Tools make great gifts, especially when they are the latest cutting-edge ones on the market.
Take, for instance, the Professional Chef’s Knife Sharpener for $149.95 at Hammacher Schlemmer (800-543-3366). Rated the best manual knife sharpener by Cook’s Illustrated, it uses aluminum oxide water stones to sharpen blades up to 3 1/2 inches wide. The adjustable stone arm has a plastic body with stainless steel and brass parts and a nylon carrying case.
For the bike enthusiast, the Swiss Army Mountain Bike Knife includes multipurpose slip-joint pliers, detachable tool for adjusting spokes, 10-millimeter hexagonal key for nuts, detachable chain rivet setter/lever, all-purpose wrench, corkscrew, can opener, toothpick, tweezers, and Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers. It sells for $95 with pliers, $80 without; call 800-431-2996.
Rinse Ace is a diverter valve for showers with an easy connect/disconnect plug-in and lock hose combination. It comes with detachable 6-foot hose, and the spray operates when the trigger is squeezed. It saves water and is ideal for pets, washing hair or watering floor plants. Available at Ace Hardware, Montgomery Ward, True Value, Sears, Spiegel and Walgreens for $19.95; or call 800-867-4673.
Coffee lovers on the go, rejoice. The Black & Decker Brew ‘N Go auto coffeemaker makes your favorite java directly in the two-tone blue-and-white mug. The coffeemaker has a permanent filter and automatic shut-off; the thermal mug has a brew-through lid to keep the coffee warm. It sells for $29.99 where Black & Decker products are available, which includes most hardware, home improvement and appliance stores.
More holiday home improvements are possible with the Black & Decker SnakeLight electric work light ($45). The flexible core can be bent, coiled or positioned for hand-free lighting while doing repairs. It includes an 18-foot electrical cord, hanging hook and halogen light with protective lens cages.
Sick of scum buildup on the bathroom tile and tub?
Enter Scumbuster, a cordless, water-immersible scouring brush by Black & Decker, $59.99. It comes with three attachments and runs on a rechargeable battery. There is also a Scumbuster Outdoor for the grill, $49.99.
What every do-it-yourselfer needs: The Organized Handyman’s Tool Set ($149.95), exclusively by Hammacher Schlemmer, features 104 tools secured with elastic straps. The set includes hammer, five pliers, 10 screwdrivers, six-piece precision screwdriver set, 12 combination wrenches, 14 hex key wrenches, one adjustable wrench, 40-piece socket set and measuring tape, all inside a aluminum shell carry case.
Every dog owner could use a Leashlight ($39.99) from Black & Decker. It’s a retractable dog leash with a built-in flashlight for those late-night strolls with Fido. It operates on two C batteries and features a 16-foot leash, strong enough to hold dogs 30-80 pounds.
What handyman or handywoman would not want a Black & Decker VersaPak Cordless Screwdriver ($19.99)? It includes a double-edged screwdriver bit with standard and Phillips heads. The battery and charger are an additional $19.99.
Finally, an innovative carrying/storage case with 11-piece combination wrench set is available from GM Goodwrench Tools, $24.99 at Kmart. All wrenches are designed with a Surface Grip feature and made of alloy steel and chrome-plated. They range in size from 1/4-inch to 7/8-inch.
