Good tool set for car

[Rocket1]

I'm looking to buy a nice tool set to carry in the car. I don't need a ton of pieces but enough to do a few things if something happens I'd like to be able to carry it in the trunk with the spare tire if possible so it's out of the way and doesn't take up a lot of room.

Craftsman quality isn't what it use to be so I'm looking for something different. Something made in the US would be nice but isn't a strict requirement. How is Gearwrench now?

 

[RedFordTruck]

Im in the process of building a $100 tool set to carry. Im $68 deep right now and All I lack are SAE sockets and wrenches. Ive been buying mostly Kobalt and Craftsman.

Im gonna post a thread when Im done to explain more, as I thought itd be cool to see how cheap I can build a good tool set. If I had paid full price for everything I've bought id be in over $250 so far.

You're probably gonna be better off buying a hand box and building a set rather than a premade one.

I'd be glad to give tips as far as deals go... Whats your budget?

 

[Rocket1]

I don't have a budget really I just don't want to spend a fortune. I was wondering if I would be better off buying individual pieces rather than a packaged set. I was mainly looking at the sets since they come in a case normally.

 

[jmm]

Fordman makes a very good point. I'm not a fan of sets (unless they're a killer buy or something). I like to put together my own, tailored to my own preferences.

 

[yjWrangler]

I've always wondered what the point of carrying a tool set in a modern car is. How much can you really fix on the side of the road?

 

[jmm]

How much can you really fix on the side of the road?

Very little, but you'd be surprised how much can be rigged up to get an automobile to a safe work area. Actual repairs are the least likely application of the tools in my little truck box; they see the most use in junkyards. It's very handy to have tools with me everywhere I go.

 

[RedFordTruck]

Ive been piecing everything together based on price and/or what I like and thats why I decided to go the box route... because from what ive seen, few sets cover everything, and most come heavily inflated with bits and other mostly useless junk

i/e 227 piece set with 117 sockets and 91 bits/nutdriver inserts/hex keys/stamped wrenches(Im looking at you, Kobalt)

For me, buying a box and piecing everything together allows me to get what I want/need and have a set that isnt crammed full o' junk

http://www.homedepot.com/Tools-Hard...splay?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&storeId=10051

 

[RedFordTruck]

I've always wondered what the point of carrying a tool set in a modern car is. How much can you really fix on the side of the road?

Very little, but you'd be surprised how much can be rigged up to get an automobile to a safe work area. Actual repairs are the least likely application of the tools in my little truck box; they see the most use in junkyards. It's very handy to have tools with me everywhere I go.

Mostly this. I never know when im gonna be somewhere and need pliers or a wrench or something.

 

[supersteve]

I've always wondered what the point of carrying a tool set in a modern car is. How much can you really fix on the side of the road?

I suppose it depends on how modern your car is (mine's a 94), what your skill level is (two decades as tech at new car dealerships), and what your parts resources look like:
http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=2498762#post2498762

 

[mrjaw14]

I've always wondered what the point of carrying a tool set in a modern car is. How much can you really fix on the side of the road?

True, but I prefer to have tools on me nonetheless. they get used more on other people's cars or at parents house than on my own vehicle.

My recommendation is think of the likely scenarios you'll encounter and can take care of on the road and build our from that:

1. Flat tire = tire repair kit, 12v compressor. If the wheel has to be changed, a 1/2" breaker bar with the deep socket for your vehicle. Upgrade to a multi-size lug nut socket set to cover all your vehicles, or give yourself the ability to stop and help someone else. If you're in a truck or SUV, consider upgrading your jack. You might want some gloves and if you have to wear dress clothes to work maybe some knee pads or a mat to protect your clothes

2. Blown radiator hose = Duct tape and hose clamps will usually get you to an auto parts store. You'll need water, or something to carry water in. They make fold-able "buckets" for camping that you could keep with you to get water to your vehicle, or a jug or two of water if you're in a truck/suv that could also be used as emergency drinking water. You may need screw driver and pliers when you get to a parts store to replace the damaged hose.

3. Stuck thermostat = Socket or wrench that fits the housing bolts and a small pry tool. You then have two options: (a) carry a spare thermostat and gasket or (b) carry some RTV or thermostat gasket to remove the thermostat, bolt the housing back on and go W/O a thermostat. Option (b) would be if your size constrained.

4. Dead battery = Jumper cables or booster pack. carry sockets needed to replace the battery.

5. Consider carrying a qt of oil, and put the bottle in a sealed plastic bag

6. carry sockets for the common fasteners on your vehicle

If you carry just the items you'll absolutely need, you can make a relatively small kit in each vehicle so you're never without the bare essentials. Then if you have more money you can spend and more room you can carry more tools to expand your capabilities.

 

[mrjaw14]

I forgot to mention a good flashlight with extra batteries and a good multi-tool are very useful as well, cause you'll break down after dark and a multi-tool can back up some other items....two is one and one is none!

 

[KinzeMech]

What you need for roadside car repairs depends on your skillset. What roadside repairs are you able to perform?

Anytime I change a worn looking belt on one of my vehicles, I take the old one, tie it up in a bundle, and stash it somewhere under the hood. I've never had to use it, but I still remember the good old days of v belts, when they would break on you if you neglected them too long.

I would have:
Jumper cables. Tire changing tools. The aforementioned spare belt. A wrench set. A socket set. A few screwdrivers, and assorted pliers.

I would look over my list, and be sure I had what I needed for the following:
Changing a tire
Replacing a belt
Jumping a dead battery
Replacing a failed battery (usually takes a socket for that bottom foot...a wrench/pliers/vise grips usually won't do it!)
Changing an alternator.
A spare ecm, and a spare of all electronic modules, in case they're fried in the emp from a nuke.
Topping up critical fluids ( bottles of drinking water stashed away somewhere in the cabin, a quart of motor oil and/or ATF stashed away somewhere under the hood)
One of these list items is only there to see who reads the whole list.

 

[ken w.]

A spare ECM ? Now that's expecting the worse. I carry a lot. I have a tire plug kit I bought from HF.It's been handy quite a few times.I also have a cordless tire inflater from Craftsman.That is also really handy.

 

[Coach James]

For my truck bag, I decided first what I would be willing to do along side the road then chose the tools accordingly. It's a minimal set as I rarely go more than 15 miles from home in the truck. In the truck bag I have a quarter inch socket set up to 13mm and 9/16, 8 inch adjustable wrench, quarter inch driver handle, Klein 10 in 1 screwdriver, Channellock 440's, knife, flashlight, Gorilla tape, hose clamps, needle nose pliers, dykes, battery terminal/cable cleaner. I think that's about it. It all fits in a 12" HF canvas bag.

My car and van are a different story. I have been 200+ miles from home and had a brake pad break off etc. The kit for those vehicles is more extensive so I can change brakes and do a few more involved repairs.

Coach

 

[Rocket1]

I've always wondered what the point of carrying a tool set in a modern car is. How much can you really fix on the side of the road?

Depends on how new it is and whats wrong. I'd rather have some tools and be able to do something than have nothing and be stuck by something minor like a belt or battery.

 

[Rocket1]

Ive been piecing everything together based on price and/or what I like and thats why I decided to go the box route... because from what ive seen, few sets cover everything, and most come heavily inflated with bits and other mostly useless junk

i/e 227 piece set with 117 sockets and 91 bits/nutdriver inserts/hex keys/stamped wrenches(Im looking at you, Kobalt)

For me, buying a box and piecing everything together allows me to get what I want/need and have a set that isnt crammed full o' junk

http://www.homedepot.com/Tools-Hard...0053&langId=-1&storeId=10051#customer_reviews

That's a great point! There's always junk you never use in sets

 

[LG63]

The last roadside problem I had was 20 years ago and that was a stuck thermostat…. limped home with the heater running full blast. Cars are either getting more reliable or I’m living right. I used to carry a lot of tools but I’m down to a multi-tip screwdriver, 10mm wrench, and small channel locks. It’s amazing how many 10mm nuts/bolts there are on today’s vehicles, it’s all that is required to change the battery in all my vehicles. I must admit this thread has me thinking about adding a few items, especially the tire plug kit…..that’s a great idea.

 

[shoturtle]

craftsman max axxas 80 pc or 51pc. While made in china they are very useful. And they cover allot with a smaller kit.

 

[supersteve]

A spare ecm, and a spare of all electronic modules, in case they're fried in the emp from a nuke.

Nothing for zombies?

 

[shoturtle]

I'm looking to buy a nice tool set to carry in the car. I don't need a ton of pieces but enough to do a few things if something happens I'd like to be able to carry it in the trunk with the spare tire if possible so it's out of the way and doesn't take up a lot of room.

Craftsman quality isn't what it use to be so I'm looking for something different. Something made in the US would be nice but isn't a strict requirement. How is Gearwrench now?

craftsman sets are still made in the USA, and while allot of people like to bash craftsman. The sockets have not changed are are still the best bang for the bucks. The rp wrenches are still usa made, and are a good performer. The rp ratchet was never a great. But in the kits most are still made in the usa.

You really can not get any set that can match the craftsman for price and value. And for the car, I would not spend allot on a kit.

 

[jeffws]

For my truck I picked up this set a few years back.... $100 shipped

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000LWAX2C/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[shoturtle]

That is a pretty big asian tool set. Lots of fillers with the bit.

 

[KinzeMech]

Nothing for zombies?

Oh, no. I just don't think of zombie preparation as being in the same category as mechanical breakdown preparation.
Mechanical breakdown preparation is OPTIONAL!

 

[W650Mike]

http://www.craftsman.com/craftsman-200-pc-mechanics-tool-set-with-molded/p-00933200000P?&prdNo=4

- or something similar in a blow molded case. Unless you are talking about truck brands, C-man on the side of the road is still a good bang for the buck.

I've upgraded my tools over the years and have subsequently relegated my C-mans to the truck bag - plus I have one of the Crescent sets shown above. The Crescent has some bit filler but is a very handy set.

Be sure to add a BFH just in case!

 

[woody 73]

Wife got upset and yelled "Woody you are not going to be building a rocket motor get rid of all the tools so we can pack some of our clothes"...

Out she flips the little plastic AAA card for all those roadside emergencies; she is right at my age changing the tire just kills my back and the last time I got stuck on the freeway my wife had to stop some crazy women driving straight at me with a tire iron. Thank the good Lord above, a highway State patrol trooper pulled over and turned on his flashing lights warning other drivers to stay away.

 

[Rocket1]

I'm not saying Craftsman is bad but I've bought a few things recently and compared to the set I have that's 12 years old it's not the same. I wish quality was the same as it use to be because I would buy a set and call it done. Most of my tools are Craftsman and they have served me well. I might still get craftsman tools but I wanted to see if there were any other options that might be better for the price.

Before I buy something I'm going to look into Wright and Armstrong. I haven't priced any of their tools in a while

 

[pipsters]

The last time my car broke down on the road I would've needed an 8mm hex, a 3/8" drive ratchet, and oh yeah, the crank sensor for my car...needless to say I think road tools are completely worthless and the best tool you can have is a AAA card.

 

[cgv69]

What you need for roadside car repairs depends on your skillset. What roadside repairs are you able to perform?

Seems like every time the subject of a car tool kit comes up, many people respond with these types of comments and some go so far as to say stuff like "what good are tools if you don't have the parts to fix it?"

Not that those comments are wrong per say, I just think its a narrow minded view. I too am working on a sub $100 tool kit for the car in the process of putting it together, I'm not just focused on roadside emergencies. Yes, that is one possible use but as other have said, you never know when you might unexpectedly need a few tools? I can't count how many times I've been at a family members house of a friends house or even at work and got roped into helping with something or another but didn't have any decent tools (or any tools at all) to work with.

Back to the OP's question - Pre-made kits do have some advantages. Price wise they are almost impossible to beat and having a preformed case makes it easier to find what you are looking for and maybe even more importantly, it makes it easier to see what you are missing so that you don't leave anything behind. That said, as other have mentioned, they generally are missing some key tools or sizes and often contain a fair amount of useless stuff. You also can't really add to them without caring another bag.

I'm just putting my own kit together using a Bucket Boss brand tool bag and mostly stuff I find on sale for dirt cheap (like Lowes had a lot of their socket sets on sale for $9.95ea or less so I bought some of those). I also think it's wise to put stuff like duct tape, gorilla tape, electrical tape, wire ties, patch kits, fuses, plastic sheeting, etc. in there because will you may not always be able to "fix" a car broken down on the side of the road, with the right stuff and some creativity, you might be able to patch it together well enough to get you to a place where it can be fixed right.

One other nice thing about a kit like this, if you have neighbors or friends who tend to want to borrow your tools, instead of lending them your "good stuff" just hand them this bag. If they loose or break anything, you're not out much.

 

[shoturtle]

I'm not saying Craftsman is bad but I've bought a few things recently and compared to the set I have that's 12 years old it's not the same. I wish quality was the same as it use to be because I would buy a set and call it done. Most of my tools are Craftsman and they have served me well. I might still get craftsman tools but I wanted to see if there were any other options that might be better for the price.

Before I buy something I'm going to look into Wright and Armstrong. I haven't priced any of their tools in a while

expect to pay allot more. If it is for the car, and it will not see a ton of uses. I think spending allot more for a stand by set is not a great value.

 

[lutter94]

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200223524_200223524

Got mine on sale for $70 from a Campbell's in Mitchell, SD.

 

[jmm]

I might still get craftsman tools but I wanted to see if there were any other options that might be better for the price.

Not gonna happen. I'm throwing my hat in with Shoturtle. Unless you plan on using this set for a lot more than an emergency kit, an inexpensive Cman set (pre-assembled or otherwise) is ideal, functionally and price-wise.

 

[fourtythree]

Look for the yellow tags in the Kobalt section. They just had their 1/4 shallow sockets on sale for 5 bucks. 3/8 was less than 10, per set. Kobalt prices ****, but their sale/clearance prices are absurdly cheap. If you're patient, you could piece together a set for next to nothing.

 

[mrjaw14]

Look for the yellow tags in the Kobalt section. They just had their 1/4 shallow sockets on sale for 5 bucks. 3/8 was less than 10, per set. Kobalt prices ****, but their sale/clearance prices are absurdly cheap. If you're patient, you could piece together a set for next to nothing.

And they have lifetime warranty so if you break one, take it back. supposedly just like sears.

 

[RalphInCA]

I am not ashamed to be a Craftsman guy. You will not find better value. craftsman tools have served me very well for a long long time. Over the years I have considered upgrading to Snapon or some other brand, but I have always decided they just weren't worth the premium. Cman perform just fine.

Reduction in quality? Perhaps, but I don't see it. The Craftsman tool I bought last week, a half inch drive beam type tourque wrench, (got it for torquing the axle nuts on my motorcycle) seems exactly like the 3/8 beam tourque wrench I got over twenty years ago.

However, I am not a professional wrench turner. If I were, perhaps I might have a different opinion.

 

[mikefromme]

The last time my car broke down on the road I would've needed an 8mm hex, a 3/8" drive ratchet, and oh yeah, the crank sensor for my car...needless to say I think road tools are completely worthless and the best tool you can have is a AAA card.

Just stopped to fill up my f350. As I started pumping the gas I noticed all the gas was going on the ground before it got to the tank. After poking around a little I saw the fuel neck filler was rusted out.

Instead of calling aaa I looked up the closest junkyard, bought a filler neck for 40 bucks -- had to talk them into some hose clamps. Five minutes in the parking lot and I was good to go. Needed a socket set and screwdriver and hack saw to get off rusted clamps.

Would have waited longer for aaa to show up and lost a day of work.

 

[0.511MeV]

Usually the things that strand me are really tough to deal with on the side of the road.

For example, a blown brake line. Or, a bit of wiring harness that melted.

Both of those needed a fair amount of tools and some parts that I just don't carry. Although, I've been thinking of carrying a DMM, crimpers, strippers, and some wire.

 

[Rocket1]

If I was Macgyver all I would need is a piece of gum and I could fix everything

 

[57JoeFoMoPar]

I just hit up Wal-Mart for a decent, cheapo Stanley tool kit. $40 and done, along with a nice carrying case. I also generally carry a quart of oil, some ATF, a funnel, a spare ignition control module and fuel pump. All fit inside a small milk crate. Good peace of mind