HomeWork: Finding the right gift for Dad

Editor’s Note: Over the next several weeks, the Chief is happy to be bringing to you our HomeWork and HomeFun series, a collection of articles on working around the home as well as hobbies and fun that help make a house a home. We hope you enjoy our HomeWork and HomeFun!

CUSTER COUNTY With all the chores to do around the house, one of the most difficult can be finding the right gift for Father’s Day. However if the Dad in your life is a Do-It-Yourselfer, look no further than the local hardware store to find the perfect gift. After all, if Dad is to do all those oddjobs around the house, he needs the right tool to do the job right!

At Ansley Lumber and Supply in Ansley and Ace Hardware in Broken Bow, great gifts can be found to fit most every budget.

For the dad who wants tools for lawn care, Brian Beaumont at Ansley Lumber and Supply showed the Dewalt 9-volt string trimmer with rechargeable battery, saying it can do more than just cut weeds.

“You can get different attachments,” Beaumont said. “A brush cutter, leaf blower, head trimmer and more. It’s very versatile.”

The trimmer retails for over $300 and attachments can cost around $75. Ansley Lumber and Supply also carries Dewalt Toughsystem tool boxes which, on two wheels, makes your tool boxes instantly mobile.

At Ace Hardware, owner Joe Franssen has the Milwaukee Packout system. This system of modular tool boxes and organizers fit together, as Franssen said, “like Legos for adults.” The Milwaukee Rolling Toolbox retails for over $100 and pieces can be added for $40 and up.

If those ideas exceed your Father’s Day budget, there are plenty of other choices.

“Everybody can use tools,” Beaumont said. “A good claw hammer, all steel, can run about $30.”

Some hammers can start at about $10 to $13. A good tape measure might run you $25.

Other ideas include extension cords, work gloves and flashlights. “How about a pair of muck boots?” Beaumont suggested.

At Ansley Lumber and Supply a full range of power tools, blades, bits and attachments can also be found. “Maybe Dad has the power tool but he’s missing the speed bore or spade bit,” Beaumont said.

If the Dad in your family is a master griller, maybe something new for the grill is the perfect Father’s Day gift. At Ace Hardware, Franssen pointed out a complete line of Blackstone grill accessories - everything from griddle scrapers, press and sear burger kits, basting covers, squeeze bottles and seasonings.

Franssen also noted that, in additional to Milwaukee and Stihl tools, customers can find Nebo flashlights, a variety of car cleaning items and a selection of BruMate insulated can and bottle coolers and drinkware at Ace Hardware.

If you’re still looking for the perfect gift for the Dad for Father’s Day, pop into Ansley Lumber and Supply or Ace Hardware and talk to Brian or Joe. They can help you find just the right gift.

And if you’re still undecided, there’s always one gift that ensures Dad can get exactly what he wants - a gift card!

Mona Weatherly Want to help Dad complete his collection of bits and blades? Check out the full selection at Ansley Lumber and Supply, right. Want to help Dad keep his drink cool while doing those odd jobs? Check out the BruMates at Ace Hardware, right.

Mona Weatherly Above, Brian Beaumont of Ansley Lumber and Supply talks about the Dewalt 9-volt string trimmer with accessories as a potential gift for Father’s Day.

Mona Weatherly Above, Joe Franssen of Ace Hardware points out the features of the Milwaukee Packout tool box and storage system.