2012 Secret Santa "Helper" Thread

[quick86]

Every year people always get infrequent posters who are active but not very talkative on the board. I'm one of those who doesn't have a TON of posts but still lurks around and reads the board frequently.

This thread is for everyone participating in the Secret Santa event of GJ for 2012. So to help out your Santa, post up something about you here or in your profile.... If you think this is cheating, then you do not have to post up. Santa's, if you want to use the info here, go for it. If not, you don't have too. Hell, take a shot in the dark. Last year I did and I did well from what the recipient told everyone....So good luck!


For me? I do my own auto repair at home. And am a first time home owner. I've got a Mustang I am changing over from a Street-Strip car to a road racer... I am severely lacking in a couple areas of my tool box but cannot find anything I like for things such as flare nut wrenches and pliers...I am a sucker for old automotive advertising signs and such... I work for one of the "Big 3" in automotive manufacturing.

 

[jeffmoss26]

I am a computer guy by day but have always been a tinkerer. Surprisingly, I can not think of any tools that I NEED right now...GJ pretty much takes care of that for me during the year
I collect license plates (trying to get all 50 states!), police and fire patches, and locks. My SS last year sent me some pretty good stuff!

 

[Travisnd]

I'm a home hobby guy myself that works/tinkers with my 2 Camaro's. Don't have any true needs/wants besides a 1inch stubby wrench. I do collect stickers/decals that are automotive/tool/beer related. Looking forward to this years SS!!

 

[gmwelder86]

Im a home wrencher and pipefitter by trade, GJ has me taking care of most of my wants as well as empting my checking account, thanks guys. The only thing I am laking would be longer extensions, can always use more pliers and the unusual tool always makes a good disscusion piece. Also tend to collect different beer bottle tops and union memerobilia, usually pertaining to the pipe trades.

 

[JeremyManning]

I am a mechanic/operator working at water and wastewater plants, I have most things I need as far as tools go, I like vintage stuff though. I also collect vintage license plates and do a lot of trading in the licence plate swap thread. I have been looking for a small kit bag for a small assortment of tools that I have set aside for my ATV, but haven't found one yet.

 

[cammok5]

im finishing up school to be a tech. dont know of any tolls that i need but theres always things that i see that could make a job easyer even if it just a way to keep organized. i like old american cars, especialy ford. mud trucks, dirt bikes, 4 wheelers, stickers for my box posters for the garage licens plates. not realy intersted in old tools unless it has ford script on it. hope that helps and i know il be happy with what ever i get even if its not listed above. thank you.

 

[Krokodil]

This is a excellent idea!

I'm working full time as a engineer and don't get too much time to tinker in the garage. When I do it is for diy and small home/car maintenance. When it comes to tool buying I don't buy anything but the best. I rather save up then having to buy the same thing twice when it breaks. That being said, 80% of my tools are German, and I like it that way!

I'll post more specific needs/wants as I think of them...

I said this last year as well, but around here I can easily source European tools, but don't have access to premium US brands like Proto, Armstrong, SK and the likes. Those would be preferred.

Things on my current want list are:
T-handle metric hex keys
3/8" drive 6pt deep sockets
E-torx sockets
Deadblow hammer

 

[ChrisF250]

I'm a carpenter/ contractor and do most of my own auto maitenance including maintaining my plow. I only live in an apartment now so no garage. I'm building bar with my buddy and still decorating so some cool alcohol signs / poster would be sweet.

 

[Chrislols]

Hoping it signed me up.

The past year or so I began riding, as I love anything and everything to do with Motorcycles.

I own a 2002 K2 GSXR-600, and do everything on it, from oil changes, to coolant brake flushes, tire and wheel alignments, and electrical. All metric at the moment.,

I've also recently taken up shooting as a hobby

Edit: I just thought of something I really need as general all purpose! A good flashlight! I know nothing about them and need one almost daily! It could be small medium or in between, but general purpose fixing I always wish I had a good one, tight spaces, shooting accessories, competitions, I always wish I had a good flashlight!

 

[Jawn]

I like quality stuff. Most of my "garage" tools are SK, having recently upgraded from walmart stuff. Not a lot that I need right now, so use your imagination. Maybe something random in Snap-On, Mac, Matco, etc so I can see what I'm missing. I do like my SK stuff though.

Precision or electronics tools are always good too. A/V stuff, broadcast engineering stuff, etc... could always come in handy.

I will probably be venturing for the first time into home ownership next spring, if that gives you any further ideas.

(edit 11/27: Seems like as soon as I list a specific item I want, I find a deal on it too good to pass up... so I guess I'll make you work for it.)

 

[brihvac]

Im a HVAC tech by trade. I just built a new garage and installing my lift soon. I love working on my Harley Davidson's and my street/strip 1965 Ford Falcon.
Im not gonna give a list of tools/etc that I want. Im sorry but I think that is tacky (IMO)and I will be thankful with anything I get.

 

[flashman]

I honestly don't need anything. All I do is home stuff. Physical therapy tech is my job. I guess my big thing right now is wood working. Getting ready to work on my boys pine wood derby cars. Also my rc cars need to get tinkered with soon. Otherwise I happy with any trinket lol. I am always down for shot glasses (collect them).

Sent from my XT912 using Tapatalk 2

 

[amitchell]

I do my own auto repair and maintenance at home and am generally handy. I just finished complete rebuilds from paint to pistons on two vintage Kawasaki JS550 jet skis. I trap prawns and crabs recreationally and work on the boat.

I am currently trying to get a niche robotic manufacturing business started, hoping to bring back some manufacturing/assembly that went to China.

I just had my first child(Girl) in August which has been awesome and life changing. So things are pretty busy right now. I am aching to put my wetsuit on and get to the lake or salt chuck.

- Adam

 

[MoToys]

I am a locksmith by trade. I have a jeep jk I wrench and wheel, and a '66 mustang in the early stages of restoration.
I collect miniature and scaled down tools and toolboxes, salesman samples, blue handle snap on items (royal blue and powder blue), pocket knives, and unique keychains.
Some more specific wants are:
Torx screwdrivers, hylok ratchet, and an ignition tool set.
Thanks

 

[ridestreet]

i hope i got signed up right, but here is some helping info.
I am a parachute rigger in the air force and have been for the last 10 years. I enjoy being outdoor and Disc golf. I autocross a very modified 2007 subaru sti during the summer and rally around in ugly betty in the winter ( 95 impreza coupe) I have a 52 willy's jeep and a 73 corvette convertible. i always enjoy a nice knife. i love snap on green and general mechanic work, i am also a fan of air force history and military history in general

 

[Boiler]

I like wall art. I like Jeep, SK, & Snap On, Purdue (University) stuff (no hats, my head is too big. I like oddball tools and accessories and such. Also a country music fan (Brad Paisley, Alan Jackson, etc) as well as Jimmy Buffet. I like management / leadership type books, as I've recently gone from lead engineer to manager of engineering, so I've got plenty to learn. Lastly I've got 4 year old and 6 year old girls...not sure how that helps...

 

[The Gambler]

i like pretty much anything but my main wants this christmas have been.. im a small engine mechanic with a thing for old safety razors...

a decent compression tester,
carb tools
ignition set..

i could also use some wall art i like muscle cars,sk and snapon,

 

[quattrojon]

I probably have far too many tools than what is good for me, but i would love a metric Wrightgrip wrench. Very, very hard to get hold of this side of the pond... funny how people often want the tools they can't easily find. Made in the U.S.A Vise grips are nice to have, you can never have enough of those. I have been trying to piece together some Armstrong Eliminator sockets in SAE, so an odd socket would be great.

 

[dodge610]

I have way too many tools also there I said it but always lookin to get hold of more old vintage stuff. My SS last year sent me a fantastic older tool box with a assortment of vintage tools loved everyone of them. Like old mopar signs also for the shop walls never have too many of those. I also own a pop and son powdercoat and beadblast business hope this helps. [ PS the sentence at the top my therapist says I need to say that to help with my tool junkie habit lol]

 

[rocco]

i can't think of much that i need, but i'm a sucker for ratchets, colored screwdrivers with hard type handles and also pretty much anything with camo on it. I'm inot anything automotive, not very brand specific either.

 

[newlywv]

I am into auto repair and restorations and body shop work. I own a 1956 ford fairlane and a 1965 gto tri power. I collect sk tools also. I will be thankful for any gift.

Happy holidays to you and your family.

Rich

 

[battlegraduate09]

I am a diesel technician. I plan on participating in this secret santa deal (soon as i figure out how)

 

[colt zantop]

I have tons of tools but always NEED more! LOL I like vintage signs, vintage license plates, I really need a nice drill bit....driver bit set for my dewalt cordless drill. Im also starting to collect hotrod shirts from different businesses around the country....

 

[wellpoison]

im went to school to be an electrician and i work maintenance at a dairy. my fiance and i recently purchased our first home with attached garage. theres a lot of tools that i don't have but i always make due with what i have. believe it or not i do not own any snap on tools.... please don't tell the other members of this forum, i may lose my man card... i have a lot of projects on my plate as of now but i would love to get back to tinkering on my 78 nova.

 

[Dthreap]

I'm a mechanic that works at a used car dealership. I drive, race and love pontiac. I can always use tools but I also love anything odd and out of the ordinary. Just like everyone else on here I'm always tinkering with something in the garage.

 

[JMcFly]

I'm a full time college student pursuing a BS degree in IT with a focus on security. I work on my classic Mercedes diesels when I get a chance to do so. I have mainly craftsman tools but I do not mind quality import tools. I am hoping to get a 44" HF box by Febuary. Other than that I like just about anything.

 

[DanCo]

I was a flat rate mechanic until recently, now I work as a manager in an automotive chain. Still wrench on the side, I have a hard-on for ratchets...looking for a nice 3/4 rat. Love Snappy srcewdrivers, and CMan BE stuff.
But to be honest I will appreciate whatever I get from my SS this year. Thanks to Ryan, all the mods and BWP & Luvit for your work on this.

Dan

 

[larry_g]

I have a barren shop that is is in need of art work, display toys, or things to make it 'neat'.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[Ray-CA]

After retiring from the CHP, I've gone back to school (autobody repair and welding) at a local adult school. Besides that, we enjoy working on and driving our Factory Five Roadster (cobra.) The weather here in San Diego is great.....

We've also just broken ground on our 28x30 garage (so I can keep working on the cars) to move out of our 1937 edition one-car garage.

This will be my fourth or fifth year participating in this Secret Santa and I've enjoyed it very much.

Thanks to all of you.

Ray

 

[e-tek]

I like Brietling watches, fast cars and long legged ladies.

 

[00pewter]

I like green tools, kershaw knives, and techy objects!

 

[mayhemman]

i work stuff from bicycles and appliances to cars and trucks. i like to use my hands and like to add to my tools anytime i can. i love the USA.

ps. green handles rock.

 

[holland_patrick]

Well I''m game for this.... but the SS should look at my other posts also as that is half the fun...

I'm a firefighter paramedic I've done the SS for two years this being the third.

I have a wonderful wife with two children one 10 and one 17 months.

I'm still working on the garage I really need a new shed to move some of the stuff out and then on to finishing the garage.

I love older cars but don't own any..

I'd love to find something so i can change the oil on my wifes traverse with out getting oil all over the place

 

[snowman1981]

auto mechanic by trade ( never have enough tools) into newer volkswagen (water cooled) just got a cement floor in my 40x90 garage so ill have plenty of room to work on things.

 

[uniballer]

I cant think of much, but do collect older specialty wrenches made by snap-on, or the connecting rod socket for flathead fords. Saw it on onother thread, dont have any that I can think of?

 

[e30bradley]

I plan to work on cars for a living but for now I sell used car parts and I am restoring a volkswagen jetta as well as trying to keep a 30 year old motorcycle in tip top shape. I don't have an air compressor.. --I like quality metric fasteners-- the more corrosion resistant the better.

 

[mikew13]

Just an automotive DIY, I feel a need for a set of usa made offset wrenches other than Craftsman.

 

[geologist]

I'm a classically trained geologist presently working outside of my field. To be honest, pencil drafting is still HUGE in geology. I'm also pretty big on engineering and physics. With that said, I could really use a small old drafting set -- it can be cheapie 50 year old junk store find as far as I care (I'm not particular at all, as long as it's metal). Something about like this:

...anything along those lines.. dividers... compasses... a mechanical pencil that isn't a lead breaking *************... you know... because I'm constantly breaking my plastic ****.

Oh, and if you live somewhere awesome (like a beach or in the mountains) a local sample of your beach sand or local rock would be a nice addition that doesn't cost a dime.

Outside of that, I have a penchant for "WTF is it?" type objects and turned pens.

 

[PECVD2]

I received this Stanley work light last year (along with other items) from HPatrick.
I have used this more than any other tool in my garage this past year (getting older and need as much extra local lighting especially in and under the car)
I even used it as a temp tail light on my trailer (with duct tape and a piece of a red plastic HD flag) after a local cop pulled me over and said he would not ticket me if I could fix it while he ran my tags and license.

So in all I am open to just about any type of tool.
Older, used is good with me.

 

[racingtadpole]

Sadly my government saw fit to ban me from having an M4 carbine (or a paintball gun for that matter) so you're just going to have to find something else....Sorry Im gonna make you do your homework.