Really nice tools - present, £20-£30

[Frenchda]

My girlfriends sons are both in the general building trade - with Christmas coming up I was thinking about a really nice tool of some description, top end tape measure, knife etc, something that will be used and is really nice to use. Ideally around £20-£30.

Any ideas?

[sjg]

https://superiorlevel.co.uk/ start from a little bit more than that. Or a nice Stabila for a bit less.

I like Wera screwdrivers - they do a really nice bit driver where they store in the handle so always have the right one handy. I use mine several times a week just around the house. Like this: https://www.mytoolshed.co.uk/wera-kraftform-kompak...

[CoolC]

Be aware though that those Wera screwdrivers often have 6mm bits rather than 1/4 inch, meaning that the bits can't be used in another screwdriver if you have multiple.

No help to the OP, but a point worht noting for others clicking that link.

Wera tools really are fantastic quality though, I'm in no way dissing them.

[Mr Pointy]

Advent do some nice tape measures:
http://adventtools.co.uk/the-range

The Vice-Versa & The Gap are useful tapes

[moustachebandit]

Estwing ultra hammer

https://www.toolstation.com/estwing-ultra-claw-ham...

You can find them cheaper. Tool for life and will be something they will probably keep for best!

[wolfracesonic]

Builder here I’d suggest a multi tool, I use mine almost daily, a Leatherman skeletool. That’s a bit over your budget but something with a knife, pliers and screwdriver/bits should be available for £30.00

[Oldandslow]

wolfracesonic said:

Builder here I’d suggest a multi tool, I use mine almost daily, a Leatherman skeletool. That’s a bit over your budget but something with a knife, pliers and screwdriver/bits should be available for £30.00

I've a Gerber Suspension. Comes in around the £40 mark. Not the same quality as the Leatherman but not far off. No multitool is as good as the one proper tool but you've only got so much room on your belt.

[sparkythecat]

moustachebandit said:

Estwing ultra hammer

https://www.toolstation.com/estwing-ultra-claw-ham...

You can find them cheaper. Tool for life and will be something they will probably keep for best!

A 16oz hammer is for girls and the limp-wristed.

[gazza285]

sparkythecat said:

moustachebandit said:

Estwing ultra hammer

https://www.toolstation.com/estwing-ultra-claw-ham...

You can find them cheaper. Tool for life and will be something they will probably keep for best!

A 16oz hammer is for girls and the limp-wristed.

Useful in Thorntons I hear.

[Promised Land]

sparkythecat said:

A 16oz hammer is for girls and the limp-wristed.

I just clicked the link and it said 15oz, even lighter.

Plus it's not a proper Estwing hammer, I've been using a 20oz real one since 1990. Wouldn't go anywhere else.

OP, be careful buying kit for somebody else, people have favourite brands and like certain types, it's something you're going to be using a lot so you want it to feel right in your hand.

I can have the same hammer, chisel or screwdriver as my mate but I know as soon as I pick it up if it's mine or his. Same goes for power kit or nail guns, you know your own kit.

[InitialDave]

Below budget, usually £12 or so, but to go along with other similar small gifts, the Mora "chisel" knife is good.

[So]

Frenchda said:

My girlfriends sons are both in the general building trade - with Christmas coming up I was thinking about a really nice tool of some description, top end tape measure, knife etc, something that will be used and is really nice to use. Ideally around £20-£30.

Any ideas?

At the risk of appearing rude, yes. Don't buy them tools for work as a present!

I work behind a desk and a top notch stapler would leave me cold. A smart hole punch would afford me no cause for festive joy. Deluxe highlighter pens would butter no parsnips.

Instead, go to the trouble of finding out what they enjoy in their time off and buy them something related to that.

[Benni]

Everyone has hex bits, how about a tiny bit-ratchet ?

They can be useful in tight areas where a normal 1/4" ratchet with bit holder is too bulky.

They can be had from various brands, I have and like the Victorinox one because it is very sleek,

and has a bitholder on the "long" end, too, the short extension can be used as "T-handle" then.

https://www.victorinox.com/uk/en/Products/Swiss-Ar...

A good VI stockist should have them or be able to order one as spare, around 20-30€ in Germany.

They are certified to 30Nm, other brands go up to 70.

[OldGermanHeaps]

So said:

At the risk of appearing rude, yes. Don't buy them tools for work as a present!

I work behind a desk and a top notch stapler would leave me cold. A smart hole punch would afford me no cause for festive joy. Deluxe highlighter pens would butter no parsnips.

Instead, go to the trouble of finding out what they enjoy in their time off and buy them something related to that.

My favourite presents to receive are always tools. If work stuff doesn't excite you maybe its time for a career change?

[Bill]

So said:

At the risk of appearing rude, yes. Don't buy them tools for work as a present!

I work behind a desk and a top notch stapler would leave me cold. A smart hole punch would afford me no cause for festive joy. Deluxe highlighter pens would butter no parsnips.

Instead, go to the trouble of finding out what they enjoy in their time off and buy them something related to that.

This. And to continue the office analogy, they're probably paperless anyway.

[TEKNOPUG]

A Flesh Light?

[steveo3002]

i wouldn't suggest you get a tradesman a tool ,he probably has all he needs and likes certain brands already

plus £20-30 doesn't get you much by the way of quality tools

[andyxxx]

I wouldn't buy them a tool - it will get nicked or lost in no time.

What about a pressy they will always keep and perhaps have on show?
Loads of choice and sites selling them from a few pounds upwards:
https://vintagetoolshop.com/collections/stone-carv...

[HOGEPH]

A kettle, teabags, milk and loads of sugar...

[HughiusMaximus]

Oldandslow said:

I've a Gerber Suspension.

Damn you.. I just checked it out and now I want one myself!