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What tools do you carry in your vehicle?

speedminded

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Joined
Jul 25, 2005
Messages
145
Location
Atlanta, GA
Whether it's for my own vehicle, helping someone in need, or a spontaneous trip to a junkyard, I always have tools with me -- I can't bear to be more than a few minutes away from home without tools!

In the attached picture is everything currently in my tool bag and I'm determined to find a better solution than digging through it to find that right socket or wrench. Canvas roll ups for the wrenches seems the most logical but what about sockets? They tend to fall off the sock rails. How do you carry your tools and keep them organized?


p.s. No Snap-on or Matco tool trucks allowed here lol! :lol_hitti
 

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Mark in Indiana

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Aug 11, 2010
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3,057
Location
Southern Indiana
At all times I carry a knock off Leatherman tool, in each vehicle, in case of emergency. On the road I carry a bag of basic mechanic's tools in case of breakdown (me or someone else). I also carry mechanic's tools when I go to yard sales and auctions in case I need to disassemble my purchase.
 

jlh92

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Joined
Dec 5, 2014
Messages
627
Location
Columbia, Missouri
I just carry a set of Cman combination wrenches 10MM-17MM, a 13pc GW 3/8" socket set, a HF torque wrench, and a prybar.
 

AnthonyJ124

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Joined
Nov 28, 2010
Messages
674
Location
Southeast
I carry my typical field service bag, plus a small craftsman tool box that stays in the truck with a 3/8 socket set, a few pliers, screwdrivers, packing tape, zip ties and also a folding lug wrench that. Then about a dozen tie downs. I also have a tow strap that floats between trucks.
 

Loscaldazar

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Joined
Feb 23, 2013
Messages
2,385



It's enough to tear about essentially the entire car. Figure I should be good if anything happens! All the sockets, extensions, pliers and wrenches are USA made. Cost me about $20 for this entire kit.
 

wyo george

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Joined
Jul 24, 2014
Messages
933
Location
Wyoming, USA
I drive a 2012 Chrysler and a 1983 Toyota. The Toyota doesn't even have a spare tire, but the POS Chrysler has a full toolbox to keep it running.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

LordPsychon

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Joined
Mar 25, 2015
Messages
514
Location
In your basement...seriously, go look now!
I keep a hydraulic jack with stands, an impact wrench with battery and charger, an overall clothing kit (so I don't get dirty), a standard 1/4" and 3/8" Blue Hawk auto kit, a set of Cr-Mo impact sockets for the hubcaps, a portable tire inflator with fill-in goo, and a Haynes manual for my Elantra. It's probably overkill but I'd rather be prepared than not on long road trips.
 

hangfirew8

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Joined
Jul 14, 2008
Messages
879
Location
Central Maryland
Whether it's for my own vehicle, helping someone in need, or a spontaneous trip to a junkyard, I always have tools with me -- I can't bear to be more than a few minutes away from home without tools!

In the attached picture is everything currently in my tool bag and I'm determined to find a better solution than digging through it to find that right socket or wrench.
You have too many wrenches. Chances are you don't need a whole set of flare nut wrenches, probably one will do. Take them around your car and try every flare nut you can find and store the rest at home.

There are so many wrenches there, I figure you either have many duplicates, or very complete sets of both SAE and Metric. If you have an late 80's/early 90's Metric/SAE car you might need both, but not all of both. I carry only Metric tools now. I can't even think of a friend who has an SAE daily driver any more.

You have too many punches. Chances are your vehicle does not use all those Torx and socketed bits.

You need to add at least one pair of locking pliers (vice grips), and a little VOM or at least a continuity tester.

Think about your needs. Are you rescuing yourself? Or your wife? Or just about anybody? Each level requires more tools than the last. I stick with myself. My wife's car has its own tool bag with tools appropriate for that vehicle. If I get a call from a friend, chances are I'll have a chance to swing by home and pick up more tools.

Canvas roll ups for the wrenches seems the most logical but what about sockets? They tend to fall off the sock rails. How do you carry your tools and keep them organized?

Everything I have has to fit in a 12" tool sack. I value completeness and compactness over organization. If I have a breakdown, by definition I'm going to be late and will take my time to sort through tools. I am better organized than "everything dumped in the bottom", though.

Rollups work well. I use a huge and a medium size Carabiner (D clip) from HF to hold Combination and box end wrenches. For sockets I just put them on a long wire and tie the ends together. The wire also serves as a repair supply item. The wire is a good solution for minimal space but not for someone who uses the vehicle toolbox often.

To answer the title question, I carry: 1/4 shallow Metric socket/ratchet set, 3/8 shallow and deep metric socket/ratchet set, Spark plug socket for that car only, 1/4&3/8 U-Joints, 3 extension lengths for each. 1/2" breaker bar and 3 socket adapters 1/2 down to 1/4"...

8-19mm combination wrench set, ignition wrench set, one flare nut wrench...

one hammer, one punch, one chisel...

alligator nose, slip joint and water pump pliers, diagonal cutters, 2 sizes locking pliers, 1 adjustable wrench, electrical crimp pliers, Metric Hex and Torx folding key sets...

spark plug gapper, cheap VOM, screwdriver set (some cars complete handle set, some a bit set with driver handle), mini "close quarter" hacksaw (just a handle/holder thingie), spare hacksaw blade...

vehicle specific tools, other stuff I forgot.

In a pinch, if the Hex or Torx key doesn't fit because the handle is in the way, just dis-assemble the handle.

Hammer, chisel, and hacksaw come in REALLY handy for removing unhinged bumper covers and/or rolling back fenders from tires after minor accidents, letting you get back on the road instead of call a rollback.

019374971663lg.jpg
 
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valentine

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Joined
Oct 27, 2008
Messages
239
Two Leatherman type multi-tools, multi-blade screwdriver, extendable breaker bar and sockets for lug nuts, flashlight, jumper cables, gloves are in a bag each of my vehicles. Also have a complete set of wrenches, ratchets and sockets which stay in my truck. Can't understand why anyone would go anywhere without tools. I even have a complete tool bag in my office which has come in handy on countless occasions.

-Valentine
 

AceofSpad3s

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Oct 1, 2014
Messages
1,808
1/4,3/8 husky rats, complete metric 1/4 and 3/8 mastercraft socket sets, few screwdrivers,random metric wrenches,adjustable,3/8 breaker and some other junk. I don't have enough metric stuff to keep deep wells or a full set of combos in the car so I just took some extra stuff and threw it in there, better than nothing. I used to use a cman 3 drawer but I just threw everything in a black and decker soft bag to take up less room.
 

AmishFury

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Jan 22, 2015
Messages
872
1/4" and 3/8" drive sockets, a few ratchets, some extensions, a handful of screwdrivers, a bit driver with a selection of bits, a set of HF ratcheting wrenches, a multimeter, some pliers (a couple needlenose, some dikes, and some slip joints), spark plug gap tool, one 19mm 1/2" drive socket and an extension, 3/8" and 1/2" drive HF torque wrenches, jumper cables, 4-way, 12v inflator, funnels, magnetic parts holder wheel chocks, a knife or two, a machete, a hatchet, some small fishing related tools in my little tackle bag

and of course the factory toolkit (jack, lug wrench, etc)
 

schmelpboy

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Jun 24, 2012
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I err on the side of overkill. The huge Craftsman kit has everything under the sun, and then the top is filled with multiple leatherman's, wire tape, zipties, etc etc etc.

Then I have a roadside kit with more of everything under the sun plus food, batteries, etc.

And, of course, my trusty half inch Snappy Impact. I never leave home without it.

Most of what I have in my car consists of doubles. For example, I have the full Craftsman kit...but if I don't want to go back and forth, I have the smaller, more easily portable Kobalt kit next to it. Most of what is in my roadside kit is also under the top of the Craftsman box. I have 2 sets of jumper cables. Stuff like that.
 

Sine Swept

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Joined
Feb 2, 2014
Messages
440
I keep a little metal box with a set of Titan ratchet wrenches, CL 909, CL 3017, DMM, screwdrivers, wheel plugs / rubber cement, zip ties, M/F wire terminals, flashlight and a few more odds and sods.

Hardly ever used on my Toyota
 

HanShotFirst

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Joined
Jun 29, 2015
Messages
846
Location
NW Nevada
So in the past 5 years the change in the economy has hit my family pretty hard. So I'm having to keep old cars. My truck, a '97 Ford Ranger with a 2.3L 4 cyl has been the most reliable vehicle I've ever herd of. At 210,000 miles I had my first actual REPAIR, a thermostat. Everything up 'till then has only been maintenance.

At 242,000 I lost my throw out bearing, so she got a new clutch, throw out and everything else up in there.

She's now starting to show her age, and things are starting to break. I think repairs are going to become a common thing. The turn signal/wiper/dimmer switch just went out yesterday, and she's actually a bit overdue for a new timing belt.

I haven't been carrying a took box at all, don't even have a spare tire; haven't needed either in literally 20 years. But that will soon be changing.
 

Cypherian

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Oct 11, 2014
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Delaware
I will play:}

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What you can't see is full small tool kit sockets, wrenches , hammer, punches, vise grips, screw drivers etc , electrical kit, duct ape, zip ties, electrical tape, safety wire etc. tarp, coveralls, ext cord, led light 110v, 110v mini compressor, full recovery kit , several flash lights , flares, jumpers, rain gear and so on one day maybe I will take all of the stuff out and lay it out for one big picture.

Cypher
 

G_P

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Joined
Jul 11, 2010
Messages
7,135
Location
Central CT
I have an orange plastic box with a full basic too kit. Sockets, wrenches, pliers,screwdrivers, a ball pein hammer, and some other misc tools along with spare bulbs and fuses. Oh, and a breaker bar and socket for getting stubborn lug nuts loose.

Nothing is more aggravating than having a minor issue leave you stranded because you dont have the tool required to make the 5 minute repair.
 
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ScottsGT

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Jan 1, 2014
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Location
Lake Wateree, SC
Spare tire, jack and lug wrench.

Anything more serious, a cell phone for Ford roadside service and a warranty!

I actually downgraded the car I really wanted since the Performance Pack was not available with a spare tire. They don't make one to fit over the large brakes.

Years ago when I needed roadside tools, I never had the one I needed.
 
OP
S

speedminded

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Joined
Jul 25, 2005
Messages
145
Location
Atlanta, GA



It's enough to tear about essentially the entire car. Figure I should be good if anything happens! All the sockets, extensions, pliers and wrenches are USA made. Cost me about $20 for this entire kit.
Where did you find the canvas roll up? Thanks!

This is what I keep in my truck.
Harbor Freight currently has this on sale for $159.99! I may go get one and skip the headache of having a bag full of tools.

You have too many wrenches. Chances are you don't need a whole set of flare nut wrenches, probably one will do. Take them around your care and try every flare nut you can find and store the rest at home.

There are so many wrenches there, I figure you either have many duplicates, or very complete sets of both SAE and Metric. If you have an late 80's/early 90's Metric/SAE car you might need both, but not all of both. I carry only Metric tools now. I can't even think of a friend who has an SAE daily driver any more.

You have too many punches. Chances are your vehicle does not use all those Torx and socketed bits.

You need to add at least one pair of locking pliers (vice grips), and a little VOM or at least a continuity tester.

Think about your needs. Are you rescuing yourself? Or your wife? Or just about anybody? Each level requires more tools than the last. I stick with myself. My wife's car has its own tool bag with tools appropriate for that vehicle. If I get a call from a friend, chances are I'll have a chance to swing by home and pick up more tools.



Everything I have has to fit in a 12" tool sack. I value completeness and compactness over organization. If I have a breakdown, by definition I'm going to be late and will take my time to sort through tools. I am better organized than "everything dumped in the bottom", though.

Rollups work well. I use a huge and a medium size Carabiner (D clip) from HF to hold Combination and box end wrenches. For sockets I just put them on a long wire and tie the ends together. The wire also serves as a repair supply item. The wire is a good solution for minimal space but not for someone who uses the vehicle toolbox often.

To answer the title question, I carry: 1/4 shallow Metric socket/ratchet set, 3/8 shallow and deep metric socket/ratchet set, Spark plug socket for that car only, 1/4&3/8 U-Joints, 3 extension lengths for each. 1/2" breaker bar and 3 socket adapters 1/2 down to 1/4"...

8-19mm combination wrench set, ignition wrench set, one flare nut wrench...

one hammer, one punch, one chisel...

alligator nose, slip joint and water pump pliers, diagonal cutters, 2 sizes locking pliers, 1 adjustable wrench, electrical crimp pliers, Metric Hex and Torx folding key sets...

spark plug gapper, cheap VOM, screwdriver set (some cars complete handle set, some a bit set with driver handle), mini "close quarter" hacksaw (just a handle/holder thingie), spare hacksaw blade...

vehicle specific tools, other stuff I forgot.

In a pinch, if the Hex or Torx key doesn't fit because the handle is in the way, just dis-assemble the handle.

Hammer, chisel, and hacksaw come in REALLY handy for removing unhinged bumper covers and/or rolling back fenders from tires after minor accidents, letting you get back on the road instead of call a rollback.

019374971663lg.jpg
All the wrenches are essential. I daily drive a 90's BMW but in the process of building a race car using a 1975 Chevy-Cosworth Vega body with a mid-plate mounted GM 4.8L V8, on 2002 Jaguar XJ8 front suspension and brakes, and a 4-link setup with a Blazer rear-end. Talk about a crazy combination of nuts and bolts!!

Have since remove most of the punches -- I was pulling a couple doors from a junkyard and needed them all for the pins. Usually can push them out with a c-clamp and socket but sometimes you need a little help from a punch.

I like your idea of the sockets being on a wire. Maybe reusable cable ties would work better? I may put the usual BMW 10, 11, 13, 15, 16, 18mm sockets on one to see how it works.
 

Loscaldazar

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Joined
Feb 23, 2013
Messages
2,385
Where did you find the canvas roll up? Thanks!

I bought it from sears using points (so I got it for free), but I bet you could find cheaper ones on eBay or somewhere else on the internet by searching canvas tool roll. Would have been like $7-$9 with out points.
 

JBradley500

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Joined
Jul 19, 2013
Messages
781
I'm sure you already know this, Geoff, but that's a quality set.

My road bag is just overflow of tools that have been replaced by higher quality.
 

General Geoff

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Jan 12, 2013
Messages
3,887
Location
Allentown, Pennsylvania
I'm sure you already know this, Geoff, but that's a quality set.

My road bag is just overflow of tools that have been replaced by higher quality.

Thank you for the compliment! That ensemble has been refined over about 15 years. It's not just for auto repairs but also various repairs and maintenance of all types. I have since added a syringe full of ATF to the kit, it's amazing what a drop or two of ATF will do if you put it in the right spot. Frees up all manner of things, and gives new life to worn out computer fan bearings. :)
 

msgtsmithret

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Joined
May 5, 2013
Messages
409
Location
Raleigh NC
I carry a fishing pole so I can do something while waiting for the tow truck. Seriously though, just some basic tools. I got stuck once in Wilmington NC when a fuel pump module went bad. I went to the local Advance Auto and bought 2 jack stands and the fuel line disconnecter tool, and of course a fuel pump. Had the beast up and running in a few hours. Just a canvass bag with basic tools and buy whatever the situation requires. It's not rocket science.
 
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Gogo300

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Joined
Apr 15, 2015
Messages
321
Location
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
I carry an iPhone and a aaa card. It gets me home where I can change cars and go to the parts store. When I break down its never in front of an autozone or Oreilys.
 

jlipsky14

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Joined
Jun 13, 2015
Messages
313
Location
Northern NJ
This is what I keep in the truck.
It may be overkill :willy_nil but between my trucks/cars, friends trucks/cars, the boats, jetskis, quads, trailers, bobcats, tractors, regular smaller equiptment I have needed and used all of it.
I figure if its something I could use away from home and I have room for it why not carry it since the toolbox is on the truck anyway.

In the cab:
Myself :bounce:
AAA membership card
Led lenser flashlight
multitool
tape measure
moving blanket
fuses
bulbs
water
Emergency tape
change of clothes
jack

In the ToolBox
From Right to left:
Craftsman 165 pc set (more pieces under other set)
Craftsman max axcess 104 pc set
100 pc drill bit set, basic screwdriver set
box of nitrile gloves
wrench roll with ratcheting wrenches
dewalt 20v drill set, will be adding a 20v recip saw
metal drill bit set
bungee cords
spray bottle and funnel
liquid/air transfer pump
heavy extension cord
first aid kit
air hose (onboard air)
some wire
"the absorber" dry cloth
Zip tie assortment then longer ones on the side
knife
level
a tarp big enough for a person to lay on under a vehicle on the ground
In the red organizers I keep electrical supplies, bolts, washers, and a bunch of other small parts.

In the bags on the left:
Cheapo cloth gloves
Heat shrink set
cotter pin set
hose clamp set
Heavy ratchet straps
Heavy duty jumper cables
Jegs 69 pc screwdriver set
Propane torch
T-handle allen key set
square
then misc hammers, hammer tacker, pliers, vice grip, adjustable wrench, hatchet, pry bar, cutters, crimpers, chisels, punches, tapes (measuring, painters, green, clear, electrical, and duct)

For fluids/bottles:
Kano Kroil
WD40 regular and spray lube
seafoam
brakekleen
starting fluid
degreaser
high-vis orange marking spray paint
CRC freeze off
gallon jug of water
wiper fluid
quart of oil and atf

Under the box I keep 100' of rope, two 2' pieces of 4x4, and the brush part of a push broom for cleaning the bed and snow in winter.

All winter I usually add in an ice pick, snow shovel, 40-120lbs of rock salt, extra gallon of de-icer/wiper fluid, a few jackets and winter gloves, and will be adding a set of chains this winter once I finally decide on what size new tires to get.



 
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covert

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Joined
Mar 14, 2015
Messages
63
Location
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Just enough to do the bare minimum. 3/8 and 1/2" ratchets and some old sockets that were upgraded in my box at home (mostly low-quality Mastercraft stuff). Multi-head ratcheting screwdriver, pliers, a Gerber multitool, zip ties, utility knife, and fine screwdrivers. Should be enough to limp a car home or to a garage. Everything else is kept at home. It's all presently stored in a dollar store toolbox inside a Rubbermaid bin in the trunk. A T-shaped socket to break loose any lug nuts. Maglite flashlight. First aid kit for any damage I do to myself. Jumper cables.
 

slyonedoofy

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Joined
May 3, 2014
Messages
153
Location
Vantucky,WA
I keep my insurance card so I get free towing.

Seems easier to get towed home than carry a bunch of tools that are easy to steal.
 
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