To spoil DIY enthusiasts | The Press

To spoil the handyman dad, some original ideas from our collaborator Stéphanie Lévesque, entrepreneur, and Michael Schwartz, founder of the Les Affûtés learning workshops

For the beginner dad

Training session

To all credit, Michael Schwartz offers to offer a training session to the DIY dad who is just starting out. “Our DIY 101 course allows people to practice safe DIY and then find tools, borrow them, rent them or buy them,” explains the founder of Les Affûtés. Afterwards, we see that they enjoy doing more on their own and they feel more confident. » Stéphanie Lévesque also offers training sessions for beginners, whether it involves pulling plaster joints, installing ceramic tiles or painting like a pro.

Visit the Affûtés workshop page

Consult Stéphanie Lévesque’s course page

Pica Dry Pencils

To take measurements correctly or write useful information, these tools are essential. “These pencils have been talked about for a while, they have a very oily lead which allows you to write even if there is dust, on glossy ceramic or even if it is slightly wet,” says Stéphanie Lévesque. You can also write on dark materials because you have red or yellow replacement leads, it’s perfect for writing on dark vinyl, for example. »

Marking pencils, mechanical pencils and leads, PICA, $18

In hardware stores and on the web

For the seasoned dad

Caulking gun

Compared to inexpensive guns, more high-end guns offer significantly increased extrusion power. “When you work for example with an exterior putty, the material is very dense, so you need a gun with which you will not have to force,” maintains Stéphanie Lévesque. But the majority of people will buy one for $5 and find themselves smashing the base of the tubes every time! But if you pay more, you get some that are much more effective. »

Convoy Super 26 Caulking Gun, Tajima, $70

In hardware stores and on the web

Drill Bit Set

“We often offer drills, but we often don’t have the bit to work with and people often find themselves forcing it,” explains Michael Schwartz. When you have the right bits, it completely transforms the experience, even when you have more powerful drills. The bit is often more important than the machine. Plus, it’s not very expensive, you can find good sets of tips for less than $100. »

Drilling and screwdriving box, 120 pieces, Makita, $60

In hardware stores and on the web

For the expert dad

Professional light alloy hammer

“This hammer is ultralight, but the compound of the tool means that it has the striking power of a 20, 25 or 30 ounce hammer,” says Stéphanie Lévesque. What’s also super interesting is that you can change the striking head; if you work in finishing you may have something that is smooth, if you work in demolition you may have some heads with spikes. It’s like the Holy Grail of the hammer, we’ll say that the same! »

Tibone 15 Hammer, Stiletto, $379

In hardware stores and on the web

Manual cabinetmaking tools

“Often, more advanced DIYers want to go back to something more traditional,” says Michael Schwartz. Manual planes, wood chisels, gouges or Japanese saws are among these objects where we will find the essence of working by hand. It’s always more efficient with modern tools, but at some point, we also appreciate the elegance, aesthetics, and challenge of working with manual tools. »

Veritas Hand Tool Line, Lee Valley, $40 to $579

In hardware stores and on the web