Love where you live. Sign up for our newsletter

Our Tool School Gift Guide for 2018

by on Dec 7, 2018

This post is sponsored by The Home Depot

As we wrap up the year, it’s always fun to look back at some of our favorite DIY projects from the last twelve months. This year we worked with The Home Depot to come up with a whole series of projects and tool reviews, called Tool School. Here’s a look at some of the DIYs I liked best, along with the tools that made them possible, plus, a selection of new gift ideas just in time for your holiday shopping.     

The Dremel Multi-Max is Versatile and Useful

Dremel oscillating tool
DREMEL Multi-Max 3.5 Amp Variable Speed Corded Oscillating Tool Kit with Accessories and Storage Bag – $99

The Dremel Multi-Max is a tool we’ve used on several projects over the years:

Wooden Christmas tree

This wooden table-top Christmas tree is just as beautiful today as it was when Faith created it way back in 2013! 

Christmas tree made out of natural wood that is decorated with red bulbs.

 

Dremel Multimax tool usage

M.E. completely turned around this discarded old chair, using a Dremel Multi-Max along the way.

 

Dumpster chair makeover

 


The Bosch Self-Leveling Cross Line Laser Level

Bosch laser level
Bosch 65 ft. Self-Leveling Cross Line Laser Level with Plumb Points -$140 

This year we tried out all sorts of advanced, digital leveling and measuring tools. Below, a water-resistant digital box level and a digital laser measure. I can’t wait to try out the laser level (above) on my next gallery wall hanging project.

True Blue Digital box level

Bosch Digital laser measure


Husky Mechanic’s Tool Set (265 pc)

Husky Mechanics Tool Set (268-Piece)
Husky Mechanics Tool Set (268-piece) – $130

There’s something about having a professional-level set of tools that just feels amazing (even if, let’s face it, you might not really need them). The mechanic’s tool set (above) definitely fits that bill. 

Below, we put a really awesome cordless drill from Milwaukee, and a super-fun Ryobi bolt cutter to work in a utility closet makeover.

Milwaukee Cordless Drill

Ryobi bolt cutters


DREMEL GO Cordless Screwdriver 

Dremel electric screwdriver
DREMEL GO 4-Volt Max Lithium-Ion Cordless Screwdriver with USB Charger and Insert Bits – $40

I like a clever gadget as much as the next guy, but there’s no shortage of contraptions out there that you simply do not need. I’d argue that DREMEL’s 4-V cordless screwdriver is not one of those. It’s light, compact, and incredibly useful. It performs a different function that a power drill (it’s way lighter and easier to handle), but improves the job of using a screwdriver appreciably. I’d like to own one. Oh wait. I do!

One project from 2018 that could have benefited from this tool was M.E.’s inexpensive rolling kitchen work-center (below). She ended up driving all those screws by hand, when she could have used the power of technology instead! 

IKEA rolling cabinet project


Bosch Daredevil Spade

Bosch spade bit set
BOSCH 19pc Daredevil spade bit set – $20

A proper set of spade bits is a must have for any workshop. This set comes with a handy carrying roll so your bits won’t get lost. Earlier this year we tried out RIGID’s new MEGAMax multi-tool, and these Bosch Daredevil spade bits got put to work, driving test holes through some innocent 2x4s.

RIGID MEGAMax Tool

Here’s to a great year of tool reviews and DIY projects. And we hope your holidays are filled with family, friends, and plenty of new tools to play with!


This post is sponsored by The Home Depot. All opinions are mine alone. Thanks for reading, and for supporting the brands that make Curbly possible.

I acknowledge that The Home Depot is partnering with me to participate in the ProSpective2018 Campaign. As a part of the Program, I am receiving compensation in the form of products and services, for the purpose of promoting The Home Depot. All expressed opinions and experiences are my own words. My post complies with the Word Of Mouth Marketing Association (WOMMA) Ethics Code and applicable Federal Trade Commission guidelines.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *