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Finding the best gifts for mechanics is easy on paper. Clearly, they want tools. If you’re not in the know of what are and aren’t great tools, it can be tough to even know where to look. And if you’re not careful, you can easily fall prey to those ass-seen-on-TV gimmicks that make for an awkward gift exchange during the holidays. You’re in the right place, as I’m here to help you avoid that.
I’m a bit of a gearhead myself. While I may not make a living in a pro garage, I put myself through the wringer here and proudly put it all on display. If you need credentials, I encourage you to go check out my pro touring suspension swap series I conducted on my ’69 Charger. Among a few other things, I pride myself on knowing a thing or two about the tools car nuts want in professional and DIY settings. That said, I’ve laid out the top ten best gifts for mechanics in 2024.
Best Gifts for Mechanics in 2024
Best New Power Tool of 2024: Milwaukee M12 FUEL 12V Stubby GEN II 1/2-Inch Impact Wrench Kit
A major part of my job here is reviewing tools. While no formal award was given, I think the Milwaukee M12 Stubby Gen 2 Impact wrench is the best power tool of 2024. It’s absurdly powerful and compact. The 550 foot-pounds of torque it can dish out is way more than enough for most jobs, and it’s easy to sling around all day. This kit includes the battery, and I’m sure it’ll be the tool they use most in 2025. It’s easily one of the best gifts for mechanics of all time. You can also grab the 3/8-inch version in a similar kit, which I also reviewed if you want to learn more.
The One They Want, But Won’t Buy Themselves: Milwaukee M12 FUEL INSIDER Extended Reach Box Cordless Ratchet Kit
This Insider ratchet from Milwaukee is another absolute banger. I also had a chance to take this tool for a spin earlier this year and really dig what it brings to the table. It’s an extended reach, pass-through, cordless ratchet. That’s a lot to think about at once, but the simple way of putting it is it’s the most versatile cordless ratchet you’ll find, making it an excellent tool to have in any collection.
My Favorite To-Go Kit: Craftsman 230-Piece Mechanic Tool Set
Next up is my most trusted tool kit. Let me preface this by saying I’m a DIYer, and I know this is no pro-grade tool kit. However, I’ve found it to be the best tool kit to keep in the trunk of my car. It’s a bit bigger than most would use in this setting, but that makes it a great starting point for any project that’ll arise on the shoulder. I’ve taken it everywhere the Charger has gone over the past year and then some, and I plan to put many more miles on it. It’s also a great kit to kickstart a collection in any home garage.
The Grease Gun They’ll Love: DeWalt 20V MAX Grease Gun Kit
We’ve all got grease guns. They’re an essential tool for car maintenance. Most of us are probably still rocking manual pumpers that wear us out every time we put them to work. Speaking from experience, we’re all too stubborn to just go out and buy a good cordless model to make our lives easier. That’s exactly what makes DeWalt’s cordless grease gun one of the best gifts for mechanics in 2024.
Best for New Welders Lincoln Electric WELD-PAK 90i MIG and Flux-Cored Welder with Gas Regulator
Every wrench slinger wants to learn how to weld. It’s an art form that takes a lot of practice but can open the door to infinite possibilities once you get the hang of it. It’s hard to take that initial leap, though. This Lincoln wire feed welder is a great gift to get that mechanic to jump. It’s capable of MIG and flux-core welding and runs off a regular 110v power supply, making it a great choice for new welders. You can also bundle it with a welding helmet and welding gloves to get them up and running ASAP.
Light in Dark Places: NEIKO 40447A Rechargeable Cordless Underhood Work Light
You know how I know this Neiko underhood work light is one of the best gifts for mechanics? I’ve been eyeing it up for months. It’s a cordless light that hooks to the hood, casting light down into the engine bay, where you need it most. It’s a simple concept that can totally transform your working experience. Considering it’s so affordable, it’s hard to go wrong.
A Creeper They’ll Love: Traxion 3-100 Foldable Topside Automotive Engine Creeper
If that mechanic in your life is a truck nut, this is the best gift for them. Take it from me; it sucks having to crawl up into that engine bay and try to balance yourself on whatever sharp edges are within reach. This creeper places you up above the engine bay, with a comfortable surface to lean on while you get it done. They might look kind of silly up there, but it’s an absolute game-changer.
A Cookie Sheet Savior: DJZZ 3-Piece Extra Large Oil Drip Pan
I actually bought something like this on a whim earlier this year. I saw it in a local parts store and decided to see if it was actually worth having in the shop. Since then, it’s been under the engine bay of whatever I’ve worked on. It’s intended to help contain fluid spills, but it’s also super handy for keeping bolts and sockets from scattering into the abyss. This three-pack is an excellent buy for the sake of keeping that mechanic in your life sane, no matter how many projects they’ve got going at once.
Custom Organization: Isohit 3-Piece Tool Box Organization Foam Kit
Yes. This arts and crafts project is one of the best gifts for mechanics in 2024. We all have drawers with tools scattered around because there’s simply no way they’ll stay put with gravity doing most of the work. These foam inserts are designed to be custom-cut to the shape of the tools you’re storing, giving them no choice but to stay put. This kit includes three foam inserts, pens, and a cutter to get started. It can also be stacked with an extra bundle of foam inserts to get more drawers under control.
A Stool for it All: FreakyFit Rolling Shop Stool
A good stool is a real lifesaver in the shop. Anyone working on cars crouches, kneels, and squats way too much to have a good time later in life. This particular stool is one they’ll look forward to straddling because it’s got a comfortable seat and some goodies. Namely, a tool tray and cup holder to make life easy while they sling wrenches.
