The holiday season is a time for giving, and also for treating oneself to tools that are at the top of their wishlist. There are a couple of tools that I will definitely be buying soon, either when the right deal comes along, or my next credit card reward points gift card.
Here are the top 3 from my wishlist, which will soon be making it onto my shopping list. What about you? What kind of tools are you looking to buy?
And if you think you have everything you could want or need for your projects, be sure to check out our ultimate tool gift guide, which might just have something you didn’t know about.
Knipex Pliers Wrench, 6″ Size
I have written about the Knipex Pliers Wrench several times before, and thanks to our friends at KC Tool I had the chance to try out the 5″ model. This truly is an awesome hybrid tool – half pliers, half adjustable wrench.
I use mine for so many different things – from turning stubborn or delicate fasteners, to pressing my watch back together after changing the battery.
KC Tool provided the 5″ size, and I previously bought the Knipex Pliers Wrench in 7″ and 10″ sizes. I’ve been wondering if the 6″ size would be great for my needs, but the price is a little high for something I don’t need.
I almost bought it on Amazon recently, when it was $40, but then it shot up to $56. It’s now $47, and I’m hoping it goes down a little. Or maybe I can snag it from an industrial supplier during their Black Friday or Cyber Monday discount.
A couple of readers asked about the differences between the 5″ and 6″ versions, so maybe I can justify the purchase as a “for the benefit of the community” expense.
Get Your Own(via Amazon)
Mitutoyo Inside Micrometers
I have plenty of tools for measuring inside diameters, such as the inner sizing of tubing, washers, shaft collars, and other such things, but I’ve been wishing I had a good pair of inside micrometers. They’re just easier and quicker to use.
These Mitutoyo inside micrometers, model 145-193, can measure internal diameters from 0.2″ to 1.2″ with 0.001″ graduations, and 0.00025″ accuracy.
Why not digital inside measurements? Because these Vernier scale analog ones will last the rest of my life, and then some, with good care. Besides, analog micrometers and calipers don’t have batteries that might need replacing. There’s also the fact that Mitutoyo digital inside micrometers cost sooooo much more ($554 at Amazon!).
These are $200 at Amazon and elsewhere. I’m hoping to score them for 25% or 30% off from an industrial supplier.
Get Your Own(via Amazon)
Bosch 1294VSK Detail Sander
Although I own a couple of sanders and a great oscillating multi-tool, there are times when I really wish I had a sander that could reach into tight edges, corners, and narrow spaces.
This Bosch detail sander looks to fit the bill, and it’s eligible for their $25 off $100+ holiday promo.
It’s currently $117 at Amazon, which looks to be lower than at other Bosch distributors, and $92 after the $25 discount is applied at checkout.
Get Your Own(via Amazon)
So… that’s my wishlist, or rather my holiday tool shopping list, at least as it stands now. What’s on yours?