ZDNet's Ultimate List of Creative Rewards for Computer Programmers & Security Experts
Ultimate Festive Tools Gifts for DIY Lovers: Mastering Projects with Our Top Hammer Reviews
There’s an old adage worth remembering when it comes to tools: “Feel the pain once when you pay for the tool, or feel the pain every time you use it!”
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Having the right tools not only makes the job quicker. It also makes the job safer and prevents you from causing more damage and mayhem during the repair process. Also, there’s nothing like the satisfaction that comes from using quality tools to get a job done.
Here is a selection of tools and gadgets that I find indispensable when testing, tearing down, or repairing gadgets – perfect for holiday gifts for any DIYer.
Must read:
- The best cheap tech gifts for under $100
- The best cheap tech gifts under $75
- The best cheap tech gifts under $50
- The best cheap tech gifts under $25
The best DIY gift ideas for the holidays
Below are 13 DIY gift ideas I found for the holiday season this year.
Xiaomi Mi Cordless Screwdriver Assemble all your gifts in style
Xiaomi
Here’s a gift idea that you might end up buying for yourself. The Xiaomi Mi Cordless Screwdriver makes assembling furniture and appliances a breeze, thanks to its battery-powered motor and compact form factor. Xiaomi is best known for producing quality tech gadgets at affordable price points. But besides the fact that this electric-powered screwdriver sells for as low as $44.99, it’s a very handy tool to have, and one that you or your recipient will thank you for.
MakerHawk Type-C USB Tester Test everything, from chargers to power banks
MakerHawk
Being able to test ports on computers and other devices like power banks can save a lot of time. This meter gives the DIYer everything they need to know about a USB-C port.
Specs:
- VBUS voltage range: 0-24V
- Current range: 0-5A
- USB HID interface voltage range: 5V
- D+/D-/CC1/CC2 signal pin withstand voltage range: 3.3V
Wiha
A good set of screwdrivers is vital for the DIYer. Using the wrong – or a bad – screwdriver can cause more problems by chewing up the heads of fasteners.
These Wiha insulated screwdrivers are not only brilliantly made and will last a lifetime, but they are insulated, so if you happen to touch something you shouldn’t, you’ll live to tell the tale (something that I’ve done more than once)
iFixit Pro Tech Toolkit A really solid toolkit for the modern engineer
iFixit
This is a wonderful package of well-made tools that are designed to tear down and repair modern gadgets. I’ve had one of these kits for years and I use it all the time. In it comes a 64-bit driver kit, an anti-static wrist strap, iFixit’s opening picks, different-sized tweezers, and more.
View now at Amazon View now at Best Buy
UNI-T UT210E Mini Digital Clamp Meter A handy, fully-featured pocket-sized multimeter
UNI-T
This pocket-sized multimeter is the perfect tool when diagnosing problems with devices. This multimeter measures all things electrical that the modern DIYer could possibly need, in a portable package. And don’t let the price fool you – I’ve tested this and it’s as accurate as a meter many times its price.
For me, this has replaced expensive – and needlessly complex – multimeters.
DeoxIT Survival Kit Best contact corrosion buster in the business
DeoxIT
When electronics get wet or batteries have been leaking, DeoxIT quickly becomes your friend. This is not something a DIYer will need every day, but when you need it, this can save the day!
This product features an oxidizing solution, a spray, and tube pro-gold preservative and lubricant for plated metal connections, and a spray and tube cailube lubricant for plastic and carbon compound faders.
iFixit Jimmy Pry Tool The very best pry tool on the market
iFixit
We DIYers spend as much time taking things apart as we do putting them back together and having the right tools for taking things apart is not only a huge time saver, but it means causing less damage to things (there’s nothing like using a screwdriver as a prybar to make a mess of things!).
These pry tools are often imitated, but the clones are always inferior. Get the genuine iFixit Jimmy!
- Professional-grade stainless steel construction ensures repeated use
- Ultra-thin design allows for easy opening of numerous device
Ulefone Power Armor 18T The perfect Android smartphone for the engineer or DIYer
Ulefone
While I’m an iPhone user, I have this Android smartphone with me pretty much at all times because it has features that my iPhone doesn’t have.
The Ulefone Power Armor 18T is a solid Android smartphone that’s water-resistant, dust-resistant, can take hard knocks, and has a built-in FLIR thermal camera.
There’s also the option to add a borescope, turning this into a toolbox you can keep in your pocket.
I’ve tried a lot of ruggedized Android phones, and a few with built-in thermal cameras, but this one is the one I like the best. It’s tough enough to survive heavy use, the thermal camera is so very usable, and the phone has enough premium features to keep me happy.
Learn more about the Ulefone in my full review here.
Wiha Insulated Industrial Pliers/Cutters Set (3-Piece) A set of pliers that will last a lifetime
Wiha
Sometimes fingers are not enough to get a grip on something, and the situation demands a pair of pliers for the job. Also, when cutting things like wire, pliers are a better choice than the kitchen scissors. And these pliers are quality tools that will, if looked after, last a lifetime.
Some key features:
- Ergonomic cushion grip handles for comfort and control
- Dual durometer construction for long-lasting durability
- Slip guard handle design for added protection
Wera Tool-Check Plus (39-piece, Metric) Great tool for compact spaces
Wera
This is like a whole toolbox that fits into a pocket. And no, it’s not a multitool, but instead a small set of sockets and screwdrivers.
I’ve been using a set like this for years, and it has never let me down and come in useful for all sorts of repairs, from car repairs to assembling BBQs!
The ratchet is extremely strong. It’s capable of 48 ft. lbs. but has a return angle of 6 degrees. With a bit installed, the ratchet is 1 1/8-inch high x 3/4-inch wide. Great tool for compact spaces. Plus, there is a 1/4in Ergonomic screwdriver x 3in that’s equipped with a strong permanent magnet to securely hold and magnetize insert bits.
Wera Tool-Check Plus (39 pieces, Imperial) Still working with Imperial fasteners? No problem!
Wera
This is very similar to the Metric version of the Wera Tool-Check Plus, but is instead equipped with Imperial-sized tools.
Horusdy 3-Piece Magnet Trays Set Keep all your parts in order during teardowns
Horusdy
For years I lived without magnetic trays. I suffered. Screws and other tiny parts pinged off and vanished into carpets and crevices. Don’t be like me. Get a set of magnetic trays.
Nitecore Tip 2 LED flashlight Magnetic key chain light
Nitecore
For peering into those dark crevices, this is the perfect flashlight. Not only is it small, yet super powerful, it’s also rechargeable using a microUSB cable.
- 720 max lumens with 2 x CREE XP-G3 S3 LEDs
- Built-in 500mAh Li-ion battery
- Dual-core magnetic key chain light
- Rechargeable hundreds of times
How these products have been chosen?
Everything here has been extensively tested over many weeks and months.
When it comes to tools, I look for a number of things:
- Durability: Tools get a hard life, so they need to be tough and be able to put up with abuse.
- Reliability: For electronic tools such as multimeters I want a product that will not only last, but that are accurate enough for my needs.
- Cost-effective: You can pay a LOT of money for tools. While I’m a firm believer is “buy cheap, buy twice,” it’s possible to overpay for tools (especially big-brand names aimed at professionals). I find that I can get the same quality for a fraction of the price if I shop around.
- Usefulness: I’m wary of buying a tool that I’ll only use once. Yes, a laser glass remover would be handy, but it’s expensive and not something I’d use a lot.
What do you have against cheap tools?
For many years, I’ve used screwdrivers that fit badly or would chew screwheads. I’ve also used pliers that gripped badly, were uncomfortable to use, or ones in which the wirecutter would blunt after a few uses.
“Buy cheap, buy twice.”
Can you replace a toolkit with a multitool?
In my experience, no. While multitools have their uses, I find them better suited to occasional or emergency use.
Are all crosshead screws the same?
No. Get the right screwdriver for the fastener. If you’re unsure, test the fit before going full power on a screwhead.
The best DIY gifts deals during the holidays
Below are five DIY gifts deals I found happening right now!
Launch Elite CRP129E Automotive OBD Diagnostics Scan Tool– 36% off $258 at Amazon
SKIL 4V Pivot Grip USC Rechargeable Cordless Screwdriver - 14% off $29.98 at Amazon
Nanch 22-in-1 Small Precision Screwdriver Kit Set for Electronics $24.99 at Amazon
Mechanics Tool Set, SAE and Metric, 1/2 + 1/4 + 3/8 Drive, 192-Piece - 69% off $205.11 at Amazon
What are the best gifts for 2023?
ZDNET experts rounded up the overall best tech gifts of 2023 .
But gifts can come in all shapes and sizes, so we also rounded up the best gifts by category, price, and retailer – plus, the hottest tech toys for kids in 2023.
Gifts by category
- Delight DIYers with these interesting gifts that make and fix things
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- Tech-themed gift cards for gadget lovers
- Odd and interesting gift ideas for the hobbyist hacker in your life
- The best laptops to gift
- The best phones to gift (even on a budget)
- Cooking gift guide: These smart kitchen tools went TikTok viral
- Tablet gift guide: iPads aren’t the only option
- Useful smart home gifts, from plugs to thermostats
- Travel gift guide: Luggage, Liquid IV, and more
- TV gift guide: Gorgeous TVs for the binge-watcher in your life
- The best fitness gifts: Workout mirror, Whoop, and more
- Creative gifts for live streamers
- Gift ideas for coffee lovers (besides a Starbucks gift card)
Gifts by price
- The best cheap tech gifts under $100
- The best cheap tech gifts under $75
- The best cheap tech gifts under $50
- The best cheap tech gifts under $25
Gifts by retailer
- Top tech gifts on Amazon
- Best Buy tech gifts, from headphones to smartwatches
- The best tech gifts at Walmart
Gifts for kids
- The hottest tech toys for kids, according to Amazon
- Gift these best robot toys to your wide-eyed kids
- Need gift ideas for kids? We found fun toys they’ll love
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- Title: ZDNet's Ultimate List of Creative Rewards for Computer Programmers & Security Experts
- Author: Joseph
- Created at : 2024-11-13 03:42:43
- Updated at : 2024-11-16 05:06:36
- Link: https://hardware-help.techidaily.com/zdnets-ultimate-list-of-creative-rewards-for-computer-programmers-and-security-experts/
- License: This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.