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Have a mechanic or two in your life? Then you know how much they love to get their hands dirty under the hood of a car. Whether they’re repairing an alternator or a broken water pump, installing a better sound system, or restoring an old beauty, they find great satisfaction working on cars and trucks. If you need to find some good gifts for mechanics that will fit nearly any budget, you’re in the right place. Finding the best gifts for mechanics can feel challenging when they seem to have everything they need, but we’ve put together a comprehensive list that includes helpful items, funny gifts, and must-have tools.
The Best Gifts for Mechanics
Browse through our list of the best gifts for mechanics to find inspiration. We’ve included gift ideas for those who are just learning how cars work and gifts for mechanics who have everything.
1. WorkPro Oil Filter Wrench Set
Oil changes and oil filter replacements are common jobs for a DIY mechanic, but it’s necessary to have the right tools, such as this oil filter wrench set by WorkPro, which comes with a 9-inch and a 12-inch wrench. These adjustable oil filter wrenches are made of heat-treated carbon steel for enhanced durability, and they are designed with large, sturdy jaws to grip slippery, oil-coated surfaces securely. Consider picking up this oil filter wrench set for the DIY mechanic in your household.
Get the WorkPro Oil Filter Wrench Set at Amazon for $17.99.
2. Grip Clean Heavy-Duty Hand Cleaner
True mechanics might never get all the black grease out from under their fingernails, but there are soaps designed to make the job easier. Rather than using harsh chemicals that can irritate skin, this Grip Clean soap is made with bentonite clay, which is very effective at getting rid of tough grease and grime without excessive scrubbing. As an added benefit, it includes coconut oil and olive oil to add moisture back into the hands, which is nearly unheard of in a tough mechanic soap.
Get the Grip Clean Hand Cleaner at Amazon for $9.97.
3. Craftsman Mini Inflator + Powerbank
PROMOTED PICK
Balls, bike tires, car tires, and phones—this mini inflator and powerbank can fill and charge them all. Part handheld inflator, part portable battery, Craftsman’s new multifunctional tool offers convenience and peace of mind for outdoor enthusiasts and travelers. It comes with five nozzles for a variety of inflation needs and charges via USB or your car’s 12-volt outlet. It then holds that charge for on-the-go inflation or phone and computer charging. You can even organize everything neatly away via onboard tool storage and a small storage bag. Additional features include a built-in LED light and digital display with preset and custom PSI modes.
Get the Craftsman mini inflator + powerbank on sale at Lowe’s for $29.98 (save $20).
4. SE 30″ Telescopic Magnetic Pick-Up Tools (2 Pack)
Dropping screws, nails, nuts, bolts, and washers is just part of working on cars—or any DIY project, for that matter. The frustrating part is when they drop just out of reach. Problem solved with this helpful magnetic pick-up tool. It can telescope up to 30 inches so you can reach just about anywhere to pick up a stray washer or nail. It’s one of the most useful gifts for mechanics.
Get the Magnetic Pick-Up Tool at Amazon for $11.99.
5. Sobao Mechanics Soap
This is an elegant option for getting the tough grease and grime off your mechanic’s hands. It’s made with pumice, activated charcoal, tea tree essential oil, shea butter, coconut oil, and several other natural ingredients. The aroma of rosemary and lavender also makes it a nice way to relax after a long day in the shop. You might even want to gift this soap to yourself!
Get the Pure Sabao Mechanics Soap at Etsy for $8.
6. Rogue River Tactical Store Mechanic Coffee Mug
Get your mechanic’s engine started with this coffee mug—the human engine, that is. If your mechanic runs on coffee, then they will definitely appreciate this hilarious coffee mug that says “Starter Fluid” on it. This funny gift for mechanics will get a laugh for sure. They’ll also appreciate that it’s safe to use in dishwashers and microwaves.
Get the Rogue River Coffee Mug at Amazon for $14.99.
7. Triple Gifffted Store Silicone Drink Coasters
These silicone drink coasters are a cool gift for mechanics. They’re shaped like little rubber floor mats, which is fun since they function in a similar manner for drinks! Keep a mechanic’s (or your) coffee tables safe from spills with these handy and cool silicone drink coasters.
Get the Triple Gifffted Silicone Drink Coasters at Amazon for $18.95.
8. Sweetworks Confections 5-Piece Milk Chocolate Tool Set
Does your mechanic have a sweet tooth and a sense of humor? Then opt for this chocolate tool kit that includes a saw, hammer, pliers, wrench, and screwdriver. It’s a fun and unexpected gift for mechanics, who are sure to love the sweet touch.
Get the SweetWorks Confections Milk Chocolate Tool Set at Amazon for $12.
9. Muscle & Chrome: Classic American Cars Book
Whether the mechanic in your life is just getting started or already has their own shop, they are sure to love this book. Nothing highlights the artistry of the automotive industry like the photos of the American classics showcased in this book. Alongside stunning images are informative profiles and short narratives that give life to the cars they discuss. If the mechanic in your life is looking for a bit of inspiration, look no further than this volume.
Get the Muscle & Chrome: Classic American Cars Book at Amazon for $11.99.
10. Mechanix Wear: M-Pact Tactical Work Gloves
You might not think of work gloves for a mechanic, but the Mechanix Wear Tactical Work Gloves aren’t your average work gloves. These have knuckle and finger guards to reduce pinching and crushing from heavy objects. In addition, there are two pads on the palms that help to dissipate high-impact energy when struck. All in all, these mechanic gloves can make working on the bigger mechanic jobs easier and safer—not to mention they’ll keep hands a little cleaner.
Get the Mechanix Work Gloves at Amazon for $24.
11. OCM Premium Magnetic Fender Cover
While a mechanic never intends to damage a car while they work on it, accidents can happen. That’s why this OCM magnetic fender cover is a great gift idea since it protects the fenders of cars from dropped tools or spilled fluids. It also protects the car from being scratched by the mechanic when they lean against the fender. As a bonus, the magnets might even hold some tools and parts while the mechanic is working.
Get the OCM Magnetic Fender Cover at Amazon for $22.99.
12. Carhartt Legacy Tool Roll
Heavy-duty tool rolls are the envy of a lot of mechanics. They’re well designed, made with oil-absorbing material, and are easy to carry. Upgrade your mechanic’s tool set by giving them this tool roll that’s convenient to use and more comfortable to carry than traditional tool boxes. This one from Carhartt includes three pockets and 18 loops for plenty of tool storage, plus a secure buckle enclosure.
Get the Carhartt Legacy Tool Roll at Amazon for $24.99.
13. Motopower Car OBD2 Scanner Code Reader
Mechanics typically enjoy the process of diagnosing what’s wrong with a car—it’s basically part of the job description. But some diagnoses rely on the help of accessories that can measure a problem with a system or sensor in the car. That’s why we’ve included this OBD2 scanner code reader on our list of best gifts for mechanics. They’ll be able to identify more serious problems quickly with the help of this gadget.
Get the Motopower Car OBD2 Scanner at Amazon for $22.50.
14. WickandBar Hanging Air Freshener Car Diffuser
Let’s face it, being a mechanic isn’t always the most pleasant-smelling profession. Between motor oils and gasoline, mechanics need a fresh scent to greet them when they get into their car at the start and end of each day. These diffusers have great reviews and a long-lasting scent that is sure to keep their car smelling fresh and inviting for weeks.
Get the WickandBar Hanging Air Freshener Car Diffuser at Etsy for $8.10.
15. NoCry Professional Knee Pads
Being a mechanic is hard on the back, knees, and shoulders. You can alleviate the stress on a mechanic’s knees with the NoCry soft but heavy-duty knee pads. They’re ergonomically designed to better fit most knees while still being breathable, and the adjustable straps stay in place well. Save stress on the knees with these helpful knee pads.
Get the NoCry Professional Knee Pads at Amazon for $30.99.
16. Milwaukee 450 Lumens Headlamp
Cars have been known to break down at night when it’s impossible to see what’s wrong under the hood. But if your mechanic is armed with this Milwaukee headlamp, they’ll feel like they have super powers to see into the dark cavern of the engine. In reality, this is helpful even for working in a garage if there just isn’t enough light in one particular area. A reliable headlamp frees up both hands for working, which mechanics of all levels will thank you for.
Get the Milwaukee Headlamp at The Home Depot for $42.97.
17. VacLife Handheld Vacuum
Another less-common gift for mechanics—but no less useful—is a handheld vacuum like this VacLife model, which is especially great for quickly cleaning up dust and dirt in a car. Mechanics may have a dirtier job than some, but it doesn’t mean they don’t appreciate keeping their own car clean. Opt for this handheld car vacuum that you might even benefit from having around!
Get the VacLife Handheld Vacuum at Walmart for $35.99.
18. 3M WorkTunes Connect Hearing Protector
Is your mechanic also a music enthusiast? Then opt to buy them these 3M over-the-ear headphones. They’re noise canceling and Bluetooth capable for picking up streaming from any compatible device. Even better, they have a built-in microphone so your mechanic can take calls without having to remove the headphones. Though you might have a harder time getting their attention, mechanics might love being immersed in their work without external distractions.
Get the 3M Headphones at Amazon for $50.79.
19. Dickies Men’s Basic Blended Coverall
Does your mechanic have a knack for getting grease on every piece of clothing—even the clothes that aren’t designated for working in the garage? Then it might be time to buy them these Dickies coveralls. You can buy a size up so they have plenty of room for their clothes underneath, but they’ll appreciate how much room is already built into the shoulders for full range of motion. Honestly, this is practically a no-brainer gift for car mechanics, so give it a try.
Get the Dickies Coverall at Amazon starting at $52.52.
20. WorkPro 408-Piece Mechanics Tool Set
Cars, trucks, motorcycles, and other vehicles have many different fasteners, fittings, and specialized parts requiring a wide range of tools. With this in mind, a comprehensive mechanic tool set is an excellent gift for DIY mechanics looking to tackle more vehicle upgrades and maintenance jobs. This 408-piece mechanics tool set by WorkPro comes with sockets, wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers, and much more, all neatly organized in a heavy-duty tool box with a top compartment and three drawers for easy tool storage.
What our tester says: “Home mechanics will appreciate the addition of Torx bits, hex wrenches, and the broad collection of screwdriver bits and a bit driver. The inclusion of a ball peen hammer, the hammer of choice for mechanics, is also a nice touch.”—Tony Carrick, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the WorkPro 408-Piece Mechanics Tool Set at Amazon for $259.99.
21. Meguiar’s Complete Car Care Kit
Many mechanics also love to keep the outside of their car looking sharp, and they’re always on the lookout for some great car cleaning kits. Opt for this complete car care kit that includes 12 products to make the interior and exterior shine. Unlike most car care kits, this one also has clay bars and plastic cleaners to help remove some bonded contaminants and surface scratches, which makes it a great DIY gift for mechanics who really love to repair and clean their cars.
Get the Meguiar Complete Car Care Kit at Amazon for $79.
22. Pro-Lift 36″ Z-Creeper Seat
Space is limited in most garages, which is why we love this Pro-Lift Z-Creeper Seat. You get two accessories in one: a seat and a creeper. Your mechanic will love being able to switch between the two options that make working on cars more comfortable, thanks to the padded seat and headrest. And with the six caster wheels, they can scoot just about anywhere with little effort rather than wriggling into place on the floor.
Get the Z-Creeper Seat at The Home Depot for $41.43.
23. Klein Tools Screwdriver Set
No set of hand tools is complete without a readily available screwdriver. This seven-piece collection of slotted and Phillips screwdrivers by Klein Tools make a great gift for mechanics that may have a socket-heavy tool collection. The screwdrivers feature nonslip cushioned grips and heat-treated blades with chrome plating for improved durability and performance.
What our tester says: “Possibly the best feature, and one of the simplest, was the rubber overmolded handle that simultaneously increased the girth of the handle for easier gripping, cushioned the grip, and reduced slippage. Working with them was a pleasure.”—Glenda Taylor, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Klein Tools Screwdriver Set at Amazon for $49.97.
24. Timberland Pro Men’s Pit Boss Work Boot
Steel-toed work boots aren’t just for construction. There are safety hazards when working on cars as well, so it might be time to get the mechanic you know a pair of durable Timberland work boots. Unlike some work boots, these Timberlands are designed to also keep feet comfortable all day with comfort suspension technology. Make your mechanic’s life safer and more comfortable with these top work boots.
Get the Timberland Work Boots at Amazon for $104.99.
25. Jack Boss 3-Ton Capacity Fast Lift Car Jack
Kick the old jack to the curb and get your mechanic the customer-favorite Blackhawk hydraulic service jack. It takes the hard work out of getting a car lifted up for maintenance and can usually get the car higher than the jack in the trunk. They’ll wonder how they ever managed to work on a car before you got them this helpful—perhaps even necessary—mechanic’s tool.
Get the Jack Boss Fast Lift Car Jack at Amazon for $139.99.
26. Crescent 170-Piece General Purpose Tool Set
A mechanic is only as good as their tool set. For the beginner mechanic or the mechanic who’s lost several key pieces, this Crescent tool set is the perfect choice. This set has just about every option mechanics need to get started repairing cars. It includes pliers, ratchets, standard and metric sockets, wrenches, hex or Allen wrenches, and much more.
Get the Crescent Tool Set at Amazon for $169.19.
27. Noco Boost 2000 Amp 12-Volt Jump Starter Box
Give your mechanic a jump when they need it most—a jump start that is. In the unfortunate event that a car won’t start and there isn’t another car available to jump it, this all-in-one jump starter by Noco could be a lifesaver. It can power up V8 cars and 6-liter diesel engines, not to mention charge a dead phone. And the built-in flashlight can illuminate the engine if it’s dark. You can’t go wrong with this jump-starter box.
Get the Noco Jump Starter Box at Amazon for $199.95.
28. Festool Cordless CXS 2 Drill Kit
Give the gift of reliability and ease of use with the Festool Cordless CXS 2 Drill Kit. Mechanics have a hard job, and this drill kit works hard to lighten the load on the user in tough conditions. Plus, the extended battery only takes 45 minutes to charge, so the user can keep the drill running all day long, day after day. Festool is known for producing high-performance tools that last a lifetime.
Get the Festool Cordless CXS 2 Drill Kit at Amazon for $349.
29. Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment Pressure Washer
For the mechanic who really likes to keep things clean, check out the Westinghouse gas-powered pressure washer. It’s gentle enough to use on cars but strong enough to also clean away grit and grime on concrete. Your mechanic can even add soap to this pressure washer for extra cleaning power. And you might even find they start to use it on the patio, windows, and other surfaces in need of a serious cleaning, too!
Get the Westinghouse Pressure Washer at Amazon for $329.
30. Performance Tool 3-Drawer Rolling Tool Chest Seat
Serious mechanics need serious storage options, and what’s better than functional storage that doubles as a comfortable seat. That’s why we’ve included the Performance Tool high-capacity rolling tool chest on our list of gifts for mechanics. With its three drawers and a dual magnetic tool tray on the bottom, this tool chest will provide plenty of places to stash tools safely. And since it’s on wheels, this tool chest is easy to move closer to where they’re working for added convenience. Great value at a great price!
Get the Performance Rolling Tool Chest at Amazon for $115.99.
31. Ariat Rebar Lift 6-Inch Waterproof Work Boot
These boots combine performance, durability, comfort, and style, which makes them the ideal everyday companion for mechanics in and out of the workshop. The Rebar boots from Ariat are also Electrical Hazard certified. If you want safety and style for the mechanic in your life, look no further than these boots.
Get the Rebar Lift 6-Inch Waterproof Work Boot at Ariat for $179.95.
32. Festool Ct Midi I HEPA Dust Extractor
Unlike most jobs, mechanics are constantly welcoming the dust and debris into their workshop with each vehicle they bring in. This Festool Dust Extractor is essentially a high-performance shop vacuum that will keep the shop clean and help remove irritants from the air. The smooth omnidirectional front wheels work with the larger back set to keep the unit stable yet mobile. To top it all off, this extractor has nearly 3.9 gallons of capacity.
Get the Festool Ct Midi I HEPA Dust Extractor at Amazon $679.
33. Wizsla Set of 2 Magnetic Wristbands
For the guy or gal who has everything, perhaps they’ll appreciate this unique gift. It’s a set of magnetic wristbands that hold small items like screws, nails, and drill bits on the wide surface. The small one fits on a wrist, and the large one could fit on a belt. These handy accessories are great for the mechanic who always seems to forget where they left their screws.
Get the Wizsla Magnetic Wristbands at Amazon for $14.90.
34. Streamlight Tactical Flashlight
Having a little extra light under the hood of the car is always appreciated, which is why a high-quality flashlight makes an excellent gift for DIY mechanics. This Streamlight flashlight shines bright at up to 750 lumens but also has a low-light mode for long-lasting use as well as a strobe setting. Additionally, the flashlight features an anti-roll head, which helps to prevent it from rolling out of position while keeping the mechanic’s hands free to work.
What our tester says: “The Streamlight is rated IPX7, meaning it should be waterproof to a depth of about 3 feet for up to 30 minutes. I filled the bathtub, dropped it in, and set the timer. In 30 minutes, I dried the Streamlight off and clicked the power button—the light came on immediately.”—Glenda Taylor, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Streamlight Tactical Flashlight at Amazon for $81.29.
35. AstroAI Cordless Tire Inflator
Finding a gas station just to add a little air to the tires of a car or motorcycle can be a hassle, but with this AstroAI cordless tire inflator, DIY mechanics can fill up to four full-size car tires before needing to recharge. This handy device comes with a built-in digital pressure gauge to monitor the tire pressure and air pump pounds per square inch in real time. Simply preset the value for the tire, then start filling it with air. The air compressor will automatically shut off when it reaches the set value. Don’t miss out on this innovative gift for mechanics.
Get the AstroAI Cordless Tire Inflator at Amazon for $59.39.
How to Choose the Best Gifts for Mechanics
Mechanics love tools and gadgets, which can make it easy to find them a gift. There are plenty of car gifts on the market from diagnostic tools to storage cases for tools, so browse the usual products you’d expect to find or dare to think outside the box with natural grime-fighting soaps or a hand massager. Let the following considerations guide your purchase for the perfect mechanic’s gift:
- Are they a beginner mechanic? Perhaps they would benefit from a book that gives an in-depth understanding of auto mechanics and basic diagnostics. You’ll also score high if you get them their first shiny-new tool set, too.
- Is your mechanic often worn out at the end of the day and just wanting to relax? Then they’ll definitely love some out-of-the-box ideas like a neck or hand massager. They may also appreciate better footwear to reduce foot fatigue.
- Do they love handy little gadgets? Consider ideas that save them time or effort by making their daily tasks easier. This is where a magnetic picker upper really comes in handy.
- Is it time to update any old manual tools to more efficient power or hydraulic tools? Look for ideas that can help them get their job done with less manpower. They’ll appreciate how it saves their back or shoulders.
