Bare Bones Tool Kit List

[MattMoore]

Hi all,

This is my first post here, but I usually lurk here most days gathering information.
I want to put together a bare bones tool kit to keep in my van, that will hopefully be able to do 90% of the repairs and servicing on my cars.
I do have a reasonably comprehensive kit in my shop, but I want a kit I can take everywhere with me, it will be staying in the boot of whatever vehicle i'm using. The tool kit I have is craftsman kind of quality, but the kit I want to put together now I am aiming for it to be completely snap-on.
All of the vehicles I will be working on are Metric, but I will probably throw in some imperial somewhere.
I have a small tool box thats approx 12 x 14 x 10 with 3 drawers, and I would like for it to all fit inside,

So, what would your kit consist of?

Thanks

Matt

 

[unclemoak]

I would start with:

- socket set
- screw driver set
- a variety of pliers
- adjustable wrench
- wire strippers
- wire terminals
- electrical tape

 

[diesel research]

It is good you are trying to piece the kit together with some regard to quality.

Common trend is to use the cheapest tools possible. The last thing I need when stranded on side of the road is to get further pissed off by a wrench that "almost" fits or even worse, fails. For example, I refuse to put those cheap yellow or red crimpers even in road box. They raise my blood pressure, and we all know that in an emergency, the #1 key is to remain calm and clear headed.

I look for tools that can serve multiple purposes effectively. For example, common 6in1 screw drivers. BUT several occasions I have ran into instances where the bits are too short to actually reach, therefore I added a few extended length bosch bits.

Mini wire cutters. Not often am I dealing with a wire more than 16ga, so cheap micro cutters serve the purpose as long as I can reach. They won't cut clothes line wrapped around a driveshaft/cv shaft, but that is a semi rare thing.

As far as wire strippers, other than the fact they aggravate me, they take up too much room. A razor blade works in a pinch and serves other purposes (effectively) Still have to have crimpers, but higher quality single purpose units save sanity. Also no cheap hard nylon crimps. uninsulated or kind with built in heatshrink is all I do.

A wire brush to clean corrosion or rust.

Sockets vs wrenches. It's a tough call if you cant fit a complete selection of both. Quite often a minimal selection of sockets simply don't work. Ford rwd driveshaft removal on the side of road is virtually impossible with regular socket. Many other times a shallow socket may just not fit. Standard wrenches may have limited swing. Ratchet wrenches may be too weak for high torque rusted fasteners. It's tough. I am in the process of trying pass thru type sockets to see if they can stream line a road box. They obviously cannot work alone. Then sometimes you need both. (back up wrench on thru bolt) Then 6pt vs 12pt issues.

Something to remove constant tension hose clamps. That can be another high stress situation.

Some type of hammering device. Some type of breaker/cheater.

A few weeks ago I had a blow out that ripped the inner fender in a manner that the new tire would not fit inside the wheel well. Some hammering with a jack handle and prying was required.

Had a caliper bushing fall out once, rendering front brakes almost non effective. Brake tools required. (allen or torx along with bleeder wrench/flare nut wrench)

I won't elaborate on consumables since there are millions of opinions on millions of products. (penetrating oil, jb weld, duct tape, bailing wire, self fusing tape, ect ect) Also including which spare parts.

 

[amolaver]

i'd say you need to define what you're working on - US-manufactured cars, 80's 1 ton pickup, class 8 rig, japanese microcar... and what kind of fixes you're willing to attempt on the side of the road (which will probably be influenced by type of vehicle). i carry almost no SAE tools - even my (recent) chevy truck is almost all metric. of course, i need some larger sizes for it than i do for my miata

ahm

 

[american lockpicker]

Welcome to the forum you have the same name as my cousin who used to be a mech over in Germany.

 

[crewchief888]

i would add
med size hammer
prybar or length of pipe
length of 12 or 14 g wire
bungie cords or tie straps
electrical tape
plug kit
can of brake cleaner

ive used the last 3 items a couple times to make temp repairs to a blown radiator hose. clean the area with brake cleaner, let it dry, jam as many plugs as needed into the hole, and tape tight and overlapping the entire area.
refill, and leave the rad cap loose so it dont build pressure.
i nursed my service truck 40 miles back into town before i could get a replacement hose.

 

[mrholeshot]

I keep this in my truck under the rear seat

 

[diesel research]

What ever goes into the box needs to be well tested in the garage/shop before being stowed away. Last thing you want to do is have some gimmicky robogrip or gatorgrip or dogbone, and find that you cannot use it when you really need it. Not to say those specific tools are useless, but if you cannot use them in a low stress environment, they surely won't be used when you are panicking.

Don't forget those harbor freight hose pinch off clamps. More compact than vice grips, kind of like mini leaf spring ubolts.

A fully charged phone and empty credit card also does wonders.

 

[Scout Driver]

mrholeshot, that is a very impressive set-up you have. Comprehensive and compact.

Scott

 

[bczygan]

Here's my list so far. It is for my Astro Van and E350.

Car Equipment and Supply List:

General:
A fully charged phone and charger
Empty credit card
Money (Small denominations)
Change
Glasses
Maps
Registration
Insurance certificate
ID

Emergency Equipment:
Flares
White cloth
Help sign
Mirror
Blanket
Hat
Gloves
Poncho
Jacket
Insect repellent
Toilet paper
Hard candies
Trail mix
Energy bars
Water (drinking)
Heat packs

First Aid Kit:
Scissors
Antiseptic
Aspirin
Ibuprophin
Gauze
Adhesive tape
Band aids
Antibiotic ointment
Eyedrops
Tweezers

Misc.:
Rope
Rachet tie downs
String
Shovel
Tow strap
Weight (Salt)
Cooler
Blanket for van
Gas can and gas 1 gal.
Jumper cables
Bungies
Duct tape
Pocket knife
Ice scraper
Pen and paper
Book
Wheel lock key
Key for bar
Spare ignition/door key

Manual for the car

Equipment:
Flashlight with extra batteries
Head strap LED light and batteries
Inverter and flour. shop light
Extension cord
Battery charger/jumper
Jack
Jack stands
4 way lug wrench
Hubcap removal tool (Van)

Tires and Brakes:
Tire plug kit
Tire gauge
Air tank with nitrogen and air nozzle
Valve stem and tool
Bleeder wrench
Brake fluid
Tire pump (manual and electric)

Tools:
Hammer (Med. size)
Prybar
Length of pipe
Adjustable (Crescent) wrench (2 sizes)
Wrenches (Reg., ratchet, 6 and 12pt deep and shallow)
Socket Sets and ratchet (3/8 and 1/2)
Extensions
Breaker bars
Screwdrivers
Torx
Hex wrenches
Channel locks
Pliers (Variety)
Vise grips
Constant tension hose clamp tool
Harbor Freight hose pinch off clamps. kind of like mini leaf spring ubolts.Wire brush (To clean corrosion or rust)
Propane torch and tanks (Instant light)
Spark plug socket
Spark plugs
Spray bottle

Electrical:
Electrical tester/multimeter
Wire cutters
Wire strippers
Electrical tape
Wire (12 and 14ga)
Connectors/terminals (Heat shrink type)
Crimpers
Fuses
Cable ties
Single edge razor blades

Parts:


Supplies:
Never seize
PB blaster
Brake cleaner
JB Weld
Self fusing tape

Consumables:
Windshield washer fluid
Trans fluid
Oil
Water (distilled)
Radiator coolant
Red rags
Paper towels
Cardboard
Wash up towels

 

[MN4x4]

Looks very complete and compact - any idea how much that sucker weighs?

 

[GearJammer]

Ok here goes:
gal of coolant
2qts of oil
booster cables
cell phone
tire inflater and plug kit
reflective triangles and flares

thats it. Im not going to make some major repair along the freeway and be squashed like a bug. If its serious I'll call for a tow. If it breaks down in a parking lot or the like, I'll have to get parts and swing by the house to pick up tools anyway.

 

[HookWorse]

Here's my list so far. It is for my Astro Van and E350.

Car Equipment and Supply List:


There'll be no room for the kitchen sink!

 

[bczygan]

Here's my list so far. It is for my Astro Van and E350.

Car Equipment and Supply List:


There'll be no room for the kitchen sink!

We carry a lot of this stuff when we go camping. Of course, it's better to have the car in top shape BEFORE traveling. Took a 10K trip out west a few years ago. All that went wrong is front brakes and a radiator hose. Had a good set of tools. Night we got back in Detroit, car and tools stolen.

 

[HookWorse]

Damn. If you had all that stuff, you had a ton of $$ stolen from you

 

[Rickster]

I would like to add to the above list:

2 bags of ready mix concrete
1 wheelbarrow
50 yard spool of mechanics wire

 

[bad_religion_au]

keep notes on what tools you use when you work on your junk in the garage. replicate.

i know that for either of my corolla's, the mazda, or either landcruiser, i only need a combo spanner, a socket, of the following: 10, 12, 14,17,19, 21, 22 to pulll 99.95% of the car apart. throw in an 8mm/10mm, 12mm/14mm, 17mm/19mm open ender one good set of pliers, and a set of vice grips, one of each screwdriver (i know which sizes do and don't work through experience) a jack and handle, and a hammer and i'm set to do anything that can be done without precision tools (torque wrench etc). that kit has seen me swap out complete axles/cv's etc on the trail without issue, and i've done engine swaps with my trail kit as well.

now that one of my cruisers is running a ford motor (with non-metric fasteners), i will need to revise what i need, but i'll learn that with more shop time.

 

[Coach James]

I would like to add to the above list:

2 bags of ready mix concrete
1 wheelbarrow
50 yard spool of mechanics wire

LOL!!!!

Coach

 

[TN_GARAGE]

I would like to add to the above list:

2 bags of ready mix concrete
1 wheelbarrow
50 yard spool of mechanics wire

also:
6 foot ladder and tube of silicon (in case the roof leaks and needs repair)

 

[KEH]

The most common problem I have had that is fixable on the road is a flat tire. Some tire shops impact the lugs on extra tight, which IS better than too loose. Therfore I would get a long breaker bar, especially useful if your wife is faced with the tire change, and the proper extension and lug bolt socket(6 point). This in addition to proper jacks, etc. A battery booster box with air compressor is a good thing to have. Be aware that those booster boxes have a lead acid battery, sealed, and they need regular charging. In fact, I have thought that the cheaper better route would be to just get a regular car battery with jumper cables and a air compressor that plugs into the cigaratte lighter if they still make them.

Other advice on here all good.

KEH

 

[bczygan]

also:
6 foot ladder and tube of silicon (in case the roof leaks and needs repair)

Oh, I get it now...........this is supposed to be a "Bare Bones" list!

That WAS a bare bones list for us. It didn't include the things we take camping:
Pop Up
Spare tire for pop up
4 way wrench for pop up
Jack for pop up
Generator
Tarp 20x36
Microwave
Propane heater
Propane stove
100' extension cord
Outdoor light string
Propane grille
Foreman grille
Cartop carrier
2 bikes
2 kayaks
Bike pump
Most of this goes in the car as the popup is a small tent top Apache Eagle with not much room inside for stuff:
Kayak gear bag
Kayak paddles
Camping clothes
Toiletries
Food (2 boxes) (canned and dry goods)
Cooking gear (Paper goods and utensils) and pots and pans
2 Coolers full of food and drink
Bedding (Sheets and pillowcases)
Blankets
Towels
Pillows
Feather tick
Garbage bags
Laptop Computer
Camera
Camcorder
Rug
2 irish setters
Dog food and bowls and leashes and lead
African Grey parrot in cage
Sphinx Cat
Probably forgot a few things.........we have a list.

And that doesn't include the things we bring back with us!

Sometimes it gets a bit crowded..........

 

[TN_GARAGE]

Oh, I get it now...........this is supposed to be a "Bare Bones" list!



Sometimes it gets a bit crowded..........

I'd say it does get a bit crowded with those lists. So...when did you get your commercial driver's license and start driving an 18 wheeler?

Re OP...those lil glove box kits are pretty neat.
Pliers, adjustable wrench, screwdriver, and multi-tool pocket knife

IMHO, I'd be reluctant to carry too much stuff. The idea being the side of the road isn't a great place to do major repairs.

 

[pep]

keep notes on what tools you use when you work on your junk in the garage. replicate.

i know that for either of my corolla's, the mazda, or either landcruiser, i only need a combo spanner, a socket, of the following: 10, 12, 14,17,19, 21, 22 to pulll 99.95% of the car apart..

You know, that's a good point. It isn't like you need a full set of anything.

Personally, I'd go heavier on weird, mundane stuff like a roll of quarters, toilet paper, jumper cables, etc. The thing is, if you have a failure you'll likely need a part...if I were doing field repairs (and I hate that enough that I'd probably just have something towed, regardless of distance), anywhere that had a fan belt or fuel pump would probably have cheap hand tools that you needed.

 

[bad_religion_au]

You know, that's a good point. It isn't like you need a full set of anything.

Personally, I'd go heavier on weird, mundane stuff like a roll of quarters, toilet paper, jumper cables, etc. The thing is, if you have a failure you'll likely need a part...if I were doing field repairs (and I hate that enough that I'd probably just have something towed, regardless of distance), anywhere that had a fan belt or fuel pump would probably have cheap hand tools that you needed.

depends on the car i guess. for the landcruiser, there is a heap of inbuilt redundancy, so if i snap a rear axle shaft for instance, i can pull the broken pieces, and continue home in front wheel drive for instance, so there are many field repairs possible without the need for parts.

the corolla's and the rx-7, not so much, but it's nice to have a familiar 12mm that you know fits easily into the small space provided for a drive belt change (different cars have different quirks)

 

[Prior]

I keep this in my truck under the rear seat

What box is that? Been looking for a clamshell like that and have not had much luck...

 

[Scout Driver]

What box is that? Been looking for a clamshell like that and have not had much luck...

Looks like a Hazet 190, like the one in this GJ classified.

http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=74981

Maybe I'm wrong too. The box in the ad. looks a little different.

Scott

 

[route246]

Try Snap On UT22.
http://tinyurl.com/29ot4jw

What box is that? Been looking for a clamshell like that and have not had much luck...

 

[Arachnotron]

What box is that? Been looking for a clamshell like that and have not had much luck...

It's an Excel cantelever box.

http://www.toolboxesdirect.com/tool-boxes/metal-tool-boxes/excel5compartmenttoolbox.cfm

There are some sold on Amazon that are smaller for less. That one is 18" long. I have one in black.

 

[DaleK]

I would like to add to the above list:

2 bags of ready mix concrete
1 wheelbarrow
50 yard spool of mechanics wire

No, no, no, you're thinking of the mob hitman emergency kit. Wire to truss the poor sap up in the trunk, tire iron to the head to keep him from squirming, concrete for his new boots, and the wheelbarrow to make hauling him out to the river edge easier.

 

[bonneyman]

I'd say it does get a bit crowded with those lists. So...when did you get your commercial driver's license and start driving an 18 wheeler?

Re OP...those lil glove box kits are pretty neat.
Pliers, adjustable wrench, screwdriver, and multi-tool pocket knife

IMHO, I'd be reluctant to carry too much stuff. The idea being the side of the road isn't a great place to do major repairs.

Shoot! You beat me to that punchline!

I carry a bit of tools in all my vehicles, but, as has been said several times, lying under your car on the Interstate probably isn't the best idea.
A basic "around town" tool kit has a roll of duct tape, a roll of mild steel wire, a farmers plier, small vise grips, and a 4-in-1 screwdriver. A good flashlight and pocket knife are also vital. Get a flat, blow a radiator hose, have a minor fender bender - you can tape, mend, or wire things in place so you can get home/to the shop. Anything bigger in town, call AAA.
Out on the road is a different story.

 

[MattMoore]

Thanks for all the replies so far chaps, all very informative stuff.
The vehicles I have in my fleet currently are a 2001 Skoda Octavia VRS, 1997 Landrover Discovery ES, 2001 Ford Transit SWB panel van, and a 1956 Buick Special (currently off the road) Whilst i'm not planning on doing too many roadside repairs, what I would like to be able to do is be able to do 95% of servicing for the vehicles from this tool kit. Also, when i'm on site theres often a need for a socket or similar, so it will be handy to have. I do some electrical work onsite, so insulated screwdrivers, cutters etc will be included.
Im a joiner by trade, and have always bought the best quality tools I can for my money, so with this small project I will be buying snap-on where possible.
What I was looking for input on would be the specific tools you would carry if you were in the same position.

Thanks guys

Matt

 

[diesel research]

A lot of people envision the only use for such kit is on the side of a busy highway. Not true.

This is also why I recommend tools that you will actually be using. Not dollartree india ****.

Driveway repair w/o rolling out the monster box is more convenient.
Junkyarding becomes more pleasant.
Inspecting swapmeet parts.
Many other times as well.

For example, I enjoy camping and offroading. Many many things break off road. Axles, ujoints, freeze plugs, carburetors, spark plugs/ignition, all things I have repaired on the trail.

Another example is working w/o a garage, such as in an apartment. I have saw friday night motorswaps performed in the parking lot. Water pumps, headgaskets, ect ect. Storing tools inside, makes for too many trips back and forth. Been there, done that.

Definitely use the tools regularly.