Tools to fly with!

[Craptain]

I need some tools that are a bit lighter in weight than my current set. For work I carry a very basic tool kit. Metric 3/8 socket set, and combination wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, meter etc. I have refined this kit down to the minimum I need to maintain engines and do minor electrical and wood repairs on a boat crossing the ocean. But it is still pretty heavy when I have to put it in my luggage for flying.

What I am looking to do is find lighter weight tools. I know that some can be composite, like the harbor freight ratchets, but what else is available? Any one know about lighter alloys for wrenches and sockets? For this purpose they don't need to be highest quality, just lightweight and work at least for a few weeks. Currently my kit weighs in at 20# and I would like to get it down to 10. Yup I may be dreaming but if I can get anywhere close I would be real happy.

 

[wrenchr]

I can not believe I'm suggesting this but a multi wrench or even a crescent wrench. and you would cut down on your wrenches.

 

[zkling]

Personally I think I would first start by looking at the box you carry them in. Some boxes are quite a bit heavier then others. Outside of composite ratchets, short shaft screwdrivers and stubby wrenches I'm not sure how much more weight you could drop without dropping alot more $. IIRC even NASA uses full size SO wrenches and the like. For them every single ounce is calculated. Can you post pics of what you currently have?

 

[ChevyZ71]

knipex pliers wrench. like wrenchr said, multi size tools will help reduce weight. Also a multi bit screwdriver might be something good.

 

[MJB24]

Titanium wrenches and sockets. Very expensive but lighter

 

[Tinner]

Stahlwille wrenches are lighter than average and very nice to use.

 

[neophyte]

Several Japanese tool manufacturers make tools that are specifically engineered to be light weight for cell tower workers. Asahi Lighttool is one of the brands and lightweight lines. The Lighttool line includes double open end wrenches, offset box wrenches, combination wrenches, adjustable wrenches, and ratchets. The lightool wrenches are only available in metric, and only in some sizes though. Levelchrome carries some of the line.

http://www.asahi-tool.co.jp/lightool.html

One or more japanese companies produces aluminum bodied pliers with inset steel jaws.

EgaMaster tools of Spain has a pretty comprehensive selection of titanium tools. I doubt their inexpensive, but the company seems to specialize in specialty tools.

http://www.egamaster.com/en/non-magnetic-titanium-tools.html

There's also a company called Imprex that produces titanium tools.

http://www.imprex.net/products.php

 

[ChevyEFI]

depending on what you work on, double open-end wrenches might make sense, assuming the box-end never has an advantage over a socket.

I lost my 3/4 combo wrench years ago. I haven't replaced it; the 19mm works fine. I see you're already all metric.

A screwdriver handle with sq-to-hex adapter and just bits might duplicate as an extension and save driver duplication (if both are needed.)

Levelchrome carries wrenches that look like they might be lighter. And frankly, I wouldn't be above milling the right wrench to achieve the same.

Try out a 1/4 drive socket set. SK goes up to 16mm (in shallow.) If you aren't a ham-fist toolbreaker, perhaps you'd get by with a well-selected quality ratchet.

On your light-use sockets, taper the shell as below.

There are a limited number of aluminum sockets from Ko-Ken; 17 and 19mm in 1/2 drive; 17, 19, 21 in deep.

Thin-wall sockets in all cases, I would think.

Lots of research to do in order to hit that 50% reduction number. Best of luck.

 

[humber2]

Stahlwille wrenches are lighter than average and very nice to use.

+1

Their sockets too as the drive end base are waisted as size increases.

Another multiple eliminator is a 6LN Vise-grip which has a side cutter, normal plier jaws and needle nose jaws. Weighs 170g

Multi-bit screwdriver next.

 

[wornoutoldman]

Why not just ship your tools ahead of your flight? No hassles from TSA. Everything you need onsite for your arrival.

 

[Davefr]

Here you go:

 

[Simz144]

I need some tools that are a bit lighter in weight than my current set. For work I carry a very basic tool kit. Metric 3/8 socket set, and combination wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, meter etc. I have refined this kit down to the minimum I need to maintain engines and do minor electrical and wood repairs on a boat crossing the ocean. But it is still pretty heavy when I have to put it in my luggage for flying.

What I am looking to do is find lighter weight tools. I know that some can be composite, like the harbor freight ratchets, but what else is available? Any one know about lighter alloys for wrenches and sockets? For this purpose they don't need to be highest quality, just lightweight and work at least for a few weeks. Currently my kit weighs in at 20# and I would like to get it down to 10. Yup I may be dreaming but if I can get anywhere close I would be real happy.

Do you have any picture, could help out us with what you need and already have!

 

[Craptain]

Thanks guys so far.
It seems as if I am almost as far as I can go with weight. The screwdriver I use is this

And I don't think it can be beat for quality and function.
Davefr I kinda like the Gator socket idea, and it would work for about 80% of the time. The other 20% I can deal with, and carry the correct tools. I might try that. It would certainly save weight. And that Gedore ratchet is an excellent idea, if I can afford one.
I already have the 6LN vise grip and "love" it. At least I use it a lot.
I do not use a box, just a soft bag. As for shipping ahead, it is occasionally an option but not always. And of course to stay busy I have to keep my prices competitive, and therefore costs down. Though I do believe in investing in good tools, as the payback comes many fold.

Well thanks again guys, and if any more ideas come up I am receptive.

 

[zkling]

Here you go:

Did he just recommend the gator grip socket? O $hit, things are starting to get real.
I remember a guy in HS that thought he could fix anything with a gator grip socket, a pair of visegrips and a X in 1 screwdriver. Astonishingly dang near everything he touched ended up stripped out or rounded off.