Most of us gearheads know that the kids clearly outrank us at Christmas, but that doesn’t mean we can’t get some cool stuff in our stockings. Here are a couple of things to leave up on the computer screen as a subtle reminder of what to buy. Maybe the kids or your better half will get the hint and buy you something you really need, rather than another bottle of “Eu de GQ” or Stetson for Men. Check them out.

  JEGS Pocket Practice Tree – With JEGS new Pocket Practice Tree, you’ll be cutting lights like Jeg Coughlin in no time. This cool little unit is not only small enough to carry around, but also has most of the features found in larger, more expensive, units. Plus, it’s fun for the whole family. For those that can’t leave anything alone, there are accessories to customize it to your liking too. 

JEGS Tube Clips – These have to be one of the coolest 

plumbing and wiring gadgets to come along since the zip-tie. Designed to snap over a round-tube framerail or roll-cage bar, while simultaneously capturing a fuel line, air line, or wiring harness, these tube clips come in sizes to fit any need. We’ve wired and plumbed too many cars to count, and can’t wait for the chance to try out a set of these. 

Comp Cams Piston Stop – For less than $9 this is a tool every car junkie needs. Don’t get us wrong, we too have experienced the satisfaction of making our own piston stop from an old spark plug, a tap, and a bolt, but this is the real deal. Whether verifying timing marks, degreeing a cam, or setting up your crank trigger, this is a must have. Tell your wife it will save you at least one hour of time every time you use it, and she just might think this one will make the difference between you being on-time, or late, for dinner.

 Stepped Drill Bits – While Irwin is apparently the owner of

the actual “UniBit” brand, most people refer to these Stepped Drill Bits as UniBits. At BangShift.com we refer to them as “The world’s finest implements of hogging.” Holes that is. These suckers will hog a hole in sheetmetal like nothing else in the world. While often looked at as a less than precision instrument, we find them to be incredible easy to use, accurate, and a worthwhile addition to any toolbox. They come in various sizes, and Harbor Freight has quite a selection. Get them. You’ll love them. We promise.

  Pittsburgh Steel Punch Set – Everyone needs a good set of punches, and this set from Pittsburgh is hard to beat. Available at Harbor Freight for cheap, this set comes with a variety of shapes and sizes that work for most any job. We’ve used ours for everything from transmissions to differentials and everything in between. While your spouse is picking these up for you, make sure she also grabs a set of brass punches. That way you’ll be set for anything.

Central Pneumatic Garage Air Line Kit – This complete do-it-yourself air line kit from Central Pneumatic is a bit big for a stocking stuffer, but at under $90 you can’t beat it. We want one bad. This kit is everything you’ll need to plumb a 2-car garage as long as you have your air compressor. And if you don’t, they have those at Harbor Freight too. This kit uses lines and fittings much like you’d find on air-suspension systems, and are a simple push together installation. We’ve seen systems like this go for over $300, and can’t find any reason to spend that kind of money. At Harbor Freight, you can outfit your entire garage with an air compressor, spring loaded hose reel, and this kit, all for $335. Now that’s a deal.