Stocking Stuffer Tool Deals

With the holidays just about upon us, you may be looking for small stocking stuffer gifts for someone you love (or just like).  If that person likes tools, here are some great stocking stuffer gifts that are on sale right now.

- Gerber Shard

The Gerber Shard is a handy little keychain tool.  Made of just one piece of sturdy metal (no moving parts) it includes cross and slotted screwdrivers, a bottle opener, a pry bar, and a box cutter.  It typically sells for about $6 or $7, but right now both Amazon and Walmart list it for $4.33.  Some Walmart stores are selling a combo pack of the Shard plus a Gerber Mini Paraframe pocket knife for about $10, but this deal doesn't seem to be available online (at least not yet).

- Stanley Stubby Ratcheting Multibit Screwdriver

This small Stanley screwdriver fits in the palm of our hand but is full of functionality.  It's a good ratcheting screwdriver, and it's magnetic, which is a rare combination for under $20.  It also comes with six common bits, which can be stored in the driver's handle.  Amazon and Target both have it for $4.79 -- a good deal.

- Stanley 4-in-1 Pocket Screwdriver

Another Stanley driver, this one is designed to be carried in your pocket.  There are several similar models of pocket screwdrivers, but none of them compare to this one in terms of quality.  This pocket driver is well-made with magnetic metal bits, and anyone who reaches for a screwdriver in a pinch will appreciate having this pen-sized driver in their pocket.  Often sold for $6 or $7, it's listed at just $2.99 right now on Amazon and $3.00 at Walmart.

- Pittsburgh Pro 3-Piece Thumbwheel Ratchet Set

If you still haven't found a good stocking stuffer, how about a set of three thumbwheel ratchets?  Thumbwheel ratchets are great for working in tight spaces, and this Pittsburgh Pro set can't be beat price-wise.  Each ratchet fits a different size socket: 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2".  Harbor Freight sells this set for $6.99 -- cheaper than most thumbwheel ratchets cost by themselves.

For more details on any of the tools listed above, click on the link below to read a full review:

- Gerber Shard
- Stanley Stubby Ratcheting Multibit Screwdriver
- Stanley 4-in-1 Pocket Screwdriver
- Pittsburgh Pro 3-Piece Thumbwheel Ratchet Set

Tool Review: Pittsburgh Pro 94011 3-Piece Thumbwheel Ratchet Set

Key Features:
 +   Fits into tight places
 +   Cheaper than many other thumbwheel ratchets
 -   Wobbles easily when using it downward because of its weight


Thumbwheel ratchets are neat little tools, but they only have limited applications.  You wouldn't want to use one regularly, but when you need one, you'll be glad you have it.  When working on office equipment, cars, or even around the house, there are times when you need something small like a thumbwheel ratchet.  I bought the Pittsburgh Pro 3-piece thumbwheel ratchet set (part #94011) because it was the cheapest one I could find, and it was a good investment.

This set comes with three thumbwheel ratchets, each with a different drive size: 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2".  The ratchets are well-made and standard sockets fit well on them.  They have a thumb lever for changing the ratchet direction similar to other ratchet wrenches.

The ratchets are steel, with chrome plating.  They are heavy, and when you use them vertically facing down, they wobble very easily if you don't have a good grip.  The sides of the thumbwheel ratchets are textured and provide good (not great) grip.  The ratchets are about 1-1/2" in diameter and about 1" in height.

For the price, this set of ratchets can't be beat.  Harbor Freight sells this set of three for $5.99, and Amazon lists it at $5.49.  Other thumbwheel ratchet sets on Amazon sell for much more -- some over $20.00.

Pittsburgh tool reviews

Tape Measures:
- Pittsburgh 69031 25' x 1" QuikFind Tape Measure

Pliers:
- Pittsburgh 40696 5-3/4" Needle Nose Pliers

Ratchets:
- Pittsburgh Pro 94011 3-Piece Thumbwheel Ratchet Set

Screwdrivers:
- Pittsburgh 69470 4-in-1 Screwdriver