Dremel recently launched a 12-volt cordless rotary tool — the first in that line to work with all Dremel attachments, including specialized multi-saw and planer accessories. I’ve found my 10-volt Dremel (www.dremel.com) to be an exceptionally handy little tool, and have used it for everything from sanding intricate metal railings to carving pumpkins. Its makers claim the new Dremel 8200 cuts twice as quickly as other rotary tools and notes that the charge time on this model has dropped to one hour. Prices for Dremel 8200 kits, which are available at Home Depot, start at about $130. Take note that they will roll out to Rona, Home Hardware and Canadian Tire in August.

Also in the small but might department is Bosch’s new lithium-ion 12-volt, two-speed ultra-compact drill/driver (about $160). Weighing just over two pounds, this tool is about seven inches in height and head length. The small scale should make fussy fastening jobs in tight spots easier, while an on-board LED light illuminates work in dark cupboards or under sinks.

According to Bosch, the tool’s might comes from an upgrade to the battery pack, along with a switch from analog to digital electronics, and proprietary technology that protects both the tool and battery from overloading, overheating and deep discharging, all of which can cause tool or battery failure. Charging time is 30 minutes. Go to www.boschtools.com for more information and dealers.

Lithium-ion batteries are also showing up in power tools for the garden, including Ryobi’s 18-volt One+ hedge trimmer, which has 18-inch blades. It weighs 12.8 pounds and its makers suggest that the wrap-around handle design offers superior control over cuts. It sells for $139 at Home Depot. (I’ll be comparing it to the new battery-powered hedge trimmer from Black & Decker in the weeks to come on my blog at www. http://thestar.blogs.com/onthehouse.)

If Dad has lots of jobs around the home that involve cutting and clamping, he might find a portable work bench a real help. Ridgid has a new portable work station that has several useful features, including a reversible clamping range of 37.5 inches, and a load capacity of 220 pounds. The clamp lock is foot operated for ease of use, and the unit folds, so it can be easily stored in a garage or workshop or transported to a remote job site, such as the cottage. This item is available at Home Depot for $199. To see a demo, go to www.ridgid.com, click on products and then new products.

One of the few downsides to giving Dad expensive tools is that they become targets for thieves, especially if he carries them about in a truck. Stanley’s new FatMax Xtreme portable truck box offers protection. This 42-gallon capacity, water-resistant box can carry 130 pounds of load. An on-board alarm uses four C batteries, and is activated by a personalized code. If it’s opened or tampered with before being disarmed, a 107-decibel alarm sounds. (That’s slightly less than the 127 decibels emitted from the Vuvuzela, the horn made infamous at the World Cup!) About $300 at major home improvement retailers. For more information, go to www.stanleyhandtools.ca.

Dads who like planes tend to like them a lot, which may explain why there’s a cult-like following for planes from Veritas, the manufacturing arm of Lee Valley Tools (www.leevalleytools.com). The latest addition is the Skew Block Plane, which is designed for versatility. Woodworkers will want to know that a 15-degree blade angle makes cutting easier, either with or across the grain, and may be excited by the fact that, according to the product description, the “bubinga locking knob sets the toe to control the mouth opening”! Patriotic types may enjoy knowing that the majority of the Veritas line, including this plane, is made in North America. Prices start at $209.

Safety products aren’t sexy, but they may be one of the best ways to show a DIY Dad you care. Glasses are a no-brainer, so consider a pair of professional ear muffs from AO Safety www.aosafety.com (recently acquired by 3M), which sell for about $32, or a household multi-purpose respirator for about $42. Both items really should be used in high-noise areas or when working with certain sprays, coatings and foams. Getting either, or both, will tell Dad that’s nothing as important as his well-being, which might just soften the sting of the lengthy to-do list with which you also present him.

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