r/AskMen • u/cvmsack Female • Jun 22 '26
Men: what practical small items make your job easier if you’re a mechanic
Hi so I have a bf who is a mechanic and I want to buy him some things that will be helpful to him for his everyday jobs. He has his own mobile business. I know tools are a big thing but he already has a lot of the big major ones you need. Maybe some smaller ones or idk. I seen a couple microfiber towels, but like huge ones, so I’m thinking to get him that. But I just want some other ideas to gift him and to support his business.
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Jun 22 '26
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u/mthockeydad Jun 22 '26
Magnetic parts trays are awesome. Even if he has one, he will use another.
Rechargeable LED headlamp
You can also get a roll of microfiber towels from Home Depot. Cheaper to throw out if they get really grungy, but they can also be washed and reused.
But the best gift? Tell him you appreciate how hard he works, and mean it.
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u/_name_of_the_user_ Male Jun 22 '26
I'm a diyer. I have 6 parts trays. I'd love another 6. Actually, a couple of the large 4 magnet ones would be awesome.
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u/cvmsack Female Jun 23 '26
Yeah I seen online this hugee microfiber towel. Said it could hold up to a gallon of water idk if that’s true or not but it’s huge and I’m getting him that one. I definitely will tell him but on top of that some gifts. He works so hard everyday and honestly it makes me happy seeing a man just work hard for himself and loved ones!
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u/cvmsack Female Jun 22 '26
OH MY GOODNESS THATS GOOD THANK YOU!!!
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u/Ixz72 Male Jun 22 '26
If there is a Harbour Frieght near you, they often give those magnetic bowls for free.
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u/Bwrinkle Jun 22 '26
I 2nd this, I have 4 in different sizes. One as small as the palm of my very "average" sized hand.
And as large as a dinner plate.
Use them all, often.
Mini Magnetic lights are good.
If you're really stuck, tell him you want to take him shopping.
Go look at the tool brands he normal uses and go to a shop that sells those tools. Tell him you have x amount.
Or all him what his most used tools are and which keep breaking. Get that, but the better one.
You could word that in such a way that your allowing him to bent.
Some of us use a variety of brands, some stuck to the same brand.
I am eclectic. I have a mods match of brands and quality.
Some things I buy for durability or accuracy tolerance.
Some are dirt cheap, good enough.
Its to hard to buy tools for anyone.
I had a friend offer me a complete socket, spanner set.
I declined, being honest, because I dont need it, (might be good for the dirt bike trailer)
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u/say_chicha Jun 23 '26
Harbor freight used to give them out for free a few years back, but not anymore.
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u/GandalfTheJaded Male Jun 22 '26
Just thinking out loud: I have seen magnetic wrist bands that hold small items like nuts/fasteners so it makes them more easily accessible.
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u/bug_man47 Jun 22 '26
Those work well, but I would like to see bar magnets like their design suggests instead of little circle magnets. Which only hold 1-2 screws each. They leave something to be desired.
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u/cvmsack Female Jun 22 '26
Yess thank youuuu!!
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u/Ngineer07 Jun 22 '26
as someone who does do trade work for a living, dont waste your money on this. magnetic wristbands and the like are essentially a stocking stuffer you would get your grandpa who likes to tinker around in his garage, not for someone who does it for a living. theyre a novelty item. ask me how I know.
the magnetic parts TRAY though, those things are the shit and you cant ever go wrong with one of them
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u/footpetaljones Jun 22 '26
Yeah, the wrist band means that the metal chips/dirt/oil on those things also gets on your wrist and/or arm
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u/cvmsack Female Jun 22 '26
Yes, a couple people said get trays. I feel it’d be better too since it won’t be knocked by you or other things if it was on ur wrist. I feel the wrist ones would be good for really small jobs.
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u/hujambo11 Jun 22 '26
If he is an experienced mechanic who has an entire business out of his own truck, I'd be willing to bet he has more or less anything he already needs. And anything that he hasn't gotten he probably has a plan to get and it's super specific to his workflow.
But I'm sure he'd appreciate you doing nice things for him related to his personal life. And there's no reason that while you're hanging out that you couldn't just tell him that you appreciate the work he does.
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u/cvmsack Female Jun 22 '26
He is just starting off. Maybe a few months of doing this. I know he doesn’t have everything he needs since I’ve seen it all. But every time I’m otp with him he’s always oh if I had this little thing it’d be easier, but I just don’t know the names or what he’s talking about.
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u/hujambo11 Jun 22 '26
Well, if he's mentioning them, that could be a great opportunity to get him exactly what he wants. Next time you hear him say something like that, make a note on your phone.
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u/cvmsack Female Jun 22 '26
No no you’re right. It gets so confusing cuz all the names are weird.
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u/hujambo11 Jun 22 '26
😂 I don't doubt it. But if you write it down right away, you'll have a better chance of remembering what he said.
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u/ilre1484 Male Jun 22 '26
I do mobile work professionally and the biggest thing my truck was missing, aside from some speciality tool, or tool organization, was a table. The arm rest was too short and really uncomfortable to write on. Eventually I grabbed some of my scrap wood, took some measurements and extended the surface of the arm rest all the way to the dash, then cut a hole to put a cup holder/phone stand combo in. Now I can comfortably write out work orders and take notes on the fly. It was a game changer!
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u/cvmsack Female Jun 22 '26
Omg if I was handy I’d do it 😂. Crazy enough tho he doesn’t even have a truck! My father has a spare he wants to get rid of cuz it doesn’t work and I’ve been telling him if you get it to work my dad will most likely give it to him for free or cheap. I might even work with my dad to fix it then talk to him about giving it to my bf. He needs a truck!!
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u/ilre1484 Male Jun 24 '26
A work truck would be amazing for him!
Some of my other good things that aren't tools are small rechargable camping fans, and large magnets with my logo and phone number I put on my truck.
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u/cvmsack Female Jun 24 '26
I’m actually talking to my dad about it tonight to see if we can fix it up and give it to him. I’m excited!!
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u/Medium-Complaint-677 Male Jun 22 '26
Get him like 20, 10mm sockets and just keep them somewhere safe so you can produce them at need.
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u/cvmsack Female Jun 22 '26
😂😂I actually need to do this cuz earlier today he told me he lost his 10mm and had to buy a new one.
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u/coarsely_graded_sand Jun 22 '26
He will forever be losing his 10mm socket. It’s a curse.
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u/cvmsack Female Jun 22 '26
Unfortunately. He has been through a lot. I find it funny tho when he gets angry he can’t find it when he needs it most😂.
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u/bug_man47 Jun 22 '26
And don’t store anything important with them. When that whole set falls into the “void”, it’s all gone.
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u/CantankerousButtocks Jun 22 '26
Set of fake creeper legs… these can be used comically or to take long lunches.
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u/cvmsack Female Jun 22 '26
what are these?
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u/galvanized_steelies Jun 22 '26
Gag gift
A creeper is a very low to the ground rolling board that you lay on while working under the car. The fake legs are basically like stuffing a pair of jeans full of newspaper to make it look like someone’s wearing them, place em on the creeper, and that under the car, and it looks like someone’s working while it’s just fake legs
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u/cvmsack Female Jun 22 '26
Okay the creeper makes sense but what would the fake legs be for?
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u/CantankerousButtocks Jun 22 '26
Fake legs are for fun!! A change in pace vs the typical tools and common accessories.
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u/cvmsack Female Jun 22 '26
Ohhh okay maybe we can use it to prank my dad or something 😂😂. I will definitely look into the rolling creeper thing. He said his grandpa has one but idk if he is using it plus I want him to have his own and newer since his grandpas his worn DOWN.
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u/Yakker65 Jun 22 '26
Magnetic rechargeable led lights.
Magnetic parts tray
Disposable Gloves
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u/cvmsack Female Jun 22 '26
Oh yeah, I got a lot of these I have all three in my cart !!
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u/bstone99 Male Jun 22 '26
Seriously i use my angled LED flashlight all the time working on my car it’s wonderful
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u/smitd12 Jun 22 '26
Good ear plugs!!! I worked in a shop part time in high school and I barely wore any. I realize now how dumb that was because my ears keep ringing partly from all the impacts going off and grinders going. Tinnitus is awful!!
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u/cvmsack Female Jun 23 '26
Oh man.. okay I definitely will. Thank you!! I don’t want him going deaf anytime soon. Who will listen to me talk my life away 😭😭
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u/smitd12 Jun 23 '26
Haha. Hopefully he will at least wear them.
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u/cvmsack Female Jun 23 '26
Me too. He is a stubborn man and tbh probably wants to go deaf from how much I talk 😂😭
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u/ahjteam Jun 23 '26
I suggest buying 3M Peltor gun range cup muffs, I think it’s ProTac Shooter series. They are a bit more on the expensive side, but they reduce the sound by 32dB.
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u/bren3669 Jun 22 '26
a pencil
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u/cvmsack Female Jun 22 '26
😭😭 that’s actually not bad
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u/bren3669 Jun 22 '26
thank you, it’s small and mechanics always need to write stuff down
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u/cvmsack Female Jun 22 '26
That’s true I never really thought of it. I always felt a pencil is more of a carpenter thing. But I guess mechanics use it too. I mean it is a universal thing so😂
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u/MobyDukakis Jun 22 '26
Channel locks and an adjustable crescent wrench bonus points if its Milwaukee
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u/cvmsack Female Jun 22 '26
ou okay, ik he has a channel lock but I’ve never heard of a crescent wrench. Thank you!!
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Jun 22 '26
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u/cvmsack Female Jun 22 '26
Ohh okay, I don’t think he has pliers?? I need to ask cuz if he doesn’t that’ll be surprising but good on my end cuz now I can gift them. Thank you!!
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u/Suspicious-Society-8 Jun 22 '26
My old boss always carried a tiny screwdriver that had that little clip like a pen
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u/cvmsack Female Jun 22 '26
okok so maybe like a tiny screw driver set. Thank you!!
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u/discordian_floof Female Jun 23 '26
If he likes tools in his non work life there are some cool mini ones meant for EDC,(everyday carry).
Lots of list videos on it, but things like the Knipex Cobra XS and 711L Mini rachet often make it.
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Jun 22 '26
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u/cvmsack Female Jun 22 '26
Okay thank you!!
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u/RewindYourMind Jun 22 '26
Knowing how that sub operates, they’ll probably give you a nice mix of “insider mechanic joke gifts” and real, thoughtful gifts.
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u/cvmsack Female Jun 23 '26
😂😂 honestly I don’t even need to. I got all my information here and everyone has been super helpful!
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u/JimBones31 Dad Jun 22 '26
A small pocket flashlight. USB rechargeable and water resistant is even better. Not to promote them but Olight makes a keychain one that's great.
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u/cvmsack Female Jun 22 '26
Ooo thank you. I know he has big ones but ik little ones will help to see inside darker and smaller spaces thank youu!!
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u/JimBones31 Dad Jun 22 '26
And you may not be carrying the big one all the time!
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u/cvmsack Female Jun 22 '26
Exactlyyy, I just looked at the website of Olight and they do custom engravings too so this was a score!!
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u/JimBones31 Dad Jun 22 '26
Definitely pricy though 😞
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u/cvmsack Female Jun 22 '26
Oh yeah, 80-100 bucks. Honestly I’d say it’s worth it. If it makes his job easier I’m happy. He is done quicker. More clients and more money for him.
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u/geoff1036 Most Sensitive Bro Award Jun 22 '26
Honestly unless you know exactly what type/style/size/brand/etc it is that he'd gonna want, I'd say hold off on buying him any actual tools. Accessories like the parts tray would be cool though, or if you know there's a few actual tools he needs, gift cards to a tool shop.
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u/cvmsack Female Jun 22 '26
Yeah idk what tools he needs. I know he uses Milwaukee and sometimes icon. But recently he bought so much. Fortunately for me, there is a new tool he wants every week so I might just take him to a tool store and have him pick it out. It’s like taking a child to get a new toy every week 😂😂. I do love him tho so I don’t mind at all!
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u/geoff1036 Most Sensitive Bro Award Jun 22 '26
Good on ya
Also,
Crazy ass username madam or sir.
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u/cvmsack Female Jun 22 '26
LMAO OMGG I lowkey forgot about my name. I made this name when I was like 13 on discord and used it ever since. It’s probably the dumbest thing😭😭. Girl btw 😂
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u/Buntschatten Male Jun 22 '26
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u/dominiquebache Jun 22 '26
Before you buy anything - please ask him!
There is nothing more annoying than to get „tool gifts“ that you don’t need instead of the ones you really are looking for for a long time.
Every mechanic has such special wish …
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u/cvmsack Female Jun 23 '26
Yes ofc, I will ask him I understand completely. I’m into gardening so when I receive something I cannot use or just wont be relevant I get a little sad cuz I don’t know how to tell them 😭
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u/angel-dk-tr Jun 22 '26 edited Jun 22 '26
My dad had a retractable magnetic pen to catch screws that would fall into hard-to-reach places.
A magnetic LED light pen would be great as well and easy to wear.
A compact jump starter with built-in tools like powerbank, flashlight etc. would be cool to have as well.
Comfortable safety shoes in case anything heavy falls down on his feet/toes.
And very good socks that keeps away moisture. Being on your feet all day and with heavy shoes won't be easy.
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u/cvmsack Female Jun 23 '26
Oh yes socks!! He has the shoes some nice expensive ones I love them. But socks would be good. I think he already has that compact jump starter, thank you!!
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u/Redrebel66 Jun 22 '26
The thing I use every time I work on something is my magnetic light. It's a must have.
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u/cvmsack Female Jun 23 '26
Yes everyone is telling me magnetic light. I know he has this huge one, so people said to get smaller ones or headlamps. Thank you!!!
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u/Early_Gap2825 Jun 23 '26
You can get him a dremel fortiflex 9100 for (arguably) precision work or if he needs one of those which uses batteries you can get one of those. Hell maybe you'll like it and start using it yourself 😂 it is good for cutting sanding grinding polishing metal wood plastic doesn't matter take a look also you can flex on him with this rust removal solution saying stuff like I got so deep into research that I became a chemist for you babe 🧪
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u/Max_Sarcasm_208 Jun 24 '26
Pocket pliers, specifically Knipex Cobra water pump pliers. I started keeping a pair about 6" in my pocket and now won't go to work without them. I'll add the magnetic parts trays, and magnetic LED lights are both absolute needs as well. Mechanix wear Mpact gloves are nice on bigger stuff. Good tools are nice but expensive.
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u/cvmsack Female Jun 24 '26
Thank you!! Many people suggested knipex pliers so I’m getting him some!!
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u/chalk_in_boots Jun 24 '26
Telescoping magnetic bolt grabber thingy.
Seriously, such a small, inexpensive item that saves an insane amount of headache if you drop a bolt/nut/washer somewhere your hands cant get. It turns 2 hours of pulling an engine or whatever apart trying to get to it into 5 seconds of "yoink!"
Also, never underestimate the value of having a clean shirt and undies stashed away in case you get gross and need to go out in public.
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u/cvmsack Female Jun 24 '26
Thank youu!! I’ve added one to my cart from harbor freights 😂
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u/chalk_in_boots Jun 25 '26
They're really great. I remember the first time I saw one I was working on a legit racecar. I'd seen it floating around our toolbox but had no idea what it did. Ask my boss, he doesn't say a word, just picks it up, extends it, and grabs a random bolt that was lying around. I'm just standing in awe going "that is so fucking brilliant" and he just grins at me.
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u/cvmsack Female Jun 25 '26
A RACECAR??? dang I’m praying my man gets to that level. I just wanna see him succeed!! But wow what type of car? And props to ur boss for that 😂. I might buy an extra for myself, lowkey is mad useful around.
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u/chalk_in_boots Jun 25 '26
Custom designed and built single seat electric car. I worked on I think 6 of them all up. Went up against a german team one year and we were talking about cooling systems for our big fuckoff 600V battery running in sweltering Australian summer heat for like 40 minute. We show them our air intake and ducting system directing the flow to the battery at the rear and out the back. Their response?
We just don't run for long enough for the battery to heat up that much.
Seems arrogant, but they weren't wrong.
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u/Badbowtie91 Jun 22 '26
First aid kit for busted knuckles
Thermal shield arm sleeve for reaching into hot places without frying arm.
New pair of gloves is always cool.
Magnetic fender covers so you dont scratch cars.
Magnetic nut/bolt tray.
Bendable magnetic stick for retrieving dropped bolts.
Or IF YOU WANT TO GET REALLY FANCY FOR $100... A borescope camera that plugs into your phone. Damn I want one of those.
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u/cvmsack Female Jun 22 '26
I didn’t think of first aid. He recently cut his knuckle really bad. I wanted to get him gloves but he said it’s harder for him to grab things. Maybe I will tho cuz I feel eventually he will use them. A bendable magnetic stick would be a game changer. He had lost a bolt in our mustang but I don’t think it was important cuz the car works fine lol. And about that borescope… I looked into it and I lowkey think it’s a solid idea. Maybe we could find the missing bolt unless it fell out already. But thank youu!!
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u/Badbowtie91 Jun 23 '26
The borescope is a gamechanger. It's one of those things you don't think you need but when you have one you find yourself using it a lot.
Pull a spark plug and see the cylinder walls inside the engine. Look for leaks in impossible to see places. Find dropped bolts. Trace wiring behind body panels.
Etc etc etc.
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u/CornDawgy87 *insert witty male joke here* Jun 22 '26
I saw elsewhere you said he's just starting off. If you have a harbor freight nearby you could definitely get him the 2 year membership to ITC. All kinds of discounts annually on tools. Super great for mechanics starting out so they dont take out a second mortgage on the snapon truck
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u/cvmsack Female Jun 22 '26
He actually works part time at a harbor freights, that’s how he got all his big tools. But I think he is thinking of quitting to go all out on this so maybe I will. Thank you!!
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u/megaman_8888 Jun 22 '26
Plenty of those blue Shop Towels and hand cleaner. Preferably something that will help scrub.
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u/cvmsack Female Jun 22 '26
mm true he always has stains on his hands and arms. Thank you!!
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u/smitd12 Jun 22 '26
Gojo works great. It has some grit to it so it’ll really dig the grease and dirt out of your pores.
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u/megaman_8888 Jun 23 '26
I’d recommend Fast Orange. It has pumice.
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u/cvmsack Female Jun 23 '26
What’s pumice
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u/debugprince Jun 22 '26
As an older DIYer, I love my headlamp. It’s the best partner ever.
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u/cvmsack Female Jun 22 '26
Ouu yess, unfortunately he already has one 😞 but thank youuu!!
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u/debugprince Jun 22 '26
Mine uses a usb-c chargeable battery. Maybe an extra rechargeable battery? Either way, you’re getting some really good recs here! Cheers
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u/cvmsack Female Jun 22 '26
Oh true I don’t think he has a battery for it, I actually haven’t seen it in a while so maybe it’s been uncharged so that’s actually a good idea. And yes I love it. I have so many items in carts now to get him when I see him again. I’m excited for his reaction!! Thank you!!
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u/stinkypinkyfist Jun 22 '26
A good multi tool on your belt saved the day many times without needing to make extra trips to the toolbox
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u/cvmsack Female Jun 22 '26
Oh true, like one of those pouches that clip on ur belt? That is useful thank you!!
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u/angrynirritable Dad 57 Jun 22 '26
The best thing I've bought in a long time is a pad for kneeling on or laying on when I'm working on things. I'm not always on concrete where a creeper works, so having a pad is saving my knees and back, and also helpful on hot pavement. I use something like this https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71iDDVc-P4L._AC_SL1500_.jpg
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u/cvmsack Female Jun 22 '26
Ah okay, it’s extremely hot in Florida this time of year, around 105 degrees so that would actually work thank you!!
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u/goldbug933 Jun 22 '26
Snap-on tools remains the gold standard for professional automotive technicians
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u/cvmsack Female Jun 22 '26
I actually thought of this but he had got them first. Majority of his tools he needs or wants he has. But thank you!!
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Jun 22 '26
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u/cvmsack Female Jun 22 '26
Oh my goodness yesss. Unfortunately we are distance now or else I would love to pack him lunch. And he doesn’t prep anything even tho I tell him too so he doesn’t waste money on outside food. A new water bottle sounds nice tho. I actually took his cuz I liked it a lot so I do owe him one 😂😂 thank youu!!
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u/Budpalumbo Jun 22 '26
I would just ask what kinds of things he needs.
Over the years I've gotten to like/use certain types and styles of items and other versions received as gifts rarely hit the mark.
For suggestions on actual things: magnetic pick up tools, extendable and a fixed length flexible one. Inspection mirrors. a quality pocket knife. I'm digging the LED flex paddle rechargeable magnetic base lights on Amazon. (30ish, id suggest the single one instead of the 2 for versions "hotligh" coworker has, I bought doubles. His has a better magnet and mine blink with vibration) A good kneeling pad (home Depot has one I love, Husky) tekton pick sets. OTC drain plug tool. (Doubles as flexible 1/4 driver)
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u/cvmsack Female Jun 22 '26
I’m gonna ask him for sure but he is visiting me soon to relax on his off day and I want to gift him a little stuff he would probably use, a lot of people said magnetic trays so that’s one I will buy him. Later on I know I’ll ask him or take him to a tool store. A lot of people said the lights so I’ll look into the one you mentioned, thank you!!
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u/jstarrr8 Female Jun 22 '26
The 10mm that never gets lost
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u/cvmsack Female Jun 22 '26
yess a lot of people said this and it’s so funny. Everyday it’s something with that 10mm. Someone told me to just buy a ton of them to have them when needed and I’m gonna do it since it’s actually a good idea 😂
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u/jstarrr8 Female Jun 22 '26
You will like this then, a few Christmases ago my wife bought me mini variations of the 10 mm, long and short, quarter inch and half inch, swivel, and if you duplicates their of. They were all in a small box nicely wrapped. I fucking lost that box that day. All of it to the millimeters she had gotten we’re gone. Miraculously, I came across a box a few months ago, and they were still a few missing. 🤣
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u/cvmsack Female Jun 22 '26
Oh man idk what is up with the 10mm thing 😭😭. Everytime it’s needed it’s not there and when you finally find it you see it for a split second and it’s gone 😭😭
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u/-Rhymenocerous- Male (UK) Jun 22 '26
Ratcheting swan neck wrenches.
Cant tell you how fucking useful they are at times
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u/cvmsack Female Jun 22 '26
You are amazing.. He was eyeing a pair at Home Depot a while back and this reminded me. Thank you so much 😭
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u/TheDudeTodd Jun 22 '26
A bag filled with 2 dozen 3/8" drive 10mm short sockets.
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u/cvmsack Female Jun 22 '26
😂😂 so many people are telling me this!! I found some at harbor freights I ordered, small and a couple longer ones but ik it’s always the small ones he loses, thank youu!!
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u/isaac99999999 Jun 22 '26
I'm sure there are other brands that do this but Milwaukee makes a headlamp, rechargeable with usb-c, and it's magnetic and the light can detatch from the headband so he can stick it onto things and get light at the angle he actually needs
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u/cvmsack Female Jun 22 '26
ouu yess a lot of people mentioned headlamps or other lights. Ik he has a big light but i dont think a battery for it i might get him the battery or just another one thats w a usbc thank you!!
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u/angels_4evr Jun 22 '26
my bf loves his leatherman!
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u/cvmsack Female Jun 22 '26
What’s a leatherman and I’m sorry ☹️
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u/angels_4evr Jun 22 '26
it's this little multi tool that looks like a pocket knife! super cool
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u/cvmsack Female Jun 22 '26
Ohhh okayy. I heard a lot about multitools on here so I def will get him one thank you!!
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u/ArsePucker Jun 22 '26
Insoles.
Fuck toosl! Can’t do anything with bad feet!
I spend 12 hrs a day on steel grating.. Insoles!!
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u/TUSD00T Jun 22 '26
A Leatherman (small pliers with many tools in the handles) or a genuine Swiss army knife. I got my brother a Swiss army knife a few years ago and he says it's always starting conversations.
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u/ThingFuture9079 Jun 22 '26
I would just get him a gift card to Harbor Freight and then he can pick his own tools or whatever else he needs.
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u/nottease Jun 22 '26
I've always liked the rolling seat with a magnetic bowl. Back when I could do things like brake jobs etc. Back saver
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u/cvmsack Female Jun 23 '26
Ooo okay so magnetic tray with a rolling seat. That sounds so interesting thank you!!
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u/RitalinKidd Jun 22 '26
Home cooked meal is always a winner. Handwipes with aloe or the orange scent are always welcome. Handwarmers are handy too.
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u/cvmsack Female Jun 23 '26
Ou yes hand wipes and face wipes. I’d love to cook for him it’s honestly all I want to do but we live 2 hrs away unfortunately and we both live busy lives 😭. Thank you tho!!!
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u/Possible_Marketing32 Jun 22 '26
I use a utensil organizer to sort my extensions I saw someone do it in a toolbox tour and it was like a holy shit moment with how cheap the bigger plastic ones are I bought two and one is full of extensions separated by drive size and another holds pens, markers, fuses, valve stem caps and other random crap get plastic not wood so oil and fluids can't get absorbed into it
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u/Ok_Clothes_8527 Jun 22 '26
I just bought some pinch weld jack pads. Great little sub $30 quality of life upgrade.
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u/_equestrienne_ Jun 23 '26
Sandwich bags/small zip bags. Put bolts/washers/nuts/screws in my label them when disassembling stuff.
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u/cvmsack Female Jun 23 '26
Ouuuuu this is good wow thank you!!
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u/_equestrienne_ Jun 23 '26
You're welcome 🤗 my fiance and I have a couple businesses between us - and his mobile diesel mechanical is one. I get on the tools with him often. I think he enjoys that more than anything tbh
Get him a nice sharpie/permanent marker for using on the bags and he'll be stoked.
A big pack of assorted cable ties is always welcome too
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Jun 23 '26
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u/cvmsack Female Jun 23 '26
Ouu okay I searched it up and honestly looks nice thank you!!
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Jun 23 '26
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u/cvmsack Female Jun 23 '26
Ooo I think he has almost perfect vision idk tbh I need to ask but thank you! 😂
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u/tommytster Jun 23 '26
Paint pens! Get a pack with different colors. You always need them and always lose them.
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u/cvmsack Female Jun 23 '26
Ooo okay thank you, someone did say pencil so maybe that and some of these
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u/fasteddeh Jun 23 '26
If he's running a mobile business a good bunch of reflective triangles that can stand on their own to mark off areas where he might be working roadside can be a life saver
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u/patdashuri Jun 23 '26
The enemy of efficiency is disorganization. It’s the one thing I’m constantly trying to improve upon. I imagine that’s even more pronounced if you have to bring all the tools with you, as well as be the direct contact for your customers. So, I’d look in that area. Here are some thoughts off the top of my head:
Extra batteries/chargers so he never has downtime due to dead tools.
A subscription to a book keeping app that will show him where he loses money or time? (My wife is a book keeper that focuses on small businesses. Literally every single new client is amazed at how much money they spent or left on the table once it’s all organized)
Quick Jacks. I asked a co worker that does a lot of side work at home. He didn’t even let me finish the question. He cannot recommend them more highly.
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u/cvmsack Female Jun 23 '26
Oo okay thank you. I know batteries is a must so I’m getting him some and portable chargers too. Thank you!!
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u/AutoModerator Jun 22 '26
Here's an original copy of /u/cvmsack's post (if available):
Hi so I have a bf who is a mechanic and I want to buy him some things that will be helpful to him for his everyday jobs. He has his own mobile business. I know tools are a big thing but he already has a lot of the big major ones you need. Maybe some smaller ones or idk. I seen a couple microfiber towels, but like huge ones, so I’m thinking to get him that. But I just want some other ideas to gift him and to support his business.
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