Power tools may not make very glamorous gifts, but there are two groups of people who would be happy to receive them: those who want them and those who need them.
“You have to remember that for many people using tools is not something they have to do, but something they want to do,” notes John Constantine, vice president of marketing for Black & Decker power tools.
“Then you have people who maybe don’t like do-it-yourself activities, but know that they will get the jobs done more easily and quickly with a power tool.”
Gift-givers contemplating buying power tools to give as presents have many to choose from. More and more of them run on battery power instead of alternating current (AC).
“There are many more cordless products than ever before,” points out Chris Carlson, woodworking group product manager for Skil-Bosch. “The performance level of batteries has improved and consumers like the convenience of not having to use extension cords.”
Power tools are appearing more and more on the “must-have” list because how-to books, the Internet, CD-ROMs, TV programs and classes at home centers have given do-it-yourselfers the know-how and the self-confidence they need.
“They are ready to tackle bigger projects now,” says Constantine, “and that means that they need more serious products.”
But power tools are no longer intended strictly for men. Women are using them too and manufacturers have made changes to suit them.
“You don’t want to make a tool that makes men think of it as a toy,” says Carlson, “but you don’t want females to think that they aren’t going to be able to work with it.”
The compromise has produced tools that are often lighter weight, with ergonomic features that make them more comfortable to hold and easier to use. These are changes that may also accommodate left-handed users and retirees who may have arthritis or other health problems. So shoppers might find a power tool that’s right for virtually everyone on their gift list.
A number of new power tools are described here, along with suggested retail prices. Contact the listed manufacturers for help in finding a retailer in your area that carries a specific item.
Circular saw
The Firestorm Circular Saw is a 14.4-volt cordless tool that can cut up to 70 2-by-4s on a single charge of the battery, according to manufacturer Black & Decker. Special features make it easy to get straight and accurate cuts, including a window on top of the guard that lets you see the blade and the cutting line. In addition, the handle is lined up directly behind the blade. The handle itself is designed to be easy and comfortable to hold. The saw comes with a circular blade that is especially thin so it needs less power to do its job because it removes less material when it is cutting. It comes with a battery and a charger. Price: $120. Black & Decker, Consumer Services, P.O. Box 618, Hampstead, MD 21704. Phone: 800-54-HOW-TO.
Drill/driver and more
Skil has a kit with three handy items. It includes a 9.6- or 12-volt drill/driver that reduces stress and strain because it is shaped so that it can be used without having to tilt the wrist. The T-shaped handle with a soft, textured surface makes the tool comfortable to hold. Six settings can be selected for the right amount of power for each job. The kit also includes a high-pressure air gun, which can inflate a football, a bike tire or even a car tire. There’s also a flashlight with a head that can pivot and a beam that can be adjusted to wide or narrow. The flashlight doesn’t necessarily have to be held because it can stand upright on its base. The kit’s black, heavy-duty carrying case includes a battery, a power station/charger to recharge it and a corded back-up module to use when the battery runs down. Price: $130 for the kit with the 9.6-volt drill/driver, $150 for the kit with the 12-volt drill/driver. Skil Power Tools, 4300 W. Peterson Ave. Chicago, IL 60646-5999. Phone: 877-SKIL 999.
Project kit
The Home Project Combo Kit from Ryobi has tools to handle a wide variety of tasks. First of all there is a 14.4-volt, 5 1/2-inch circular saw that is designed to improve the accuracy of the cut. It has a very thin blade to assure a smooth cut. Next, there is a 14.4-volt, variable-speed drill/driver. The whole surface of this tool is covered with a textured material to prevent the tool from slipping in the hand no matter where it is held. As an added feature, the drill/driver has a built-in level to help users drill holes straight and not at an angle. The kit also contains a flashlight with a head that swivels to direct light where it’s needed. Last of all, the carrying case includes two 14.4-volt battery packs and a charger with an LED display to indicate when batteries are about to fail. Price: $179. Ryobi, 1424 Pearman Dairy Rd., Anderson, SC 29625. Phone: 800-525-2579.
Scaled-down workshop
Craftsman calls its new series of mini-tools a “workshop in a briefcase.” These pint-size power tools are similar to the full-size ones, only they can be used for intricate craft projects. Chances are that hobbyists who have a set will find other handy ways to use them around the house. A 50-piece intermediate set includes a plunge router that can be used for shaping edges; a 1/2-pound jigsaw that can be transformed into a scroll saw; a 6 1/2-ounce pad sander for finishing projects made of wood or plastic; and a transformer. Both the jigsaw and the sander operate at speeds ranging from 1,000 to 7,500 strokes per minute. The kit also contains a number of accessories, including jigsaw blades and sheets of sandpaper. Price: $149.99. Available at Sears stores.
Pneumatic fasteners
Carpentry projects can be easier to do with the new line of pneumatic fastening tools from Stanley-Bostitch that can be used for work on molding and for making cabinetry and furniture. They include two brad nailers, a stapler that drives crown staples and another one that drives finish nails. The tools have an easy-to-adjust feature that can be moved 360 degrees to direct the exhaust away from the person using them, a large window to view the fasteners remaining to be used so you’ll know when it is time to reload, and tips designed so they won’t mar the surface of the work. Rubber grips on the handles make them comfortable to hold. Prices: $99-$220, depending on model. Stanley, 1000 Stanley Drive, New Britain, CT 06053. Phone: 800-STANLEY.
Scroll saw
Dremel’s 1680 Variable Speed Scroll Saw, with speeds that range from 500 to 1,600 strokes per minute, was designed to be easy to use. It weighs in at 40 pounds, but its cast iron table is 12 inches by 16 inches–big enough to handle all sorts of projects. The controls are mounted on top so they are easy to reach.No tools are needed to change the blades. An adjustable light makes it easy to keep on eye on the job. A dust blower keeps the work piece clean and can be turned in various directions. Included is an assortment of 12 blades and there’s also a place to store them. Price: $200. Dremel, 4915 21st St., Racine, WI 53406-9989. Phone: 800-4DREMEL.
