9th Annual Garage Journal Secret Santa (Official Thread)

[MEngineer]

I didn't mention this before so I will say it now:

This was a fantastic idea and I am totally in for next year. Thanks a million to the organizers and to all of the guys for participating and making it work for everyone!

 

[dodge610]

I didn't mention this before so I will say it now:

This was a fantastic idea and I am totally in for next year. Thanks a million to the organizers and to all of the guys for participating and making it work for everyone!

I hope it worked my victim hasnt posted yet lol

 

[GJSS]

Christmas day; lots of people are traveling or have family visiting, so be patient!

 

[jlh92]

A big thanks to Agentwho and his awesome Harbor Freight wrapping paper/ packaging material.

I received some homemade Jeep wall art as well as a keychains, Old Bay seasoning, an ever useful magnetic tray, and a set of Kiwi pliers. I guarantee everything will see a lot of use!

 

[senlow]

Thank you JSharp!

I received some boring stuff from JSharp. More specifically, boring bars for my lathe. I'll definitely put those to good use.

There's a drill index with a sticker on the bottom from Odell Mill Supply Company in Greensboro, North Carolina.

I got three 1/4" hex bit thumb drivers. My daughter decided that the purple one belongs in her tool box. Her husband didn't know what it was. I need to give him more training.

There's a Stop-Loc for rough setting stock in machine jaws or collet.

There's also a set of easy outs. I'm sure that I'll use them more often than I would like to. Noone wants to get into a situation where easy outs are needed, but it's great to have them when you need them.

I also got a 7/8" annular cutter.

There is a Frank Mossberg Company A-! bicycle wrench.

Wow, that's a ton of cool stuff!

 

[cnttxmdc]

Score!!

Thank you Justin, aka RustNGrease, I'll put this all to good use!

 

[ChargedUp!]

Thanks to who every my SS is!

I received a nice estes rocket kit and the related material and engines for flight.

Although flying season is a few months away, this will give me a some great relaxing build time.

I don't have this kit, I look forward to getting it together.

Secret Santa, please let me know who you are!

Hi Woodrail. I sent the rocket. Hopefully I looked everything up correctly. I apologize it wasn't wrapped as it wasn't offered on everything. The rocket looked cool to me and you've done such a nice job on the ones you posted, I had hoped this hit the mark. I'm glad you didn't have this one.
Merry Christmas!

 

[firworks]

Quick86 was my not-so-secret Santa. I got a neat assortment of tools, all of which I'll get use from. The neatest item is the locking screwdriver holder. I've never seen one before. I need to find a place for it near my bench. It's pretty trick. The best of all was his letter. I am going to include one in my gifts from now on. Thanks a bunch, Kevin! I appreciate you.

Merry Christmas, all.

Looks like it's actually an air tool holder:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00124QBEW/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Still cool!

 

[T_Roze]

First off, thanks to the GJ Santa's for making this all happen! I had a lot of fun keeping up with this thread, and giving/receiving!

Thank you to my SS Ryan. Couldn't find your username on the package, and have not had the opportunity to creep this feed to find it! But I will.

I feel spoiled today. Got to open my gift this morning with my wife and kids, just couldn't get to posting till I got home tonight.

I got my first two trusty cook hammers. I haven't yet found them in Canada, so these are a treat. I haven't looked up model numbers, but it seams I got a pretty big one and a pretty small one! Both of which will be awesome at work. I can think of a million ways to use both of them.

Got a led maglite, which is going to be my dedicated garage flashlight. I've never had a big bulky maglite, and I love the heft to it. Nice and bright, and lots of battery life. Awesome!

Got a J.H. Williams spanner wrench, as well as a Fairmount spanner wrench. Also included is a 9/16" National Twist Drill and Tool Co. Drill bit, as well as a (near and dear to my heart) Milwaukee 3/8" hammer drill bit. I have not had time to do any research on any of these, but I really am looking forward to it. I love old tools, and really have only began to dip my feet into it. Can't wait to get them displayed on my garage wall!

And last, but certainly not least, is a N.D. Smith & Co. Wood handle pipe wrench. Has a adjustable spring loaded jaw, which is a feature I think would have been rather useful, and I have never seen before! Will be cleaning it up lightly and proudly displaying it!

One common theme about all of these, other than being really well thought out and useful, is the fact that they we all USA made tools. Definitely a nice touch!

Thanks again Ryan. Have a great Christmas! If your ever up in and around Edmonton Alberta, beers on me!

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[rodsnratfinks]

My secret Santa sent something a little different and I dig it.

It's a clock they made out of a used Ross forged aluminum piston. Very creative. Thank you so much for the gift. I'll probably hang it right over my box. I also received a tube each of red and blue Loctite which will come in useful for sure. Thanks again, to everyone who made this possible!

 

[firworks]

I'm going to repost this since it's 10 pages back due to my stupid being stuck in a hotel on Christmas morning and I want to make sure T_roze sees it!

Thank you to my SS T_roze!
View media item 66133
It's Canadiana package MK II!

• Picquic Dash 7
• Piquic Teeny Turner
• Canadian Candy
• Tim Horton's Coffee
• Alberta License Plate
• A Nice Letter

I now have three sizes of Picquic so I am set in case I run into any Robertson screws. Also I think the most Canadian thing possible is that the Teeny Turner comes with an R0. A screw I had no idea even existed. I've used Robertson wood screws before but just the thought of special tiny Canadian screws is funny to me (They make you swap out your glasses screws for tiny Robertson ones when you get citizenship). Anyhow the Picquics are perfect to keep in my lab. Maybe they'll make an appearance in a future video some day. I will bring the coffee with to Christmas and let everyone try out the national flavor of Canada. Currently me and the GF are sharing the Aero bar. It's bizarrely... airy... and good chocolate. I'm interested but afraid to crack open the Eat-More bar. I can't picture what a Dark Toffee Peanut Chew will be like. I don't think we have anything like that here. I will find somewhere to display the vintage Alberta license plate. It's in surprisingly good shape. I think the plates on my car from 2010 look worse! Also let me know how the backdrop turns out. We've used ours a bunch now and it's very handy. I think one of the best things about it is, you can just leave the brackets on the wall and stash the curtain rod and roll of fabric somewhere like a closet and then it's like nothing was ever there. You aren't committing a bunch of space to it permanently.

Merry Christmas GJ!

 

[T_Roze]

I'm going to repost this since it's 10 pages back due to my stupid being stuck in a hotel on Christmas morning and I want to make sure T_roze sees it!



Thank you to my SS T_roze!

View media item 66133


It's Canadiana package MK II!

• Picquic Dash 7
  
• Piquic Teeny Turner
  
• Canadian Candy
  
• Tim Horton's Coffee
  
• Alberta License Plate
  
• A Nice Letter
  

I now have three sizes of Picquic so I am set in case I run into any Robertson screws. Also I think the most Canadian thing possible is that the Teeny Turner comes with an R0. A screw I had no idea even existed. I've used Robertson wood screws before but just the thought of special tiny Canadian screws is funny to me (They make you swap out your glasses screws for tiny Robertson ones when you get citizenship). Anyhow the Picquics are perfect to keep in my lab. Maybe they'll make an appearance in a future video some day. I will bring the coffee with to Christmas and let everyone try out the national flavor of Canada. Currently me and the GF are sharing the Aero bar. It's bizarrely... airy... and good chocolate. I'm interested but afraid to crack open the Eat-More bar. I can't picture what a Dark Toffee Peanut Chew will be like. I don't think we have anything like that here. I will find somewhere to display the vintage Alberta license plate. It's in surprisingly good shape. I think the plates on my car from 2010 look worse! Also let me know how the backdrop turns out. We've used ours a bunch now and it's very handy. I think one of the best things about it is, you can just leave the brackets on the wall and stash the curtain rod and roll of fabric somewhere like a closet and then it's like nothing was ever there. You aren't committing a bunch of space to it permanently.



Merry Christmas GJ!

Seen it! Glad it made it safe. I was trying to keep the weight at just under 1kg, so the gal at the post office suggested a bubble envelope over a box. Happy it survived!

Funny thing about aero. The advertisement slogan for them is "can you feel the bubbles melt". Your suppose to put a piece in your mouth, and let it melt. It's just funny you said it's bizarrely airy. That's exactly what their claim to fame is.

Hopefully the coffee was good

Merry Christmas!


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[anndel]

I just got to open my present from my GJSS anndel. My SS really did an awesome job with the gifts. I been wanting a brass hammer for a while. The best part is it's made in the USA. Those Knipex wire strippers are really well made. Nothing beats Knipex! Already have a project to use them on. Going to be installing my headache rack with lights on my new truck!
Thanks again!
Merry Christmas!
You're only about a half hour from where my brother inlaw lives! Beautiful place to live!

You're very welcome and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Since your brother in law lives here now you know it's been pretty cold and wet.

 

[dlcwent]

Gipraw, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. The gifts are awesome.



For those that can't make it out, there is a handmade leather catch all for empting your pockets into or many other uses, and Doug took the time to know I'm restoring an old Delta 88 and the plaque in the center says," Olds Motor Works. A UV light to detect leaks in EVAP or AC systems. A Leatherman multi-tool and a hand made spinning top. And I want to say that top is the best one I've ever seen, it spins longer than you could imagine.

If you don't mid Doug, I'd like to add one of those items to the GJ Wall of Fame I have going.

 

[KSB]

Yesterday was definitely a busy day in this house. Nice and quiet this morning and finally getting a chance to post my gift up.

Huge thank you to CoryZ for my gift. He sent me a Spiderco knife. I can't believe how light this knife is and it feels great in your hand. Very nice gift indeed.



Thank you again sir!

Now I'm going to enjoy my coffee and read the rest of the posts. Happy holidays to all!


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[RPH]

Apong23 victimized me. He did a great job considering I don't leave a lot of hints or tips over the years I been here. A nice set of Williams screwdrivers, crescent adjustable wrench, older slip joint pliers and dykes, caribiner, and a nice led headlamp. They will all be used.
Thank you for working so hard. Merry Christmas everybody!

 

[DSLTRK]

Thank you to DSLTRK! A nice assortment of locks and Klein tools stuff


The heavy duty wire strippers are awesome - something I have been meaning to buy.

No problem at all, and I'm glad you didn't have those strippers already! I was trying to run down a list of what you didn't have in Klein.


Hope everybody that participated had fun and got their gifts, and want to send a HUGE thank you to GJSS, I know this was a huge undertaking getting set up, Thanks again!

 

[Craptain]

Well! My SS found something I didn't have. Thanks Scout Driver for a personally made gift. I don't need, or at least don't yet know that I need any more tools, so stuff to dress up the shop is in order. And what better to dress up than a custom sign. And being a beer drinker a bottle opener will definitely get used. The IH Scout will remind me where they came from.

Thanks again Scott for a great set of gifts.

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[-Brent-]

Looks like it's actually an air tool holder:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00124QBEW/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Still cool!

Thanks, man. Way cool! He just told me in a PM and that's actually way more handy!

 

[BreeStephany]

Many have said it, but I will say it again. A HUGE thanks to the organizers of this year's Garage Journal Secret Santa! I absolutely loved this and definitely want to participate in years to come.

Happy Holidays to everyone, and for the many traveling this holiday, may you have a safe journey home after the holiday!

 

[PC PaiN]

Totally blown away

 

[Jeepster425]

First off, thanks to the GJ Santa's for making this all happen! I had a lot of fun keeping up with this thread, and giving/receiving!

Thank you to my SS Ryan. Couldn't find your username on the package, and have not had the opportunity to creep this feed to find it! But I will.

I feel spoiled today. Got to open my gift this morning with my wife and kids, just couldn't get to posting till I got home tonight.

I got my first two trusty cook hammers. I haven't yet found them in Canada, so these are a treat. I haven't looked up model numbers, but it seams I got a pretty big one and a pretty small one! Both of which will be awesome at work. I can think of a million ways to use both of them.

Got a led maglite, which is going to be my dedicated garage flashlight. I've never had a big bulky maglite, and I love the heft to it. Nice and bright, and lots of battery life. Awesome!

Got a J.H. Williams spanner wrench, as well as a Fairmount spanner wrench. Also included is a 9/16" National Twist Drill and Tool Co. Drill bit, as well as a (near and dear to my heart) Milwaukee 3/8" hammer drill bit. I have not had time to do any research on any of these, but I really am looking forward to it. I love old tools, and really have only began to dip my feet into it. Can't wait to get them displayed on my garage wall!

And last, but certainly not least, is a N.D. Smith & Co. Wood handle pipe wrench. Has a adjustable spring loaded jaw, which is a feature I think would have been rather useful, and I have never seen before! Will be cleaning it up lightly and proudly displaying it!

One common theme about all of these, other than being really well thought out and useful, is the fact that they we all USA made tools. Definitely a nice touch!

Thanks again Ryan. Have a great Christmas! If your ever up in and around Edmonton Alberta, beers on me!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I'm glad you like your gifts[emoji106] I'll keep that in mind if I'm ever up that way!

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[markduncan93]

A little late on posting pictures but I did receive my SS package about a week or so ago. Glad to hear my box made it to Texas too!

Thank you so much Chad Bogdan!!! I was thrown a little more with each box I opened (may have gotten caught up in the moment and inadvertently opened the "Open 12-25-2017" box). I've already used a couple of the screwdrivers rewiring a heater for my dad during my time back at home.

Thank you again Chad and a thank you to all involved in putting together another great GJSS!!! Hope you all had a Merry Christmas and have a Happy New Year!

 

[logical]

Well,

Opened my GJSS box this am:} S.P. Z very good job I know I was not specific in my wish list as I was afraid someone would turn it into a shopping list again :}
The Extensions and Ratchet along with the speed handle and tread gauge will be out in the big shop before the end of the day :} I have been slowly doubling up tools out there since I do not want to have to walk back and forth and these are a big jump ahead thank you :}

The drill grinder will be staying in by the machines in the small shop It will be fun to get it set up and save me some bucks on drill bits :} Nice vintage too so much the better . The arbor attachment I have not decided where It will live yet :}

I have never seen these KitKats nor heard of them had one with my coffee :} I am going to have to share these with my daughters when they show up later today :}




Cypher

Glad you can put things to use. The KitKats are from a business trip to Japan I took recently. They have a strange obsession with them and I've seen probably 25 different varieties from Wasabi to Cheesecake to Rum-Raisin. The Red Bean Sandwich ones I sent are one of the more unusual flavors. If your family is picky, tell them it's peanut butter flavor.

 

[logical]

I'll get a picture up in a few and my SS will need to reveal himself if he wants to, I don't think he left me any clues to an identity.

He or she found some nice gear that I can use and don't already have...not exactly easy. A nice Vim 32 pc ball end Torx and hex bit set, low profile ratchet/driver and a nice metal Shell wall hanger.

Thanks

 

[gipraw]

Gipraw, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. The gifts are awesome.



For those that can't make it out, there is a handmade leather catch all for empting your pockets into or many other uses, and Doug took the time to know I'm restoring an old Delta 88 and the plaque in the center says," Olds Motor Works. A UV light to detect leaks in EVAP or AC systems. A Leatherman multi-tool and a hand made spinning top. And I want to say that top is the best one I've ever seen, it spins longer than you could imagine.

If you don't mid Doug, I'd like to add one of those items to the GJ Wall of Fame I have going.

Dan,

Glad you like the gifts. I had fun stalking. First time I have had a SS victim that was active enough to research. I'd be honored to be on the wall.

Merry Christmas.

 

[chrismenke]

After a quick scare with USPS having left a package unattended in the big city, I got home to find they had placed it inside my gate and not outside!

Big thanks to BigEarn86, who got me some great items for the glove box including a Thrunite LED flashlight/lamp, a Spyderco edc knife, and a small tub o Tub O Towels (which I use all the time). Also included were a Vespa patch, and some Vespa socks which I rocked at Christmas dinner to the tune of many compliments.

Many thanks! I'll try and get a picture up shortly.

 

[holland_patrick]

Lwlobo

Thank you so much

All the gifts are great. I know i'm one of the harder one to SS for because i don't post often and i'm not a gear head. but your gifts are perfect and will be used often.

Craftsman drilling and driving- Man i alway lose this ****.. I'm happy to have more....

Stream light I have been looking for a smaller light. This is a common gift for me as GGSS have given me three light now and my wife got one for my bunker gear this year.

The triple cut is very cool i know i'll be using that..

I'm a big fan of screwdrivers and i'm looking forward to the ball grip....

The Wera hex bit keeper is very cool and my first Wera and will not be my last.


Thank you sir ... SO much...

 

[4 FN 27]

A little late on posting pictures but I did receive my SS package about a week or so ago. Glad to hear my box made it to Texas too!

Thank you so much Chad Bogdan!!! I was thrown a little more with each box I opened (may have gotten caught up in the moment and inadvertently opened the "Open 12-25-2017" box). I've already used a couple of the screwdrivers rewiring a heater for my dad during my time back at home.

Thank you again Chad and a thank you to all involved in putting together another great GJSS!!! Hope you all had a Merry Christmas and have a Happy New Year!

Glad you like it...bummer you opened the 12-25-2017 box early. I was hoping to have you thinking what's in the box for a year. Oh well I should have noted do not open until 12-25-2017. My bad.

I figure a College guy can use a few extra bucks...been there and done that.

Oh and Chad...well he is my Shipping and Receiving Manager...LOL...every box shipped from the plant has his name on it.

I hope the tools provide a life time of use to you.

Merry Christmas!!! & Happy New Year!!!

Pat

PS The Lump of Coal is the real deal. I have 2 dump truck loads on my property so I have my shopping done for a lifetime.

 

[lwlobo]

Lwlobo

Thank you so much

All the gifts are great. I know i'm one of the harder one to SS for because i don't post often and i'm not a gear head. but your gifts are perfect and will be used often.

Craftsman drilling and driving- Man i alway lose this ****.. I'm happy to have more....

Stream light I have been looking for a smaller light. This is a common gift for me as GGSS have given me three light now and my wife got one for my bunker gear this year.

The triple cut is very cool i know i'll be using that..

I'm a big fan of screwdrivers and i'm looking forward to the ball grip....

The Wera hex bit keeper is very cool and my first Wera and will not be my last.


Thank you sir ... SO much...

You're welcome, Patrick. Sorry about doubling up on the Streamlight, that is my favorite flashlight and I can see why they are popular on GJ.

 

[MemphisR32]

I just got home and was able to open my secret santa gift from Bluebomber!

What an awesome surprise. He must have stalked my threads because I will use all of the items he gave me. I got a Starrett pin punch, a Kawasaki motorcycle wrench Vaco screwdriver and a HK assist opening pocket knife. This is all stuff I will use throughout the year and a lot of thought was put into it. Thank you, thank you!

 

[wrenchr]

Thanks so much to my SS, not sure who you are but the ratchet and wrench are perfect!!!

merry

 

[holland_patrick]

Oh i didn't get the same on i have a single small AAA one yours and a two cell c one as well as a 3 D cell one from the fire academy.

I have used yours already for finding missing legos under the couch...

it will find a place in my shirt for work now Lobo

 

[BlueBomber]

I just got home and was able to open my secret santa gift from Bluebomber!

What an awesome surprise. He must have stalked my threads because I will use all of the items he gave me. I got a Starrett pin punch, a Kawasaki motorcycle wrench Vaco screwdriver and a HK assist opening pocket knife. This is all stuff I will use throughout the year and a lot of thought was put into it. Thank you, thank you!

Glad you like your gifts, Memphis. I actually learned about Benchmade and HK knives from stalking your threads and will be on the lookout for one of my own now. The other three items came from estate sale finds and were a last minute add--is good to hear my analysis was in the right ball park.

I'll be home tomorrow evening and look forward to reporting receipt and contents of my GJSS gift.

Merry Christmas, all!

 

[413dan]

need to get a pic up, but thanks to my secret santa! he sent me some shotgun reloaders that I'll have to do a little reading about. one of the handles punctured the box so hopefully none of the loose pieces fell out the hole. they're rough on packaging this time of year. my santa also sent me some awesome local Louisiana coffee(already had a few cups, cheers!) and "slap ya mamma" cajun spices! threw in a tire inflator gauge as well! I enjoyed the handwritten note good sir, thank you and merry christmas!

I'll get a pic up when I get home ect. cheers and merry christmas!

 

[Mr. Roboto]

Thank you so much mr. Roboto for the awsome stuff! These will definitely help me start getting my tools organized for sure!

You're welcome, enjoy them. You're a tough dude to shop for, since you pretty much find anything you need an an estate or yard sale!

 

[Cypherian]

Glad you can put things to use. The KitKats are from a business trip to Japan I took recently. They have a strange obsession with them and I've seen probably 25 different varieties from Wasabi to Cheesecake to Rum-Raisin. The Red Bean Sandwich ones I sent are one of the more unusual flavors. If your family is picky, tell them it's peanut butter flavor.

I did not know they made them in those kind of flavors my Daughters however , did they were like oohhh I want to try them . I had one and the flavor is not bad but just odd since you do not expect it :} The girls took two a piece and thought they were great lol. It was even funnier when I told them they came from MI lol . They told me about all the other flavors they make over there and some are even regional they tell me .. Who knew :}

Oh yes everything will get put to use already put the tools out in the other shop and went and found the instruction manual for the drill grinder :} Thank you once again hope your Christmas was good :}

I also want to thank the GJSS for herding the cats together to get this done .. Well done !!

Cypher

 

[Lassen Forge]

Pictures to follow...

Thanks to my Sekret Santa, Krokodil... where they do Christmas in the beginning of Summer (and I feel really bad for Santa in his fur lined suit!!)

Krok, I don't know how, but you NAILED it but you did, from the mini cable ties (I was looking for some 3 days ago for my snowthrower wiring), the mini hacksaw (I had one exactly like this in Italy - about a thousand uses, and missed not having it here... until now!), a Werastar magnetizer (OK, are you psychic, or what??!! I have been looking for one for years - the ultimate screwdriver fixer) and something I have been swearing to get for years, and never did (and now don't have to) - a good Mora sheath knife (that saw duty in the kitchen yesterday!!).

And then to top it off - a package of Unobtanium over here, in the form of Pratley Putty - If you haven't heard about it, Pratley Putty is kind of like JB weld on steroids. I have no idea the chemistry of it, but this stuff sets underwater, in a hard vacuum, in various solvents and oils, beats the "superglue" test, sticks to everything, seals tanks under pressure... they even used it for the Apollo program, when it beat out anything close. And, oh yeah... it's made in RSA. I kind of don't want to open it (like the South African stamps, it's too cool just by itself)...

Thank you, and may your holidays, and the new year, be sunny and bright for you and yours!!!!

 

[Krokodil]

I'm really glad you like the gifts and can put them to good use! Happy holidays!

 

[rusty65]

Received these great gifts from my SS.
A Gerber knife
J5 Flashlight
Snap-on handled hand drill
Craftsman pocket screwdriver
I must apologize to my SS as my wife threw out the box before I got your name. Please post up here so I can really thank you.

Glad to see everything arrived safely. I use the handled drill chuck for holding small parts for grinding and threading or chasing the threads on a small screws.

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