Gift ideas for handy men, women.

Byline: Brian Nelson

Dear Readers: Following my annual practice, here are stocking stuffers and holiday gift suggestions for the handy men and women in your life:

At the top of my list this year are several tools for your shop or home toolbox:

Black & Decker's impact driver (model BDCS801). It is an impressive tool for what B&D calls "light duty,'' and with a price tag of $40 at Amazon, it should be in every home toolbox. I have used mine a lot since getting it and have been very impressed with the length of the charge.

For heavier duty, an ideal product in the DIY's shop is the Black & Decker 20-volt Lithium Impact driver. Impact drivers are so superior to regular drivers that someone told me that he gave away his other drivers after getting his B&D impact driver. They are not drills, however, so you also need one of those. Most home shops already have one, but if it is corded, consider buying a battery-operated one. The convenience is worth the price.

My shop also contains a 20-volt circular saw and reciprocating saw, which are so handy. It's a relief not having to deal with several extension cords for distant jobs.

For the garden, although I have a corded leaf blower and weed whacker, I got a 20-volt battery-operated Black & Decker leaf blower and weed whacker because of the convenience and ease of use. Often, I need only a small cleanup and it's a hassle to cart a corded tool, plug it in and put it back when done.

By sticking with the same brand, all these 20-volt tools give me the great advantage of interchangeable batteries, so, with several batteries, I never run out of power.

Three other valuable additions to your tool collection are the Dremel and Rotozip tools, as well as the RotoSaw, which makes it easy to cut in a variety of materials; its accessories are also helpful. Their versatility around the shop is considerable.

Moving inside the house, every household with oval pot metal valve handles found under sinks, lavatories and toilet bowls needs the Gordon Wrench...