One tool that is super useful for any mechanical work is called a "vise grip" pliers. Get a medium size if he doesn't have one. The best brand is the original branded "Vise Grip" pliers.
They lock onto the nut or bolt etc when you squeeze them and hold tight. Another thing I recommend that only costs about $20 at Sears is a "Digital Multi-Meter" (DMM) that anyone who works with electricity and batteries etc really needs. They are easy to use and he probably doesn't have one.
Get one that says it does "autoranging" for sure. http://www.sears. More.
I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.