*This post is sponsored by The Home Depot. I have been compensated for my time and provided with product or payment in exchange. All opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links.
I've put together a list of some of my favorite tools and gadgets and broken them down by price. Most of the items are eligible for free shipping and everything on the website can be set-up for free store delivery. Keep scrolling to check them all out and make sure to click the links for for details.
$20 or less:
I scored a Ryobi Power Inflator at Haven conference a couple years ago. Not only is it great for airing up bike tires, it can actually put out enough pressure to fill car tires and is portable.
Drill and driver bits are one of those things that you really should just stock up on because you know you're going to lose, strip, break, etc. on the regular. Although I have yet to ever strip one of these Milwaukee Shockwave Driver bits, having a stash of 15 would come in mighty handy!
I have a small obsession with my FatMax measuring tapes, so when I received a Milwaukee Magnetic Tape Measure I was a little skeptical. After using it, I'm totally sold! The magnetic end is genius and the fact that both the top and bottom sides of the tape are printed with measurements are game changing.
You don't think much about drill bits, until the size you need happens to be the one missing from the pack. If I'm totally honest, I've broken more than a couple small drill bits before, which is why the titanium coated drill bits from Ryobi are the way to go (and less than $10 for 21!).
When I was in Atlanta two years ago, I got to tour the torture chamber testing facility where Husky products are put through quality control. Believe me when I say this Husky 15" Tool Bag will last longer than you. It's super durable and holds a Mary Poppins worthy amount of stuff.
$20 - $50:
You may be asking why Dad wants somthing called a "craft tool"; let me tell you. What's the one thing that makes Dad even more angry than leaving the lights on in a room after you leave? When someone uses his tools and doesn't put them back. I've used several different rotary tools before, and the Dremel Stylo+ is by far the easiest way to engrave anything. The smaller size and weight, as well as the index-finger power button make carving your initials (or anything else you want) into plastic, wood and steel as simple as holding a pencil.
You guys have heard me say before, every shop should have a Kreg Jig. The R3 or "mini" is a great entry level jig. It's the model I started with before investing into a full size model.
Another tool everyone should have is a socket wrench set. Although I don't use them every day, I frequently need to tighten nuts and bolts (furniture casters- I'm looking at you).The Husky 1/4 in. Drive Gimbal and Universal Socket Set is cool because it's actually a palm wrench instead of a long handle. The gyroscopic design pivots giving you access where ratchets and wrenches can't.
$50 -75:
Even if you don't live in Arizona like me, it can get hot in the garage. This little Ridgid GEN5X Hybrid Fan can really move some air and doesn't take up too much real estate.It's a life saver in the summer!
Why do most men feel like the grill is their domain? Luckily my husband is great cook both indoors and out. One of the coolest little gadgets we have is a Bluetooth thermometer. You place the probe into whatever you're grilling and go about your business. It sends the temperature reading to your phone and an alarm will sound once it's ready. It also works with a kitchen oven too.
I didn't realize I needed a Ryobi Dual Power LED Work Light till I had one. YOU NEED ONE TOO! Seriously, this little light is amazing! We've used it in the attic, under the car, and in the shop. It can either be plugged in or run on battery.
$75 - $150:
Got a dad on the go? I normally keep my Husky Connect Rolling Tool Boxes un-stacked for easy access, but I can easily load them up to take my tools with me when I'm working on a friend or family member's house. These bad boys are seriously heavy duty, which is good because I'm not always the most gentle on tools.
Okay, these are the gadgets your Dad is going to love but you're going to hate. This little black button is a TICK from Milwaukee. Dad can can glue, screw, rivet or strap the TICK on anything and track where it is via an app on his phone. So he can know what happened to all those tools you "borrowed" and be alerted when they go missing.
Dremels are life savers! I use mine all the time! I use it to sand the inside of drilled holes, cut off screws or nails and I discovered last fall that it makes a great pumpkin carver. The 4300 model is especially cool because it comes with a boatload of accessories like an LED work light.
$150 +:
Dude, this thing BUMPS! My DEWALT Battery Charger/Bluetooth Radio is my new favorite toy!Some good tunes definitely make the time fly when I'm working. I ALWAYS have Pandora on in my shop. Remember how I said I'm rough on tools? This whole unit is virtually indestructible and I am majorly impressed with the sound quality and volume. I honestly like it better than the fancy Bluetooth speaker I got for Christmas.
My in-laws are contractors and the term "reciprocating saw" isn't even in their vocabulary. There are only Sawzalls. Now that Milwaukee makes an M18 FUEL Sawzall that is just as powerful as a corded version, it should be on the top of any tool lover's wish list.
Although not in the price grouping, even the best saw is only as good as it's blade. If you're cutting metal, my go-to blade is the Milwaukee 6" Torch 7 TPI with carbide teeth.
I LOVE the Milwaukee Red Lithium High Output batteries! They are super lightweight but last as long as competitors twice their size. If you are planning on purchasing a Milwaukee power tool, make sure you also pick up a M18 3ah 2-pack to go with it.
If you're the kind of person who hates changing out batteries, Milwaukee just launched a 8.0 ah, high output battery! That's massive! It's designed for high demand devices like the Sawzall and even the cordless chainsaw I got to try out a couple months ago.
I have a confession. Although I have a table saw, it's not the best and I actually dread using it. The Ryobi 10" Sliding Miter Saw has a 11-1/2" wide cutting capacity. That's huge! You can cross cut pretty good sized boards and plywood without having to drag out the circular or table saw. And $199 is a steal for a sliding compound miter saw!
How often did your dad yell at you for touching the thermostat? We have a very strict "parents only" rule with the thermostat in our house. In Arizona we have notoriously high utility bills (like $300-400 electric bills in the summer). A Wi-Fi Programmable Thermostat helps a ton! You can lower or raise the temperature while you're away and set up a schedule to maximize energy usage.
Obviously, I'm a big fan of woodworking tools like saws, sanders and drills, but on more than one occasion I've found myself crossing the proverbial line in the garage floor to go steal borrow one of my husband's socket wrenches. Whether it's for driving lags bolts or assembling machinery, every shop needs a reliable Mechanic's Tool Set.
Did you see anything you like? If you're the online shopping type, this weekend is one of the best times to buy tools! The Home Depot is having a massive Memorial Day sale and you may be able to hook up Dad with a cool gift for a little less.
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