Auto tool kit

[Bellaireroad]

Can anyone recommend a good auto tool kit to keep in the trunk? I already have plenty of tools in the garage, but was looking for a kit with wrenches, sockets, ratchet, pliers, etc. kind of an emergency kit.
Doesn’t have to be Snapon quality, but looking for something that’s not junk.
Hopefully it be one of those things you never have to use


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[Ton ton]

Might have to put one together yourself. I know that I am not much help.
adjustable wrench for starters.

 

[MaximRecoil]

It's a bit simpler if it's for a newer car that's 100% metric or an old car that's 100% SAE. For those transitional period cars, you'll need both metric and SAE sockets and wrenches:

A 3/8" ratchet and 9-piece socket set, a few extensions of various lengths, 9-piece set of combination wrenches, a multi-bit screwdriver, standard and needle-nose pliers, side cutters, vise grips, hammer, pry bar, and an adjustable wrench. I think that about covers it for the vast majority of things that someone would realistically try to fix on the side of the road.

I would add some electrical stuff too, such as a multimeter, good crimping pliers, assorted crimp terminals, wire strippers, some primary wire, and spare fuses and relays.

Also, WD-40, duck tape, zip ties, and a spool of baling wire.

 

[MikeF2316]

Cell phone and auto club. Cars are just so complicated now, and those things that you used to be able to do beside the road just don't apply anymore.

But I would include a piece of wood so you can use your jack on a soft surface, and wheel chocks for use on a hill. (Assuming you have a spare.)

 

[Ton ton]

I use a wheel chock.

 

[Vercingetorix]

OBD2 scanner.

 

[Ton ton]

OBD2 scanner.

I agree with you.

 

[SeisMec]

I like MaximRecoil's list, but living in one of the miles and miles of nothing but miles and miles state, I'd get a test light before a multimeter. For me break downs always seem to happen in the dark. And a cheap OBD2 scanner to answer the question, "Keep going to the next town or stop right here and call a tow truck?"

 

[Fedwrench]

I've always found the premade kits to be lacking. The other thing is do I really want to lug several pounds of stuff around everywhere I go? I don't. What I do carry is a telescoping 1/2 drive ratchet with a 21 mm deep socket attached to it to make changing a tire easier than using the tiny factory lug wrench.
As others have mentioned, a fully charged cell phone, a flashlight, and a decent roadside assistance plan would be of more value than a bag of tools.
The other issue for me is the summer heat. Code readers, 100 mph tape, first aid kits, and other perishables don't do well in the heat. A wide brimmed hat, water, & sunscreen are probably more useful. Your results may vary.

 

[Snapped-off]

What are you really going to fix on the road these days? Aside from a cheap OBD2 reader, a flashlight, and a dedicated breaker bar/lug nut socket, I don't keep anything else in the car.

If you're dead set on it though, Husky, Kobalt, HF, Taiwan Williams will probably all serve you equally well.

 

[Climatecreator]

Well actually, I was able to replace a failing coil pack on my 2013 wrangler during a long trip down the coast using a tool kit like this https://amzn.to/3g9xE2o that I won in a raffle and just threw in the Jeep.

The wrangler gives you the code on the odometer after you turn your key back and forth three times so then you just look it up on the web. If your vehicle doesn't do that, then a code reader may be handy.

It's not just about the tool set but what vehicle you drive AND your own skill set. Though sometimes you might find someone with a greater skill set just in need of the right tools and they could help. Providing you have the parts available (I limped to a nearby O'Reilly) or material for rigging a temporary fix.


Also the tool set can be used to help a person you may be visiting that needs something minor done that you could knock out for them easily with a tool set like this on hand. And it's not so expensive you'll have a huge loss should a break in occur.

CC

 

[spyerx]

The odb scanner is a good call.

For my older cars (air cooled 911s) i carry the tools to change the fan belt, spare belt, oil (it’s an old Porsche!), latex gloves, some rags , a tire plug kit, goo, inflator, lug wrench, some fuses, flash light, and a small aluminum scissor jack

And a aaa card...

During week 2 of covid California shutdown i did a turn around day trip from SoCal to NorCal in my cayenne diesel delivering and picking up some parts.
A wide open i5 on way home at about 90mph cruise (the damn diesel gets about 30mpg at that speed!)
And stutter. Stutter.hear a whistle. Low power check engine light.
Fk!
It was about 5pm and i was right near Buttonwillow raceway. I spend a lot of time there and closest city is Bakersfield near an hour away
With everything shut down i just limp home
I wish i had an odb2 scanner on me. I scanned when i got home. Boost pipe blew.
Luckily i could cruise in limp mode at 70
But up the grape vine i was getting passed by loaded semis at about 25mph...
Ugh
Repair was easy

 

[Junkdrawer Dog]

I live in a hot climate that kills batteries. I carry a fully charged cell phone, have roadside assistance and keep just enough tools on board to swap out a battery in any Walmart or Autozone parking lot. If it's anything more than a battery or changing a flat, I'll call for a tow.

 

[nelstomlinson]

Carry the tools you need to change out the parts you carry. Don't really need anything else.

 

[CTyankee]

Carry the tools you need to change out the parts you carry. Don't really need anything else.

X 2

Besides a breaker bar and socket for changing a tire..I have AAA+. I do keep a serpentine belt, the tools to install it, and a gallon of water in my Jeep.

 

[richfinn]

Roadside assistance UK style

 

[richfinn]

Pics didn't load

 

[engineer2]

Figure out the common wrench and socket sizes for your car. No sense carrying items that don’t fit your car unless you plan to help out others. Carry tools to change the battery. Tire gauge. Leather man tool

 

[tez929rr]

There are some decent sets on sale at Northern Tool right now. One example: https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200767137_200767137
My experience has been stuff drops out of the slots in the blow molded cases, so a tool bag of some sort is helpful. Inevitably you will end up adding tools anyway. I just purchased this bag from Amazon to try to get my truck tools sorted out: Rugged Tools Titan Deluxe Tool Roll https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZP8Z56L/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[seber]

Things that premade kits do not include are Cheap VOM, brass hammer, adjustable wrench, electrical tape, and folding saw. I don't really expect to work on my truck, but I do sometimes need to work on whatever I might be towing. My kit includes those plus long nosed pliers, wire cutter/crimper, 1/2" breaker bar with cheater, ratchet adapter and sockets, and large Channelock.

 

[landrover bodger]

Pics didn't load

they turn up with the parts and tool you need to fix it . i have had them turn up with a recovery truck and i had to fix that before they could recover me .

 

[rcbk00]

I drive two older cars (2000 Buick, 2003 Dodge), and they tend to break down whenever I'm traveling away from home. I keep a decent tool kit in both vehicles because of this. For a socket set, I have this one from Harbor Freight:

https://www.harborfreight.com/38-in-drive-sae-metric-high-visibility-socket-set-35-pc-64555.html


The above socket set only comes with SAE deep sockets, so I added a set of metric deeps:

https://www.harborfreight.com/38-in...0-pc-64216.html?_br_psugg_q=quinn+deep+socket


For wrenches, this set is cheap and comes with most sizes:

https://www.harborfreight.com/22-pc-raised-panel-sae-metric-combination-wrench-set-68729.html


A set of pliers:

https://www.harborfreight.com/pliers-set-4-pc-64262.html


And a set of free screwdrivers:

https://www.harborfreight.com/screwdriver-set-6-pc-62570.html


I also carry flare nut wrenches, allen wrenches and sockets, a set of vise grips, an adjustable wrench, a breaker bar, jumper cables, and a roll of duct tape. Everything fits in a 15" or 16" canvas tool bag. The one thing I would make sure of is that you can get the serpentine belt off and on easily. On my 2003 Dodge, you can only do it with a serpentine belt tool or a socket cap and a wrench.

https://www.harborfreight.com/serpentine-belt-tool-kit-63689.html

https://www.harborfreight.com/3-piece-square-drive-socket-caps-67011.html


I'm not a 100% Harbor Freight guy. But for something like a tool kit that gets thrown in the trunk of your car, most of their stuff is more than adequate. Taking into account the spare tools I had in the garage, and the 20% Harbor Freight coupons, I have probably $100 in each kit. Knock on wood, I've never needed to have my car towed to a mechanic shop when I've broken down away from home.

One other thing- I keep a tire plug kit and a Ryobi 18 volt inflator in the trunk too. This has come in handy more times than I can count. The plug kits are around $5 at Walmart and the inflator is $25 bucks at HD if you already have some Ryobi batteries. If not, you can get 12 volt compressors that plug into the cigarette lighter for around $20-$25.

 

[M6erfan]

I've paired mine down.

I keep a HF extendable 1/2" ratchet and a set of Tekton flip lugnut sockets. A utility knife, a coil of bailing wire and a headlamp. Also a folded up 55ga drum liner to use as a work mat, improvised poncho, etc.

Other than that, roadside assistance and a CC

 

[richfinn]

they turn up with the parts and tool you need to fix it . i have had them turn up with a recovery truck and i had to fix that before they could recover me .

Yep, thats my patrol van

In the past certain jobs were sent direct to the flatbed team (particularly 4x4s) and you might get an RAC flatbed or a local contractor depending on circumstances

Thats changed a bit now, my van can lift all four wheels so if the weight is in limits I can tow them myself

We try to avoid using trucks (environmental compliance)

We try really hard not to use contractors due to operational cost and quality of service

 

[richfinn]

I think the tools depend on what parts and materials you are prepared to carry, I think the following items are a good idea

Jumper cables and a good tow rope

Hose repair tape/container of water

Fuses/bulb kit/automotive wire/long ground strap

Serpentine belt/tensioner

Tyre plug kit and decent wheel change equipment

Exhaust repair tube and clamps

Ignition coil/Distributor cap/rotor arm/length of HT cable (if your car has coil on plug carry one spare)

Emergency clips to secure worn wiper linkages/gear shifter cable ends

A good selection of zip ties/duct tape/insulation tape and fluids etc for your vehicle

Something solid to put under your vehicle jack on soft ground and wheel chocks

Fuel container

A really good quality LED lamp

If you put together a parts kit first it will be obvious what tools you will require

You can also make many things from the parts kit
like a test light for example

 

[lardy1]

I've stopped carrying a tool kit. It just continued to grow and basically just became another tool box in an extremely inconvenient location. It became heavy, cumbersome and, as I eventually decided, totally unnecessary to the way I live and the vehicles I drive.

 

[richfinn]

I've stopped carrying a tool kit. It just continued to grow and basically just became another tool box in an extremely inconvenient location. It became heavy, cumbersome and, as I eventually decided, totally unnecessary to the way I live and the vehicles I drive.

This makes a lot of sense, if you have roadside rescue cover.

I guess the roadside tools/parts kit might be more useful for folk in remote areas or going adventuring

And Preppers who will need to be mobile after the apocalypse

 

[MikeF2316]

I forgot, I do have a 12 volt tire pump and a cheap OBD-II reader in each car too. As noted, the OBD reader can determine whether you drive home or call a tow truck. And the pump can fill a tire with a nail in it to get you home, much easier than swapping on the spare, assuming you have one.

 

[gearhead1]

I like having a few tools in my vehicles. I generally have a tool set in a blow molded case from Husky or Craftsman and a small plastic box with just a couple screwdrivers and pliers and a tire plug kit and a can of fix-a-flat. The plug is for the hole, the fix-a-flat is to inflate the tire. Once the vehicles get some age, I keep a gallon of water too.

I’ve used the plug kits many times over. I can plug the tire and get back running way faster than calling someone.

I’ve had heater hoses blow and I just loop the hose on the engine and keep going.

To each their own. I can rebuild an engine and I know how to work on new cars but I’m worthless without tools. I can get myself out of basic situations with basic tools.

Get a Husky basic socket set in a blow molded case, a small tool box with some screwdrivers, pliers, a tire plug kit, and a can of fix-a-flat. That will get you out of most situations.

 

[harley jim]

I tow and haul a lot of things, I keep basic tools, a large pipe wrench, straps, wire, tape, connectors, log chain, amongst other things.
Most of the time If I buy something I get it home on my own.

Sent from my SM-A102U using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[paulsomlo]

Cell phone and AAA plus membership.

The only time I pack tools is when I'm going on a long trip. If you're lucky enough to break down within walking distance of an auto parts store, then tools might help you.

 

[bpjr]

I put together car kits from my old extra tools and carry the full gammet...sockets, screwdrivers, wrenches, etc. But looking back the only things that I've had to fix on the road side have been water hose leaks, flat tires and a bad spark plug wire. Back in the day of ignition systems with coils and points I had to file points. So what I really needed in 56 yrs of roadside break downs has been a tire plug kit, elec air pump, knife to trim hose or high temp hose tape and maybe hose clamps. I used one of those road side aerosol tire inflator seal kits once but it didn't work well. I carry spare fuses and fan belts but have never needed them either. If doing a tool kit I'd buy a cheap basic kit and spend the extra money on extra parts and supplies.

 

[Ralf11]

I carry what I need to get the vehicle back into town or to cell phone coverage.

 

[Toolcrib]

I replaced a starter in a parking lot last year after the starter drive came apart and would not spin the engine. I used a 3\8 and 1\4 socket set. And called my brother to make a parts run. Fixing vehicles out in public is very possible!

 

[908Jim]

Echo the earlier sentiment. Not much you're going to fix on a car these days. I keep enough to change a tire, replace a battery, or replace a bulb. Everything else can either wait until I get home, or will need to get towed.

I keep:

1/2 Breaker bar
17/19/21mm sockets to help myself and others if needed
Jumper Cables
Torx (L wrench style)
Small pick tool to pull off center caps or wheel bolt caps on German cars
5 torx screwdrivers (15,20,25,27,30) common to my German car
Tiny Flat head/Tiny Philips
Multi-bit screwdriver
Adjustable wrench
Craftsman Metric shallow ratchet set stuffed into a little plastic parts organizer box.


Everything fits into a small HF softside tool bag, except the breaker bar.

 

[Cope]

I keep one of these in both of my vehicles; you would be surprised how often you'll use one.

https://no.co/products/power/jumpstarters

 

[engineer2]

Here is what I carry in my Honda. It covers about half the car's fasteners.
Phillips screwdriver
10mm wrench

 

[Ton ton]

I keep one of these in both of my vehicles; you would be surprised how often you'll use one.

https://no.co/products/power/jumpstarters

The gb looks nice.

 

[jeepinerdeep]

In my JKR I do have a fair amount of tools, have cut back considerably from past .

In any other modern vehicle, I have come to the realization that I'm not going to be overhauling the thing on the side of the road.

I feel like I can narrow it down to these few things.

1/2" Breaker Bar
Small set of flip sockets or just a few 1/2 shallow sockets
Small 1/4 drive set in a box with a few bits.
Small Knipex Cobra and Pliers Wrench.
AA LED Flashlight
Lithium Jump Pack
Blackjack Plug Kit

In my vehicles, that's enough to work on a battery, most of the accessory drive or tighten a loose component.

 

[jeepinerdeep]

To echo what others have said. I have gotten my plug kit and flashlight out more than anything else.