Some guys are fixers. It’s in their nature to tighten pipes, repair squeaky boards, build their own sheds, or find bigger, better, badder ways to get any job done. You can’t change that about them, and we’d bet they’ve saved you a couple of times when you needed repairs or renovations done. Why not thank them with a gift that will speak to their nature as the foremost expert on all things DIY.
We’ve found 20 items that any fixer will find use for – though odds are good he can find a use for just about anything. Each one is designed to make his job and his life easier. Something any handyman or do-it-yourselfer can appreciate.
Milwaukee 2351-20 M12 Stick Light
Hang ‘Em High: Boasting 3 LED lights, a steel hook that can hang anywhere to cast light on the darkest of jobs, 220 lumens of output, and an impact resistant body that can take a pounding, the stick light will help bring illumination the next time a fuse blows or the generator won’t start during a blackout. [Purchase: $46]
Snap-On Low Profile Screwdrivers
Right and Tight: Turning a screw can be tough enough, but if it is hard to reach, the task becomes impossible. These are built to give the maximum amount of grip in the least amount of space with a 10mm head that fits in every crevice or hidey-hole where screws are lurking. [Purchase: $15]
Joby Gorillatorch Tripod Flashlight
Gets a Grip: The name says Tripod, but with three flexible legs, this is so much more like an octopus light that can hang anywhere, stand on its own, or wrap around whatever it needs to so that Mr. Fix-It can see what he’s doing. The adjustable intensity makes it only as bright as is needed, and never blinding. [Purchase: $30]
WORX WX254L Semi-Automatic Power Screw Driver
Speedy Screw: Forget screwing or unscrewing anything by hand when you can get this pistol-grip driver from Worx. Packing an exceptionally long battery life, cartridges that can be reloaded in a blink, and a screw starter, this is the only screwdriver you need that doesn’t involve orange juice and vodka. [Purchase: $35]
Hand Care
Easy to Handle: The best tools of any person is their hands, and just like any other tool they need to be cared for and maintained. Gojo’s fast wipes and Fast Orange rapidly remove dirt, grime, oil, and caustic, harmful chemicals from hands while the O’Keefe cream moisturizes and revitalizes them so they won’t become chapped and painful. [O’Keefe’s Working Hand Cream: $6 | Fast Orange Hand Cleaner: $13.75 | Gojo Fast Wipes: $33]
Bosch DLR130K Digital Distance Measurer
So Far: Tape measures have had their day and should now be put away in favor of modern measuring devices. Bosch’s DLR130K uses precision lasers to measure distances to within 1/16th of an inch up to 130-Feet away and offer readouts in multiple measuring systems so you’ll always know the exact distance. [Purchase: $82]
Portable RoboReel Power Cord System
Energy Efficient: Never again will it be necessary to coil up extension cords into awkward loops that tangle and twist and macrame themselves into a Gordian knot. The RoboReel wraps up 50 feet of cord into a small ball shape with just the touch of a button and can deliver it in 360 degrees to put out power wherever it is needed. [Purchase: $280]
Dremel 4000
The Grind: Every handyman needs something to help them build, finish, and strip their projects to perfect completion. The Dremel 4000 is the top of the Dremel line and offers exceptional rotary power and precision for any hobby, craft, or artisan project that is fit to build or change. [Purchase: $80]
Leatherman New Wave Multi-tool
Travel Tool: A true fixer never takes a day off and can never be far from a set of tools, which is why the New Wave multi-tool is perfect for them. It’s 17 tools in one all packed into a stainless steel body that won’t break, bend, or rust, but will give the repairman in your life a full toolkit on his hip. [Purchase: $90]
DIY Books
Manual Dexterity: Even the most brilliant mechanical minds need a little help and inspiration now and then. These books are geared toward informing experts and new workers alike learn how to work with wood, construct simple structures on the cheap, and repair of common household appliances. [The Complete Manual of Woodworking: $11 | Shed Nation: $12 | The Art Of Fixing Things: $11]
Irwin FK Series Folding Utility Knives
Quick Cuts: With a body that folds like a pocket knife but a blade that retracts like a utility knife, this is the complete compact slice and dice package for stripping wires, making cuts, or scoring wood. Backed by Irwin’s lifetime warranty, this is a gift for life. [Purchase: $11+]
Best Damn Fire Hose Apron
Carryall: There are only two times a man is allowed to wear an apron: when he’s grilling or when he’s working. This is for the second one with its wide straps that distribute weight evenly and keep pressure off the neck and back while also giving plenty of room for all the tools of the trade and fighting workshop stains. [Purchase: $37]
Rockwell Sonicrafter F50
Sand and Slice: As far as oscillating tools for cutting and sanding go, nobody has an inch on the Sonicrafter F50. It cuts vibration free, allows users to swap blades or accessories mid-stream, keeps exact speed control, and has a universal body that accepts parts from any other brand. A go-to oscillator for any workbench. [Purchase: $119]
Makita Lithium-Ion Chainsaw
Cutting It Close: A battery-operated chainsaw that can cut at 1,650 FPM is on every guy’s wish list. Give it two 18V rechargeable batteries, a foot long stability bar, and a chain that can be adjusted without tools and you’ve got a wonder sure to bring tears to his eyes. Though, that might just be the sawdust. [Purchase: $369]
Mechanix Original Coyote Glove
Hand Guard: Your fixer almost certainly has a pair of work gloves, but they might not be the durable, reliable, dexterous Mechanix, made for precision work on engines and carpentry. A leather palm, breathable backing, and snug fit allow for excellent hand protection as well as the ability to utilize the fingertips exactingly. [Purchase: $21]
Magnogrip Magnetic Work Gear
Law of Attaction: A dropped screw or nail can cause endless frustration. The key is to prevent small metal parts from ever hitting the floor with any of the Magnogrip accessories. From wristbands to clips to aprons to holsters and belts, their entire line will keep all metal in its place. [Purchase: $10+]
Worx AeroCart
Drag and Dump: Any bucket with wheels can be a wheelbarrow, but the AeroCart is much more. The dolly Turbo Lift design works with the barrows center of gravity to make lifting, lugging, and dropping a load much easier every step of the way. [Purchase: $160]
Striped Electrical Tape
Happy Endings: Electrical tape is mostly the same, unless it isn’t. This tape has spiral designs on the back of it so that you’ll never have to hunt for the end of the roll again. Saves time and frustration without much cost. [Purchase: $4]
Milwaukee Work Box
Unbreakable: Guys that spend their time on job sites live rough lives that weak gear simply won’t survive. That is why Milwaukee came out with the impact resistant work box. Even when loaded with 50lbs. it can with stand a thousand drops without a crack. A hard-nosed contender for a tough world. [Purchase: $75]
Work Boots
Foot Fetish: A good pair of work boots has to wear a lot of hats…or something like that. Each of these three fulfills a special niche with Red Wings offering comfort and resilience, the Keen Utility bringing supreme protection, and Dr. Marten making a work boot that you can also wear to a black tie dinner. [Red Wings: $200+ | Keen Utility Tacoma: $120+ | Dr. Marten’s Chelsea: $105+]
