It's not just you. Everyone falls behind during the holidays. Even the U.S. Postal Service, UPS and FedEx have trouble keeping up with the hectic seasonal schedule. When you need to assemble something at the last minute, though, you can't run to the store to get a set of wrenches or screwdrivers. But if you go into the holiday eve prepared, you won't have to worry because you'll already have everything you need for last-minute emergencies.
Beth Allen, BestReviews home improvement expert and founder of HIP Chicks (Home Improvement Project Chicks), knows which tools you'll need and why you'll need them. We asked her to make a list of essential items to have on hand on Christmas Eve.
In this article: 8-Piece Precision Screwdriver Set, Black and Decker 20-Volt Max Drill/Driver Set and Craftsman Long-Nose Pliers.
For things that need some gentle coercion to be assembled, you need a rubber mallet. Allen said a hammer is not ideal because it is too easy to damage something with one.
Stanley 16-Ounce Rubber Mallet
Stanley's bounce-resistant rubber mallet has an 11-inch hardwood handle. The head minimizes marring and surface damage when using.
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Allen said if you get a quality ratcheting screwdriver set, you'll have a screwdriver tip for every screw you are going to encounter. That way, you'll be prepared for any assembly task.
Milwaukee Ratcheting Multi-Bit Screwdriver Set
This set comes with two ratcheting screwdrivers: one regular and one stubby. Each has an all-metal ratcheting system and two speeds for high-torque use. The set comes with a variety of bits so you can accomplish any task.
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Sometimes, you need a tiny screwdriver to open a toy's battery compartment. Getting a small precision screwdriver set will give you what you need.
Chumia 8-Piece Precision Screwdriver Set
There are eight rugged precision screwdrivers in this set. They can be used for any application which requires detailed work, such as electronics or watch repair.
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A power drill isn't just for making holes. If you have a lot of assembling, it can be used as a driver too. Just make sure you also have an extensive bit collection, so you're ready for anything.
Black and Decker 20-Volt Max Drill/Driver Set
Allen highly recommends this Black and Decker model for its value. A 30-piece bit set is included with purchase, so you will be prepared for nearly any drilling or driving situation.
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A reliable pair of long-nose pliers can come in handy for a variety of tasks. They have a long, thin tip that lets you get deep into places your fingers can't reach.
These corrosion-resistant long-nose pliers are hardened to stay sharp longer. The comfortable grip makes them easy to use and control.
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If you need to put something larger together, such as a bike, Allen said it's important to have a comprehensive wrench set on hand. Since you don't know what you might encounter, it is best to have a combination metric and SAE set to be ready for anything.
Husky SAE/MM Combination Wrench Set (24-Piece)
This comprehensive set includes 12 standard wrenches sized to the specifications of the Society of Automotive Engineers as well as 12 metric wrenches and a sturdy carrying case. No matter what your last-minute task is, you will be ready with these wrenches.
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If you prefer, an adjustable wrench can take the place of a wrench set.
This adjustable wrench has a metric scale on one side and an SAE scale on the other for convenience. It features a corrosion-resistant chrome finish and has a 6-inch handle.
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Hopefully, you don't break anything while trying to assemble it. But if you have a little mishap, or you just need glue because the assembly instructions call for it, you want a reliable option on hand.
E6000 is Allen's favorite adhesive. It forms a powerful bond with almost any material, and it is waterproof and temperature-resistant. Also, the bond remains flexible, even in extreme conditions.
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Whether they're alkaline, rechargeable or coin cell batteries, you want an assortment of them available so everything has power on Christmas morning.
Energizer MAX AAA Batteries (20-Pack)
This 20-pack of long-lasting alkaline batteries has a 10-year shelf life.
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Energizer Power Plus Rechargeable AA Batteries (8 Count)
If you'd like to use rechargeable batteries, these AAs can be charged hundreds of times and may last for up to 5 years.
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Energizer 2025 Lithium Coin Cell Battery
This popular CR2025 coin cell battery is long-lasting and performs in extreme temperatures ranging from minus 22 degrees to 140 degrees.
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Bike tires, balls and inflatables need to be inflated. If you have an air compressor handy, you won't be thwarted.
Ryobi OnePlus 18-Volt Cordless High Pressure Inflator
The super-convenient design of this pistol grip tire inflator makes it very easy to use. This hand-held air compressor has a range of zero to 150 pounds per square inch, making it suitable for a wide variety of inflating tasks.
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For cutting through paper, cardboard, plastic and other things, you want a good pair of versatile scissors on hand.
Fiskars Razor-Edge Softgrip Scissors
Fiskars is a trusted name in cutting. These scissors have a razor edge, which lets them slice through everything from paper to multiple layers of fabric with ease.
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If you only have one tool available on Christmas Eve, make it a Leatherman. This versatile device has pliers, knives, screwdrivers, files, scissors and more in a single hand-held tool.
There is a reason they call it a multitool. This 14-in-1 tool has a knife, pliers, screwdrivers, wire cutters, scissors, a package opener and more.
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If a package arrives zip tied together, the quickest way to open it with the least amount of fuss is to use a hand-held pair of cutting pliers.
Whether you want to snip through wires or zip ties, these diagonal-cut pliers let you perform the task with ease.
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It's easy to nick knuckles or slice skin when hastily putting something together late at night. A pair of work gloves will help protect your hands from damage.
Gorilla Grip Slip-Resistant All-Purpose Work Gloves
When your hand slips, you usually get injured. These slip-resistant gloves help protect your hands when working with tools. They are all-purpose gloves that offer dexterity and breathability.
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Even if you're trying to be careful, sometimes a tool slips. When that happens, you want to cover the break in your skin with an adhesive bandage to help prevent infection.
Band-Aid Brand Sterile Flexible Fabric Adhesive Bandages
If you do happen to nick yourself, these adhesive bandages will help. They can stay on for up to 24 hours and have a hurt-free pad that won't stick to your wound.
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Allen Foster writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers.
