Travel Tool Box

cburnscrx · Jan 31, 2013

Hey guys, I am in need of some assistance and looking for some input. I am building a travel tool box to take with me to the in-laws, and when I visit friends. I am the general fix it guy. A buddy of mine paid for my flight out to D.C. so I could fix his car because it was cheaper to do that than pay the mechanic. Too funny!

These tools will live permanently in the travel tool box. These will not be my good tools. Whenever I go to these places, they always want me to fix things, but they have no tools...or if they own it they can't locate it. It could range from replacing brakes on a car, to swapping out a toilet seat, to checking the wiring on a tankless water heater, to installing a cat door, to hanging a towel bar, to replacing the garbage disposal. Um...yea, try to pack your shop when you come...

Oh, and this will go in the trunk of an Acura CL. The car itself will already contain a wife and a 40lb dog.

Here's what I have so far.

Sockets - 3/8 ratchet, sae and mm sockets, extensions and adapters
Sockets - 1/4 ratchet, sae and mm sockets, extensions and adapters
Screwdrivers - full set...I never seem to have the #3 philips when I need it
Wrenches and Pliers - Various vise grips, channel locks, adjustable, and needle nose. Also a full set SAE and mm HF combo wrenches.
C-Clamps
Drill bit combo pack - drill bits, spade bits, masonry bits, hole saw bits, and a full assessment of screwdriver bits
Speed square
Tape Measure
Utility knife
Drill - corded or cordless
Jig Saw - corded or cordless
Hammer

Added thanks to this thread

Multi Meter
Electrical Probe
Cold Chisel
Wood Chisel
Putty Knife
Flashlight
Plastic organizer
Stud Finder

The following will go with me, but will remain in my home collection...

Genesis Oscillating tool
Dremel and accessories

I figure I can cut pretty much anything I want with the jig saw, including 4x8 sheets as long as I have a guide. The drill is self explanatory. The Multimaster knockoff has been a fantastic tool, doing everything I could ever want.

Any suggestions on things I might be forgetting, or something I can eliminate?

Thanks for your help :beer:

sherlocktk · Jan 31, 2013

I might pick up a cheap electric drill and Jig saw vs the cordless. They take less room than the cordless and are overall lighter.

Other Items to Consider
Jewlers size screw drivers, including torx, for all that small stuff you need to fix
Cheap digital multi meter
inductive electrical proble (the type that beeps when close to an electrially live wire)
1 or 2 chisles for that enivitable project where concrete or metal is in the way
Some type of "pull cord" when pulling wires from somewhere to somewhere else
large Pry bar either the trim removing type or the move a safe type depending on the work you do
Putty knife
Hammer
Good assortment of fasteners

cburnscrx · Jan 31, 2013

sherlocktk said:
I might pick up a cheap electric drill and Jig saw vs the cordless. They take less room than the cordless and are overall lighter.

Other Items to Consider
Jewlers size screw drivers, including torx, for all that small stuff you need to fix
Cheap digital multi meter
inductive electrical proble (the type that beeps when close to an electrially live wire)
1 or 2 chisles for that enivitable project where concrete or metal is in the way
Some type of "pull cord" when pulling wires from somewhere to somewhere else
large Pry bar either the trim removing type or the move a safe type depending on the work you do
Putty knife
Hammer
Good assortment of fasteners

Thanks! Some good ideas there.

Didn't really think about the drill/jig saw being lighter and more compact. Plus that would allow me to keep them separate from my shop tools. I have a spare corded drill, but off to the pawn shop for a orbital jig saw. I think I'll throw in a 10ft. extension cord too.

Lou's Garage · Jan 31, 2013

You mentioned brake jobs but I did not see anything about removing wheels and tires in your list. I would add a few select pieces of a 1/2" drive socket set for the common heavier jobs you're likely to encounter.

I did not see a hammer mentioned either. Good luck with it, sounds like you're trying to be prepared for almost anything.

Lou

NUTTSGT · Jan 31, 2013

Lineman's pliers and wire strippers/crimpers.
Decent flashlight
a 25'extension cord over your 10'
Chisels, wood and a cold chisel
Hammer, 20 oz ball peen and a 20 oz claw hammer, right tool for the right job
duct tape/electrical tape
plastic organizer with different fasteners, nails/screws, **** connectors/spade connectors/wire nuts, a few of this or that.

Remember, you are driving your car, you need to beable to fix your vehcle if it breaks down on the way or back.

brownbagg · Jan 31, 2013

no hammer

thedrivingman · Jan 31, 2013

level and stud finder

cburnscrx · Jan 31, 2013

Lou's Garage said:
You mentioned brake jobs but I did not see anything about removing wheels and tires in your list. I would add a few select pieces of a 1/2" drive socket set for the common heavier jobs you're likely to encounter.

I did not see a hammer mentioned either. Good luck with it, sounds like you're trying to be prepared for almost anything.

Lou

Good thinking on removing the wheels and for a second I was concerned. Fortunately I have a universal lug nut wrench that travels in my car.

I did have the claw hammer in the box, but forgot to list it.

hotfoot5 · Jan 31, 2013

Can't go wrong with some zip ties, duct tape and wd 40.

Also a small butane torch and electrical tape

flippin · Jan 31, 2013

Veto Pro Pac XXL, nothing better for storing your mobile tools!!!

http://www.vetopropac.com/products/model-xxl-f

And though you have a jig saw, my mobile tool bag always has a folding Japanese style hand saw. You'll reach for this way more frequently than the jig saw. If you don't have one, you'll end up buying two, one to leave at home as well.

Mattlt · Feb 1, 2013

I'd add some small containers of fasteners. One with screws and nails; the other with nuts, bolts, and washers. I've been saved by these assortments many times.

I don't think I saw a putty knife on the list.

This is what I carry in mine. Usually also grab a cordless drill and a 5-gallon bucket with any specialty tools I might need, such as plumbing or electrical tools. Depends on the project.

betcd · Feb 1, 2013

This something to think about i have the four piece kit that is real good for traveling with all the odd jobs and it is cheap

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs...&productId=203466900&R=203466900#.UQveRB1EFqE

fringeofinsanity · Feb 1, 2013

Funny, i had done the same thing awhile back. even took it with me out of the country. I picked up a cheaper cordless drill rather than a corded one. If you watch you can get a decent one for the same price, even cheaper.

What about

Work gloves
Teflon and electrical tape
Razor blades
Spare car fuses
Electrical test light
Spare jig saw blades
Shims
Small file
Sand paper
Wire brush
Locative stick, including antisieze
I'd suggest a couple extra screwdrivers of your most used, being your mobile I tend to forget to pick it up when moving from task to task because I'm elsewhere then had to stop and look around for it

Doug B · Feb 2, 2013

cburnscrx said:
Here's what I have so far. PICTURES COMING SOON

Sockets - 3/8 ratchet, sae and mm sockets, extensions and adapters
Sockets - 1/4 ratchet, sae and mm sockets, extensions and adapters
Screwdrivers - full set...I never seem to have the #3 philips when I need it
Wrenches and Pliers - Various vise grips, channel locks, adjustable, and needle nose. Also a full set SAE and mm HF combo wrenches.
C-Clamps
Drill bit combo pack - drill bits, spade bits, masonry bits, hole saw bits, and a full assessment of screwdriver bits
Speed square
Tape Measure
Utility knife
Drill - corded
Jig Saw - corded

Added thanks to this thread

Multi Meter
Electrical Probe
Cold Chisel
Wood Chisel
Putty Knife
Flashlight
Plastic organizer
Stud Finder

The following will go with me, but will remain in my home collection...

Genesis Oscillating tool
Dremel and accessories

Thanks for your help

I'm wondering what kind of box or bag you are considering for all this stuff?
Perhaps you need to break it down into separate boxes for each trade? Mechanics tools, carpentry, plumbing/electrical..
I have a craftsman 3 drawer carry box that just barely holds the wrenches/pliers/screwdrivers/etc. that I need to do basic mechanical repairs on the road.
I have a Bucket Boss I use at work every day for carpentry type stuff.Hammers/chisels/flat bar/nail sets/chalk lines/tapes/speed square-Extension cords and power tools in the bucket.
Maybe you need one of these stack up,roll around multiple boxes.

cburnscrx · Feb 2, 2013

Well, here's some of the pictures of the traveling tool box. It doesn't have the drill, genesis, or jig saw, but those will go in a seperate bag anyway. I've still got a few things you guys mentioned to throw in there, or buy. Ideally I'd like to keep the kit down to this box and a bag.

I now have some decision making when it comes to the power tools...

Cheap corded drill (already own, small Skil) and buying a jig saw,
DeWalt 18v drill & jig saw (everyday tools, but could transport)
Ryobi set listed above (lith ion will hold a charge if I keep them in the trunk).

*im just bringing my Genesis oscilating tool

Space is at a premium, and I am not always visiting to work/fix things. I just hate it when there are things I could easily do and save my friends/family some extra cash. I just do it to be nice, not for profit.

PECVD2 · Feb 2, 2013

One of these mobile unit showed up here locally on CL so I checked it out. Far to pricey for the tool quality but you may look over the list of tools and accessories and add to your tool kit if need be.

http://www.thegreenhead.com/2007/09/mobile-shop-ultimate-compact-rolling-tool-kit.php

By the way here is my traveling tool bag. I have found with my experience that I will have the person I am doing the work for purchase the thing that I will need to complete the job and leave the items there for the next time I am back there working. Those items are typically things like $20 electric drill, skill and or sawzall, roll of romex, remodel boxes etc. That usually inspires them to start working on tool box and cabinet of extra fitting, plugs, nails, screws etc. I usually lead them to the stanley fax max series of boxes etc for their personal items. Has worked good for me thus far.

bad_idea · Feb 2, 2013

I kept my tools in the trunk of my Camry (car long gone) for work years ago. One day I noticed the rear bumper closer to the ground than I remembered. Long story short, little cars aren't designed to maintain an extra 75 lbs in the back of the car. I had to replace the springs in that car twice. Leaving the tools at home wasn't an option because I needed them on the job site. I wouldn't suggest storing a tool box in the back of the car. Throw the tools in the car when you need them, take them out when you get done.

I know what you mean about working on someone else's stuff at their house. I find it especially annoying when it is someone mechanically capable that tells you they have everything needed for the task. You trust their judgement and leave all of your tools at the house. Then when you get there you spend more time rooting through their garage looking for their tools than actually working on the project!

kbs2244 · Feb 2, 2013

Something I haven’t seen addressed is how you plan to get this to where you are going.
In this day and age, given it’s weight, I doubt it is going as luggage.

Admittedly, this is before the current rules.
But I used to send heavy stuff to myself for local pick up at the destination airport UPS.
Next day air.
Any airport with scheduled air service will have a local to the airport office.
Sometimes you have to hunt for it.

When you make you car reservations specify van, or SUV.

Baada · Feb 2, 2013

Consider a small set of hex wrenches. Seems i am always trying to fix a kids bike or some other toy and their parents don't have any hex wrenches.

Just started gathering all my extra, second tier tools for exactly this same purpose. Saw a decent tool backpack at the big box that I might pick up for this purpose.

Rickster · Feb 2, 2013

Small magnetic base parts holder. Not only keeps screws, nuts and bolts in one place but if you drop something in the grass you can scan the area with the magnetic base and it will **** up the lost screw or nut.

crazytrain · Feb 3, 2013

A small bottle of loctite For caliper mounts and securing loose drawer pulls.
Super glue, wood glue and maybe a tube of liquid nail
Caulk and caulk gun

cburnscrx · Feb 4, 2013

bad_idea said:
I kept my tools in the trunk of my Camry (car long gone) for work years ago. One day I noticed the rear bumper closer to the ground than I remembered. Long story short, little cars aren't designed to maintain an extra 75 lbs in the back of the car. I had to replace the springs in that car twice. Leaving the tools at home wasn't an option because I needed them on the job site. I wouldn't suggest storing a tool box in the back of the car. Throw the tools in the car when you need them, take them out when you get done.

I know what you mean about working on someone else's stuff at their house. I find it especially annoying when it is someone mechanically capable that tells you they have everything needed for the task. You trust their judgement and leave all of your tools at the house. Then when you get there you spend more time rooting through their garage looking for their tools than actually working on the project!

Yea, I could see where a Camry wouldn't like that extra weight very much. I can't imagine my Acura CL would appreciate it very much either. I don't plan on keeping them in the car, I just want a grab and go situation without having a checklist or having to pack up various tool boxes ever time I travel. Good to remember, because sometimes I don't unload the car for a few days.

Completely agree, it's very annoying to try to hunt down the tools they have...it could take hours and I'd rather spend that time visiting, rather than running around digging through somebody else's stuff.

cburnscrx · Feb 4, 2013

flippin said:
Veto Pro Pac XXL, nothing better for storing your mobile tools!!!

And though you have a jig saw, my mobile tool bag always has a folding Japanese style hand saw. You'll reach for this way more frequently than the jig saw. If you don't have one, you'll end up buying two, one to leave at home as well.

That bag looks really nice. I think if I didn't have the box already, i would have gone for that. Impressive.

I'll have to check out the hand saw, looks useful.

davidlee · Feb 4, 2013

I may have missed it, but you forgot the most important thing: DUCT TAPE.
If it can't be fixed with duct tape and a hammer it can't be fixed.LOL

cburnscrx · Feb 4, 2013

kbs2244 said:
Something I haven’t seen addressed is how you plan to get this to where you are going.
In this day and age, given it’s weight, I doubt it is going as luggage.

Admittedly, this is before the current rules.
But I used to send heavy stuff to myself for local pick up at the destination airport UPS.
Next day air.
Any airport with scheduled air service will have a local to the airport office.
Sometimes you have to hunt for it.

When you make you car reservations specify van, or SUV.

Mostly I am driving, so it's not much of an issue. Last time I flew (not that long ago), I called the airline and explained my situation to them, and they let me check it. I was stunned. The two places I fly to that I could be working...I send it directly to their house so I don't have to worry about picking it up or renting a car.

themiller · Jan 12, 2014

cburnscrx said:
Mostly I am driving, so it's not much of an issue. Last time I flew (not that long ago), I called the airline and explained my situation to them, and they let me check it. I was stunned. The two places I fly to that I could be working...I send it directly to their house so I don't have to worry about picking it up or renting a car.

I remember many years ago (pre 9/11) flying with my grandpa. He was a big and tall man from the country in overalls and his carry on was a big toolbox that weighed more than I did with all sorts of tools. Security just shrugged, I don't think they'd ever seen anything like it - and he went on his way to help re-build our house. Saws, hammers, all sorts of "dangerous things". Those were the days when flying was fun...

Richard Cranium · Jan 12, 2014

Don't forget a note pad to make drawings or making lists...Richie

jd_1138 · Jan 12, 2014

Richard Cranium said:
Don't forget a note pad to make drawings or making lists...Richie

Great point. Also, one of those yellow marker pens to mark parts. I took a window regulator off someone's car to repair it and didn't know which way was up when I went to re-install it. A simple swipe of a marker would've saved me 10 minutes of farting around.

CharlestonJoe · Jan 12, 2014

Those veto tool bags are sweet but high dollar. There is a dealer near me so I'm going to check them out.
I have a Stanley FatMax tool bag that is real similar that I've had for 5-6 years and its holding up well and I think I paid $50 for it.

56vette461 · Jan 12, 2014

I've lightened the load over the years, thanks to the modern tool designs. I fit it all in a medium sized black canvas tool bag that goes back and forth between the vehicles we travel in. This is the basic stuff and I will sometimes add a few things if I expect I will need a specialty tool
One set of Kobalt's combination ratchet wrenches that fit both standard and metric fasteners.
One SO screwdriver handle with combo slot and phillips tips, one small and one large.
12 foot finish carpenters tape measure that has both standard and metric markings down to 32nd of an inch on the first 12 inches of the tape.
1/4 inch drive metric and standard deep sockets
An 18V cordless and accessory box with drill bits, drivers and socket drivers both standard and metric and charger.
Japanesse folding saw
Small hacksaw
Small allen wrench set
1- 16oz claw hammer
1- 16 oz ball hammer
2 - adjustable wrenches
1- grip plier
1- medium sized adjustable plier.

Most of the time these will do the things I need to accomplish, and it is light and compact enough to fit in the trunk without taking too much room. My smart phone has my note pad and camera. It also has an application for the Pocket Reference book.

Farmall 1066 · Jan 12, 2014

Maybe I overlooked it, but a telescoping magnet retrieval tool would be good.
Working at home, when I have multiples, I usually grab another, if I drop a socket, wrench or whatever under a car, then get them when the job is done.
Out on the road, you might need to go fishing for tools to complete the job.

jake00 · Jan 12, 2014

http://www.casa.com/p/plano-823-003...249019&utm_content=pla&adtype=pla&cagpspn=pla

Took this to college, fit all sorts of tools in it

Travel Tool Box

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