Ray Bohacz knows agricultural machinery better than most, and he does everything he can to share his knowledge and insights with the farm community. He also knows what the compulsive tinkerer in your family wants for Christmas.
Though all of the items listed would make a wonderful gift, use them as a catalyst for ideas. For example, you may find something similar that would be a better choice for your hot rod farmer, at a lower price point, or easier to obtain. Also shop around! The prices listed here usually the suggested retail prices, and oftentimes they can be found cheaper.
Bohacz talks about all of the products below in his Christmas 2022 podcast found here.
Granted, many of these items may not fit in a traditional Christmas stocking, so be ready with the wrapping paper and explore some of the great items on this gift list! And if you choose to buy something from this list for yourself, don’t worry, we won’t tell!
(Note: Due to the volatility of today’s marketplace and supply issues, these tools are all available at the time of this guide being posted, but that may change when you go shopping.)
1. Induction Innovations Mini-Ductor Venom
Used to directly heat objects such as bolts, nuts, studs, brackets, etc. without heating the surrounding area.
MSRP $599.00
2. Fluke meter or kit #88-5
This is the industry standard, made in USA test instrument, that will allow diagnostics on almost any circuit on a modern vehicle or farm machine.
MSRP $299 (meter only), $777.99 (kit)
3. AES Wave U-scope Master Kit
This single channel hand-held scope can be employed to check an electrical circuit on a vehicle or farm machine. It will show a “picture” of the circuit’s response.
MSRP $399.00
4. Griot’s Garage Random Orbital Master Kit
This buffer is safe to use on all paint and will make polishing and waxing even the largest combine an easy task.
MSRP $369.99
5. Lisle Radiator Fill Kit #24680
With this tool coolant service and filling becomes enjoyable, and not an exercise in making a mess all over the shop floor.
MSRP $47.25
6. Goodson Torque Angle Gauge
Many modern bolts require this tool to tighten properly. The fastener is first tightened to specification and then rotated a set amount of degrees.
MSRP $21.00
7. Goodson Oil Filter Inspection Tool
Cutting filters apart to inspect for foreign material is safe, easy and quick with this essential tool.
MSRP $59.99
8. Goodson Dowell Pin Remover Kit
Dowell pins can be frustrating to remove and if damaged in the process, may require a trip to town to find a replacement, if they have one. This kit solves that problem.
MSRP $419.99
9. Goodson Spark Plug Chaser
A true rescue tool, not one that is used every day. But when you need it you are so glad that it is in your toolbox!
MSRP $118.99
10. Goodson Electronic Internal Digital Caliper
Taking internal measurements are a joy with this simple tool and will end the frustration of guessing on a hole or passage size.
MSRP $55.00
11. DeWalt Flex Volt 60V Max Grinder Kit
Grinding is made easy with this powerful cordless kit. Not only in the shop but in the field too!
MSRP $380.00
12. Lisle Magnetic Soldering Clamp
End the aggravation of trying to hold two wires, the soldering gun and the solder at the same time! A must for every tool box!
MSRP $21.00
13. Lisle Test Probe Kit
Use this essential kit to connect with sensitive circuitry on modern vehicles and farm equipment without violating the wire.
MSRP $99.00
14. Steelman Chassis Ears Kit
Machinery talks to you and with this tool listening is made safe and easy to find a problem. Click on “automotive” to find it.
MSRP $102.00
15. HEC Hose End Chamber
This simple device protects at rest hydraulic systems on implements and attachments and then allows an easy coupling. The HEC eliminates thermal expansion of the fluid that stresses the hydraulic system.
MSRP $45-$75
16. M/E Wagner Performance Adjustable PCV Valve
End the frustration of poor carburetor performance, oil leaks and contamination of the crankcase in older engines with this PCV valve.
MSRP $120.00
18. G&G Technics Harmonic Balancer Remover
Used on late model engines found in American cars and light trucks to remove the harmonic damper without taking out the radiator. A wonderful time saver!
MSRP $165.00
18. TorqStorm Supercharger Kit
Supercharge your hot rod farmer with this power adder kit for their hot rod! Let them bolt on some horses for 2019!
MSRP $3,000.00
19. Innovate Air/ Fuel Ratio Meters for Gasoline or Diesel Engines
Used as either a teaching tool or for diagnostics, these meter kits read the air/fuel ratio the engine is seeing.
MSRP $170.00 to $400.00
Ray Bohacz, a technical writer in both the automotive and agriculture industries, is the creator the Farm Machinery Digest website and the Idle Chatter podcast. He has more than 3,000 published articles and has been featured in nearly 50 publications.
