Gimmicky tool gift ideas

[mdnelson86]

Every year my wife always wants me to get her a Christmas list. The problem I always have is that I usually buy what I need when I need it. I always have a few things in my amazon wish list or a list of things I’d like to get, but my tool standards are pretty high. So usually anything I actually want is much more than I’d want anyone to spend on me.

She usually ends up getting me one of those gimmicky tools you see advertised around the holiday season. Sometimes they seem like a good idea, but are made cheaply or just plain don’t work like they should. Are any of these gimmicky tool gifts actually worth having?

 

[CGarage]

A RCH Ruler is cool.

 

[Nineeightyone]

I don't know what your usage case is like, but I'd be lying if I said that the metalnerd VW strut tool isn't the most useful damn thing I've ever seen. It's a 21mm and 22mm pass-through deep socket, with a nice convenient handle with a square drive for torquing strut nuts to spec. It's not an overly complicated tool, but hell if it isn't a lifesaver.

I'm also waiting on their strut knuckle spreader tool, because I hear it makes spreading the strut knuckle on VWs an absolute breeze -- just give it a twist with a ratchet, and getting the strut out becomes a joke. No more hammers and swearing and chisels and praying.

I'm told that the same result can be achieved with an offset wrench, but the strut tool is so much less headache.

 

[Professional Tool User]

I would just ask for a gift card for buying stuff that I actually want or go shopping for something together. Those gimmicky tools just gather dust and I forget I even had them.