5 Practical Presents For DIY Dads

With Father’s Day just round the corner (19 June), the Nexus team scoured the internet for some of the best DIY gifts for Dads that like to work smart, not hard.

1. Bosch PSB 18 LI-2 Power Tool

Worthy of any man shed, this Bosch power tool is a cordless screwdriver, drill and rotary hammer in one. Retailing at under £130 and recently crowned Power Tool of the Year at the DIY Week Awards 2016, this affordable 3-in-1 packs a real punch.
It’s the first Bosch tool to be equipped with a brushless EC-motor which allows it to be smaller in size, without compromising on power. A superior battery voltage guarantees Dad will be drilling like a pro through even the toughest of materials and its innovative “Kickback Control” technology detects a sudden jam, automatically shutting down the tool to prevent any accidents. Recommended by the Campaign For Healthier Backs thanks to its closed dual handle, this ‘ergonomic superhero’ is a DIYers dream.

2. Karcher K2 Pressure Washer

The Karcher K2 is very popular, racking up some seriously impressive online reviews for quality, value and performance. From just £64, it is 35 times more powerful than an average garden hose and uses 50% less water.
Fast and efficient, it effortlessly cleans almost every outdoor surface. Cars, paving stones, bikes, decking, garden furniture, exterior wood and stonework – stubborn dirt doesn’t stand a chance. With its upright design, wheels and long reach handle, it’s arguably the most user-friendly washer on the market. And it comes with a bevy of accessories to kit Dad out as a one-man cleaning machine, all kept neatly inside its handy onboard storage.

3. Forge Steel General Hand Tool Kit

If your Dad wants to dip his toe in the unforgiving waters of DIY, he’ll need some reliable tools to start with and you’d be hard pressed to find a more comprehensive set than the 55 piece Forge Steel Tool Kit. Recommended by 99% of online reviewers for its wide range of affordable well-made tools, for under £60 your Dad will be the envy of all his friends. This impressive set includes pliers, screwdrivers, adjustable wrench, hex keys, file and scissors with bi-material handle, bit driver with bits, nylon-coated measuring tape, utility knife with spare blades, mini hacksaw and spring clamps. Within a week, we guarantee he will be pretending he knows what to do with them and boring the neighbours with plans for an epic DIY project.

4. Pen-Tech Multi-tool

Stylish and practical, your Dad will feel like James Bond with the Pen-Tech in his pocket. Whether at work, on holiday or stuck in the car, those DIY emergencies are easily tackled. Providing 6 tools in 1, he can access all those essential tools on the go. The Pen-Tech is not only a ballpoint pen but also a Phillips and flat head screwdriver, a spirit level, a smartphone stylus and a ruler! Compact and affordable, at under £10, this multi-tool will showcase your Dad’s DIY skills, wherever he is.

5. Snapguide App

For cash-strapped readers, Snapguide is a free resource to share with your Dad and watch his DIY confidence soar. Despite being around for a few years, it’s definitely worthy of our list thanks to its sleek layout and expanding library of easy to follow “how-to guides”. A free iOS app and web service, it features hundreds of crowd-sourced DIY projects and repairs in simple step-by-step formats. Forget YouTube – Snapguide makes it quicker and easier to find a project thanks to its defined categories and illustrative structure.

Proof you can teach an old dog new tricks, we were hooked by the clear instructions and short video tutorials for a wide range of automotive, technology, home and outdoor jobs. Over one weekend, the Nexus gang learnt how to install a kitchen sink, repair flaking paint on a ceiling, lay decking and build an internal wall. Your Dad can also join the online community to comment on, share and like guides, or even upload one of his very own tutorials.