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Even the most experienced gearhead is missing one or two critical items from the toolbox. The challenge for Father’s Day gift-givers is finding that one last tool that completes the collection. Here are our suggestions for filling the gap—and making dad happy on his big day.
Manual Impact Screwdriver
Sometimes, hitting something with a hammer is more than just therapeutic. It can help loosen rusted or frozen screws. Therefore, dad must have a manual impact driver. Select the appropriate-sized driver, set it securely into the fastener, and whack the end of the driver with a hammer. The impact shocks the fastener and releases rust’s hold.
Flare Nut Wrenches
Dad probably has a bunch of wrenches in the shop. However, he probably doesn’t own a set of flare nut wrenches. These specialty wrenches—sometimes called “line wrenches”—wrap more securely around easily-damaged flare nuts on brake or fuel line fittings. Some sets flex at the end to give a better angle of attack on each fitting.
T-Handled Allen Wrenches
I’m constantly losing hex keys. How about you? These wee tools, also known as Allen wrenches, are usually not much bigger than the fasteners being removed. So they get misplaced. But a set of T-handle hex keys are much less likely to get lost. Even better, their larger grip makes it easier for dad to grasp.
LED Work Light
If dad still uses a corded trouble light with a metal cage around an incandescent light bulb, it’s time to welcome him to the 21st century. Old-school incandescent bulbs get very hot. And if they break, he runs the risk of exposing high heat to flammable chemicals. On the other hand, a rechargeable LED work light easily hangs up or sticks under the hood. It’s bright, and there’s no cord to get in the way.
A Complete Set of Screwdrivers
The most obvious gifts are usually the best. And there’s a good chance that dad could use an entirely new set of screwdrivers. Flat-headed screwdrivers tend to be used as pry bars. (We all have several snapped blades filling our drawers.) Phillips-headed screwdrivers can get dull, making them more likely to round off fasteners. So a sure-fire bet is a set of Craftsman screwdrivers to keep dad wrenching for years.
JIS-Head Screwdrivers
If dad works on Japanese cars or motorcycles, get him a couple of JIS-head screwdrivers. The JIS screw standard looks very much like the familiar Phillips head. But it’s deeper and uses a screwdriver with a longer point. Dad might have been working on Japanese cars with old cross-headed drivers for years. But he will never forget Father’s Day this year when he gets a few JIS-standard screwdrivers to make the work go much more smoothly.
