Christmas Gift Ideas

[JoeyMitch]

Well I know it is only November but Christmas will be upon us before you know it. Every year I have gotten the Grandpa's and uncles a general socket set or wrench set etc made by Husky or some other cheap brand that comes around at Christmas. This year, I want to get them maybe something of better quality. I have about $20 for each (don't laugh I'm only 15) and I want something good for them that will surely be useful.

Next comes the dad. He is always the toughest. Two years ago I bought him a Craftsman Ball bearing 13 drawer tool chest. Ever since then he has been addicted to tools like me. He already had all the basics (Wrenches, drivers, pliers, ratchets, sockets and stuff like that) so last year I got him a rechargable work light, volt meter, and a flex head 3/8 ratchet. (All his stuff is Craftsman) What do you guys suggest for him? I have about $60 for him.

Any input is appreciated, thanks guys!!!

 

[JeremyManning]

For 50 or less you can get a like new snap on ratcheting screwdriver, one of my most used tools.

 

[JoeyMitch]

That does sound tempting but I like to get them brand new tools. Thanks

 

[KSwiss]

How about a small floor jack?

 

[padronanniversary]

How about robogrips for all three

 

[tjmonsen5]

60 bucks for dad? here you go, free shipping too. http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...675083&supersede=&store=snapon-store&tool=all

 

[JoeyMitch]

How about robogrips for all three

Robogrips are a good idea...they are not professional mechanics so they would be very useful.

 

[JoeyMitch]

60 bucks for dad? here you go, free shipping too. http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...675083&supersede=&store=snapon-store&tool=all

Hmmm....now that's something to think about. Looks good. Do they have other colors?

 

[JoeyMitch]

How about a small floor jack?

They all have floorjacks...they use them very often too. Thanks

 

[Ben Buck]

How about a magnetic tray, or fairly strong pickup tool. A good set of c clip pliers, or retaining clip pliers, whatever. A good set of 1/4 inch magnetic nut drivers. Metric and fractional regular handle nut drivers. T handle hex key set, metric and fractional. Lisle torx bit set. Micro screwdrivers? A fender cover for the car or truck. Good creeper?

 

[JoeyMitch]

How about a magnetic tray, or fairly strong pickup tool. A good set of c clip pliers, or retaining clip pliers, whatever. A good set of 1/4 inch magnetic nut drivers. Metric and fractional regular handle nut drivers. T handle hex key set, metric and fractional. Lisle torx bit set. Micro screwdrivers? A fender cover for the car or truck. Good creeper?

I like the magnetic tray idea. I've been seeing a lot of Lisle tools just never heard of them. How are they?

 

[Ben Buck]

In my opinion, Lisle tools are ok, US made, specialized automotive uses. I would not be afraid of buying them. I forgot to add earlier, a good set of drill bits, maybe a tap and die set, metric and fractional.

 

[JoeyMitch]

A drill bit set sounds good!!

 

[tjmonsen5]

Hmmm....now that's something to think about. Looks good. Do they have other colors?

yes, but they are kind of hidden in the website. You need to put these part numbers in the search box in the upper left corner to see them.
SSDMR4B - black
SSDMR4BPM - pink
SSDMR4BR - red
SSDMR4BWWP = camo
SSDMR4BY - yellow
SSDMR4BO = orange
SSDMR4BG - green

 

[jeffmoss26]

Get your dad a Leatherman

 

[malibu101]

Something that can in real handy for our 4 days without power due to Sandy.
An LED light that can be recharged in the cigarette lighter of a car.

 

[Hammell]

A buck knife. A man can never have too many knives.

 

[JoeyMitch]

Wow guys all great ideas. Looks like I got some thinking to do

 

[mrjaw14]

+1 on whoever said leatherman. I have three and I love them. get the real deal though, not some imitation. there IS a difference.

My Idea is gearwrenches Sears usually has them on sale around thanksgiving.

 

[snowman1981]

check out tooltopia.com they have some really good prices and almost any tool you can think of.

 

[ihateminimumwage]

Same ratcheting screwdriver that Snap-On sells, just half the price:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/JH-Williams..._Automotive_Tools&hash=item27cc89ef78&vxp=mtr

As stated above a Leatherman is an excellent gift.

I'd recommend a Streamlight Stylus Pro. Never cared about flashlights outside of my big ol' Mag until I bought one. Carry it with and use it daily. Best purchase I've made this year, hands down.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=330808270204

Also, if any of the family happens to be drinkers, these are on sale right now (and if you search the site you can buy a personalized one for $17.99)
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-cap-...p-00944500000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

 

[kazlx]

If he doesn't have a vise...find an older one and disassemble, clean, paint and re-assemble for a gift. I'm sure you can find one and the fact you took the time to restore it would mean even more to him. Easy enough to find one on CL.

 

[LSU]

How about an small LED flashlight for the top drawer of their toolboxes?

or

One of those 3 prong small parts retrivers which has an LED light on it? Lowe's has these. Very handy when you need one.

or

Magnetic parts retriver and/or extendable mirror. Lowe's also have these.


Tools like this don't get used that much but when you need them you need them.

If your relatives are my age they will really like having anything then can use that makes the job easier to see (flashlight) or having something to pick up the screw or nut that hits the floor and rolls away.

 

[JoeyMitch]

I really like the ratcheting screwdriver idea. Does Snap-On have pictures on their website?