Top 10 Tools to Gift DIY Enthusiasts this Christmas
If you’re looking for Christmas gift ideas for a DIY enthusiast, look no further than PCL. We can equip you with the best option to suit the job in hand. From air tools to tyre inflators, this guide provides the top 10 gift ideas for DIY enthusiast to suit a range of budgets, hobbies and levels of expertise.
1. airlite eco Tyre Inflator
The perfect gift for the home garage, airlite eco is a great option for those who already have a compressor. Designed for ease and comfort of use, at a price that won’t break the bank, this handheld tyre inflator/deflator is a sound piece of equipment, perfect for general tool kits and especially suited to car enthusiasts. Reliable and accurate to 2psi, it has the same DNA as its big brother, the heavy duty AIRFORCE MK4, which is made for demanding applications and provides greater magnification for faster and more accurate reading.
Curious about the differences between the airlite eco and AIRFORCE MK4? Read our guide.
2. 12v Tyre Inflator
This compact and user-friendly inflator makes a perfect gift for the DIY enthusiast who’s always prepared. It’s small, light, and comes in a convenient storage bag, making it easy to store in the garage or car boot. With the power to top up tyre pressure and even inflate from flat, the ATT750 is ideal for cars, SUVs, and 4x4s. Its digital display with an LED backlight is perfect for low-light conditions, and the included adaptors add versatility, allowing it to inflate sports equipment and small inflatables - no batteries needed!
3. Tyre Safety Pack
This glovebox essential includes a PCL pencil-type Tyre Pressure Gauge (TPG) and Tyre Tread Depth Gauge (TDG16C01), packed in a sturdy, reusable tin. A great stocking filler, it allows DIYers to check their tyre pressure and tread depth anytime, keeping tyres in safe, legal condition. The TPG, with pocket clip and removable protective cap, is designed so pressure can be read after the gauge is removed from the tyre valve. The TDG16 measures tread of 1-26mm, with a 1.6mm illegal tyre tread depth mark and is DVSA approved.
Awarded Best Buy 2017 and 2019 by Auto Express
4. DTPG7 3-in-1 Digital Depth & Pressure Gauge with Light
For DIYers who work on their vehicles late into the evening, this 3-in-1 Digital Tyre Pressure and Tread Depth Gauge is a top pick. Its large backlit screen with an auto-off feature makes it easy to read in low light. The self-calibrating display flashes to warn of illegal tread depths, helping ensure tyres are in top shape.
Auto Express Recommended 2020
DTPG7 3-in-1 Digital Depth & Pressure Gauge with Light
5. Ergo Extreme Blowgun
An essential tool for any DIY multi-tasker, the Ergo Extreme Blowgun is suitable for a range of jobs, including wood working, tyre fitting and paint spraying. Fitted to a compressed air line to produce a jet stream of air, blowguns are used to clear equipment and surfaces of debris such as dust or chips. The Ergo Extreme Air Blowgun is a good, sturdy and reliable product created with comfort and style in mind. Design-engineered in the UK and made from durable Zytel Nylon, it looks and feels good in the hand, and features a flexible, rubber grip for additional cushioning and increased strength. Available in 7 options, including 2 bar regulated blowguns and safety nozzles, the Ergo Extreme provides easy storage with multiple hanging points, creating additional space and strength in the handle area.
Want to learn more about how to select the right compressed air blowgun based on the application? Read our guide.
6. A Mini Tool
PCL’s Mini Air Tools deliver big performance in a compact form, ideal for DIYers tackling intricate or hard-to-reach tasks. Despite their size, these tools pack impressive power and control, making them perfect for detailed work in tight spaces. The range includes drills; ratchets for tightening and loosening bolts, lug nuts, and rusted fasteners; sanders and grinders for stripping old paint and finishes from metal and wood and for smoothing rough areas; and cutters for working with sheet metal. With a comfortable, non-slip grip and consistent power, these mini tools are a versatile and valuable addition to any DIY enthusiast's collection.
7. 2-in-1 Air Nail/Staple Gun
Ideal for the home carpenter, the 2-in-1 Air Nail/Staple Gun is perfect for projects like flooring, furniture, and decking. Safety is built-in with a trigger device to prevent accidental firing, and the rubber grip handle offers added control. This lightweight, aluminium tool comes in a carry case with an oiler and starter pack—ready for any DIY project.
APT850 2-in-1 Air Nail/Staple Gun
8. 1/2” Impact Wrench
For those who love working on cars, a 1/2” impact wrench like the APP210S PRESTIGE is a fantastic gift. With a powerful 1400Nm torque, it’s suitable for vehicle work and tyre changes. It offers forward and reverse modes, a comfortable non-slip grip, and a durable twin hammer mechanism—great for precise, efficient work.
APP210S PRESTIGE Impact Wrench
Where a lower torque impact wrench will suffice, the APT205 PRO Impact Wrench is an excellent alternative, with a decent maximum torque of 540 Nm. Featuring a pin clutch hammer mechanism with forward and reverse mode, it offers excellent balance, good weight distribution for maximum comfort and a non-slip comfortable grip.
If you’re not sure which impact wrench will suit your DIY enthusiast, check out our buyers guide here.
9. Impact Socket Sets
If your DIY enthusiast already has an impact wrench, an impact socket set is an excellent gift. Designed for 1/2" impact wrenches, PCL's comprehensive range of impact sockets are made from hardened chrome molybdenum steel for durability. The protective sleeve prevents damage to alloy wheels, and sets are available in various sizes, making it a practical addition to their toolkit.
Remember though, whilst impact sockets can be used safely on a hand tool, you should never use a regular hand tool socket on an impact wrench as this can be extremely dangerous. Read more about this here.
10. Oil Free Compressor
PCL’s Oil-Free Compressor is the perfect addition to any DIY workshop, offering a quieter solution for both trade and home use at just 72 dBa. Designed for low maintenance, its oil-free system ensures hassle-free operation. Equipped with a single-stage 0.8 or 1 HP motor, it delivers reliable, smooth performance for air tools. With features like automatic start/stop and genuine PCL couplings, this robust compressor is easy to set up and ready for use, making it the ultimate workshop upgrade this Christmas. Whether for everyday tasks or more demanding projects, it’s an essential choice for any air tool user.
PCL products are manufactured from the highest quality material with reliability and durability in mind. Whether you're selecting an air tool or accessory, choosing PCL ensures you’re giving a gift that will leave a lasting impression and provide long-lasting value for any DIY enthusiast.