Car tools kit

[cgv69]

Looking to build a couple of car tool kits. Like everybody its a compromise between having the tools to get the job done but no spending much for tools that won't get used much (hopefully) and may get stolen.

Anyway, I was looking at one of the Stanley mechanics kits that come in their own storage box (nice for the given purpose) and price wise they are only around $50 give or take depending on which one you get and if your willing to look around some. Here is one such kit...

http://www.stanleytools.com/default.asp?CATEGORY=SMT+MECH+SETS&TYPE=PRODUCT&PARTNUMBER=94-374&SDesc=Stanley%26%23174%3B+123+Piece+Socket+and+Ratchet+Set

Anyway, what do you think? I'm sure they are all Chinese made but can't be any worse then what you find at HF and it's just for emergencies. Obviously I would need to add some other tools like screwdrivers and pliers to round it out. Any other kits or deals I should be looking at?

 

[USMCdodge]

I just use an old metal cman box. filled it with tools from swap meets. easy day.

 

[geologist]

I have a small black craftsman toolbox with the following:

-3/8" stubby flex head ratchet w/ several extensions and common sockets (small set)
-wire stripper, linemans plier, and needlenose plier
-adjustable wrench
-craftsman voltage meter ($10 special)
-set of common wrenches (found some very thin ones from Craftsman Evolv)
-2 large and 2 small screwdrivers (phillips and slotted)
-2 rolls of electrical tape

 

[shoturtle]

I used a proxxon tool kit, it is only with 1/4 drive. But if I need to do more then I will call road side assistance. Also it is small so it fits right where the emergency kit is strap to the car, so it does not move or rattle in the trunk. It has torx, hex and sockets. Everything for a German car in a contain package.

http://www.amazon.de/dp/B000VD3TZ4/

 

[Outlawmws]

I have a similar Craftsman metric set, but the blow molded box also has room for a few added tools (like screwdrivers and the inevitable "special" tools any given vehicle needs) so you might want an "accessory box" for that and some basic consumable supplies like tapes, RTV sealant, tie wraps and the like, there was a near identical thread yesterday on the same subject for a Ford Escape. it shouldn't be too buried...

 

[Givl Reggin]

Jumper cables will probably be the #1 most used item in your 'kit' the second will be a jack and tire iron. A rain poncho is also a very handy item to have. Realistically, you're not going to be doing the kind of work on the side of a road or in a parking lot that require ratchets and wrenches. If you live in a snow region a couple of 12" wide x 3' long pieces of carpeting will get you traction on even the worst ice covered surfaces.

 

[Ign]

Realistically, you're not going to be doing the kind of work on the side of a road or in a parking lot that require ratchets and wrenches.

Speak for yourself. I've done that and more. Carry a decent complement of hand tools as well as specialty tools like Ford fuel line disconnects (fuel pump) and locknut spanner (wheel bearings), as well as a Snappy brick or AE on a laptop. If I had front unit bearings I'd definitely carry a spare assembly.

I DO agree jumper cables are #1. Always bugs me when people don't have their own. Then again, if you've got a Duramax/Ally truck w the standalone TCM all those guys are too afraid to jump anybody 'cause they might fry their TCM

 

[shoturtle]

How big is the trunk of your personal car to keep all those tools?

 

[Outlawmws]

I carry enough tools to do virtually ANY repairs in my Samurai, with a small box of spare parts and consumables, to do almost any necessary ordinary repairs in not much more than a cubic foot, certainly under two cubic feet. It even has a complete gasket kit for the engine. (An over sized envelope...)

I know that for a fact as I used those tools to do a complete engine transplant in the rig. (Caveat, I'm not counting the welder for fabing up mounts, and the cherry picker to plant the engine, that's not the point, the point is all the ordinary hand tools needed for a particular vehicle do not need to be cumbersome...

 

[NC-Fordguy]

One vehicle I keep.....

1/4 3/8 and 1/2 in socket set
SAE wrench set 1/4 to 1 and 1/8
Pliers, lock pliers, pickle forks, screwdrivers, prybars hub socket, BFH and on and on
Jumper cables and voltmeter
Impack driver and sockets
Ready welder
CO2 tank

A bunch of spare parts

But the casual hiway driver can leave a few things out....LOL

 

[shoturtle]

That is allot of stuff.

No I do not think the casual driver will be pulling heads off or engines on the side of the highway or in a parking lot to replace bad parts. Especially if they have a bunch or bags from running errands.

But I have to admit, I have the road side assistance or steroid in Germany. They fix 90% of the problem on the side of the road when they show up, only 10% of their calls require a toll. Mind you we are not including accident.

 

[camarotoolman]

working flash light. Vise grips, channel locks, too. I have a 4" cresent wrench on my key chain, thats handy. I carry some wood blocks, and a board to get the truck up if I get a flat. I Like a long handle ratchet to change tires. Also make sure lugs are not on so tight you can't get them off and keep em oiled, so you can turn them off with your fingers after you break them loose.

 

[Sage55]

Craftsman has a decent 53 piece tool set that's small enough to have in a car and still have useable tools.

What are your thoughts on it?

 

[pipsters]

I bring a credit card and AAA

 

[Outlawmws]

That is allot of stuff.

No I do not think the casual driver will be pulling heads off or engines on the side of the highway or in a parking lot to replace bad parts. Especially if they have a bunch or bags from running errands.

But I have to admit, I have the road side assistance or steroid in Germany. They fix 90% of the problem on the side of the road when they show up, only 10% of their calls require a toll. Mind you we are not including accident.

I bring a credit card and AAA

None of those are of any use 25 miles back into the mountains on a trail with no cell service in range...

 

[Outlawmws]

Craftsman has a decent 53 piece tool set that's small enough to have in a car and still have useable tools.

What are your thoughts on it?

That one is pretty minimal IMO. I'd add a hand bit drive with more screwdriver sizes, and the Allens are probably near useless (filler for the most part)

I wold add vise grips, (even a small needle nose pair for closing off a fuel line is very handy and you can also use them and pliers or needle nose without locking them)

My set started as a 90 pc metric set, with 1/2, 3/8, 1/4 ratchets and sockets as well as a set of wrenches. I added to it a second set of combination wrenches, screwdrivers, several different pliers, and a few specialty tools specific to my rig. a tiny 6" hack saw, a single edge razor blade, and some packets of anti seize and the like. I even bought my first GearWrenches in 12 and 14 as I used then a lot for the engine transplant. I should add a 10mm to it...

 

[pipsters]

None of those are of any use 25 miles back into the mountains on a trail with no cell service in range...

No one brings a car on a trail. They bring a 4x4 something or other.

 

[concealer404]

I used to carry the Craftsman 153 piece in my car at all times.

Then i realized it was annoying and put together my own set. I cut out half of the **** immediately by ditching all the SAE stuff. (I should probably make a big sale soon with all my SAE stuff.)


The Cherokee always carries this one: http://www.harborfreight.com/105-piece-tool-kit-4030.html

 

[Outlawmws]

No one brings a car on a trail. They bring a 4x4 something or other.

Really? Tell that to my old Falcon wagon, my Pinto wagon, my Ranchero, and my mini van, not to mention the old 50's Pontiac wagon my dad used to use . They are a bit traumatized...

 

[cgv69]

Thanks for the input so far guys. Here's some more info...

I'm putting together an emergency kit for each car in the family. The plan is to use something like a RubberMaid Action Packer and load it with the basics. I would like to use the 8gal. size so space will be limited.

So while size/space is an important factor, I do like the organization a kit like that gives you. It makes it easier to find what you're looking for and to make sure you've got everything when your done. I could probably get by with a smaller kit but there is always that fear that what ever socket they leave out will be the exact one you'll need when you really need it.

I agree for the most part with those of you who said there is only so much you can do roadside but that's not my only motivation for a kit like this. This is an overall emergency and preparedness kit. In that vein, There are a lot of time I have been in the situation of needing some tools and not having them because I was away from home.

The tool kit above would be part of the kit. I would also have a tool bag with some other basics like chanellocks, adj. wrench, dykes, needle nose, etc. plus some screwdrivers, electrical tape, gorilla tape, wire ties, fuses and other misc items. Along with the tools would be a set of jumper cables, 12v tire inflator, tire plug kit, road flares (or glow sticks) as well as a basic med kit, blanket, poncho, etc..

 

[JASTECH]

+1 Outlaw and a Ham radio and Might-D-Light. Now that I have gone diesel I will have to start a thread for needed tools for diesel for the members to help me and others. Will do it now infact.

 

[capnrob97]

I keep this in my truck.

Got the box for $24 at Sears Outlet.

The tools are all clearance items from auto parts store, stuff from Harbor Freight and pawn shops. All bought cheap and good enough for what I most likely will need them for and no tears if they get stolen.