The Secret Santa Helper

[spencerian]

Hah, my recipient will be pretty easy! (whew!)

If anyone has me, resist the urge to get me a pacifier, even though I whine a lot.

About me:
Quit doing auto mechanics full time, and sold all my tools.
I do have a small set for personal use. Back to college to finish my degree at Marshall University. Intend to attend U of L for law school.
I like... tech stuff. All types.
Music (but have just about every album I could ever want)
A cheap multimeter would be nice.
I don't know beyond that.


This is like filling out a profile for a date site.
Hi, I'm 37.
A Pisces.
I like long walks on the beach.

But seriously....

JUST SURPRISE ME!

 

[DanCo]

I'm looking for older CMan or Snappy rats, no fruit cakes please. To be honest I'm happy to be part of this for second time. I would be pleased with any gift.

 

[newlywv]

I like anything oil and gas related(old advertising), or tools that are SK or NAPA brands.

 

[toymn6366]

i sale tools at swapmeets so i have alot of tools but i love garage signs,car tags or any kinds of shop stuff

 

[SeanConklin]

I only have a few posts but I'm sure I would be difficult otherwise. The only things i need/want are channellocks/visegrips and metric 1/2"dr impact sockets. Other than that I am a huge fan of garage art and currently have very little

 

[MrSnicks]

I don't know how much I've posted in previous posts that would help my Secret Santa so.....I'm going to get back into welding and my welding tools are in short supply. I need any of the following

Mig Pliers
Copper Spoon
**** Weld Clamps
Cleco's
Spot Weld Cutter
Mig goop/gel/grease
Locking welding clamps
magnetic angle holding thingee <----------technical term
angle clamp for welding box frames
screwdriver set
deep impact sockets 3/8 or 1/2

I also LOVE gladiator stuff but they're a bit pricey to buy and ship. I also like surprises so feel free to surprise me.

My boxes are mainly filled with craftsman with some gearwrench, cornwell, matco, mac and 1 or 2 snapon pieces.

I am not a tool snob so not too picky about brand, and I'm a big fan of gently used working tools. Hell at least half my box is from ebay, craigslist or pawn shops.

 

[canuckian]

i sure hope my SS recipient posts here.....i'm stumped!! Well, I do know their tool preferences (this person is the guy that seems to have EVERYTHING lol) and I think I've nailed the profession down so hopefully I can figure out something they would like and don't already have.

I'm pretty easy to shop for..... I think? I've posted some of my purchases and toolbox contents on here over the years so my tool preferences are pretty easy. I've also posted a few needs and wants. I have a modest SO ratcheting screwdriver collection so an oddball one of those would be cool. Also starting to branch out into other brands of ratcheting screwdrivers. So far have Wera, Facom and Klein. I like European tools and have amassed a decent selection of those. I'm trying to build a yellow set of Snap On tools for my little guy so any little smattering of yellow would be welcomed for sure. ummmm....what else....I have a Wilton 4 inch bullet vise that I've been trying to source a swivel base for since I got it. Not a lot of Wilton stuff available for a decent price north of the border so if my SS came across one of those on the cheap I'd really appreciate that. Other than that, I dunno of any more hints I could give.
Now, i should clarify that my SS shouldn't feel that they have to buy me tools. I would love and appreciate any surprises they choose to send. After all, that's what this is all about!!

looking forward to seeing the "what my SS got me 2011" thread!! Happy hunting everyone!!

 

[gauder the goof]

I'd be pretty happy with one of them cool bottle openers from the bottle opener thread. I lucked out having a father who retired from toolmaking. I have a lot of tools and when I need something (usually something strange) I buy it. I guess I'll be happy with whatever my SS wants to gift me. I also like garage art.

I've already got a few things to put in my persons SS Box. Hope he likes them.

 

[Subyroo651]

I realized recently that I do not have a decent hammer anywhere.

I need a Deadblow and maybe ball-peen too.
Also looking to try Knipex - Cobras maybe comfort grip.
Screwdriver bits
Dewalt impact Power Bits

Made in USA is a big point and plus for me, also some Germany is ok too.
I dont have a lot of space so I stick to necessities and functional items.. No room for art or posters etc.
I work in IT and love gadgets as well. I also MT. Bike and work on them too.

 

[Appleyard]

Looking to start building a tool kit specifically for side jobs or just to keep in my truck at all times. I pretty much need everything cept the box.

Cheapie sockets, wrenches, screwdrivers, extensions, Ect. Nothing fancy here (those are at work

Also really been wanting a Snappy ratcheting screwdriver. Beat up/lightly used/like new, doesn't matter to me. It'll get used, not just sitting there to look pretty.

I also have a fondness for green tools...

 

[dr_clyde]

I'm a welder/custom fabricator by trade, also into vintage fords. I have a pretty complete set of hand tools, but I'm always looking for stuff to complement the home box. I like just about anything from SK, Proto, Wright, Snap-On, Mac, and Williams.

I'm always on the lookout for neat fabrication tools, clamps, welding goodies, ect. Honestly, anything garage/tool related would be cool. Surprise me.

 

[Jawn]

Updated my previous post (#26, on page 2) with additional ideas.

 

[Patrick Boyle]

I'm a shadetree mechanic with a modest collection I've built piece-by-piece as I go along. I've inherited some SK from my gradfather, which I treasure. I don't have a complete set of anything so honestly, anything garage-related would be much appreciated, even cool stickers or art.

Glad to be a part of this great tradition, looking forward to Christmas day!

 

[Black89LX]

well, just like most of you guys, I have been researching my SS and it was getting hard to pin point what I should get. Being that I myself have not posted what tools I have/want, I can pretty much guarantee I am tough to buy for, my girlfriend can tell you that, haha!

I should probably post pictures of my box in that "Show Your Toolbox" thread, but I just lost my thumbdrive... and they were all cell phone pictures anyway. I hope to take some pictures tomorrow.

So, I will tell you a little about myself.

I am a Diesel Mechanic, currently enrolled in my last year of a 2 year Diesel Technology Program at the local Technical College. I have my Associates Degree in Automotive Technology from this same college and had trouble finding a job as an Auto Tech so when they opened their Diesel program I figured I would give it a shot. I have two uncles that are Diesel Mechanics and I have always loved tractors and semis.

I absolutely love my job, (started 6/20/11 at a Mack/Volvo dealer) I continue to learn things every day, and like most of the guys on this site, I HAVE A TOOL PROBLEM.

I also love welding. I took a welding fundamental course and a metal fabrication course this semester. I built myself a mechanics seat, a charcoal grill with a stand, a couple parts trays for my toolbox, and a heavy duty wheel seal puller (exact dimensions of a Snap-on SRT1) I have plans for a pedal depressor (SPC 77928) and a step stool, but we will see what else I come up with.. Any ideas??

As far as my job goes and what I actually do... I have done just about every type of job or repair, the usual service, dealer prep, brake jobs, suspension, air leaks, driveline, removing injectors, replacing older leaking seals and gaskets like an injector pump seal and a compressor or oil pan gasket, cooling system leaks, radiator, engine swap... but I mostly work on trucks that we modify for a customer. We add pusher axles, steer axles, change wheelbase length. One thing I have noticed is that I borrow tools more than I like. I absolutely hate depending on someone else for tools.

SO after reading all that.... what do I want?? well originally I did not want to post exactly what I wanted, I would rather post things I like, if you are going to buy apparel, I wear a XXL shirt.

I like Ingersoll Rand, DeWalt, Craftsman, GearWrench, Channellock, Irwin Vise-Grip, OTC, KD Tools, Lisle, and select Harbor Freight items. I am also a Snap-on fanatic, heavily influenced through school. Its not that I don’t like Mac, Matco or Cornwell, I just don’t see the point in having a little of everything, especially when the prices are just about the same... so if I am looking to buy a tool that I see from a different tool company, I look through the Snap-on catalog and compare the prices, if its within $50, I figure, may as well save the extra money and have Snap-on... good warranty/last time I'll have to buy that tool.

I have been researching and learning about tools for a couple of years now, with the help of my elders, this site and any tool catalog and tool website I have run into. I have a list of tools-to-buy that I am always updating. the "Notepad" in my cell phone also have a couple of tool lists. My Favorites are also full of tool links. Some of the things I have in my favorites: Channellock 929 retaining ring pliers. KD Tools wide band oil filter wrenches 2320w, 2321w, 2322w. OTC 5052 Brake Slack Checker. OTC 7077 Axle Stud Cone Pliers. Lisle 42400 Air Line Disconnect Set. Innovative of America 7865 7-pin tractor/trailer circuit tester. Astro Pneumatic 218 Pencil Type Die Grinder. All tools are from Tool-Topia. I just received my order this last week and realized I forgot a couple things… I have never had a problem with them, they always have the lowest prices and I always make sure I get the free shipping.

 

[quick86]

I'm a weekend warrior. As in, Monday thru Friday I am at work 11 hours a day behind a computer. On the weekends is when I do all my wrenching. Mostly working on my own cars and projects but it seems I am helping more and more people out too.. I have a modest collection of tools, but always need more... Most of my tool collection is what I inherited from my grandfather when he passed so I have a huge collection of the best old Craftsman tools.... Through the years though I have acquired Snap On screw drivers, MAC plyers and metric impact sockets, and other misc. tools off the trucks.

Likes:
My Mustang
Garage Signage
Tools (obviously, who doesnt?!)
- GearWrench
- Craftsman (love the older stuff)
- MAC Tools
- Husky Tools

The only things I have a million of are screw drivers and 3/8" drive sockets and probably half a dozen ratchets...oh, and standard wrenches...

I am in dire need of 3/8" breakers bars, I only have two and it's either too small or too long......


I love retro/antique signage. Storage solutions are needed greatly. I'm adding another pegboard to my garage.....



But yeah, I'm not picky... I just needed to take a break from my detective work about who my recipient is.... I've got a damn good idea what he'll be getting though.

 

[e30bradley]

I like any quality tools, especially German made. Wera, whia, stahlwille, hazet, ect.. I can't stand to see "made in taiwan" and love to see "made in the usa"

 

[StumpXJ]

Hmmm...I hope this will help?

I am a metal fabricator/home machinist/wrench turner type. I dont really need any hand tools that I can think of, I was a mechanic for 8 years, and have most everything I need. I am Pipefitter/welder by trade now, and have a fair amount of that kind of stuff already. Not really into the whole 'dress up your garage with old signs' thing either. I guess I am in the middle of organizing my work space, so anything in that general line of thinking would work. Its almost impossible to be picky when it comes to shop stuff, and honestly I would be happy with just about anything that belongs in a man cave. I dig Jeep stuff, and have a couple Cherokees that get lots of attention in my shop. Not sure if any of this helps or hurts... but there it is!

~ Stump

 

[fr0mastaj]

Weekend wrencher with the majority of the necessary hardline tools (i think? )... am always welcome to automotive specialty tools that make my life easier! I work primarily on Toyota's. My current collection consists of mainly US and German tools.

I wish my recipient would post, i have no clue what to get him even after digging through his profile!

 

[BTG]

I dunno...I'm the kind of guy that likes to be surprised at Christmas...not much for putting out there what I want or need. With that being said, I'm fairly set with the hardline tools. At this point the more unique and specificity tool items that you may not use too often are what intrigues me--even the $5 weird tool you may use twice. For my gift recipient, I'm going to try to go the same route...something a bit off the common path...

 

[fitz11]

Well to start I work at Harbor Freight and have just about one of everything they sell, so now I am starting the process of upgrading my most used tools now that I see the difference in quality tools. Next on my list is A snap-on ratchet screwdriver, Wera screwdrivers, a Dead Blow Ball Pein, a longhandle 3/8" ratchet, thread files, etc.... and the list goes on and on
I live in an apartment and have a small 10'x20' garage that limits my project possibilities but I enjoy spending time out there and working on my motorcycles. I hope this helps whoever has me because I dont think I ever really post much about me and my tools.

 

[caper150]

I also like to be surprised at Christmas but I do seem to have a thing for screwdrivers. I'm a LEO that also works PT at a Hot Rod Shop and am redoing a 65 Galaxie if that helps.



Oh and this has help me as the person who I got has posted here.

 

[Kirbot]

Lets see...
I could use a set of screwdrivers, but I'd be happy with just about anything. I also like machinist tools, Jeeps, old signs/advertising, anything old

 

[00pewter]

I'd like to find one of the green micro Snap-On boxes....too bad they are like a needle in the haystack. Anyone that searches my past posts/threads will know that i'm crazy about Snap-On green...

 

[JSharp]

I like proto and plomb.... older the better..... proto or plomb anything really
I am a machinist so no hf or craftsman please.
A pair visegrips or channelock pliers would be nice...
My gift reciepient has posted here and the advice was appreciated!

 

[Farmer Joe]

I guess I should add more to this, since after researching my person, it seems there's never enough to go, no matter how much they post lol.

I work as a mechanic daily. I'm only entry level, and not the out of tech school entry level, more like a guy who started off in this game knowing nothing lol. As my old manager called it "baptism by fire"
I've learned so much over the past 8 months, and have been buying tools as I go and see that I'll need them. Luckily my father is a master tech with decades or experience, so I've been handed down some of his backup's backup tools, which are good quality. So far I have my good ol' IR 1/2" impact, a nice set of older Sk shallow and deep impact sockets. A GP duo-socket set in 3/8 drive. A few ratchets or different sizes, I'm finding that I like buying ratchets lol. I find that I like a metal handle better than comfort grips. I have a set of SK wrenches combination, standard length. Same with my gearwrench set.
I have some specialty tools for brake jobs and some front end stuff. My screwdrivers are mostly made up of a HF set, I've been slowly trying to improve that by adding a few craftsman and a couple SK screwdrivers.
Basically all my tools get used and taken care of very well. I don't mind used tools that have been treated well. I sometimes like used tools more because I know some one else used them and worked hard with them, and it's like I'm carrying on that hard work lol.
Any gift from my SS would be appreciated. I'm just glad to be a part of this and hope we can continue to do it in future years. This is my first time doing SS

 

[Case]

i really hope my guy post here im not really getting any ideas from his post...

id be happy with anything i get... beef jerky,sk stuff, all tools, i really need some 1/2 sockets in metric tho.. and lets not forget beef jerky..

 

[Farmer Joe]

Mmmmm beef jerky

 

[Jawn]

JERKY!!!

mmmmm...

 

[FITO]

Well, I had it all planned out on what to get my fellow GJ junkie. But after getting his info and learning of his location I'm having to start over.
Thankfully he has posted here so I will also to help my Secret Santa out.

I'm a mess, I like anything garage related! Just broke ground yesterday on my barn so anything old for the walls would be cool. I love anything with 2 wheels, and currently have a Harley but I hate Harley **** . I love pre-67 VW stuff, coffee and of course Jerky!

But what would be really cool is to help my 6mo old son out, his tool collection is just starting out. So you, Secret Santa have the chance to get young TJ his first Christmas tool!

But really, anything will be cool! And thanks to Garage Journal and Blacknwhitepit for doing this.

 

[quick86]

Can't wait to start shopping for my Secret Santa. Was more excited last year for my SS gift than from the gift my wife got me

I think I am feeling the same. Don't tell my wife!

 

[ihredo4]

I will be happy with anything I would get. Thru the Craftsman phase now; other than BE's, and on to the finer tools like Williams. Anything in the "Super" series woud be a welcome addition. Also putting together a set of S&K tools for my nephew. Also like Proto, Plomb, Odd, Obscure and Interestingly designed tools. Happy Holidays to all. And Thank You in advance.

 

[Krokodil]

So I just ordered something for my secret santa! Hope to get it out by the end of next week.

So for a clue for mine: I'm a weekend warrior working on all kinds of things. 90% of my tools are German and I'd rather not buy something than get a cheapie. Too many expensive lessons in my life of buying something twice. I'll be happy with anything, maybe introduce me to quality American products.

 

[greasemonkey44]

i hope whoever has me has a good idea; if not, im on an sk tear lately....great stuff. I prefer american made; would even take a set of those huge channellocks, knocked the teeth off of mine. My favorite brands right now are sk, channellock, GP, wright, snapon, and matco. just remember its the thought that counts.
My guy hasnt posted yet but im hoping he does, all the other jeep nuts helps tho
thanks again blackandwhitepit for running the show

 

[Red Green]

I am up for a suprise. I would be just as happy with something used as i would with new.

 

[scott37300]

Well after doing some research to see what to get my guy I am having a hard time so I will post in here to help out my secret santa a little!

I like tools! I am a tool user and not a collector. I like new tools and old tools as long as they work. I have been adding and upgrading tools in the last year. Buying used snap on and other higher quality tools. I have been adding specialty tools, buying used and new. I do all my own/families/friends auto repair, wood working, metal fab/welding, and home improvement so have a fairly large tool collection but I am always adding to it. I've also been trying to do some tool organization. I also started a machining job a few months ago so machining tools are always nice. Also if I do get some tools I already have I can always take them to work, I've been working on putting together a duplicate set of tools for work.

Hope this helps a little. I'm really not that picky and will use and enjoy whatever I get.

 

[wornoutoldman]

I am so very thankful to just be here and celebrating another year with family, friends and of course the wonderful extended family of garage and tool aficionados here. Personally there isn't much I need in the way of hand or power tools however like my sig line says I'm looking for Indestro extensions (any sizes) a HF coupon or perhaps some chemicals that I can't get sent to me in Commiefornia (online ordering anyway) I'm talking about Kano Kroil in particular. So if my Santa sees this just know that whatever you choose is appreciated. Happy Holidays Everyone!

 

[07Forester]

Ugh, I really wish my SS receiver would post in here. I've looked at EVERY single one of his posts and it really doesn't mention anything definitive. I "kind" of have an idea on what i'm going to get him, but would like to make it more personal. Hell...even his favorite colors of tools would help.

As for me....I'm a SO Green freak, obviously from my posts. I've got pretty much everything SO has made in green.....except for a few things.

I also collect SO Hard handled Ratcheting screwdrivers.

 

[1320stang]

Hmm... My profile says Fords and drag racing. My sig shows my Ford collection.

Uhh, I'm pretty good on tools, although I like older tools, pretty much anything USA. Although I picked up Ace Hardware special on GearWrenches, they had 4 piece metric and SAE, 10,12,13,14, I also have an 18 & 3/8,7/16,1/2,9/16, I'd take individuals bigger than those (I hate to ask for anything big).

I'm trying to get into metalworking, I've got a teardrop plastic headed mallet and a couple of shot bags, I've got a nice oak stump, would take one of those deadly looking wood grinding discs for a 4.5" grinder that looks like a chain saw chain wrapped around it. Also, I have a piece of railroad track I want to shape, so some Norton low number grit discs to help shape it would be cool.

Any old punches and chisels are cool, a 18v Dewalt light (not the snake light) would be cool (just the light, used is fine if it's not painted or just beat to ****), different length extensions in 1/4 or 3/8.

Ohh!!! Vice Grips, especially the welding ones!! anything that was made in DeWitt, Nebraska or marked Peterson again, used is okay. Cleco's, files and file handles.

Magnetic bit holders for my impact driver or cordless drill, I have an air hammer but the only chisel I have has the 'tounge' that hangs down, a hammer head for it would be cool, I'm thinking of making a planishing hammer frame.

Wrench rolls (just the rolls, not the wrenches) would be cool too. Any tools you might just have one of, I'm not into collecting or polishing stuff, I use my tools.

Hope this helps.

 

[muibubbles]

im game for anything cool, i like old stuff thats interesting

i only use metric...

im also getting into metal fabrication and anything related would be really cool! shaping tools etc

i love clamps and old metal storage cabinets. drill bits, lathe tools/acc man i just like tools in general!

 

[ChargedUp!]

I'm a weekend wrenched too when the wife lets me. I have 4 Mustangs; a '79 Pace Car, an '82 GT t-top, an '83 GL and a '90 built for drag racing.
With that said, I could use some body hammers and dollies and some welding clamps. I'm perfectly fine with Craftsman as they have worked fine for me in my life. If I got any better, it would probably spoil me and make me a tool snob which would then make me have to get all new tools which would then upset the wife so... . Craftsman are more than ok!
Other than that, anything for the garage is fine. I am quite excited about this whole process!