What tool kit do you carry?

Roger Bray · #1 (**permalink**) 05-31-2012, 11:42 AM

Hi Guys,
I'm going to be taking some longer day trips in my car and I'm looking into buying a dedicated tool kit to put in the trunk.

I'm thinking of something inexpensive.. maybe like this.

Amazon.com: Apollo Precision Tools DT0138 86 Piece Household Tool Kit: Home Improvement

I'm also planing on getting a set of fuses, some extra electrical connectors and the like to pack along.

Just wondering what you all are packing.

Roger

Luce · #2 (**permalink**) 05-31-2012, 12:17 PM

May if you plan on throwing the tools away and restocking the case. I don't know of this particular brand, and the price might lead you to believe it's not total junk, but you're often better off with a good crescent, channel lock pliers and a hammer than crap Taiwan wrenches(AKA knuckle busters). I would say at least get lady kenmore or Lowe's Kobalts.

I don't know about your Cobra, but I would also make sure your kit includes Allen wrenches.

Good question though. I have a set of wrenches, sockets, crescent, channel lock screw drivers and vice vice grips in a battery box that I always make sure is in my boat before I launch. Also it has half a dozen wires with alligator clips on each end to jump across corroded out fuzzes. That saved my ass once in the ship channel!

PSB · #3 (**permalink**) 05-31-2012, 12:50 PM

Crafstman 53 pc tool set - fits nicely in the trunk and cost less than $50. I also bought a cheap set of combination wrenches and they fit in the same case:

Craftsman -53 pc. Mechanics Tool Set

Pete

vettestr · #4 (**permalink**) 05-31-2012, 01:09 PM

2 cans of Fix A Flat, a few wrenches, a relay and fuse kit, cheapo volt/ohm meter then last but not least my Amex and triple A cards.

mreid · #5 (**permalink**) 05-31-2012, 01:39 PM

Also, tire plug kit (just used it to fix a nail hole in a tire on my DD), 12v air compressor, spare coil, spare mag pickup (MSD), spare belt, duct tape and a small tarp.

patrickt · #6 (**permalink**) 05-31-2012, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vettestr

2 cans of Fix A Flat, a few wrenches, a relay and fuse kit, cheapo volt/ohm meter then last but not least my Amex and triple A cards.

Yep, and add zip ties, duct tape, and if you have an MSD ignition, cap/rotor/pickup.

kevins2 · #7 (**permalink**) 05-31-2012, 01:49 PM

Good info. If all else fails, I've wondered what you have to look out for when putting the car on a flat bed tow truck. Seems like it would be difficult to tie off and pull the car up without putting pressure on the body (strap rubbing or nose bottoming out). Any experience with that?

Regards,

Kevin

elmariachi · #8 (**permalink**) 05-31-2012, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patrickt

Yep, and add zip ties, duct tape, and if you have an MSD ignition, cap/rotor/pickup.

Then there's the 9mm Beretta, jumper cables, a floor jack, extra spark plugs, neon vest for traffic awareness, first aid kit, bottle of whiskey for when you are waiting on the tow truck and Goody headache powders.

I have the same kit PSB has.

patrickt · #9 (**permalink**) 05-31-2012, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevins2

Any experience with that?

Sadly, yes. I drove my car up on to a flat bed truck using the starter motor only and then hit the brakes before plowing in to the back of the cab. I don't want to have to do that again.

I think the quick jacks are strong enough on most of our cars to pull the car up with a strap (which I now carry). I did not have a problem with the nose bottoming out, but most trucks have some sort of wood that will ease the nose up under the tires, I'm told. I have also been told that if your car is put up on a flatbed in the reverse direction then there is a danger to the windshield if the driver goes too fast. That may be true, or it may be a wives' tale....

vector1 · #10 (**permalink**) 05-31-2012, 02:17 PM

cell phone and bottle of water, and maybe a snack...

Roger Bray · #11 (**permalink**) 05-31-2012, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elmariachi

Then there's the 9mm Beretta, jumper cables, a floor jack, extra spark plugs, neon vest for traffic awareness, first aid kit, bottle of whiskey for when you are waiting on the tow truck and Goody headache powders.

I have the same kit PSB has.

I don't have a 9mm.
Would this work?

https://picasaweb.google.com/1120929...70967449754354

Ruger Stainless GP100 6" .357mag. 200 rounds 158gr JHP.

G-Pete · #12 (**permalink**) 05-31-2012, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vector1

cell phone and bottle of water, and maybe a snack...

Right on !

BAsque1 · #13 (**permalink**) 05-31-2012, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elmariachi

Then there's the 9mm Beretta, jumper cables, a floor jack, extra spark plugs, neon vest for traffic awareness, first aid kit, bottle of whiskey for when you are waiting on the tow truck and Goody headache powders.

I have the same kit PSB has.

Hey I really like elmariachi's philosophy, I had a horrible experience last year while waiting for the tow (flatbed) truck, bad spot on the road barely a hint of a shoulder, my wife could not get off the car. The flatbed angle too steep to load the car, had to use the tongue to the front wheels. Hence the nose was all scractched, plus the added pepper effect on the hood and front fenders from the dualies in the back of the truck.

Tks God that the insurance company felt guilty for not having the appropriate tow and paid for a complete paint job. The tools I like the kit from Craftman someone suggested, I also carry a portable Snap-On starter booster vs the booster cables. The tarp is certainly a good idea, I have not top--cloth or fiberglass

Hey Mariachi how about a nice cigar to enjoy after the whiskey

? BTW I like the SIG .357 SIG over the Beretta 9mm.
Cheers
Basque1(Lou)

Roger Bray · #14 (**permalink**) 05-31-2012, 02:42 PM

I'm also thinking I need a flare gun, satellite radio and a bag full of cash

FWB · #15 (**permalink**) 05-31-2012, 02:51 PM

besides my 1911....two cans of fix a flat.....paying for a tow by god knows who for a flat and risking the front valance is not what i want to worry about

kevins2 · #16 (**permalink**) 05-31-2012, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BAsque1

Tks God that the insurance company felt guilty for not having the appropriate tow and paid for a complete paint job.

Lou,

This is exactly what I was concerned with. Without trying to put the car on a tow truck it is hard to know what the problems might be.

What is the "appropriate" tow truck? If there is a specific type of rig, equipment or set-up it would be good to know so you could ask for it when calling for a truck.

Regards,

Kevin

Roger Bray · #17 (**permalink**) 05-31-2012, 02:59 PM

Seriously this is all great information.
I hadn't thought about fix-a-flat.
Maybe a bottle of Octane boost in case I can't find any 93 octane.

FWB · #18 (**permalink**) 05-31-2012, 03:01 PM

kevin, there really isn't a way to ask for the right equipment, the angle the rollback has when its lowered depends on so many factors, type of truck, who made the body. its the initial loading before the tires hit the rollback when the front end will smack the rollback floor....

mike harter · #19 (**permalink**) 05-31-2012, 03:57 PM

AAA Card and a 6 pack

kevins2 · #20 (**permalink**) 05-31-2012, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FWB

kevin, there really isn't a way to ask for the right equipment, the angle the rollback has when its lowered depends on so many factors, type of truck, who made the body. its the initial loading before the tires hit the rollback when the front end will smack the rollback floor....

So, maybe the answer is to tell them it's a very low car and ask them to bring a bunch of 2x6's... or hope there's a Home Depot within walking distance.

Thanks,

Kevin