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One editor's Christmas List

Chris Ermides, associate editor

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Posted by: Chris Ermides

Lots of tools are sent to us. Sometimes we ask for them; sometimes companies just send them unsolicited, hoping that we’ll find something our readers should know about.

But most of the time, we have to send the tools back or donate them to a charity (we gladly pass things on to our friends at the local Habitat for Humanity). But we do get a chance to try them out, which is nice. Unfortunately, this usually leaves me with tool envy.

When carpentry is no longer your day job but a way to supplement the day job, buying the tools you really want isn’t so easily justified. On that note, if anyone out there feels like playing Santa Claus (except the tool companies—or their respective PR representatives—listed below), feel free to send me any or all of the items on my list.

And, yes, I have been good this year.

The Bosch Litheon 10.8v Pocket Driver
I’ve been pining after one of these ever since my colleague Justin Fink and I sat down with Bosch at a trade show a couple of years ago. Other companies have since unveiled similar products, but I like the weight and balance of this model in particular. The best thing? It fits in a tool pouch without a problem. And speaking of tool pouches …

Occidental Leather’s 5625 - Green Builder Framer Tool Belt Set
I’ve seen these advertised for a while, and a few of the guys here have them. I never boned up the $160 or so for it, and at this point, I’m really frustrated that I didn’t. Now when I do a side job or work around the house, I reluctantly put on the cheap bag I got from The Home Depot. I don’t know what brand it is, but it never broke in—and never will—so things fall out easily. From what I’ve seen, Occidental’s tool belt not only wears in to the point where it actually holds things snug, it’s also comfortable to wear (so I’m told). Size XL, please.

The Nikle NS1850P pin nailer
Every time I visit contributing editor Gary Striegler for a photo shoot, he invariably pulls this nail gun out about as often as my uncle pulls out his handkerchief in the winter. I never had a pin nailer when I was posing as a carpenter for a living, but sure could have used one. And still can, so send it on.

Blue Spruce Toolworks’ Dovetail Chisel Set
I’m no woodworker. Just the thought of cutting a dovetail by hand makes my fingers hurt. But every carpenter needs a good set of chisels. I used to have a decent set, but they’re gone. I promise not to lose this set, or put any of the chisels into commission to perform such appalling tasks as notching a piece of MDF trim, loosening the ring clamp around the garbage disposal, or tapping the black and white wires with the steel in an effort to A) see if the wires are live and/or B) trip the breaker because I’m too lazy to figure out which one it is.

PLS360 Laser Level and RoboToolz Vector 3 (RT-7510-3)
When I edited Gary M. Katz’s article on laser levels, I got an opportunity to see a good representation of the products out there. Both of these tools made their way onto various jobs I worked on since, and I can’t say enough about them. Just recently, I tiled a tub surround, and the PLS360 was right there every step of the way to show me how bad I am at keeping a straight tiled line. Using them makes me feel bad for the time years ago that my dad was stuck hanging chair rail with a 4-footer.

Chalk-Rite Gear Drive Ultra Thin
Finding and keeping a good chalkline (along with good pencils) is a challenge. At least it seemed to be a challenge on every job I’ve been on. One of these was up for grabs around here, but I missed my opportunity to snag it. When I get one, I’ll store it safely in either my new tool belt (see above) or my new tool bag (see below).

Irwin’s ProTouch Retractable Knife
This knife is lightweight, but best of all, the blades are easy as all hell to change. I could go buy one myself, but I won’t. I’ll go buy one after someone steals the free one I’m about to get. (These tools tend to walk).

Veto Pro Pac Model XXL-F Tool Bag
I’ve been through so many toolboxes over the years, it’s embarrassing. As anyone around the office will gladly confirm, organization isn’t one of my strengths. But I think a bag like this could help me turn a corner. Or at least give me some joy in emptying out the overstuffed bag I currently have that’s potentially hiding my old chisels. And with this new opportunity for organization, I’ll have a place safe place to store my new chisels, laser levels, and screw gun.

Thanks in advance for your generosity, Santa.

Editor's note: Chris actually posted this list last year, but Santa gave him coal instead and he wanted to try again. Actually, with the way fuel prices are going, coal wouldn’t be such a bad thing this year too.

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Comments (1)

TwoWheeler writes: Nice list, but you're dreamin', pal.
You might be making a place for the retracable knife, but otherwise ...
Posted: 9:44 am on December 11th

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