Gifts for Mechanics
My 21-year-old son is an auto repair mechanic and works full-time in a repair shop. He always seems to have ideas for gifts; things that he absolutely "needs". There are several parts trucks, Snap-On Tools, Matco Tools, Cornwell Quality Tools and Mac Tools that deliver parts right to the automotive repair shops. This certainly can tempt the mechanics to buy, buy, buy! The independent distributors are generally assigned a certain area or shops they go to. Being they visit normally on a weekly or bi-weekly basis, they tend to get to know the mechanics. Many times they have a list of what they have bought, and if the distributor is a good sales representative, he may even know what the mechanic is dreaming of getting.
Our son prefers Snap-On Tools. We have been able to call the local distributor to find out what our son would like to get. Snap-On Tools can be on the expensive side, but we have found some smaller tools or even been able to buy traded in tools that we have been able to get a deal with. This can be done with most distributors of mechanic's tools.
So, what would be the ideal Christmas gift? One of the first gifts we gave our son when he was first starting in this profession was a toolbox. Some toolboxes feature it being used on a cart, so additional boxes or drawers can be added to it. Something my son wanted inside the toolbox right away was "magnetic trays" which help keep tools in place, especially the small ones. Rubber gripping pads inside the drawers are also another asset that helps to keep tools from rolling around.
Another Christmas gift idea is various types of pick-up tools. Some are made to reach into inaccessible, awkward places or to grasp hot items. These have a button to press that expands and then retrieves. Another type has a light that shines through a hole in a magnet which helps the mechanic be able to see and grasp the item. These can vary in how much they can pick up from 5 pounds to 16 pounds. A magnifying glass tool is another helpful instrument.
Safety items for the mechanic in your life is another thoughtful gift that he may not want to spend the money on to buy, but absolutely needs. Eye protection is number one. Little specs of rust or metal can easily get into eyes. Good safety glasses are a must! There are also full face shields that may be needed, especially if welding is done by the mechanic. Knee pads are another thoughtful, protective gift.
Are you looking for some Christmas stocking stuffers for that mechanic? There are various small flashlights and small, thin bendable lights that would be greatly appreciated. There are stylus pen-lights that can the mechanic can store easily in his shirt pocket and grab often to use.
This is just a glimpse of "starter" tools that you can look to buy for a mechanic. Looking on-line at the websites for the tool distributors I mentioned above will give you many ideas of the tools and other job specific items that are available. Most mechanics who love their job can never have enough tools, so you will be sure to find the right one!
