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2012 Secret Santa "Helper" Thread

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WireGeek

Active member
Joined
Aug 18, 2005
Messages
25
Location
Louisiana
For me...there is little i actually need in tools but am interested in anything. 3 toolboxes in the garage. A SnapOn 40" KRA box with various ratchets, sockets, screwdrivers, etc. A craftsman 40" box with assorted mostly craftsman and a 28" Kobalt stack with junk...

I am in the middle of an IH Scout restoration but dont do bodywork or paint... Much of my tool time is doing small jobs and repairs on friends equipment. The rest of the time is spent doing honey-do's or rent a husband type things.
The garage is decorated with everything from 100+ year old tools to neon to old posters. No real theme...

Hope that helps!
WireGeek
 

Ft.ValloniaStreaker

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 27, 2012
Messages
143
Location
Southern Indiana
I like old garage/service station stuff and screwdrivers...old chevy bow ties and USA-1 license plates. Like so many any more I really don't need anything that I'm aware of, but still buy any tool I come across (reasonably priced) that i don't have one of.....
 

Flathead Red

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Joined
Jul 25, 2009
Messages
648
Location
Gulf Coast of Florida
Retired military, I have a 1940 ford pick up that I am working on. I tinker with anything and everything. I own a harley although I haven't been riding it much as I have been working a lot in my woodshop. When I;m not doing all that, I'm a den leader for my sons cub scout den

Red
 

Rory Bellows

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Joined
Jan 14, 2006
Messages
1,083
Location
Ohio
Anything tool or garage related or anything interesting. I don't have any detailed wants for SS. To be honest, I've been in this since the beginning and have been stiffed twice. Thankfully, another member send me a gift both times the same guy twice. I would just like to receive a gift from my actual SS this year.

Basically, anything my SS finds interesting or cool or thinks would be a good gift would be great. In the past, I just did the same and I think the recipients liked their gifts.
 

Jarhead0408

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Joined
Apr 1, 2012
Messages
5,733
Location
Who knows?
Not too much I actually "need". But here's the stuff I like.

Any old tools. Or unique tools, the kind of stuff that is hard to find but nice to have when no other tool will get it done.

Ratchets, I am addicted to them. I have 90+ but I always have room for 1 or 25 more.
Anything SK, especially the older combo wrenches with the thick grips.
Really like bumper stickers or other stickers to throw on the shop fridge.
 

Mastermind

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Joined
Jun 28, 2012
Messages
970
Location
Ypsilanti, MI
well, to make life easy, i'm a bodyman by trade, and love anything unique and different, been casually looking for a 3/8 drive cornwell ratchet, yellow hard handle stuff, bent tip needle nose, cool flex-fit hats, i'm pretty easy to please. if it looks cool, buy two :D
 

JSharp

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 22, 2008
Messages
158
Location
Kansas City
I work as a machinist, so work supplies all of the consumables, drills, etc.

I do like anything Proto or Plomb, do need a channel lock type of adjustable pliers.

Anything really though, new or old and rusty. I got a good chuckle at some of the oddball hand tools that I received last year! I like working on cars and bikes motorcycles and around the house.
 

tjmonsen5

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Joined
Oct 14, 2009
Messages
1,341
Location
Crystal Lake IL
I will be happy and thankful for anything that I receive. I like USA tools. I dont even know what I need, i have a hard time buying for myself now. I work a desk job but work on my old BMWs and jetskis in my free time.
 

fitz11

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 16, 2011
Messages
974
Location
Fox Valley, WI
I have completed a good tool set with lower end tools and am now in the process of upgrading my most used tools to high end stuff next up on my "upgrade list" is pliers and screwdrivers. I work mostly on motorcycles out of my single car apartment garage. I collect license plates and any cool motorcycle/ auto related garage decor. I got some cool stuff I would have never got myself last year and look forward to whatever i get this year!
 

teamarctic

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 19, 2012
Messages
253
Location
Central Michigan
Dont "need" anything, but a little about me to get my SS an idea. Just finishing up school to be a mechanic and dont have a ton of tools. I like tools, would love to get a decent set of ratchets. I like snowmobiling, so anything that has to do with that is cool as well. i do have a little collection of fixed blade made in the USA knives. Im a hunter, that doesnt hunt as much as id like too.
 

CoryZ

Well-known member
Joined
May 29, 2011
Messages
336
Location
WI
I'm a computer guy by day and a general tinkerer by night. I fabricate jewelry / metalsmith. I'm getting into hand tool / traditional woodworking. I'm really happy with just about anything, but I know that I haven't posted much in recent history, so here are some ideas. I love well made tools / vintage tools. I have old vintage tool boxes like kennedy 520s, 50s era snap-on top chest, etc.

I have a set of channel lock 430s, but I could use longer ones or maybe some quality pipe wrenches (have galvanized plumbing... stuff is a PIA).

I need to map out the circuits and do some minor electrical work around the house. A toner setup, linesmans pliers, or something along those lines would really be useful.

I've been slowly filling in my wrench collection with good wrenches. I still need 11/16, 15/16, and 1.
 

dirttracker18

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Joined
Aug 10, 2009
Messages
3,191
Location
Slate River, ON
Well I used to race dirt circle track then move to ice ( still in cars) but that is on hold for now. My wife and I still love watching racing but primarily dirt, especially sprint cars.

I have recently started hunting both gun and bow and am limited there. My auto tool collection is well rounded but my wood working collection is limited.

My wife and I have have two kids under 2 years old so life is busy these days.

I used to enjoy playing sports especially hockey ( go figure a Canadian that plays hockey) but recent knee surgery has put that on hold.

I hope that helps out but if not I am not a picky person and have a good sense of humor.
 

Lump

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Joined
Mar 16, 2009
Messages
3,405
Location
Jamestown, Ohio
Hmmm... Well, I am missing one Mac impact socket from a set I bought off the Mac truck years ago... a 1/2" drive swivel socket 7/16" size, six point, black oxide finish.

I am a car collector, and love old porcelain radiator badges, original metal advertising signs like you would find in a 1950's or older auto parts store or garage, hood ornaments, etc.

I like older Mac tools, but so far I have very few metric tools in Mac.

Been a Chevy muscle car freak all my life.
 

Wiggum

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 28, 2009
Messages
254
Well I already bought my secret santa gift, and then read this thread. Maybe I'll have to find something else (thought I think anyone would like a Made In The USA gift)....

For me, I like formula one racing and working on my s2000. Don't need much for tools, just bought a big craftsman industrial set. Maybe the 23mm polished craftsman industrial wrench. Not sure what else.
 

Black89LX

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 23, 2010
Messages
154
Location
Wisconsin
snap-on tools
miller electric
mack trucks
ford mustang
john deere
coors light
fishing
 
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hickmlg09

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Joined
Jan 24, 2010
Messages
4,677
Hint hint hick would love anything snap on and maybe a snap on window decal to put on her jeep :) Also need lots of tools. And I will think of more later :)
 

lithdoc

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Joined
Feb 4, 2012
Messages
306
Location
Rochester, MI
Like most of us GJ addicts here, there isin't much I "need." If it is tools, USA made is what I prefer. If you're not from USA, it would be nice if it was something from your country!

Used or vintage is more than welcome as well. If you're a DYIer, I would love it if it was something custom made! I remember drooling over some of the one of a kind pieces some members received last year!
 
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hickmlg09

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Jan 24, 2010
Messages
4,677
Hmmm, went through the whole thread and my guy hasn't posted. Maybe I'll get him a gift card to somewhere :)
 
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maddawg308

Banned
Joined
Jul 19, 2012
Messages
513
Location
Front Royal, VA
I went through the posts my Secret Santa assignment was, most of his posts are "for sale" ads in the classifieds. So I know whatever I get him will probably just be turned up for sale here. :(
 

Scout Driver

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Joined
Nov 20, 2009
Messages
4,284
Location
South Dakota
European tools would be welcome. New or used is fine. I don't have but a few in my arsenal. Body hammers and dollies. Old ACDelco, Michelin or Champion SparkPlug items.

Merry Christmas everybody!

Scott
 

holland_patrick

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 9, 2005
Messages
826
Location
hartford ct
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.

GALLERY]

Glad to see you liked it I have been using the towel my ss sent me last year a ton
 

fowlwishes

Well-known member
Joined
May 21, 2012
Messages
80
Location
Roper, NC
Since my post count is kind of low I will try to help out my SS a little! I am a mechanic at a John Deere dealership. I am an avid hunter and spend any free moments in the field. I must say that I have drank the Kool-aid and I am deep into the truck brand tools. Mainly Cornwell and SnapOn since I have two great guys running those routes. I have really gotten interested in older tools lately.

Anything that I can use for work is great. Duplicates of anything I have will live a very happy life in my service box!
 

hickmlg09

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Joined
Jan 24, 2010
Messages
4,677
have you tried going through his old posts or posts he has created to see what he's into?

.

Yea I have, mostly about advice. Thou I know he has been in buisness doing something for many years now and sears has some stuff for that so I'm thinking a nice sears gift card would do the trick :) Will have to go shopping this weekend :)
 

greasemonkey44

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Joined
Mar 30, 2011
Messages
1,625
Location
memphis
Im not sure what i want
i have gotten a sweet spot for knipex pliers, but i only have a cobra and a pair of diacs
i seem to be collecting adjustable wrenches lately, but im after a 18" one now.....which is way too pricey for SS
i like channellock pliers, and would like a pair of those huge ones.....but again too pricey
i would settle for some groovelock channellocks, they seem interesting
or a good framing nailer, if my SS has an older not used one
ive also got a fondness for hammers of every size and shape esp smaller wood handled ball piens, although the little estwing ball piens are pretty cute
i also like most mayhew dominator stuff, the handles just fit my hand like a glove
and i like goofy oddball stuff too
 
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wornoutoldman

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Joined
Sep 9, 2010
Messages
4,263
Location
Conover WI "God's Country"
If my Santa needs some help I'm real easy. I have all the tools I could ever need that said I appreciate vintage US or German stuff. Also I love old tool catalogs any brand, SO decals or just surprise me!

*What I really really want can be found below VVVV now that would make my Christmas!
 
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ChargedUp!

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Joined
Mar 11, 2010
Messages
503
Location
Twin Cities, MN
I'm game for anything really. My wife and I are building our new house and I got to add my 1000ft garage. :) I have 4 mustangs ill fit in after I get my lift. My hobby is my cars and my job is in IT. With that said, my tools are craftsman and they work fine for me.
 

Shocker

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Joined
Nov 23, 2008
Messages
2,013
Location
Olympia, WA
I would love to get a long handled 1/4" and/or 3/8" ratchet. I am not that brand picky. USA of course. :)

Any anything from Europe would be great!
 

caper150

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Joined
Nov 20, 2007
Messages
1,106
Location
Mantorville MN
I have my guys stuff all set thanks to this thread, he's one of the lower count guys so without this I may of had a bit of trouble, now not so much.

As for me I do alot of paint and body work and work PT in a Hot Rod Shop. I do have a thing for screwdrivers and ratchets for some reason.Doesn't really matter that much to me.Last years gift gets used a ton thought,great set of wrenches.
 

lwlobo

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Joined
Mar 23, 2010
Messages
1,076
Location
Colorado Springs, CO
I'm late to the party on this one (nothing new), so if my gift is already picked out and on the way, no worries. If you're trying to figure me out, here's some clues.

I do have a wanted thread with some stuff I'm always on the lookout for...

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=130445

Just to give you an idea regarding my tool personality, I really like SO black hard handle Snap On stuff. I like European tools, Wiha, Wera, Knipex, NWS, Hazet, Stahlwille, Gedore. I like motorcycle stuff. I'm also into hunting, bbq, etc. Always looking for good tools, no matter the topic.

I'm looking for some 3/8 short impact sockets, std or metric. Prefer US but also decent asain brands, even HF is fine.

I'm building up some random tools at my desk at work, could use some mini screwdrivers, strap wrench, decent quality screwdriver bits, medium/large adjustable, needlenose, mostly used taking apart random automotive type assemblies. If you have some decent used duplicates laying around, I'll put them to use.

But whatever, I just like tools. Best of luck to all, and I really need to get on the ball getting my gift put together.
 

PECVD2

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 30, 2009
Messages
1,380
Location
Albuquerque, NM
I typically spend the whole year looking for good SS and other gifts (used tools, garage stuff) in general at garage sales, pawn shops and CL.

I usually buy way more than I need or could afford to ship (thanks to you guys).

Anyhoo my SS posts mostly in the classified's and is interested in "other genre" items (per SS helper thread).

What to do, what to do?


I am not sure this helper thread helped me out any, just made me wonder>>>what to do?

What would you do?
 

canuckian

Well-known member
Joined
May 7, 2009
Messages
4,103
Location
East coast of Canaaada
bit late in posting in this thread but I'm easy to find a gift for. I like tools of all kinds - US/Canadian made, old, new, european, etc. I'm into restoring older JD garden tractors, I have small collections of pocket knives, zippos, and die casts. I'd love anything cool to put on the wall of my shop. maybe even throw in a little something from your corner of the world. Honestly I'd appreciate anything as long as the thought was behind it.
 

boro_boy70

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 29, 2009
Messages
627
Location
Whitesboro(Utica), NY
I'd be more than happy with just about anything. I think part of the fun in this is being surprised with what your SS gets you. I try to send things that the recipient wouldn't be able to get for themselves. The past 3 years I have sent things that were all made local to me, or from local companies, that way the recipient who lives across the country maybe gets exposed to something they otherwise would have never seen or heard of.

I'd prefer if my SS sent something that means something to him. If he collects old Indestro or Herbrand, or whatever brand or knick knack he is into, send that. When I use it, I'll think about where it came from, like I hope when my former recipients use any of the tools I sent, they remember where they got it.

If they are still stuck, then like my signature says I collect old Utica Tools and also have a fondness for old Proto stuff. I hope this helps, but like I said, I'll be happy with anything.
 

BWS

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 3, 2006
Messages
923
Location
Mnts of Va
Sent mine yesterday........the guy was a "seller" as mentioned above(maddawg).

Had pretty much already figured whomever I got was gettin a 1" mic.....thinking he'd sell it,well..there went that idea.

So,constipating on the problem a bit...........sent a stupid cool gift that requires his work or effort to complete.A "kit" of sorts from one of our shops.Now,if he sells it....fine,at least there was some involvement....badda-BING.

Anything Browne & Sharpe of the machinist bent,would be treasured here.Just sayin
 

00pewter

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 28, 2009
Messages
576
I hope my SS likes his gift... Although he's been a member for 2 years. he's only started 1 thread and averages 1 post per month...I didn't have anything to go off of!
 
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