I know a lot of guys that run with a small tool box in their trunk - just in case... As I mostly drive cars that were built before my dad was born, I do the same. One common...
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- Thread starter Ryan
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I know a lot of guys that run with a small tool box in their trunk - just in case... As I mostly drive cars that were built before my dad was born, I do the same. One common...
To read the rest of this blog entry from The Garage Journal, click here.
marty_p
Well-known member
Living in Louisiana, I have always had rust episodes in my trunk tool rolls from all the high humidity. But, when you need a tool in an emergency, a rusty tool will usually work just fine! 
Nonetheless, I would love to hang that opened roll in my shop!
Nonetheless, I would love to hang that opened roll in my shop!
bora492
Well-known member
At a garage sale, someone was selling used, empty Snap-on tool rolls of various shapes and sizes (for $1 ea). I "snapped" up every one, and have since filled them. They are great space-savers in the toolbox.
Dave S.
Dave S.
Falcon67
Well-known member
I love those. When I was hot rodding around Fort Worth in the 70s with the Falcon, I had a small tool chest actually bolted in the trunk. I dunno, thought it was the thing to do.
6768rogues
Banned
I found that if I spray the tools with WD40 then wipe them with a rag, they do not feel oily and rust is slowed way down.
gsmornot
Well-known member
I'm going to take an honest guess why you don't see them often. People like to display their tools and a tool roll is not conducive to that. It's less impressive I guess than a toolbox when you pull the tools out to work on something. In reality, the roll is a better option and like said in the article will quite the tools nicely. I use a canvas bag for my truck kit but have nothing against a roll.
mike54
Well-known member
I've just been getting tool rolls together for all my motorcycles. Different bikes require different sets of tools and with space at a premium the tool roll is the only answer. In the cars I use military surplus canvas bags for the tools. With a few rags thrown in there is enough padding to stop any clanking.
Zeke
Well-known member
You guys would be surprised what an original tool kit (roll) for an early Porsche costs. One of the variations of the flat blade screw driver can cost 200 bucks. A complete kit in the correct pouch will go for 500+. That's for the 911. 356, I don't even go there.
Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
Great topic! I have a thing for small tool rolls and cases much more than big garage jobbies.
Eeeeyup.
Ditto the leatherette roll-ups (and tools) that used to be provided with other vintage cult cars and trucks, which can be as sought-after by collectors, and just as scarce, as spare parts. Displayed in tasteful ways at shows (partially opened, on the front seat, resting on a shop rag, on a fender, etc near an open hood...), they can really add to the impression an owner is trying to make.
This is a special case, but here is my original on-board toolkit for a 1945 Willys MB. Cost is about $500.
The larger items had brackets under seats, in the engine compartment, under the dash, etc.
Inside the roll-up, which was canvas, went the tire pressure gage, ball-pein hammer, pliers, screwdriver, engineers' 5-wrench set, 11 IN AUTO adjustable, and spark plug wrench.
The roll-up was stowed in a compartment built into the body behind the right rear wheel well.
Eeeeyup.
Ditto the leatherette roll-ups (and tools) that used to be provided with other vintage cult cars and trucks, which can be as sought-after by collectors, and just as scarce, as spare parts. Displayed in tasteful ways at shows (partially opened, on the front seat, resting on a shop rag, on a fender, etc near an open hood...), they can really add to the impression an owner is trying to make.
This is a special case, but here is my original on-board toolkit for a 1945 Willys MB. Cost is about $500.
The larger items had brackets under seats, in the engine compartment, under the dash, etc.
Inside the roll-up, which was canvas, went the tire pressure gage, ball-pein hammer, pliers, screwdriver, engineers' 5-wrench set, 11 IN AUTO adjustable, and spark plug wrench.
The roll-up was stowed in a compartment built into the body behind the right rear wheel well.
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zip94
Well-known member
I recall my dad having a small wrench set, rolled in a tool-roll, then stuck inside a shaving cream can. This thought had me searching for tool rolls last weekend, which led me to purchasing a Custom LeatherCraft 1173 on Amazon. Should be perfect for my Jeep.
BD1
Well-known member
I use a Stone Mountain leather purse. Bought it for my wife 35 years ago and she wanted to throw it out. I paid like $300.00 for it back then. No way
was I gonna junk it. Works great. i guess it's kinda like a "man bag "
was I gonna junk it. Works great. i guess it's kinda like a "man bag "
Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
That's soooo classic!
KMinAF
Well-known member
I dunno, tool rolls are cool but the sound of rattling tools is part of the off road experience
crewchief888
Well-known member
everything in my blazer rattles, clunks, sqeeks and generally makes so much racket i couldnt hear tools rattling if i wanted to
neonnblack
Well-known member
Because a tool roll can fix a car that was made before your dad was born. fortunately/unfortunately thats not the case today.
JimVonBaden
Well-known member
ersatzs2
Well-known member
ar2stp48
Well-known member
Wasn't a demand for a MB roll from a 123 (300D) series last weekend at swap meet. No buyer, brought it back home. I am going to guess 4 or 5 pieces of that set are Mercedes
relic7680
Well-known member
Got a couple of Craftsman (Asian made) rolls for my old Mac C series wrenches and my Mac 6 point combos...don't fit very well, so I think I'll have some custom made later on.
Had a 740i with a 'tool kit' built into the trunk lid.. it was laid out similar to a tool roll but it was just blow molded plastic. Every tool inside was probably 90% rusted from the south Florida humidity, so I decided then I would rather have a toolbox, no matter how big or noisy, than a tool roll in my car.
I'm sure the old ones are worth so much because it's easy to take the tools out of the car, and they never get put back, they're portable and somewhat easy for the tools to get lost and stolen and added to other tool collections. Of course the roll itself can fray, the leather ones start to dry rot or disintegrate, and often if you need an extra tool not included in the roll, you don't have a spare pocket or one the right size. I don't like tool rolls for all the same reasons that the old ones are valuable.
All that said, there are some days I wouldn't mind carrying around Dexter's tool kit. Otherwise, give me a waterproof ammo can anytime.
I'm sure the old ones are worth so much because it's easy to take the tools out of the car, and they never get put back, they're portable and somewhat easy for the tools to get lost and stolen and added to other tool collections. Of course the roll itself can fray, the leather ones start to dry rot or disintegrate, and often if you need an extra tool not included in the roll, you don't have a spare pocket or one the right size. I don't like tool rolls for all the same reasons that the old ones are valuable.
All that said, there are some days I wouldn't mind carrying around Dexter's tool kit. Otherwise, give me a waterproof ammo can anytime.
nyrapscalion
Well-known member
I'll usually wipe the inside of the toolbox with WD40. Soak a piece of cardboard with the same and lay in the bottom of the box itself. On top, a layer of felt. If there is a lift out tray, I do the same with it. Even boxes that live in the house get the same treatment. I came up with the idea when I had a company truck and was out in all kinds of weather. Water & tools is a bad mix.
Normally about twice a year, I take all the tools out of the boxes, inspect for rust, oil what needs oiling, wipe what needs wiped and re soak the cardboard.
In a way it's fun because I forget where I put things and it helps the little grey cells.
In the car I have a toolset, 101 pc, enough to get me through car trouble.
Looks good when there's a stranded female that needs some help.
Normally about twice a year, I take all the tools out of the boxes, inspect for rust, oil what needs oiling, wipe what needs wiped and re soak the cardboard.
In a way it's fun because I forget where I put things and it helps the little grey cells.
In the car I have a toolset, 101 pc, enough to get me through car trouble.
Looks good when there's a stranded female that needs some help.
toytech40
Well-known member
I recently set up some tool rolls for the tool kits in my daily drver car and my pickup. I do mechanical work on my days off, and alsogo junking so to speak find parts out in remote locations(with property owners permission). I decided to build basic tool kits in both vehicles because I neve use just one of them and always seemed I would be on a job and had forgot something I needed and usually was something basic. Now with my basic kits I just hve to take specialty tools to a job. Anyway, i went with wrench rolls for mywrenchs to keep organized, easier to un roll and get wrench then to dig througha bunch of wrenches in a box or in a drwer Plus when done easy to see if you have all wrenches picked up. In my dd car I have a cavas bag froma makita drill combo purchase, works great. In the pick up have a no name 6 drawer top box bought used somewhere cheap in the back seat of extended cab. Hard to get to sometimes but not taking up room in bed and out of the elements and secured.
Back yo tool rolls even if you have a mobile tool box/bag wrench rolls are handy as can be, may seem bulky at times but make up for it in time savings. I work some for a farmer and he has a basic tool box on both the tractor and combine and he had his wife make wrench rolls for eac of them and it is great out in the field just grab the roll and have all the wrenches and no digging in the box. She used some canvas type material striped kind of like what overalls are made of, like a denim material. Thight of asking her to make me some but didn't
Back yo tool rolls even if you have a mobile tool box/bag wrench rolls are handy as can be, may seem bulky at times but make up for it in time savings. I work some for a farmer and he has a basic tool box on both the tractor and combine and he had his wife make wrench rolls for eac of them and it is great out in the field just grab the roll and have all the wrenches and no digging in the box. She used some canvas type material striped kind of like what overalls are made of, like a denim material. Thight of asking her to make me some but didn't
ScubaSteve
Well-known member
Good subject....I got one of the ROLLS from Duluth Trading, and it is REALLY nice. I intended on using it for my precision type stuff that i wanted to keep protected, but I just made room in my rollcab and have a dedicated drawer. I keep looking at the tool roll trying to decide what to do with it....I don't ride a bike, and I think I might want more room for sockets, etc. if I actually have a toolkit for my car. 
Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
What I would like to see and I have been unable to track down is a good history or timeline of the evolution of the tool roll itself. I have seen some tool rolls purported to be vintage 40's, for example, made out of some kind of flexible vinyl material, with plastic see-through pockets, that I associate more with the 50's.
Tman
Well-known member
Scored a newer Mac tool roll from one of our mechanics the other day. The one I really dig is the oild canvas one that was my grandads. Hit auger bits were stored in it as long as I remember. It went through our flood in 07 but I managed to save it.
doodah man
Well-known member
Lippyp
Well-known member
My wife bought me a beautiful tan suede leather tool roll for christmas a couple of years ago, I'm still filling it tbh but it lives neatly and quietly in one of the storage bins in the back of my 01 blazer. Chances are with a modern car if I can't fix it with whats in there then its time to call the RAC (AAA)
My parents have an ancient canvas tool roll in their current car (VW Sharan) that I remember being in every car I can remember them having back to a Ford Anglia in the late 1960's/early 70's and I'm sure it goes back further than that!
My parents have an ancient canvas tool roll in their current car (VW Sharan) that I remember being in every car I can remember them having back to a Ford Anglia in the late 1960's/early 70's and I'm sure it goes back further than that!
LumpyMusic
Well-known member
For just a few dollars more you could have SnapOn...
Lumpy
You were on CHiPs? Did you wear those ****
tight pants and high boots like Erik Estrada?
No. Swimtrunks.
www.LumpyMusic.com
BigE
Well-known member
Referring to the original photo, what are the tools in the third pocket from the right used for? I've seen similar tools used to adjust coil over shocks, but I doubt that was the purpose of these. I have a few in the tools I inherited from my grandpa so I'd like to know their original purpose.
Jim B
Well-known member
In the sailboat community it's not unusual to run into guys that sew but elsewhere it seems kind of rare. That's a handy skill to have. Nice job on that tool roll.
Stuart in MN
Well-known member
Some mid-1980s BMW owners are the same way for particular tools...most of the cars came with green handled screwdrivers in the tool kit, but some had red handles instead. People go crazy for those red handles, just because they're different.
Ive actually deleted the blow molded cases in my BMW's because they dont carry the right tools in my mind to actually fix the vehicle if anything goes wrong. I found a guy who makes custom tool rolls and really about anything you can think of here: http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=487221 . I'll have to get pics of my setup this weekend. Have to say I love how functional rolls are and Im thinking about having him make some more up for my tool box.
Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
The old Jaguar rolls are the most expensive I have seen at auctions. You could buy a Ford Fiesta for what some collectors are shelling out for those original roll-ups, with tools.
I like it, doodah.
GJ member GirlInAgarage has displayed some nice custom leather tool rolls here.
I like it, doodah.
GJ member GirlInAgarage has displayed some nice custom leather tool rolls here.
bobemmerich
Well-known member
everything in my blazer rattles, clunks, sqeeks and generally makes so much racket i couldnt hear tools rattling if i wanted to
^^^Mine Too!^^^
copterdoctor
Well-known member
I use my tool rolls every day.. I have 5 or so rolls, that fit very nicely in a small husky brand tool bag. Pair that with my pelican 0450 mobile tool chest and I am good to go. I can be packed and ready to go to the field to fix a helicopter in less than 5 minutes, and have pretty much everything I need to fix or maintain them indefinitely..
Dennis Cavallino
Well-known member
This tool kit looks great: http://www.overlandexpo.com/overland-tech-travel/2012/6/22/the-holy-grail-of-factory-tool-kits.html
Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
Wow. Thanks for posting that, Dennis. That kit is immaculate. I love the sewn-in see-through plastic contents list. That was a great idea by Toyota.
Packing lists are a big deal with WW2 Jeep toolkit collectors. Whenever Willys-Overland would ship a Jeep out of the factory, the Willys and Government (QMC, later Ordnance Department) inspector would check off a list for the tools and spare parts, and it was put inside the crate. Some of them survived, either some soldier with foresight keeping it with the vehicle throughout the war, or crates never shipped. Extremely rare. It adds a validated touch to the kit as NOS factory rather than cobbled together (like mine, shown upthread).
Packing lists are a big deal with WW2 Jeep toolkit collectors. Whenever Willys-Overland would ship a Jeep out of the factory, the Willys and Government (QMC, later Ordnance Department) inspector would check off a list for the tools and spare parts, and it was put inside the crate. Some of them survived, either some soldier with foresight keeping it with the vehicle throughout the war, or crates never shipped. Extremely rare. It adds a validated touch to the kit as NOS factory rather than cobbled together (like mine, shown upthread).
Kinally Mcgurkin
New member
Couldn't say why people wouldn't carry a tool roll anymore. Maybe to much of a hassle. I am the opposite, several little rolls along with "the box" The hassle free folks are spoiled, they always call us to come help!
Jarhead0408
Well-known member
I'm a fan of them. Just need to take the time to look up some good ones online. Anyone know of some good US made ones?