As Father’s Day approaches, it’s time to celebrate the handyman, the fixer-upper, and the home improvement guru in your life. Whether he’s a seasoned pro or a DIYer just getting started with his toolbox, we’ve curated a list of thoughtful gifts that will make his heart (and his workshop) skip a beat. Many of the tools and products on this year’s list were exhibited at the recent National Hardware Show and Hardware Huddle events. Our staff was able to demo these products at the events, in our workshop, and in the field. Let’s dive right in to our Father’s Day gift guide for the home improvement dads who know their way around a hammer and a tape measure!
Bosch 18V Two-In-One 1/4 In. and 1/2 In. Bit/Socket Impact Driver/Wrench Kit
The Bosch GDX18V-1800 Two-in-One 1/4 In. and 1/2 In. Bit/Socket Impact Driver/Wrench is ready for use with bits and sockets, going from impact wrench to impact driver fast. It lets you do two jobs with one tool, with the two-in-one bit/socket driver that offers a 1/4 In. quick-change hex shank holder with power groove for bits, and a 1/2 In. square drive for sockets. The impact driver/wrench’s efficient, powerful brushless cordless motor produces up to 1,800 In.-Lbs. of torque, while the Bosch hammer-and-anvil system provides maximum impact energy and up to 0-4,200 impacts per minute. The variable-speed trigger provides accurate driving speed. The two-in-one bit/socket drive increases both convenience and power. Bits can stay conveniently inserted when using deep sockets, and more torque is transferred directly thru the 1/2 In. square drive anvil. There is no more torque loss through socket adapters or broken socket adapters. The driver has an LED light to illuminate the work area. The kit comes with one 18V 2 Ah Standard Power Battery and an 18V charger. On sale for Father’s Day $149 (originally $179). Deal Available from June 1 – June 30. Go to boschtools.com for more info.
MULE Products
The new MULE brand and their unique products are perfect gift for the DIY Dad. Our staff was introduced to MULE fans at the National Hardware Show and we caught up with them again at the recent Hardware Huddle event. New products from MULE include the Garage Fan with Work Lights, Outdoor Deck and Patio Fans, and the Mobile Workshop with Portable Power. These new fans are easy to install and provide the airflow you need to keep your garage, deck, patio, and workplace comfortable and safe. The 5-in-1 Mobile Workshop is a professional grade utility cart that is ideal for transporting your tools and equipment from the truck to the worksite. This multi-purpose cart is a mobile workshop on wheels, including an integrated three-speed portable fan, high-powered LED light, built-in power strip, tool tray and a loading tray to haul materials.
Mule specializes in designing, engineering and manufacturing innovative products for the DIYer and Pro Tradesman. MULE products are designed to have high functionality and multiple uses to make projects and workspaces better. For more info, go to muleproducts.com
Cuisinart Outdoor Wok Station
Cuisinart Outdoors recently unveiled the Outdoor Wok Station at the National Hardware Show. This innovative product is the first and only outdoor wok and prep station.
The groundbreaking new Outdoor Wok Station combines style with versatility and functionality for your outdoor cooking needs. Seamlessly transition your favorite indoor wok recipes to the great outdoors with the premium 14” hand-hammered carbon steel wok, allowing for deep seasoning and non-stick capabilities. The propane-powered 50,000 BTUs burner system creates unmatched wok temperatures, previously unattainable indoors, creating exceptional textures and performance. From scrambled eggs and well-done bacon for breakfast to sizzling stir-fries and mouthwatering shrimp scampi for dinner, the station can handle a full day’s range of meals. The Outdoor Wok Station is the pinnacle of convenience with a spacious stainless-steel top for ample meal prepping space, large rear wheels for portability, and solid front legs for stability. The Outdoor Wok Station will elevate your outdoor culinary skills and help you to unlock endless possibilities as we enter the season of outdoor entertaining. For more info go to, cuisinart.com
NEBO Assist® Air Jump Starter
Jump starters are essential for safety and convenience when traveling and working out of your vehicle. The EHT staff strongly recommends that Dad keep a jump starter in his car, truck, or boat. Having a multi-purpose jump starter is the way to go. This unit from Nebo offers a power bank, emergency light, a 120psi air compressor, plus the jumper with cables. 1500 amps provides plenty of power to jump start any 12-volt car, SUV, truck, or marine battery and it is suitable for 8L gas & 4L diesel engines. Go to https://nebo.acgbrands.com
Rapid Rafter Dual-Sided Square
One of our favorite tools on display at the National Hardware Show was the Rapid Rafter. The Rapid Rafter is a much needed innovation to the traditional rafter square that has not changed in almost 100 years. Lumber, however, HAS changed. There’s more radius edge on lumber and more sapwood with wane that makes it more difficult to find a true perpendicular with a traditional speed square. Using Rapid Rafter, a dual speed square, allows the carpenter to lay out and mark ridges, hips, valleys and rafter tails with greater speed and accuracy that results in a significant reduction in work time. For more info, visit www.rapidrafter.com.
Surebonder TriggerFire Staple Gun
For all the Dads that love innovation in tools to make their jobs easier, the Surebonder TriggerFire staple gun was redesigned to ensure easy, precise stapling with one hand. In Trigger mode, simply squeeze the handle to pre-set the staple gun, position the tool on the work surface and then squeeze the Trigger to set the staple. In normal mode, the TriggerFire functions as a traditional staple gun. This staple gun is also equipped with an Adjustable Staple Depth mode that adjusts the force exerted to set a staple. This feature comes in handy when using various staple lengths into soft or hard woods. The TriggerFire uses Surebonder #4 or Arrow T50 type staples and features an easy Drop-In-Staple loading design. The heavy-duty construction and easy-to-use design makes even the toughest projects a breeze. Available at Lowe’s
DeckWise® Hardwood Wrench Jr.™
Builders and contractors enjoy tools that are specifically designed for a job and when it comes to minimizing job-site time, they turn to the DeckWise® tool line! Deck installers and contractors know our original Hardwood Wrench™ is the beefiest, most stout deck board bending tool on the market! DeckWise® has scaled down the Hardwood Wrench™ to a “junior” size for the DIYer, weekend warrior, and Pro deck builder.
Even the most seasoned deck installer knows how grueling it can be when wrangling bent and warped deck boards into submission. Especially when it’s a one-man show or a weekend project! This is where its multidirectional components and multiconfiguration features save the day. A must have in every tool box!
The uncomplicated design of the Hardwood Wrench Jr.™ fashions it as one of the most innovative board straighteners ever created. Its simplicity results in a lightweight, economical deck board tool making it a valiant contender bending unruly hardwoods, thermal woods, pressure treated, and composites. Available at deckwise.com
WiseBond™ Epoxy Systems
WiseBond™ Epoxy Systems are the perfect gift for the creative DIYer, woodworker, and professional furniture maker. As resin art and epoxy river tables continue to climb in popularity, WiseBond™ stands out as an industry leader with high clarity, non-yellowing UV stability, and a variety of available products for every need.
WiseBond™ offers three epoxy formulas: Bar & Table Top kits for flood coats, Deep Pour™ epoxy kits for 2” single river table pouring, and Quick Set live edge epoxy for a fast cure to coat and crack filling projects. Other offerings are epoxy colorants ranging from mica powders, to transparent alcohol inks, to opaque pigments, to amazing color shifting powders. Available at WiseBond.com
Bosch SDS-plus® Bulldog™ Xtreme 1 In. Rotary Hammer
The Bosch 11255VSR SDS-plus® Bulldog™ Xtreme 1 In. Rotary Hammer is a versatile, handy tool that features a robust 8.0 Amp motor. From anchoring to large material breaking, it gets the job done right the first time. Engineered in the tradition of legendary Bulldogs, this powerful hammer delivers 2.0 Ft.-Lbs. of impact energy and 0-5,800 no-load BPM, but it weighs just 6.7 Lbs. The multifunction mode selector allows users to easily select among three modes of operation: rotary hammer, rotation only and hammer only. To optimize the chiseling angle, it has Vario-Lock positioning that rotates and locks the chisel in one of 36 different positions. It has Bosch’s PRO+GUARD™ dust system built-in that helps users move toward OSHA Silica Table 1 dust compliance. The hammer is designed with an ergonomic D-handle for comfort. It features a variable-speed reversing trigger for accurate bit starting, and a Bosch-exclusive rotating brush plate, for equal power in forward and reverse. Busy pros will appreciate the tool’s HammerHook, which allows the user to hang the tool on the job, and the SDS-plus® system provides for tool-free bit changes. On sale for Father’s Day $179 (originally $219). Deal Available from June 1 – June 30. Go to boschtools.com for more info.
Marble Dream® Resurfacing Kit from Daich Coatings
Marble Dream kits cover 40 square feet of space and come in Pristine White and Cosmos Black colors. With just a few easy steps, anyone can create genuine veined marble finishes and visual appeal on most existing surfaces in just two days. Each finished project has the look of premium marble. Users get to determine if they wish soft, elegant marble veining that flows or something more distinct and defined. Marble Dream surfaces resist stains, heat and impact. Application of the product is low odor and low VOCs. Sinks, plumbing fixtures and countertops do not need to be removed before applying this product to laminates, concrete, plywood, MDF, stone, pre-coated and solid surfaces. The final Marble Dream surface is kept food safe and intact with a polyurethane clear coat. The new Marble Dream kit is available at daichcoatings.com
NEBO Grilla™ Light 300
This grill light from Nebo is the perfect gift for your grillmaster on Father’s Day. This grill light offers 300 lumens with up to 16 hours of illumination. The silicone grip is heat-resistant, and the aircraft-grade aluminum housing is water-resistant so not even rain will hold you back from that midnight feast. This light is multi-functional as it doubles as a handheld flashlight. It also has a built-in bottle opener because you know your favorite beverage is required when grilling. For more info, go to https://nebo.acgbrands.com
Work IQ Tools™ – IQ Vise System™
DIYers, craftsmen, hobbyists, makers and trade pros will want this new vise system for their workbench. IQ Vise System™ includes the maneuverable multi-axis bench-mount IQ Vise™, a collection of task-specific IQ Vise Jaws™ and IQ Connect™ plug-and-play accessories and mounts. The IQ Vise features a ball and socket design that allows articulation and 360-degree rotation at any angle. It also includes a Quick Cam™ compression lever in the front that gives the vise even more functionality by allowing it to lay flat, lock at any angle or rotate for optimal work positioning. The eight-position IQ Lok™ locks the ball in place and allows up to 130 foot-pounds of torque, delivering endless possibilities of projects the vise can withstand. To learn more, visit workiqtools.com.
PRIMALFORGE Rocker Butcher Knife
Dad can always use a good knife. Whether you are grilling, in the kitchen, or camping these knives from TRUE will fit the bill. This butcher knife offers blacksmith style craftsmanship with a heavy duty stainless steel blade that will hold a super sharp edge. This knife is built with full tang construction to ensure long lasting durability. The handle is made from beautiful Monzo wood which is known for it’s density and water resistant properties. A custom sheath is included. For more info, go to true.acgbrands.com
Greenworks Pro 3000 psi Pressure Washer
One of the most satisfying DIY projects is pressure washing. This 3000 psi electric pressure washer from Greenworks packs plenty of power for Dad to conquer stubborn mildew, mold, dirt, and grime stains. This unit features a 14-amp brushless motor that propels water at 1.1 to 2 gpm on 3,000 psi. It comes with 15-, 25-, and 40-degree spray tips, a soap applicator tip, and a turbo nozzle. Plus, a 1 gallon detergent tank for direct injection of cleaning solution is also included. The hose is 25 feet long and is easy to roll up and stow away. For more info, go to greenworkstools.com
BORA® Speedhorse
Bora Tool’s Speedhorse is a contractor-grade sawhorse that deploys much faster than conventional saw-horses. Designed for flexibility in a wide variety of environments, this sawhorse is built tough to withstand heavy projects ranging from construction and carpentry to furniture builds. And when the job is finished, simply pull the levers and fold the legs up. The quick-deploy and quick-collapse legs allow users to set up in just seconds, and non-sequential leg folding makes worksite teardown a breeze. Just pull the levers on each end and fold up the legs, no matter which order. The Speedhorse offers best-in-class weight capacity, so each individual unit can support 1,500 lbs.—200 lbs. more than the leading competitors. A long, pre-drilled surface equates to more workspace and stability, and the pre-drilled metal top allows users to screw in a 2×4 as a sacrificial top, saving saws and the sawhorse from damage. Visit boratool.com
Kentwool Socks
Kentwool socks make the perfect gift to give and receive for Father’s Day! We were able to grab a pair at the Hardware Huddle back in 2020 and we have been huge fans of these socks ever since. All Kentwool products are crafted with a superfine Merino wool blend and designed with extra cushion with your comfort in mind. The natural temperature-regulating properties of wool allow you to stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer so that you can rock these socks all year long. Give and get the gift of comfort with Kentwool! For more info, go to kentwool.com
Dremel 8240 Cordless Rotary Tool
Built with unmatched cordless power the Dremel 8240 can help dad tackle the most demanding projects from cutting through metal to carving wood. Crafted with comfort in mind, the tool’s ergonomic design helps provide control when managing project and offers a variable speed of 5,000-35,000 RPM to execute tasks with precision. Available at Amazon, Lowe’s and Home Depot
