Metric-only tool set for the trunk

[WheelsNT]

Thinking of getting a dedicated set for the car so I don't have to keep assembling tools to take every time I go on a trip. Plus, the time I'll need it is the time I won't have thought to grab tools from the house. Better if the tools are always in the car.

BUT, every tool set I see is metric _and_ SAE. Why? I don't want to carry all the SAE stuff with me, it's just extra weight, and there are no SAE fasteners on any of my cars. What are my options for a metric-only set? Ideally, ratchets, sockets, combo wrenches, screwdrivers, and pliers, all in a case so they stay together in the car.

 

[firworks]

You should be able to get a metric only ratchet / socket set from most of the professional grade brands. As long as you aren't trying to buy a 698 piece set including 300 bits + allen keys then it will be fine. I keep an SK 21 piece Metric socket set in my trunk, along with a rack of HF metric combo wrenches, a hammer, some pliers, and a screwdriver set. Instead of a case I keep them all in a Milwaukee tool bag that came with one of my sets. Finding all that in a case is going to be impossible unless they all come together but making your own set in a bag will make it easy.

 

[ssdave]

I'd get one of those old SK green boxes that are so nice and put a ratchet with extensions and all the sizes that fit your car in it. A pair of needle nose. A ratcheting screwdriver and set of tips including torx and hex. A general set of pliers. A couple flat screwdrivers to pry with. A roll of black electrician tape. A fuse assortment. An adjustable wrench, 4 or 6 inch or both. A wrench of each size on the car. A small ball peen hammer. A small roll of wire. That box would probably weight less than 10 pounds. A good bonus is a breaker bar and a socket the size of your lug nuts. That probably won't fit in the box.

 

[FJ 432]

It is for this reason I have a metrinch set.

 

[Jarhead0408]

Find a small 6"x14" 'ish metal tool box and start hitting up pawn shops. Spring for a quality 3/8" ratchet in both regular and long-flex head versions. Add a few extras like and Ullman pick and a small light. One small adjustable wrench and a Richards 8" prybar from Ollie's.

In short, you could build your own kit pretty easily if you'd like. I run metric only in my small trunk toolbox. I liked being able to choose my tools versus being stuck with a kit from a company.

 

[Infinia]

I have this Metric 19pc Kobalt mechanics set. The case makes this set super compact for the amount of tools and is great for travel.
The new ratchet is 90 tooth , vs the older sets 72t. Note all sockets are 6pt ! typically goes on sale for half off.
https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=Kobalt+19-Piece+Metric+Mechanic's+Tool+

 

[T45]

BUT, every tool set I see is metric _and_ SAE. Why?

Because you're looking at cheap ****

When you buy better tools, and pay by the piece, they cut out the ********.

https://sep.snapon.com/webclient/index.html#/product/SEPPREMET

This would fit nice in the trunk

(Just make sure to get it insured ).

 

[Fedwrench]

Here's a set but, I would just pick up an empty tool roll and fill it with what you wanted for a lot less money


https://www.sonictoolsusa.com/doppen-en-sleutelset-3-8-37-dlg-bmcs.html

 

[T45]

Alternatively, for $0.10 on the dollar, ou can simply duplicate those parts lists, and store the tools it in some small toolbags without much hassle.

edit: fedwrench beat me too it

 

[M6erfan]

I agree with build your own advice

 

[jeeper46]

For the car? I just went to HF, got an assortment of pliers, screwdrivers, sockets and ratchets, stuck them all in one of those "Army Mechanics Bags" they sell at HF, and put it all in the trunk.

 

[thegroundpounder99]

I agree just build your own and keep in a tool bag. Toss in a test light too.


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[nickjj]

One of these needed:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Blue-Poin...ed-/262480637478?_trksid=p2349526.m2548.l4275

 

[WheelsNT]

One of the advantages of a case is that it's easier to tell if you have everything when you get done working on the side of the road or wherever. Are there strategies to help with that when using a bag?

 

[disston]

I needed to organize the trunk of my work car. I have had a Snap On 1/4 set for many years. Love it. It is held in a purpose built plastic box that closes and makes it easy to see you have picked up all your tools. This set from Snap On goes currently for 5 or 6 hundred dollars so I doubt I would buy it today. I bought mine years ago.

So Needed a 3/8 set. I didn't want to pay Snap On or even Blue Point prices. I needed both Metric and SAE and got the 57 piece KD Gearwrench set. Couldn't be happier. So I went looking for Metric only for you. It's a little harder but Gearwrench has a 3/8 set in Metric only.

That set has both deep and short size sockets in metric only. Gearwrench is made by KD Tools. They have been around for a long time and are quality tools.

I found a short metric sizes set only in 1/4 drive.

Add a socket rail with the 1/4 deep sockets and you are covered for both 3/8 and 1/4 demands.

I also have a few 1/2 sizes in my trunk but find that I only need a few odd sizes and so they live in a tool bag.

I recommend the KD Gearwrench tools to you for good quality at lower prices. You can always get better quality but it gets very expensive as you prolly know.

Whatever you do get these two sets in some sort of a fitted box. I mean by any other brand even. Having the tools in a fitted box is time saving and lost tools saving because you will never leave a stray tool on the ground or inside the fender if you are the least bit neat about picking up after working on you cars.

BTW, these sets are easy to find on Amazon.

 

[derosa]

(Just make sure to get it insured ).

The people at snap on have to be very drunk and a whole lot of stoned to think that set is worth that much, I'd have to be stoned to consider buying it and I'd understand my wife leaving me over it. Looks like it could be duplicated in wright or SK for less then half the price.
Have any info on the second set, it looks like it was designed to be tossed in the trunk, though the Allen keys look a little cheesy being chromed. If its real cheap buying it for the box could be worth it.

 

[M6erfan]

The people at snap on have to be very drunk and a whole lot of stoned to think that set is worth that much, I'd have to be stoned to consider buying it and I'd understand my wife leaving me over it. Looks like it could be duplicated in wright or SK for less then half the price.
Have any info on the second set, it looks like it was designed to be tossed in the trunk, though the Allen keys look a little cheesy being chromed. If its real cheap buying it for the box could be worth it.

Looks like a Gedore set. If so, hang on to your wallet...

 

[nbpt100]

Make sure you have a spark plug socket if you want to be real thourogh.

Sounds like space is an issue.?? I had a Popular Mechanics socket kit that was nicely compact in a soft zippered case. It was both SAE and Metric but had spark plug sockets, 1/4 and 3/8 drive ratchets, 3" extensions and a palm ratchet. It was a bit smaller than the Green SK 3/8 drive kit that someone mentioned above. I would happily buy another if still available.
They don't make it any longer but you may find something similar at a good hardware store from Master Mechanic, Kobalt, Huskey or some other mid grade brand. Otherwise I would do what many ohters are saying and piece together your own.

 

[Infinia]

\That set has both deep and short size sockets in metric only. Gearwrench is made by KD Tools. They have been around for a long time and are quality tools.

nope
It's made by some unnamed Asian company just like 'Crapsman', Kobalt, Husky, and Pittsburgh.
Gearwrench only exists only as a APEX brand name. It hasn't been on the scene long at all, at least in USA tool history. K-D was sucked dry and left as husk in the ash heap, just like many other USA tool OEMs that APEX "managed".

 

[T45]

One of the advantages of a case is that it's easier to tell if you have everything when you get done working on the side of the road or wherever. Are there strategies to help with that when using a bag?

Tool control is a good point.

But you can do many options depending on your level of comfort working in the field. You can go from something simple like a shoe-box with zip-locs (note how many sockets are in the bag). To a vintage 1960's style socket box (look for proto, sk, snap on 1/4 drive kit-boxes only). To something more modern like clambshell box, or customizable Gedore box like those pictured above with toolfoam. You can put those all in a soft bag still, or a small box more to your liking.

Alternatively, search the show us your "small toolboxes" thread.

 

[jrockford]

Because you're looking at cheap ****

When you buy better tools, and pay by the piece, they cut out the ********.

https://sep.snapon.com/webclient/index.html#/product/SEPPREMET

This would fit nice in the trunk

(Just make sure to get it insured ).

I'll tell you where you can stick those buddy.

 

[Infinia]

Alternatively, search the show us your "small toolboxes" thread.

I think this will hold a phone and AAA card

 

[T45]

^^^at first I din't think you got my sense of humour.

 

[donpauli2]

The wrenches and sockets are pretty easy the metric screwdrivers and pliers are killers to find. But on the serious side a couple sizes of " JIS " screw drivers would be good. Japanese Industrial Standard. Look similar to a Phillips or Pozidrive


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