Whether you’re a contractor, tradesperson or checking off your upcoming Father’s Day gift list, no matter how well stocked the workshop is, there’s always room for more.
And with advances in tool technology and design, there are plenty of opportunities to replace well-loved gadgets with something more powerful, versatile, and longer lasting.
“The trends continue to be around innovation and tools becoming smaller, lighter and more compact,” says Shawn Ottewell, Vice President, Sales, Service and Marketing, Makita Canada Inc. “If someone has a driver drill that’s two or three years old, for example, chances are there’s a driver drill now that’s more compact, more technologically advanced with things like a brushless motor, or a version with Bluetooth innovation so it can sync with other tools,” says Ottewell.
Photo courtesy of Makita
Drill Kit and Bit Set
If a ready-to-go set is right up your alley, Makita’s ½” Cordless Drill /Driver, and the 18V (Compact) LXT 2 Tool Combo Kit could make ideal gifts for dad. Either kit introduces the battery platform, points out Ottewell, “Once a person is familiar with the brand and has a battery and a charger, that opens up the whole Makita family of products—that’s 150 tools that use that same battery.”
Photo courtesy of EAB Tool Company
Another complete set to consider: EAB Tool Company’s 41-piece Industrial Torsion Impact Bit set, which offers up a comprehensive collection of drill bits, preparing for almost any handy situation. “You always want to have a diverse selection of screwdriver bits so you’re ready for that time when you need a specific bit to help with your at-home project,” says Danny Wight, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, EAB Tool Company. “This 41 piece set has just about every bit you’d need, including a drywall bit, torque bits, Phillips, Robertson, and so on.” He adds, “They’re from our professional torsion line, so the life test on them and the breaking points are very high —they’ll last forever.” Plus, the company has a recycling program that means you can bring this (or any) EAB product to a retailer who’ll then send it to EAB for recycling, and in turn, you will receive a credit for a future purchase.
Photo courtesy of Milwaukee Tool Canada
Temperature Guns, Wrenches and a Miter Saw
If Father’s Day gift giving is your goal and Dad is in the building or home improvement industry, something specialized might be just what he needs. Milwaukee Tool Canada’s Thermal Imager and Temperature Gun, for example, provides some unique benefits. The infrared temperature gun provides easier readings for professional, residential, commercial and industrial users in any environment. It also has a simple high/low alert setup that makes scanning easier and faster and a seven-point reinforced frame. “It takes pictures, does analysis which can be done through the laptop,” says Keith Potts, National Trainer, Milwaukee Tool Canada, “and USB cables and software are supplied at no charge.”
For the mechanic or machinist Dad, Potts suggests the company’s High-Torque Impact Wrench with Friction Ring Kit. “The wrenches provide up to 1,400ft-lbs of torque for large fastener work,” says Potts. “These wrenches have all the power that’s needed, and more.” Potts also suggests the company’s lightweight Dual Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw for Dads who prioritize performance and productivity, with a battery that can hold its power through a full morning of work, and can charge up completely over a lunch break.
Photos courtesy of Task Tools
Organization Ideas
Whether you’re shopping for a Dad who loves to be organized, or one who could really use a hand in that department, the Heavy-Duty Component Apron from Task Tools is likely to fit the bill. “Dads will love the high-quality fabric that provides abrasion resistance and durability, the high pocket and feature count for ultimate organization, and the sharp styling,” says Terry Hamer, Product Manager, Task Tools. Pockets can be moved as required, the padded belt has D-rings for a suspender harness attachment (sold separately), and there’s a bonus carabiner for easy clipping of accessories.On a similar note, there’s Task Tools’ 18” Contractor Tool Bag, with the same durable construction, plus a neoprene handle cover, tape measure holder, interior side organizers and plenty of other soon-to-be-indispensible features.
Photos courtesy of Dewalt
Essential Extras: a Radio and a Workbench
Some must-have accessories can also help with your next project, as well. “There’s the new Dewalt T-Stack Radio, with excellent sound quality and enough durability to be considered ‘guaranteed tough,’” says Stephen Blain, Commercialization Manager, Professional Power Tools, Stanley Black & Decker Canada. It has Bluetooth connectivity so you can stream your tunes from a mobile device, works with Dewalt’s 20V Max and Flexvolt batteries, and can be clipped to any of the company’s storage solutions items to help stay organized.
Photos courtesy of Dewalt
For those who care deeply about being efficient, Dewalt’s Express Folding Work- bench can seriously trim the time required to prep and clean up after a job. “Half the battle with getting jobs done is setting up and then putting stuff away at the end of the job,” says Blain. “With this work bench, it only takes three seconds to set up and close down the unit.” He adds, “It’s built for the heavy jobs and can support up to 1,000lbs.”
Photos courtesy of King Canada Tools
Work Light, Air Compressor, Table Saw
For those who’ve always got a job on the go, Ted Fuller, Vice President of King Canada Tools suggests the company’s 10” Jobsite Table Saw. “It’s perfect for repairs,” says Fuller, “whether you’re at work or at the cottage.” Most would also welcome practical accessories that make their work easier and safer. “We recently introduced a 20W LED Work Light to compliment our 10W cordless work light,” says Fuller. “It’s selling well because it’s good for a variety of uses. It can be used in the shop, on the jobsite, in the truck, on the campsite, and so on.” King Canada also offers the Ultra Quiet Oil Free Air Compressor that could make a versatile addition to any workshop. “It’s super quiet, and can blow up mattresses and bike tires, power brad nailers, and a lot more,” says Fuller. Whether you’re a full-blown professional tradesperson, industry business owner or need some gift idea inspiration for Father’s Day, building up the tool box or workshop with top-drawer tools and accessories, is sure to help those handy hands.