Power Tool Christmas Gifts Guide 2012

Every year we try to do a Christmas Gift Guide or even an overview of the Black Friday deals of the season. That means we can take a look at what’s out there and discern what’s really a good deal and what’s just fluff. But we can also simply recommend what we feel to be excellent products for the season. Of course, everything we do will be from a Pro perspective – but even pros have to change A/C filters at home and do small repairs, so don’t expect our list to include 40 pound demo hammers and concrete saws. Without further ado, here are our takes on some of the best deals (at least in our opinion):

Drills & Drivers

For this category, we have a few recommendations. We’re not going to review each tool here, so if you trust us – buy it with confidence. A lot of decisions should also be made with a bearing on whether or not your loved one already has a collection of tools. Now if they only have no-name brands or consumer-level products then by all means switch them over to a new platform, but if they are already using Bosch, DeWalt, Hitachi, etc… then you might be better off getting them a new tool that fits with their existing batteries and chargers. Just be careful to understand how old their tools are so you don’t buy a new tool that runs on a different battery.

Ridgid 18-Volt X4 Hyper Lithium Ion Drill Driver and Impact Driver Combo Kit

Price: $179 | Buy at Home Depot

DeWalt DCK280C2 20-Volt Max Li-Ion 1.5 Ah Compact Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit

Price: $239 | Buy Online

Porter-Cable PCL212IDC-2 12-Volt Max Compact Lithium-Ion 2-Tool Kit

Price: $119 | Buy Online

Black & Decker BDCS40G 4-Volt Max Gyro Screwdriver

Price: $39.88 | Read our Review | Buy Online

We almost put this under hand tools. It’s ‘novelty meets nifty’ in our opinion, but a cool gift and a head-turner.

Hand Tools

Here we’re just tossing out a few things that we feel are excellent stocking stuffers or just downright useful additions to any tool enthusiast’s or pro’s collection. Hand tools come in many different shapes, sizes and applications, but what we’ve got here are some novel products that are sure to please.

Kobalt 138-Piece Standard/Metric Mechanic’s Tool Set with Case (338516)

Price: $175 | Buy Online for less

(Note: you can get these kits in a variety of sizes and prices to match your budget)

Smith and Wesson Tactical Knives and Flashlight Kit

Price: $37.34 | Buy Online

This is a great price for a sharp-looking (pun intended) kit

Swiss+Tech MMCSSS Micro-Max 19-in-1 Keychain Multitool

Price: $9.95 | Buy Online

They don’t advertise it, but we’ve found this to be a TSA-safe tool in our travels

Black Batman Batarang Shape Dark Knight Dbl Edge Sharp Folding Knife

Price: $8.95 | Buy Online

I don’t care who you are – this is the coolest gift you will give any man this year! Also available in Silver.

Stiletto Ti12SC Titanium 12 Smooth Face Hammer with Hickory Handle

Price: $89.99 | Read our Review | Buy Online

This is, quite simply, the best hammer you will ever own. Worth every penny.

Irwin Tools 1794153 9-Inch 250 Magnetic Torpedo

Price: $21.84 | Read the Review | Buy Online

Bosch GLL2-40 Self-Level Cross Line Laser

Price: $121.95 | Buy Online

Tool Bags & Storage

Now that you have all your tools, where do you put them… or how do you carry them to the job site? Tool storage and organization is a big category, and we’ve placed just a few of our most interest-piqued items here for you to check out this holiday season.

McGuire-Nicholas 16 in. Universal Tool Tote

Price: $26.98 | Buy Online

There are better-built tool bags, but this is a great deal

Kobalt 50-Gallon Rolling Tool Chest

Price: $69.98 | Buy at Lowe’s

If you’d like a more rugged option, check out Stanley Tools’ 50 Gallon Mobile Chest online

Stanley Bostitch BTST19802 Rolling Tool Box

Price: $79 | Buy Online

I don’t know any pro who wouldn’t like this

MagnoGrip 311-090 Magnetic Wristband

Price: $10.36 | Buy Online

This is really a great stocking-stuffer and a unique gift

Accessories

Without accessories our tools wouldn’t do much more than make noise and look cool. So we’ve isolated a few blades, bits and adapters that we think might make for some excellent filler items or flat-out gifts for that special tradesman in your life.

Bosch Daredevil DSB5013P 13-Piece Spade Bit Set

Price: $29.93 | Buy Online

Just get this kit… trust us on this one.

Irwin Industrial Tools 3041006 Speedbor Max Spade Bit Set

Price: $29.44 | Buy Online

Like the above, this kit is hard to beat

DEWALT D180005 14 Piece Master Hole Saw Kit

Price: $109.59 | Buy Online

If this is too rich, there are smaller DeWalt hole saw kits as well.

King Arthur’s Tools 45814 Lancelot 4″ Chain Carver Wheel for Angle Grinders

Price: $31.60 | Buy Online

Why would you put this on your grinder? Because it’s so… stinkin’… awesome.
Guaranteed to turn any angle grinder tool user into a chainsaw carver in minutes (or an amputee – use as directed!)

Imperial Blade MM200 1-1/4 inch Coarse Saw Blade

Price: $12.10 | Buy Online

If you have an oscillating multi-tool and you plan to do undercutting, THIS is the blade you need.
Amazingly durable and an incredible value.

So that’s it… for now. 20 holiday tool recommendations for your favorite tool-man (or tool-gal). This list is by no means comprehensive, but hopefully there are at least a few gems on there as you look out for great products and great deals this shopping season. We’ve actually picked up a couple items on this list so we’re not just recommending these tools and accessories – we’re backing it up with our pocket book. Enjoy your Thanksgiving and eat some turkey and ham for the guys at Pro Tool Reviews!

If you found other deals you want us to add to our list or let others know about, please post on the Pro Tool Reviews Facebook Page and let us know. We want to make sure we point you in the right direction and would love your feedback.