[LPrad]

Hi guys,

This is way off topic but I'm having trouble coming up with something for my nephew for Christmas. He is 13 years old and very interested in building and construction. I would like to get him something that is not too expensive and is related. I was thinking of some kind of kit or relatively safe tools. Most everything I find is geared toward a much younger group.

Any suggestions?

Thanks.
Linda

 

[Colbyt]

Lives in the city or in country?
Owns what tools now?

As a quick suggestion to start, a toolbox, hammer, tri-square and a tape measure are the beginnings.

 

[ddawg16]

I bought my son his first tool box (HF Wood) when he was 11.

Cordless drill?

 

[yuri]

Good quality 16 ounce Estwing hammer from Home Depot. Something he will keep for life and remember who bought it. Not cheap but NOBODY wants a cheap hammer as they are not balanced or comfortable to use. Can get one for $35 plus taxes in Canada.

Then a good quality Lufkin or Stanley tape measure and a leather or high quality Kuny tool belt.

Or a Home Depot gift card and tell him to buy a high quality tool of his choice. Cannot get much for under $25. $35-50 and he will love you forever and visit you in the old folks home.:wink2:

http://www.estwing.com/

 

[Wildbill7145]

I've still got the very first hammer I ever owned and it was given to me by my Dad around 40 years ago. I keep it in my work van and use it almost every day. Reminds me of him every time I see it.

+1 for the hammer and tool box. Every year Dad would get me and my brothers some form of tool for Christmas. They weren't always new, but that didn't matter to us.

 

[LPrad]

Thanks guys,

Colbyt, small city.

I like these ideas, especially as Tyler is rather mature for his age. I was thinking more along the lines of kits as in toys or models but I think your ideas may be better.

Thanks again,

Linda

 

[Colbyt]

At that age I would have loved a box of new nails as I had to pull them and straighten them for reuse. Clubhouse take a lot of nails.

 

[MT Stringer]

Cordless drill. I have a set of the DeWalt 12volt cordless tools...screwdriver, drill and impact driver (not an impact wrench).

If I was to narrow it to one, I would go with the drill/driver kit because it has a clutch so drill bits of all sizes up to 3/8 inch shank can be used. It will also accept the 1/4 inch quick insert style drills and screwdriver bits.

Note: DeWalt has a discount in place for some of their tools through Dec 22nd. $25 off $100 dollar purchase. I know Amazon and CPO Tools are honoring this offer. The drill/driver kit listed below qualifies so it would be about $114 before tax. And the discount is applied at checkout; not a rebate program. :smile:

Here are a few items that could be put together for him to use.

DeWalt 12vMax Cordless Drill/driver
http://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DCD710...cd710s2+12-volt+max+3+8-inch+drill+driver+kit

Driver bit set (magnetic)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KYP41VA?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00

Kreg pocket hole jig. This jig is good for making repairs, or simply adding a few holes for a project. Clamp it in place and make the hole. The kit comes with the jig, drill bit and 6 inch long #2 square drive bit for driving pocket screws.
http://www.amazon.com/Kreg-R3-Pocke...817&sr=1-1-spell&keywords=krg+pocket+hole+jig

I have all of these tools and they have been very reliable. I searched for the magnetic bit set because I got tired of dropping screws when driving them in the back of cabinets! :-(

Good luck. You are a good man for helping get this young man going.
Note: My wife uses the drill/drivers as much as I do. She is my cabinet builder installer! :surprise::biggrin2: Yeah we are retired and loving life.

 

[mathmonger]

When we were kids, my grandfather sent my sister a big wall mirror. My present was the wood from the shipping crate. Best present ever. I would never ask my dad to buy me wood. That would just be awkward. And if I did, there would be a lot of pressure to make something cool. That wood from my grandfather was MINE. I could do whatever I wanted with it. It was awesome.

Or how about a household tool kit like this:

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Trademark-Global-130-Piece-Hand-Tool-Set/16890891

I have a cheap pair of slip joint pliers that I got from the Easter Bunny about 25 years ago. I still use them. That same Easter, I also got a 6 foot measuring tape that I still use sometimes when I can't find my good tape.

A socket set is a nice tool gift that won't cost him any fingers.

Personally, I wouldn't object to buying cheap tools for a 13 year old.

 

[oh'mike]

I got an electric Jig saw at that age-----it's hard to hurt yourself with one of those--and opens up a whole scope of projects.

(my father also allowed me to use a table saw at that age--I think it depends on the kid and his training)

 

[DexterII]

My first thought was a jig saw as well. I think that it's the ideal power tool to start with, as Mike said, hard to hurt yourself, and can't get much more versatile as far as the types of projects that it can be used on. And it's something that you can always add to, because there are oodles of patterns available, suitable for whatever interests him.

 

[Colbyt]

For a child I could not supervise and train I would be very reluctant to hand them any power tool. That is just me and does not say you are wrong.

 

[DexterII]

Thank you, Colby. And you are correct; not a good choice in this case. I got off track there, forgetting by the time I read through the posts that this is an uncle, not a dad. I learned to run various power tools around that time, but had my own stool and own spot at dad's bench for a number of years prior, in fact built my own first bench at some point in there, and knew when and when not to touch certain things. That was a different place and time, with different circumstances, and I appreciate you mentioning this important aspect. I have great nephews around that age, very well mannered, but power tools are not on their list from me at this time either.

 

[oh'mike]

Colbyt---You are right, a parent could give a gift that he or she can supervise and train the kid---but as an uncle----perhaps it is unwise.

Good response---Mike----

 

[yuri]

Hi guys,

This is way off topic but I'm having trouble coming up with something for my nephew for Christmas. He is 13 years old and very interested in building and construction. I would like to get him something that is not too expensive and is related. I was thinking of some kind of kit or relatively safe tools. Most everything I find is geared toward a much younger group.

Any suggestions?

Thanks.
Linda

I don't think the OP is a Uncle named Linda.:wink2:

 

[ron45]

How about a year subscription to, The Family Handyman.
Lots to learn there....


https://order.familyhandyman.com/pu...1123017026873&vid=1&cds_response_key=IFFRG035

 

[Oso954]

Here is a basic homeowner tool set that I think any kid would love.
It's on sale at a great price.

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-evolv-83-pc-homeowner-tool-set-w-bag/p-00941283000P?sid=IDx01192011x000001&gclid=COqb3tyzz8kCFdBefgodtVgE3g

He may even have to keep Mom and Dad away from it.

 

[ron45]

Maybe a Harbor Freight gift card with a 20% off coupon.?

 

[Nik333]

I'm looking for the same thing because my nephews had such a great engineer granddad & have his genes. A lot depends on if he is careful and skillful or somewhat clumsy - no insult intended. Boys do have the greatest accident rate, mainly because they are adventurous and take risks.
With all the other suggestins, there is an engineering kit made of plastic that is for 8 & up but he'd probably be insulted. My dad, the same engineer, taught us to saw and hammer by 8. We were allowed to watch & safely participate in all the brick-laying, plumbing, and construction he did. Are you able to observe him or far away?

http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&page=1&rh=n%3A165793011%2Ck%3Aengineering%20kits%20for%20kids 0ne kit goes to 21!

 

[DexterII]

I don't think the OP is a Uncle named Linda.:wink2:

My apologies, Aunt Linda.