Suggestions for a minimalist 'emergency' tool assortment?

[Tim Gordon]

I'm looking for some voices of experience and reason to validate some ideas I have and perhaps point out things I may be overlooking as I'm starting to assemble a selection of tools for basic automotive repairs.

Here's the situation:

I live out in the country, and do virtually all automotive maintenance and repairs out here. I also own a house in town that is, more or less, my guest cottage where I entertain company as needed and use as my 'pit stop' whenever it's convenient to catch a nap, take a shower, grab a snack, make a phone call, etc.

Every now and then, car trouble happens. It's usually in or around town; I've never had much go wrong on the way to or from 'the ranch'. Two outcomes: I 'limp' over to the house in town, or I get the vehicle towed there if it's absolutely not driveable. Not that I've never made any parking lot or roadside repairs, but I do try my best to avoid them in preference to 'safe' territory, i.e.: on property I own!

I used to live there, but when I moved out to the country, my tools came with me since I use them out here. I do occasionally have some, and sometimes quite a few, tools in the vehicle with me. But most often, my tools are in my roll-away chest. The obvious solution is to keep a small set in the garage in town so I have some to work with when I need them.

I expect everything to fit in a rally style tool box, 20", three or four drawer. A few screwdrivers, pliers, probably a 1/4" and 3/8" ratchet and 'reasonable' size metric and SAE sockets, combination wrenches, etc. I don't expect to do any engine teardowns here, but some recent examples of things I've done on an 'emergency' basis have been a radiator replacement, a water pump replacement, serpentine belt, alternator, ignition module, distributor cap and rotor, things like that. I can bring in 'the big guns' at a later time if I decide to undertake a major project there, but if I can make a minor repair to get back on the road with tools that will fit in a portable tool chest, so much the better! None of the tools need to be maintenance oriented, such as an oil filter wrench, since I do that stuff out at the ranch.

In this family, most of what we drive is mid to late 90's, though I have some early 70's vehicles I get out every now and then. I'll keep some SAE stuff on hand for those, but mostly we drive sedans and SUV's that are 15-20 some years old. I tend to drive Ford (Taurus, Explorer) while others in the family drive 1990's Buick and Oldsmobile.

If anyone has any specific suggestions for tools I absolutely shouldn't be without, that's really what I'm looking for. I don't want to be keeping anything on hand that I'm not likely to use for minor stuff, but I have so many tools that going minimalist is a bit hard for me to to fathom. I want tools that are good enough to get the job done but not especially desirable to crooks, and keeping in mind that they may sit several years without being used, decent corrosion resistance is a plus! Suggestions for suitable brands that would work well for this purpose but not cost very much are welcome!

This would maybe be like a tool assortment one may take on a road trip, but then some. I'm thinking that some of the 'mechanics' sets Sears sells aren't quite right...perhaps a couple too small, most far too large but probably still missing some things that may be needed in a pinch.

What would be most appreciated is anecdotes about, "I had this break on me once, and was stuck because I didn't have an _____ in my tool kit", or "You probably won't need _______ larger than ______ or smaller than ______ for emergency repairs", or "I was mighty glad to have had a _______ with me the time when...", or "Check out _____ sold by ______. Lots of tool for he money with them, they're underrated!" I expect that one or more Garage Journal members will mention something I'd have not given any thought to until it was too late and I'm stuck wishing I'd thought to include one.

Thanks!

 

[jakemac]

 

[d.mcfarland]

Location would help. As would distances from either residence. Less than 5 miles is one thing, but more than 50 is a whole different scenario.

 

[rockinacummins]

There's no end to it... I have enough tools in my truck to rebuild my engine - minus specialty things like a ring compressor and valve spring installer...

Also have a hand box for if I go with somebody else on a trip. Wrench sets, socket sets, blah blah blah. I ALWAYS have black electrical tape and or zip ties. Tire plug kit, jack and lug wrench are also must haves before I leave.

 

[thegroundpounder99]

[emoji38]

Nice! Very portable also lol

On the topic, don't overlook the electrical end. Test light, fuses and relays....I overheated one day on the way to work and it was due to a fan relay.

 

[ChevyEFI]

I'm adding a 106flipset to mine soon. I simply wanted the sockets specifically.

I like the Stanley plastic box with the fold down sides and have been setting one up with "commonly used" stuff so it's as "grab and go" as possible. But I'm nowhere near close to having it finished yet. Ideally, I want to grab a box and a bag and go do a quick repair or go junkyarding without having to think about what to take.

 

[AL`]

Duct tape and bailing wire ... sorry, I just couldn't resist. And throw in a tube of JB Weld too ... grin

 

[AL`]

OK, on a more serious note and by no means comprehensive, but a digital multi-meter, some crescent wrenches a large one and a medium or small one since you can't carry every socket or wrench size known to man although I'm sure you will have an assortment of those you think most useful on hand. I wouldn't want to be without an LED headlamp either. Easy on the batteries and hands free light that automatically aims where you look simply can't be beat. So that's two items I listed that unfortunately require you to periodically make sure the batteries are fresh. And while obvious, I'd be remiss not to mention a good set of long jumper cables. I like to keep a small shovel in my truck in case I get stuck and some tow straps. I'd also include a decent pry bar and a mallet or dead blow hammer. And while I was kind of joking in my first post, it is true that duct tape, bailing wire and JB Weld can be useful in a pinch.

 

[Farmall 1066]

This covers a lot for me. Rides in a Husky tool bag, along with some other supplies and a multimeter.

 

[Dave455]

Hi!

Your situation sounds familiar! Been there ever since I was a kid (dad never had new cars) and neither have I, though they've got more reliable over the years!

You can do a lot with a little, though I've always carried the following :-

Screwdrivers - 1/8, 5/32, 3/16, 1/4 and 5/16 Slotted and Pozidriv 1 & 2. The small slotted drivers for electrical jobs, and I'd probably substitute Phillips for Pozidriv if I was driving a U.S. or Japanese made vehicle.

Pliers - 7 inch combination and snipe nose (you do need both) and a pair of cutters (for cable ties and such, as much as wire)

Hammer. I like an 8 oz ball pein, and I have a heavier soft mallet with copper at one end and hide the other.

Wrenches - I carry metric combination wrenches from 7 to 19mm. I used to carry just the sizes that were used on my vehicle, but I found myself forever going home to collect tools to fix friends cars. If you car uses SAE sizes then substitute those!

Socket wrenches. I picked up a Facom 3/8 set with sockets up to 22mm, a decent ratchet and extensions on a awesome special deal a few years back, so I keep that on the vehicle. Otherwise I'd substitute the individual parts. I also keep a 1/2 inch breaker bar and wheel nut socket specifically for changing wheels!

I also carry a few Allen keys, punches and other small bits!

It all sounds a lot, but everything except the socket set and the 1/2 inch breaker bar fit In an ex army ammunition box (highly reccomended as they have a seal the keeps damp out)!

As to makes of tools, well, it's true that you don't need top end stuff like Snap On, but... you don't want crappy stuff either when you are trying to fix some snag in the dark and wet. I've gone for 'mid range' stuff. My drivers are CK (British hardware shop grade, but decent) Pliers are Elliott Lucas, Hammers generic British, wrenches and sockets are mostly Facom, but only 'cos they were on special offers, substitute anything else mid range!

As important as the tools are the other bits and pieces you carry. I carry wire wool, emery paper, spare belts and all rad hoses, some generic fuel hose, hose clips, cable ties, insulated wire, locking wire and an assortment of nuts, bolts, screws and split pins!

 

[abvw]

I'm adding a 106flipset to mine soon. I simply wanted the sockets specifically.

I like the Stanley plastic box with the fold down sides and have been setting one up with "commonly used" stuff so it's as "grab and go" as possible. But I'm nowhere near close to having it finished yet. Ideally, I want to grab a box and a bag and go do a quick repair or go junkyarding without having to think about what to take.

The 8/10mm socket will only work with the set's adapters if you choose to use it on an cordless tool (certain chrome extensions fit). Any other ones I've tried so far are too thick to fit into the 8mm end.

 

[bczygan]

The Rule of Tools:

For any repair situation, you will always need at least one more tool than you have.

For my car repair tools, I am limited by the load carrying capacity of the vehicle, unless I pull a trailer.

At the house, the only limit is the size of the structure, and any other structures that I can construct.

Why limit yourself to a small box?

 

[Ridwaan Gallow]

You guys are describing my whole toolbox as a carry pack.. i need to get more tools!!!

 

[vintage nut]

In my truck I keep a full 1/2" drive shallow socket set, 3/8" drive metric and imperial deep sockets, (just an assortment of the ones I would need ) and a set of 1/4" drive metric and imperial. Also a set of both metric and imperial doe wrenches. Couple pairs of pliers, assortment of screwdrivers, couple punches, ball pein, and a lead hammer. Oh yeah, and a crecent wrench.
All but the hammers fit in here

If you're wondering, the toolbox was looking pretty rough, so I sprayed it with bedliner. Real tough, and keeps the tools from sliding around. Actually thinking of lining my roll cab drawers with bedliner I'm so happy with it

you can never have too many tools

 

[classicJackets]

In my truck I keep a full 1/2" drive shallow socket set, 3/8" drive metric and imperial deep sockets, (just an assortment of the ones I would need ) and a set of 1/4" drive metric and imperial. Also a set of both metric and imperial doe wrenches. Couple pairs of pliers, assortment of screwdrivers, couple punches, ball pein, and a lead hammer. Oh yeah, and a crecent wrench.
All but the hammers fit in here

If you're wondering, the toolbox was looking pretty rough, so I sprayed it with bedliner. Real tough, and keeps the tools from sliding around. Actually thinking of lining my roll cab drawers with bedliner I'm so happy with it

you can never have too many tools

I bedlined my car box as well! Very nice to have.
I'm limited in what I carry around now by what can fit under the passenger seat of my truck, but I keep 3/8" ratchet, extensions, and metric sockets (10-19mm). Combo wrenches and ratcheting in 10-14 and 17. Pliers, Screwdrivers, box knife, and tape. These comprise the majority of tools I need to use even at home with my bigger boxes, as my truck is all metric. Makes it easy.

 

[vintage nut]

I have a 1993 gmc 2500 single cab. That tool box fits behind my seat perfectly. The down side to that truck is its about half imperial and half metric....

you can never have too many tools

 

[Tim Gordon]

Thanks, Jakemac.

I can relate to the sentiment, anyway...

...which is why I'm asking here. That's a lot closer to what I already have, which I am not planning to duplicate!

Great pic, though!

 

[Tim Gordon]

Location would help. As would distances from either residence. Less than 5 miles is one thing, but more than 50 is a whole different scenario.

Distance is about seven miles taking a busy highway, maybe 12 taking very desolate back roads.

There's a reason I would rather try to render mechanical 'first aid' at the house in town for many issues than try to make it back out to the country and hope I get there okay!

 

[Tim Gordon]

There's no end to it... I have enough tools in my truck to rebuild my engine - minus specialty things like a ring compressor and valve spring installer...

Also have a hand box for if I go with somebody else on a trip. Wrench sets, socket sets, blah blah blah. I ALWAYS have black electrical tape and or zip ties. Tire plug kit, jack and lug wrench are also must haves before I leave.

That's me, some of the time. Probably just not when something actually breaks...

I do actually keep a fair amount of stuff like that on hand for roadside and assistance repairs, but it probably couldn't hurt to have extra tape and ties in this chest just in case I somehow don't have or can't easily access those things or if I somehow use up the ones in the vehicle kit.

 

[Tim Gordon]

The Rule of Tools:

For any repair situation, you will always need at least one more tool than you have.

For my car repair tools, I am limited by the load carrying capacity of the vehicle, unless I pull a trailer.

At the house, the only limit is the size of the structure, and any other structures that I can construct.

Why limit yourself to a small box?

I'm well aware of this, believe me!

Like I said, this is a set of tools to take care of minor repairs that will make a vehicle driveable again, at least for the short term. Like the examples I gave, replacing a radiator, yes. Replacing a water pump or alternator, yes. Pulling cylinder heads? No. Swapping a transaxle, uh, no. 'Light' repair, not 'heavy' repair. No plans to keep pneumatic tools, 'cherry picker', maybe not even a jack or stands. If I've got to jack the car up to make a repair, I'm guessing it's a job I'll have to bring in a trailer full of tools for. I'm not going to be getting it done in an hour there in town and will have to make a day of it.

 

[Tim Gordon]

Question: How useful is a Cresent wrench, really?

I do usually keep a few around, but typically I use them more for carpentry and grounds maintenance than anything. I personally do not use them on vehicles. In a great many instances, a Crescent wrench just isn't going to fit due to tight clearances under the hood of most vehicles, and what I envision doing is mostly going to be under the hood repairs.

 

[Tim Gordon]

Hi!

Your situation sounds familiar! Been there ever since I was a kid (dad never had new cars) and neither have I, though they've got more reliable over the years!

You can do a lot with a little, though I've always carried the following :-

Screwdrivers - 1/8, 5/32, 3/16, 1/4 and 5/16 Slotted and Pozidriv 1 & 2. The small slotted drivers for electrical jobs, and I'd probably substitute Phillips for Pozidriv if I was driving a U.S. or Japanese made vehicle.

Pliers - 7 inch combination and snipe nose (you do need both) and a pair of cutters (for cable ties and such, as much as wire)

Hammer. I like an 8 oz ball pein, and I have a heavier soft mallet with copper at one end and hide the other.

Wrenches - I carry metric combination wrenches from 7 to 19mm. I used to carry just the sizes that were used on my vehicle, but I found myself forever going home to collect tools to fix friends cars. If you car uses SAE sizes then substitute those!

Socket wrenches. I picked up a Facom 3/8 set with sockets up to 22mm, a decent ratchet and extensions on a awesome special deal a few years back, so I keep that on the vehicle. Otherwise I'd substitute the individual parts. I also keep a 1/2 inch breaker bar and wheel nut socket specifically for changing wheels!

I also carry a few Allen keys, punches and other small bits!

It all sounds a lot, but everything except the socket set and the 1/2 inch breaker bar fit In an ex army ammunition box (highly reccomended as they have a seal the keeps damp out)!

As to makes of tools, well, it's true that you don't need top end stuff like Snap On, but... you don't want crappy stuff either when you are trying to fix some snag in the dark and wet. I've gone for 'mid range' stuff. My drivers are CK (British hardware shop grade, but decent) Pliers are Elliott Lucas, Hammers generic British, wrenches and sockets are mostly Facom, but only 'cos they were on special offers, substitute anything else mid range!

As important as the tools are the other bits and pieces you carry. I carry wire wool, emery paper, spare belts and all rad hoses, some generic fuel hose, hose clips, cable ties, insulated wire, locking wire and an assortment of nuts, bolts, screws and split pins!

Probably the best reply thus far! Great recommendation on the ammo box. I'm a big fan of those for some things, but using one for this specific purpose hadn't really crossed my mind. Maybe it should! I don't know that I can find a rally box that would fit inside an ammo box (probably for cannon shells) but I can easily build a wooden insert that would pull straight up from an opened ammo box and have storage compartments to keep wrenches, sockets, and other tools sorted out and squared away for easy access.

Good suggestion on spare hardware, too, but precisely what to have handy would be a bit of head scratching. It'd have to be SAE fine thread and metric, mostly, but I just don't see using much of that for this kind of repair; basically it'd be for replacing lost or broken hardware, which isn't that big a problem to date. When it is, its during major repairs I'm not likely to be making there. Also, I can walk to several parts and hardware retailers from there, I've done it before, so it's not the end of the world. If it's late, I can probably just spend the night there and make my fix in the morning!

 

[SantaAna12]

Duct tape and bailing wire ... sorry, I just couldn't resist. And throw in a tube of JB Weld too ... grin

And a tube of the red Permatex gasket compound.

And some Wrigleys.

 

[Rustypigeon]

I keep an emergency tool bag in my daily drivers. I have found the 14" Husky bag to be an excellent choice for this. It is durable, perfect in size and only $20...

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-14-in-Large-Mouth-Bag-71787-2N09/202018007

For my emergency tools, I buy mostly cheap tools since they just ride around in the trunk. Harbor Freight and Stanley type tools. I don't want to risk nice tools getting stolen. I keep the following in the bag...

-3/8 ratchets, a short handle and a long flex handle
-3/8 deep sockets
-3/8 shallow sockets
-3/8 universal joint
-3/8 wobble extensions
-spark plug socket
-combination wrenches
-needle nose and slip joint pliers
-screwdrivers
-spark tester
-multimeter
-spare fuses
-spare wire
-zip ties

I also keep a spare drive belt in each car and copies of wiring diagrams.

I actually like the tool bag setup nice enough that I bought another one for the garage. Rather than dragging all my tools out of the toolbox and have them scattered around the workbench, I put my most commonly used tools in the one bag and take the bag to the car I am working on. Saves me lots of trips to the tool box. Since my vehicles are Toyota and Mazda, I only need to put 8,10,12,14,17 and 19mm sockets to handle almost all of my needs. The other sizes I can leave in my toolbox.

 

[smiffy]

This is a uk site but im sure this would be available everywhere and would go a good way to collect the basics http://www.vantagetools.co.uk/tool-boxes/803-tt-gcai8002.html

Or http://www.vantagetools.co.uk/socket-sets2/3777-toptul-gcai150r.html
similiar sets available from gedore and facom

Toptul also do more comprehensive kits in cantilever baxes and 3 draw chests all with foam inlays

 

[kctyphoon]

i think your best bet is to FIRST decide how much room your willing to dedicate to tool storage, and then go from there.. i mean, if you have the room to carry a decent sized socket set that comes in a case, and has open end wrenches in it, then go buy the biggest set from HD or Lowes that you can fit, and just supplement with a 10-in-1 screwdriver, diagonal cutter, slip joints, channel locks, and some electrical and duct tape. jumper cables, small compressor, tire plug kit, flashlight, and portable jump box, fuses and leatherman, gloves, ulility knife. (i think this is basically what i carry in my spare tire well in my honda (spare is on the back hatch) the extendable 1/2" and 3/8" ratchet from HF are great for this too,- esp 1/2" for changing a tire.

if you cant do all that - id buy a small plastic tool box - one of those universal (does metric and sae) spline pass through ratchet/socket set.. universal spline open end wrench set., and the same 10-in-1, diagonal cutters, slip joints, channel locks and electrical/duct tape. utlilty knife, leatherman and gloves - spare fuses of course..

the odjective here is to not swap water pumps in the middle of no where.. the objective is to just be able to conduct minor repairs.. sometimes there is no way of getting away from a tow.

 

[Tim Gordon]

i think your best bet is to FIRST decide how much room your willing to dedicate to tool storage, and then go from there.. i mean, if you have the room to carry a decent sized socket set that comes in a case, and has open end wrenches in it, then go buy the biggest set from HD or Lowes that you can fit, and just supplement with a 10-in-1 screwdriver, diagonal cutter, slip joints, channel locks, and some electrical and duct tape. jumper cables, small compressor, tire plug kit, flashlight, and portable jump box, fuses and leatherman, gloves, ulility knife. (i think this is basically what i carry in my spare tire well in my honda (spare is on the back hatch) the extendable 1/2" and 3/8" ratchet from HF are great for this too,- esp 1/2" for changing a tire.

if you cant do all that - id buy a small plastic tool box - one of those universal (does metric and sae) spline pass through ratchet/socket set.. universal spline open end wrench set., and the same 10-in-1, diagonal cutters, slip joints, channel locks and electrical/duct tape. utlilty knife, leatherman and gloves - spare fuses of course..

the odjective here is to not swap water pumps in the middle of no where.. the objective is to just be able to conduct minor repairs.. sometimes there is no way of getting away from a tow.

You've got the picture when you say the objective is not to swap water pumps in the middle of nowhere! The idea is that I *may*, depending on the vehicle and situation, do it at the house in town rather than tow it out to the country, assuming that 1) the pump has seized and thrown the belt, and that 2) on the particular vehicle I think it'll be a fairly easy repair where I won't want to have my full assortment of tools handy. Granted, this is one thing on my '73 Chevy 3/4 ton truck and another on any of my modern stuff!

Now, one thing I should point out is that I will keep a basic selection of 'homeowner' tools stashed away in the house, or possibly in the garage. Again, same principle: for minor things, I'll have the tools there to get the job done, even if not my full selection of professional grade tools. Some things like tapes, steel wool, gloves, flashlight, multimeter, etc., are things I'd probably keep there anyway. My concern here really is more mechanical tools than anything else. If all I drove were my early 70's vehicles, it'd be simple and I wouldn't bother to ask. The issue is that my newer stuff, which is still 15 to 20 years old, has a lot more 'junk' under the hood and a lot less space to work, and the wide assortment of tools commonly used is mostly because of clearance and access issues. I make a lot of repairs, but I don't make most of them with any real frequency since I don't work as an auto tech by trade. I might do a given job once every five or ten years, versus several times per month. This is where I need the help from many heads put together, ideally from some people who have worked as Ford techs in the past few decades who have performed a lot of smaller repairs (especially to Taurus and Explorer) and have some practical knowledge as to what's the least one would want to have handy for the 'small stuff'. Again, for major repairs, it's getting towed out to the ranch where I keep all of my tools.

 

[kctyphoon]

if you want to be able to do major work "at the house in town" (im not sure i know what that means, cause i grew up in nyc and the houses in jersey are 50' away from each other) theres no getting away from a full, small tool set... thats not really minimal.. youd need to bring along a decent tool set like the first group i listed.. id buy a good sized craftsman / husky / kobalt set in a case - and get another plastic tool box and start filling it with all the other usual hand tools, at least 1 of each. if you are in that remote of location there is no getting away from it, unless you decide that $100 a month car payment on a brand new honda civic is worth not having to deal with all this..

 

[Tim Gordon]

if you want to be able to do major work "at the house in town" (im not sure i know what that means, cause i grew up in nyc and the houses in jersey are 50' away from each other) theres no getting away from a full, small tool set... thats not really minimal.. youd need to bring along a decent tool set like the first group i listed.. id buy a good sized craftsman / husky / kobalt set in a case - and get another plastic tool box and start filling it with all the other usual hand tools, at least 1 of each. if you are in that remote of location there is no getting away from it, unless you decide that $100 a month car payment on a brand new honda civic is worth not having to deal with all this..

If, for some reason, I decide I'd like to make a fairly major repair, I'll truck in my tools. It would be preferable to just transport the vehicle out there if that's what's really needed, but one never knows what the future holds and it is entirely possible that the situation may dictate that it's more appropriate to leave the car in town and bring the full tool chest in rather than taking the car to the tools. I'm not 100% sure at the moment just what that might be, but I could probably make a worse guess than replacing a blown head gasket, depending on the vehicle in question. This would maybe be if the engine hydrolocked and wouldn't start. A dead fuel pump may be another possibility for taking my regular tools into the car. The cost of towing the car several blocks rather than several miles may make fixing it in my driveway in town an attractive option compared to paying to have it hauled out here.

Realistically, though, the idea is to be able to take care of small failures that are relatively simple to remedy but would keep the vehicle from being roadworthy enough to risk driving it out to the country. The most common example I can think of is a serpentine belt starting to come apart. I've had that happen several times. When you hear it flapping under the hood, you can usually cut off the frayed side with a pocket knife, swing by a parts store to pick up a new belt, and probably get to any point around town at low speed. Would you want to go out on the highway with a belt that's coming apart? I'd rather not. At the same time, I'd rather not pay to have the car towed, either. After all, the belt is still turning the pulleys, for the time being, but it might not keep doing it for long at high speed. Ignition or cooling system failures, maybe a stuck brake caliper, a loose exhaust pipe or muffler, things like that. I personally have never had an easily fixed electrical failure that disabled a car other than a dead battery or alternator. Anything where I felt comfortable with driving the vehicle over five miles of highway and a few of gravel roads before fixing it, then I wouldn't worry about dealing with it in town. Sometimes you just don't want to risk it, however.

The 'easy way out', as they say, would be to just duplicate my inventory of tools in town. That would be very costly, wasteful redundancy, and just generally unnecessary. All I'm looking for is a backup set that's where I can get to it so as to be useful when I need it. It would be limited mostly due to the limited nature of intended use. The hard part is figuring out precisely what to include and what to not worry about, which can be tricky when modern vehicles are involved with their crowded, tight engine bays.

Naturally, the more proactive I am at maintaining vehicles out here, the less likely they are to be breaking down in town! Or, if something I've replaced or serviced in the past couple of years fails, at least it'll probably not be rusted fast in place like something that's never been touched since the vehicle was built.

 

[nicksnothereman]

I expect everything to fit in a rally style tool box, 20", three or four drawer. A few screwdrivers, pliers, probably a 1/4" and 3/8" ratchet and 'reasonable' size metric and SAE sockets, combination wrenches, etc. I don't expect to do any engine teardowns here, but some recent examples of things I've done on an 'emergency' basis have been a radiator replacement, a water pump replacement, serpentine belt, alternator, ignition module, distributor cap and rotor, things like that. I can bring in 'the big guns' at a later time if I decide to undertake a major project there, but if I can make a minor repair to get back on the road with tools that will fit in a portable tool chest, so much the better! None of the tools need to be maintenance oriented, such as an oil filter wrench, since I do that stuff out at the ranch..

Thanks!

If you can do this type of stuff with what you have on hand then your training is complete master jedi.

I'm not in the mood to go there though. You keeping an extra radiator in the car?

 

[PJNJ]

I'm a DIYer but have some experience with roadside repairs. It's funny you mentioned replacing a water pump because about 7 years ago my son broke down with a bad water pump about 75 miles from home. He had a Monte Carlo (early 2000's). My AAA at the time didn't cover it (since upgraded to a 100/200 mi. max tow). I got the parts locally and took the tools in my old pick-up to his car and fixed it in a parking lot under a light.

To the best of my recollection I took the following tools:

1. Craftsman tool set - http://local.sears.com/Craftsman-PC...263000P?st=1624&sid=IDx20141117x00001xlpla#!/
Not the exact same set but close. I wrapped two bungee cords around the box to make sure it wouldn't open and spill on the ride.

2. I took better 1/4 and flex head 3/8 ratchets along with a set of universal joints and socket adapters.

3. Metric Gearwrench set (you'll need both metric and sae for your vehicles)

4. Craftsman red handle pry bars 12 and 24 inch, 1/2 breaker bar.

5. Set of screwdrivers (flat and philips).

6. Ryobi 18v light and 3 charged batteries.

7. Floorjack and two jackstands.

8. Hammer and hacksaw - I still don't know why I took the hacksaw but I ended up using it to modify a pulley puller/installer that I had to buy up there to pull the power steering pulley. The Haynes or Chiltons (don't remember which) said I had to drop the power steering pump but I pulled the pulley instead.

Took a couple to three hours but got it done. The craftsman tool set usually goes on sale a couple of times a years to $179 or $199 and may end up being cheaper to get than buying the individual sockets or socket sets you'll need.

If I was going to put an emergency set-up in your town house garage, those tools along with a corded emergency light are what I would probably put in there. The floorjack may be one of those smaller portable deals.

 

[kctyphoon]

here ya go, Harbor Freight 301 piece mechanics tool set - $144 after the 20% off.. add some tire plugs, fuses, tapes, tie wraps, gasket sealer, flashlight, utlity knife, the 1/2" HF extendable ratchet, small air compressor, jump pack - some fluids and whatever else you might want.

 

[Jere]

Tire plug kit, scissor jack, 4 way screwdriver, 3/8 sockets and ratchet, zip ties, flashlight, spare fuses ,spare oil, water, adjustable wrench, multimeter, lock blade folding knife, electrical tape, lighter, CIG lighter air compressor spare ,wormdrive clamps. That's the family car have gone to Florida and Ontario and haven't needed anything but the spare fluids.

In the weight conscience fun car just a 4 way screwdriver, electrical tape, zipties and adjustable wrench ,sometimes spare water and the Aaa card. All of the above have come in handy at some time or another with this car.

 

[Tim Gordon]

If you can do this type of stuff with what you have on hand then your training is complete master jedi.

I'm not in the mood to go there though. You keeping an extra radiator in the car?

Quite a lot can be done with the basics, any auto tech will tell you there are handful of tools they use on basically any job they tackle. The trick always comes when there's that one fastener that partially obstructed or some other issue that keeps the usual ratchet, sockets, drive accessories, and combination wrenches from doing the job... hence that big cabinet with thousands and thousands of dollars' worth of tools in it.

I use a lot of tools 1) because I have them, and 2) because they're convenient. I'll admit to have becoming spoiled a bit. I didn't always have pneumatic tools, flex head ratchets, multiple sets of wrenches, etc. There was a time when 3/8" and 1/2" sockets, a couple of extensions, standard ratchets, and a set of combination wrenches did it for me. That was a long time ago, though, and I was always working on 1970's vehicles with those tools. If vehicles hadn't changed, I may still be getting by with just those tools. Okay, I may have picked up a few things just for the speed and ease of use as I got older.

No need to carry any spare parts with me; water pump, radiator, or what-have-you. I can just hoof it down to the parts store and pick up whatever I need! It's not that far away. As far as side of the road repairs go, which is what everyone seems to be suggesting tools for, I try to avoid them as much as possible. The idea is to get the vehicle onto property I own and fix it there. I can bring in all of my tools or transport the car out to the country if need be, but why do that if it's an easy fix when you have a basic set of tools handy? At this stage in life, I don't travel much. Most of the time, I can't be gone from home even a full day. The most remote place I usually ever am is out at the ranch! Even then, I'm only six miles out of town.

 

[Tim Gordon]

I'm a DIYer but have some experience with roadside repairs. It's funny you mentioned replacing a water pump because about 7 years ago my son broke down with a bad water pump about 75 miles from home. He had a Monte Carlo (early 2000's). My AAA at the time didn't cover it (since upgraded to a 100/200 mi. max tow). I got the parts locally and took the tools in my old pick-up to his car and fixed it in a parking lot under a light.

To the best of my recollection I took the following tools:

1. Craftsman tool set - http://local.sears.com/Craftsman-PC...263000P?st=1624&sid=IDx20141117x00001xlpla#!/
Not the exact same set but close. I wrapped two bungee cords around the box to make sure it wouldn't open and spill on the ride.

2. I took better 1/4 and flex head 3/8 ratchets along with a set of universal joints and socket adapters.

3. Metric Gearwrench set (you'll need both metric and sae for your vehicles)

4. Craftsman red handle pry bars 12 and 24 inch, 1/2 breaker bar.

5. Set of screwdrivers (flat and philips).

6. Ryobi 18v light and 3 charged batteries.

7. Floorjack and two jackstands.

8. Hammer and hacksaw - I still don't know why I took the hacksaw but I ended up using it to modify a pulley puller/installer that I had to buy up there to pull the power steering pulley. The Haynes or Chiltons (don't remember which) said I had to drop the power steering pump but I pulled the pulley instead.

Took a couple to three hours but got it done. The craftsman tool set usually goes on sale a couple of times a years to $179 or $199 and may end up being cheaper to get than buying the individual sockets or socket sets you'll need.

If I was going to put an emergency set-up in your town house garage, those tools along with a corded emergency light are what I would probably put in there. The floorjack may be one of those smaller portable deals.

THIS is an EXCELLENT reply! Thank you, thank you, thank you! This is exactly the kind of insight I was hoping people would share!

 

[theoldwizard1]

In the old days (before American cars used metric fasteners), I carried a couple of screwdrivers, 1/2 x 9/16 box and open end wrenches, an adjustable wrench, pliers and locking pliers wrapped in some rags with some heavy wire.

Now, I carry a lot more, but only on long trips.

 

[404]

The small distance between the two locations makes a tow bar or tow dolly a better choice than extra tools.


If more than one car in the stable gets a trailer hitch, a cell phone call will allow any car to be towed by you to the country house (which you have doubtless named Manderley ) There the car can be fixed at leisure in ideal surroundings.


A tow bar from HF costs less than a box of tools, and gives a lot of flexibility. I have used my HF tow bar 3 times. Once to bring a Celica from Pennsylvania though the mountains to central mass, and two more times within mass. All 3 cases have been the Celica being towed by a Corolla.


Mine are all manual transmission cars, so flat towing is OK. If you have auto transmission then the tow dolly would be better.

 

[Tim Gordon]

The small distance between the two locations makes a tow bar or tow dolly a better choice than extra tools.


If more than one car in the stable gets a trailer hitch, a cell phone call will allow any car to be towed by you to the country house (which you have doubtless named Manderley ) There the car can be fixed at leisure in ideal surroundings.


A tow bar from HF costs less than a box of tools, and gives a lot of flexibility. I have used my HF tow bar 3 times. Once to bring a Celica from Pennsylvania though the mountains to central mass, and two more times within mass. All 3 cases have been the Celica being towed by a Corolla.

Mine are all manual transmission cars, so flat towing is OK. If you have auto transmission then the tow dolly would be better.

That's not a bad idea, though having looked into it not too long ago, it was going to get expensive fairly quickly. Hitches for the kinds of cars we drive aren't that commonly stocked and to order them runs a few hundred bucks per. The Explorer came with one, for other vehicles I had to get out the Lincoln 225 and start welding! Everything we have is all automatics, too. The only thing that isn't are tractors and my motorcycle!

Right now, I have no vehicle in usable shape that has a hitch. My trailer is sitting in the driveway in town and I currently have nothing to pull it with! One vehicle has some suspension and brake issues I need to fix before I'd want to drive it to town. One has a ****** out and desperately needs a valve job, and the other is about to get new cylinder heads and gaskets since I have to pour a gallon of water in it just to get it into town, a gallon to get it around town, and a gallon to get it back out here. It's going to be a busy springtime for me here!

 

[ChevyEFI]

The 8/10mm socket will only work with the set's adapters if you choose to use it on an cordless tool (certain chrome extensions fit). Any other ones I've tried so far are too thick to fit into the 8mm end.

Thanks. I'll be sure and test fit. I assume a SO 1/4 drive 1.25" chrome ext. will bottom out. Maybe I need a bit ratchet.

I'm not as excited about the minimalist (4 sockets, most metric fasteners) factor of it as I thought I'd be. Haven't opened them yet. But I do want to have a home set and an away set, so it's a step in the right direction.

 

[Tim Gordon]

This morning I see that a local big-box lumber and hardware retail chain here in the Midwest is offering a 22 piece combination wrench set that ends up being $10 after the sale price and a $5 rebate. Off the top of my head, I'm thinking it's on the order of 1/4" - 3/4" SAE and 6mm - 19mm SI. Without taking a closer look, I suspect that it's Danaher that manufactures them under the Performax name, but who knows anymore?

I've had a 1/2" and 3/4" wrenches of this brand that I keep at my cartridge loading bench for making adjustments to tight dies and reseating decapping pins when they slip in the collet. To date, they've never let me down, and those collets can get mighty tight!

I have a couple of steel canisters for 20mm cannon shells for the M61 Vulcan gun. They're more or less an upsized M2 .50 caliber can, but with a lid that isn't hinged or intended to be mounted to the gun when in use. I suppose this is really more a transit chest for the cartridges than anything else, but it does feature the same construction as a military ammo can. I'm just not sure that I want to use either one for this, necessarily. However, I see that the so-called 'Sportsman's totes' are on sale quite a lot lately. They're plastic, usually 20 to 30 gallon, lockable, and do have a gasketed lid to keep moisture out. That might just be a good possibility for a container. It wouldn't rust, anyway! It might also not be quite as conspicuous to prying eyes, too.