The Tool Roll

[jeb1978]

I have this one from Bucket Boss:

http://www.all-spec.com/products/07004.html

I like it, but I don't like the cinch straps that hold it together, I'd prefer they were velcro. It's better for smaller tools as having pockets on both sides does limit the tool size.

Old VWs had a tool roll from the factory made from what appears to be leftover fabric from the seats. Basic tools like a screwdriver, pliers, hubcab remover, spark plug socket and tommy bar (I own, or have owned, a total of 9 old VWs, not one of them still had the tool kit in them). Several places sell replica tool roll kits for around $40.

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/manuals/aug68bus/page17.jpg

Some of my other favorites (VW related) are the maintenance kit that VW offered in their accessory catalog in a vinyl tool roll. Had enough to do basic maintenance (and given the tools in the kit, one could likely overhaul an engine with them).

http://www.ratwell.com/technical/VWToolKit.html

This Hazet one for VW is cool as well.

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=728708

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=847175

 

[Lippyp]

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.

They're called C Spanners (or wrenches over your side of the atlantic) only time I've used one was for undoing the bottom bearings on a bicycle frame, today they are used for adjusting coilovers but I'm sure there were other uses in older cars. The hook engages in a notch on the edge of what is basically a large round flat nut.

 

[kbs2244]

My always in the trunk is also one of my wife’s old purses headed for the trash.
Olive green canvas with tan leather strap handles.
Looks manly enough to not embarrass me and in big enough for a full set if ¼ inch sockets and open end wrenches with the usual collection of screwdrivers, etc. (Including a box of those miniature ones.)

 

[primered_69]

Tool rolls inside an old lap top bag.

Good for junk yards (strap carries the weight well and padded) and stowing in the car.

Rolls keep tools organized.

 

[pfbz]

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.

That definitely is a motorcycle tool kit, looks like the ones typically included with a BMW. Other than looking pretty old, not very different from what might come today.

The third from right are shock preload adjusters (aka hook wrench, c-spanner), still made and very much used today. Second from right are tire irons. Far right is a deep recess spark plug tool, still commonly included in motorcycle tool kits. The compact wrench collection, handful of allen keys, tire gauge, and reversible screwdriver are also still in many (most?) euro motorcycle tool kits.

Example:
Here's a parts diagram for the OEM BMW R100GS tool kit... Look familiar??

A BMW R80GS tool roll:

New BMW GS tool roll. About $100.

 

[pfbz]

By the way, if anybody feels the burning need to add a preload adjuster wrench to their tool collection (*much* better than a punch and a hammer if you ever do need to adjust a shock preload collar), you can by an ohlins one for about $10. Presumably still made in Germany?

And if you are looking "roll your own" toolkit, Eric at Wolfman Luggage makes a really nice one.

Well designed, durable, 100% US made. No off-shore cutting or sewing, which is very rare these days in this sort of product. About $25.

I think the secret to building a good tool roll is really figuring out what are the minimum tools you would need to repair the most likely problems. Including wrench sizes you don't need takes too much space. Removable sockets and ratchets also are typically too bulky... Having a bunch of screwdrivers, too many types of pliers, Etc.

But every time I start to put together a tool roll, I think "Hmmm, might need this! and this! and this! and pretty soon it is way to bulky.

 

[pfbz]

How about a replica Ferrari 250 tool roll...

A mere $6,300. What's an original worth??

 

[RVDan]

I've always carried my Craftsman wrenches in their original canvas rolls in my Jeep, and currently they're hanging on nails on my workshop wall, but they're really not space effective.

I did sew together a tool roll for my bike tools, as awesome as it was, as nice as it is to work out of a tool roll rather than a bag, it was taking up too much space. Two layers of canvas between each tool adds up to a lot more bulk than all the tools just stuffed into a bag and cinched tight with the straps.

 

[camarotoolman]

Its alot harder to sell tools in a roll. I don't know why, maybe people they think they are cheap imports or something. I had a nice set of kd wreches for months, took them out of the roll, they sold the 1st. morning!

 

[carhunter]

How about a replica Ferrari 250 tool roll...

A mere $6,300. What's an original worth??

An original is worth 20 large or more depending on how bad the owner needs it.

One of the last cars I bought, the tools ended up being worth more than the car itself.

The Duluth trading rolls look great. We use the Bucket Boss rolls here at work, usually thrown into a "Go Bag" with Halotron extinguisher, small jumper box, and cleaning supplies whenever one of the older cars goes for a drive.

In the work truck at home I use a large tool roll that once held EMS/Paramedic's tools. Its about the size of my thigh when fully loaded!

It sounds funny to say, but I think some people see it as too much work to keep a tool roll organized, then to roll it out, use, and reorganize after use.
That, and they tend to get stained permanently in the trunk.

 

[20V'er]

What I use, sort of a combo of the roll and the bag.

I bought my first one a few jobs ago when I was a field tech for a telecom/network company. Worked slick and would allow me to sneak around post 9/11 security at some places. We had a few job site that would take 30 plus minutes to get a toolbox into them. Where as I would walk in the front door and keep going without anybody thinking twice as they just assumed it was a briefcase.

When I quit that job I bought myself one and always toss it in the car before road trips or junkyard runs. Most of the time it lives in the trunk of my daily driver and doesn't see the light of day. So far no issues with rust on the tools either.

 

[In My Garage]

They pretty much rule in every way.

In space limited areas such as on a motorcycle, they certainly do. And as you pointed out, they keep the tools from rattling.

And it makes me wonder – why don’t we see tool rolls as often as we used to?

Well firstly, what cars come with tools these days? Secondly, how many car (or motorcycle) owners would actually know how to use them? And thirdly, there is less that one can do or needs to do on vehicles these days, other than a roadside tire change.

As far as tools are concerned, my 1995 BMW 3 series had a very nice plastic tool tray hinged from the trunk lid where the tools would snap into their specific locations. I don't know if they still have that feature, but it was totally pro.

 

[In My Garage]

Example:
Here's a parts diagram for the OEM BMW R100GS tool kit... Look familiar?

It certainly does.

I have 3 BMW GSes of different vintages.

 

[LSU]

My first car when I was married was a Toyota Carona which had a tool roll up.

Sold the car and kept the "Toyota" marked tools. Two open end wrenches and a small pliers. Tools live in my box. Roll up is stored way.

Always wondered who add the tools for Toyota not super high quality but adequate.

 

[expatriated]

I got frustrated with the tool rolls that were out there and started making them myself. That way I could make the pockets fit the tools I carry exactly.

Sold a few. I wanted them to be bombproof so I used 1000D cordura, mil-spec webbing and fastex buckles, industrial thread, etc. I didn't know anything about sewing when I did my first one--it took me an hour to figure how to thread the machine, I'm ashamed to say

Anyway, here's one I made for someone (yes, he wanted a spork pocket: Guys send me their list of tools and I'd make them).


TWO-LEVELS OF TOOLS. SMALLER UP TOP, LARGER DOWN BELOW. Also makes the roll larger to give me a larger working mat when on the side of the road.

TOP FOLDED OVER:

FOLDED AGAIN:

ROLLED UP:

One I made for me with my R1200RT Tools I carry:

 

[JimVonBaden]

One I made for me with my R1200RT Tools I carry:

Nice HexHead kit! Did you sell the rolls over on ADVRider?

I wouldn't mind a custom kit.

http://www.jimvonbaden.com/Tool_Kit.html

Jim

 

[expatriated]

Yes, Jim, I sold a few on ADVrider. One guy was taking his on a trip around the world, not sure how it held up. I was very curious to know.

 

[BFBOB]

Hey, Ryan, that tool roll and the tools in it look an awful lot like the one residing under the seat of my BMW R100. I'm guessing yours may be from the /5 or /2 era? I noticed there are only two tire irons, and everyone knows you need three. I have a spare that I think is identical to complete the trio (assuming yours are BMW's). PM me if you're interested.

Thanks

 

[designo]

The tool roll you show is from a BMW /5 motorcycle (I owned in '73 http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C167615). Most of the tools are obvious; wrenches, plug socket turned with the screw driver, tire irons. The two tools with the hooks are to adjust preload on the shocks. Nice kit to have. My 2005 R1150R Rockster http://www.billhaycock.net/myweb/images/rockster03.jpg has no such tool kit.

 

[bullington]

We love tool rolls. Here are some pictures of an early prototype we made. We made some significant changes to how it is secured etc. These are made from used commercial inner tubes.We haven't added them to our site, but you can keep updated here.
www.tuckington.com


Untitled by bullington, on Flickr



Untitled by bullington, on Flickr



Untitled by bullington, on Flickr



Untitled by bullington, on Flickr

 

[bruhof]

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.

This is a tool kit for a BMW motorcycle. The tools you referenced are for adjusting the shocks

 

[TGG]

After 5 or 6 tries I finally made a Tool Roll I like. Its mostly because of this thread so thanks here are a couple pics of what I came up with.

 

[ephotrod]

I was on the hunt for a tool roll for a good while as well. Looking for a wrench roll that could hold an entire set 6-24mm at a reasonable rate. After my long search I ordered a proto wrench roll p/n J25TR42C. Much Like this one.
Josh

 

[tikidollracer]

After 5 or 6 tries I finally made a Tool Roll I like. Its mostly because of this thread so thanks here are a couple pics of what I came up with.

that looks very nice, and well thought out. i've been looking at making some rolls, but haven't settled on a design i like. looks like you've combined leather and nylon? could you share some details and thought process?

one thing i've noticed is the larger pockets, to hold multiple wrenches/etc provide more flexibility to evolve. the one-wrench-one-pocket design is limited to the original intent.

thanks,

-SM-

 

[TGG]

that looks very nice, and well thought out. i've been looking at making some rolls, but haven't settled on a design i like. looks like you've combined leather and nylon? could you share some details and thought process?

-SM-

Thanks

This one is leather and 1000D courda. I put 1000D courda on the back because it's water proof, holds up well , and if it lays on the rocks, grass or what ever the moisture dosn't make it to the wrenches or the leather. Nylon is oil baised so it dosn't hold moisture and it airs out quick. I went with leather because it can Fit a little tight and will stretch to fit the wrenches. The strap in the middle is also leather to hold everything in tight. I hate when things are rattling around the Jeep. I can't hear the noises the jeep makes.

One thing i've noticed is the larger pockets to hold multiple wrenches/etc provide more flexibility to evolve. the one-wrench-one-pocket design is limited to the original intent.

-SM-

If I am sure of what is going in the bag or roll I build for it. I have made some with bigger pockets and used them for a wile but things rattle around, fall out and starts to get sloppy. as for suggestions I would say to use scrap material or something cheap to make your first or second that way you can see what you like and don't like. I always find things I would improve in the first couple. for that matter I have found some small changes to make on this one. I will try to make a video of it this weekend and point out what I would change

 

[markf4e]

After 5 or 6 tries I finally made a Tool Roll I like. Its mostly because of this thread so thanks here are a couple pics of what I came up with.

Well done, this looks awesome! Where did you get your cordura?

 

[tuner4life]

For my DD, I have a fairly large portion of the trunk filled with various "I might need this" kind of tools, as well as a cheap plastic HF box with a ton of tools in it. That box also get's carried through he junk yards, so that works out nicely.

Some of the other cars don't even have a spare tire because either there is audio equipment where it might have gone, or weight savings. I have a cell phone if anything happens with those, lol.

 

[TGG]

Well done, this looks awesome! Where did you get your cordura?

Thanks

that is a Mil Spec coyote 1000D cordura if you google it you will find a lot of places to get it by the yard. We buy 400-500 yards at a time so I'm not sure where the best place to get a couple yards is. if you can't find short yardage or you need a lot more send me a message and I'll get you more info.

 

[Gunpilot]

After 5 or 6 tries I finally made a Tool Roll I like. Its mostly because of this thread so thanks here are a couple pics of what I came up with.

Looks great. Exactly what I'm looking for.

 

[Upnorth4]

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.

It's handy indeed. I was taught in jr. High school back in the day. They forced all students to take home ec. and shop. I later picked up more skills from an old aircraft mechanic who made engine covers and prop ties. The quality far surpassed anything on the market today.

I found this site looking for pics and ideas to sew my own, I'll post the pictures when I'm finninshed.

 

[BFBOB]

I've made a few tool rolls out of old blue jeans- even used orange thread. Not the heaviest fabric, but adequate. a heap sight better than the vinyl rolls some cheapie wrench sets come in. They quickly pick up enough oil and grease to become pretty water resistant.

 

[archirelic]

After 5 or 6 tries I finally made a Tool Roll I like. Its mostly because of this thread so thanks here are a couple pics of what I came up with.

Well damn that's a **** *** tool roll!

 

[TGG]

Thanks


Matt
Www.thayguysgarage.com

 

[TigWiz]

I started a tool roll that was inspired by what has been posted here. It is still a work in progress, but I'm liking how it is turning out so far. Pictured is most likely the only set of Snap-On Melonited Allen wrenches in existence.