Start of an outline for a longer article on typewriter tools<br /> Suggested by reply to u/Confident_Avocado768 at https://old.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1gy25og/christmas_gift_help/
If they've been doing restoration for a while, try to find out what they already have to avoid duplication. Anyone who's done a few machines is likely to have a lifetime supply of lubricant (it really goes a long way) and is likely to have gone well beyond cotton swabs. The sort of kit you mention would be more appropriate to someone who's recently gotten their first typewriter, not someone who has restored more than a machine or two.
Chances are that you can up the level of their restoration tool bag with a small handful of inexpensive and easy to source options:
- oiler bottles for solvents/cleaning
- spring hook (push)
- spring hook (pull)
- spring hook (captive)
- wiping cloths (cotton)
- nylon, brass, and steel brushes (example; 2 or 3 sets of these are always useful)
- high quality wool mats make a great (soft) surface for working on machines (as well as for typing on). Here's some details and a link to a well-recommended one.
I've documented some of my own versions of these with links at https://boffosocko.com/2024/08/11/adding-to-my-typewriter-toolset/
Slightly more expensive tools that they may not have:
- hollow ground/precision screwdriver set ($35-150)
- Lucas Dul and others often suggest the Chapman typewriter set: https://chapmanmfg.com/products/0623-r-typewriterset
- Others recommend the slightly more ergonomic Weaver multi-bit gunsmith tool kit: https://www.bushnell.com/gunsmithing-tools/driver-and-hammer-sets/multi-bit-tool-kit/WV-849718.html
- Small air compressor ($75-$150) for cleaning out machines
If you really want to shoot the moon and they're into the older vintage machines, you could get them a new pair of keyring pliers: http://mytypewriter.com/hello-qwerty-typewriter-keyring-pliers-kit.aspx
You can also browse Lucas Dul's kit for other ideas via this presentation: https://virtualhermans.com/lucas-dul
Good luck and Merry Christmas! 🪛🛠️🎅🏼🎄

