What the CHW team wants for Christmas

Jodi MacLean, Managing Editor

I’d love to find a Millwaukee Hackzall Recip Saw under the tree. I tried the tool out recently and it won me over. It’s powerful and durable, yet easy to use. It’s one of those tools I think I don’t be able to live without once I get it on my workbench

I think the first time DIYer needs to invest in a good cordless drill driver. Make sure it has a Lithium-ion battery and at least 18 volts of power. If you want to jump to the top of the market, try an impact driver.

Steve Maxwell, Technical Editor

The main thing I'd like for Christmas is a large storage building for lumber, firewood, my tractor and all the other stuff a hands-on guy uses regularly.

If I had a first-time DIYer on my list, I'd give an 18-volt cordless drill. It's such a useful tool, few other basics can compare.

Web pick: For even more brownie points this holiday season, don’t just stop at a drill; this cordless kit includes power tools every new DIYer shouldn’t be without.

Matt Filion, Associate Art Director

If the Milwaukee M12 pipe cutter fell out of Santa’s sack and landed under my tree, I wouldn’t be upset. I got to play with it at a photo shoot to cut up some copper pipe and it saved me tons of time, and my wrist. It may be a luxury item coming in at $225, but I’m OK with that if Santa’s buying.

A great gift for a first-time DIYer is a compound mitre saw. It can be used for various projects around the house when you need to cut an angle or bevel. Most now come with built-in lasers to help with your cuts.

Matthew Pioro, Associate Editor

My totally unrealistic Christmas wish is the Espejo Leatherman tool from the Argentum collection. It’s $900 USD, which is extravagant for a knife/multi-tool, but it’s not the del Ray ($40,000 USD). The Espejo looks great, but somehow I can’t imaging folding out its blade and taking it to some gummy spruce. The tool’s mirror finish might get tarnished. Photo courtesy of Leatherman.

My realistic Christmas wish is for a pair (or two) of Benchmark auto-lock pliers. Their self-locking feature is great, no fiddling with a knob to get the right grip. If everything looks like a nail when your only tool is a hammer, then everything looks like a nut with these pliers.