Cool Tools for Dad
Instead of shopping in the accessories department, you might want to cast your net in a different direction – toward the tool section, for a gift that your father can put to good use around the house or in the garden.
Even though you might think your dad has everything under the sun already, take a look at these cool tools. Not only are they useful, they’re also brag-worthy. On Pop’s next visit to the hardware store, he’ll be able to say casually to his cronies, “Well, that’s a nice screwdriver, but you should have seen the one my kids got me – with a built-in LED light!”
And that’s just the first one on this list.
All these tools are available online, but if you want them in time for Father’s Day, you’ll have to order right away and probably put a rush on it. A few, like the Black & Decker Cordless Electric Lawn Care Center, are widely available at big retailers such as Home Depot.
– How many times have you had to tighten a screw in a dark cabinet, or inside an engine? More than a few, we’d wager. Someone came up with a clever solution, the Spot-On Flat Tip Screwdriver with LED Light. With the touch of a button, the light, built into the bit tip, turns on and illuminates whatever dark corner you’re working in. The screwdriver has a contoured handle for easy gripping and a 4-inch blade. Available for $24.95 from www.HardToFindTools.com.
– This is the 21st century, so get Dad a state-of-the-art measuring device, like the Performance Tools W5746 Point-N-Measure Digital Tape Measure. It uses laser targeting to measure distances up to 50 feet and has an electronic readout that can remember measurements, calculate area and volume, and gives readings in inches, feet or centimeters. Backordered at various Web sites, but appears to be in stock at www.usatoolsinc.com for $35.27.
– It’s so tedious picking up piles of slippery leaves or branches. A little thing called Helping Hands For Yard Clean-Up can make it that much easier. The plastic device, which looks like 14-inch monster claws that you strap on to your own hands, aids pickup of yard debris, and is only $7.99 from www.improvementscatalog.com. They’ll amuse the grandkids, too.
Another good idea from Improvements is the Weed Grabber, which helps you pull weeds while standing. The Grabber’s three steel prongs dig into the dirt around the weed’s roots, then turn to pluck the weed out. And since the Grabber is 25 inches long, there’s minimal bending for the gardener – something your dad’s back will appreciate. It’s $11.99.
– Keeping Dad’s tools in order can be a challenge, and not everyone has a large wall in the garage on which to place everything. That’s when the Hand Tool Rack by Schulte comes in handy. The rack stores a variety of hand tools in a small spaces, with slots to hold pliers and screwdrivers, and hooks for heavier tools such as hammers, spanners and wrenches. Can be attached to The Grid by Schulte or used by itself. It’s just $21.95 at www.organize.com.
– Now here’s a manly kind of tool, and one that’s practical, too. The Pocket Chain Saw is a hand chain saw that coils up to conveniently fit in a small flat canister. Once assembled, it’s 28 inches long and can be used for cutting firewood, clearing brush or trimming branch, and can cut a 3-inch diameter limb in less than 10 seconds. It’s $19.99; check it out at www.pocketchainsaw.com.
– Ready to spend a little more on your lawn-lovin’ dad? Black & Decker has come out with a great tool set that will make lawn care a snap, and everything operates on cordless rechargeable batteries. The Black & Decker Cordless Electric Lawn Care Center includes a string trimmer/edger, a hedge trimmer, and an electric broom. They are lightweight and low-noise, and are perfect for smaller yards. All come with 18-volt batteries, all of which can be charged at the same time on the three-port charger. Storage is a snap on the mountable rack, also included with the set. The batteries will work with other Black & Decker tools as well. Available from many major retailers but the best price appears to be through www.Amazon.com, at $189 for the set.
