[momteachsis]

If there is an automechanic in your family will you ask for a list of a few tools that starting out mechanics would need to own or want to own.
A high school family member is just starting out in an automotive trade program and eventually will need to buy his own tools. He doesn't own any of his own yet since the program has all the tools they'll need. What would be a good gift?

[MathWA]

Hubs said that someone would need a lot of different tools. Here are just a few.

Socket set
Open end wrenches
torque wrenches
Channel locks
Screw driver set

[amiga13]

Isn’t it likely that his future employer will have tools that are specific to the jobs they do?

[Alicia G]

My SIL (S = son, not sister) is a professional mechanic who works at a Porsche dealer.

His dealership provides a uniform via a laundry service as well as specialized tools. But he has to provide some supplies. Here are a few things that he really appreciates.

1) A big lunch box and an insulated water bottle
2) Terrific socks
3) Steel toed boots
4) Rolling tool box (Harbor Freight)
5) An LED, battery-operated light bar to take under a car
6) A mechanic's creeper
7) A first aid kit with some Motrin and Bandaids
8) A few really good tools. Bonus if you can have them engraved with his last name. Quality > quantity as some cheap tools break quickly or are just a bit off when accuracy is important
9) Some great undershirts. My SIL was wearing the typical white V neck cotton undershirts but in certain positions, they'd really chafe. He ordered a 5-pack (more or less) from Amazon of thin, shiny,
"high tech" synthetic tee shirts in dark colors (dark gray, navy, black, forest green). They were not marketed as undershirts; they are actually just normal tee shirts. I wish I had a link. He said they are much more comfortable than cotton undershirts. BUT they hold BO quite a bit so they use some strong laundry detergent in their top loader...

Could you secretly contact the program he is graduating from or his new employer to get some ideas?

[CricketSong]

Some places provide tools and others don’t. And it’s always good to have your own. It especially can come in handy for independent contractors and side jobs. It’s actually pretty standard that mechanics have their own tools, so this is a great idea.


SAE and Metric socket set
Cobra pliers
3/8s impact
Extra 10mm sockets as they are constantly lost.

[amiga13]

Originally Posted by CricketSong

And it’s always good to have your own.

Thanks for explaining. I learn so much at PT.

[momteachsis]

These are all great ideas! Christmas shopping will be easier now.

[eagles23]

Maybe throw in some pumice hand cleaner for when he gets home so he can get the grease off his hands. That would make a good stocking stuffer, too.

[momteachsis]

Pumice is great! He has a birthday next month and Christmas is so close after but there were enough ideas for us all to get him things for both.

[bonteach]

Shop “rags” are great to have... both disposable and reusable. If he’s going to be doing any work on vehicles at home, especially if he lives with a woman or man who hates greasy car related stuff dragged through her home, boot covers. 😁 My yard looked like a set from Sanford & Son for the 20 years I was married to an automotive technician.

Most places around here expect a mechanic to have their own basic tools. They provide some of the more expensive ones. You’re so thoughtful to help out... tools are freakin expensive!

[kahluablast]

How about some good degreaser hand soap or bars? A fingernail brush?