BuiltWorlds' Construction Gift Guide — Holiday 2017

by PHOEBE NOCE | November 28, 2016

The season of gift giving is upon us — whether you're looking for a gift for a friend, spouse, family, or employee, we've got the ultimate gift guide for the construction professionals in your life.

DEWALT FLEXVOLT 12” Double Bevel Compound Miter Saw

The saw, itself, is a great gift, but what makes it exciting is the much-buzzed-about FLEXVOLT battery it uses, which changes voltage depending on the tool. Each of the batteries holds up to 60 volts, and this miter saw needs just two of them, which work on any other tools in the same line. It can also run corded, if the batteries need charging.

Give this to: The serious power tool enthusiast

Cost: $649, homedepot.com

SharkBite Push-to-Connect Fittings

Hang up your blow torch and put away your cement — these pipe fittings connect copper, PEX, CPVC and PE-RT pipe without the need to use soldering, clamps, unions or glue, saving valuable installation time. During a timed test, installation using SharkBite's push-to-connect fittings took roughly 8 minutes, compared to 28 minutes with CPVC glue, 49 minutes with PEX crimp, and 2 hours with copper sweat.

Give this to: Time-pressed plumbing professionals open to new techniques

Cost: $4+, homedepot.com

HUSKY 37” MOBILE JOB BOX UTILITY CART

From its water-tight seal to the 8-inch all-terrain wheels, this hard-sided 50-gallon toolbox is ready to get beat up on the job site. Extra features make it stand out from similar toolboxes: A large removable caddy easily sections off hand tools and an electrical cord outlet lets you charge power tools, even while the chest is locked. A great value on a budget.

Give this to: On-the-go craft workers that love to organize their tools

Cost: $54, homedepot.com

Milwaukee Tool M12 Heated Jacket

Powered by Milwaukee’s 12-volt REDLITHIUM battery, this softshell jacket is a cordless way to keep toasty on the jobsite this winter. Carbon fiber heating elements generate and regulate heat inside the jacket — which is washable, too, by the way. A little too warm? A push button LED controller lets you adjust the heat to your comfort level. Also great for frigid offices.

Give this to: The hard-to-gift person who seems to have everything

Cost: $149-374, grainger.com

Klein Tools New Hand Tools

A good set of hand tools is a necessity in every toolbox, and Klein Tools’ latest releases have thoughtful additions that make our lives a little easier. Some of our top picks:

The Double-Hook Magnetic Tape Measure features a hook on both sides of the tape for 180° use, a retraction speed brake to prevent the tape from snapping back, and no-fuss, easy-to-read ruler marks.

Never lose magnets again with the Aluminum Torpedo Level, which includes a track to lock the magnets to the aluminum body. A notched groove helps the level fit the contour of conduit or pipe.

Carry fewer tools with the 15-in-1 Classic Screwdriver, which houses the extra bits neatly in the handle.

The 5-in-1 Multi-Nut Driver features a heavy duty body that boasts more torque performance than regular nut drivers. Like the screwdriver above, this driver comes with interchangeable sizes.

Buy this for: The electrician whose toolbox needs a little sprucing up

Cost: Varies, kleintools.com

SKILSAW MEDUSAW

This saw means business. Specifically created for cutting concrete, the MEDUSAW features a worm drive and integrates multiple tools in one, including a rolling foot plate, wet dust management system with GFCI protection, dust collection port, adjustable plunge lock, and rust-resistant brackets and fasteners, making it easier and safer to cut concrete solo. It won’t be out in time for holiday 2016, but with a January release date, we think it’s worth an IOU.

Give this to: Concrete professionals who can’t wait to get the latest toys

Cost: $399, skilsaw.com

Paracosm PX-80 Scanner

Paracosm’s newest mobile 3D scanner is leaving tripod-based systems in the dust. With an 80 meter range, surveys with this handheld scanner can performed by a single person, 12 times faster than its tripod-based predecessors. The resulting colored point cloud makes it easy to verify work, monitor productivity, and ensure that what’s being built matches the design.

Give this to: Your team’s BIM professional or project manager who’s been asking for new technology

Cost: $25,000+, paracosm.io

Milwaukee Tool M18 ROCKET LED Tower Light

Unlike traditional portable work lights, Milwaukee Tool’s stand light sets up in a snap and features an ultra-lightweight body that makes it easy to carry. With a 7-foot telescoping neck and three lighting modes, this light means business. The contractors we talked to couldn’t recommend this light enough.

Give this to: Specialty contractors who love utilitarian gifts

Cost: $399, homedepot.com

Identified Technologies Drone Mapping Services

Drone mapping — it’s a whole new way to track and monitor your jobsite. These automatic drones can quickly fly over and survey a jobsite and, using the data collected, create 3D maps, distance measurements, volumetric analysis, and more. While traditional methods take days or months, Identified Technologies’ drones can return real-time site data. Take advantage of their wings to safely survey dangerous areas, gather more accurate data, or gain better visibility in day-to-day progress.

Give this to: Earth moving contractors looking to improve their data and estimates

Cost: $5,000-7,500/month for daily tracking on up to 10 jobsites, identifiedtech.com

Ford 2017 F-150 XL + SuperCrew

Want to win the best boss award? Then gift this truck. The 2017 model features a 3.5-liter V6 engine, a 4-door extended cab with the SuperCrew option, heavy-duty towing capabilities, and plenty of optional features. Reward your supers with a truck they can't wait to show off.

Give this to: The superintendent that brought in your toughest job on time, on budget, and sans-injuries

Cost: $26,540+, ford.com