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

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

Gerber Skyridge AO Knife Review

Gerber Skyridge AO Knife

4/5

Manufacturer: Gerber
Model number: Skyridge AO
Price: $50.88

Since founded in 1939 by Joseph Gerber, Gerber has become the one of the most trusted and collected name in the knife industry.  Gerber has maintained their dedication to making high quality knives that will last a life time.

Gerber is no longer just a knife company however; Gerber has been exploring new directions such as multi-tools, axes, machetes, headlamps, survival kits and handsaws.  All of these items are made with the same characteristics as their knives; top quality, innovative designs and affordable prices.

 Gerber Skyridge Specifications

• Overall Length: 7.9″
• Blade Length: 3.3″
• Weight: 4.8oz
• Fine Edge Blade
• Assisted Open
• Plunge Lock System

The Gerber Skyridge AO out of the Box

When I get my hands on a new knife there are three main things I look at first. The blade, handle and the belt clip. There are other obvious features that impress me such as assisted opening, locking mechanisms.

• Blade – The Skyridge has a fine edge blade with no serrated edges. The knife arrived super sharp and ready to work. The blade is made of stainless steel with a glass bead finish.

• Handle –  The handle of the Gerber Skyridge AO knife is very comfortable and is made from nylon material over a stainless steel liner and has an etched surface that improved grip and performance.

• Pocket Clip – The Skyridge has a strong pocket clip. Typically after the first few times you pull the knife from your pocket you will get an idea of how well the belt clip was made. If it is too flimsy it becomes loose and bends outward causing it to sit loosely in my pocket. I prefer a hard ridged pocket clip that will withstand the constant deployment and putting back into my pocket.

Skyridge Safety Features

• Blade Lock – There is a small button at the top of the knife handle that will allow you to lock the blade closed or open. Having the blade locked while closed is a nice feature and prevents the blade from deploying accidentally in your pocket.
• Plunge Lock  – In order to release the blade (from open position), a simple push of the plunge lock button (located under the blade lock) allows the user to secure the blade back into the handle. In addition, the user can lock the blade in the handle by using the blade lock.

Gerber Skyridge AO Knife’s Performance

Assisted opening knives are very popular and the Gerber Skyridge is one of the nicer knives I’ve used as an every day carry knife. It took me some time breaking in the assisted opening mechanism as it was stiff out of the box and on some occasions it was the second or third attempt to get it to open. After several days of using it, the AO mechanism is now smooth and flawless. The blade has maintained the same sharp edge as the day I opened it. The

Overall Impression of the Gerber Skyridge AO Knife

The Gerber Skyridge Assisted Opening knife offers convenience, a razor sharp blade and nice safety features. The assisted opening mechanism is quick and provides a clean deployment. This knife is durable, reliable and the blade will withstand tough cutting applications and with a cost around $50, it definitely will not break the bank. Skyridge is now my go to every day carry [EDC] knife.

Gerber Skyridge AO Knife is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Gerber Crucial Multi-Tool w/ Strap Cutter Review

Gerber Crucial Multi Tool

5/5

Manufacturer: Gerber
Model number: Crucial Multi Tool
Price: $53.00
Weight: 5.0 oz

When I was 12 years old I got my first Swiss Army knife and its been down hill ever since, I love knives and multi tools.

The folks at Gerber recently sent me their Crucial Multi-Tool w/ Strap Cutter to review and evaluate. A multi-tool has always been something I’ve owned but seldom carried it due to the bulkiness. Tough to keep in your pocket and usually required some sort of pouch for your belt, I didn’t want the hassle of digging into my pocket for it or lifting up my shirt to access a pouch.

Gerber really took a look at these 2 issues, size and storage and created the Crucial which is a  small, compact, multi-tool that comes with a tough, tight, belt clip;  all great reasons to review and evaluate the Crucial.

Crucial Specifications:

• Needle-nose Pliers
• Half Fine / Half Serrated Blade
• Strap Cutter
• Philips and Slotted Screwdrivers
• V-Cut Wire Cutter
• Overall Length: 5.5 inches
• Closed Length: 3.6 inches
• Weight: 5.0 oz

First Impression:

When the Crucial arrived from Gerber, it came out of the package with probably one of the sharpest blades I have seen to date. I wish I could have used to cut open the thick plastic it was in! I like how the blade is half fine finish and the other half is serrated.

The compact size was definitely another great first impression to me. This multi-tool is only 5-1/2″ open and closed it is just over 3-1/2″.  Majority of the multi-tools on the market are 4-1/2″ or taller when closed and upwards of 7-1/2″ open.

Why Multi-Tool?

There are several multi-tools on the market that have far more accessories than the Crucial but I would challenge you to find one that has the most common accessories like the Crucial with it’s compact size.

Multi-tools are exceptionally useful to those in public safety professions.  Screwdrivers, pliers, seat belt cutters and a knife is just too much gear to carrying around especially with all the equipment they currently have with them.  Having all these options in one small multi-tool that can securely fit in your pocket or vest provides you with the versatility you want, with out the hassle of carrying several separate tools.

Ergonomic Design

The Crucial has a unique curved ergonomic design when open. This ergonomic design allows for better gripping as well as better torque for turning applications. The liner-locking knife blade was stiff to open initially but after several times opening and closing it seemed to be more broken in and easy to deploy. I also really like the ability to use the accessories either open or close. Being able to deploy the knife with one hand allows for faster deployment than if you had to open the multi-tool to get to the knife.

Overall Impression

Gerber has designed a really nice, sleek, compact and useful multi-tool. If you are in the public safety profession, I would definitely recommend this multi-tool. It has 6 essential tools in one small 5.0 oz pocket size frame. This multi-tool is also a good option for an every day carry. Highly recommended!

Gerber Crucial Multi-Tool w/ Strap Cutter is a post from Tool Box Buzz