Emergency Toolbox

[VeeDub]

I have read a few threads on what to put in an emergency travel box. My main question is do I need SAE or just metric? I drive a 2003 Ford Focus and a 2005 Ford Expedition. Both cars are relatively new to me and I have not done too much work on them. I know most of the stuff on them is metric but are there any standard sizes that I might need if I am stuck on the side of the road? Your input is greatly appreciated

 

[Deafautotech]

no, i do use a lot of metric hand tools on those vehicles BUT you will need a 5/8 deep socket as spark plug socket....

i am ford service technician (specialist into heavy line)

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

Are you going to pack a lot of parts too ?

 

[nathan_454]

I am in the same position as you, and i finally admitted defeat and put just a basic set in our cars (2007 dodge ram 2500 cummins, 2006 chrysler 300c srt8) basic metric wrenches, 3/8 socket set, screwdrivers, some pliers. basic stuff. I also added towing coverage to our vehicles, and they are both still in their extended warrenty coverage, so for now at least i consider myself covered.

There are so many specialty tools need to diag and repair todays vehicles that unless you want to carry an OBDII scan tool, diagnostic manuals, multimeter, model specific tooling, and a plethora of possible replacement parts, it is pointless.

the days of the side of the road carb adjustment, filing points, etc are over unfortunately

 

[Hank McMauser]

"the days of the side of the road carb adjustment, filing points, etc are over unfortunately "
I'll gladly take electronic ignition, and fuel injection any day over that

 

[nathan_454]

"the days of the side of the road carb adjustment, filing points, etc are over unfortunately "
I'll gladly take electronic ignition, and fuel injection any day over that

I wholeheartedly agree! just saying that its a moot point to carry a whole bunch of tools!

 

[Hank McMauser]

I think you should have some tie wire, and some electrical tape,& duct tape, maybe some extra water(for you & the engine if you're very far from civilization, you may want to have some extraction tools (hi lift jack/shovel in the expedition) if you are off the paved roads much,it may not be a bad idea to have an extra fan belt stowed in the truunk along with the neccesary tools to change it, In winter time we have mummy sleeping bags/blankets, food,fire making kit,axe or hatchet,jumper cables,and usually carry plenty of firearms for things that go bump in the night

 

[wantedabiggergarage]

no, i do use a lot of metric hand tools on those vehicles BUT you will need a 5/8 deep socket as spark plug socket....

i am ford service technician (specialist into heavy line)

Come on Andy, you forgot three important SAE items...........




1/4",3/8", and 1/2" ratchets.

 

[metalgodlb]

I'm not much for the, gulp, big box store variety tools but for in the vehicle its hard to beat one of those sets that come in a plastic molded case you can get at home depot, sams etc. 1/4"-1/2", metric standard, deep shallow, even 10pc combo wrench (5 met 5 SAE) and some hex keys. Nothing like organization when your on the side of the road and you are scrambling to fix whatever happens. Of course snappy and other nicer brands make those sets but I just can't see spending that kind of cheddar on emergency tools.

 

[paullie]

I'm not much for the, gulp, big box store variety tools but for in the vehicle its hard to beat one of those sets that come in a plastic molded case you can get at home depot, sams etc. 1/4"-1/2", metric standard, deep shallow, even 10pc combo wrench (5 met 5 SAE) and some hex keys. Nothing like organization when your on the side of the road and you are scrambling to fix whatever happens. Of course snappy and other nicer brands make those sets but I just can't see spending that kind of cheddar on emergency tools.

i got a set the channel lock sets at sams club like you are talking about to keep in my pick up, and so far they're seem to be pretty good for what i paid for em, plus the flat case fit nice behind the seat of my reg cab

 

[pipsters]

Only when I travel long distance (500+ miles) each way do I carry any tools with me, and they are limited to the specific things I need to replace the spare parts I have on hand. I have some used sensors and stuff I pulled off another car like mine - coil, crank/cam sensors, fuel pump and relay, etc. Basically a 12mm and a T40 I believe, along with an extension and a 3/8" ratchet. I carry these with me only because I have them on hand, if I bought them new I'd just put the new stuff on and be done with it.

In all my years of driving, I have yet to ever see anyone fixing their car along the side of the road themselves. For that, my wife and I pay AAA $9/month for the 100 mile AAA Plus membership to tow anywhere I want them to take it.

 

[MadMark]

For SAE I would add 9/16, 1/2 and 1/4" sockets. 8mm works for 5/16

 

[whelenfan]

I think you should have some tie wire, and some electrical tape,& duct tape, maybe some extra water(for you & the engine if you're very far from civilization, you may want to have some extraction tools (hi lift jack/shovel in the expedition) if you are off the paved roads much,it may not be a bad idea to have an extra fan belt stowed in the truunk along with the neccesary tools to change it, In winter time we have mummy sleeping bags/blankets, food,fire making kit,axe or hatchet,jumper cables,and usually carry plenty of firearms for things that go bump in the night

this sounds like great advice!

 

[whelenfan]

Only when I travel long distance (500+ miles) each way do I carry any tools with me, and they are limited to the specific things I need to replace the spare parts I have on hand. I have some used sensors and stuff I pulled off another car like mine - coil, crank/cam sensors, fuel pump and relay, etc. Basically a 12mm and a T40 I believe, along with an extension and a 3/8" ratchet. I carry these with me only because I have them on hand, if I bought them new I'd just put the new stuff on and be done with it.

In all my years of driving, I have yet to ever see anyone fixing their car along the side of the road themselves. For that, my wife and I pay AAA $9/month for the 100 mile AAA Plus membership to tow anywhere I want them to take it.

this also sounds like great advice! I actually do both (pretty much).

 

[JML2]

I think having some tools on-hand in-car can be useful for other purposes. So besides a set of jumper cables, some 1/2"-drive wheel-changing metric sockets and breaker bar, a PowerFlare emergency flasher, two flashlights, a waterproof box with CR123 batteries, and the right sizes of spare fuses, I keep a tool bag in the car containing the kind of general tools that I might need for other stuff: several Craftsman Pro pliers and wire cutters, a GearWrench 3/8"-drive swivel ratchet with a set of Craftsman 6-point metric sockets, metric GearWrench 4-sizes-on-1 wrenches, Bondhus metric and SAE hex keys, an insert-bit screwdriver (torx, phillips, flat), a utility scissors & shear, a utility knife, two sizes of locking pliers, a tape measure, and assorted wire ties. Plus several sets of disposable nitrile & vinyl gloves.

 

[Deafautotech]

the days of the side of the road carb adjustment, filing points, etc are over unfortunately

No it dont over if you still have a older vehicle???? my techs at my work still do own the older vehicles that sometime they would like to drive it to work on good day... one time that tech did drive the older 1970 camero to work, he was plan to drive it out for lunch time, the car has start to have problem as backfire and sputters. he did check the points at distributor, it got bad, he tried to clean it and get it go back to work without get more diffcult or troubles. he did got it but when he get to park it, the distributor gave it up. so he had called his wife to bring the extra distributor. he put it in and fire it up. he drove it to home, ordered new point kits, he got it fixed and still driving so far since it is GAS GUZZLER!!!

 

[VeeDub]

Thanks for the advice. I have AAA as well and I am not thinking about taking a huge box down the road with me when I travel. Just wanted to have a few things for basic stuff if something relatively simple broke. If it was anything big I would just call AAA for a tow. From what I have gleaned the only SAE size I might need is a 5/8 for spark plugs. I thought the Expedition's plugs were 9/16 I might be wrong. Thanks for all the tips.

 

[WhiteTrash]

I keep a Craftsman 53 pc tool set in each of my vehicles (except the motorcycles). They occasionally go on sale for around $20. Add a set of vise grips, flashlight, some electrical tape, jumper cables, zip ties, fuses, water, oil, brake fluid, and a 1 gal gas can. I always carry a pocket knife on me, so I don't need that.

I am able to use the electrical tape in place of duct tape. I can also use it to get me off the side of the road without having to carry wire connectors and crimpers. The pocket knife will let me strip wires and clean off battery posts and terminals.

The vise grips are effective at replacing most pliers and wrenches, not the first tool of choice when I have all of my tools, but an effective one when you have limited tools. I have used them for everything from holding ground wires to holding up a rear bumper.

The 53 pc tool set is small and compact and has most of the sizes I should need on the side of the road, or when I am at a gals house and having to tinker on something.

Jumper cables are a given, nothing can really replace them.

A flashlight is great as well, but I could probably get away with using the flash for the video on my cell phone. The cell phone video is also handy when I can't really see in an area without getting too dirty.

And the fluids are self explanatory. I am able to keep most of them stashed under the hood along with a funnel and a rag. Just be sure to keep them away from anything hot.

I have never had to use the gas can for myself, but have helped others on the side of the road with it. A lot of gas stations have a gas can you can borrow if you leave your ID. But I live in the country and the station isn't always open, but I can still pay at the pump. I only carry a 1 gal can because if I can't get to the gas station on one gallon of gas, I don't want to walk to it to get the gas, and I sure as hell don't want to carry 40 lbs of gas back that far.

I also carry a small fire extinguisher under the seat and a first aid kit. And, of course, the tools needed to change a tire.

I am able to fit pretty much everything with the spare tire, under a seat, or under the hood, except for the gas can. It is small and doesn't take up much space.

 

[saturdaymechanic]

Over the years I have only had to replace a hose, put in a new battery, light bulbs, tires and maybe a few other odd jobs.

I have used other tools for non car related events, most recently on one of those electronic parking meters where you insert your card. The machine wouldn't eject the card leaving my wife and I stuck there at 10 pm. I pulled out my long nose pliers and grabbed that mug right out.

Anyway, I've been carrying a basic set of tools since my father let me drive his '76 Nova. My set includes: 3/8 and 1/4 socket set, extensions, spark plug socket, some screwdrivers, various pliers, vice grips, metric wrenches, adj wrench, zip ties, Gorilla Tape, fuses, Liquid Wrench, utility knife, small ball peen, chisel, shop towels, coolant, jumper cables (my wife's set has a self start jumper). Probably a couple others I forgot, but it all fits in an 18' metal CMan (except the cables/self jumper).

By the way, we also have AAA. Worth every cent.

 

[bczygan]

I never carry more tools than I don't mind losing when the car gets stolen. Took a 10,000 mile trip out west and back. The night I got back home the car was stolen with all my tools. Of course...........I live in Detroit!

 

[Old Donn]

My main question is do I need SAE or just metric? :

"the days of the side of the road carb adjustment, filing points, etc are over unfortunately "
I'll gladly take electronic ignition, and fuel injection any day over that

@VeeDub. Most socket sets come with an assortment of both, and a roll-up of combo wrenches, 3/8"-3/4" doesn't take up much room. Like my old dad used to say, "better to have it and not need it."

@Hank Mc. I agree about electronic ignition and FI, much more efficient. That said, I could adjust breaker points with a screwdriver & matchbook cover and get back on the road. A little dirt or water in a carb and the car might run for sh*t, but it would usually get you home. Electronic ignition fails, and you're waiting for the flatbed. Would I want to go back to the old technology? No way, but it did have some left-handed advantages.

 

[WhiteTrash]

I only own 2 fuel injected vehicles, 04 C320 and 98 Ram. Everything else has a carb, 99 Honda F4, 86 Ninja 1000, 86 K5 4x4, 85 Chevy 1/2 ton 4x4, 85 Ranger, 84 Ranger 4x4, 69 Manx style dune buggy, 67 Ranchero, 67 Royal Enfield, and 55 T-Bird. Everything has the same basic tool set, except the bikes. And I will add anything vehicle specific as needed. And the trucks also have a chain, tow strap and an assortment of tie downs in a plastic ammo can.

And the majority of the time, I don't use the tools on my own vehicles.

If you are just wanting something to work on your vehicle should you be stuck on the side of the road, I know Craftsman makes metric only sets. You may look into the Craftsman 56 pc Universal Mechanic set. It has all of their spline drive tools and comes with wrenches, sockets, ratchet, extension, bit driver and bit, hex keys and a red carrying case. It looks like you may be able to fit a roll of electrical tape and a pair of vise grips in the case. Should be a good start and not a complete duplication to what you already have at home.

 

[strnjss]

I have to disagree about not needing tools on the side of the road, I've needed some a lot, and in many situations didn't have the right ones. Maybe it's because my family and I drive cars until they cant possibly drive anymore, but way more goes wrong with them besides just fuel injection and computer related stuff.

For example, I would add some wire clothes hanger or something to your emergency toolkit. My brother had his muffler hanger break off and was dragging his muffler down the road. I drove up to him with a wire clothes hanger and rehung his dragging muffler so he could be on his way. (later we bought a new muffler and installed it.) At least up here in the salt belt, its a good idea.

screwdrivers utility knife and regular (and maybe needle nose) pliers. I've had vacuum hoses come loose, tear, and in one case, blow off with such force, it disconnected all the vacuum lines! My brothers old Chrysler LHS blew off all his vacuum lines at startup once. Luckily I had pliers and a screwdriver, and reconnected every last line.

We never found out why they all blew off like that, but it never happened again.

Another thing I've learned to have is fast drying epoxy putty like this:

I was riding along when the LHS's coolant overflow bottle got a hole in it and sprayed all of it's coolant out.

Luckily, there was an autozone right across the street in that case. We bought some of that epoxy, patched the hole, filled in some coolant, and were on our way (water would have worked too in a more emergency situation).

of course these tire repair and filling essentials are great if you were to damage more than one tire, or if your spare ended up being flat for some reason:

For dead batteries this is also essential:

you don't have to count on others being around for a jump if you have a dead battery. Tons of stories with this thing.

So there are a ton of roadside stories I could tell, but needless to say, there are a lot of things you can do yourself to avoid a tow. Besides the stuff I mentioned, a socket set (with metric and standard) would help for more serious repairs.

Maybe even add some spare fluids to your trunk like a quart or two of the proper weight oil in case you end up having a slow leak your unaware of and unexpectedly get a oil light.

 

[woody 73]

I don't want to highjack this great topic but I have a question to ask and it goes along with the topic:

Road Flares do they last for a long time in the back of your car or do they wear out after so many years?
I have a set in my car from 20 years ago are they still good or should I just buy a new set and if so how long are they good for?

 

[pipsters]

I have to disagree about not needing tools on the side of the road, I've needed some a lot...

...Tons of stories with this thing...

...So there are a ton of roadside stories I could tell...,

If I had "tons of stores" to tell about my cars breaking down on the side of the road I'd seriously question the cars lifespan at that point.

I have a 16 year old 175,000 mile car that the only thing it's ever done is blow a radiator hose, and you can't fix that on the side of the road when you need another one (it deteriorated and blew a hole). I learned quickly after that about the importance of preventive maintenance.

If I had to bring the equivalent of a roll around tool box on a trip with me "just in case" every time, I'd have no room for the occupants and our stuff. I understand the "boy scout" mentality but...

 

[woody 73]

You put a smile on my face but they do make just such a kit for repairing your radiator hose; seems you just cut the hose where the hole is ,stick in a plastic pipe (kit comes with several sizes along with band clamps) and you are on your way,very clever and a very small kit!

 

[tyndall]

I have a 16 year old 175,000 mile car that the only thing it's ever done is blow a radiator hose, and you can't fix that on the side of the road when you need another one (it deteriorated and blew a hole).

Why not? Ever since fuel injection came out, people's roadside skills have vanished in favor of pulling out a credit card for the simplest things.

Assuming hose repair tape wouldn't work, a walk or ride to the nearest auto parts store for a hose and jug of coolant beats waiting and paying for a tow and a repair shop.

I had the alternator on a motorhome fail in the middle of a trip on a sunday. With nobody around to fix it I got a new one from Napa and changed it in their parking lot. Saved money and the vacation went on as planned. Sometimes you've got to be a man and not rely on other people.

 

[pipsters]

Assuming hose repair tape wouldn't work, a walk or ride to the nearest auto parts store for a hose and jug of coolant beats waiting and paying for a tow and a repair shop.

A walk or ride implies you are in town, around where you live. For that I would call AAA to tow it home.

If you are out of town on a trip, that means a taxi, and you are already into the taxi for more than it would cost for a mechanic to repair the item anyway.

Relying on people doesn't make you any less of a "man".

 

[strnjss]

If I had "tons of stores" to tell about my cars breaking down on the side of the road I'd seriously question the cars lifespan at that point.

I have a 16 year old 175,000 mile car that the only thing it's ever done is blow a radiator hose, and you can't fix that on the side of the road when you need another one (it deteriorated and blew a hole). I learned quickly after that about the importance of preventive maintenance.

If I had to bring the equivalent of a roll around tool box on a trip with me "just in case" every time, I'd have no room for the occupants and our stuff. I understand the "boy scout" mentality but...

my 'tons of stories' are not related to only one car. It's over multiple cars over the course of years. For spending only like $2000-$3000 on my vehicles used, they have lasted incredibly long. And I have saved a lot of money and hassle by just being prepared for it.

Also, you can fix you radiator hose on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere like woody 73 and tyndall have said.

The stuff I carry does not take up that much room. Just some stuff in the back of the trunk.

Of course, like you said, you should perform preventative maintenance on your car, but things fail on cars all the time outside of maintenance, and having what's necessary to get it back on the road yourself can mean the difference between continuing about your day normally, or going through the hassle of waiting hours for a tow, towing it somewhere, paying all kinds of money to have it fixed, etc.

Simple stuff like a blown radiator hose, or tire, or dead battery, or whatever else that may happen at a bad time should not warrant such an immediate hassle.

That said, of course some people's philosophy is like yours, and that's fine. nothing wrong with it, but there's nothing wrong with saving time and money and hassle just by simply having some tools with you either.

 

[pipsters]

By the time you go and buy those quick fix radiator hose things why not just buy the damn things and replace all of them? I mean seriously. I don't understand the philosophy. It was $55 to replace all my radiator hoses, done @ 150,000 miles, they were original. A dead battery? How do you fix that? You get towed to Autozone, or call a friend/family if you are in town. I don't really see how you can fix a dead battery, but maybe you are smarter than me.

Sure things happen, but expending energy, time, and money thinking about the what-if's when you can replace the common failures and not have to worry a bit is much more satisfying to me. If you like to fix stuff on the side of the road, go for it, but to me I'd rather spend the extra $50 and replace the stuff before I have to fix it. Or replace my battery when it starts getting low, rather than give it another 6 months before I get stuck somewhere.

 

[strnjss]

By the time you go and buy those quick fix radiator hose things why not just buy the damn things and replace all of them? I mean seriously. I don't understand the philosophy. It was $55 to replace all my radiator hoses, done @ 150,000 miles, they were original. A dead battery? How do you fix that? You get towed to Autozone, or call a friend/family if you are in town. I don't really see how you can fix a dead battery, but maybe you are smarter than me.

Sure things happen, but expending energy, time, and money thinking about the what-if's when you can replace the common failures and not have to worry a bit is much more satisfying to me. If you like to fix stuff on the side of the road, go for it, but to me I'd rather spend the extra $50 and replace the stuff before I have to fix it. Or replace my battery when it starts getting low, rather than give it another 6 months before I get stuck somewhere.

I'm saying if you're putting together an emergency tool kit for the car, it's a good idea to have those in it too. Not to go buy them when you need them. If you were to do that, I would agree it's better to just buy a new hose.

It's also good if you want to help someone else out on the side of the road too, not just for your own car.

Like I said, preventative maintenance is one thing, and it's a good idea, but things do happen outside of that. Staying with just the radiator hose thing, simply replacing them is not a guarantee you won't get a hole in one for some unforeseen reason (had a mouse chew through a spark plug wire once for example, could have been a hose if they liked the warmth or something).

 

[WhiteTrash]

I often stop to help folks on the side of the road. And I will always carry tools with me. Some people don't like to work on their vehicles, some people do. Some folks will spend $30K for a new car so they don't have to work on it, others would rather spend $3K on a vehicle and $100 on some tools to keep with it.

Ironically, aside from the bikes, the only vehicle I have with under 150K miles is my oldest vehicle, the 55 T-Bird with only 22K. My grandfather was the original owner.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

no, i do use a lot of metric hand tools on those vehicles BUT you will need a 5/8 deep socket as spark plug socket....

Nah, just get a 16mm one!