Question Of The Day: What Would Be Your Best… Stocking Stuffer?

by Steven Lang

Published: December 25th, 2012

question of the day what would be your best stocking stuffer

Bah! Humbug!

The new car commercial with the pretty ribbon on a Lexus/Acura/Mercedes/BMW/Canyonero has received countless exposure over the years.

The United States is one of the few countries that celebrates Christmas, in part, by commercializing four to five figure debts. A lot of folks like to look at Saint Nick as the Coca-Cola drinking, car giving, Red Rider rifle distrubting, jolly red cheeked saint with magic flying reindeer. Only when we are older do we find out that the real fellow was a bit more secretive and modest than that.

So what if instead of all that Christmas cheer, you simply received a tool that helps with your equity? Specifically, your automotive equity.

What would it be?

I have a weakness in my life that goes far beyond old beaters and pernicious frugality. Tools!

Now mind you, I am not the type that tries to buy and horde them all. I usually share my booty with folks who I know are good for their word and in turn, I try to borrow a few things while I can as well.

Does someone need a Mityvac? Or a good torque wrench? I’m all there.

Is there someone who can house a 30 year old convertible with an original worn out top? A semi-retired fellow with his own shop has given me the access. Gratis.

There is a beauty in not believing in a suburbia that requires 30 lawnmowners and 30 Lion King videos for 30 houses. Everything gets passed to those who have the greatest need and in turn, you get the means and the expertise when you need it.

Every once in a while though, you long for what the late Frank Zappa calls, “nuclear powered pansexual roto-plooker“. A tool that is so useful and versatile, that your favorite hobby wouldn’t be the same unless you had one to call your very own.

So what is it? What is the one tool you would love to see stuffed in that elongated stocking stuffer of yours?

#Gadgets #StockingStuffer

Steven Lang

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2 of 24 comments

Gardiner Westbound on Dec 26, 2012

Mrs. W. surprised me with an item that will be very handy, a tripod flashlight. www.stanleytools.com/default.asp?CATEGORY=FLASHLIGHTS&TYPE=PRODUCT&PARTNUMBER=95-111&SDesc=Mini+Tripod+Flashlight PS. She hates holding the flashlight.

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Lumbergh21 on Dec 27, 2012

While a lift would be awfully nice, I don't have anywhere to put it at my current residence. A scan tool would probably be the most useful thing, given that California no longer allows parts stores to provide you with error codes when the CEL comes on (only authorized automotive mechanics are allowed to provide these diagnostic services).

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