Gifts for Woodworkers and DIYers

People who build things never have enough clamps, and they tend to buy the cheap version of everything until it breaks. The best gifts are the better hand tools, a jig that opens up new projects, and a book from someone who knows wood.

Under $25 5 ideas

  1. Swanson Tool Speed Square

    The original rafter square. Marks quick, accurate cuts and lasts forever.

    SwansonStocking stuffer

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  2. Titebond III Ultimate Wood Glue, 16 oz

    Waterproof wood glue that works indoors and out. They will use it up, so it is never a wasted gift.

    TitebondGets used up

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  3. Stanley FatMax 25 ft Tape Measure

    Wide blade that stands out a long way without bending. Workshops can always use another one.

    StanleyStocking stuffer

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  4. RAK Magnetic Wristband

    Holds screws and nails on the wrist while working on a ladder. A fun stocking stuffer that gets real use.

    RAKStocking stufferWhite elephant

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  5. The Complete Manual of Woodworking by Albert Jackson

    A thorough, illustrated reference on tools, joints and wood. Ideal for someone teaching themselves.

    Albert JacksonBook

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Under $50 8 ideas

  1. Bosch Blaze GLM 20 Laser Measure

    Measures across rooms instantly. Handy for estimating flooring, paint and furniture, and faster than a tape.

    Bosch

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  2. IRWIN QUICK-GRIP Mini Bar Clamps, 4 Pack

    One-handed clamps for glue-ups and holding work. Every woodworker wants more.

    IRWIN

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  3. Kreg Jig R3 Pocket-Hole Jig

    Pocket-hole joinery makes cabinets, shelves and frames strong and easy. A great first jig for a beginner.

    Kreg

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  4. Kreg Rip-Cut Circular Saw Guide

    Turns a circular saw into a straight rip saw for plywood. Huge for people without a table saw.

    Kreg

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  5. Suizan Japanese Pull Saw, Ryoba 9.5 Inch

    Cuts on the pull stroke for thin, clean cuts, with rip and crosscut teeth on one blade. A pleasure for fine joinery.

    Suizan

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  6. Estwing E3-16C 16 oz Claw Hammer

    One piece of forged steel with the classic blue grip. The hammer people buy once and keep forever.

    Estwing

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  7. Understanding Wood by R. Bruce Hoadley

    The standard reference on how wood behaves, moves and splits. Explains why glue-ups crack.

    R. Bruce HoadleyBook

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  8. Hudson Durable Goods Waxed Canvas Work Apron

    A heavy waxed canvas apron with tool pockets and a cross-back strap. Adjustable, so sizing is not a worry.

    Hudson Durable Goods

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Under $100 2 ideas

  1. 3M WorkTunes Connect Hearing Protector with Bluetooth

    Ear protection with Bluetooth so they can listen to podcasts while running loud tools. Encourages them to actually wear it.

    3M

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  2. Milwaukee M12 Rover Service and Repair Flood Light

    A magnetic work light for dark corners and under sinks. Only for someone already on Milwaukee M12 batteries.

    Milwaukee

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$100 and up 3 ideas

  1. Kreg 720 Pocket-Hole Jig

    Kreg's auto-adjusting bench jig for quick, repeatable pocket holes. An upgrade for someone who already uses the R3.

    Kreg

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  2. DEWALT 20V MAX Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit DCK240C2

    A drill and impact driver with two batteries and a charger. A solid start for a new DIYer or homeowner.

    DEWALT

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  3. Milwaukee PACKOUT Rolling Tool Box

    A tough, rolling, stackable tool box that locks to other PACKOUT boxes. Organizes a garage that has outgrown buckets.

    Milwaukee

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