Tool kit for the truck

[mrrisotto]

I'm looking to build a small tool kit to put in my Tacoma and need some suggestions from fellow GJ'ers. Here's what I have so far, all of which fits in to a 12" tool bag with room to spare...

- 1/2" drive breaker bar, extension and 21mm 6pt deep socket for lug nuts
- 3/8" drive ratchet, extension, u-joint and sockets for spark plug and oil drain plug
- Adjustable wrench
- Standard and needle nose pliers
- Wire cutters and strippers
- Flathead screwdriver
- Philips head screwdriver

Clearly, I don't have much in terms of sockets or wrenches... what are some common tasks that I should bring tools to do on the side of the road?

Thanks!

 

[boostedgt]

battery brush,zip ties,duct tape,hammer

 

[Scout Driver]

Grab a few more 3/8" sockets, a six-way screwdriver and a flashlight. A small drillers hammer or a ballpean hammer may be handy too.

I carry a few tools in my Tacoma and have only used them on other peoples cars.

Scott

 

[JWink]

Whatever size socket you need to change the serpentine belt.

 

[lauver]

I'm in agreement with the suggestions other have made. But, I'd add a test light and a small volt-ohm meter. You would probably want a few select wrenches to fit things like your battery, your alternator, your air cleaner, and whatever other tools that would allow you to replace a radiator or heater hose. I mean let's face it, besides changing a tire, there's only so many things you can do on the side of the road. So keep it simple... and loose the adjustable wrench.

Here's what I carry in my trucks (1991 Toyota SR5 & 1989 Isuzu 2-1/2 ton Diesel):

 

[G1GRANDEUR]

You drive Tacoma, why you need tools.

 

[treasureseeker]

Maybe a tire plug kit if use them rather than a patch.

 

[boohocky]

Believe it or not, I keep flares in my box also. Can always throw em down near the truck for some light, and it's just another thing to hopefully help people avoid you if you're stuck on a major road/highway.

 

[diesel research]

What ever tools you put in there, get in the habit of starting to perform "basic" maintenance with them.

Not only as a reminder that you still have them, but also to get ideas on what else you need, AND most importantly to ensure they fit space confines and are durable enough to use.

Many will insist on using the cheapest **** possible, citing excuses like lack of use and possibility of loss or damage. Just wait until you find out you COULD HAVE got out of a sticky situation if only your wrench would have fit properly or survived w/o breaking....

A triple A card will get you out of more situations and take up less space though...

 

[wchamberlain]

Agreed with all of the above, I don't know why you would need a drain plug socket. Another thing to consider would be a qt of oil, ****** fluid and some antifreeze/water. Is the 12 inch tool bag all you have room to put tools in?

 

[Daves69]

This is a good starter set
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_...dNo=8&blockNo=8&blockType=G8&isABTestAvl=true

I keep one in my truck and have added some other things, pliers, channellocks,wire cutters, multimeter, zipties, etc.

 

[mrrisotto]

Thanks for the feedback everyone!

I have another bag that contains more general supplies such as jumper cables, a flash light and batteries, zip ties, duct/electrical tape, first aid kit, gloves and rags, etc. The 12" bag is all I want to use for tools as it fits quite nicely in the rear storage compartment.

I can see most of the tools being used for other activities (i.e. hammering in tent stakes or prying), so I was trying to limit sockets and wrenches, but tools for the battery, alternator and serpentine belt are things I hadn't thought of.

What ever tools you put in there, get in the habit of starting to perform "basic" maintenance with them.

Not only as a reminder that you still have them, but also to get ideas on what else you need, AND most importantly to ensure they fit space confines and are durable enough to use.

Many will insist on using the cheapest **** possible, citing excuses like lack of use and possibility of loss or damage. Just wait until you find out you COULD HAVE got out of a sticky situation if only your wrench would have fit properly or survived w/o breaking....

A triple A card will get you out of more situations and take up less space though...

All of this is really good advice, diesel research!

 

[KenB]

A small spool of 12-14 awg solid copper wire is useful, not just for electrical purposes, but also for temporarily lashing broken or detached exhaust and body parts, etc.


Ken

 

[docjake]

I would add the 24 MM socket so you can change the diff/transfer case fluid if you got in some muck or did some water crossings and have a long drive home. The spanner wrench for your coilovers if you have after market ones doesn't take up much room and is good to have in there if you need to do CV repairs and have to pull the coilover.

 

[diesel research]

I still say use the bag for all your "driveway repairs". If you aren't willing to do it in the comfort of your own driveway, you sure won't do it in the burger joint parking lot.

As an added bonus, with your tools right there at the vehicle, it makes many less trips back to the toolbox in the garage/basement/where ever else you keep your "mother ship".

Used to have a 26" toolchest in the back of my truck. Did my driveway repairs with it, did repairs at others houses with it, and helped prepare myself mentally in case I needed to use it. Never had to do a true roadside repair while having that box, always limped home. Still able to quickly slap in a wheel cylinder w/o making any extra trips to the main tool box, change my oil, change batteries, replace a caliper that almost fell off, etc.