His and Hers Tools - Wedding Gift Ideas?

[dr_clyde]

My younger cousin is getting married in a few weeks. I asked him at our family 4th party yesterday what he wanted for a wedding present, he said “tools”.

He’s not the most handy person in the world, but he does like to tinker with his cars, and they do own a house.

She’s a teacher and he’s a sales guy for a software company, so it’s not like they have a lot of tools to use for work.

I was thinking of getting them each a personalized “kit” that’s got some basic stuff they’d use but probably don’t have.

He’s got a pretty decent set of mechanics tools, as their dad is a huge gear head and made sure his boys had a set of sockets and what not. But I don’t think he has any carpentry/home maintenance tools.

My wife is also a teacher, and she borrows my tools occasionally for stuff in her classroom like assembling furniture and hanging things on the wall. I was thinking about getting the bride to be a set of basic hand tools that will be hers so she doesn’t need to borrow a hammer or a screwdriver.

Any suggestions are welcome. I don’t want to spend a fortune, but I’m ok with putting a few hundred bucks into this.

 

[PCustoms]

Software sales and needing tools just seems contradictory...

How long have they on the house?

What exactly is he tinkering on with cars?

 

[PCustoms]

Also, do people not do wedding registry anymore?

At least that would give you some idea what he's looking for...

 

[Oregon rock crusher]

I had to do similar not too long ago when my mother moved several hours away and wanted a few basic tools on hand. I put together just what I would want to do basic household repairs. Basic electrical, plumbing, and carpentry tools and supplies like fasteners, wire nuts, tape, glue and wire. Also a mid-level cordless tool set with a minimum of a drill, driver, and circular saw and one of those bit sets including drills and a couple saw blades. Not too expensive and when I visit I can get by just with that kit. Ed.

 

[a6hux]

Combo tool kit at Home Depot. Dewalt, Ryobi, Milwaukee lots to choose from usually

 

[RoninB4]

-Since they own a home perhaps a small and a larger pipe wrench for plumbing. A small and a larger claw hammer for nailing. A smaller and larger handsaw for construction and trim work. Maybe a small block plane for minor shaving of surfaces. A few screwdrivers and two (6" & 10") adjustable wrench for fasteners. Maybe a set of hex keys as well. Because they're office types I wouldn't suggest any power tools that might lead to an injury. A small orbital sander works well on drywall repairs. Evaluate the condition of their home for ideas?

 

[dr_clyde]

Software sales and needing tools just seems contradictory...

How long have they on the house?

What exactly is he tinkering on with cars?

Lots of people have jobs that aren’t blue collar and use tools…

He has mechanics tools. He has an old Austin Mini and will also work on his daily whenever it needs maintenance which I think is a BMW right now but it changes often. Between him and his dad they have all the car related tools they could need.

I was thinking of more house maintenance stuff, as he lives about 45 minutes away from his folks and I personally understand not wanting to drive to the shop to get a prybar or a level.

They’ve had this house for a couple years, but it’s an older house and all houses need maintenance or repairs.

I’m sure they have a registry, but I asked him personally and he specifically told me “tools” which I don’t think are on the registry.

 

[PCustoms]

Lots of people have jobs that aren’t blue collar and use tools…

He has mechanics tools. He has an old Austin Mini and will also work on his daily whenever it needs maintenance which I think is a BMW right now but it changes often. Between him and his dad they have all the car related tools they could need.

Sounds like he is quite handy...

Tough call. The guy could need a level and a basic drill kit to change a shelf or he could be totally nerding out and want a full woodshop.

 

[NUTTSGT]

How about some basic "carpentry style" tools for him, 24" and torpedo level, speed square and stuff for home remodeling work.

Her. A basic set of tools she can keep in the house.

Crescent® SAE/Metric Mechanic's Tool Set - 150 Piece​

Model Number: CTK150 Menards ® SKU: 2446064

Everyday Low Price	$99.99
Sale Price Limited Time Offer	$69.99
11% REBATE*Good Through 7/5/26	$7.70

VALUE AFTER REBATE*$62.29


Maybe as a joke a his and her set of Channellock pliers. . . . just put a removeable "ball & chain" on his ? I know you can fab that up.

 

[dr_clyde]

Sounds like he is quite handy...

Thought call. The guy could need a level and a basic drill kit to change a shelf or he could be totally needing out and want a full woodshop.

He worked for me in my shop for a while when he was between jobs so I have a good idea of his mechanical aptitude.

Let’s just say that he’s handier than the general population, but he’s not the kind of person who will rebuild an engine or anything beyond basic repairs or maintenance.

He is enthusiastic about using tools and working on stuff, he’s just not innately skilled with his hands. His gifts are in sales, not service lol.

 

[Stuart in MN]

It's hard to suggest, given we don't what home repair and maintenance tools they already have, but at a basic level I think every household needs a few things that are kept in a kitchen drawer or maybe hanging on the back of a cupboard door - a hammer, some screwdrivers, pliers and a Vise Grip, etc.

That could also include an assortment of nails and screws, picture hanging hardware, rolls of masking/duct/packing tapes, bottles of super glue and wood glue and so on. It doesn't need to be like a full blown hardware store, just the stuff you want to be able to grab quickly without having to go out to the garage.

 

[dr_clyde]

Let’s just assume he has zero tools at home and you were going over to help with some basic home repairs.

What non-specialist tools do you think everyone should have at their home?

 

[iron block]

A few thoughts on things that we have found pretty essential household tools:

1. All homeowners will need to fix toilets eventually. Maybe sinks, too. How about a basin wrench?
2. Do they have a general-purpose stepladder for holiday lights, bulb changing, trim painting, etc?
3. If they have a workbench, how about a decent vise for it?
4. A top-quality utility knife?
5. For small repairs around the house, how about a cordless installation driver?

Good luck!

 

[NUTTSGT]

Let’s just assume he has zero tools at home and you were going over to help with some basic home repairs.

What non-specialist tools do you think everyone should have at their home?

estwing claw hammer, utility knife, lennox 9n1 screwdriver, prybar/wrecking bar (15" and 5" version) 16' & 25" tape measure


also mentioned above, levels and speed square

 

[JohnX14]

Cash and let them decide?

 

[mngundog]

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-M12-FUEL-SURGE-12V-Lithium-Ion-Brushless-Cordless-1-4-in-Hex-Impact-Driver-Compact-Kit-w-M12-3-8-in-Ratchet-2551-22-2457-20/312749006?MERCH=REC-_-personalizedDeals-_-n/a-_-1-_-n/a-_-n/a-_-n/a-_-n/a-_-n/a

And a gift receipt

 

[kyrbz]

A Fein Multimaster Kit would be a nice gift for repairs and maintenance in the house and I could see his wife using it for projects as well. I’m betting he doesn’t have one?

https://www.acmetools.com/fein-multimaster-500-oscillating-multitool-with-l-boxx-accessory-set-72296770090/S0000000000245.html?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17335794915&gbraid=0AAAAADub60vOfUPhzqeO4vukMBCUMC8Hz&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIgOSNt_y7lQMVYCrUAR2HGCELEAQYDSABEgJ1nvD_BwE

 

[LWB]

I bought htis kit for my wife years ago. It stays in the house and we both use it all the time. You'd think that little electric screwdriver would be janky but it works very well.

https://www.amazon.ca/WORKPRO-53-Piece-Screwdriver-Rechargeable-Maintenance/dp/B09T2J1Q1L/ref=asc_df_B09T2J1Q1L?mcid=0fc0c8872a3937f5a87dd802243cb39e&tag=googleshopc0c-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=706725384462&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=13089714733963351079&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9214503&hvtargid=pla-1823375993463&psc=1&hvocijid=13089714733963351079-B09T2J1Q1L-&hvexpln=0&gad_source=1

^Amazon Canada just in case you didn't notice that. 1/2 the price USA I'm sure.

 

[mike93lx]

I'd go for a drill/impact/circ saw/sawzall kit, assuming he doesn't already have something.

Probably Hercules from harbor freight to maximize bang for the buck

 

[LWB]

WE added some picquic screwdrivers, torx and allens. Some crappy cutters. I should get her some pink Snap On lol

 

[loganb]

Bullet level and maybe a 36" level

360 laser level for aligning pictures etc across a room...the generics have gotten really good and cost effective

Decent stud finder

If they have an 18v battery platform the matching cordless vacuum to go with it

 

[JohnX14]

A lot of good ideas from people that know and use tools. Can we poll the teacher and software sales forums and ask what they would want?

 

[tarmy]

Get him a quality floor Jack.

Get her quality Jack stands and wheel chocks so he doesn’t get killed on her…

 

[tool_scrounge]

Nice that they are asking for tools.

When I got married, I had no say on what was on the wedding registry. During the present opening, I found one was a box of nice tools with a note:

” I saw there was no tools or other guy stuff in the wedding registry and I will be damed if I ever let that happen again”. Amusingly, from a person I did not know. I am still grateful for the thought.

 

[larry_g]

A varity box of good wood screws. Pick out a some #6 and # 10 screws. Said above stud finder, utility knife with a 50 pack of spare blades. A noncontact voltage tester and a plug in one for wall outlets. a set of screw drivers and pliers for inside. Do you have a 'junk drawer' in your house? Duplicate what is in there for them. One of those long hair pullers that you put down the drains to pull out hair plugs. Flashlights or lanterns to use as needed.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[Dig Doug]

Cordless combo kit - The Bigger the Better!

pick a flavor (color ) and Stay w/ it
this is a difficult choice - look at the entire line of tools 12v & 18v automotive construction homeowner etc
( maybe piggy back off What you currently have ) Don’t think of it as just a Homeowner

also leaf blower, yard tools & Shop vac maybe a chop saw

starting w/ something like a Combo Kit
gives you a line of gifts you can add to for many years - cool guy/gal stuff

birthdays
christmas
Anniversaries
etc

also supplies / accessories

saw blades
bit sets
drill bits
Batteries

 

[PCustoms]

estwing claw hammer, utility knife, lennox 9n1 screwdriver, prybar/wrecking bar (15" and 5" version) 16' & 25" tape measure

I've renovated an entire house and never needed a 25" tape measure.

Can't say I got much use out of the 25' either, most interior work, even pulling walls down, 16' was fine...

 

[mike93lx]

even pulling walls down

I don't think I've ever needed a tape measure at all to pull a wall down

 

[PCustoms]

I don't think I've ever needed a tape measure at all to pull a wall down

Not even a 25" one?

My point was most rooms are small enough even a 16' is fine for normal use

 

[mike93lx]

Not even a 25" one?

My point was most rooms are small enough even a 16' is fine for normal use

Your point was to be pedantic, so I was as well (with a little humor)

I much prefer the size of a 25' tape to a 16'. What use is "normal"? And what's the harm in having a couple tape measures?

 

[Rc_Guy]

I much prefer the size of a 25' tape to a 16'

Same here, I used a 25' every day of work day and am used to the size of it and how far out it will go.

 

[d.mcfarland]

-Since they own a home perhaps a small and a larger pipe wrench for plumbing. A small and a larger claw hammer for nailing. A smaller and larger handsaw for construction and trim work. Maybe a small block plane for minor shaving of surfaces. A few screwdrivers and two (6" & 10") adjustable wrench for fasteners. Maybe a set of hex keys as well. Because they're office types I wouldn't suggest any power tools that might lead to an injury. A small orbital sander works well on drywall repairs. Evaluate the condition of their home for ideas?

Don't take offense, but this is all terrible advice except for the screwdrivers, which the person already likely has.

A block plane? Really?

A hand saw for "trim work"? Who does that and get's even close to acceptable results?

The last thing I'd get anyone these days is a pipe wrench.

 

[Twisted Sid]

Home Depot gift cards

I hate it when people buy me gifts that I dont want and didnt ask for all because they felt the obligation to do so

 

[Aaron_W]

I bought my wife some pink tools and a pink tool bag from Amazon.

Not outstanding tools, but not junk. Perfectly adequate for basic home owner stuff like assembling furniture, hanging pictures etc.

Pink helps to emphasize the HERS aspect of his and hers tool sets.

 

[RoninB4]

Don't take offense, but this is all terrible advice except for the screwdrivers, which the person already likely has.

-I don't take offense at remarks from strangers. Using the word "terrible" seems a bit strong considering you don't know the intended couple or their situation.

A block plane? Really?

-Yes, you don't know how to use one or when it's appropriate?

A hand saw for "trim work"? Who does that and get's even close to acceptable results?

-Well I do, because I know how to use hand tools and get acceptable results. I take it you don't know how to get acceptable results for yourself? You're really not familiar with traditional woodworking or the tools used. How "terrible" for you.

The last thing I'd get anyone these days is a pipe wrench.

-I guess you just call someone to do it for you when there's a plumbing problem or any other kind of problem. What do you make best for dinner....reservations?

 

[Zewnten]

So according to my wife a basic tool kit of: 3/8 dr sockets and ratchet, diagonal cut pliers, needle nose pliers, claw hammer, adjustable wrench, 6 in 1 screwdriver, hex bit set with the M12 drill and driver (better for small hands), hand saw 18" or so are her go to tools ivw given her.

As for the husband I'd say basic electrical diag tools like the plug that lights up a particular issue, a voltage sensor, DMM, romex stripper, etc and something equivalent for plumbing.

 

[bonneyman]

My apprentice just got married 2 months ago. The wife bought them a set of bedsheets - I wanted to do something more "tooly". I grabbed 5 kitchen gadgets that I didn't have when I was newly married, and discovered over the years how practical they were. So I put those 5 items in a small box, and gave it personally to my apprentice. I told him he'd understand they came from me when he opened it.
He loved them! And it covers his and hers, because they both cook.

The 5 items:
Garlic press - https://www.pamperedchef.com/shop/Kitchen+Tools/Food+Prep/Garlic+Press/2576
JarKey - https://ladlesandlinens.com/products/the-jarkey-jar-opener
Swing Away can opener - https://www.taylorusa.com/collections/swing-a-way
Cork remover
Old fashioned can and bottle opener

 

[Gmonkee]

A battery electric screwdriver kit. My wife has the Ryobi, my son and I the Truper models. It's cool, useful and catches the attention more than a basic kit of hammer and pliers stuff.

My wife is finding hers useful for stuff around the house. She uses it at work on computers too.

 

[d.mcfarland]

I guess you just call someone to do it for you when there's a plumbing problem or any other kind of problem.

I'm going to take a wild guess and say your probably over 65 years old and are stuck in some old ways.

New houses or any built or remodeled in the last 25-30 years have PVC pipes for supply and DWV.

The only pipes in a house that would need a pipe wrench are gas lines. I wouldn't ever recommended someone who is "not the most handy" in the world (per the OP's original words) to touch those pipes.

IF the person in this scenario has some pipes from 100 years ago, I'd strongly recommend they call a plumber and let it be their problem when something goes sideways.

 

[mike93lx]

I'm going to take a wild guess and say your probably over 65 years old and are stuck in some old ways.

New houses or any built or remodeled in the last 25-30 years have PVC pipes for supply and DWV.

The only pipes in a house that would need a pipe wrench are gas lines. I wouldn't ever recommended someone who is "not the most handy" in the world (per the OP's original words) to touch those pipes.

IF the person in this scenario has some pipes from 100 years ago, I'd strongly recommend they call a plumber and let it be their problem when something goes sideways.

PVC is not used for supply. But still, the chances of a homeowner needing a pipe wrench are generally slim to none