Off to college this Fall. Want to put together a tool kit that will fit in an ammo box that he can keep in trunk of his car. Thinking ICON from HF but not locked into that. Set of ratcheting wrenches, 1/4 and 3/8 ratchet and deep sockets, couple of pliers and adjustable wrench, some screw drivers, maybe Klein security set, wire cutters and crimper, maybe a RJ45 pass through crimper, hammer. Basic VOM. What else?
So help me put together a tool kit for my kid
- Thread starter cgrutt
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kbeefy
Well-known member
Specifically for auto, or everything?
Flashlight.
I like to have a set of picks, a pickup tool, extendable magnet, and a mirror. An extension or two for the ratchets. A pocket screwdriver.
Flashlight.
I like to have a set of picks, a pickup tool, extendable magnet, and a mirror. An extension or two for the ratchets. A pocket screwdriver.
kbeefy
Well-known member
A good knife, if not already carrying.
Yep, missed that was thinking Leatherman and a sharpening stone.
Want auto covered but basic starter set for college student. He has a full set at home lol.
ETA that can fit in an ammo can...
kbeefy
Well-known member
My EDC. Not full Leatherman capability, but light enough to have all the time and covers most of what a leatherman will do.
This Carbide sharpener...
A williams driver
amazon linky
And this set.
engineer2
Well-known member
Two main purposes. Keep the car going and fix whatever needs fixing in the dorm room.
For the car: Try to be caught up on all the maintenance before they go. Tires aired up, new wipers, oil changed, etc.
Tools: battery powered tire pump, jumper cables or a lithium starter pack (Noco GB40 or similar)
Wrenches for the battery and other common sizes for the car. Fix-a-Flat in a can.
For the dorm room: Basic household hand tools. Maybe some spackle and wood scratch repair stuff. Some universities prey on college students for room damage. Illinois State does. They charge every student hundreds of dollars for damage done by the them and previous occupants. Rinse and repeat every semester as it never gets fixed. Same with apartments there. Take lots of room damage pictures when your kid moves in.
For the car: Try to be caught up on all the maintenance before they go. Tires aired up, new wipers, oil changed, etc.
Tools: battery powered tire pump, jumper cables or a lithium starter pack (Noco GB40 or similar)
Wrenches for the battery and other common sizes for the car. Fix-a-Flat in a can.
For the dorm room: Basic household hand tools. Maybe some spackle and wood scratch repair stuff. Some universities prey on college students for room damage. Illinois State does. They charge every student hundreds of dollars for damage done by the them and previous occupants. Rinse and repeat every semester as it never gets fixed. Same with apartments there. Take lots of room damage pictures when your kid moves in.
Dryriver1
Active member
Hello all. I hope all is well.
Great suggestions from everyone. I would like to add a set of these rechargeable strobe lights in case of a breakdown on the highway. Hopefully never needs them but just my suggestion.
Best wishes to you and all of your loved ones always!
Dryriver1
Great suggestions from everyone. I would like to add a set of these rechargeable strobe lights in case of a breakdown on the highway. Hopefully never needs them but just my suggestion.
Best wishes to you and all of your loved ones always!
Dryriver1
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@engineer2 do they let dad to come in to repair damage to dorms because I got that covered lol. As far as auto good suggesting not even sure if he's running run flats and no spare in the newer cars Arggghhh
engineer2
Well-known member
Yes, if you get there ahead of time, you can do repairs before inspection. One thing to avoid is Command Strips because they can tear off a chunk of paint when you remove them. Some universities and apartments prohibit them. Thumb tacks seem to be OK because they make tiny holes that can be filled with toothpaste or spackle. Scotch tape is OK if you remove it carefully. I brought some of the kids' acrylic art paints that I could mix on site to match any color.
Best is to warn your kid that any room damage can be charged at the end of the semester. This is not true for all colleges. At Mizzou we never had a problem, but at ISU, the dorms and apartments charged kids no matter what. It was a revenue source for them and you couldn't get out of it, even if the damage was done by last years tenants. Typically $200 to $400 per student per semester.
IDK about newer cars without spares. Some have a can of fix-a-flat I'm told.
Best is to warn your kid that any room damage can be charged at the end of the semester. This is not true for all colleges. At Mizzou we never had a problem, but at ISU, the dorms and apartments charged kids no matter what. It was a revenue source for them and you couldn't get out of it, even if the damage was done by last years tenants. Typically $200 to $400 per student per semester.
IDK about newer cars without spares. Some have a can of fix-a-flat I'm told.
@engineer2 not that new 2010 but no spare. He's been complaining about slipping on wet highway so going to look at better tires. May go traditional and buy a jack and donut but car didn't come with either.
engineer2
Well-known member
One thing I did for our college kid was to get her new tires (and a new battery). I looked for ones with good wet weather and snow performance.
kbeefy
Well-known member
..........
Well, I'm 51, I own 11 vehicles at the moment, and the newest is 2006. They all have spare tires.
I guess I have nothing to add.
2010 BMW 328iX no jack or spare. Said it had run flats but don't see anything to support that. Looks like Wally World tires to me. Got to get it sorted before he goes away.
tool_scrounge
Well-known member
Flashlight with disposable lithium ion AA batteries. No corrosion and 10 year life.
Maybe a small or medium pair of Knipex cobra pliers...not a necessity, however they have many uses and the smaller ones may replace many pairs of other pliers due to the size. And so many good uses. May get them out of a pinch!
Joel
Joel
No experience with Knipex but probably opening up the rabbit hole! Thanks!
Lots of good ideas here already. I have a couple things that are very nice to have that aren't necessarily tools.
Get a little Plano plastic case and put a spare set of bulbs (head light, turn signal, brake light, tail light, license plate light) for whatever car he has. Also a variety pack of whatever fuses it takes.
Tire plug kit and at least some sort of hand pump, even if it ***** it beats walking. Battery powered or cigarette lighter powered air pump would be nicer. Lets the kid help out somebody else in a pinch too.
Make sure there are jumper cables in there too.
Tape measure.
Security bits can be good or lead to trouble. For some reason our window was the only one on the floor that the screen would just snap in and out of. Can't imagine how that would have possibly happened...
Get a little Plano plastic case and put a spare set of bulbs (head light, turn signal, brake light, tail light, license plate light) for whatever car he has. Also a variety pack of whatever fuses it takes.
Tire plug kit and at least some sort of hand pump, even if it ***** it beats walking. Battery powered or cigarette lighter powered air pump would be nicer. Lets the kid help out somebody else in a pinch too.
Make sure there are jumper cables in there too.
Tape measure.
Security bits can be good or lead to trouble. For some reason our window was the only one on the floor that the screen would just snap in and out of. Can't imagine how that would have possibly happened...
I took my own tools off to college. It was in one of those lunch boxish sized single removable tray plastic tool boxes. My tools were generally not going to work for automotive fixes other than pulling the radio out since that needed only screwdrivers.
I was more likely going to open up a computer, or home electronics/stereo etc. Screwdrivers, both regular and precision sized, slip joint pliers, needle nose pliers, basic soldering iron and supplies, very basic-compact multimeter, crescent wrench, hammer. That was about it. If he is going to have a bike on campus I would get a few tools that will help him service/oil it. WD-40 isn't supposed to be chain lube but after my chain rusted solid from a ice storm it sure did help! A tire plug kit and 12V compressor for in the car is something I would also really recommend. I also might suggest telling him how/where to buy tools if needed. For example, at one point in school I needed to fix the heat controls in my car. One of the pull cable housings broke free of it's mount. I needed a 10mm socket to get that part out. I don't recall where I bought the socket set but they were total ****. These days I could probably buy something sufficient from Walmart for $10 or something from their Hart line for $30. Since, in college I really didn't need socket sets I would suggest not getting/taking any unless the need comes up.
I was more likely going to open up a computer, or home electronics/stereo etc. Screwdrivers, both regular and precision sized, slip joint pliers, needle nose pliers, basic soldering iron and supplies, very basic-compact multimeter, crescent wrench, hammer. That was about it. If he is going to have a bike on campus I would get a few tools that will help him service/oil it. WD-40 isn't supposed to be chain lube but after my chain rusted solid from a ice storm it sure did help! A tire plug kit and 12V compressor for in the car is something I would also really recommend. I also might suggest telling him how/where to buy tools if needed. For example, at one point in school I needed to fix the heat controls in my car. One of the pull cable housings broke free of it's mount. I needed a 10mm socket to get that part out. I don't recall where I bought the socket set but they were total ****. These days I could probably buy something sufficient from Walmart for $10 or something from their Hart line for $30. Since, in college I really didn't need socket sets I would suggest not getting/taking any unless the need comes up.
The Icon bit socket set, a box of common car parts and a lithoum jump pack for the car, but first make sure the car is in good shape. Also get him road side service. For the dorm: 6 in 1 screwdriver, stubby hammer, electrical plug indicator, basic house hold parts; nails, hooks etc.
hailwood1965
Well-known member
- Joined
- Nov 28, 2014
- Messages
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College AND a 2010 BMW 328iX??!
Are you considering adopting because I can send my kid over.
Are you considering adopting because I can send my kid over.
hailwood1965
Well-known member
- Joined
- Nov 28, 2014
- Messages
- 165
Trust me, the only tools he will need are a screw gun and maybe some pliers. Tell him to walk around the girls dorm asking if anybody might need some help assembling their bed or desk or etc.
Important to do this INSIDE THE DORM NOT OUTSIDE as he will be Mr. Moving Company if he does.
"And here's my number if you need any more help."
Also they don't say number today, they say "digits".
nadogail
Well-known member
I fixed a lot of stuff with my TL-29, (electrician's pocket knife) and tape.
Ha ha apparently not even digits he went out on a date yesterday with some girl at his gym he said she must have been a detective because she found his snap chat and messaged him. Different times...
That's a whole 'nother story... he found it on Fake Book listed as "mechanics special needs motor" for $2,500. We went to take a look and it was beautiful inside and out but sounded like a diesel I said absolutely well get a motor from junk yard and fix her up. He talked the guy down to $1,900 sold some of his Lionel trains and paid for it himself. I pulled valve cover and found three sheared bolts and one loose one holding on the variable timing gear on intake cam. Common problem with this particular car. Went to BMW and bought replacement bolts for $3.84. Had to replace radiator and s few other things but car runs great he could easily get $10k for it. He's into it for about $2,500. I told him he hit the ball out of the park with that car lol...
ETA not too shabby for $2,500...
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toolenthusiast
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jan 21, 2017
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- 723
Right? These “my kid’s going to college” threads get posted constantly.
If the kid doesn’t already have their own tools, do they know how to use tools?
BlakeTheCarGuy
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I will say with that car make sure he has triple squares, Allen sockets and torx sockets in case he breaks down. Probably a tape measure too.
Wow, what's up with all the hate? Thread title was pretty descriptive didn't need to click on it if it gets you so triggered.
And, yeah, he has a pretty extensive collection of tools his entire life just letting me borrow them while I'm still walking this earth. I figured I'd get him a small collection in case he needed something while away from home. Is that OK?
Triple squares?
BlakeTheCarGuy
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Yes they are basically a 12 point bit socket. Here is a picture of one I recently purchased for my Beetle. I’ve used them all the time on BMW, VW and Audi.
Thanks don't recall ever coming across those before. I'll look into it.Yes they are basically a 12 point bit socket. Here is a picture of one I recently purchased for my Beetle. I’ve used them all the time on BMW, VW and Audi.
With the BMW you may want someone better than the cheep stuff. A very cheap one like my Ancel AD310 will clear codes on older OBD 2 cars but can't do anything more like look at ABS codes etc. It was on sale for $10. Probably worth a look at what a better one can do for that car.
Edit:Corrected the name. My phone changed Ancel to Cancel
Edit:Corrected the name. My phone changed Ancel to Cancel
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Yeah I meant something under $100 that's small but usable. I'll look into Autel.
Dryriver1
Active member
Me: What's Insta...
???Son: Instagram Dad. Duh....
Me: Oh, ok.
Me inside: Darn it... what's Instagram
??engineer2
Well-known member
Forgot to add: Any tools he lends out might not get returned. More out of forgetfulness than anything. I made tool kits for my daughters and by the time they graduated, half of the tools were gone. I asked, and they said so-and-so borrowed my screwdriver and hammer and they think their roommate borrowed it but then they moved out . . . blah blah blah. They were all no-name or HF, so no great loss.
Dryriver1
Active member
I agree with you Sir!
There is already too much negativity and hate why add more. Just skip it the post.
Be well and stay safe out there. Best wishes to you and all of your loved ones always!
MattGarage
Well-known member
You're more of an expert in the region you live or he will be but I'd say emergency kit basics - if near extreme cold - a military surplus wool blanket, a Zippo hand warmer with fuel, a lighter and a fire starter in case the lighter fails, then any basic and smaller mechanic tool kit in metric or SAE of vehicle - not with both. Then the already mentioned Knipex. My main toolkit for years included a medium weight hammer (various uses), an open ended wrench in the size of the belt tensioner of the car, crescent wrench, an extra serpentine belt, a good screwdriver in flat and philips and a VOM.
In years of carrying multitools my only observation is that they're very average in the best of cases and absolutely unsuitable for many cases and more frustration than function. They only look useful.
In years of carrying multitools my only observation is that they're very average in the best of cases and absolutely unsuitable for many cases and more frustration than function. They only look useful.
Dryriver1
Active member
Been reading the posts....
With all the great ideas and items a lot of us have suggested to add to the
"ammo box basic tool kit" let's not forget to bring the kitchen sink too...
Just kidding. I was just as worried when my son left 1000 miles away to college. Just crossing Texas is about 14 hour drive.
One more thing and I did do this.
Hand write him a letter with All Your Love, and Best Advise You have for him and place it in there in a baggie. Tell him not to open his tool box until he gets to school not before.
I wish him the best this fall.
Be well and stay safe out there. Best wishes to you and all of your loved ones always!
Dryriver1
With all the great ideas and items a lot of us have suggested to add to the
"ammo box basic tool kit" let's not forget to bring the kitchen sink too...
Just kidding. I was just as worried when my son left 1000 miles away to college. Just crossing Texas is about 14 hour drive.
One more thing and I did do this.
Hand write him a letter with All Your Love, and Best Advise You have for him and place it in there in a baggie. Tell him not to open his tool box until he gets to school not before.
I wish him the best this fall.
Be well and stay safe out there. Best wishes to you and all of your loved ones always!
Dryriver1