8 cool shop buys for under $100

Hand_wrench — Photo: Natalina Sents-Bausch

Maybe you're looking for a gift idea that will impress your favorite farmer, or maybe you're the kind of do-it-yourselfer who is always on the lookout for something to make life easier in the shop. Either way, these cool tools are sure to please.

01 of 08

Stay organized with self-gripping straps

black wrap-it straps hanging from a silver hook

Made from heavy-duty waterproof polypropylene, the Wrap-It Storage Strap features a super strong hook-and-loop fastener and rust-resistant grommet to hold cords, hoses, and more. The straps are offered in multiple colors and six sizes ranging from 7 to 28 inches. A four-pack of 7-inch straps retails for $6.99, a single 28-inch strap sells for $7.99, and several multi-packs are available at wrapitstorage.com.

02 of 08

Little ratchet works in tight spaces

The Slim-Profile Mini Ratchet Set from Klein Tools has a low-profile gear head and only needs 5° of sweep. The finger loop handle is made of high-strength Chromium-Vanadium steel. The 1/4-Inch dual-drive head has integrated 5/16 and 1/4-Inch nut drivers and the set includes #1 and #2 Phillips driver bits, 3/16 and 1/4-Inch slotted driver bits, and an 1/4-Inch drive socket adapter. Learn more at Klein Tools and purchase at Lowe's, Home Depot, or other retailers for around $16.

03 of 08

Get help removing damaged bolts

Gearwrench Bolt Wrench Inserts fit inside static, ratcheting, or open-ended wrenches to grip rounded out, frozen, and damaged fasteners. The bi-directional gripping design seats quickly and safely on fasteners and removes easily after use. $97.33 for a 16-piece standard/metric set at MSC Direct.

04 of 08

Get a grip with these pliers

The unique Knipex TwinGrip Slip Joint Pliers provide both front and side gripping and open up nearly an inch. The slim profile allows the pliers to be inserted into tight spaces. The high-grip front jaws bristle with robust teeth and a high gear ratio at the tip of the mouth. The five-way adjustable slip joint with push button control provides precise adjustment. The pliers are manufactured from high-grade chrome vanadium electric steel that is oil-hardened; its teeth are also induction-hardened. $28.99 at Amazon.

05 of 08

One-man (measuring) show

The Bosch Blaze GLM 20 X laser distance tape measuring tool allows one person to accurately measure distances up to 65 feet within 1/8 inch. Real-time measuring allows the user to walk off measurements from walls or other surfaces. The pocket-sized tool has a wrist strap and runs on two AAA batteries. $39.97 at Home Depot.

06 of 08

Hands-free light

Shine a light where you need it, hands free, with the Milwaukee RedLithium rechargeable low-profile USB headlamp. Four light modes range from 600 lumens (2 hours) to 25 lumens (27 hours). Internal batteries are charged with a micro-USB port, with 50% charge in under 30 minutes and full charge in 2 hours. Headlamp can be work directly on the head or it can be clipped to a hardhat. $69.97 at Acme Tools.

07 of 08

Make a bucket even better

Five-gallon buckets are a farmer's best friend, but the Bucket Boss makes them even more handy. Fit this ripstop fabric organizer into your bucket and turn it into a toolbox. It has 30 pickets of different sizes and leaves the bulk of the interior open to carry bulky items like drills or cords. $23.49 at Gemplers.

08 of 08

Give your legs and back a break

The Project Source anti-fatigue rubber mat offers support for the feet, legs, and back. It can be used indoors or outdoors. Sections are 3x3 feet and can be snapped together with built-in connectors. $32.98 per section at Lowe's.

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