Tools and Gadgets Every Handy Person Needs

Are you looking for a gift for that handy person in your life? Whether it's for a birthday, holiday, or just to show your appreciation, finding the perfect gift for someone who loves to work with their hands can be a challenge. After all, these professionals work with their hands day in and day out, so they appreciate tools and gadgets that can make their job easier and more efficient. We've put together a handyman's gift guide that is sure to impress even the most skilled tradesperson.

1. Safety Box Cutter

Hand using an orange safety cutter to open a box

Orange Klever Kutter KCJ-XC-35G

A box cutter may seem like a simple tool, but using these cutters safely is of utmost importance. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), thousands of workers are injured every year due to improper box cutter use. We recommend the Klever Kutter as a gift because it's designed with safety in mind. It features a recessed blade that helps prevent accidental cuts and injuries. Unlike traditional box cutters with exposed blades, the Klever Kutter's blade is hidden within the tool, reducing the risk of accidentally cutting yourself or damaging the contents of the box.

Another safety feature of the Klever Kutter is its ergonomic design. The tool is easy to grip and maneuver, reducing the risk of slipping and causing injury. A Klever Kutter box cutter is designed to be a single-use tool, meaning the blade is not replaceable. This eliminates the risk of using a dull blade, which can increase the likelihood of accidents.

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2. Rechargeable Headlamp

worker fixing an old pipe wearing a head lamp

PowerSmith PHL15F Headlamp

The PowerSmith rechargeable LED headlamp is not your average flashlight. This powerful tool is designed to provide hands-free lighting in even the darkest of situations. Whether they're working in a tight crawl space or trying to fix a leaky pipe in a dimly lit basement, this headlamp will ensure that they have the visibility they need to get the job done right.

One of the standout features of the PowerSmith rechargeable LED headlamp is its rechargeable battery. Gone are the days of constantly buying and replacing batteries. With this headlamp, all you need to do is plug it in and let it charge. It's as simple as that. Plus, the battery life on this headlamp is impressive, lasting up to 10 hours on a single charge. That means your handyman can work late into the night without worrying about their light source running out of juice.

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3. Cut-Resistant Work Gloves

cordova work gloves

Cordova 7739 OGRE-CR+ Gloves

When it comes to picking out the right gift for a handy person, you can't go wrong with a pair of cut-resistant gloves. These Cordova gloves are designed with the oil, gas, and refining equipment (OGRE) industry in mind, making them perfect for heavy-duty tasks in construction, shop work, and industrial applications. One of the standout features of these gloves is their superior grip. No matter what you're working on, these gloves will help you maintain a secure hold, reducing the risk of accidents and improving overall efficiency.

But it's not just about grip – these gloves also offer exceptional protection. Made with a high-performance 13 gauge fabric, they provide ANSI level 4 cut resistance. This means they can withstand heavy-duty tasks and offer reliable protection from abrasions, cuts, tears, and punctures. Whether you're handling sharp tools or working with rough materials, these gloves have got you covered.

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4. Heavy-Duty Cleaning Wipes

pack of cleaning wipes

Grime Boss 60-Count Cleaning Wipes

Cleaning wipes are a practical and useful present for anyone who loves to tackle tough projects and get their hands dirty. Grime Boss heavy-duty wipes, in particular, are designed to tackle even the toughest messes. With a tough side and a soft side, these wipes offer versatility and convenience.

The tough side is perfect for scrubbing away grime and dirt, while the soft side is gentle enough for delicate surfaces. This dual-sided feature ensures that these wipes can handle any cleaning task with ease. Whether it's latex paint, grease, oil, permanent marker, or adhesives, these wipes are up to the challenge. No more struggling to clean up after a project - these wipes make the job effortless and efficient.

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5. Hand-Warming Packs

pack of cleaning wipes

Ergodyne 16990 N-Ferno Hand Warming Packs

One of the great things about hand-warming packs is their versatility. They're perfect for on-the-go use while traveling or working outdoors for long periods. Hand warmer packs can be slipped into gloves or pockets, making them convenient to carry around. Whether your handy friend is out camping, hiking, or working in cold weather conditions, these packs can provide much-needed warmth and comfort.

Ergodyne N-Ferno hand warmer packs heat up instantly when exposed to the air. Once activated, they offer an impressive 12 hours of warmth. This means your handy giftee can enjoy long-lasting heat throughout their day, without having to constantly replace or recharge the packs.

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6. Outdoor Extension Cord

pack of cleaning wipes

Voltec 05-00341 25' Extension Cord

A high-quality extension cord is a practical and thoughtful gift for a tradesperson, whether they work in construction, landscaping, or any industry that requires work done outdoors. The Voltec 05-00341 extension cord is designed to withstand tough weather conditions. It has a temperature range of -40 to 140 degrees, ensuring that it can handle extreme heat or cold without compromising its performance. This makes it a reliable choice for year-round use, no matter the weather.

One standout feature of this outdoor extension cord is its lighted receptacle, which illuminates when the power is on. This can be incredibly helpful when working in low-light conditions, allowing you to easily see if the power is flowing to your tools, outdoor equipment, or a backup generator.

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7. Gel Knee Pads

pack of cleaning wipes

Impacto All-Terrain Gel Extended Knee Pads

One gift that often gets overlooked but can be a game-changer for tradespeople is a pair of protective knee pads. These handy accessories not only provide comfort during long hours of work but also offer essential protection against injuries, strain, and inflammation.

The gel padding in Impacto Gel knee pads is designed to provide all-day comfort. Tradespeople often have to spend hours on their knees, whether it's installing flooring, repairing plumbing, or working on construction projects. With the Impacto all-terrain gel extended knee pads, the gel padding absorbs and distributes pressure, ensuring that the wearer can focus on their task without discomfort or pain.

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8. Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum

pack of cleaning wipes

Lavex 5 Gallon Stainless Steel Commercial Wet / Dry Vacuum

A combination wet/dry vac is a type of vacuum that's extremely useful in busy workshops. They're designed to handle both wet and dry messes, making them ideal for a wide range of cleaning tasks. Whether it's cleaning up sawdust or tackling a spilled drink on the job site, a wet and dry vacuum can handle it all.

The Lavex 5-gallon vacuum is an affordable gift that provides superior cleaning abilities for its size. With an airflow rating of 53 cfm, this lightweight vacuum provides strong suction to tackle even the toughest cleaning tasks. Whether it's fine dust or large debris, the motor ensures efficient and thorough cleaning.

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9. Cooling Towel

pack of cleaning wipes

Ergodyne Chill-Its 6602 Blue Cooling Towel

A cooling towel is a practical gift for tradespeople who often find themselves working in hot and humid conditions, whether they're on a construction site, in a warehouse, or even in a hot commercial kitchen. The physical demands of the job combined with the sweltering heat can quickly lead to overheating and fatigue. That's where a cooling towel comes in.

Cooling towels, like the Ergodyne Chill-Its towel, are made from a special fabric that is designed to retain water while remaining dry to the touch. This unique material allows the towel to stay cool for an extended period, providing instant relief when draped around the neck or over the head. The evaporative cooling effect helps to lower body temperature, reduce perspiration, and keep your hardworking loved one comfortable throughout the day.

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10. Full Face Shield

full face shield

3M 82782-00000 H8A Blue Thermoplastic Ratchet Headgear

A full face shield provides maximum protection for the entire face, shielding the eyes, nose, and mouth from potentially hazardous debris, chemicals, and other particles. If you're looking for a gift for a tradesperson who works in woodworking or metalworking, a 3M thermoplastic ratchet face shield is a thoughtful choice. This face shield is compatible with a variety of 3M headgear, including hard hats, bump caps, and welding helmets. The recipient can easily integrate it into their existing safety gear setup, making it a practical and convenient addition to their toolkit.

What sets the 3M Thermoplastic Ratchet face shield apart from other face shields on the market is its ratchet suspension system. This innovative feature allows for easy adjustment and a secure fit, ensuring that the face shield stays in place even during the most demanding tasks. The ratchet system also makes it quick and simple to put on and take off the face shield, which is a huge advantage for busy professionals who need to switch between different tasks throughout the day.

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Finding the perfect gift for a tradesperson doesn't have to be complicated. Choose a present from our list to show your appreciation for the handy person or DIYer in your life who loves to tackle tough, dirty jobs. You'll help keep them safe and make their projects easier and more efficient.

By Michale LeRoy
The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice. Please refer to our Content Policy for more details.
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  • How To Use A Pallet Jack

    Pallet jacks are a common sight in industrial environments where pallets and skids are used to transport loads to different warehouse locations. They’re especially useful for small businesses and warehouses because they’re more affordable than forklifts and they don’t require a special license for operation. Pallet movers are fairly easy to use after a quick tutorial. We created this guide to help you operate a manual pallet jack safely and effectively. Shop All Pallet Jacks Using a Pallet Jack Safely Watch our video to learn how to operate a pallet jack safely. <iframe scrolling="no" width="392" height="226" src="/v/?num=14008&amp;width=600&amp;height=500&amp;embed=1" frameborder="0"></iframe> What Is a Pallet Jack? First of all, what is a pallet jack? A pallet jack, also called a pallet truck, pallet mover, or hand jack lift, is a piece of material handling equipment that utilizes a hydraulic pump and two forks to lift and transport pallets. Manual pallet jacks require no electricity and are steered by hand. There are also battery-powered electric pallet jacks that do require a charge before use. If you own a warehouse or fulfillment center, pallet jacks are essential for loading, unloading, and storing pallets. Manual vs Electric Pallet Jacks The difference between a manual skid jack and an electric model is that manual pallet jacks rely solely on manpower to push or pull the load, instead of a battery. It takes physical force to move a manual pallet jack. This adds to the labor involved, but it also has benefits, especially for smaller warehouses with less inventory. Manual pallet jacks can be more convenient than electric pallet jacks because workers don't need certification to operate the equipment. According to OSHA, any power-operated equipment requires certification before use, and this includes electric pallet trucks and forklifts. If you operate a large, high-volume business, electric pallet jacks might be the better choice because they cut down on labor. For small warehouses, construction sites, and even grocery store stockrooms, a manual pallet jack is a convenient option. Parts of a Pallet Jack Before you learn how to operate a manual pallet jack, it’s useful to know the important parts so you can understand how to move pallets. Control Lever - The control lever is a small bar located on the pallet jack handle that can be moved into the up, down, or neutral position. Handle - The handle is used for steering and raising the pallet jack forks. Hydraulic Pump - The hydraulic pump is located at the base of the handlebar and provides the pumping action that raises and lowers the forks. Steer Wheels - Two large steer wheels below the handlebar maneuver the pallet jack where it needs to go. Forks or Prongs - Two long forks are designed to fit inside pallets so they can be lifted. Load Wheels - The load wheels underneath the pallet forks help them slide into place. How to Operate a Pallet Jack Maintain warehouse safety by following our step-by-step instructions to operate a manual pallet jack: 1. Learn How to Use the Control Lever Understanding how to use the control lever is the key to learning how to move a pallet. Find the lever on the handle and familiarize yourself with the three control positions: Neutral Position - When the lever isn’t activated, it’s in the neutral position. Put the lever into neutral position before you move the pallet jack. Down Position - Move the lever down to activate the hydraulic pump. You can now pump the handle towards you to raise the pallet forks. Use this position when you pick up a pallet. Up Position - Pull the lever up to lower the pallet to the ground. Use this position when you need to drop the pallet into position. 2. Move the Pallet Jack Into Position With the control lever in the neutral position, steer the pallet jack directly in front of the pallet you want to move. Make sure the prongs line up with the fork openings of the pallet. Pull the control lever up to lower the prongs all the way to the floor and guide them inside the pallet. Make sure the forks are centered and the pallet is stable before lifting. 3. Pump the Handle to Raise the Pallet With the pallet jack forks inside the pallet, engage the control lever by pressing it down. Now you can pull the handle towards you in a pumping motion to “jack” up the pallet. Once the pallet is raised off the floor, move the control lever back into neutral position and you are ready to transport the pallet. Be careful not to raise the pallet too high off the ground because this will affect the center of gravity and make the pallet unstable. 4. Transport the Pallet Push the pallet wherever you need it to go. Pushing is easier than pulling, but you may need to pull the pallet jack at times to get it into the correct position. When you are ready, pull the control lever into the up position to drop the pallet to the floor. Slip the control lever back into neutral position and pull the forks free of the pallet. Before you move the pallet jack again, put the lever into the down position and pump the handle to raise the forks slightly off the ground. This will help you avoid any obstacles. 5. Lower the Pallet and Store in a Secure Location If you are finished using the pallet jack, make sure to store it in a secure location. When not in use, keep the forks lowered to the ground. Pallet jack stoppers can be installed in your parking area to prevent the equipment from rolling or shifting. Pallet Jack Safety Just because a manual pallet loader can be operated without certification, it doesn't mean there aren't potential hazards. Always refer to the operating manual for your equipment and train employees to use the pallet jack safely. Here are some pallet jack safety tips to keep in mind: Inspect and Test the Pallet Truck Before Use - Check out the wheels, the forks, and give the hydraulic pump a test run before moving the pallet jack. If there is an issue with the equipment, it's best to know before possibly losing a loaded pallet or damaging merchandise. Move Slowly and Carefully - Injuries often occur when the operator tries to whip or turn the pallet jack too quickly. Take turns at a slow pace and keep your core stabilized. Don't Exceed Load Capacity - Every pallet truck has a load capacity rating. Make sure that you aren't exceeding the capacity by lifting pallets that are too heavy. Steer Clear of Slopes and Inclines - Pallet jacks are not meant to be used on inclines. Keep the Control Lever in Neutral Position When Moving - You can prevent the forks from accidentally shifting up or down by keeping the control lever in neutral position when you're on the move. Always Store the Pallet Truck with Forks Down - After parking your pallet mover in a safe place, always lower the forks to the ground. Raised forks are a tripping hazard. Move the Pallet Truck with Forks Up - While you're moving a pallet jack with no load, keep the forks raised off the floor an inch to avoid hitting any obstacles. Pallet jacks offer a quick, convenient method of transporting skids and pallets around your work area. Keep your employees safe by reviewing our pallet jack moving instructions and safety tips. Teach them common safety terms so they can assess threats and respond to crisis when working with the pallet jack.