What's In Your Junkyard Toolkit?

[Techniker]

I am planning on making a trip to the junkyard to pick some parts on a job I am doing for a friend and to get some parts I need for one of my own cars. I am just wondering...

Do you guys have your own junkyard toolkit and if so, what's in it?

-Techniker

 

[scott37300]

I usually bring 3/8 sockets in shallow and deep with ratchets and extensions and u-joints. 1/2 sockets in deep with a big breaker bar. Also a 1/2 to 3/8 adaptor so if needed I can abuse the 3/8 sockets using the 1/2 breaker bar. Different pliers, wire cutters, wrenches, hammer, can of PB blaster. There are other things I bring depending on what I will be working on.

 

[Mr.N]

What are you going after?

My tool kit for 1970's Dana axles, transfer cases and such parts is very different from the people going after those tiny cars with metrics bolts.


Pry bar and large hammer are a must, don't forget a flash light and safety glasses.

 

[5-0stank]

Always good to have a breaker bar for the junkyard. Try to keep your bag/box as light as you can, it gets tiring lugging a stocked bag/box around, and you also have to carry the parts you pull.

 

[Borrego]

I take a small hand held box with basics previously mentioned by other posters. However, I usually keep another box in the car with more tools just in case I see something I do not expect to. That way, I can go back to the car and get additional tools if needed. Also take a 2 wheel dolly with me, easier to pull something around on wheels than it is to carry by hand.
My junkyard set is a bit different in temrs of tool quality as well. I will have inexpensive stuff like Popular Mechanics, Montgomery Ward, Sears, Companion, Stanley and the like in my set, rather than Snap On or Mac. Much easier to replace if something is mistakenly left in a car or tipped over and roll away, not to be found.

 

[NJHandyGuy]

i strap my 3 drawer kobalt to my handtruck (pneuimatic tires) bring my cordless impact and roll to what i need

 

[hofferwood]

Always good to have a breaker bar for the junkyard. Try to keep your bag/box as light as you can, it gets tiring lugging a stocked bag/box around, and you also have to carry the parts you pull.

Which is why I got these, on sale back in nov. brand don't matter.

All posted suggestions above are spot on.
Chuck

 

[jake00]

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_SPM1958239801P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

 

[Scout Driver]

Have some good boots, mechanics style gloves and mosquito spray. Have a cart or wagon to haul your toolbox and parts.

Scott

 

[boostedgt]

my junkyard box has everything i dont need at all times.

pretty much basics 3/8 ratchet/socket set,screwdrivers,hammer,breakerbar w/19 and 21mm for lugnuts and who knows what else is in there.

 

[Techniker]

Which is why I got these, on sale back in nov. brand don't matter.

All posted suggestions above are spot on.
Chuck

I have been looking exactly for that! I definitely want the flex neck version. Unfortunately, my Lowes has been out of stock of them for some time. The Kobalt version is actually made by Gearwrench and interchangeable, correct?

On another question that is tangentially related: what size cheater pipes do you guys use? I have a two foot breaker bar, but sometimes I do want to put more torque on it. I know, it's against better advice. But lets say hypothetically...if you had a two foot breaker bar and wanted to extend it, what sizes would you have to go on it?

Thanks,
Techniker

 

[DrkMtnDew]

1) good breaker bar, pry bar, hammer

2)cheap sockets, wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers

3) flashlight, gloves, glasses, small toolbox

4) wheelbarrow (optional)

 

[speed bump]

Depends on what I need from the junkyard. Its not hard to throw a lot of extra tools in a 2ft wide by 18" deep tool box on the truck so I take whatever the hell I might need.

 

[hofferwood]

I have been looking exactly for that! I definitely want the flex neck version. Unfortunately, my Lowes has been out of stock of them for some time. The Kobalt version is actually made by Gearwrench and interchangeable, correct?

Thanks,
Techniker

Not sure, but I can check tomorrow. Sears had the Gearwrench set on sale at the same time, so I got that one for my son.
Chuck

 

[1931S/X]

i keep a bunch of cheep stuff in an ammo box that used to be my go to box for the junkyard i dont think i ever broke or left anything behind. i started bringing a radio flyer wagon and a larger box with some more stuff. it ***** to have to carry heavy stuff and tools out. one thing i liked was my ryobi cordless sawzall until the batteries crapped out.

 

[crewchief888]

phillips and straight screwdrivers
torx bits & mag driver
1/4" dr std & metric (deep & shallow) set
3/8" dr long flex ratchet
3/8"-1/4" dr adapter
3/8" ext 3" 6" 12"
hammer
channel locks
vice grips
adj wrench
long screwdriver
comb wrenches
wire cutters
needle nose
pb blaster

most of the time i know exactly what i'm going for, and add or subtract tools as needed

 

[fordbroncodave]

my junkyard toolkit only consists of 3rds and 4ths snap on tools.

 

[Stephenw]

I don't have a dedicated yard tool kit. I throw the tools that I think I will need into a black canvas bag I got from Harbor Freight. I also bring a couple pairs of nitrile gloves, some rags, and a reusable shopping bag to carry smaller parts.

I bring quality tools. I don't want to leave the yard empty handed because of a broken tool or a stripped fastener.

 

[dolfans]

I dont have anything as of yet. When i do i would like to have a cheap/small camera and a rag to wipe the drool off . I have seen some autos in yards that looked like should not have been there

 

[Stephenw]

I have seen some autos in yards that looked like should not have been there

What does it mean when the vehicles you are pulling parts off of are in better shape than what you drove to the yard???

 

[dolfans]

There was a yard in town that was buying scrap also. He had a late 80's early 90's Dodge D 150 truck. The manager said that it was drove in and nothing was wrong with it except the fender had some rust on the surface. I have seen a car and the grill was broken on it not sure about the motor etc and it looked good

 

[bas157]

if its summer, don't forget the bug killer incase there are bees near some part you really don't want to leave without. I've started using a 4 wheels garden cart to haul my tools and found parts in. Its a green expanded metal style cart (often with removable or drop down sides on it). I line the cart with the remains of an old softtop so small parts/tools don't fall out.
I do as another person said, I leave more stuff out in the truck that chances are I won't ever need but if I need them, its nice to have them out in the parking lot and not at home.

 

[RustyBuckets]

i strap my 3 drawer kobalt to my handtruck (pneuimatic tires) bring my cordless impact and roll to what i need

NJHandy, how are you? Which junkyards here in NJ still let you remove your own parts?

 

[bigsteve1969]

mini sledge, torch, and my long matco prybar

 

[rob0781]

I work at a junk yard so i use mine daily, i have a full tool box in the shop i use for stripping cars but when i have to run outside to get a part i have separate tools i call my yard tools, as i upgrade my tools in my roller box the ones i replace become my yard tools.My yard tools are basically just beater tools that i use in all kinds of weather, pretty much the purpose of them is so im not dragging my good stuff out in the rain and snow.

 

[str8axle55]

I usually know what I am looking for @ the yard and pack accordingly. I do usually pack x-tra tools, cause you never know. I don`t have a dedicated toolkit, but I have a SK 1/4 dr, metric/std set that I use, and a S/O ratcheting screw driver with a large cheapo 1/4 bit set. I also have Vise Grips, hammer, Channel Locks, picks, razor blades, the lighter the better. It also varies on what you need, pick a pulls around here are pretty picked.

 

[nikonica]

2# dead blow hammer
2x screwdriver-handled prybars, 14"-long
Phillips #1, 2, & 3 screwdrivers
3/16 & 5/16 slotted screwdrivers
1/4"-drive metric socket set
3/8"-drive metric socket set
1/2"-drive metric sockets & 18" breaker bar
Two sets of metric combination wrenches 8-19mm
10" Channellock pliers
6" slip-joint pliers
Needle nose pliers/cutters
3/8"-drive hex bit and torx bit sets

 

[Techniker]

Wow, thanks for all the great ideas everyone! I really appreciate it!

What do you guys think of taking a battery-powered impact wrench along? I saw NJHandy mentioned that he does this and I have been toying with the idea myself.

Thanks again,
Techniker

 

[Seanbev24]

Wow, thanks for all the great ideas everyone! I really appreciate it!

What do you guys think of taking a battery-powered impact wrench along? I saw NJHandy mentioned that he does this and I have been toying with the idea myself.

Thanks again,
Techniker

I'd never go to the junk yard without my cordless impact. The less time I have to spend out there, the better.

 

[scott37300]

Battery tools can be nice at yards. Depending on what I'm going after I take cordless tools. I have taken my cordless dewalt grinder for getting patch panels. Sawzall for getting parts out easy. And the impact for getting bolts out quick.

Your tools all depend on what you need.

 

[NJHandyGuy]

NJHandy, how are you? Which junkyards here in NJ still let you remove your own parts?

pm or call me i'll give you the 4 page list

 

[Danglerb]

What about an impact driver, the hit it with a hammer type?

Anybody ever have any issues with the tools you bring in? Like what you take out is what you brought in, etc.?

 

[chrisziem]

Metric & standard 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 sets - import
Metric longhandle combos - china
Standard stubby combos - husky china
Craftsman slip joint, needle nose, linesman and dikes.
Pry bar
22 oz ball peen
lockblade boxcutter
bit driver and bits
large flt head screwdriver
folding Allen key set
Duct tape - for the MacgGuyver moments!

 

[bagsanthony]

Universal Redneck Survival Kit: big *** hammer (48 oz and above), a pipe wrench, channelocks, and an 870 express, oh and another redneck to help u out

 

[NJHandyGuy]

at the pull your part today god i love my job

to answer the yards in nj ? blacey's is my go to guy 242 main st. wrightstown nj 609 758 1919 tom's great jr. is awesome i do alot with them

harbor auto recyclers can be cool (i bring him stuff sometimes)

and all american in little egg

up north i only know of 1 and the phone # doesn't work

 

[psychoclaw84]

Yes, I frequent the U-PULL or PICK-A-PART junkyard when needed.

I have a HUSKY (home depot) bag withe the following:

• 1/4 drive spinner handle, phillips & slotted screwdrivers
• Internal Torx drivers and Torx Sockets
  
• 1/4 dr metric (deep & shallow) set
  
• 3/8" dr long ratchet
  
• 3/8" ext 3" 6" 12"
• Hammer
• Prybars
• Combo wrenches
• Flarenut wrenches
• Needle nose pliers, standard size & electronic size
• Channel Lock Pliers & regular pliers
• Wire cutters
• Box cutters
• Hacksaw blade with small handle
• PB Blaster
• Hand cleaner and shop rags

I try to keep the set as basic as possible and I do not take my good tools out, these are mostly stanley, craftsman, powerbuilt tools that I take with me. If some tools are left behind, it can be replaced easily.

 

[Lightfoot]

+ 1 can of wasp spray, in case nobody mentioned it already.

(i learned the hard way)

 

[Lump]

I have a similar junkyard kit like most of you, made up with cheapo tools which are still good enough to function reliably. But my FAVORITE junkyard tool set is an old backpack frame which I rigged up to carry a very small acetylene cutting torch outfit. I wrapped the tanks in Saran wrap, then inserted them inside the canvas pouch. Then filled the pouch with expanding foam, and allowed it to harden so that the tanks are rigidly supported in correct position. The Saran wrap kept the foam from sticking to the tanks, which lift in and out easily for refilling. Now I can easily pack the little cutting outfit deep back into old yards, even into areas where cart wheels won't roll. I have used it to cut out 12-bolt rear and 9" Ford rear ends, crossmembers, bumpers, etc. But it's been a few years since I actually went to a bone yard myself...too busy these days. Therefore the torch is at my brother-in-law's shop right now, or I would show a photo. (It's not pretty anyway).

 

[SMKS]

My strategy would be a light bag with the basics. You could leave a backup of heavier stuff that wasn't as necessary in your car and go back if you really need something.

While bored, I've been pondering what I would put in a junkyard box.

Here are my thoughts:

To reduce weight, get rid of the 1/4" drive and 1/2" drive ratchets and sockets. 3/8 deep and shallow should be enough. You can get into tight places with one of these:

You could always use a long 3/8" ratchet or breaker bar on the tougher stuff to replace the 1/2" drive set.

Also, you could use double box wrenches to cut the number of wrenches in half, then include one or two adjustable wrenches in case you need an open end.


My strategy would be to do the most with the least. Your back will thank you after a trip to the junkyard.

 

[2oolhound]

Man this thread brings back old memories. Back in the 70's I used to go to the junk yards and everything was free for the taking. No fences, no keep out signs or anything. Vehicles were stacked 60 - 70 feet high by the crusher but they were all over for acres in 1, 2, and 3 car stacks. The owners didn't care about a few people carrying out a few hundred lbs. of scrap in those days. One time I went and some kids found an olds with 1/2 tank of gas. They got it running and were having the times of their lives in a 1 car demolition derby. Before I moved away from the city in 75 they had fences and security guards so that was the end of an era in the Vancouver area.