23 Gift Ideas for a Budding Home Mechanic

Help your home mechanic get a better look at what's going on underneath the car with a floor jack. A semi-pro quality jack will be worth the investment.

Figure out car problem's faster with a code reader. A code reader, like this one from FCAR Tech USA, will help the DIY mechanic diagnose problems with the vehicle's engine system.

LED rechargeable flashlights certainly aren't new, but nearly every DIYer home mechanic can benefit from one. And a small, pocket-sized flashlight will help mechanics see what's happening under the car's hood.

A quality pocket screwdriver is a must for any home mechanic. And look for one that has a handle designed for durability and comfort.

At some point, a home mechanic will drop some screws or bolts and they'll likely be difficult to reach. And this retrieving magnet from Northern Tool lifts up to 100 pounds and will be put to good use in any mechanic's garage. Photo: Courtesy of Northern Tool

A low-profile mechanic's creeper will make automotive work much more comfortable. Also, creepers come in seat and stool models.

A good pair of safety glasses will help the home mechanic avoid eye injuries when working. And it's a good idea to have several pairs of safety glasses around the garage so a pair is always within easy reach.

A set of jumper cables will help the mechanic get that dead or weak battery up and running. And most sets cost around $40 to $60 and come in 10-gauge, 8-gauge, 6-gauge and 4-gauge. Lower gauges have thicker cables and offer more power.

A good pair of pliers can help remove pesky screws and grip objects. Look for pliers with slip-resistant handles like these from Stanley. Photo: Courtesy of Stanley

Work boots are a must for keeping toes and feet safe when working on cars and motorcycles. Look for a pair that's slip-resistant and rugged. And if you don't know the budding mechanic's shoe size, gift card!

Help your home mechanic keep their tools organized with a toolbox. Look for one with multiple drawers and a top tray.

A funnel is a must for any home mechanic who plans to change his or her own oil. And funnels come in various sizes; look for one labeled "no-spill."

A garage storage cabinet, whether purchased or made yourself, will help keep home mechanics organized. And cabinets with sliding doors save space.

Mechanics will like this GearWrench XL Locking Flex Wrench set from Northern Tool. The extra-long ratcheting box-end needs just 5 degrees to move fasteners. And one reviewer online says, "These will be the only wrenches you will need."

Mechanics need gloves not only for safety, but for grip. And look for gloves designed for work on automobiles. They should be difficult to tear and provide protection against harsh chemicals.

A shop vacuum performs multiple jobs, including controlling dust, cleaning car seats and even helps retrieve lost items. Shop vacuums come in different sizes, hose lengths and filter sizes. And for those with limited space, consider a smaller size which will still get the job done and will be easier to store.

A mobile work station like this one from Stanley stores power and hand tools, parts and more. It's bottom bin is removable for easy organizing. And the wheels make it easy to move throughout the garage.

Avoid getting grease all over the house with a good hand soap made for home mechanics. And there are several on the market that are tough on grease and dirt and leave hands moisturized.

The 1800 Watt Portable Power Station and Battery Charger from DEWALT offers convenient power for home mechanics. It works with most corded tools and can become a multi-port parallel charger.

A cordless drill and screwdriver will not only help any mechanic do a number of jobs, it's one of the things you do to get the job done quickly. Cordless screwdrivers work great in hard-to-reach places. Look for one that's at least 12 volts.

No mechanic's job is complete without a clean car. Some high quality automotive cleaners will be welcomed by any home mechanic.