Each year we try to bring you some excellent ideas for Christmas gifts for the special tool-man or tool-woman in your life. This year we broke the gift guide up into several pieces which we separated by price. In the under-$25 category we stick to products we feel would be tool bargains, oft-overlooked (but much-needed) accessories, and fun gifts that would make each of us smile should we locate one under own own trees.
A circular saw for under $20? That’s right. The Ryobi 7-1/4″ Circular Saw comes equipped with a contoured design and front pommel handle for added comfort and grip. A 12 amp motor and 20 tooth carbide-tipped blade means that this saw is set to plow through all of the stock you can feed it. It will cut to a depth of 2-3/8″ at 90 degrees, 1-13/16″ at 45 degrees and 1-5/8″ at 51.5 degrees. The Ryobi circular saw has on-board wrench storage as well as adjustable depth of cut with scale for quick reference to improve user accuracy and convenience. At under $20, this is a hot product for that handyman and tool lover.
Price: $19.97 Buy Online
Instead of buying a bunch of individual Dremel accessories, why not give your hobby fanatic this kit containing 150 rotary tool attachments for cutting, grinding, sanding, polishing, drilling, sharpening, cleaning, and more! With five aluminum and silicone grinding stones, two polishing wheels, sanding discs, drums, bands, and mandrels, plus large and small cut-off wheels, you’re loved one will be equipped to handle any repair, hobby or craft that comes their way. The handy tool box and translucent lid keeps accessories organized and visible for easy access. We checked out the Dremel 52-piece Accessory Kit and found it to be an exceptional value. This larger set is bound to please.
Price: $24.99 Buy Online
Perfect for anyone looking to rip through wood faster than slicing through butter with a hot knife, the Freud D0724X Diablo 7.25-Inch Framing Saw Blade is the perfect gift. Ideal for most general construction applications, this is the go-to blade for slicing through rough framing lumber, high-quality finish lumber, plywood, OSB (oriented strand board), and hardboard siding. For strong, long-lasting resistance, the blade features a tough steel plate and high-density carbide tips.
Price: $9.97 Buy Online
With premium features that won’t break the bank, Edge Dakura Copper Driving Safety Glasses provide the protection you need in a look that is more on par with high end sporty sunglasses. Things like a scratch resistant coating and anti-fog treatment to the polycarbonate lens is what helps to set these apart from what you might expect for safety glasses. We reviewed the Edge Dakura Blue Mirror Lens Safety Glasses and found them to be exceptional.
Price: $11.95 Buy Online
You can never have too many bits. Trust us. The Milwaukee 20-Piece 1/16-Inch to 1/2-Inch Titanium Coated Twist Drill Bit Assortment comes in a nice plastic case and features 3-flat no-spin shanks on 13/64-inch and larger, a 135-degree split point and a titanium coating that withstands high temperatures, reduces friction and increases wear resistance. Sizes range from 1/16-inches to 1/2-inch. Read our review of the Milwaukee 81pc Heavy Duty Contractor Pack bit set.
Price: $21.79 Buy Online
The Peltor H10A Professional Noise Canceling Earmuff protects hearing by minimizing resonance and achieving maximum high and low frequency attenuation. This design provides some of the highest noise reduction rating for an earmuff tested in an approved laboratory. The H10A provides effective, lightweight, comfortable protection for noise levels up to 105 dB. This makes it suitable for use with most edgers & trimmers, lawnmowers and the occasional cordless auto-hammer.
Price: $19.79 Buy Online
“Train up a child in the way they should go and when they are old they will not depart from it.” For the little carpenter in your life, grab one of these tool bags and open up the world of tools to your young ones. This belt features two durable nylon bags with genuine leather belt loops, and a hammer loop on each side for right and left hand access. A one-size-fits-all durable nylon belt holds it all together with a quick release buckle. These bags are a handy storage place for tools … and toys!
Price: $23.00 Buy Online
DeWalt’s DG5120 angled drill holster fits all DeWalt cordless drills and more, and provides better drill balance. It fits belts up to 2-3/4 inches wide. Added pockets and elastic loops hold bits, chuck key, drivers, etc and keep you working. Some people are belt hook people, but if you like a full holster, this is a great choice and fits most regular and compact drill/drivers while providing storage a simple hook lacks… Oh, and in case you were wondering – no, the holster does NOT include the drill.
Price: $14.99 Buy Online
This 3/8″ socket set form Kobalt Tools is made in the USA and carries their “Lifetime hassle-free guarantee” – meaning you can exchange any broken parts at Lowe’s at any time. A storage case is included for easy portability and the kit includes a 2″ extension and ratchet. Meets or exceeds A.N.S.I. Specifications. Check out our review of the larger Kobalt 154-piece Socket Set which includes all of these parts and more.
Price: $19.98 Buy Online
Like its name, the CG Utility Glove distinguishes itself as an all-around performer. It is reasonably priced and fits innumerable tasks where general protection or extra grip is necessary – like home-building. A wide opening elastic cuff makes it easy to pull on and ensures the most comfortable fit possible. Mechanix Wear’s unique fingertip design relocates otherwise intrusive seams. The thumb, index, middle and ring fingers are covered by embossed Genuine Leather for improved grip. In addition to its superb strength, goatskin provides a soft, comfortable feel. We got our hands on some Mechanix Wear Construction Work gloves earlier this year and found them to fit well and provide ample protection.
Price: $15.38 Buy Online
If you are a manufacturer and you'd like more information about submitting a product for review at Pro Tool Reviews, please email us at reviews@protoolreviews.com