The Best Gifts For Mechanics (Review) in 2020

Overalls might not be the first thing that comes to mind as a gift but trust us: Insulated overalls are a must-have piece of mechanics’ gear for the winter. It doesn’t matter if the mechanic has access to a garage. Some projects force us to work outside no matter the time of year. Overalls do an excellent job at keeping one warm, as well as preventing cold and bits of ice, snow, dirt, and rocks from infiltrating clothing. They don’t cover the arms, they aren’t limiting to the upper body’s range of motion. But they still keep your favorite mechanic warm and (relatively) clean.

These are not the most affordable set of overalls on the market. But they are from Carhartt, and that usually means the wearer will get years of use out of them. The durable cotton duck exterior ensures this is so, and the quilted polyester promises to keep them warm during the winter.

You want to hear some new and exciting ways to use bad words? Hang around a mechanic dealing with snap rings and junky equipment. Gifting tools is always a little tricky, especially when a mechanic has access to a tool truck. But even a top of the line tool box is likely to have a subpar set of snap-ring pliers within. Poorly constructed pliers of the kind are more like an acrobat with all the twisting they do and can serve as a source of madness. 

That’s why you should consider this comprehensive set from Knipex as a gift. These German-made tools hit the nail right on the head and make snap ring nightmares a thing of the past. The heavy-duty construction is not likely to flex or crack, and thoughtful engineering positively impacts the working experience. 

All mechanics are subject to deafening sound levels. Large pieces of machinery and power tools can be a severe threat to one’s hearing, and it’s essential to protect it whenever possible. And while hearing protection is necessary for every mechanic, it rarely makes a good gift idea. That is unless it can do some neat tricks. 3M Worktunes may not be as new and exciting as they used to be, but they always make an excellent gift.

They offer a noise reduction rating of 24 dB but can link to any Bluetooth device so that you can listen to music, podcasts, or whatever else you want to while you work. Rather than being forced to listen to the mundane muffled drone of power tools, mechanics can use their favorite music for the morale boost they need to power through any project.

Many things threaten a mechanic’s hands as they work. Scolding hot headers, the business ends of self-tapping screws, and jagged sheet metal are all eager to take a bite the second that wrench lets lose. Mechanix Wear Gloves are a favorite among many because they do a great job keeping accidents from occurring. 

But more importantly, nothing enhances the sting of bumps and cuts like the cold bite of winter. These gloves do an excellent job at warding off either issue. They are insulated to keep the hand warm, add a layer of protection to the entire hand, and have a synthetic leather palm to enhance grip. They may not be the most luxurious gift to give, but they’re up to the job of keeping a mechanic’s fingers far from being rubbed raw or frozen stiff.

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In any shop, spare hardware is abundant. What starts as an old coffee container quickly turns into an entire shelf of cups, mugs, boxes, and whatever else hardware can fit in scattered about. Ok, maybe that’s an exaggeration, but the organization of small parts is massively beneficial. This handy storage unit makes a great gift idea because of it.

This organizer has a total of 39 drawers, 30 are small, and nine are large. The combination is a big plus, as it allows for a combination of hardware. And if you’re worried that they might already have one, it’s still something they can get use out of. You can use it to store hardware, carburetor parts, electrical connectors, and so on. The possibilities are endless.

Keeping your back in working order is something a mechanic needs to concern themselves with every day. And luckily, they have lifts and other pieces of machinery to help them with it. But, sometimes, they have to get down in the wheel well with the vehicle flat on the ground. This little seat is perfect for those situations and has a few little tricks to make the working process even better. 

Starting with the basics, this seat has a steel frame to resist abuse and can support up to 300 pounds. It’s got a durable plastic body to boost aesthetics and four rubberized casters to keep it rolling freely. Underneath the padded seat, you’ll find a super handy tool tray/organizer to help one blast through any work they’ve got going on. 

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An inspection camera can change one’s entire working dynamic. Something as simple as checking the condition of an engine’s cylinders typically requires tearing the engine down just to get a look inside. An inspection camera allows one to skip past the intensive manual labor and still give a good visual inspection. And while that might be the most notable use, this kind of tool does come in handy any time one needs to peer into tight or hard to reach places.

There’s no shortage of inspection cameras on the market. And most of them are pretty terrible. There are no two ways about it. But, Milwaukee’s entry does away with all of the headaches the cheaper models are bound to provide. We guarantee that the mechanic you give this to will have a far better working experience and get years of use out of it.

Tool collections never stop growing, and therefore more storage solutions are almost always a great idea. But that doesn’t mean a mechanic is always looking for a run of the mill tool chest. They may want a tool storage system with a little more versatility.

If you’ve got a mechanic in your life, you might consider hooking them up with this 2-Drawer tool cart from Ironton this Christmas. It’s a perfect addition to any shop because the mechanic can just wheel over all of the tools they need for a project. It has plenty of storage space, and the top can even act as a small workbench. It might not have the capacity of a full-on chest, but saving them those trips to and from their primary box will make a huge difference.

It doesn’t matter how well-lit a shop is. You need a flashlight when you’re under the hood of a car. The only problem is that you don’t have any hands to hold it. Often times, someone else is forced to hold the light while you work. Ok, we won’t lie and act like handheld lights with magnetic bases aren’t handy. But there is a better way.

A light like this is explicitly built with automotive projects in mind. Either end of the large light bar has hooks that fasten to hoods or the rood of a car. It creates an overhead lighting solution that frees up the mechanic’s hands to tackle projects. This Neiko light might not be the first of it’s kind, but the adjustable width, attachable magnets, and 1,200 lumens separate it from many others.

Let’s take a look at another practical yet affordable gift idea. All too often, a mechanic is forced to choose between holding a flashlight or using hand tools. In these situations, their mouth winds up, pulling light duty. This headlamp gives the jaw a break while freeing up both hands for work.

It’s got five different settings and can hit up to 450 lumens as needed. Plus, the ability to switch between spot and flood patterns adds a little versatility.  It’s got an adjustable strap that ensures comfort, and the compact design keeps it from snagging on anything. It also has a tilting function that makes it possible to reposition the light without placing your neck at an awkward angle.

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A mechanic’s ingenuity and resourcefulness shine in the face of stripped or broken fasteners. And as much pride as one might feel when they get to show off their brainpower, sometimes it’s better to just get the thing out of there and keep moving. Vamplier’s Screw Extractor pliers are a quick solution in the face of adversity.

These pliers look a lot like a standard set of lineman’s but have a unique set of teeth to clamp into the head of screws or broken bolts. So long as there’s something to bite into, these bad boys will do it, and could be the difference between having to break out the welder or grinder. Giving them the gift to speed up the process is something every mechanic will appreciate. Besides, they’ve probably been curious about them considering their massive presence in the infosphere these days.

Every shop needs good power tools. Sure, pneumatics are great, but the air line can be a big hassle. Not to mention, those tools have reach limitations. But instead of turning to some no-name brand, hook that gearhead up with something they’ll get years of use out of. This setup from Milwaukee is precisely that.

The FUEL lineup is known for its massive power and efficiency. The Mid-Torque impact in this set can speak for that with it’s 600 ft-lb output. And if that’s not enough to impress you, it also includes a 3/8-inch power ratchet. And yes, it even comes with the battery and battery charger. It’s everything you need to tear things down in the blink of an eye and a surefire way to knock working hands off their feet.

Every mechanic spends time in the belly of the beast and working on the sides of it. So why not hook them up with something that helps them do both? This foldable creeper lays flat to slide under the vehicle or can set up as a chair for other projects.

It’s got extra padding to support the head and neck when laid flat, and six 3-inch casters keep you moving freely. When set up as a seat, it has a height of 14 inches, which is perfect for working in wheel wells and so on. And that steel frame offers plenty of support. It can hold up to 450 pounds and isn’t likely to crumble in the face of a hard day’s work.

It’s no secret that gifting a mechanic with tools can be a tricky endeavor. But even if they have an extensive toolbox at work, it doesn’t mean they have everything they need at home. And while a top of the line set of tools in the home shop isn’t always necessary, they definitely won’t want a pile of junk to sort through. Gearwrench tools are above average quality and even find their way into professional settings. This brand pumps out intuitive tool designs with decent quality, and they won’t rob you blind.

This mechanic’s tool set is worth considering as a gift because it’s got covers the basics for pretty much any job you’d tackle off the clock. Two hundred thirty-nine pieces include ratchets, sockets, box wrenches, Allen keys, and a bit driver setup. And, if you act fast, you can snag it for 30% off and save nearly $100.

A mechanic will inevitably work on their knees from time to time. Even if it’s not for long periods, any time your knees come in contact with hard surfaces, it can add up to severe issues down the road. That’s why a good set of kneepads is always a good idea. But don’t just throw a cheap set at that mechanic. Spend a little more on something worthwhile.

These knee pads have a few advantages over the cheap ones. For one, they offer a flat, stabilizing pad. This design helps keep the knees in place and puts the leg in a more natural position. The outer shell has fantastic shock-absorbent properties, but the interior gel lining is exceptionally supportive. This is the kind of thing a mechanic can use daily, and it’ll make significant improvements to their working experience.

It’s not uncommon for mechanics to have to drill holes to mount accessories on a vehicle. It’s also not unlikely for them to need to get creative to do the job. A lot of time, they work in tight spaces where a traditional drill just can’t reach in. Well, another offering from Milwaukee’s FUEL line up is the perfect solution.

This right-angle drill offers the ability to reach into places a regular drill might not, and it has the performance needed to get through rigid materials like sheet metal. And because it’s cordless, one can easily manage it without having to fumble with a power cord. It seems like an obvious tool to add to any collection, but it definitely isn’t something many mechanics immediately think of as they initially build their loadout. That’s where you come to the rescue!

Who’s the first person you call when your car battery dies? Your mechanic buddy, that’s who. After all, he’s got that massive jump starter he can lug to any location. Well, you’re not the only one to do so. And even though that industrial piece of equipment offers unrivaled power and performance, it sure pays to have a smaller, more portable option.

The Noko GB70 is an excellent portable jump starter that’s far beyond much of the competition. It’s incredibly reliable, has enough power to jump-start an 8-liter gas engine, and is easy to keep in the glove box. It might not be what your beloved wrench turner uses on the job, but they’ll certainly appreciate it. And if you get one for yourself it doubles as a gift for them because you won’t have to drag them out of bed to bail you out! 

Part of the job is having to be mobile. Again, plenty of projects take a mechanic out of the shop. But having to run back to the toolbox can eat up a ton of time. So, it makes sense to bring what you need with you. A tool roll is an excellent thing to have on hand because it allows you to load up precisely what you’ll need and set up a temporary workstation.

This tool roll from Bucket Boss is a little more extensive than many options. It has a total of 25 pockets and 17 loops. The bags are great for pliers, screwdrivers, picks, and other tools, while the loops serve as the perfect place to keep box wrenches. The heavy-duty duckwear canvas does a great job at resisting wear, meaning this is something they’ll get plenty of use out of.

While admittedly a very expensive option, we think that this floor jack makes a great gift for any car mechanic. Made with aircraft-grade aluminum and utilizing dual pistons for simpler, quicker elevation, this is a very popular choice that makes lifting cars that much easier, allowing your loved ones to start and complete their tasks at a much faster rate.

It can hold up to 3 tons, yet easily folds up for easy storage when not in use. Best of all, this floor jack comes with a one-year warranty for added peace of mind.

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