Handy gift ideas for DIYers

Article by: DWIGHT BARNETT , Scripps Howard News Service
Updated: December 1, 2012 - 2:24 PM

Suggestions for the DIYer on your list.

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In time for the holiday season: the iXO Skil limited edition pink palm-size screwdriver, with 10 percent of the unit price being donated to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Photo: , Skil Tools

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Here's a list of Christmas gift suggestions for the handyman or handywoman on your list, items you can purchase online. I personally have tested and use these tools.

Shed a little light
The Energizer Hard Case Professional Swivel Head flashlight produces twice the lumens of lighting of its predecessor. Last season's model produced 35 lumens; that has now been increased to a 70-lumens spotlight using only two AA batteries.

The flashlight fits easily in your hand, has a handy clip to fit your belt or waistband or can stand alone on the casing's flat base. The lamp head swivels 125 degrees to focus the lamp's output on any work surface.

Suggested retail price is $52.99, but it can be found for less than $48 at victorsafety.com/energizer-hard-case-swivel-light-p-9194.html.

Cutting work time
Whether you are installing tile, repairing subfloor or tackling cutouts in plaster walls, this do-it-all cutting saw reduces work time and headaches, having been optimized for more power, control and versatility.

The new 6.0A RotoSaw+ cuts through even the toughest building materials (such as hardwood, rebar and granite), eliminating the need for multiple tools. The RotoSaw+ can be used as a cutoff grinder, a cutout tool, a flush-cut saw and a hole saw. And with the right RotoZip Connect attachments, it also can replace tile-cutting wet saws, jigsaws or power shears.

Suggested retail price is $130 and it is available online at www.amazon.com. You can watch a video of the RotoSaw cutting through a piece of steel rebar at www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7gCAOOI7iY.

In the pink
This year, Skil Power Tools is joining the fight against breast cancer by partnering with Susan G. Komen to launch its "Tools for the Cure" campaign. The power-tool company will be turning its No. 1-selling power tool, the iXO Palm-Size Screwdriver, to pink. Skil will then devote 10 percent of the unit price of every pink iXO sold by Dec. 31 to benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure, providing a minimum donation of $100,000 to the organization.

The versatile pink iXO Palm-Size Screwdriver will help do-it-yourselfers with everyday projects, from tightening up cabinet knobs to assembling furniture or toys.

The iXO's Lithium Ion Battery will hold a charge for up to 18 months. The unit has a built-in Sitelight LED Work Light that illuminates hard-to-see areas, a Battery Fuel Gauge showing when it's time to recharge the tool, drill-forward and -reverse indicators, and a quarter-inch hex-bit holder that allows for fast and easy bit changes.

Suggested retail price is $39.99, and it is available online at www.amazon.com or in home-improvement stores.

Dwight Barnett is a certified master inspector.