Holiday gift guide: Tool and tool storage deals

Tools make a great gift for many different types of people: mechanics, weekend DIYers, new homeowners, hobbyists, etc.  With the holidays fast approaching, online retailers are throwing up new deals every day.  Below are some current online deals that can net you a good tool (or tool storage) present for a great price.

- Milwaukee 48-32-4502 Magnetic Bit Holder (Home Depot, $3.97)
Magnetic bit holders tend to be generic and unremarkable; they either work or they don't.  This Milwaukee bit holder stands out, however.  It has a slightly smaller footprint than many other bit holders (2.36" rather than 2.5") and the magnet is very strong.  For a more detailed description, see my full review of this bit holder.

- Cat Premium Plastic Portable Tool Box with Lid Organization and Removable Tote (Amazon, $25.71)

This tough plastic toolbox measures 9.25" x 20" x 9" and includes everything you'd expect to find: removable plastic tote, removable small parts organizers in the lid, metal padlock eyes, and reinforced side walls.  There's even a ruler imprinted onto the lid.  This tool box gets a 4.6 out of 5 star rating on Amazon.

For a less expensive option, check out the Stanley 016011R Series 2000 16-Inch Tool Box.  It's smaller (7.8" x 16" x 7") and not quite as tough, but it currently sells for $18.76 and it may drop lower.  (It has been as low as $10.35 recently.)

- Ryobi 130-Piece Drill and Drive Bit Set (Home Depot, $9.88)

Probably too large for a stocking stuffer, this 130-piece bit set would make a great gift for anyone running low on drill or driver bits.  The set includes Phillips, slotted, Torx, square, and hex bits.  It also comes with a magnetic bit holder and a durable plastic case.

- Anvil 5-Piece Pliers Set (Home Depot, $4.88)

Anvil seems to be one of Home Depot's newer brands.  The pliers in this set probably won't be the highest quality pliers ever seen, but at less than $1 per pair, it's hard to beat that price.  This set would make a good gift for someone who needs some extra pliers to stow in the car or in a kitchen drawer for emergencies.

Leatherman Brewzer for $7.18

If you've been considering buying a Leatherman Brewzer keychain multi tool, but don't want to pay the $9 or $10 it usually costs on Amazon, you can grab one -- brand new -- on eBay right now for $7.18 (with free shipping).

There are only three Brewzers available according to the seller, so if you want one, buy it now.

If you're not sure about the Brewzer, read a full review of it before buying, or see how it stacks up against the Gerber Shard.

First impressions: SOG Micro ToolClip and MacV Tool

I got my first two SOG tools in the mail: the SOG Micro ToolClip and the SOG MacV Tool.  They came as a set -- the City Survival Kit (model #) for $14.99 on Amazon (up to $17.99 as of today).

Already, the SOG Micro ToolClip is one of the more impressive multi tools I've used.  It's small -- easily a pocket tool -- but it's strong.  The tool is well-designed.  I look forward to testing it out.

The MacV seems kind of cool so far -- a decent keychain tool.  Its Phillips driver is next to worthless, but otherwise it has a lot of useful functions.

I'll post a full review once I've tested them both out.  As of right now, I'd say the City Survival Kit for about $15 is a decent deal.

Tool Review: Gerber Vise

Key Features:
 +   Textured, open frame
 +   Good cross driver
 -   Bad bottle opener


Gerber makes many different multi tools, including a wide range of small, pocket multi tools.  The Gerber Vise (model #31-000021) falls into this category, and is one of the better multi tools I've used -- though it's not without its faults.

The Vise is not very heavy for a multi tool (only 2 ounces) and sits much more comfortably in your pocket than Gerber's Mini Suspension-P.  It has a good range of tools built in: spring-loaded pliers, cross and slotted drivers, straight-edge and serrated knives, bottle opener, and files.

The pliers are decent for occasional or light-weight work, but the handles start to give under a lot of pressure, and the right-angle corners dig into your palm and fingers.  The pliers have good spring tension but are clunky to open and close.

The cross driver on the Vise works very well -- better than any other multi tool cross driver I've seen, and better than some multi tools with full Phillips drivers.  The slotted drivers are average to above-average.

The straight-edge knife and serrated knife are both good.  They compare well to knives on other multi tools.  Neither locks in place but that's typical for the price range that the Vise falls in.

All of the external tools are easy to access.  The Vise has a very open frame that allows you to see which tools sit where, and they all flip out fairly smoothly from the nail nicks.  The Vise's textured frame makes it easy to hold and use.

The biggest drawback of this tool is the bottle opener.  It is dual-pronged, which is a smart idea and should give a better grip on the bottle cap, but on this tool there is hardly any lip on either prong, so the bottle opener slides right off the cap.  The bottle opener looks impressive but fails to function.

Overall, the Vise is above average as a pocket multi tool, and better than many tools in the low-end price range.  It's on a comparable level as the Leatherman Squirt -- a tool that often costs more than twice as much.  The Vise is a better everyday tool than the Mini Suspension-P, mainly because the cross driver comes out much easier and is machined more precisely.

Gerber lists the Vise at $20.00 online.  Amazon previously sold it for $14.95, but has it right now for $9.90.  Under $10 is a fair price for this pocket tool.

Companies that provide free screw / nail / fastener samples

Need to place a large order of screws, nails, or other hardware?  Contact any of the companies below to get a free sample of the quality they offer before you buy.

- All Points Fasteners

After approval of your quote, they'll send you a sample of their screws or other fasteners.

- Savetix

Savetix will supply samples of their captive screws designed specifically for whatever application you require them.

- Global Sources

Request a sample of their iron and concrete nails.  They offer samples of some other products as well.

Multi tool price drops on Amazon

Here are some multi tools that have dropped in price on Amazon recently:

Gerber Suspension:  About the same size as a Leatherman Sidekick or Wingman, this multi tool -- currently an "Amazon's Choice" product -- usually goes for around $28 to $30 on Amazon.  Right now, it's listed for $22.99.

Gerber Curve:  The Curve is a pocket knife that can clip onto your belt or keychain, with locking screwdrivers.  It's typically listed for about $10, but right now Amazon has it at $7.19.

LORJE Tactical Pen:  Calling this pen a multi tool might seem like a stretch, but it can also be used for self-defense or breaking glass.  It previously sold for $5.88 but is now down to $3.26 -- much cheaper than some other tactical pens.

Thorsen puck wrench for $1.42

Know someone who'd like a puck wrench as a stocking stuffer?  Pep Boys sells the Thorsen puck wrench (model #22-333) for just $1.90, but by using coupon code MMJ25 you can get it for even less: $1.42 (through July 3rd).

This puck wrench is kind of neat as an "extra" wrench, and might make a good cheap gift for anyone who likes tools.  Read a full review of the Thorsen puck wrench here.

DeWalt sticker on eBay

You can often find inexpensive stickers on eBay.  Right now, there's an 8" x 2.5" DeWalt sticker for $1.48 (free shipping).  If you want several, you can get a free one by buying two.

Stanley pocket screwdriver: $2.99

The Stanley 66-344 pocket screwdriver is one of the best (if not the best) pocket screwdrivers on the market.  It features magnetic bits, a sturdy design, and windowed caps.  Amazon, Sears, and HD Supply Solutions are listing it right now for $2.99.

Stores like Walmart and Home Depot often sell cheap pocket screwdrivers for $2 or $3, but this Stanley driver is a higher-quality driver that will last longer and perform better.

For comparison, here are some other current online prices for the same driver that the three sites listed above have for $2.99:

- $4.59:     Quill.com
- $6.79:     Staples.com
- $11.99:     Houzz.com

Read a full review of this Stanley driver here.

Tool review: Leatherman Squirt PS4

Key Features:
 +   Sharp, sturdy knife
 +   Pliers are strong for their size
 -   Outside frame is too smooth


The Leatherman Squirt is a small multi tool that can easily fit inside a grown man's (or woman's) palm.  It doesn't weigh much (only two ounces) and you probably won't notice it in your pocket.  But it is a good tool to carry, and has several useful functions.

The Squirt comes in several different varieties.  This review focuses on the Squirt PS4, which folds out into a small pair of pliers, but other varieties include the ES4 (which replaces the pliers with a wire cutter/stripper/crimper) and the S4 (scissors instead of pliers, and also include a pair of tweezers).  There is also the P4 and E4, which are similar to the PS4 and ES4 respectively, but without scissors.  (The E4 includes tweezers as well.)

The PS4 model is a very useful multi tool.  Its pliers are small, but have good spring action and are surprisingly sturdy.  The jaws are lined up almost perfectly and they come together at the tips.  The pliers don't open smoothly, but they aren't hard to get to.

This tool also includes a small knife, 1.6 inches long.  The tip is very sharp and impressively strong.  It works well for popping e-clips -- much better than the knife found on a Sidekick.  The edge is sharp enough, and there is a nail groove for easy access.

Another feature of the PS4 is the pair of scissors.  Good for cutting plain paper, but not great at thicker material.  The scissors can be useful for cutting small wires and opening toys and wrapped packages.  The scissors fold back up easily when you're done with them.

The Squirt PS4 has a few other tools, as well.  It has a small slotted screwdriver and what serves as a small Phillips driver -- both of which are adequate for light use.  There's also a double-sided file.

The biggest drawback to the PS4 (unless you need a specific tool that it doesn't include) is that the frame of the tool (which is also the pliers handles) is too smooth.  In a hurry, the tool can evade your grip.  A textured frame -- either grooved or raised -- would be helpful.  I added grip tape to my Squirt's handles, which eliminated that issue.  If the biggest complaint you have about a tool is that its outside is too smooth, then it's probably a pretty good tool.

I've used many small multi tools, both for work and for personal use.  Hands down, the Leatherman Squirt PS4 is the best one I've tried (at least in the "small" category).  I would recommend it for anyone looking for a multi tool that won't weigh them down but doesn't lack in functionality.

Leatherman currently sells the Squirt PS4 for $36.85, and Amazon lists it for $35.14.  Both of these prices are a bit high, as you can often find a Wingman or Sidekick for around $30.  (If you're looking for one of those larger tools, check Home Depot for good prices.)  If you can find the Squirt PS4 for $20 or $25, that's a good deal.  It comes in black, blue, and red.