Holiday Gift: Tools

*This post is sponsored by The Home Depot.

Some people want all the shoes, some people want all the tools.  I happen to fall in the latter category and if you’re like me or have someone on your holiday gift list who appreciates a good tool then I have a few suggestions that might be perfect.

You can never go wrong with the basics and having good foundation tools that do the work for you is a recipe for success in any project.  From the most beginner do-it-yourselfer to the most advanced handyman or woman these tools are wonderful, reliable workhorses to have in your arsenal.

It goes without saying that almost everyone needs a drill at some point in their life.  Whether to make holes or insert screws it is my number one tool that gets used ALL THE TIME.  This Ryobi brushless impact driver is the latest in the Ryobi drill line up and I can tell you from experience with previous models this impact driver packs a powerful punch and without all that ratcheting noise.

Did you hear that?  Just the quiet little hum.  I was building stud frames for some much needed basement shelving:

The powerful​ ​design​ ​produces​ ​up​ ​to​ ​2,000​ ​in-lbs​ ​torque​ ​to​ ​easily​ ​drive​ ​or​ ​tighten​ ​large​ ​fasteners.  In the video above I used 2 1/2″ screws and you can see how easily they went into the 2×4 studs.  This Ryobi impact driver has 3 speeds for more control when driving and the brushless​ ​motor​ ​provides​ ​more​ ​runtime,​ ​more​ ​power,​ ​and​ ​longer​ ​motor​ ​life.

Ever hanging pictures or installing something on the horizontal and find yourself needing 8 arms to hold up the level and measuring tape?  Been there, done that and this next tool will eliminate all that nonsense.  The Bosch self leveling cross line laser is a must have tool for accurate leveling and alignment.  Recently I was installing a metal track for my girls barn door window coverings and I set up the laser cross-line to insure it was completely horizontal:

The easy-to-use​ ​one-button​ ​operation​ ​allows​ ​the​ ​user​ ​to​ ​choose​ ​among​ ​cross-line,​ ​horizontal​ ​or vertical​ ​modes,​ ​depending​ ​on​ ​the​ ​application,​ ​and​ ​it​ ​provides​ ​an​ ​accuracy​ ​of​ ​±3/16​”​ ​at​ ​30​ ​Ft.  Also this Bosch self leveling cross line laser unit​ ​includes​ ​a​ ​flexible​ ​mounting​ ​device​ ​that​ ​can​ ​clamp​ ​to​ ​practically​ ​any​ ​interior​ ​surface​, like moulding or even a headboard:

Definitely a must have tool for any homeowner.

Up next is the Ridgid dual power light cannon and everyone needs a portable,  battery operated light source no matter who you are.  This is one amazing light and I take it with me everywhere in my dungeon of a workshop space.  It​ ​puts​ ​out​ ​a​ ​powerful​ ​2500 lumens and the​ ​head​ ​swivels​ ​180​ ​degree​ ​to​ ​direct​ ​light​ ​where​ ​it’s​ ​needed.

If there is one tool you should buy for everyone on your list this Ridgid light cannon is it.  Hands down the most useful tool that doesn’t require any skill, practice or know how to use.  On​ ​its​ ​lowest​ ​setting​ ​it​ ​can​ ​run​ ​up​ ​to​ ​30​ ​hours​ ​on​ ​a​ ​single​ ​5Ah​ ​battery​ ​charge, that’s all day and all night!  Plus it​ ​can​ ​also​ ​be​ ​plugged​ ​into​ ​a​ ​12-Volt​ ​car​ ​adapter if the situation ever arises.  It’s self standing and emits a ton of light, sorry Mr. Flashlight this light cannon wins hands down.

Along with a drill, level and light source I can guarantee everyone needs a screwdriver.  Why buy a flimsy little single screwdriver when Milwaukee has an 11-in-1​ ​screwdriver​ that ​includes​ ​the​ ​8​ ​bits​ ​and​ ​3​ ​nut​ ​drivers​ ​most​ ​requested​ ​by​ ​professionals.  This Milwaukee multi tip screwdriver will fast become your one and only screwdriver in your tool kit.

Often you need a screwdriver for delicate situations when a drill is not a good fit or too powerful.  I used the Milwaukee screwdriver to reinstall the sconces in my girls bedroom after I hung those barn door window coverings.  All the bits and drivers are conveniently stored in the handle and easily interchangeable.  A very affordable screwdriver considering you’re getting multiple square drive bits and hex drivers.

Lastly you need a method to transport those tools around the house or to the job site and Husky comes through with a tool tote that might just be my favorite model to date.  It’s got water resistant rigid sides and a rotating handle which means the tote stays open for easy access and visibility.

It holds a ton and can be used for anything from tools, sewing accessories, craft supplies, wrapping supplies and on and on.

Here’s to checking off that holiday gift list with all the tools!  Wishing you a wonderful holiday season and lots of building, making and projects.

* I acknowledge that The Home Depot is partnering with me to participate in this Tool Review Program.  As a part of the Program, I am receiving compensation in the form of products and services, for the purpose of promoting The Home Depot.  All expressed opinions and experiences are my own words.  My post complies with the WOMMA Ethics Code and applicable Federal Trade Commission guidelines.