take up extra space when it’s not in use. Better yet, it will drastically improve the accuracy and safety of cuts when compared to a table saw without an outfeed option. It prevents longer boards from cantilevering down at the end of the cut. This can force the blade to come off the desired cut line. Rockler has designed a great option with this one and it’s a surefire Father’s Day winner!

Purchase at Rocklers for $120

• Craftsman 3-drawer Socket Set (1/4, 3/8, & 1/2 in.)

A socket set is a must have for any novice tool guy and beyond. But it’s pretty easy to lose a socket, ratchet, or extension piece. The Craftsman 3-drawer Socket Set is awesome because it’s as much of an organization system as a full-scale, 230-piece socket set. It features 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 inch sockets. Every piece has its own labeled storage spot for easy organization of small round parts otherwise easily lost. Better yet, the drawers lock with a top-mounted knob. This stops the drawers from sliding open when moving the set. The best part is that this set is on sale for $129 (usually over $200) for Father’s Day so don’t wait if you’re considering it.

Purchase at Lowe’s for $129

• Danner Lead Time Work Shoes

Safety is a top priority, especially for those we love the most. And while hands, eyes, ears, and fingers get lots of attention, we focused on Footwear. Specifically, if your guy or father is doing construction in hot weather, then consider a pair of work shoes. This is a great alternative to boots which can cause more fatigue due to increased weight. They also tend to be less flexible and breathable. So while work shoes don’t offer that same ankle support, they have distinct advantages. And the Danner Lead Time work shoes are at the top of our list. The Vibram soles and carbon fiber toes keep their wearer safe and comfortable. And in our opinion they look pretty good too. They are definitely worth the price!

Purchase at Danner for $160

• DEWALT 4-Port, 12/20/60V Battery Charger

If your guy’s workshop, toolbox, or work trailer features lots of DEWALT black and Yellow, then consider choosing the DEWALT 4-port charger as a great accessory gift. It allows the user to load up to four 12V, 20V, or 60V batteries at a time. The charger will then charge them all simultaneously. It also automatically shuts off when the charge is completed to ensure that your batteries aren’t overcharged and damaged. It also makes transporting batteries between worksites or projects a snap. The through mounting holes and integrated cord wrap hooks make set-up and portability even easier. This is a great charger to support some great tools.

Purchase at Lowe’s for $299

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY

We know gift shopping can be stressful. So just “trust the Pro’s” in the Tool Box Buzz team. We know our 2023 Father’s Day Gift Guide is sure to give you some great suggestions. So good luck and happy hunting. And Happy Father’s Day from all of us at TBB!

TBB’s 2023 Father’s Day Gift Guide is a post from Tool Box Buzz

 TBB’s 2022 Holiday Gift Guide

TBB’s 2022 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:

• $50 and under:  The simple and/or “add on” gift
• $50-100:  The standard gift category
• $100-200:  The solid winner gift
• Over $200:  Santa’s REALLY nice list!

And all of the tools in our 2022 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.

$50 and under Gifts | The simple and/or “add on” gift

• Craftsman Magnetic Cup Holder

If your Tool lover spends [too much] time in their workshop, and especially if they have a beverage or two while there, then this  is the perfect gift. Just sneak out there and look at any steel-topped surface like a table saw or jointer. See any rust rings? Well this inexpensive gift will eliminate those and give your person a place to put their drink after they work up a sweat and need to take a break. It’s magnetic and can also be mounted with screws, which we love.

Purchase at Lowes for $15

• Microjig GRR-RIP  Push Block & Fit Finder

It’s always fun to get a new tool but it’s equally important to use them safely. If you want your Tool Lover to keep all their fingers intact then you should check out the Microjig GRR-RIP Push Block. It has “smart hooks” that fold up on a flat surface or stay down to catch the back edge of a piece of wood being pushed through the table saw or jointer. It has a long surface area and great grip to make it super easy to keep a solid hold on your workpiece as you push it through the blade. The Fit Finder is an ingenious tool for finding the half thickness measure of a piece of wood or metal material. You slide the “P2” piece to the height of the material and the “P3” piece automatically adjusts to the halfway mark. It’s awesome for making easy lap joints on a table saw or even finding the center of a pipe or round lathe blank.

Purchase the GRR-RIP Push Block for $35

Purchase the Fit Finder for $34

• Spyder Shop Stool

Standing for long periods of time doesn’t always feel great. Especially on a concrete or hard packed floor. In work boots. So give your builder a sweet stool to take a break on. The Spyder stool is just the right height for a standard workbench, shop countertop, or draftsman’s table. The flared-out legs make it very stable and the boot bars give you a nice place to rest your feet while sitting.

Purchase at Lowes for $49

• Kreg 1/4 in Shank Router Flush-Trim Bit

We’ve used flush trim router bits A LOT in or work shops over the years. But when Kreg let us test out their new flush trim bits that feature top AND bottom mounted guide bearings we were immediately excited. These allow you to trim 1 1/8 in. thick material. The 1/4 in. shank paired great with the Ridgid Trim router featured below but Kreg also makes these in a 1/2 in. shank version. Like any decent router bit they sport a carbide edge and work great for template cutting. If your tool lover uses a handheld or table-mounted router then these are a must have.

Purchase at ACME Tools for $15

• Spyder Mach Blue Drill Bits

Drill bits are always a great gift because they sometimes break or get lost or just plain get dull. These Spyder bits look as good as they perform. The Blue finish also makes it easy to tell them apart from older bits that aren’t part of the set. The hex shank means they work with standard impact drivers as well as drill bits. The clear front case also makes it easy to keep track of missing drill bits before you store them away. They’ll love them!

Purchase at Lowes for $40

• DEWALT Oscillating Multi-Tool Blade Set

We use our Oscillating Multi Tool (OMT) all the time, whether cutting trim or leveling off protruding nail heads. But these tasks take their toll and the blades, no matter how good, get dull or chip off teeth. This is a great set from a great manufacturer. It has a good variety of blade shapes for a range of common materials. The case is handy and keeps the blades securely in place. And at $35 it’s a great value for what you’re getting from DEWALT!

Purchase at Home Depot for $35

• Crescent 4-Piece Chisel Set

Chisels may not be the first hand tool to come to mind but we use our consistently. Whether cleaning up a mortice and tenon joint or creating a just-right hinge recess, chisels are incredibly handy hand tools. This 4 Piece chisel set from Crescent holds their edge well and gives you the 4 basic sizes you need to tackle most any job. They are all steel construction with a large striking surface on the backside of the handle. The handle is really comfortable and grippy (you know what we mean) as well, so it won’t slip when you need to give it a good hammer strike.

Purchase at ACME Tools for $33

• Apex 11-Piece Pass Through Wrench Set

You might be thinking, my tool person already has wrenches. Too many wrenches for me to keep track of. But do they have a through wrench? A through wrench is built for ratcheting down nuts on long bolts or threaded rod. This Apex through wrench is even better because the through socket port is on the backend of an adjustable wrench. You get 2 tools in one here which makes it great to throw in your bag or truck and use on a number of jobs or tasks. Plus, the black-edition finish just looks sexy.

Purchase at Home Depot for $34

• Ryobi Li-USB Carver Kit

Sometimes you need a big saw or blade to make a big cut. But what about the smaller, detail cuts? Enter the Ryobi Carver kit. This rechargeable cordless charger kit comes with 3 blade designs: Straight, V-Gouge, and U-Gouge. It’s the prefect option for relief carving or restoration projects. Its lightweight and comfortable and delivers surprising power and utility for its size. And at $50 it’s not going to break the bank. This is a definite winner from Ryobi and something your tool lover might not have yet.

Purchase at Home Depot for $50

• Gerber Knives | Lockdown Slim Pry & Shark Belly Plain

We love knives. They may be one of the simplest and oldest hand tools around. These Gerber knives are awesome. The Lockdown Slim Pry (left) features 7 essential tools from a standard knife to a bottle opener, to a mini pry bar. It’s housed in a low-profile design that is both modern and easy to slide into your pocket. The Shark Belly (right) is an everyday carry, single blade pocketknife with a modern sheepsfoot blade and textured Sharkskin Grip. It has a scratch-resistant pocket clip and holds an edge quite impressively. Both knives come with Gerber’s awesome limited lifetime warranty as well.

Purchase at Gerber for $45/$47

$50-100 Gifts | The standard gift category

• Bora Tools 40 in. Parallel Clamp

We are big fans of Bora Tools Parallel clamps. They are often the go-to shop clamps. These 40 in. Bora parallel clamps are rugged and with the parallel face design offer even clamping pressure (up to 1100 lbs!) over the length of both clamping feet. They are designed to last with high quality steel and composite materials and come with removable work surface contact pads.  The orange color is easy to spot and they are built to last. The price point is on par compared to other manufacturers. So check them out at the links below.

Purchase at Bora for $56 (single)

Purchase at Home Depot for $100 (2-pack)

• Microjig Blade & Bit Cleaning System

We are big fans of keeping our equipment in the best shape possible to extend tool life and overall performance. The Microjig Blade cleaning system is an easy way to meet this goal. It allows you to use all-purpose cleaner (we used Mr. Clean) and a gentle abrasive pad to easily (and safely!) clean circular saw blades up to 12 in. as well as both 1/4 and 1/2 in. router bits. This is especially helpful if you’ve been working with soft woods that may have sap or pitch in the lumber and can heat up and stick to the blade when cutting. The included magnetic blade handle is also great for changing out blades on your table or miter saw. And at $99 its a small investment that has some serious long-term advantages!

Purchase the Blade & Bit Clean System for $99

• Work Sharp Knife & Tool Sharpener

We’ve featured a lot of tools and knives in our articles. Now we want to give you an option to sharpen them once you dull them out. This Work sharp knife and tool sharpener is our handheld offering to meet that need. it can easily sharpen every knife and tool you own. It uses flexible belts set at just the right angle to quickly restore the edge on your blades. The work Sharp knife and tool sharpener also has sharpening guides, and a two-speed motor and is very comfortable and user friendly. It even comes with a decent carry bag.

Purchase at Worksharp tools for $99

• Elgin Rumble (and Rebel) Earbuds

You know we prioritize safety at Tool Box Buzz. Power tools pose a long-term risk to hearing. So grab a pair of Elgin OSHA-compliant, NRR 27 decibel rated Rumble ear buds. We love them because they combine great hearing protection with clear audio quality. The earbud design with silicone ear tips and over ear hooks also means they stay securely in place even when running vibrating tools or wielding hand tools. Ear buds also offer the added advantage of working great with eye protection or headgear, such as grinding shields or welding helmets. The battery life is great on these Elgin earbuds, and they are IP67 rated meaning they are dust and sweat proof, essential jobsite characteristics. Elgin also sent us a pair of the Rebel Earbuds (which have no neck wire) and with an even more impressive NRR rating of 25 decibels, they are also great. Plus, the impact-resistant case even has a built in LED flashlight. At $129 they are a better fit in the next price category though.

Purchase at Elgin USA for $99

• Stanley Socket Set, Black Edition

If you need a full-spectrum socket set, as opposed to a small truck-friendly one (like the Apex set above), then check out this Stanley socket set. It has a sturdy molded case and everything you need at a great price to include both 1/4 in and 3/8 in shallow and deep sockets. And the black chrome finish with laser engraved markings is super easy to read which is great compared to all-stainless finish. This Stanley 69-piece socket set has everything you need and exceeds ANSI industry standards.

Purchase at Home Depot for $68

• Gear Wrench 10-Piece Bolt Biter Extractor Set

Broken fasteners are an unavoidable headache for any experienced builder or tool hound. The Gear Wrench Bolt Biter 10-piece set is the perfect solution to this problem. Made of high-quality steel and featuring a fluted edge design, they are made to last. It’s also super convenient to have the right-sized drill bits in the same storage case. They are also bi-directional meaning they can also tighten, not just loosen. This is great for those times it’s easier to drive the busted fastener the rest of the way through the material its embedded in. These are a necessity for anyone in the construction industry.

Purchase at Home Depot for $70

• Ryobi 18V 6-Port Supercharger

We love cordless tools and have featured countless reviews on Ryobi battery-powered tools over the years. If your tool lover uses Ryobi 18V power tools, then buy this. Why? Because instead of having to plug in one battery at a time, this charger allows you to plug in 6 batteries into a single charger. It charges them one at a time, in series, so when you head out to your shop later on, you’ll have 6 charged Ryobi 18V batteries waiting for you. And because it’s the intelliport SUPERCHARGED version, its cuts down on charging time compared to standard Ryobi 18V charging times. It works on Lithium or older Ni-Cd batteries and has an integrated USB charger to simultaneously charge a USB device while powering up batteries.

Purchase at Home Depot for $89

$100-200 Gifts | The Solid Winner Gift

• Diablo 8″ Stacked Dado Blade Set

This Diablo 8 in. stacked Dado blade set checks all the boxes we look for in a blade system. The blades have a low-friction coating, Carbide tipped blade teeth (that are resharpenable), shims for precision adjustments, and a carrying case. The set is designed to fit standard 5/8 in. arbors and features negative hook angles to produce splinter free edges and flat bottom grooves as advertised. This set is even ideal for underpowered saws because it requires less power to feed. And at $115, these blades are an investment that will allow you to custom build cabinets and shelving using precision dado and rabbet cuts for years to come. There’s a reason Diablo blades are common in all our TBB shops and this set will show you why!

Purchase at Home Depot for $115

• Little Giant 22-Ft Multi-Position Ladder

We are huge fans of a tool that has multiple uses. This Little Giant 22 ft. multi position ladder exemplifies this characteristic. It works as an A-frame, extension, 90-degree, or tressel-and-plank ladder. It has spring-assisted rapid locks to make position changes simple and secure. The wide flared legs make for a very stable base and help it meet or exceed all OSHA and ANSI industry standards. It’s crafted from aluminum and weighs in at a mere 38 lbs, yet holds up to 300 lbs. And best of all it comes with a limited lifetime warranty. At a sale price of $179 this is a great value for a great ladder!

Purchase at Lowes for $179

• Milwaukee M18 FUEL Angle Grinder

As the saying goes, don’t look a gift horse in the mouth. So don’t ask why Milwaukee is offering this kit for $199 (it’s usually over $500) and just buy it. Milwaukee FUEL products are among the most popular and prolific on any Professional jobsite. This Milwaukee 18V FUEL grinder is no exception. It features our preferred paddle switch design, multi-position mountable handle, and tool-free guard and blade adjustments. In addition, this M18 Grinder has REDLINK Plus, which is an electronic feature that allows the tool to talk to the battery to deliver the most power. This grinder is a beast and on par with any 11-Amp corded grinder we’ve used. It also comes with 2x 5.0 Ah RED Lithium batteries and a charger. This makes for one sweet gift! Find additional details at the TBB review article here.

Purchase at Home Depot for $199

• DEWALT 5-Inch 20V Orbital Sander

There’s nothing better than the final sanding on a beautiful hand-crafted creation. And this DEWALT 20V, 5-inch orbital sander kit is the perfect choice to get it done. It comes with a comfortable and powerful sander, 2Ah battery, charger, and sweet canvas storage bag. It has all the features you need including a variable speed switch that allows you to set the sander to anywhere from 8,000 and 12,000-OPMs. You can also hook a 1 7/8 in. dust extractor to it or use it with the included one-hand-removable dust bag. It’s lightweight and well balanced and at $129, its $100 cheaper than usual. We also have a TBB review article for that too!

Purchase at Lowes for $129

• Milwaukee M18 1/4 Sheet Sander

Keeping with our theme of finish sanding, the Milwaukee M18, 1/4 sheet sander is a great finish option for those tool lovers that already own (or want to own) Milwaukee tools. It’s a high-performing, variable-speed sander that oscillated anywhere from 11000-1300 OPMs. Additionally, it’s 2-stem clamp system for holding down the paper works perfectly. And the universal hose adapter and removable dust bag both did a great job collecting the dust we made. This sander also features Milwaukee’s REDLINK Plus (like the angle grinder above), to enable tool to battery communication and deliver optimized power. As far as cordless quarter-sheet sanders go, you can’t do any better than this Milwaukee one!

Purchase at Home Depot for $149

• Kreg PRO720 Pocket Hole Jig

Kreg has made a name for itself in the pocket hole jog game. And the PRO720 exemplifies why. This multi-featured jig uses Automaxx clamping action to single-handedly clamp onto materials 1/2-1 1/2 in thick. The Gripmaxx surface holds material securely in place so the pocket holes are exactly where you want them to be every time. The chip ejection port (with optional shop vac attachment) helped keep the clamping area relatively free of dust and shavings while the on-board accessory storage was incredible handy in keeping the easy to lose bits, collet, and wrench securely in place. The blend of impact-resistant polymer and steel framing make this a durable, high-quality jig that your tool lover is sure to enjoy.

Purchase at ACME Tools for $109

• Ryobi 18V ONE+ Hybrid Propane Heater

It’s easier to work in a comfortable space, so why not get your workshop dweller a heater to keep their space warm? The Ryobi 18V hybrid propane heater is a great choice. It offers the option to run off a standard Ryobi 18V Lithium battery or plug directly into a 110V wall outlet. A standard 20 lb propane tank will last you around 12 hrs if you run it at the lowest heat setting. Although it blasts anywhere from 30000-60000 BTUs. And have no fear, even the lowest setting puts off some impressive heat! It features an internal fan to help circulate the hot air and enabling it to effectively heat up to 2500 sq/ft. The electronic ignition is easy to use and its a very light unit making it quite easy to carry around.

Purchase at Home Depot for $149

• Gerber Knives | US-Assist S30V & Dual Force Multitool

OK, OK. I know we already included some knives in a prior section. But some knife lovers have refined tastes. And some tool lovers are always after the newest and best multi-tool. Gerber has you covered in both cases. The US-Assist S30V (right) is a spring-assisted, bearing based single blade knife. It looks sleek and functions flawlessly. It’s boasts S30 high-grade steel, perfectly placed thumb studs, and a phenomenal cross lock system to keep the blade locked, whether open or closed. The Dual Force (left) is a multi-tool highlighted by its impressive slip-jaw pliers. In standard multi-tool fashion, it also boasts 11 other tools mostly housed within its butterfly opening design. It comes with a rugged nylon sheath. And as before, both tools also come with Gerber’s awesome limited lifetime warranty!

Purchase at Gerber for $151/$110

• Ridgid 4 & 6Ah + “Free” Tool (Trim Router) Set

When we saw this Black Friday Only deal we couldn’t pass it up. Usually, a Ridgid 4Ah and 6Ah lithium battery set alone is $169. So add in a “free” 18V tool to pair with them and this literally feels like a steal. We opted to test out the 1/4 in. trim router and weren’t disappointed. Ridgid is an excellent entry-level Professional line and the trim router worked great on pine, cherry, oak, and poplar boards. It has a micro-adjustment dial, integrated LED light, 1 7/8 in. dust port, and soft start feature. Both batteries, the charger, and the router fit in the nice nylon carry bag as well. This is usually a $469 package so plan your black Friday shopping around it!

Purchase at Home Depot for $169

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

• Gearwrench Men’s Heated Canvas Jacket

We already covered the value of staying warm while working. But what if you aren’t working in a workshop? Then look no further. The Gearwrench Men’s heater canvas jacket is awesome! The Cavas material is both super comfortable and machine washable. The battery securely zips into the interior pocket. We loved its chape as the battery felt way less bulky than competitor offerings. The 3 carbon fiber heat zones worked great and kept us toasty in the crisp New England fall weather. The included 5Ah battery lasted 8 hrs between low and medium heat. And It’s also water resistant so even when we were working outside and got caught in a light rain, we weren’t soaked to the bone. Yep, this jacket is great and so is this TBB review on it!

Purchase at Gearwrench for $220

• Napier Outdoors Sportz Truck Tent

Does your gift target have a truck? Like the outdoors? Then grab this Napier Truck tent and let them combine them both. This tent mounts directly onto the bed of a standard pickup truck and provides an elevated campsite wherever you can drive. It features a sewed bottom for weather protection, front and rear windows (so you can get through the back window into your cab) and both a rainfly and awning. The Napier truck tent stores conveniently into a small bag so you can keep it in your truck for impromptu camping trips. It also boasts over 5′ 6″ of headroom so it doesn’t feel as compact as we thought it might. It’s not cheap at $299, but it’s a gift that is sure to make memories as you make your special person happy.

Purchase at Real Truck for $299

• Work Sharp WS3000 Tool Sharpener

We couldn’t help but include a second Work Sharp sharpened on our list. One that we’ve reviewed in detail on TBB. This one is a more elaborate, bench-mounted option. This Air-cooled, dry sharpening system eliminates the mess of a wet system and delivers higher material removal rates without affecting the steel temper. It can handle blades up to 2 in wide. Switching between bevel angles is simple and fast since it’s as simple as adjusting the port (vs. a detachable jig). It uses a tempered glass grinding wheel which is calibration free. There’s also no need to change between fixtures, grade wheels, or use multiple machines get a razor-sharp edge. If your worker uses straight blades like knives or chisels with any frequency, then this is a fantastic tool!

Purchase at Worksharp for $280

• Dometic Patrol 55 QT. Ice Chest

Long days in the hot sun will make a person thirsty, so why not think about a full featured cooler to keep your beverages of choice ice cold? The Dometic Patrol cooler is THAT cooler. It has a single-piece rotomolded design and extra thick PU insulation. The tough polymer materials are meant to withstand any rough & tumble environment. The large leak-proof drain makes cleaning your cooler easier and the Deep-freeze lid seal is absolutely airtight. The rope handles are heavy duty and sure to last. Lastly, the multi-use welded wire dock that can be used to hold a cup holder or a bottle opener. This is an investment as this cooler is the last one you’ll have to buy. And it looks pretty great too in whatever color you choose!

Purchase at Real Truck for $279

• Skilsaw 10 in. Portable Wormdrive Pro Jobsite Table Saw

We saved the biggest gift for last but for good reason. It’s worth spending some hard-earned cash on if you are looking for that one big gift. The Skilsaw SPT99-11 is a phenomenal portable table saw. We’ve used it on a variety of jobsites, and it has always performed exceptionally. It is a 15Amp, 10 in. fully featured portable saw and comes with Skilsaw’s amazing folding stand. The 16 in. wheels truly make this jobsite portable (and easy to load in the back of a work truck too). We have always loved Skilsaw’s worm drive design which is featured on this saw. This saw has a 30 1/2 in. rip cut and 3 1/4 in. depth of cut capacity and on-board storage for the rip fence, miter gauge, push stick, and blade guard/anti-kickback paws assembly. The rack-and-pinion fence design is incredibly smooth and solid. It also has a left-tilting blade that cants over to a 45-degree angle. The 2 in., downward-angled dust port fits most standard shop vacs and does a solid job taking care of the sawdust created. And the sliding outfeed support rack is a well thought out integrated feature. See more details on this saw in our TBB article. This is a great value and sure to make any tool lover’s Holiday the best ever!

Purchase at Lowes for $649

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

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 2022 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!

 TBB’s 2022 Holiday Gift Guide is a post from Tool Box Buzz

TBB’s 2021 Holiday Gift Guide

Do you dread having to find a gift for the workshop-a-holic in your family? Well, have no fear! Our 2021 Holiday Gift Guide will help you pick out the perfect gift(s) for that hard-to-buy-for tradesperson in your life. We go through the heartache, pain, and suffering of testing out some of the industries 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:

• $50 and under
• $50-100
• $100-200
• $200+ (Santa’s REALLY Nice List!)

And all of the tools in our 2021 Holiday Gift Guide are ones that are on our job site kits or in our Pros’ workshops. So hang some lights and then get ready to hang out with us for a bit.

$50 and under Gifts

Ryobi 11 in. Flexi-Shaft Bit Holder

Why didn’t I get one of these before!? This flexible shaft drill/driver extension from Ryobi lets you reach all the formerly hard-to-reach places for your fastening needs. Tight space? Deep hole? Angled approach required? Yes, this bit extension lets you reach them all. And at $9 it’s a no-brainer. Purchase Here

Ryobi 18V ONE+ Compact Bluetooth Speaker

Do you know what’s better than finishing up an error-free job?  Doing it while listening to great tunes. This small, light and inexpensive Bluetooth speaker is easy to throw in a toolbox for those times when you’ve got a job to do and you aren’t wearing hearing protection. The sound is good and the Bluetooth is easy to pair. So for $30 it’s an easy choice. Purchase Here

Ridgid Flip Top Portable Work Support

I’ve got A Ridgid flip-top support on both the infeed and outfeed side of my table saw as I type this. And they are fantastic! They eliminate the misaligned tracking that often comes with roller support stands. And adjusting them to just the right height is incredibly easy so they’ll work with pretty much any tool in the workshop. These stands can be locked in a flat position or set with a limited range of swivel-ability to easily receive incoming feed materials. They run about $33 and are worth every penny! Purchase Here

Bosch 61″ BT150 Compact Tripod

Sometimes we want to take some quality pictures of a job well done. Or shine some light on a dark work area. Your job site task might even require a precision leveled laser for an added level of accuracy (intentional foreshadowing here). Whichever of these needs arises, the Bosch 61″ BT150 Tripod offers a fully-adjustable tripod to keep your tools steady. They cost $50, which is less than it would cost to hire an extra set of hands to hold said tools even less steady for a day. Purchase Here

$50-100 Gifts

Ridgid 14-Piece Oscillating Multi-Tool Blade Kit

You can never go wrong with extra blades for an oft-used tool (yep, more foreshadowing). And with a multitude of uses, an oscillating multi-tool can sometimes chew through blades and accessories. This Ridgid oscillating multi-tool blade set gives a good variety of popular (and high-need) blades at a fraction of the cost compared to getting them individually. It runs for around $55. Purchase Here

Milwaukee 10 in. 40T + 60T & 7 1/4 in. Carbide Metal-Cutting Saw Blades

Recognize a theme here? Another couple of blade sets for arguably the most used tool in many workshops (and millwork floors). This time of the circular variety. Milwaukee’s 10 in. 40 & 60 tooth blade set is a perfect combo kit for any standard table saw. And their 7 1/4 in. circular saw metal cutting blade offers essential material-cutting versatility without requiring the purchase of a specialized tool. The 10 in. blade set runs for $69, while the 7 1/4 in. metal cutting blade goes for $60. Remember, these are an investment that will absolutely span many jobs and projects. Purchase 10 in. Here & 7 1/4 in. Here 

Crescent Tools 44 in. Indexing-head Wrecking Bar

Does your lucky gift receiver have an itch to pull apart some pallets and repurpose the wood into a beautiful hand-crafted masterpiece? Better question… Do you have a desire for them to do that? Or do they ever need to cleanly remove decking or planking during a restoration or demo job? The Crescent tools 44 in. indexing-head wrecking bar makes these tasks a breeze. At least compared to the alternative of using a shorter pry-bar, crow-bar, or (heaven help them) a hammer and wedge. They cost $63 which is still significantly less than the over-the-counter back pain remedies you would otherwise have to buy at the end of the job. Purchase Here

Milwaukee 500-Lumen Rechargeable Flashlight 2011R & M12 Rover Floodlight

Can you ever have too many flashlights and work lights? No. The answer is no! And Milwaukee has some of our favorites. This re-chargeable Milwaukee penlight also has a magnetic base as well as a two-way clip. That means it’s as easy to stick onto a metal surface as it is to clip onto the brim of your favorite work hat. It quickly recharges using a standard mini-USB cable. The Rover M12 floodlight is fantastic in its own right. It also has a magnetic base and is powered using Milwaukee’s M12 battery platform. Plus, the light has 2 brightness settings, and best of all? the light swivels to give you increased position-ability (also a real word) for any task you might need it for.  At $60 and $69, they aren’t cheap, but they are definitely 2 of our favorite lights for a reason! Purchase 500 Lumen Light here & M12 Rover Light here

Craftsman 11-Piece Ratcheting Wrench Set (SAE or Metric)

I have a wrench set, so did I really need a new wrench set? The answer, after using Craftsman’s new ratcheting wrenches, was a definite yes. Craftsman has created a fantastic wrench set with a combo of open-ended and ratcheting closed-ended wrenches. the ratcheting closed-end means tightening or loosening tight nuts or bolts in a cramped space is now easy, with no knuckle bleeding, experience. The polished, chromed steel looks great and the range the 11-piece set covers will handle most light-duty shop or automotive tasks you throw at it. They run about $74 and come on either SAE or Metric with Craftsman’s standard lifetime warranty. Purchase SAE Set Here & Metric Set Here

Ryobi 15- Piece Router Bit Set, 1/4 in. Shank

The router is an extremely versatile workshop or job site tool. From trimming countertops to rounding odd sharp wood edges, there seems to be a router bit for almost every wood application. This set is a perfect fit for anyone that finds themselves firing up their trim router with any frequency. It comes with an excellent range of bits in a convenient storage case. And it will save them money in the long run by not being forced to buy individual bits for each application. Just make sure your tool-loving counterpart is using a 1/4 in. shank router collet become snagging this great set for $65. Purchase Here

$100-200 Gifts

Winckelsteel 12-piece Woodcarving Set

Not every job has to be an arduous task. Sometimes handcrafting a custom-tailored workpiece can be a therapeutic experience. And the Winckelsteel 12-piece woodcarving set offers such an experience. If your woodworker, whether budding or professional, has ever expressed a desire to get into woodcarving, then this full-size set is the perfect starting point. The hardened steel blades come pre-sharpened and are designed to hold an edge well. And the solid wood handles are comfortable and look great in the included canvas roll-up carrying case. It will cost you $120 to put this under the tree. Purchase Here

Boss 18 oz. Framing or 14 Oz. Finish Hammer

I literally have a drawer full of hammers in my workshop. But none compare to my Boss hammers. But these hammers are more than just a hammer. They also have an integrated (albeit rough) angle measuring, T-square, and 6 in. ruler built into their handle. These work great for basic framing tasks and will quickly become any job site PRO’s go-to hammer. They are well balanced and even included a magnetic, recessed nail-starter spot at the top of the head. Oh yea, and they look and feel fantastic too. They will cost you $145 but make a great fit for anyone swinging a hammer day in and day out on a job site. Purchase Here

DEWALT 20V 7 1/4 in. Circular Saw w/ FlexVolt Advantage

A circular saw is an invaluable tool whether in the workshop or on the job site. If your tool addict doesn’t have one (or has an older one) then you need, not should, to help them upgrade. The DEWALT 20 circular saw with FlexVolt advantage is the perfect fit and one of our go-to tools. It supplies ample power and is comfortable for extended periods of use. It’s also extremely accurate and offers a great line of sight. Plus, it has some great design features with an integrated rafter hoof, super-bright LED light. And it maximizes safety with a well-designed electric brake. You can embarrass Santa and buy this saw for $199. Purchase Here

$200+ Gifts (Santa’s REALLY Nice List!)

Milwaukee M12 QUIETSHELL Realtree Heated Jacket

Does your tool-craving gift target like to hunt? Or do they like camouflage? Or do they just enjoy being warm outside when it’s freezing? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then the Milwaukee M12 QUIETSHELL RealTree Heated Jacket is sure to be a winner. And it’s literally the hottest thing on our 2021 Holiday Gift Guide. It’s extremely comfortable and the well-placed heating elements (in the core and the pockets) have separate controls for 3 levels of heat. Plus, the QUIETSHELL material is soft on the inside and out, eliminating and unwanted swishing while walking. it runs true to size and can be purchased with or without a battery. And the battery can be placed in the front or rear pocket so the jacket is comfortable to wear whether say… sitting back in a tree stand or chair or leaning forward on a ladder. It’s currently priced at $229. Purchase Here

Bosch Green Cross-Line Laser Level & Upgraded w/ Plum Line

If your favorite workshop or job site expert ever needs to precisely align and install lights, outlets, windows, doors, tiles, cabinets, trim, etc… then a Bosch auto-leveling laser light (either GLL100-40G and the GC100-40G) is a necessity, not a need. These lights both have a horizontal and vertical bright green laser line covering near 180-degrees. They both also self-level and are accurate to 1/8 in. at 30 ft. It even comes “pre-wrapped” in a heavy-duty molded plastic case and includes a magnetic L-bracket. They also pair exceptionally well with the Bosch Tripod previously highlighted in this article. So what’s the difference between the GLL and the GCL? The GCL has a third added feature; an upright and downward-facing laser plum line! They are definitely high-end tools at $235 and $289 respectively. But may fill a serious need that can often get overlooked. Purchase GLL100-40G Here & GCL100-40G Here

Milwaukee Packout Rolling Jobsite Toolbox Set

The Milwaukee Packout series of job sites, portable toolboxes is an industry favorite, and for good reason. They are tough and offer industry-leading job site protection, storage, and portability of any PROs essential tools. If your PRO hasn’t made the leap yet to the Milwaukee Packout series then this is the perfect starter set. It includes a rolling base, a medium-sized toolbox, and open storage crate. They are constructed of the highest-grade composite polymer materials to withstand the rigors of and elements on any job site. And they look great to boot. Plus, by buying this combo kit, you end up with some serious savings when compared to buying each piece individually. We use them on our sites with great success for years now. At $230 you can’t go wrong with the Milwaukee Packout Rolling Jobsite Toolbox Set. Purchase Here

Craftsman 41 in. Rolling Toolbox S2000 Base and Upper Cabinet

Last up is the Craftsman 41-inch series toolboxes. Each piece is purchased individually so if you don’t want both (yet), start with the rolling base. Having a large toolbox in the workshop means better organization, time savings, and a lower risk of tool loss or damage. The heavy-duty casters and 18GA steel I-beam construction make it rugged. Add in full-extension drawers (rated at 100 lbs) with drawer liners & mat and Craftsman has a real winner. Want to go all out? Just add the matching upper box in black! It comes complete with an integrated power strip and charging area and features the same keyed internal locking system as its companion bottom toolbox. At $459 (Lower base) and $259 (Upper), these are the most expensive items on our 2021 holiday gift guide. But these are probably significantly less expensive than the tools they will contain so it’s worth considering. Purchase Upper Toolbox Here & Lower Toolbox Here

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?” But trust our 2021 Holiday Gift Guide to gift you some great suggestions that are sure to be winners and bring a smile to your loved ones face.

2021 Holiday Gift Guide is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Crescent Tradesman Tool Bags Review

Crescent Tradesman Tool Bag & Backpack

4.5/5

Manufacturer: Crescent
Model number: CTB1710 & CTB1000
Price: $108.39-$114.02

Belts Vs. Bags is an argument that the trades will probably have until the end of time. I have always found myself in the bags camp. Having come from the site work and heavy/civil side of construction, a belt just isn’t practical the majority of the time.

The Crescent Tradesman Model CTB171

Features and Specifications

• 17 Interior and 8 Exterior Pockets
• Hard Polypropylene Base
• Bright Orange Nylon Interior
• Made From 16800 Polyester
• Metal Handle W/ Foam Padding
• Weight: 7.05 Lbs.
• Warranty: 1 Year

The Crescent Tradesman Model CTB1000

Features and Specifications

• 4 Exterior Pockets and 34 Interior Pockets
• Exterior Dedicated Tool Holders
• Hard Polypropylene Base
• Bright Orange Nylon Interior
• Made From 16800 Polyester
• Weight 8.0 Lbs.
• Warranty: 1 year on the Bag / 3 years for the Zippers

Outstanding Features of the Crescent Tradesman Bags

Tool Organization and Layout

There is nothing worse than working in a dark crawl space or basement and having to use a flashlight to search through the bottom of your tool bag for the right size screw or driver. Crescent filled the Tradesman line with dedicated tool organizer sleeves and pockets to help fix that. I was easily able to find a home for all of my daily use tools that was easy to retrieve and store. The bright orange interior material also provides an excellent contrast and makes it easy to identify your tools. This is very noticeable when working in dark or dimly lit areas.

Dedicated Tool Holders

The Tradesman Backpack features some well thought out tool pockets on the exterior as well. Most notably a steel tape measure clip. This clip is reinforced and strong enough to keep your tape measure secure but also within easy reach. There is also a tape roll loop, several open pockets, and a water bottle pocket.

Rugged Construction

The rugged polypropylene base on both tool bags is wear and shock resistant. This protects any sensitive tools that you may be lugging in and out of the job site. It also keeps the backpack standing upright for easy access to both main pockets.

Magnetic Phone/Personal Items Pocket

Getting my personal items out of my pockets but keeping them within easy reach is a constant struggle. The Tradesman backpack offers a magnetic closure, fast access, folding pocket directly on the front of the bag. This is an excellent storage option for you phone, keys, wallet or any other personal items that may be poking you if left in your pants pockets.

This easy access pocket may also make a good home for diagnostic tools or other dedicated tools that need to be kept handy.

Pricing and Availability

The 17″ Open Top bag as well as the Tradesman Backpack are both available now from Crescent Tools as well as online and in stocking stores. Our friends at Ohio Power Tool are currently stocking the full line of Crescent bag at their website. Follow the Buy it Now link below to view and purchase.

The 17″ Open Top bag is available for $108.39 and the tradesman Backpack is available for $114.02. While this may seem expensive to many, I think that they represent a good value. These are dedicated and well thought out professional bags. They will outlast the generic store brand bags that are common on many job sites and offer features that are absolutely pro grade.

Overall Thoughts of the Crescent Tradesman Line

These bags are in a completely different league than the majority of tool storage bags on the market. They are spacious, rugged, and well thought out. I think back the the five gallon buckets and green canvas military surplus bags that my father used for tool storage and can’t help but laugh. Crescent has developed a rock solid lineup of tool storage bags with the Tradesman line.

I think anyone in the mechanical trades would benefit from any of the Crescent offerings. The Tradesman Backpack would be extremely well suited as a diagnostic or service call bag. The 17″ Open Top bag has become my dedicated trim work bag because I can fit my Milwaukee 18 Gauge Brad Nailer on one side and all my hand tools on the other. Additionally the tradesman Backpack would be a great option for anyone in the field doing surveying work or construction layout. It offers solid protection for delicate instruments while still providing fast access.

Check out the full lineup from Crescent for your tool storage needs.

Crescent Tradesman Tool Bags Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Crescent Lufkin Upgrades Tape Measures

Control Series Tapes

Sparks, Md.—Crescent Lufkin^® has launched the Control Series of tape measures, the next generation of tapes that combine a professional feel and finish with the innovations that tradespeople need. The new features are designed to help tackle issues that other tape measures can’t, helping users get the job done more efficiently.

“Innovation without quality is called a gimmick. Quality without innovation is called lazy. But when you have both, you raise expectations for what something should have always been,” said Kevin Fitzpatrick, product manager for Crescent Lufkin. “The Control Series builds on our long legacy of quality tapes by adding meaningful features that professionals appreciate. There’s nothing ‘gimmicky’ about these tapes.”

The 1-3/16” wide tape with extra-large print has 12 feet of standout, while the matte finish reduces glare and protects the blade, ensuring that it holds up through heavy use. The finger brake beneath the tape’s feed allows the user to control the blade without risk of pinching, and the blade can be locked in place with the wide lock button protected by over-mold rails.

Ergonomic, light-weight and compact, Control Series tapes are ideal for everyday use, and the 360-degree end hook is designed to grip material from all sides. The integrated tether point allows for easy tethering when working from taller heights. If it does fall, Control Series tapes are tough, surviving more than 50 one-story drops during real-life testing.

The Control Series offers eight options, including an engineers’ blade, two metric versions, and a version with Crescent Lufkin’s Nite Eye color scheme for greater legibility. For more information, visit www.crescenttool.com.

New Crescent Lufkin Control Series Tapes is a post from Tool Box Buzz