The Yule's cool tools

Topping the list of 'toys' for grown-up boys is the laser level, though retailers are also selling a lot of battery-powered combo tool kits.
By REBECCA SLOAN
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
It's time to go Christmas shopping again, and as usual, the men on your list want tools.
If you're wondering what type of tool to buy, here are two words for you: laser level.
According to local sales associates, laser levels are this season's hottest gift item -- the one tool that's got every man saying, "Gimme gimme, I want!"
"I got 96 of them in Friday morning, and by Friday evening they were all gone," said Gary Boliver, hardware pro at Home Depot in Niles. "I'm getting 300 more in today, and I've got a list with 150 names of people who want one as soon as the shipment arrives."
So what exactly does a laser level do?
"It basically shoots a straight line on the wall that allows you to know where to draw your lines for a variety of projects," Boliver explained.
Mary Bowling, a hardware sales associate at Sears in Niles, said laser levels make accuracy a snap.
"It is a tool that helps you know for sure you got it right the first time," Bowling said.
For example, a laser level will help home improvement enthusiasts hang crown molding perfectly straight, and a laser level will help create accurate measurements for installing a drop ceiling.
It will also create a perpendicular line for installing a staircase.
"It shoots a lit-up line on the wall that is about 25 feet long," Boliver explained.
Laser levels came on the market last year, but they weren't well known until recently, Boliver said.
Advertising has helped
Bill Raddick, a department manager for Sears Hardware in Austintown, said advertising has helped light the fire.
"Lots of people see them advertised on TV and then they come in and want one," Raddick said. "Every year there is a particular tool that all the men seem to want, and this year the laser levels is it. It's like this year's toy for grown-up men."
Laser levels retail for about $40. Home Depot sells one made by Strait-Line for about $39.95, and Sears sells a laser level by Craftsman for about the same price.
Boliver said there are more sophisticated laser levels on the market that sell for around $500, and these should not be confused with the $40 models.
"The more expensive ones are designed for contractors. They do much more and shouldn't be confused with the less expensive models," he said.
Other popular items
Raddick said laser miter saws are another popular gift item at Sears.
"The laser throws a straight line down and shows you where to cut," Raddick explained.
Boliver said Home Depot shoppers also want battery-powered combo tool kits.
Home Depot sells an 18-volt, battery-powered combo kit by Ryobi that includes a drill, circular saw, reciprocating saw, flashlight and hand-vac for about $199.
A 24-volt combo kit that includes the same tools sells for $459.
Raddick said speed-lock drill kits are also selling well at Sears.
Speed-lock sets include different accessories for drills.
"The reason men want them is because they are very time wise. One accessory can be removed and another can be placed on the head of the drill very quickly," Raddick explained. "We sell kits with 10 pieces, 40 pieces or 101 pieces."
Standard items such as toolboxes and cordless drills also endure as gift-giving favorites Raddick added.