GJ helpful Elves thread.... to help the SS.

[chrisnazzy]

I had alot of fun watching last year and I'm super excited to participate for my first time this year. Really looking forward to shopping for some awesome gifts for my recipient.

To make my Secret Santa's quest a little easier I can provide some tips and background on me. I'm in the tire and automotive service business but I'm not a mechanic. I do enjoy challenging myself working at home on my own vehicles and plan on starting my 1st vintage truck build in about a year. Not really a sports fan except Dbacks baseball. I wear an XL shirt and I don't wear hats.

I have been a LEGO fan my entire life. I love new and old signs and advertising as well as gas, tire and automotive decor. I love everything related to Chevy trucks past and present. My favorite tool brands are Snap-on, Mac, S-K, Gearwrench and Sunex and My toolbox is posted in the "Show Your Toolbox" thread.

Oh yeah, my wife and I have 4 girls between age 3 and 15 so I pretty much live in an estrogen ocean. Basically that means I'll be thrilled with anything. Just nice to have someone shop for me that shares some common interests.


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[Oggy]

Alright, Let me see, here's my list of needs:




That's pretty much everything I absolutely NEED from my GJSS. As this is supposed to be fun, I don't expect them to get me what I need, or even what I "want," last year I got nothing of what I posted, but I've used everything I was given. Multiple times (and am very thankful for it!)

So rather than just give a list of things I'll tell a little more about me. I'm married, have 2 daughters, 5 & 11, Operation Iraqi Freedom Veteran, we have 2 dogs, we just purchased a house, and I have a ton of projects I need to do, but only a few I'm about to start soon.

Projects I'm going to be starting soon: Kitchen sink needs the drain (double bowl) re-plumbed, the basement/utility/laundry sink needs a new faucet which will require me re-routing the existing water lines to be accessible to the bottom of the sink, I'll be building shelving in my garage, I'll also be designing and building a bar for the "bar" in our house.

Things I'm looking for but probably won't buy until I find the right (read as dirt cheap) deal, I don't expect my SS to buy these, but they're things I've been looking for. A ratchet that feels good in my hand, a good pocket hole jig (never used one, I'd go Kreg but man, they're expensive), some garage signage.

 

[53Sparky]

I'm a 43 year old family man with 3 daughters (20, 16, 13). Been happily married to my college sweetheart for 23 years.

I'm a Canadian living in Colorado.
I prefer to make things instead of buy them.
I have pretty much every tool I want/need.
I like older Chevrolet trucks - I own a 62 C10.
I made my 4'x8' CNC router, and I'm working on adding a laser.

Please choose something that is suitable for family. Other than that, surprise me! If you made it, or if it's unique to where you're from, or you think it's cool, then that's awesome. It's the thought that counts, and if you think I'll like it, I probably will.

I'm looking forward to making this a tradition for me on GJ.

 

[Outlander]

You will know it when you see it that it is for me. Hopefully, it comes with a story......

 

[rodsnratfinks]

Let's see...

I favor:
Snap On (Most anything)
Mac (sockets, punches, service tools)
Plomb/Proto (my favorite punches/chisels)
Knipex (my favorite brand of pliers)
Makita (power tools)
Porter Cable (woodworking power tools)
Older Delta/Rockwell (shop equipment)
German, Swiss, Japan, USA precision tools

I don't wear hats
Not a sports fan or political
I do a fair bit of vintage electronics and furniture restoration, I like furniture building and I'm getting into joinery, I like working with metal as well, and I'm an auto technician by trade

I'm currently expanding/refining:

Pliers - I use all types
ESD/electronics mini pliers - anything that's high precision.
Hammers - especially quality ball peens, but a brass hammer could be useful. Also, I'm looking for a real nice ~16oz trim/finish hammer, something like a Douglas (but they aren't made anymore)
Pin punches/cold chisels - Proto, Plomb, Mac, etc.
Wood chisels - something nice
Woodworking jigs
Useful router bits for joinery

 

[Corndoggeh]

I'll post some info too.

University engineering student, I love woodworking, restoring antique/vintage tools and machines, and I sometimes dabble in metal working ( blacksmithing mainly). I also enjoy computers and games. I don't wear hats. I also do all of my own car work and can do everything that does not involve timing or transmissions. I drink a lot of coffee and appreciate good beer.

I prefer to build my own things over buying them so anything that helps me make it easier on myself is a blessing (jigs, squaring, clamps, etc). The only thing I have when it comes to joining two pieces of wood is a doweling jig and a drill, nothing else so more jigs are always welcome to save me headache. I have hand planes and a jointer so I'm definitely good there!

This is really the tip of the iceberg so I encourage my GJSS to dig into my posts because I'm sure I left out chunks about me, plus that's what makes this fun. I still update my wanted thread so they could peek at that too

 

[woodrail]

I'm not a hard person to find something fun for. I've posted in the "wish lists" for the last couple of years. I would suggest researching me!

To give you a start, a love Airstreams and anything space and rocketry related.

I do bunches of woodwork and have recently started collecting Kreg equipment.

I'm not a big sports fan except NASCAR. I don't wear hats, shirts are XXL.

I love the unusual. Especially if it comes with a story.

Again, I suggest reading some of my posts. Finally, thanks! I'll love whatever you decide and I hope you enjoy the process.

 

[creativecars]

Now that the SS's have come out I know everyone is now trying to do a little research about our victims. Checking to see weather they have been naughty or nice... And finding the most appropriate or inappropriate gifts.
Good luck to one and all!!

About me:
I am a vintage Ford/Mercury person.
Don't wear a hat, but think t-shirts(edit size large), coffee cups and belt buckles are useful.
Fan of David Pearson, Woods Brothers #21 nascar.
Not a tool snob, I have a wide variety of brands.
I grew up in Missouri and vintage Rt. 44 stuff is fun.

Really anything would be cool!
I feel it is all about the fun and season!

Peace Be With You All.

 

[RStewart]

Ok, some help for my giver.
If I need something I usually get it either from one of the kids or wife or get it myself if my patience runs out.
I have a 67 Mustang and a bunch of old Weaver, Walker and Lane Mfg floor jacks.
Just remember it's the thought that counts and the spirit of the season.
Just exciting to get a mystery gift from a like minded(GarageJournal member)person.
I guess I'm another one, I don't wear hats ever.

 

[ckadams00]

I'm a professional chef so I spend a lot more time in the kitchen than my shop, but:
I like
vintage craftsman anything
1/4 deep sockets if they are USA either SAE or Metric
Knipex - I could use some needle nose.
I have a dream about one day restoring the 1963 Triumph TR3 that my uncle has given me - so anything Triumph/TR3
I also am starting to build up a set of Wera screwdrivers - could definitely use some.
OH! Drill bits. I could always use a good set of drill bits - my set is pretty Frankenstein.
Starting to get more use out of machinist tools - Starrett, etc (doesn't need to be new, just functional)
AND I just got a Hobart welder - so starting to learn how to weld. Have all the basic supplies.
I am a M Tshirt, I don't usually wear hats.
Not trying to be too specific just throwing out things I would really use.
And as always with GJ SS - I am thankful for anything I receive - but I love GJ and I love SS! This is my fourth year of participation and my fifth year on GJ.

 

[wrenchr]

I just seen this, oops.... I have a fondness of old tools, ratchets for instance are a weakness of mine and stickers of tool companies and I stick those on my tool boxes.

 

[8comm13]

I debated on posting any ideas, but since I haven't really posted much I'll leave a few hints.
In all honestly, anything that I receive will be much appreciated.
It seems i have a thing for hammers. Metal working, dead blow or small ones for gunsmithing. Other than tools, I'm into firearms, fishing and anything related to Off-Road racing.

 

[gayler]

Ok. A few ideas for Santa. I'm new to mig welding, so I could use any mig accessories such as mig pliers, clamps of any kind, welding cap, welding gloves but my hands are almost childlike small. I don't drink, don't smoke and not into nudie type stuff.

 

[AnthonyJ124]

I posted one of these last year too.

I live in a log home that I spend most of my free time working on, also own a couple Jeeps (TJ and JK). I use ratcheting screwdrivers a lot, 3/8 wobble extensions and sockets are always useful, I also like "tool style" bottle openers. I think collecting older or used hand tools is fun and something I can use and someday pass along to the kids I don't yet have. I have a Hobart mig that I'm still overconfident and under-skilled with too.

Really anything interesting that I could put in my tool box, or even something interesting from your area (candy? coffee?) would be highly appreciated.

Next to the gifts I get from my wife, the GJSS gifts are the ones I look forward to the most!

 

[6MocoA]

I like pretty much anything that would be useful in DIY auto-repair. If my SS is on a budget, I would be thrilled with things like zip ties, shop rags, disposable gloves, toolbox stickers, etc. Otherwise, any and all auto related hand tools would be fantastic - I usually work on metric stuff but would not mind more SAE things to round out my tool collection. Im not particular about COO or brand.

This is my first year participating and I would like to thank the folks organizing the SS effort and to the board in general - this is one of my favorite places on the internet to be a part of.

 

[JAKE-THE-TOOL-MAN]

I am a Mopar/Shelby fanatic. I will be grateful with anything my secret santa gifts me, I love American, German, and Japanese tools. Part of the fun of this is being surprised.

Update:

I decided to try and help out my SS by adding more info.

I wear an XL shirt, seldom wear hats, pictures of my tool box can be seen in the show us your toolbox thread for reference to what tools I have. Currently my biggest need would be organizers for wrenches or sockets. I would love to try a 10" plier wrench or a PWZ plier from SO or Bacho since they are the rave on here but am looking forward to the surprise of what my SS puts together.

 

[thecody59]

Here is a little help for my secret santa! I have most of my basic tools covered and have started upgrading to snap-on, mac, matco, cornwell, esc. I love collecting ratchets, i don't use sae tools, i also could definitely use better socket rails and wrench racks as well. Also i don't wear hats and my shirt size is a large. I will be happy with anything i get. I am just excited i get to participate this year!

 

[rmack898]

My first year in this, I don't post too much but I did update my user profile.

 

[blown94conv]

I am grateful for whatever, but I'll help out my secret santa with a few clues.

XL shirt, please no hats, Mustang guy for about 20 years now, so you could say things are getting serious.

 

[senlow]

I typically don't post in threads where guys tell their Secret Santa what they want. I don't ask for things because, for me, getting stuff is not what it's all about. I enjoy the challenge of researching my recipient's posts and finding appropriate gifts.

Over the years this forum has grown, and it seems to me that it's harder to get to know all the members. Few of my posts tell you guys much about me. It seems that most of my posts are opinions about tools, a few tips and techniques, and the occasional smart *** remarks. So, I guess that I should tell you a little bit about me.

I'm 53 years old, but don't feel a day over 30 (with the exception of my back, and my poor eyesight). I have been married for 30 years, and have two kids. I've loved cars since I was a kid. I began my career as a dealership mechanic at 17. I worked as a mechanic, and then as an automotive machinist (that's a unit mechanic that also runs machine tools) for about 18 years. I managed a small body shop for a short time as well. Meanwhile, I earned a degree in mechanical engineering. I've done design engineering, manufacturing engineering and quality engineering. At present, I manage the quality systems for a manufacturing facility. Along the way, I've also done powder coating professionally, installed glass block windows, installed Rotary lifts, and owned a small surplus business.

I'm not into watching sports. Although, I will occasionally watch hockey or soccer. I played indoor soccer for years. I enjoy target shooting. I have a reasonably equipped hobby shop. I do some machining at home. Unfortunately, I have a small lathe, and no mill. I also enjoy metal fabrication. I don't smoke or drink coffee or wear hats. I do enjoy tequila and good craft beer. I collect key chains (amazingly enough, they are mostly tool related ), 1/4 drive ratchets, 4" adjustable wrenches, and pocket screwdrivers. Collecting vises is another of my vices. Although I have parted with most of them. I'm down to about a dozen. My latest automotive project is a '92 Jeep YJ with under 70k miles. It's my first venture into offroading. My daily driver is an '07 Nissan Xterra. I also own a '94 Dodge Ram truck, a '40 Oldsmobile, a '84 VW Jetta GLI, and a '59 Anglia (that weird English Ford). I like to use vintage tools. I keep them in vintage Lista and Mac boxes.

I'm sure that anything that my SS sends will be wonderful. All my Secret Santas in years past have sent super cool gifts to me. Thanks to all of you. I will do my best to give my victim gifts that he will enjoy. Hell, that's more fun than getting stuff anyway.

 

[Vbwiley92]

Well I'm a 29 year old family man. Have an 18 month old son and little girl due in April. We bought our first home and I now have a two car garage to spend time in. I was spoiled growing up in a body shop with pretty much any tool I'd ever need, but thats all in Florida and I live in NC. I have a desk job in university housing, but am a big diy guy who does almost all the repairs on my truck and around the house.

Tools: These days I'm working on building a tool collection that I can use and enjoy with my boy as he gets older. I have most of the basic hand tools, except for half inch drive metric sockets. I'd like to upgrade my pliers, specialty wrenches, hammers, and get the more specialized tools. I also really enjoy Snap On ratcheting screwdrivers.

Garage Space: Any thing that helps organize the garage is a bonus. As the kids get older, I'm sure their toys will take over a majority of the space in there. I do enjoy old metal garage art and boxes. I'd like to someday paint the space and provide some theme to the garage

Other likes: I love vintage Chevys, Florida State, antique signs (cars and tools), shooting, food and spirits.



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[dodge610]

Hello everyone I have been on GJ for quite a while. Bought more tools than i should of but that is what we are on here for right. I collect and use tools I restore old mopars and have a small very small powdercoat business. I am a craftsman man at heart but with all the offshoring and sears going down hill fast. I am starting to use and collect other brand names. Guess i will follow suit here my T shirt size is 2x not a small guy as you can tell. Merry Christmas everyone.

 

[The Cobbler]

I'm not into wearing hats, sports or fine wine. I am a cheap date and have more than enough tools (almost) some garage art (67 Camaro or chevy product from the 60's or suprise me with something) a tshirt in xlg ot xxlg .
A few years ago I picked up a Standard Modern 13" Metal Lathe 2000 Series, just getting it hooked up soon and could use some cutting tooling , or a book on lathe work for dummies .
hope this helps.
anything I recieve will be greatly appreciated

 

[bluebolt]

Hello to my Secret Santa!
I like used stuff just as much as new stuff so I am easy to please LOL.
I collect vintage Craftsman especially Crown label items, Dunlap and Kraeuter tools too.
I am originally from Wisconsin, tools made in Wisconsin would be cool.
I am a retired Air Force aircraft mechanic.
Don't wear hats much and I have more T-shirts than I will ever need.
I am a Ford guy, 1960's through present.
I will eat almost any food, DON'T like real spicy stuff though. Something local to you is always cool.

 

[Duker]

Glen aka "CreativeCars" who started this thread hit the ball out of the park last year with a custom made sign he built for me. I love anything handcrafted so if that is what you like to do....and have time.... then that is what I want.

I am a third generation cabinet maker so I love old wood working tools functioning or not. I will like anything that I get as this is one of those events that is truly as much fun to give as it is to receive. My kids just want gift cards so this is the only fun thing I get to shop and or build for..... and here is a spoiler alert... my SS will be getting something made by me...

*

 

[AffableCurmudgeon]

Tanqueray Gin
Woodford Reserve Bourbon
Zubrakowa Vodka

 

[Snapped-off]

I don't really want to get too specific with stuff, but I enjoy USA made stuff. Not a big hat person. If your area has something unique to it that would be cool too.

Active Navy submariner, mechanic-type. I love diesels, USA tools, USA anything really, GM fanboy.

 

[Super Sport]

I like automotive tools and I dabble a little in woodworking. I'm always up for license plates, signs, and other neat garage decor. Vintage Craftsman stuff is always cool too. I'm a Chevy guy with a Camaro and LS2-powered Saab 9-7x. I've also owned a Jeep Wrangler and plan on buying another in a few years.

 

[-Brent-]

A little about me:

-I'm renovating my shop and I'm nearly to the stage of putting up my old signs and such. Some sort of hand-painted signage would be neat.
-I like creativity.
-I'm an early Ford, Suzuki, and Toyota guy
-I have a small vintage license plate topper collection
-vintage safety signs are neat
-vintage snap-on logos, stickers, signs are cool...

I don't have much of a list of tools I need but I have my eye on a few things:
-one of those spring loaded center punches or even one that the body is a spring with a weight at the end.
-air tools, now that my shop is better equipped with air
-an old brass hammer that still has some life
-homemade hammers are pretty cool and get use in my shop
-A swivel joint socket adapter

I've gotten into guns, recently, and I'm currently at the starting phase of building an AR15. So far, I just have the lower receiver. At this point I'm collecting knowledge.


I'm scared of alligators/crocodiles (just sneaking that in there to see if you're reading)

I'm an appreciative guy so have fun with it. I don't want to put restrictions on my SS.

Happy holidays, all!

 

[stg454]

I enjoy working on vehicles. I especially enjoy automotive electrical work. I also enjoy working on the house and in the garage. I also enjoy woodworking.
I really like Snap On, DeWalt, Channellock, Knipex. I have a lot of other brands as well including US Craftsman stuff.
I recently moved to a new garage and am still getting working on getting it organized.
Don't really need many tools, although there's always some wants!
I don't have a brass hammer and am looking to fill some empty spots in the ends of my Hansen socket trays which hold my 6 point Snap On chrome sockets.
I drive a Ford Superduty, like John Deere and am not into sports at all except some Nascar.
I wear a XXL shirt, just don't prefer huge logos on the front of my shirts.
Hope this helps a little. Feel free to use your imagination if these ideas don't help.
I'm looking forward to being surprised like I was last year.
Really looking forward to this years GJSS.

 

[Duct Tape Man]

Dear Santa,

I like American made tools, but especially vintage ones, like Proto, Williams, Plomb, Craftsman, Armstrong, Wright, Stanley, etc. Vintage wrenches, sockets, hammers, etc. are all good. I like license plates as well. If you have a T-shirt, I wear an XL.

I'm not greedy, I'll take what you bring me, and I will enjoy the gift!

Merry Christmas!

 

[kunkernator]

I like a surprise, love my guns, tools, and rides.

 

[K-Dog]

One more thought !!!

I like putting my gifts under the tree. One year my gifts were gift wrapped, one year they were not. If you don't gift wrap label the shipping box accordingly so peoples Christmas surprise will not be spoiled before Christmas.

 

[Farmall450]

Tips:
I'm in College at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign majoring in Aerospace Engineering. Pretty big advocate of US made.

I like to shoot (seem to have a thing for Ruger), big IH/Farmall fan (as most probably can tell from my username), also a fan of Chevrolet.

 

[thegroundpounder99]

As I was saying to myself it'd be helpful if my SS would post I realized I should probably do so. I was on the fence but here we go....

I'm a diehard Miami Dolphins fan and Miami Hurricanes fan. I wear hats but not those ones you can't bend the brim lol. I wear Xl in shirts.

As far as tools go, I'm pretty set. I wouldn't be disappointed with tools but can't think of any needed.

Big Team Chevy fan.

I love flashlights, to the point I'm not allowed to buy them anymore lmao.

I'll be happy with whatever it's all about the spirit of the season so don't put yourself out.


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[creativecars]

As I was saying to myself it'd be helpful if my SS would post I realized I should probably do so. I was on the fence but here we go....


I'll be happy with whatever it's all about the spirit of the season so don't put yourself out.


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Isn't that funny how that happens?

 

[Evan(CA)]

Full time electrician, automotive hobbyist. I'm not a big drinker but I love a few shots of absinthe on special occasions. Something hand made or restored would be cool, or something not available to buy here in socal but I'll be happy with whatever, I'm not picky.

 

[FigureItOut]

I'm a 12 volt junkie, full time aftermarket auto electronics installer, self employed, part time low voltage cabling on the side. Welding hobbyist and general handyman, DIY type guy but I don't really work with wood at all. Built half my tool collection at HF and always upgrading, making good progress in socketry and pliers, haven't really started on screwdrivers yet. Love Klein and Knipex, electrical tools and am very low on clamps and welding setup stuff. I don't share the admiration for old tools that many on GJ do, though I do appreciate their quality.

I'd be thrilled with anything and really appreciate the efforts, camaraderie, and fellowship of this GJ tradition more than anything else.

 

[Outlawmws]

Good job starting the thread Creativecars!

a suggestion: post the links for prior Elves threads as well! can you edit these into the first post?

Here is last years Elves 2015 thread! http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=310727

My hints:

Feel free to be creative in what you pick, as my internists are diverse! - but if you need specific hints, here is (mostly) my usual "I'm interested in trading for" list:

I'm big into Plvmb (Plomb), Pexto, Long C Craftsman, interesting hammers, Old German/Solengin knives/hatchets, mostly hunting (Love the steel these are made from), Buck knives also; Suzuki Samurai's, vintage camping gear, trick useful camping gear (I've been known to make my own stuff...)

I've recently been revamping my camping/hunting gear (see the camping gear thread in my sig) and have started restoring old Coleman style gas (not propane) Lanterns in particular, with a leaning to single mantle lanterns.

Not really into hats (The wrong fit gives me headaches...), beer/alcohol, or cheese, but other than that, I'm pretty easy as my interests are very diverse.

 

[gearhead1]

. I'd be thrilled with anything and really appreciate the efforts, camaraderie, and fellowship of this GJ tradition more than anything else.

+1 on that. I love GJ and having a place like this for us DIYer/tool/tinkerer/gearhead types. I will like anything garage related, doesn't matter what it is, and doesn't need to be expensive at all.

I used to circle track in the low class and now do demolition derbies. I do all my own home and car repairs. I have rebuilt several engines and 3 automatic transmissions. I have a lot of tools, little bit of everything, mostly USA Craftsman. I have mostly DeWalt and some Milwaukee power tools. The only thing that comes to mind is welding leathers/jacket (HF is good enough) and bit sets. I don't lose tools except for drive bits, seems like I set them down or put in my pocket when I change to a drill bit or something and end up losing them. I don't think you can have enough drive bits or drill bits. I like hats, t-shirts and am building a detached shop next year, so banners/posters (clean-have a small child). It really doesn't matter, if it's garage/tool related I am good and I'm not picky! Don't put yourself out and don't stress over me that's for sure.