Great DIY Hand Tool Gift Ideas
Well, Thanksgiving and Halloween are just memories now. The next holiday in the pipeline is Christmas and it'll be here in a flash. The other DIY Christmas tool gift guide discussed DIY power tool ideas. This article covers hand tools (not the absolute basics). Just can't have too many!
The Digital Multimeter (DMM)
The digital multimeter is an essential tool for any DIY projects involving electricity. Changing or installing a ceiling fan? Replacing a light switch? Installing LED or low voltage lighting fixtures? Got to have one.
The multi in multimeter means three tools in one – ammeter, ohmmeter, and voltmeter. It's great for testing continuity in electrical circuits when troubleshooting. DMMs are fairly inexpensive nowadays. The top brand is Fluke, and Radio Shack also carries their brand for a good price.
The Handy Stud Finder
No, this isn't a dating service; the handy stud finder is the Do It Yourselfer's best friend when it comes to hanging pictures, installing wall shelves, or hanging a mirror. Forget the old methods of wearing the hide off knuckles by tapping the wall or making holes by searching with “trial and error” finish nails.
The stud finder is affordable enough to be a stocking stuffer. The cheaper ones work their magic by using a magnet to pick up nail or screw heads. Beware; they can also alert on pipes and conduit, neither of which is recommended to nail into. Spend a bit more for a model that senses the density of the wall. It will alert where the stud begins and ends so the center can be located.
The best ones are made by Zircon and Strait Line.
Woodworking Clamps for Strength
Any woodworker will confirm it – having too many woodworking clamps hanging on the shop wall is impossible. Period. In almost all wood joinery DIY projects, the pieces are dry fitted, then glued up and clamped overnight (excluding much traditional Japanese wood joinery).
For example, building drawers with dovetail joints or box joints, or when assembling picture frames, 90 degree clamps ensure that perfect 90 degree angle. For mortise and tenon joints, bar clamps are the ticket in most cases. New style clamps seem to appear on the market all the time.
Jorgensen woodworking clamps have a rich history of quality; they are usually passed on to the next generation of craftsman rather than wearing out. Quick-Grip clamps have been around for a while now and allow the convenience of one-handed operation.
Leatherman Multi-Purpose Tools
There have been many imitations over the past decade but no manufacturer comes close to an authenic Leatherman multi-purpose tool. Mr. Leatherman was an engineer before he invented the tool so it goes without saying that he obsessed over quality.
There is a whole array of Leatherman tools; one for every purpose and budget. The tool's greatest feature is portability; it folds up and rides in a belt pouch. Sometimes it's just inconvenient or impractical to carry around a toolbox when all that's needed is several different screwdrivers and a pair of needlenose pliers.
Hopefully the hand tools covered in this article point in a direction that will help to delight the DIY gift recipient on Christmas morning!
