2023 holiday gift guide for automotive technicians

The holidays are coming up fast, and between the cookie decorating, tree trimming, yuletide caroling, and what you’re fairly positive is your 125 rewatch of A Christmas Story, you have to find time to do your holiday shopping. Not to worry though, we’ve got you covered. Below you’ll find a list of holiday gifts made up of suggestions directly from our tool reviewer panel.

Diagnostic tools

• Thermal imager: One of our reviewers noted receiving a FLIR thermal imager was one of his favorite tech-related gifts. Perhaps your technician would like one too? 
  • FLIR E5 Pro Infrared Camera 
  • TOPDON TC005 Thermal Imager
  • Matco Tools Maximus Diagnostic Thermal Imager
• Scan tools: Scan tools are an everyday use item for technicians, but not all scan tools are made the same. While one scan tool may work fine for simple diagnostics or a specific type of vehicle, it may not get the job done for another. This means technicians need a variety of scan tools to help get their work done efficiently. Before considering purchasing a gift like this, talk with your technician to understand what they need the scan tool to accomplish. Here are a few of many options:
  • Xtooltech USA XT70W Smart Diagnostic System
  • Autel Maxicheck MX900
  • Thinkcar Platinum S12
• A paid update for one of their scan tools: If purchasing your technician a new scan tool is a bit out of your price range, try picking up the tab for one of their scan tool updates instead.
• Inspection camera: 
  • Oasis Scientific Vividia CX-6010M Flexible Smartphone Joystick Articulating Inspection Camera Borescope
• HU31035 Sensor Simulator by ANSED Diagnostic Solutions: The reviewer who suggested this product believes it would "make an awesome gift for any diagnostic technician!" See his full review here.

Power tools

• 1/4” rechargeable battery-powered ratchet: The reviewer who recommended this type of tool, says that it would be "very handy for dash work where dragging an air hose is no joy." 
  • DeWalt Xtreme 12V Max Brushless Cordless 3/8" and 1/4" Sealed Head Ratchet Kit, No. DCF500GG1
  • Matco Tools 16V Cordless 1/4" Sealed Head Ratchet, No. MCL1614SR
  • Milwaukee Tool M12 Cordless 1/4" Ratchet No. 2456-21
• Ingersoll Rand 2135QXPA Series Impactool: This tool is another reviewer favorite. He notes that he received this tool years ago and still uses it to this day. 
• Milwaukee Tool Straight Die Grinder and the Milwaukee Tool Angle Die Grinder: If you know a technician who's trying to eliminate cords from their workspace or just their shop overall, either or both of these tools could help them get one step closer. 
• Snap-on Extended Reach cordless 3/8” ratchet

Shop equipment

• Low profile floor jack:
  • Harbor Freight Daytona 3-Ton Super Duty Floor Jack in Metallic Purple
  • Ascot Supply Corporation 3.5-Ton Floor Jack
  • Martins Industries 2-Ton Professional Floor Jack, No. MFJ-P2T
• Rechargeable LED work light: An everyday use item for many technicians. 
  • NextLED Rechargeable Neck Work Light, No. NT-6633
  • SP Tools USA Compact COB LED Work Light, No. SP81448
  • Maxxeon MAXXBAR Hood and Interior Work Light Platform, No. MXN010183
• Harbor Freight 44” toolboxes: A cost-effective option for any technician looking to expand their toolbox set-up. 
• Air compressor:
  • ABAC International Silent Roll Cage Air Compressor
  • Forney Industries Fornair 4.5 CRM Air Compressor, No. 555
  • Jenny Products Electric Two-Stage, Horizontal-Tank Stationary Air Compressor Line
• Milwaukee Tool Compact Inflator: Another addition to any shop or technician's cordless tools collection.

Other

• A gift card to the tool distributor of their choice: If you're not sure what your technician needs you can't go wrong with a gift card, especially if it's to their favorite tool distributor. 
• A hand-written holiday card: Let the technician in your life know how much you appreciate them by taking the time to write them a thoughtful message.