IDEAS TO HELP HANDYPERSON IN YOUR LIFE
Consider quality equipment, safety items to stuff those stockings this holiday season
The holidays are just around the corner. When you’re a contractor for 30 years, your tool kit naturally accumulates to include everything you could ever imagine. Whether I’m working on the job site or puttering around the house taking care of my to-do list, I’ve always got the right gear for the job.
The enthusiastic DIYer in your life probably doesn’t have a garage stocked like mine and while they may have a good collection, their kit is not yet complete.
For those of you looking for the perfect something for the DIYer in your life, here are a few gift ideas that they might be missing.
ERGONOMIC TOOLS
Even if your DIYer already has a set of tools, better quality gear may be in order this year.
An ergonomic tool is one that helps reduce risk of injury, provides more comfort to the user and makes work more efficient. Better designed hand tools can go a long way in making work smoother and less fatiguing for the user.
This is particularly important if your DIYer isn’t quite as flexible as they used to be.
There are some hand tools that have gone a long way to solving a lot of small problems for contractors and DIYers alike. Flexible screwdrivers make it easier to secure those hard-to-reach areas.
One-handed clamps let you clamp, open and spread with just one hand, which is great when you need your other hand to secure your material.
Some hand tools even include a flashlight built right in, which lets you shine a little light on some tough-to-see areas.
Every kit should have gloves, eye protection, hearing protection and a respirator. They aren’t all created equal and the serious DIYer should have better quality gear.
Eye gear is always a necessity, especially when working on a project where debris will be flying. Any serious DIYer should already have eye protection, but they may be due for an upgrade. I have a pair that I use for indoor work and a separate pair for outdoor projects. The indoor pair is clear, while the outdoor pair is tinted to protect against the sun and includes anti-fog protection.
Eye protection is a no-brainer, but I often find that DIYers (and even some contractors) aren’t thinking about the dust, debris and fumes they’re breathing in as they work or they think they can get by with a disposable dust mask. For me, if I’m working indoors, I’m wearing a respirator. I want to make sure I’m not breathing in dangerous fumes.
You can pick up a reusable respirator to protect your DIYer, but don’t forget to include some extra filters and cartridges. The respirator won’t be helpful if your DIYer doesn’t have all the necessary materials.
A well-stocked first aid kit is a must for any DIYer or contractor.
While you hope that an accident never occurs, if it does, you need to be prepared. You can pick up a pre-assembled kit from any big box or hardware store, but make sure they have everything you need. If there are items not included in the kit, fill their stocking with what’s missing. First aid kits should include at least the following: bandages in several sizes, antiseptic wipes, elastic bandages, gauze, tape, tweezers, scissors and safety pins. Does your DIYer already have better tools, good-quality safety gear and a fully stocked first aid kit? Think about getting them something to organize their tools. Not everyone has the room in their house to have shelves for their tools.
Get them a portable storage and organization system for tools and small parts.
If they have an extensive collection of tools, you can get them modular cases that lock in to each other. They hold your gear and are durable — you can pack them up and toss them into your truck if you need to. It’s a useful, practical gift that might not seem obvious.
Hopefully you have some new ideas for what to get the tool lover in your life. If they’ve already got these items, well, when in doubt, nobody is going to turn down a new hammer.