If you know somebody whose favorite room in the house is the garage, this gift guide is for you. Using our personal wish lists, we assembled items guaranteed to make the car enthusiast in your life very happy.
Nut Removers
Bolt removers save the day when you encounter a rounded-off bolt.
Once and for all, end the frustration of a rounded-off bolt that won’t loosen. A nut remover - opens in new window or tab. saves the day. These brilliant sockets employ reverse spiral flutes that go over the damaged bolt or nut and bite into the damaged metal like a mighty Mastiff. Before you know it, the bolt breaks free so the project can move forward.
A set of bolt removers in standard sizes turns an expletive-filled garage into a tranquil workroom. This set of nut removers from Craftsman has 14 sockets in various metric and SAE sizes. It’s neatly packaged in a bright red plastic carrying case. When tucked away in the toolbox, it's the gift that keeps on giving.
Pressure Washer
Power washers make short work of otherwise time-consuming chores.
A state-of-the-art pressure washer - opens in new window or tab. uses less water than a regular garden hose. Pressure washers come in two varieties: electric or gas-powered. While a gas unit offers more pressure, electric units are easier to use, don’t smell, and get the job done. Electric units have built-in ground fault interceptors to avoid the risk of shock. (Battery-powered units don’t have adequate psi.)
Most units come with a set of nozzles that adjust from a gentle fan of water to an intense jet stream for stubborn stains. With attachments, you can add soap or additives to clean the grime off a garage floor. Add a foam gun for even more wash-day magic. Kärcher is a go-to brand for pressure washers. Its yellow K1700 cube features a compact design with 1,700 psi and a 20-foot hose.
One word of caution: Pressure washers can create havoc when used to clean the engine bay - opens in new window or tab..
Rolling Stool
A rolling stool makes low-lying chores easier on your back.
Working on a vehicle means spending long periods of time below the beltline of a car. If you want to avoid squatting down on your knees or hurting your back by bending over your ride, the answer is a rolling stool - opens in new window or tab.. Look for one with ample padding, thick casters, and compartments to stash a tool or two.
Sitting down on the job can be a very good thing, indeed. This detailing cart from Chemical Guys includes a tray that holds a five-gallon bucket. The padded seat detaches if you need to get low. Having a comfortable perch with your tools at hand makes garage life more pleasant and helps to get the job done faster.
Safety Glasses
Safety glasses are offered with clear or tinted lenses for outdoor use.
Safety glasses - opens in new window or tab. don’t make you a geek—just the opposite. It’s cool to start a car project by donning a pair of safety glasses with sleek styling and adequate eye protection. The standard is American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z87.1.
Safety glasses should also offer side protection. A pair of Outfitter safety glasses - opens in new window or tab. can be worn over prescription eyewear and filters out UV rays. The black frames have style, and they’ll fit in a stocking. If the recipient works outdoors, consider tinted safety glasses.
Tire Inflator
Tire inflators pump up more than tires.
You might only realize how useful it is to have a portable tire inflator - opens in new window or tab. once you have one. Its uses go way beyond car tires. A tire inflator is a savior when blowing up pool rafts or soccer balls. And you can use it to remove dust and debris from your workspace.
These tiny superheroes can pump a tire in just a minute or two. Leave it in the car for emergencies or on a shelf in the garage. Most units have a built-in pressure gauge to indicate how much air is pumped into your device. A tire inflator and a bottle of Slime (tire sealer) are a dynamic duo.
This 12-volt inflator from Campbell Hausfeld - opens in new window or tab. offers up to 230 psi and serves as a power source for many 12-volt accessories. It has an air pressure gauge and lights to indicate battery level.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.