Mobile Tool Kit

[Kyle.B]

So I routinely get asked to fix random things when at friends/family houses, which results in me having to drive back to my house to pick out tools, or make due with what they have (usually not much).

As such, I've decided to put together a trunk tool box to leave in the trunk of my car so that I have things on hand. I've always kept some basic auto tools, but this kit will be a more thorough auto kit, and have general home repair kind of things as well.

I've already got most of it put together, but I figure everybody has a different idea of the "basics", or some some odd tool they just love so much they always keep one around. For example, I've found about a hundred uses for brake pliers that have nothing to do with brakes, so they've earned a place in the top drawer.

So what tools would you put in it? Or maybe some of you have done some interesting organization scheme to save space in your car, let's see it.

This is mostly for people with car's as their DD, but if you've got a truck tool box you're proud of feel free to post it up.

 

[zkling]

Please do a search we just went through this a few days ago. There are numerous threads on this topic with a wealth of good tips and tricks. In the end it is really going to boil down to what YOU need and what you typically work on. Ex. A person that typically works on computers probably won't pack a 1/2" torque wrench. Likewise a person that commonly does brake and suspension work probably won't pack a torque screwdriver.

Just to get you started

http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=228151
http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=232078

 

[nicksnothereman]

So I routinely get asked to fix random things when at friends/family houses, which results in me having to drive back to my house to pick out tools, or make due with what they have (usually not much).

As such, I've decided to put together a trunk tool box to leave in the trunk of my car so that I have things on hand. I've always kept some basic auto tools, but this kit will be a more thorough auto kit, and have general home repair kind of things as well.

I've already got most of it put together, but I figure everybody has a different idea of the "basics", or some some odd tool they just love so much they always keep one around. For example, I've found about a hundred uses for brake pliers that have nothing to do with brakes, so they've earned a place in the top drawer.

So what tools would you put in it? Or maybe some of you have done some interesting organization scheme to save space in your car, let's see it.

This is mostly for people with car's as their DD, but if you've got a truck tool box you're proud of feel free to post it up.

You're getting paid, right? If not and that's not your purpose for being there you can just tell them that "I don't have the tools to do this". Actually, and I have encountered this from time to time, I say "do you work for free? Neither do I." When I help people it's of my own volition and typically they pay something marginal. It's not healthy for you (or other people) to have to do things for people to maintain a relationship friend or (even) family wise; it's parasitic. Shovel in the dirt stuff? Okay. Specialized stuff? Not so much.

The risk of your stuff being stolen in your car is too high to keep decent tools in there.

But since that doesn't answer your question. A large mechanics hand tool set is enough probably an off brand (husky, kobalt, or pittsburgh pro) and no one will steal it. I don't even travel with that. Basically I have a ratchet, sockets, wrenches, a knife, two pairs of pliers, a tube of super glue, and some steel wire (besides fuses, a couple of worm clamps, and some lasco (I think) nylon hose barbs).

Depends on what you're actually going to be doing for people. Lots of different tools don't work for different stuff. If you're doing some plumbing you don't need a ratchet. If you're doing brakes you don't need a pair of groove joint pliers. Tool selection has gotta be job based unless you buy two of everything.