Tools of the Trade

*Excerpted from Man Stuff: Things a Young Man Needs to Know by H. Douglas Knust

I never had decent tools until I was forty years old. I had a hand-me-down toolbox full of orphaned tools that I had accumulated over the years. Nothing matched. My 1/2” socket was from a different set than my 3/4” socket. My straight screwdriver was different than my Phillips screwdriver. Every job that required tools was frustrating because it seemed like I never had the right tool or because my tools were cheap, they’d break.

So, when I got a gift certificate for Lowe’s, I decided I was going to use it to finally upgrade my tools. I bought some high-quality tools. Since then, every home repair or handyman task is so much easier. I actually enjoy some of them!

Parents and grandparents always struggle to find a good gift for a young man. Young men aren’t very good at offering suggestions other than the latest video game or tech gadget, both of which are likely to be obsolete within a year.

Tools are a timeless gift or purchase that can be used again and again either to assist someone or to fix something for yourself. Maybe your love interest needs help assembling some furniture. What a great way to impress that important someone in your life - breaking out a set of quality tools to help her with the job!

Owning a well-equipped toolbox is something that many young men leave to their dads. Then when you have a project, you have to either borrow tools or enlist help. A man should be self-reliant. He should have the tools and know-how to tackle basic projects around the house.

NAPA's Carlyle Tools is their professional tool line. These tools are built with superior quality and are designed with input and feedback from tool industry technicians. They are affordable, high-performance tools that are dependable in the harshest work environments. Most importantly, the Carlyle line of tools carry a lifetime warranty. There are 6,000 NAPA Auto Parts stores across the country so there's sure to be one when you need it.

I have three NAPA Auto Parts Stores and I want to offer the Explorers a chance to obtain tools at the best price possible. I have put together a "starter set" of tools that I have discounted significantly (<10% over my cost). The list can be found here. Please contact me with questions of if you'd like any of these tools.

Tools make a great "lifetime" gift.