Tools & Gifts for DIY Homeowners

If you’ve got a DIY‐homeowner in your life, or you are that homeowner, then Black Friday is basically the Super Bowl of “treat yourself.” Deals are deep, gadgets are fun, and your odds of finally upgrading that wobbly old drill just went way up.

Whether you’re shopping for gifts or stocking your own workshop for the next year, here are the tools and essentials that stand out for anyone who loves to tinker, repair, or dig into a weekend project. And yes—we’ve paired each category with two strong product picks (4.5-star+ reviews) to help you navigate the sea of sale fluff.

1. Cordless Drill/Driver Upgrade

Every DIYer has a drill. But do they have a good one? Black Friday is the time to get a brushless 20 V or similar kit with extra batteries and a case.

What to look for: Brushless motor, two batteries or more, compact design that won’t torque your wrist off.

Recommended picks:

• DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Drill/Impact 2‑Tool Combo Kit

• DEWALT 20V MAX XR Brushless Drill/Driver Kit

These two offer very different budgets, both with strong reputations. One’s more of a full combo; the other’s a focused drill/driver upgrade.

2. Laser Distance Measure

If they’re still using that tape measure from 1997 (you know the one with the drywall dust fused in), it’s time. Laser distance measurers save time, reduce mistakes, and make planning way easier.

Recommended picks:

• Bosch BLAZE 100‑ft Laser Measure

• Milwaukee 65‑ft Laser Distance Meter

Either one will feel like a futuristic upgrade for the weekend warrior.

3. Wet/Dry Vacuum (Shop Vac)

Nothing says “I love you” quite like a tool that sucks up the catastrophe inside the garage. These vacs are ideal for sawdust, leaves, drywall scraps, and every random mess a homeowner faces.

Recommended picks:

• BAUER 6‑Gallon 4‑Peak HP Wet/Dry Vacuum

• RIDGID 16‑Gallon 5‑Peak HP Shop Vac

 Hard to beat this kind of efficiency when you’re clearing up weekend debris.

4. Oscillating Multi-Tool

This is the “how did I live without this?” category. Cutting, sanding, scraping in tight spots - all things you didn’t know you needed until you had one.

Recommended picks:

• DEWALT 20V MAX XR 3‑Speed Oscillating Multi‑Tool Kit

• DEWALT ATOMIC 20V MAX Oscillating Multi‑Tool Kit

Both are solid picks, nicely future-proof and flexible.

5. Smart Home Starter Kit

DIYers like gadgets and control. Smart plugs, sensors, starter hubs - they’re fun gifts and useful tools for setting up the home for “just in case.”

Recommended picks:

• YoLink Smart Home Starter Kit

• SimpliSafe 9 Piece Wireless Home Security System w/HD Camera

Options really run the gamut from just plugs to full security systems, so choose based on your needs. Pick something easy to install and compatible with smart assistants for max impact.

6. Stud Finder That Actually Finds Studs

Too many homeowners rely on the cheap model that misses everything. Upgrade to a good one and save future drywall repair headaches.

Recommended picks:

• CH Hanson Magnetic Stud Finder

• Franklin Sensors ProSensor M150 Stud Finder
  

Compact, battery-light (or no batteries), and dead-reliable, just the kind of gift you’ll be glad you got.

7. Portable Work Light / LED Shop Light

Holding your phone in your teeth while installing the garage shelving? No thanks. Good work lights make the space safer, more fun, and usable after sunset.

Recommended picks:

• Luminar 1,000‑Lumen LED Work Light

• Husky 2,000‑Lumen Portable LED Work Light

 Choose rechargeable or battery-compatible for flexibility.

8. Tool Storage & Organization

You know the phrase: “A place for everything and everything in its place.” Rolling toolboxes, pegboards, stackable cases - they cost less during Black Friday and keep workshop chaos at bay.

Recommended picks:

• RIDGID Pro Gear System Gen 2.0 XL 3‑Drawer Toolbox

• CRAFTSMAN 52‑in 10‑Drawer Rolling Tool Cabinet 

Better than buying more tools: buying a place to store them.

9. Heavy-Duty Extension Cord

Finally, the unsung hero: the extension cord. It doesn’t seem glamorous, but when your workbench is in the garage, you need good reach, proper gauge, and outdoor durability.

Recommended picks:

• Southwire 50‑ft 12/3 Outdoor Heavy‑Duty Extension Cord

• Hyper Tough 12‑Gauge 100‑ft Indoor/Outdoor Extension Cord

 Look for 12 or 14-gauge, weather-resistant jacket, and visible color for safety.

Final Thoughts

If you’re shopping for a DIY homeowner this Black Friday, go for tools and accessories that make their weekend projects smoother, safer, or just more fun. And if you’re the DIY homeowner? Consider this the perfect excuse to upgrade your gear. Because let’s face it, the project list isn’t getting any shorter.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

Tackle Fall Leaves the Smart Way

If you live in New England, you already know the drill: one day your lawn looks perfect, and the next it’s buried under a crunchy blanket of red, orange, and gold. While a few leaves can add charm, too many can smother your grass, invite pests, and cause slippery walkways. But before you grab the rake and start waging war, there’s a better, smarter way to manage your autumn cleanup.

The Case for Raking (and When to Do It)

When leaves pile up, they block sunlight and trap moisture, creating the perfect environment for mold, disease, and dead patches of grass. That’s why timing is everything. Start raking when about half your trees have dropped their leaves, and again right before the first snowfall. If you wait until every last leaf has fallen, you’ll end up with a soggy, compacted mess that’s harder to remove.

Dry days are your best friend. Wet leaves are heavier, stickier, and can quickly clog your rake. Choose a breezy, low-humidity afternoon, and work in sections so you’re not battling the whole yard at once.

Tools of the Trade

Not all rakes are created equal. A classic 24-inch plastic or poly rake is light, flexible, and easy on the back. Metal rakes are great for tough patches or wet leaves but can tear delicate turf. Some homeowners swear by “no-clog” rakes, which use tines spaced wider apart so leaves don’t stick.

If you want to save serious time, consider upgrading to a leaf blower or a mulching mower. A blower makes short work of large yards, while a mulching mower chops leaves into fine pieces that decompose right into your lawn, creating essentially free fertilizer.

Rake Smarter, Not Harder

Most people make one big mistake: raking randomly. Instead, start along your lawn’s perimeter and work inward, moving leaves onto a large tarp. When the tarp fills, drag it to your compost pile or curbside leaf collection. It’s faster and saves your back from hundreds of bending motions.

Use the wind to your advantage, not against it. Rake with the wind direction, not into it. And if your neighborhood allows curbside collection, check the schedule. There’s nothing worse than finishing your raking marathon only to watch your neatly raked piles blow around for two rainy weeks.

Mulch, Compost, or Bag?

Each option has its perks. Mulching leaves with your mower saves time, enriches your soil, and supports beneficial organisms in your lawn. Composting is another eco-friendly choice - just mix dry leaves with green materials like grass clippings or kitchen scraps for the perfect compost balance.

Bagging, while less sustainable, is sometimes unavoidable, especially if your town requires it. If so, look for biodegradable paper bags rather than plastic. Your local transfer station or public works department likely has them in stock.

Protect Your Lawn and Yourself

Don’t overlook safety and comfort. Wear gloves to avoid blisters, sturdy shoes for traction, and long sleeves to fend off scratches and ticks. Stretch before and after - yes, really - because leaf raking can burn up to 300 calories an hour. Think of it as an outdoor workout with built-in results.

When you’re done, give your lawn one final low-cut mow to keep it neat through winter. It’ll help prevent matting and give new spring grass room to grow.

When “Leaving the Leaves” Makes Sense

Here’s the good news: not every leaf has to go. A thin layer - an inch or less - can actually benefit your lawn and garden beds. It insulates soil, supports pollinators, and provides nutrients as it breaks down. The key is moderation: too many leaves smother grass, too few miss out on the natural benefits.

If you’ve got wooded or low-traffic areas on your property, consider leaving the leaves there entirely. It’s a small but powerful way to support local ecosystems and save yourself a few hours of weekend labor.

Fall cleanup doesn’t have to be a back-breaking battle. With the right timing, tools, and strategy, you can protect your lawn, help the environment, and maybe even enjoy more of the season in the process.

Tips for Effective Leaf Raking

As leaves begin to fall from the trees, the prospect of raking can feel overwhelming. However, with the right approach, you can turn this chore into a manageable and dare I say enjoyable task. Here are some updated best practices for effective leaf management to keep in your back pocket as we approach the outdoor cleanup season. 

1. Timing Your Raking

Some people like to wait until all the leaves have fallen, while others tackle their yards over the course of a few weeks to avoid the bulk. Monitor both your trees and local weather conditions to choose the optimal time. We’ve had a very dry season so leaves are light, but a big rainfall will change that, so be mindful of the forecast.

2. Select Appropriate Tools

Invest in high-quality rakes, such as leaf rakes or adjustable rakes, to enhance efficiency. For larger areas, consider a leaf blower to save time. Leaf claws and leaf sweepers can facilitate easier collection of leaves. A tarp can also be very helpful to avoid having to pick up in bags and barrels. 

3. Plan Your Strategy

Before you start, determine where to pile the leaves and the most efficient route through your yard. Generally, raking from the outer edges towards the center is effective but it depends on your yard size and shape. 

4. Use Proper Raking Techniques

Employ smooth, steady motions to gather leaves. Avoid abrupt movements to reduce strain on your back and arms. Maintain good posture, take short breaks, and keep your shoulders relaxed to minimize fatigue. Gloves are a great idea to protect your hands from blisters and sharp, hidden objects. 

5. Choose a Disposal Method

Decide between bagging the leaves or using a mulching mower. Bagging provides thorough removal, while mulching enriches your lawn as leaves decompose. Select the method that best fits your yard and preferences. 

6. Dispose of Leaves Responsibly

Ensure proper disposal of collected leaves. Many municipalities offer curbside pickup or designated drop-off locations for yard waste. If composting, make sure leaves are free of debris such as sticks and branches.

7. Engage with Neighbors

If raking becomes too strenuous, consider reaching out to neighbors or local community groups for assistance. Many young people are eager to help for a small fee. If using a professional company, don’t wait until the last minute to contact them as many will be booked weeks in advance. 

8. Maintain Your Tools

After raking, clean and store your tools properly to prolong their lifespan. Keep rakes dry and clean, and ensure gas-powered equipment is maintained and stored safely.

Bob O'Donnell is the owner of O'Donnell Bros, Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro”. All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O'Donnell Bros, Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.