Handyman: Tool gifts have changed in past 100 years

Last Sunday is Father’s Day in 2016, dads who like to work around the house can expect a new power tool to help them with their to-do list. But what could dad expect back on Father's Day 1916? After all, Father's Day was first celebrated only eight years earlier in 1908.

When looking back at the types of hand tools around the homestead in 1916, we see some familiar and not so familiar ones. Back in 1916, many of the tools used by fathers revolved around farming, cutting lumber and building homes, barns and furniture.

For farming and gardening, tools like the hammers, screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, clamps were found around most homes. Fast forward to today where the power tiller, weed whacker and hedge trimmer has taken the place of these manual garden tools. And while the wheelbarrow is still a staple in many homes today, the old version made from metal with wooden handles and a metal spoke wheel has been replaced by hard plastic or aluminum with hard rubber tires that make it easier to use – and it won't rust.

While today's handyman father may be doing some home maintenance or renovations, in 1916 chances are the father was actually building the home or making furniture from scratch. While chopping down a tree today is done with a gas-powered chain saw, in 1916 the tools of choice would have been a two man hand saw or a crosscut saw.

So if you are fortunate to celebrate this Father's Day with a grandfather or great-grandfather, ask him to tell you about the types of tools he used back in his day. While it won't be tales from 100 years ago, you will still get a good history lesson on the evolution of home improvement tools. It really never gets old. Learn all you can.