1GearWrench 12-piece metric ratcheting combination spanners
GearWrench made the ratcheting spanner popular, and once a mechanic has a set they reach for it before anything else. The ring end ratchets on a 5 degree swing, so they can turn a nut in tight engine bays where a normal spanner only has room for a click or two. This set runs from 8mm to 19mm in polished chrome and comes on a plastic tray, with a full lifetime warranty.
Pros
- Only needs 5 degrees of swing.
- Covers 8mm to 19mm, the sizes used most.
- Full lifetime warranty.
Cons
- Metric only, so classic US cars need an SAE set too.
View on Amazon UK↗UK listing only in this guide.Amazon price at the time shown. Prices and availability can change; the price on Amazon at purchase applies. Product sources
GearWrench product page ↗
2Mechanix Wear The Original gloves
Most mechanics wear through gloves fast, so a fresh pair of Mechanix is always welcome. The Original has a thin synthetic leather palm that keeps feel for small bolts, a breathable mesh back and a hook-and-loop cuff. It works with a touchscreen, so they can scroll a wiring diagram without taking it off, and it goes in the washing machine.
Pros
- Thin palm keeps feel for small parts.
- Touchscreen capable.
- Machine washable.
Cons
- Not built for cut or heat protection.
View on Amazon UK↗UK listing only in this guide.Amazon price at the time shown. Prices and availability can change; the price on Amazon at purchase applies. Product sources
Mechanix Wear product page ↗
3Streamlight Stylus Pro USB penlight
A mechanic spends half the job peering behind things, and a penlight fits where a torch won't. The Stylus Pro USB gives 350 lumens from a body the size of a marker pen, clips into a top pocket and recharges by USB. It comes with a holster and a limited lifetime warranty.
Pros
- 350 lumens from a pen-sized light.
- Rechargeable by USB.
- Pocket clip and holster included.
Cons
- 1.5 hours on high, so it needs regular charging.
View on Amazon UK↗UK listing only in this guide.Amazon price at the time shown. Prices and availability can change; the price on Amazon at purchase applies. Product sources
Streamlight product page ↗
4GearWrench telescoping magnetic pickup tool
Every mechanic has dropped a bolt into an engine bay and watched it vanish. This pickup tool extends from 7.5 to just over 33 inches and its magnet lifts up to 5lb, so it'll fetch a dropped socket from under the car as well as a washer. It clips in a pocket when closed and has a full lifetime warranty.
Pros
- Reaches over 33 inches.
- Lifts up to 5lb.
- Pocket clip when collapsed.
Cons
- Won't pick up aluminium or stainless parts.
View on Amazon UK↗UK listing only in this guide.Amazon price at the time shown. Prices and availability can change; the price on Amazon at purchase applies. Product sources
GearWrench product page ↗
5Fluke 115 True-RMS multimeter
Modern cars are full of wiring, and a cheap meter gives readings nobody trusts. The Fluke 115 is the meter many mechanics buy once and keep for years. It reads AC and DC voltage, current, resistance, continuity and capacitance, has a backlit display for dark footwells and runs about 400 hours on a 9V battery. It carries a three-year warranty.
Pros
- Accurate True-RMS readings.
- Backlit display.
- Around 400 hours on one battery.
Cons
- More than a beginner might need.
View on Amazon UK↗UK listing only in this guide.Amazon price at the time shown. Prices and availability can change; the price on Amazon at purchase applies. Product sources
Fluke product page ↗
What to buy someone who loves fixing cars
Mechanics are fussy about tools, so a known brand matters more than a big set. The best gifts for mechanics save time in tight spaces or replace things that wear out, like gloves. Check whether they work on metric or older imperial vehicles before buying spanners. Gloves and a penlight suit almost anyone who works on cars.
How we picked these gifts for mechanics
We picked each product for what mechanics enjoy and because it makes sense as a present. The order is our own choice. The pros and cons come from published product details, not customer reviews.
Amazon shows the current price and delivery. Where we've checked that the US listing is the same product, the US link goes there. Otherwise you'll get the UK listing, labelled as such. More about our research.
