Each year about this time we make our annual jaunt through hardware stores and home improvement centers in search of new and useful tools and devices that would make appreciated holiday gifts.
Traditionally there have been two lines of tools. One was for the professional contractor. These were the tougher, more powerful tools. The other line was for the do-it-yourselfer.
While this is still true to some extent, product lines are becoming more homogenous as tools for the home improver take on many of the characteristics of professional tools. Some of the more obvious features are more powerful motors, tougher shells, more solid construction, variable speed triggers, improved safety features, assorted components and more functions.
What follows are our picks for stocking stuffers for the do-it-yourselfer in your life, although there is not enough room to include all of the fabulous tools and gadgets that we came across.
If you've ever tried to sand tough-to-get-into corners with either a hand or power sander, you know how difficult and frustrating it can be. That was before the new Bosch B7001 Corner Detail Sander. This little pup has a 3 inch triangular sanding surface (shaped essentially like a clothes iron). It has an ergonomically designed grip for comfort and stability, a variable speed motor and an assortment of accessory pads which will do everything from polishing furniture to removing paint from window glass. This is a great gift for the wood worker in the family. It retails for $99.
Another pick is too big to fit in most stockings, but it's worth making room for under the tree. And speaking of trees, if you have any that shed leaves or needles then the Ryobi 310bvr Gas Blower-Vacuum is a must.
Professional landscape maintenance companies have enjoyed the convenience that a Blower-Vacuum provides in rounding up leaves and other debris. When was the last time you saw one of those guys use a rake? Power blowers for the homeowner have been around for a number of years, but like many other consumer-oriented products, could not compare to those designed for the pros. This is becoming less true with the new generation of power blowers.
Whereas power blowers are available with gas or electric motors we picked the former because of convenience. You can take it anywhere and you don't have to hassle with electrical cords. The Ryobi 310bvr has a low-tone muffler for quiet operation, 150-MPH air speed, variable speed throttle, and is light enough for use by light-weight gardeners. This unit also serves as a vacuum with automatic mulching action. You'll never have to pick up a rake or broom again. It goes for $113.
It seems like we're always sanding something. Cabinets, furniture, walls, floors, you name it. Two of the greatest disadvantages associated with sanding are user fatigue and the dust created.
Well, we've got just what the home improvement doctor ordered, the Skil 7276 Sandcat Dustless Palm Grip Sander. The Sandcat's 1.7 amp motor delivers 13,000 orbits per minute for fast, smooth finishing. Its compact one-handed grip and quarter sheet design make it a breeze to use. One of our favorite features is the through-the-pad dust extraction and dust bag which cuts down on the mess for those in-home sanding projects. The unit also comes with easy-mount paper clamps for effortless paper changes and an 8-foot cord for added convenience. Less than $60.
Computer technology is now available in a variety of electronic home improvement gadgets. Electronic stud finders, levels, measuring devices and material calculators are just a few of today's hottest electronic tools.
For do-it-yourselfers, the old fashioned retractable hip-mount measuring tape has been replaced by a more do-it-yourself-friendly alternative Seiko Instruments ProTape16' (HC500). The ProTape16' looks much like a conventional tape measure, but the large digital display on one side is a sure giveaway. The display shows measurement lengths, accurate to one-sixteenth of an inch, in feet and inches or in metric units. This nifty gadget made it into this year's selections due to the convenience that it provides folks who traditionally have a tough time reading the hash marks on a tape.
For added convenience the ProTape16' features a case addition key which automatically adds the length of the case for easy wall-to-wall measurements. Tape and display locks also allow easy and precise readings. Other features include memory, plus addition and recall functions that allow for cumulative measurements, such as running board feet and automatic shut-off after 15 seconds.
Another equally sophisticated yet easy-to-use electronic tool from Seiko Instruments that will fit perfectly in a holiday stocking is the ProMeasure+ (HC1000), formerly the Home Contractor. The ProMeasure+ is a tapeless device that ultrasonically measures room dimensions, including heights, at the push of a button. Like the ProTape16' the large digital read-out displays the measurements in both feet and inches and metric units.
It also features a high-accuracy conversion calculator, making it easy to achieve accurate measurements for estimating the quantities and costs of materials needed for painting, carpeting, wallpapering, paneling, tiling, air conditioning, heating and other projects. All of this from a gadget which fits in the palm of your hand.
In addition to the ProTape16' and the ProMeasure+, Seiko Instruments also offers an electronic level and other electronic measuring devices. All of Seiko's Home Contractor Electronic Measurement Tools retail for under $50.
Last, but certainly not least, is a tool that the entire family can enjoy the Ryobi Detail Carver. When one does figure carving with wood, it's the little details the gleam in the eye, the more lifelike folds in a dress, or the extra feathers in a wing that demonstrate pride in one's work.
Simply stated, the Detail Carver is a power chisel that works with a pressure-activated chisel motion. You can use it to create plaques for desks, personalize wood crafts, replicate Victorian detail for home repair projects and even create decorative arts for country kitchens.
Like all of our other picks, it's lightweight (2 pounds) which makes it safe and easy to handle. The unit is equipped with two speed settings and comes with five chisel bits of varied sizes and profiles to suit any detail need. It has two speeds, 10,400 and 12,500 strokes per minute. The Detail Carver retails for less than $70.
Sincere best wishes to all for a pleasant and healthy holiday season from the Carey Bros.
If any of you has a helpful hint or tip that we can share with our readers we'd love to hear it.
