In preparation for the plethora of Do-It-Yourself projects in our near future, Ian needs new tools. He definitely possesses the perfect excuse to add to his collection. Now he can buy all sorts of shiny new toys... err, I mean practical man equipment. Honestly, though, as long as he gets the projects completed and saves us money on labor costs, then I'm all for making these purchases.
But to make sure Ian doesn't stroll into Home Depot and have a shopping spree, we have consulted with brother-in-law Eric. He has compiled a very concise list of the most useful tools to help us get started. I love asking Eric for help; he not only answers our questions in a timely manner, but he also gives us descriptions and links to find each and every tool! So for you ladies looking for guy gifts, you may want to reference this page. And that Pinterest prjoect on your "honey do" list may very well get checked off...
* Speed Square (I use this on almost every project. Helps get straight lines) http://www.amazon.com/Swanson-Tool-SO101-7-inch-Square/dp/B00002255O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1366289488&sr=8-1&keywords=speed+square
* T Square (Same concept as the Speed Square but big enough to use on sheets of plywood, etc…) http://www.amazon.com/Empire-Level-419-48-Adjustable-T-Square/dp/B001BRFK2O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1366289617&sr=8-1&keywords=adjustable+t+square
* Bar Clamps (I use these constantly. I have 6 of them and a bunch of smaller ones of different styles) http://www.homedepot.com/p/Irwin-12-in-Mini-Bar-Clamps-2-Pack-54122/100074579
* Pipe Clamps (these work great for larger areas you need to clamp. You can put the orange pieces on any size pipe to make as big or small a clamp you want/need) http://www.amazon.com/Jorgensen-50-4-Inch-Clamp-Fixture/dp/B0000224C9/ref=sr_1_2?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1366289888&sr=1-2&keywords=pipe+clamp
* Bench Vise (You’d be surprised how often this comes in handy. Especially when you don’t have a second pair of hands handy) http://www.amazon.com/Bessey-BVHW45-Homeowners-Bench-Vise/dp/B004Q0JRXQ/ref=sr_1_3?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1366289948&sr=1-3&keywords=bench+vise
* Lots of Drill Bits (This may look excessive but it prevents you from having to go to the store and buy the exact one you need at $5/ea when you don’t have the right one) http://www.amazon.com/Wilmar-W1368-204-Piece-Drill-Bit/dp/B000LQEWTS/ref=sr_1_3?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1366290071&sr=1-3&keywords=300+piece+drill+bit+set
* Carpenters Pencils (These things last longer and don’t break as easily. Comes with a sharpener) http://www.amazon.com/Hanson-Company-00213-VersaSharp-Pencil/dp/B000NHTG5A/ref=sr_1_17?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1366290160&sr=1-17&keywords=carpenters+pencils
* Magnetic Level (good for lots of small projects, but nice that it has a magnet (think hanging closet rods, etc…) http://www.amazon.com/Empire-e81-12-12-Inch-Magnetic-Level/dp/B0007A2A0Q/ref=sr_1_3?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1366290218&sr=1-3&keywords=magnetic+level
* Screw Extractors (Ever have a stripped screw you can’t get out? These fix that…) http://www.amazon.com/Alden-8440P-Grabit-Damaged-Extractor/dp/B001A4CWHO/ref=sr_1_sc_2?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1366290277&sr=1-2-spell&keywords=screw+remoaval
* Multimeter (Good for checking outlets and wires to make sure you don’t shock yourself!) http://www.amazon.com/Digital-Multimeter-Light-Big-Screen/dp/B00066ZZO4/ref=sr_1_6?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1366290316&sr=1-6&keywords=multimeter
* Leaf Blower (This may seem out of place, but I find it’s the best way to clean out the garage quickly after creating a lot of sawdust. I have all Ryobi Tools (Brand is owned by HomeDepot) and the batteries last a long time and work with everything. Highly recommended) http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-One-18-Volt-Lithium-ion-Cordless-Blower-Sweeper-P2102/202042150
* Power Tools (All of these are handy and you’ll use them over and over again. Especially the reciprocating saw and the drill. And…the batteries work with the leaf blower ;-) ) http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-ONE-18-Volt-Lithium-Ion-Super-Combo-Kit-4-Tool-P883/203466914
* Miter Saw (This is great for getting straight cuts instead of using a circular saw. It’s quick and easy. Ideally you could get a sliding compound miter saw that can cut wider wood, but they are more expensive) http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-14-Amp-10-in-Compound-Miter-Saw-TS1344L/100634340
* Saw Horses (These things are great and I use them constantly. Adjustable height is great) http://www.homedepot.com/p/FATMAX-33-in-Adjustable-Folding-Sawhorse-011031S/100375897?keyword=fat+max+saw+horse
* Table Saw (This is by no means an amazing table saw, but for the money it does what you need it to do. Suggest that you use the saw horses and some extra wood to create a landing/sliding zone for wood as it comes off the table saw). http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-15-Amp-10-in-Table-Saw-RTS10/202517808
* Electric Sander (again uses Ryobi batteries and saves a lot of time/elbow grease) http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-18-Volt-One-Corner-Cat-Finish-Sander-Tool-Only-P400/100342146
* Shop Towels (Very handy to have around. Is a built in dispenser too) http://www.amazon.com/Kimberly-Clark-Scott-75260-White-200ct/dp/B00004TBJF/ref=sr_1_cc_2?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1366291320&sr=1-2-catcorr&keywords=shop+towels+box
* Router (This just gets you nice clean edges on things and lets you add a nice design element to projects without having to sit there and sand forever. Uses ryobi batteries) http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-18-Volt-ONE-Trim-Router-P600/100342147
* Shop Vac (Use your judgement on what you like. I prefer this unit because it has storage on the back for the tubes. Other units, the tubes sit on top of each foot around the unit and fall off and get in the way. Works great for cleaning out gutters too since they work wet) http://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-4-Gal-Wet-Dry-Vac-WD4070/202077241
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