A CAR gift guide to automotive hand tools

This is a comprehensive and well-made kit suitable for DIYers. Containing 1/4-, 3/8-, and 1/2-inch sockets, plus spanners, hex keys, a few drive bits, and a few other things, this set allows the user to access all vehicle fasteners. The hard case is a fine, but crucially, the tools are of dependable quality.

This little 1/4-inch socket set is absolutely perfect for any DIYer. The Bahco quality is a step up from the Werkzeug kit and the user should get decades of toiling out of it - provided the set is looked after.

With 1/2-inch and 1/4-inch ratchets sizes, and including extension bars and long sockets, the user is totally sorted for any ratchet crisis that occurs in the garage, or around the house. The ratchet handle is comfortable and has a quick-release and reverse switch, and you can expect a long working life at DIY-level thanks to the chrome vanadium steel. The hard case has metal clips too, which we really like.

Designed specifically for use by serious home mechanics and professionals on cars and vehicles, this set is a step up from the others we've listed, both in application and quality. The lifetime guarantee distils confidence in the tools, but some details make this toolset a joy to use. For example, the 100-tooth ratchets only need minute movements, meaning they are easier to use in awkward spaces.

For jobs like changing a wheel, knowing the correct torque for a fastening is crucial. This is where a torque wrench comes in very handy. This Silverline torque wrench has a great 28Nm to 280Nm torque range and includes an extension bar and 3/8-inch socket adaptor too.

The Draper Redline spanner set is brilliantly no-nonsense. Sizes are 6mm to 19mm and all are stored in its little rack. The jaws are slightly offset to make working in slightly awkward areas easier. It's got great build quality, too.

Tested by Ryan Gilmore: u2018It's easy to dismiss credit card multi-tools as a bit of novelty fluff and useless. The Little Beastie is the opposite - I've started using it daily for opening boxes, tightening screws and as a bottle opener. It's a really handy little tool.u2019

What two things do you want from a screwdriver set? Quality and versatility. Enter the 44-piece screwdriver set from Draper. For DIYers itu2019s ideal. The handles have a soft ergonomic grip, the tips have excellent grip on screw heads, there is a useful storage rack, and there are all the sizes youu2019ll need (not including precision screwdrivers). Just be careful not to overstress the handles u2013 a common mistake when using screwdrivers.

The RIL4200 is robust and effective and worth paying the extra for over cheaper inspection lamps. Weu2019ve tested cheap inspection lamps against ones that aren't, and found the cash savings to not be worth it. The RIL4200 has fast charging and versatile lighting for use in the workshop or as a regular torch, but one of its main strengths is its magnets and hooks for hands-free working.

Refilling oil? Adding AdBlue? Topping up screenwash? Draperu2019s foldable funnel is as functional as any funnel but because itu2019s flat and malleable, storage is immeasurably improved.

Einhell is a reputable manufacturer of reliable power, garden, and workshop tools. This trolley jack has a 2000kg weight limit, making it suitable for most cars and small to medium-sized SUVs. It has a minimum lift height of 135mm and a maximum of 330mm. The jack itself weighs 8.7kg.

Quite a chunky gift idea but nevertheless, a very useful one. Lifts a vehicle to a height of 20cm; each ramp is capable of holding 1000kg; suitable for tyres 135mm to 185mm wide. Pair these with wheel chocks.