Sometimes you need to take matters into your own hands. No, not those big life changing issues. We’re talking about Father’s Day gifts. And, we’re not saying buy your own new prized possession, but unless you actually want the same old, same old, you need to take a gander at the great gifts in this lineup and maybe drop a hint with the family. From the affordable to the high end and from the practical to wild, we have dad covered. And, because it’s last minute, we did the work for you and found out where your loved procrastinators can score these must-have items.
Under $25
Tajima Chalk Line
Pick just about any hand tool for carpenters and Japanese tool maker Tajima probably makes a better version. I adore my self-retracting chalk line ($22). I especially like watching peoples’ jaws drop when they see how the string winds itself after you snap the line.
Spring Tools Nailset
The handy spring-loaded nailset ($12) from Spring Tools helps keep your hammer off your fingers and makes it easier to set nails in awkward locations.
ToolUSA Pencil Sharpener
Coworker and longtime carpenter Andy Engel was recently singing the praises of ToolUSA’s Pencil Sharpener ($5). It gives a nice sharp point and clips to your toolbelt so it’s always with you.
Glue Bot
A conventional glue bottle requires you to constantly shake down the glue before you can dispense it. The bottom-dispensing Glue Bot from Fastcap ($8) solves the problem and dispenses glue with awesome precision.
Hyde Molding Bar
At under $9, Hyde’s molding bar may be the best value in hand tools today. It makes a good paint scraper and I haven’t found anything better for starting the removal of moldings destined for reuse.
Shark Cat’s Paw
Japanese style cat’s paws work so much better than the American style I started with. Although you can get titanium versions that weigh less, I think this model from Shark ($13) is an especially good value.
About $100
DMT Diamond Sharpening Stones
I still hate sharpening, but these diamond plates ($64)from DMT, make the drudgery of sharpening far less painful. I have all four grits, but you can probably get by with two if you go for this version.
Stiletto Framing Hammer
Help dear old dad save his arm and shoulder with a 14-oz. Stiletto titanium framing hammer. This smooth faced version allows you to use it on trim too. The $100 price tag is a bargain compared to daily ibuprofen or shoulder surgery.
Kreg Jig
Perfect for joining everything from face frames to furniture, a Kreg jig is now considered a must-have finish carpentry tool. I find the current model 4 ($99) to be the perfect balance of production and portability.
Starrett Combo Square
Starrett makes the Stradivarius of combo squares. Before I tried one, I never understood why somebody would spend $77 on a combination square, but compared to its lesser brethren, it’s a joy to use.
Fuller Countersinks
Adjustable for the length of screw Fuller countersinks ($53) simply work fantastic. The tapered bit is the secret. It prevents stripped holes and broken screws much better than anything else I’ve tried.
More than $100
Makita Track Saw
If your dad doesn’t yet have a track saw he doesn’t know what he’s missing. This version from Makita ($408) was our best-value winner in FHB’s recent head-to-head test. The Festool version was best overall.
DeWalt Cordless Blower
I’ve been using the DeWalt 20-volt cordless blower ($199) for several months now. It won’t replace a more powerful gas or backpack blower for leaf cleanup, but it’s perfect for dusting off roofs, driveway and lawns. The cordless string trimmer also works well.
Jobsite Sawstop
I’m no longer surprised when carpenters show me their missing digits. You can prevent dad or yourself from losing a finger with a Saw Stop Jobsite Portable Tablesaw ($1399), the first finger-saving saw designed for the job site.
Tormek Grinder
Sure their price is a little jaw-dropping ($399), but Tormek low-speed grinders are arguably the fastest and easiest way to sharpen everything from knives and hatchets to chisels and plane irons. The water-cooled wheel turns slowly so you don’t burn your cutting edges.
Taunton Store
Just for Father’s Day save 15% on Fine Homebuilding subscriptions and archives. In fact everything in the Taunton Store is 15% off. Just use FATHER15 in the promo code box.
Happy Father’s Day!
Fine Homebuilding Recommended Products
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DEWALT 2 1⁄4-hp Router Combo Kit (DW618PK)
Large-Capacity Lightweight Miter Saw
Paslode Cordless Finish Nailer (IM250A)
