Why This Redditor Gifts the Same Wrench—Every Year—And Why We’re Here For It
There are two kinds of people in this world: those who let things go, and those who double down—year after year, gift after gift, wrench after shiny wrench. If you’ve ever been accused (unjustly or otherwise) of losing something, only to have it brought up at every family gathering, you know the pain. But what if, instead of letting it fester, you turned that petty grudge into a family legacy?
That’s exactly what Redditor u/UncleCoyote has done, and the result is a story equal parts hilarious, wholesome, and a masterclass in the art of malicious compliance. Welcome to the world’s most committed inside joke: the eternal gifting of the Craftsman 7/16 ratchet end wrench.
The Petty Gift That Keeps on Giving
Let’s back it up for a second. Years ago, UncleCoyote was on the receiving end of some fatherly teasing: “Where’s my wrench? Did you lose it?” It’s the sort of ribbing that every kid (and adult child) knows all too well, the kind that’s funny the first time—until it isn’t. But instead of stewing in silent annoyance, our hero made a promise: “Every Father’s Day, Birthday, and Christmas for the rest of your life, you’ll get that wrench.”
And oh, has he delivered. While Dad requests gift cards, he always receives one extra, predictably sized, and now legendary package: the Craftsman 7/16 ratchet end wrench. Year after year, occasion after occasion, the pile grows.
The Power (and Joy) of Malicious Compliance
There’s something beautifully cathartic about this level of pettiness. Malicious compliance isn’t just about following the letter of the law or a request—it’s about doing so with such relentless commitment that it becomes performance art. The original post (which you can read here) lays out the origin story, but the sequel is better: every holiday, another wrench.
Why does it work? Because, as UncleCoyote so eloquently puts it, “pettiness does NOT have an expiration date.” The persistence turns a moment of annoyance into a family tradition, a running gag so consistent it’s become an unspoken bond between father and child. And let’s face it: the longer the bit continues, the funnier it gets. (At this point, Craftsman should consider sending UncleCoyote a shareholder certificate.)
The Secret Language of Family Jokes
What makes this story resonate isn’t just the humor, but the universal truth behind it. Every family has its own language, its own set of jokes and jabs that make sense only to those on the inside. Whether it’s referencing lost wrenches or “that one time you ruined Thanksgiving,” these stories become the glue that holds us together.
By turning the tables on his dad’s teasing, UncleCoyote didn’t just get even—he elevated the joke. Now, every time Dad unwraps a new wrench, it’s a reminder: love and laughter are often delivered in the smallest packages (sometimes with ratchet ends).
Pettiness Done Right
There’s a lesson here, for all of us who’ve been the butt of a family joke or nurse a petty grudge. Sometimes, the best way to handle it isn’t to fight or forget, but to lean in. Be the bigger person—by being the pettiest person. Give the gift that keeps on giving, literally.
And hey, if you’re worried about being accused of doing it “for attention” or “karma,” take UncleCoyote’s advice to heart: “Never, ever stop being petty. Never EVER let something go... as long as you keep pettiness in your heart all year round, it will never leave you.”
Your Turn: What’s Your Family’s Running Gag?
Do you have a tradition like this? Is there a family joke that’s lasted far too long (or not long enough)? Share your stories in the comments! Because if there’s one thing the world needs more of, it’s the joy of a well-timed, lovingly petty gift.
And remember: you can always buy another wrench.
What’s the longest you’ve kept a running joke alive? Let us know below, and don’t forget to share this story with your favorite purveyor of pettiness!
Original Reddit Post: Just in case you thought it was a one-time-thing...