Establishing a toolkit as a gift?

Question

My boyfriend had expressed interest in getting a nice barn full of tools some day. He mentioned how much he wanted to do mechanical things and some woodworking. I know Craftsmen is expensive, but with the lifetime guarantee, i'm thinking maybe its the way to go. CConsidering that we typically only spend about $100 a year on each other... what are the most important, most useful tools that every man should have? i am a girl, so before you answer this, consider how thorough you're going to have to be for me to figure out what you'r talking about. I'm thinking that for the next few years worth of holidays i'll just buy him craftsmen tools. what sizes? english or metric? Please let me know what you think.... if you were a 23 year old male, would this be a good gift for you?

Answer 1

Smiles, what a sweetheart you are.

I just recently answered a similar Q.

Anyone, male or female who uses and enjoys tools, very often has specific dream ideas about what they might most want.

Sears/Craftsman does not offer lifetime on power tools, but has a great "serviceability" program in place even since being bought by K-mart. There are NO Lifetime promises on power tools anywhere on the planet.

Tools for my gender might be as personal as products sold for your gender, and my suggestion is this. BTW; I used to be 23,,,smile.

You seem to have a budget limit chosen already, and variances in that by a few dollars probably isn't a major issue.

This need not be a "SURPRISE" quick open it, kind of thing. In fact; the fact that you're this interested suggests to me, as I suggested a few days ago,,,GET INVOLVED in making this a shared experience.

Certainly we have faves, and other answers will say so, and that's OK.

Take him to an HD/ Lowes/ Sears/ etc. KNOWING the budget, and let him choose; as you share in the experience. For $100 you might find; he can pick two; decent power tools, and whatever else he might want...plus or minus.

THEN, when he still has the glow, feels the testosterone or joy, take him to lunch, even if just for a Hot Dog. Expect a "Thank You" but don't be offended if he hugs his gifts,,,smile.

It's so much more about the TWO of you, and your allowing him some dream/paly time; than it is about warantees; brand names; colors of any tool.

Happy gifting, and holidays.

Steven Wolf

Answer 2

I would double check the guarantee on the tools you buy from Sears not all tools are lifetime.....Parts for those tools are just about impossible to get. They are in the business to sell not repair...But anyway the number one tool to buy is a cordless drill 18 volt is good for the average person, then a circular saw, jig saw, miter saw or even better compound miter saw 10" will do......But what I have listed is a good beginning for a woodworker, about $500-$1000 worth of tools to start out with......Most people have all the hammers, screwdrivers, hand tools, but if he doesn't have anything then start off with all the basic hand tools first. But make sure he knows how to use those power tools before he uses them, you don't want him running in the house with his finger cut off...

Oh.....$100. budget......OK get all the hand tools first,hammer,screwdrivers Phillips and slotted, adjustable wrench, vise grips, pliers, needle nose pliers, channel locks, hand saw, hack saw that stuff should be about $100 or go for the cordless drill depending on what you look at $75 up

Answer 3

Used to be a 23 0ld male......
Thinking about setting up one of my boys w/ a good starter set of tools.
Craftsman hand tools are OK & they do have a good guarantee.
Sears power tools are not the finest though.
"Homeowner " sets are usually a compromise ...lots of stuff but not the best..
If he's into auto work you can get a good Sears or better combi set for around $100
Power tools ? a good rechargeable drill eg De walt, Makita), is really useful & are in the $100 range.
Good idea to build the shop over time as you said .
It just pays to buy good stuff a little at a time & you can change off w/ hand tools & power as you go.
Boys love toys.
Best regards

Answer 4

Go to Sears and ask someone in the tool department. They should be able to help you. I would say to start, a hammer, screwdrivers (Phillips and slotted), pliers, plumber's wrench (also called a monkey wrench), a socket set and a saw. As far as English or metric, I don't know, ask the Craftsmen people.

Answer 5

Well in the case of the mechanics tools craftsman is the only way to go.

In the case of wood working tools DeWalt power tools, as far as I am concerned there are no others. No other brand will last as long or take as much abuse as DeWalt and keep working as well as the day you bought them.

As for a toolkit for christmas This is what I would want
A good "framing square" A big "L" looking thing the black one with yellow numbers and lines

A "Swanson Speed Square" its grey metal with black numbers and it looks like a right triangle.

A "Stanley Fat Max Chalk Box" it is yellow and black and kind of looks like a big rain drop.

A "Stanley Fat Max 25ft. Tape Measure" it is yellow and black and looks like a thick disk.

A "Stanley quick change box knife" it is grey and black, and rather hard to describe.

If you take this list to the home improvement store they will be able to take you to the exact item.

Hope this helps

Answer 6

Go to your local Home depo or lowes they will help you to the point that next year you will be answering this question for some one else.A guift card doesnt look the same under the tree they have there advantages but not the same as unraping the guift good idea you have I bow too you. go to the tool section tell them your problem they will jump at the chance to help. Sears I have the card but have the same tools at depo/lowes for 1/2 the cost very good quality.

Answer 7

i believe the word standard is used for America. get standard now and metric later.
a good electric drill, and sander are also useful. an adjustable wrench is also useful
happy hunting

Answer 8

Don't forget to put in a First Aid kit too