Gift guide
Gifts for Mechanics and Guys Who Fix Things
If he's the one everyone calls when something breaks, give him tools that make the job easier. These are the ones that hold up in a real toolbox and earn their drawer space.
The picks 16
KnipexCobra 125
Badger StandardKnipexCobra 125
German pliers that grip like a wrench. Small enough for a pocket.
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KnipexPliers Wrench 125
Smooth parallel jaws that replace a whole set of small wrenches.
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Channellock426 Tongue & Groove Pliers
Channellock426 Tongue & Groove Pliers
Small adjustable pliers made in Pennsylvania since 1886.
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WeraKraftform Kompakt 20
WeraKraftform Kompakt 20
A compact bit set with the best handle in the business.
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Mechanix WearOriginal Work Gloves
The one to beatMechanix WearOriginal Work Gloves
The original mechanic's glove. A snug fit that keeps his fingers nimble enough to turn a bolt or hold a small part, with touchscreen fingertips so he can use his phone without taking them off. Pick his size on Amazon.
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EngineerPZ-58 Screw Removal Pliers
EngineerPZ-58 Screw Removal Pliers
Grabs stripped screw heads nothing else can. A Japanese problem-solver.
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Klein ToolsImpact Flip Socket (7-in-1)
Klein ToolsImpact Flip Socket (7-in-1)
Six common nut sizes and a bit holder in one flip socket. It snaps into his impact driver, or use the handle by hand.
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HOTO24-in-1 Mini Screwdriver Set
HOTO24-in-1 Mini Screwdriver Set
A pen-sized driver and 24 magnetic bits for glasses, watches, phones and laptops. Neat enough to live on his desk.Links to the red one. Grey on Amazon too.
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BlueDriverBluetooth Pro OBD2 Scanner
The one to beatBlueDriverBluetooth Pro OBD2 Scanner
Here the big name earns it. When the check engine light comes on, this plugs in under the dash and tells him what is wrong on his phone, with repair reports and no subscription. Cheap code readers only read engine codes; this also covers ABS, airbag and tire-pressure warnings.
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AMPBANKH128 Thermal Camera
Instead of a $300 thermal cameraAMPBANKH128 Thermal Camera
Our value pick. In a head-to-head test of 12 thermal cameras it tied for second with one that costs about twice as much, and the battery lasts up to 24 hours. Finds leaks, drafts and hot wiring around the house, the camper or the RV.
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TOPDONTC004 Mini Thermal Camera
TOPDONTC004 Mini Thermal Camera
Finds leaks, drafts and hot wiring around the house, the camper or the RV in seconds.
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Black DiamondSpot 400 / 400-R Headlamp
Badger StandardBlack DiamondSpot 400 / 400-R Headlamp
The all-round headlamp: bright, waterproof and simple to use.
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MilwaukeeFastback Utility Knife
Badger StandardMilwaukeeFastback Utility Knife
One-handed flip open, blade change without tools. Job-site standard.
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LeathermanWave+
The one to beatLeathermanWave+
The multitool that defines the category: 18 tools and a 25-year warranty.
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JACOElitePro Digital Tire Pressure Gauge
The one to beatJACOElitePro Digital Tire Pressure Gauge
The most accurate gauge in a head-to-head test of 17 brands: across 10 readings, its misses added up to less than 1 PSI. A small gift he'll use every time he checks his tires.
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Toyo SteelY-350 Tool Box
Badger StandardToyo SteelY-350 Tool Box
Japanese pressed-steel box in military green. Tough and stackable.
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©
KnipexPliers Wrench 125
Smooth parallel jaws that replace a whole set of small wrenches.
Check price on Amazon
Channellock426 Tongue & Groove Pliers
Channellock426 Tongue & Groove Pliers
Small adjustable pliers made in Pennsylvania since 1886.
Check price on Amazon
WeraKraftform Kompakt 20
WeraKraftform Kompakt 20
A compact bit set with the best handle in the business.
Check price on Amazon
Mechanix WearOriginal Work Gloves
The one to beatMechanix WearOriginal Work Gloves
The original mechanic's glove. A snug fit that keeps his fingers nimble enough to turn a bolt or hold a small part, with touchscreen fingertips so he can use his phone without taking them off. Pick his size on Amazon.
Check price on Amazon
EngineerPZ-58 Screw Removal Pliers
EngineerPZ-58 Screw Removal Pliers
Grabs stripped screw heads nothing else can. A Japanese problem-solver.
Check price on Amazon
Klein ToolsImpact Flip Socket (7-in-1)
Klein ToolsImpact Flip Socket (7-in-1)
Six common nut sizes and a bit holder in one flip socket. It snaps into his impact driver, or use the handle by hand.
Check price on Amazon
HOTO24-in-1 Mini Screwdriver Set
HOTO24-in-1 Mini Screwdriver Set
A pen-sized driver and 24 magnetic bits for glasses, watches, phones and laptops. Neat enough to live on his desk.Links to the red one. Grey on Amazon too.
Check price on Amazon
BlueDriverBluetooth Pro OBD2 Scanner
The one to beatBlueDriverBluetooth Pro OBD2 Scanner
Here the big name earns it. When the check engine light comes on, this plugs in under the dash and tells him what is wrong on his phone, with repair reports and no subscription. Cheap code readers only read engine codes; this also covers ABS, airbag and tire-pressure warnings.
Check price on Amazon
AMPBANKH128 Thermal Camera
Instead of a $300 thermal cameraAMPBANKH128 Thermal Camera
Our value pick. In a head-to-head test of 12 thermal cameras it tied for second with one that costs about twice as much, and the battery lasts up to 24 hours. Finds leaks, drafts and hot wiring around the house, the camper or the RV.
Check price on Amazon
TOPDONTC004 Mini Thermal Camera
TOPDONTC004 Mini Thermal Camera
Finds leaks, drafts and hot wiring around the house, the camper or the RV in seconds.
Check price on Amazon
Black DiamondSpot 400 / 400-R Headlamp
Badger StandardBlack DiamondSpot 400 / 400-R Headlamp
The all-round headlamp: bright, waterproof and simple to use.
Check price on Amazon
MilwaukeeFastback Utility Knife
Badger StandardMilwaukeeFastback Utility Knife
One-handed flip open, blade change without tools. Job-site standard.
Check price on Amazon
LeathermanWave+
The one to beatLeathermanWave+
The multitool that defines the category: 18 tools and a 25-year warranty.
Check price on Amazon
JACOElitePro Digital Tire Pressure Gauge
The one to beatJACOElitePro Digital Tire Pressure Gauge
The most accurate gauge in a head-to-head test of 17 brands: across 10 readings, its misses added up to less than 1 PSI. A small gift he'll use every time he checks his tires.
Check price on Amazon
Toyo SteelY-350 Tool Box
Badger StandardToyo SteelY-350 Tool Box
Japanese pressed-steel box in military green. Tough and stackable.
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