14th annual GJ Secret Santa!

[Bears Fan]

Ken

Just opened my GJSS gift and received three new license plates for my 50 state collection, I'm getting closer to completing a set, I also received a bunch of stickers, the Joe Bob Outfitters made me laugh, also got a 16 oz. PBR koozie and a Snap On key chain.

Thank you

Merry Christmas to all

 

[Vbwiley92]

Thanks to Mac for the great gifts and the personalized note. Mac hit out the park with Florida safety footware, as a true Floridian, I wear flip flops quite often so these will get a spot above the workbench. I might have to name garage after them . I will definitely use the tape measures as these are some I've had my eyes on. One can never have enough utility knives. The best part was sharing a piece of the grove and your family recipe. I lost my grandmother back in July, so sharing the recipe was all the more special. The thread on the Grove is one of my favorites, so the hot sauce is all the more special.

 

[A&P mechanic]

My secret Santa hit the ball out of the park! Received a Wera screwdriver set, 10 pack of 10mm sockets, a portable battery pack and Milwaukee 6.0 battery! Thank you so much and I appreciate it! I am excited to use it.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and your loved ones!

 

[A&P mechanic]

Big thanks to A&P Mechanic for my box of goodies! The Ridgid Pneumatic Roofing Cutter is an air tool I've always wanted for my garage, and the swivel attachment coupler and box of hack saw blades ensure I can put it to use instantly. The reusable zip ties, bit driver and extra long cobalt drill bit are welcome additions to my supply of all three. And as if all of the above weren't already more than expected, a gift card to Home Depot is the whip cream on top of this mug of holiday cheer! Thank you for you accompanying letter, too, and good luck to you and your soon-to-be-bride at your upcoming wedding! Your generosity is amazing, and very much appreciated. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

You're welcome and I am happy you like everything!

 

[Beerman]

Look forward every year to the SS and never not been thrilled. No ID on the box-that I could find. Bar-b-que sauce-one’s I haven’t tried, tin of fudge and a vintage Case ** knife.

Much thanks-whoever you are!!!

 

[gpw_42]

Thanks Santa! Gearwrench screwdriver and nut driver set and Hinsdale ratchet.

This has become one of my favorite parts of Christmas every year!

 

[blown94conv]

The coffee addiction will get a little boost this year, this stuff is potent! The shirt is great, and the Wife already laid claim to the chocolate! Thanks secret Santa! Merry Christmas all!

 

[Crabman]

Ok I am slow following all the instructions. I am married to the Grinch, so we do not have a tree this year

Don't get to open it until later today. Our son and DIL are coming over with grand daughter #2, 4 months old as of yesterday, and they are moving a little slow.

Edit: grand daughter just had 4 month shots and is not feeling well so "moving slow" is totally excused!

Merry Christmas to all!

Bruce

 

[holland_patrick]

Thank you Secret Santa! Can't wait to try the coffee from your local shop! I'm sure it's tasty.

Mr McFarland, I was happy to be your Santa and I hope you love all the stuff you received. With my kitchen reno and all of the overtime at the firehouse, I was glad your package arrived on time. I always rush the stuff out and never inclose a letter. I'm truly sorry about that because when I have read the ones I received it's the best part. Anyways expect a PM because I'll give you some insight into why I gave you what you received.

 

[Ipassgas]

Santa brought me metric ratcheting wrenches, all the way from Pittsburgh, PA!

 

[holland_patrick]

My secret Santa was from Texas and did a great job in figuring out what I could use/need. I am not a very contributing member of garage journal so he had his work cut out for him but once again as I said before he was great. On a sidenote I’d like to add that I don’t post in a hint thing because I want people to get from their heart and to do what they want not just get me what I want hell I don’t even know what I want half the times which is nice because everything I get is unexpected and is really awesome sometimes you just have to take the time to dig into somebody’s background to see what they’ve done and done and received in the past secret Santa‘s and go from there. This may be a little bit ronana because I’m talking into voice to text so if there’s periods missing and stuff like that you guys are gonna have to deal with it or let the Internet police come get me later.

anyways my secret Santa the box is at home I’m at work for 48 hours at the fire house I can’t really remember your name it’s up here from Texas near the Louisiana border you gave me these awesome sweet potatoes which my wife thought was the most epic gift of all we love sweet potatoes and she was like how does he know that you like sweet potatoes and I can’t wait to cook these up all the other stuff the seasonings that everything will go great in the newly renovated kitchen that we have. My son is already staking out some of the jerky and she said he says everything but a half pistachios are his and the set of tools is so weird because literally that night before I opened the gift I had a dream about having to plug tires so I don’t know it must’ve been feet that you giving me this awesome tire plug kit.
To anyone out there who is considering joining into the secret Santa club of garage journal just know this whether you get something whether you get grinch it’s the spirit of giving that’s the most important part and helping a fellow garage journal person not what you get that’s important.

Everyone who participated have a great Christmas have a great new year please stay safe and keep posting

 

[noid]

Stonesfan68 spent a small fortune on the gifts, and then another on shipping. The assortment of tools are premium, include things I would have never thought of purchasing, and all fit into my sphere of need.

I'm immensely thankful!

Knipex slip joint pliers - you should see the slip joints this is going to replace; not only are the knipex 10 levels nicer, but well needed.

Grypmat - I didn't even know these were a thing. Every time I work on my E30 (BMW), I end up putting the tools and bolts ontop of the intake because there is no great place to put my magnetic tray. All the steel is rust proofed (oily) and with the intake being aluminum magnets dont stick.

This is an awesome solution to rid me of my 'tools rolling off my intake' problems.

Klein Stubby multi - I have a full size multi gifted from years past that I use way more than I expected, and it came with a stubby, but that stubby has extra small bits for extra small screws. This stubby has normal sized bits, and is exactly what I've needed to supplement my set.

10mm Master set - Now I can sleep well knowing I have a backup when (not if) I loss a 10mm.

SK Bottle opener - This ones going right on the side of my toolbox

Made in USA Grips x2 - I currently have two grips, and have felt for a long time that I should get more since many applications have called for more. Quality made in USA pliers fit the bill!

Local Texas treats - My wife has been suspiciously eyeing them; i'm thinking I should eat them soon.


Happy holidays to Stonesfan68 and all. This tradition is really a highlight every year for me. Every gift I've received over the years is in frequent use and this year looks to be no exception.

 

[Jbullfrog]

My SS gave me a vintage Ford hat, a jar of carmels, a shop sign, and a neat shirt I'm sure 1 of the 3 women in the house will wear, as there are cows in our family pictures this year. Thank-you and Happy Holidays.

 

[CoryZ]

My santa gave me a nice selection of stickers, vintage woodworking tools, and a great stubby driver. Thank you and merry Christmas!

 

[holland_patrick]

Just a suggestion ... I think the 'hints' part of the secret Santa should be one of the rules of participation.

That Is the Last Place I Look. Half the fun is finding out about your SS not giving or receiving gifts

 

[BFBOB]

Merry Christmas!
I opened mine Christmas Eve - family tradition - and MOAO made a beeline for the set of Craftsman screwdrivers. She's been complaining about it getting harder to find a screwdriver that's not trashed out- well, problem solved! The grease gun has a need awaiting it, and wh doesn't need screw extractors and hacksaw?
Home run!

Thank you, Santa!

 

[turnpikecrusier]

My SS ipassgas did an awesome job. The gloves will definitely come in handy. The family will enjoy the honey for sure. The wife loves the ornamen, a great addition to her growing collection.

 

[Vortaku]

My secret Santa hit the ball out of the park! Received a Wera screwdriver set, 10 pack of 10mm sockets, a portable battery pack and Milwaukee 6.0 battery! Thank you so much and I appreciate it! I am excited to use it.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and your loved ones!

Glad you liked it. I love the 10 mm sockets, I figured you could never have enough!

 

[Vortaku]

Kevin killed it. I am excited to share the sky bars with family today.
The wera bit set I've had my eyes on!
The wrench holders are gonna be awesome as I have ratcheting wrenches that didn't have a holder.
The xikar travel humidor has also been in my cart a few times.
The tiny knipex I love and almost gifted to someone this year l! Excited to have it myself.
The book I'm excited to tear into!
Kevin killed it. Thank you so much sit.

Merry Christmas everyone!

 

[X1 Mike]

I opened mine last night, 1320 Stang (Larry) obviously knows I'm a big fan of Snap-On orange.

The addition of the local barbeque sauces is too cool. Love it all.

Thank you very much and Merry Christmas.

 

[Corndoggeh]

Thanks Corndoggeh!

You're welcome put it to good use! I left the plywood case blank so you can personalize it however you want. Its a tight fit!

Big thanks to dozerhand for the gifts, he did his homework and knew the type of things I like. He especially hit the coffee right on point, this being an Italian household we have already used half the bag to make 6 pots of the amaretto coffee. It wont last the weekend!

 

[Griff79]

Many thanks to Andy8430,

The Olsa metric socket holder in 1/4 is perfect. I love caramels and summer sausage, sometimes on the same cracker.

This is such a fun time and an awesome group that I am proud to be a part of.
Happy Holidays,
Griff

 

[Outlawmws]

That Is the Last Place I Look. Half the fun is finding out about your SS not giving or receiving gifts

It does give you new lessons in the Um "Art" of stalking!

No hints from my victim this year, (and a couple of other years) And in two cases, I managed to find them a personal unicorn they never thought they would find. A very cool feeling! (Not really skill, just karma I think)

 

[X1 Mike]

You're welcome put it to good use! I left the plywood case blank so you can personalize it however you want. Its a tight fit!

Big thanks to dozerhand for the gifts, he did his homework and knew the type of things I like. He especially hit the coffee right on point, this being an Italian household we have already used half the bag to make 6 pots of the amaretto coffee. It wont last the weekend!

If you've never used Kant-Twist clamps, just wait they are the absolute best.

 

[will335i]

Merry Christmas all. My secret Santa nailed it. Screw driver already got use this morning putting together a play kitchen for my kids.

 

[1320stang]

kberjian is my SS and I sorta thought maybe I got coal due to the weight of the package. (That and I and my son tested positive Thursday, wife and daughter are negative but Christmas is sorta postponed for us).

I must ask what clear packaging tape he used because its amazing, I struggled to cut it, maybe I should sharpen my pocket knife today...

So I get the paper wrapping off and get down to the box. Now I know why its so heavy, the box says Benjamin Moore, he got me paint to paint my car (hope he included a quality brush!! Lol).

I struggled to open the box getting past the tape, once its open, I see a steel plate and I think, did he send me some AR500 targets?

Nope, too thin of steel for that as my fingers grip the edges to pull it up out of the brown paper cushioning it in the Benjamin Moore box.

Wait, I see a piston and a connecting rod. What the heck is this? Now there is a Moose staring at me wearing a sweater with the flag of Canada on the front. He's on a coffee tumbler, hmmm if you put hot coffee in here does his sweater disappear?

Wait, whats peaking out from behind more brown paper? Another piston, is he really Radar O'Reilly and shipping me a Jeep piece by piece? No!! Its a sweet pair of custom bookends he fabricated. I have no idea what they're out of, a quick guess is SBC but he stamped my forum name ito the base and its all clearcoated. Once the shop is built this will go proudly in the office to hold my Chilton and Haynes manuals as well as all my other books I need in the shop. ****, now I need to figure out where to put a shelf!! Thank you so much kberjian, I love, love, love it!!! Merry Christmas my Canadian friend, and Happy Boxing Day tomorrow!!!

 

[blown94conv]

kberjian is my SS and I sorta thought maybe I got coal due to the weight of the package. (That and I and my son tested positive Thursday, wife and daughter are negative but Christmas is sorta postponed for us).

I must ask what clear packaging tape he used because its amazing, I struggled to cut it, maybe I should sharpen my pocket knife today...

So I get the paper wrapping off and get down to the box. Now I know why its so heavy, the box says Benjamin Moore, he got me paint to paint my car (hope he included a quality brush!! Lol).

I struggled to open the box getting past the tape, once its open, I see a steel plate and I think, did he send me some AR500 targets?

Nope, too thin of steel for that as my fingers grip the edges to pull it up out of the brown paper cushioning it in the Benjamin Moore box.

Wait, I see a piston and a connecting rod. What the heck is this? Now there is a Moose staring at me wearing a sweater with the flag of Canada on the front. He's on a coffee tumbler, hmmm if you put hot coffee in here does his sweater disappear?

Wait, whats peaking out from behind more brown paper? Another piston, is he really Radar O'Reilly and shipping me a Jeep piece by piece? No!! Its a sweet pair of custom bookends he fabricated. I have no idea what they're out of, a quick guess is SBC but he stamped my forum name ito the base and its all clearcoated. Once the shop is built this will go proudly in the office to hold my Chilton and Haynes manuals as well as all my other books I need in the shop. ****, now I need to figure out where to put a shelf!! Thank you so much kberjian, I love, love, love it!!! Merry Christmas my Canadian friend, and Happy Boxing Day tomorrow!!!

Those bookends are awesome!

 

[1320stang]

I had to log out to GJ creep you, not being a motorcycle guy I wasn't sure if there was anything tool related I could get that you didn't already have. I had considered a Snap-on bbq set but they came with red/black handles. My friend has a plasma table so the sign was the next best thing as I figured you didn’t have one of those. The hammer was a crusty cross peen, I hadn't tried one of those before, usually its ball peen. I got a variety of sauces so I hope one is to your taste. Merry Christmas

I opened mine last night, 1320 Stang (Larry) obviously knows I'm a big fan of Snap-On orange.

The addition of the local barbeque sauces is too cool. Love it all.

Thank you very much and Merry Christmas.

 

[Caligula455]

Great job to my Secret Santa, another amazing gift! GJSS is always the best.

I got a collection of local IPAs (my favorite) and a local whisky I’m excited to try and some local jerky.

He also sent a really handy little 1/4” swivel ratchet that has really good knerling and feels perfect for getting into those hard to reach places by feel.

Last up a magnetic power strip that matches my tool cart and tool boxes and some really comfy MIG welding gloves and a great letter.

Merry Christmas everyone!

 

[Technologyteacher]

Those bookends are awesome!

X2

 

[X1 Mike]

I had to log out to GJ creep you, not being a motorcycle guy I wasn't sure if there was anything tool related I could get that you didn't already have. I had considered a Snap-on bbq set but they came with red/black handles. My friend has a plasma table so the sign was the next best thing as I figured you didn’t have one of those. The hammer was a crusty cross peen, I hadn't tried one of those before, usually its ball peen. I got a variety of sauces so I hope one is to your taste. Merry Christmas

Right on the money with the sign. I generally would rather have cool gifts over useful gifts and there's nothing cooler than a one-off.
I look forward to trying the hammer and the bbq sauces.

 

[Snapped-off]

Huge thanks to FormerJeeper.

Holiday card and Makita impact bit set, no doubt to go with all the new Makita stuff I just bought. I guess I can remove these from my HD cart.

Astro light, I've got an identical one and it's well worn(highly used). It's awesome to add a second one to the box.

Coffee and waffles I don't have a bean grinder, so that'll have to wait. But the family will definitely enjoy the waffles!

The trim prybars have been targeting me on Amazon lately, it's funny I've got a pair now.

Safety glasses, eyes are importantand to round it out, some local sportswear, to include a shirt for my daughter.

Thanks Jeeper
Merry Christmas everyone

 

[trackwelder]

I received some great items from my secret Santa. A stream light stylus pro and some sweet scissors. The light is going right in my t shirt picket for daily use. Thank you Ronson25 and the Garage Journal gang for putting this together. Merry Christmas to all.

 

[Formerjeeper]

Huge thanks to FormerJeeper.

Holiday card and Makita impact bit set, no doubt to go with all the new Makita stuff I just bought. I guess I can remove these from my HD cart.

Astro light, I've got an identical one and it's well worn(highly used). It's awesome to add a second one to the box.

Coffee and waffles I don't have a bean grinder, so that'll have to wait. But the family will definitely enjoy the waffles!

The trim prybars have been targeting me on Amazon lately, it's funny I've got a pair now.

Safety glasses, eyes are importantand to round it out, some local sportswear, to include a shirt for my daughter.

Thanks Jeeper
Merry Christmas everyone

Had a lot of fun picking them out. Comfiest safety glasses I have ever used. Just a bunch of favorites we enjoy and happy to share! Merry Christmas!

 

[mikeb27]

My SS Bobby (bepjrfan) knocked it out of the park. An awesome Beiluner fountain pen, Dot’s pretzels (my favorite and I’ve never had the honey mustard version which my 14 year old son is battling me for), local Chippers (chocolate covered potato chips which I cannot stop eating), and an awesome North Dakota hockey shirt, which is awesome since my favorite Blackhawks player Jonathan Toews played there in college.
Such an amazing selection. Thank you Bobby! Can’t wait to participate again next year. Merry Christmas everyone.

 

[stroked93]

My haul. How he got my shirt size right is a mystery. Thank you an merry Christmas

 

[Dh3256]

My secret santa gifted me not one but TWO shake and brake tools, 3/8" and 1/2". I have been wanting to try these for a long time and am thrilled to have them. Thanks so much Santa!

 

[Outlawmws]

My secret santa gifted me not one but TWO shake and brake tools, 3/8" and 1/2". I have been wanting to try these for a long time and am thrilled to have them. Thanks so much Santa!

I didn't even know those existed! very cool!

 

[Andy8430]

Big thanks to my secret Santa. He direct shipped a great package from HJEpstein, so I’m not sure of his GJ name.
Knipex Percision Pliers
Douk-Douk Folder Knife
Parachute Shackle
Set of Wilson Center Punches
And a neat painted wall art.
Merry Christmas everyone.

 

[Corndoggeh]

If you've never used Kant-Twist clamps, just wait they are the absolute best.

I haven't so they will be new to me compared to the c clamps i normally use