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.

Tool Review: Milwaukee 48-32-4502 Magnetic Bit Holder

Key Features:
 +   Holds bit securely
 +   Strong magnet to attract and hold screws
 -    Wobbles slightly when used with a screwdriver


A magnetic bit holder can turn a non-magnetic screwdriver into a magnetic screwdriver, which is a big plus for anyone working with small screws.  If you have a decent ratcheting screwdriver, such as the Stanley Ratcheting Multi-Bit Screwdriver, a good magnetic bit holder can turn it into the perfect everyday-carry screwdriver.

As far as magnetic bit holders go, the Milwaukee Magnetic Bit Holder (model #48-32-4502) is one of the better ones I've seen.  Some magnetic bit holders are very inexpensive, but they are often inferior quality.  For one example, Titan makes a great 61-piece bit set that comes with a magnetic bit holder, and while the bits themselves are of good quality, the bit holder has a very weak magnet.

The Milwaukee 48-32-4502 bit holder is designed for use with impact drivers.  It can also be used with regular screwdrivers; the shaft is the same 1/4" size as a standard hex bit.  When used with a screwdriver or bit holder, it tends to wobble slightly, since the base of the shaft is designed for an impact driver.  The wobbling does not significantly affect its use.

Many magnetic bit holders are 2-1/2" long.  The Milwaukee bit holder is slightly shorter, at 2-3/8" (61mm).  The magnet in the bit holder is very strong.  It is as strong as any magnetic screwdriver I've used -- and stronger than many of them.  In addition to attracting screws well, the bit holder also holds onto bits easily.  The bit is gripped in place by strong tension, so you don't have to worry about it sliding out of the driver and remaining behind with the screw (a not-uncommon problem with some magnetic screwdrivers).

Home Depot sells the Milwaukee 2-3/8" magnetic bit holder for $3.97 online.  If you are looking for a magnetic bit holder, this one is a good one to try, and the price is reasonable compared to other bit holders and other sellers.

Milwaukee tool reviews

Bit Holders:
- Milwaukee 48-32-4502 Magnetic Bit Holder