What do you keep in your trunk? Automotive tool kit help.

[Mpower5266]

I hope this hasnt been done before(I tried to search) but I am putting together a small tool kit that I can toss in the trunk on long trips. A few months ago I had my first real breakdown pretty far from home and I noticed that I had a severe lack of tools in the car. I actually bodged car back together with some mild cussing and duct tape, and it was good enough for a 2 hour drive. While duct tape is awesome, I would have killed to have a few screwdrivers and pliers, so I started to put together a kit. I started with a 12" tool bag, sets of sae and metric wrenches, a small sae(I need to pick up a metric set) socket set, various screw drivers, a few different pairs of pliers, crescent wrench, fuses, and of course duct tape and zip ties. What else am I missing? What do you carry that I wouldnt think of? Also if it matters the bag will be swapping between a 1973 bmw 2002 and a 1997 bmw M3.

 

[ravenzfusion]

I have a cheap husky tool bag with a 53 pc craftsman set. It has a 3/8 ratchet with a full set of 1/4 and 3/8 sockets, 3/8 to 1/4 adaptor. hex keys, driver handle with screwdriver bits, i added pliers,cutters, electrical tape, duct tape, a cheap set of black and decker combination wrenches (craftsman RP clones) , also added some stanley deep sockets.

 

[Compressor]

Jumper Cables
Emergency Triangles
Full Craftsman Set with socket set and wrenches
Assorted Screwdrivers
Assorted pliers
Flares
Spare fuses
Emergency Blankets
Band aids

 

[Mpower5266]

Thanks guys, so far I am adding electrical tape and a first aid kit. I already keep jumper cables in all my cars, you never know when you will need to rescue a damsel in distress.

 

[jlh92]

Trunk? I drive a wagon so I treat everything behind my seat as the trunk.

As far as tools I carry a Porter Cable 12v drill/driver, Ryobi drill/driver kit (bits and such), Gearwrench 3/8" metric socket set, Cman metric wrenches 10-18mm, a Klien 8in1 screwdriver and a prybar.

I also have jumper cables, a tow strap, and ratchet straps.

 

[bcradio]

What are the SAE tools for?

 

[Mpower5266]

What are the SAE tools for?

Mainly for the old bmw where parts have been swapped. Most of the hose clamps are Sae now.

 

[morgantm]

First Aid Kit
Jumper Cables
Mini air compressor with plug kit
Lithium-ion jumpstarter and charger
Dewalt 204 piece set
Tool bag with all the basics
Bag full of Dewalt cordless tools

I do a bunch of odd-jobs during the week out at properties so I normally have everything with me I would need at all times. Has come in handy multiple times when I was on the road though!

 

[blackwire]

I thought some BMWs already have tool kits in the trunk from the factory?

 

[Mpower5266]

I thought some BMWs already have tool kits in the trunk from the factory?

This is what is in my M3, except I was missing the screw driver at that point. I have since replaced it.

Decent enough kit but more is always better. The 1973 Bmw has nothing.

 

[schmelpboy]

This was already discussed somewhere else, but here's mine:

 

[dede2897234]

Mpower5266,

Here are a couple links to past GJ thread discussions about trunk tool kits:

- LINK1

- LINK2


Dave

 

[sometoyotaguy]

Jumper Cables
Flares
4-way wheel wrench
Full size spare
Jump Pack
Air Compressor
Fix-a Flat
Duct Tape
mechanic wire or coat hanger - Duct tape doesn't last long for a hot exhaust.
SAE and Metric socket set
Assorted screwdrivers - small and large flat, and good quality #2
Torxs drivers.
Channel Locks
Vise Grips - Not the cheap knockoffs. Those are useless.
Various fluids
SAE and Metric Wrenches - sometimes you can't get a socket on there.
Ratchet straps

I think that's about it other than the usual maps, gps, and phone chargers.

 

[M6erfan]

Always in my car...

1/4" Facom socket/bit set (metric)
7" Knipex Cobra pliers
7" Knipex plier wrench
Viair 12v compressor
Tire plug kit
Leather work gloves
Latex gloves
50ga. Heavy duty drum liner
Leatherman tool
First aid kit
Utility knife
Funnel
Shop rags
Disposable Tyvek coveralls
"Rescue" tape
Headlamp & extra AA batteries

If I have a longer trip planned I add my Facom 3/8 socket set

 

[sgs236]

In addition to the standard items mention above, I always carry a spare serpentine belt for each vehicle.

 

[Mpower5266]

Always in my car...

1/4" Facom socket/bit set (metric)
7" Knipex Cobra pliers
7" Knipex plier wrench
Viair 12v compressor
Tire plug kit
Leather work gloves
Latex gloves
50ga. Heavy duty drum liner
Leatherman tool
First aid kit
Utility knife
Funnel
Shop rags
Disposable Tyvek coveralls
"Rescue" tape
Headlamp & extra AA batteries

If I have a longer trip planned I add my Facom 3/8 socket set

Lots of good ideas there, gloves and rags are in the kit. I wouldnt have thought of that until I was nasty and greasy. I always carry a little flash light in my pocket but a spare and some batteries wouldnt ****.

In addition to the standard items mention above, I always carry a spare serpentine belt for each vehicle.

Also a good idea.

 

[purplezr2]

Not much of anything, In my car I keep a AL racing jack and a long head flex ratchet and deep socket for changing flats, also keep a set of jumper cables and some oil.


What is the point of carrying all these tools, do you plan to do repairs on the side of the road?

 

[whitetrash1]

A jack, lug wrench, and jumper cables. Anything more involved than that just tow home. Not worth the hassle and danger of working on the side of the road or in a parking lot.

 

[M6erfan]

Lots of good ideas there, gloves and rags are in the kit. I wouldnt have thought of that until I was nasty and greasy. I always carry a little flash light in my pocket but a spare and some batteries wouldnt ****.

On the batteries...I keep Energizer lithium's in the car. 10+ years storage life and can handle extreme temps that are often found in automobiles. Also, they are not prone to leaking.

 

[M6erfan]

A jack, lug wrench, and jumper cables. Anything more involved than that just tow home. Not worth the hassle and danger of working on the side of the road or in a parking lot.

Not only for emergency repairs, I did my brother in law's valve cover gasket with the tools I had in my car. I just like having at least the bare minimum with me.

I've only used the tools in my car maybe 2-3 times in 10 years for "emergencies"

 

[theoldwizard1]

"Back in the day", when there were very few imported cars and US car used SAE fasteners, my "tool kit" was a 1/2" and 9/16" combination wrench. a double box 1/2" X 9/16", a straight blade screwdriver, a Phillips, and a pair of Vise Grips. Wrapped in a couple of rags and secured with some heavy wire !

I changed a blown heater hose (parking lot, at night, under a street light, 20F) on one car and a starter on another (Dodge, Slant 6, 3 bolt from the topside, on a side street next to the rebuild shop).

 

[whitetrash1]

Not only for emergency repairs, I did my brother in law's valve cover gasket with the tools I had in my car. I just like having at least the bare minimum with me.

I've only used the tools in my car maybe 2-3 times in 10 years for "emergencies"

I've got a travel box for when I need to help someone, but I don't want to lug it around all the time in the truck.

 

[M6erfan]

I've got a travel box for when I need to help someone, but I don't want to lug it around all the time in the truck.

Ive considered that too and may put a "road box" together...

But everything I mentioned takes up almost no room in my Grand Cherokee (I store everything, including the ball hitch, under the spare wheel access panel) so ill leave it as is.

 

[Roadbuster]

In addition to what you have: a Leatherman tool.

Not the best at a lot of things but it is small and handy. I have had one problem on the road: a burst heater hose that was supposed to be replaced and was not. (My bad. I didn't look over the work order.) Burst near the end and cut it short and put it back on. Got me to the destination. Replaced the hoses that were supposed to be replaced at the last service and home.

Also take a lollipop stick and wrap it with duct tape. you can get a lot of duct tape into a small package.

 

[M6erfan]

Yep, I had Leatherman listed...

 

[Mpower5266]

A jack, lug wrench, and jumper cables. Anything more involved than that just tow home. Not worth the hassle and danger of working on the side of the road or in a parking lot.

On the batteries...I keep Energizer lithium's in the car. 10+ years storage life and can handle extreme temps that are often found in automobiles. Also, they are not prone to leaking.

Its not like Ill replace the clutch on the side of the road but with older cars things do happen and I would like to avoid a $400 tow bill(the last time I broke down thats how much they wanted to get my car home.)

 

[Mpower5266]

In addition to what you have: a Leatherman tool.

Not the best at a lot of things but it is small and handy. I have had one problem on the road: a burst heater hose that was supposed to be replaced and was not. (My bad. I didn't look over the work order.) Burst near the end and cut it short and put it back on. Got me to the destination. Replaced the hoses that were supposed to be replaced at the last service and home.

Also take a lollipop stick and wrap it with duct tape. you can get a lot of duct tape into a small package.

I dont know why but I dislike leatherman tools. To me they seem like they dont do anything well enough to be carried.

 

[Rico.]

I have an insane amount of tools I keep in my car...

In addition to the tool kit that came with my ancient BMW I have a....
6 drawer tool chest
Full socket sets 1/4" 3/8" and 1/2" shallow and deep
screwdrivers (many)
bit driver and bits
spanner set 8mm-32mm
foot pump
warning triangle
12v Tyre inflator/emergency light
pliers
hammers
tape
locking pliers
5 ratchets
many extensions
3 x work lights
Multimeter
fuses
A spare car battery (yes really)
Jump cables
3 tonne hydraulic floor jack
Jack Stands
rags
first aid kit
fire extinguisher
feeler guage
tyre pressure guage
Plus lots more odds and ends

Before I built my workshop this was the kit with which I used to do
all my automotive repairs, but now I have a very well kitted out
workshop I might just as well keep this lot in the car... Oh and I
have another full set of tools in the house too...

 

[whitetrash1]

Its not like Ill replace the clutch on the side of the road but with older cars things do happen and I would like to avoid a $400 tow bill(the last time I broke down thats how much they wanted to get my car home.)

My family has multiple 3/4 ton trucks and car haulers so towing isn't an issue for us. I also carry towing on my insurance just in case. 214 pennies a month that I have no problem with parting with.

 

[Mpower5266]

My family has multiple 3/4 ton trucks and car haulers so towing isn't an issue for us. I also carry towing on my insurance just in case. 214 pennies a month that I have no problem with parting with.

I have a single car hauler and my daily is a v8 grand cherokee limited, so I can always tow but I dont want to make a 4 hour round trip if I could fix something in a parking lot.

 

[M6erfan]

I dont know why but I dislike leatherman tools. To me they seem like they dont do anything well enough to be carried.

I've actually never used mine so can't dissagree...

 

[velillen01]

My car has only some basic stuff in it
-screw drivers
-pliers
-wrenches
-zip ties
Jumper cables
Plus I keep some extra fluids in the car...like windshield washer fluid cause I have a slow leak in that system.

The car is a commuter car. If it breaks down I can call someone to help tow it or fix it with tools I need. My commute is generally only 10 miles a day though.


My truck on the other hand...it has a lot more.

-1/4 socket set metric
-1/2 socket set including every size socket needed on a Tacoma.
- wrenches 10mm to 19mm
- adjustable wrench
-assorted screw drivers
-Jumper cables
-Jumper battery pack
-rags
-roll of paper towels
-assorted recovery gear (shackles, tow strap, ****** block, plus more)
-windshield fluid
-anti freeze
-around 2-3 quarts of oil
-wd40
-spray lube

Plus some stuff I'm sure I'm forgetting.

But the truck goes off road. Where a tow truck isn't much help. Luckily my truck hasn't had anything break but I've helped replace upper control arm, cv axle, wheel bearing hub, and a drive shaft all on the trail. Having the tools saved a risky towing or leaving trucks behind.

 

[nh_yota]

Cleaned out my Tacoma this weekend and I figured it was a good time to inventory what I keep in there. As for a tool box, right now I have a plastic Craftsman truck box with a torque wrench, breaker bar, lug nut sockets, a few wrenches and a 10-in-1 screwdriver.

However, I also carry....

Road flares (the real ones)
First aid kit
Tow strap
Factory bottle jack and wrench
Assortment of ratchet straps, tie downs and bungee cords
Cargo net for the bed
Truck rope
4D cell mag light
Hitch draw bar, ball wrench and hitch lock
Jumper cables
Blanket, winter gloves and hat
Work gloves
Roll of blue shop towels
Can of glass cleaner and container of Armor All cleaner wipes
Fire extinguisher
Can of Fix a flat
12v air compressor
Schumacher battery charger
Joe's Racing tire pressure gauge
Bug spray
Sunscreen
Umbrella
Hand sanitizer and hand cleaning wipes
Snow broom, snow brush and ice scraper
Spare wiper blades
Spare H4 headlight bulbs
Assortment of cell phone chargers, small power inverter, USB charger, etc.

...all neatly stored in the Tacoma's storage cubbies.

I rarely ever experience any type of breakdown (it is a Toyota after all) so most of the stuff I keep in the truck is for helping other people.

 

[66354dream]

screwdrivers ( different lengths and sizes)
1/4,3/8 and 1/2 RP Craftsman ratchets,,,,,,which will be replaced soon.
roll of heavy duty paper towels
different kinds of pliers
mechanics wire
Gorilla tape
flash light
WD40, PB blaster
4 way lug wrench
jumper cables
tow strap
spare fuses
extra turn signal flasher and ignition switch


I need to get a socket set and combo wrenches

 

[thewatusi]

Condoms
Electric fly swatter
Blender

 

[bczygan]

What do I have in my trunk?

I'll tell you after I dispose of it.

I do live in Detroit, after all.

 

[rockinacummins]

I keep junk in my trunk.

Sorry - couldn't resist.

Seriously though, I don't have a trunk but I keep a second shop in my truck.

 

[bczygan]

My van has only a 4 way and jumpers, since I seldom use it, and it's parked on the street with a punched out lock.

Julies Pontiac 6000 has a trunk stuffed to the gills, so she will feel safe. She'll never use most of it. We have 2 different roadside services, and haven't used either in a while. We like to keep them, including a 100 mile one, with our old vehicles.

Some things that I like her to have are jumper cables, a jump pack and a full sized spare. Just got the full sized spare rigged up and put in there. She also has a small HF aluminum racing jack and jack stands to make changing a tire easier.

From experience, most problems are lights left on and flats, but mostly lights. And also lost keys, so she has a spare set for lockouts and lost key problems.

The jump pack has saved me from numerous cross town trips to jump her battery from left on lights. It was her idea and she picked the JNC660. Then she got me another for the van and home. I'm thinking about getting her a small one.

I also keep spare partial containers of fluids, because it's easy to fill from the trunk.

Some rags and gloves and spare fuses complete the hoard.

Bill

 

[tjmonsen5]

I had an E30, always kept 2 quarts of oil, that thing burned a lot, and so does my E46.
17mm deep socket and breaker bar
Electrical wire. The only time my E30 left me on the side if the road was when the wiring harness corroded somewhere in the engine bay. I ended up doing a few days of diagnosis to figure that one out.

 

[iScream]

I don't even have a spare tire or jack. Car didn't come with either. Just a can of tire inflator/sealer.