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.

The Great Fall Clean-Up Myth

Every year when the leaves start to turn, homeowners across town dust off the rakes, fire up the leaf blowers, and march into the yard for what’s become a ritual: the Great Fall Clean-Up. But here’s the thing, some of these chores are more about tradition than actual necessity. If you’d rather spend your weekends enjoying pumpkin spice lattes than breaking your back outside, here’s your cheat sheet to what really matters and what you can skip.

Worth Your Time

1. Cleaning the Gutters

It’s not glamorous, but clogged gutters are a homeowner’s worst nightmare. Left unchecked, they’ll channel water into your roof, walls, and foundation. A quick afternoon of scooping, flushing, and securing those downspouts could save you thousands in repairs later.

2. Mulching the Leaves

Forget the endless raking and bagging. Studies show mulching leaves into your lawn actually improves the soil and feeds the grass. Just run them over with your mower a couple of times, and let nature do the rest. Your back and the landfill will thank you.

3. Sealing Cracks and Gaps

Little gaps around windows, doors, and siding don’t just let in cold air—they invite rodents and bugs looking for a cozy winter spot. A $5 tube of caulk and an hour of your time will pay off all season long.

4. Lawn & Garden Final Touches

Cutting your lawn a little shorter before winter reduces the chance of snow mold. And pulling out dead annuals now means fewer pests setting up camp until spring. Think of it as giving your yard a clean slate.

Save Your Energy

1. Raking Every Last Leaf

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to chase every leaf off your lawn. As long as you mulch the bulk of them, a few stragglers won’t hurt. In fact, leaves in garden beds act as natural insulation for plants and critters.

2. Pruning Trees and Shrubs

Put down the shears. Most trees and shrubs actually prefer to be pruned in late winter or early spring, when they’re dormant. Fall pruning can stress them and leave them vulnerable to disease.

3. Fertilizing

Many homeowners reach for fertilizer in the fall, but if your lawn is already healthy, you’re better off holding off until spring. Overdoing it now can actually weaken the grass over the winter months.

The fall season is about preparing your home and yard for the months ahead, not exhausting yourself with tasks that don’t move the needle. Focus on the chores that protect your house from water, pests, and energy loss, and let go of the ones that are more about keeping up appearances.

Because let’s face it: nobody ever sat down at Thanksgiving dinner and said, “Wow, your yard was raked so perfectly in October.” But everyone appreciates a warm, draft-free house and a lawn that comes back strong in the spring.

So this year, skip the guilt-driven marathon clean-up. Do what counts, ditch what doesn’t, and enjoy the season for what it was meant for - apple cider, football games, and not wearing yourself out before the snow even falls.

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 http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

Outdoor Work in Winter That's a No Go

It may seem surprising but I get a lot of calls from homeowners who want to put on a new roof or update their vinyl siding during this quieter time of the year. People often think winter is a good opportunity to make outdoor improvements since it’s past the holiday period and before the busy spring sets in. As much as I hate to disappoint, now is actually a pretty dangerous time of year to do any exterior projects. Here are seven reasons why:

1. When the weather is below 40 degrees, the composition of building materials can really change. As it gets colder, products such as shingles can get brittle and crack or split easily. Materials such as vinyl siding shrink, which can lead to misalignment or potential for leaks when they later expand as the weather warms.

2. Another big issue is shingle adherence. Shingle sealant is activated by sun and heat. If there is not enough of either, the hold won’t be as strong as it should be, which could cause problems down the road. If the weather is too cold, we are often forced to hand seal, which can add time and cost to a generally simple process.

3. Most contractors use an air nail gun for external remodeling, which works by pressure. If humidity turns to ice in the airline, it can under or overdrive the nails instead of putting them in flush. Compressors face the same potential problem. 

4. Being on a roof or ladder in winter is dangerous. Even the most seasoned professionals must take care as black ice can cause serious injury. While we take every precaution, there is a lot that can go wrong during cold conditions. It’s often not worth the risk. 

5. Winter weather is unpredictable. When it rains in the warmer months, we tarp a job thoroughly to ensure there aren’t any leaks. Snow is more difficult as it adds both moisture and weight to a job. Imagine having a roof open in February and a foot of snow falls from the sky?

6. A cold weather installation could void your warranty. Many products specify a proper installation environment, which is usually above 40 degrees. 

7. Winter jobs almost always take longer as roofers need to take extra precautions and more frequent breaks while working in cold conditions. The last thing you want is someone on a roof who can’t feel their toes. There is also less daylight, which will add time to an installation.

Sometimes, a winter repair or replacement is inevitable and leaving the job until spring might make things worse. If this is the case for you, be sure that you’re working with an experienced contractor who has a solid track record in winter conditions and discuss all the precautions and extra steps that will be taken to ensure the job is done correctly. The last thing you want is someone getting injured or a situation where corners have to be cut to accommodate less-than-fair conditions. In the end, is it really worth it? 

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.