Tool Snob Holiday Gift Guide 2009

Yes, it's not even Thanksgiving and we're putting together our gift guide (sort of like wearing white shoes after Labor Day). Still, it's better that it's up sooner rather than later, so looking back on the past year, these are the stand outs that we think your favorite DIYer would appreciate.

HK1 Hydrokinetic Wrench - Honestly, we haven't used this tool as much as we originally thought, but it has definitely come in handy from time to time. Usefulness aside, it's a great gift for, "the guy who is impossible to shop for." It's a strange item and its unique fluid adjustment will likely appeal to both the DIY set and the gadget crowd. Our review is here.
$25 at Amazon.com

Dremel 4000 - We've been playing around with one for a couple weeks and we can say that it's easily the most accomplished rotary tool that Dremel's released. It's got a few new attachments and the power lifts it up to a construction site level. Our review is here.
Kits from $80 at Amazon.com

Fein MultiMaster 250Q Top - How can we do a list without the Fein? We use this fella all the time (twice today, actually). Its power and unique blade change remain unmatched among the oscillating tools. It's not cheap though. Our review is here.
$399 at Amazon.com

Craftsman Propane String Trimmer (Powered by Lehr) - If you've got a large lawn, this may be the perfect trimmer for you. The 4-cycle engine is a monster and if you're the obnoxious type, the fact that it uses propane fuel allows you to condescend to your neighbor with the gas trimmer. (Our review is here)
$149 at Sears

iRobot Roomba Pet Series - We brought one of these into our house months ago and haven't let it rest since. Because it's so effortless, you can always be in the process of vacuuming the house, even when you're sitting on the couch with a 30-pack of Miller High Life. This one's a real time saver. Our review is here.
$300 at Amazon.com

Nail Hunter- Still the best nail puller we've ever used. Good for everything from framing nails to 23-gauge pins. If someone in your life is still fighting with a cat's paw, toss one of these their way. Our review is here.
$25 at Amazon.com

Rockwell JawHorse - Like the Fein, this one just never stops showing off its usefulness. It's a work station, an extra set of hands, and a vise all in one. Rockwell also makes a handful of attachments to it that widen its uses even more. Our review is here.
$180 at Amazon.com

Setting Up Shop by Sandor Nagyszalanczy - This is the bible of workshop organization. We're always referring back to it for ideas and new ways to improve work flow in the home shop. It doesn't matter if you've got a three car garage at your disposal or if you're limited to a small corner of a basement, this book will be good for you. Our review here.
$15 at Amazon.com

We also recommend any of the products from our Tools We Keep in the Truck list. There's also the 2007 Holiday Gift Guide and the 2008 Holiday Gift Guide which we still stand behind.

November 23, 2009

Tool Snob Holiday Gift Guide 2009