These tools make great gifts for DIY dad on Father’s Day

The DIY dad will get excited on Father’s Day with one or two of these tools for his toolbox or workshop:

n Black &Decker’s new Drill/Driver with AutoSense technology. The 20-volt lithium ion battery Drill/Driver has an automatic clutch that allows the user to accurately drive screws flush with the surface of a project, then the AutoSense stops the Drill/Driver from penetrating into the work surface.

You just set the drill to drive mode, and it will monitor the amount of torque needed to drive the screw. Then, by simply holding the trigger, the AutoSense will continue to drive the screw in small, about one-quarter turns, until the screw reaches the user’s desired depth.

No longer do you have to slow the Drill/Driver or adjust a clutch for the many changing applications a Drill/Driver is expected to perform. Touch the illuminated “bit” setting on top of the Drill/Driver and the tool becomes a powerful drill.

I really like this one and it is available online at Amazon.com for under $90 and at Black &Decker dealers nationwide. Watch a video about AutoSense at autosense.blackanddecker.com.

n Compact Circular Saw by Rockwell. The Compact Circular Saw weighs only half as much as a typical 5-pound circular saw. The saw’s 4½-inch thin kerf blade has less than half the thickness of larger 7½-inch circular saw blades, plus it cuts 2-by-4’s and other 2-inch dimension materials in a single pass.

The smaller, thinner blade takes much less effort and motor strain to cut through the material, so the 5-amp, 3,500 rpm saw can match the performance of a full-sized circular saw. The Compact Circular Saw features a left-handed blade design for greater cut line visibility.

It has a metal retractable lower blade guard, the same as found on a traditional circular saw. The saw’s bevel cutting adjustment is 0-45 degrees. The Compact Circular Saw is easy to transport and maneuver, especially overhead. The Rockwell Compact Circular Saw (RK3441K, $99.99) is available at rockwelltools.com and various online and big box stores.

n Craftsman Bolt-On 20 Volt MAX Lithium Ion Drill/Driver Kit. The Craftsman Bolt-On system is America’s largest modular power tool attachment system. With 10 interchangeable attachments, this tool eliminates the need to purchase a whole new tool each time a job requires one.

Starter kit with Drill/Driver, battery and QuickBoost Charger retails for $79.99. Attachments can be purchased separately for $24.99 to $34.99.

n New Stanley FatMax Portable Tripod Light. This provides 360 degree lighting for large and small jobs, power outages, and outdoor events. The Portable Tripod Light is corded, cordless and is rechargeable. With 45 watts of ultrabright LEDs, the rechargeable light reaches up to 2,400 lumens.

The 90-degree adjustable hinges and 360 degrees of pivoting base allow for multidirectional positioning to cover larger areas. The three detachable cordless lights are great for smaller jobs and can be used in tighter spaces for maximum brightness. Each separate light runs for up to 10 hours and features lithium ion technology to stay charged for up to 12 months.

C. Dwight Barnett is a certified master inspector with the American Society of Home Inspectors.