Booknerd, get your own tools! And here's how: GARAGE SALES and FLEA MARKETS and ESTATE SALES.
I have quite a nice collection, including power tools and socket sets for working on cars, and even a Dremel kit (brand new, got it for $15) and some specialty tools. I got a ladder, shovels, rakes, wheelbarrow, etc all at garage sales and estate sales.
I especially love my hacksaw story...he was retiring and moving to another state so selling a large amount of tools. I asked him if the saw worked, and ended up with a 15 minute safety speech!
And yes, the others are right. He knows he's failing in your eyes. Probably sees it in your Dad's eyes too. I believe denial runs very deep, but I also believe alcoholics know they are alcoholics long before they would dare utter the word out loud.
There is nothing wrong with wanting some things for your kids to play on. Be your tagline and have your Dad build it if he won't. And screw his crappy attitude if he doesn't like it. Not your problem.