Basic Tool List

[91xlt]

we have a VERY detailed list for recovery, another for survival, was thinking maybe we should have a basic tool/parts list to take with us. Now with all this gear listed in these lists if you took it all, on each outing it would probably leave no room for a driver of the vehicle. These lists even with the repeat items are good checklists, or eye openers at the least. I think alot of people just jump in a 4x4 not understanding or even considering some of these things. The great part about this is if it helps only one person it has done its job! Now I am a newbie here, but I see the member list steadily growing...maybe this may help countless people. The powers that be may include a sticky for recovery..tools...equip..gear a basic offroader may want to invest in, not only financially but with the time to learn how to use these items functionally. I think this site is already an excellent resource, and I think it will only get better! Anyhow the basic tool list should include?

screwwdriver
wire strippers
voltage tester

OK chime in....
:victory:

[asteffes]

Dude... The first item on every gear, tool, recovery, disaster, anti-terror - even first aid kit - list is always duct tape! :elkgrin:

[terry.mc]

JB weld.

[60seriesguy]

First, the "get me through it" list:

Duct tape
Baling wire
Friction tape
Stop-Leak
Two mtn bike inner tubes
JB Weld
Two-part expoxy
Electrical tape
Loctite
Extra hose clamps
Extra electrical wire
Coffee can full of assorted extra hardware (nuts, bolts, screws)
Tire patch kit (includes large vulcanizing patches)

The above list is not negotiable and -in a pinch-, can really save you from disaster. Ideally, one would never get to the point to have to use any of the above for a proper field repair, but the reality is that expeditions rarely go exactly as planned....*this* is my basic tool kit. More on actual hand tools later!

[Scott Brady]

Thanks for the great thread idea.

I have found that some of the larger tool kits available from Costco satisfy 80% of the required tools and also keep everything organized in the molded case.

Then I have another case for spares and another for specialty tools. Those kits are specific to the vehicles (I have one for the Jeep, Trooper, Tacoma) These are things like hub sockets, breaker bars, bolts and nuts, thread locking compound, saws, etc.

[91xlt]

Dude... The first item on every gear, tool, recovery, disaster, anti-terror - even first aid kit - list is always duct tape! :elkgrin:


yeah, i guess that is a no brainer!

and the second item probably should be a beverage of choice:beer:

[david despain]

i think that one very important item espcially for 96 and newer obdII trucks like all the tacos and newer jeeps, etc around here should be a code scan tool of some kind. i have this one and keep it in my truck and have used it more times for others than my self. actron 9145 http://www.actron.com/product_detail.php?pid=16150

in fact i still need to buy the cable to hook up to my ford. anyhow i think this is a needed tool for anyone going on an adventure. people always talk about how an old truck with a disel is best becasuse there are only a couple of wires to worry about, but with the modern trucks we all need/choose to drive being reliable in the outback means you need to be able to at least know what it is the computer is telling you is wrong with the truck. most of the time the new stuff will still run well enough to get u back to the pavement just not that well. modern electronics are great because they dont need as much tinkering as old stuff does but when it does need fixin you should be able to know whats wrong and with out a scanner you cant. i think that tool should be able to show real time data so thats why i went with the 9145 over a cheaper type that just shows the code number.

[91xlt]

i think that one very important item espcially for 96 and newer obdII trucks like all the tacos and newer jeeps, etc around here should be a code scan tool of some kind. i have this one and keep it in my truck and have used it more times for others than my self. actron 9145 http://www.actron.com/product_detail.php?pid=16150

in fact i still need to buy the cable to hook up to my ford. anyhow i think this is a needed tool for anyone going on an adventure. people always talk about how an old truck with a disel is best becasuse there are only a couple of wires to worry about, but with the modern trucks we all need/choose to drive being reliable in the outback means you need to be able to at least know what it is the computer is telling you is wrong with the truck. most of the time the new stuff will still run well enough to get u back to the pavement just not that well. modern electronics are great because they dont need as much tinkering as old stuff does but when it does need fixin you should be able to know whats wrong and with out a scanner you cant. i think that tool should be able to show real time data so thats why i went with the 9145 over a cheaper type that just shows the code number.


that is a good point, and probably very easy to overlook.

[91xlt]

on the subject of toolage...how do you carry your tools? mounted toolbox? ammo can? portable tool box? just wondering...

[datrupr]

Portable tool box here.

[gjackson]

All of my tools are in tool rolls and kept in a custom drawer system. Seems to work pretty well. Of course I have a Land Rover, so I have to carry more. . . :rolleyes:

[Scott Brady]

Graham,

Where did you find those tool rolls? I would like to find 2-3 rolls of different size or colors, and preferably in canvas.

[Nullifier]

All of my tools are in tool rolls and kept in a custom drawer system. Seems to work pretty well. Of course I have a Land Rover, so I have to carry more. . . :rolleyes:

A man after my own heart. One day I will have to lay everything out like that and take pics.

It is truely amazing how much crap you can carry when it comes to repair and recovery equipment. I inventoried everything in my rig last week it was a sick list. I was trying to get handle on any "missing tools" that I need to replace. I was short some combination wrenches and sockets of course.

[david despain]

expedition exchange carries the bucket boss tool rolls. i have one and i like it alot. https://www.expeditionexchange.com/bucketboss/

here is another one quite similar. i actually like the design of this one a little better because of the buckle arangement that holds it rolled up. it has the plastic snap in together type like you might find to close the flap on a backpack.
the bucket boss type are regular old fashioned thread them through and then back through to cinch them tight type that you would find on an old backpack to close the flaps. i guess they both have advantages. if the plastic part breaks you cant hold the roll closed but they are faster and easier to close with gloves on.

on the subject of tool rolls in addition to the bucket boss one shown in Grahams picture i also have 2 of these http://www.duluthtrading.com/store/organizers/vehicle_organizers/91034.aspx

one has a tow strap, gloves, rags, a few tools and the other has jumper cables, rags and a few tools in them. they work pretty well. it keeps them from getting tangled becoming a mess flopping about under the back seat. you cant have too many red shop rags around. i find i dont even try to clean them i just throw them away. i guess it helps if u have an endless supply of them. :hehe:

[gjackson]

Where did you find those tool rolls? I would like to find 2-3 rolls of different size or colors, and preferably in canvas.

Scott, I got the tool rolls at a local hardware store. they are the older bucketboss design. The socket rolls have socket clips on them but just have draw cords to close. The newer ones have a buckle closure but pouches for the sockets.


It is truely amazing how much crap you can carry when it comes to repair and recovery equipment.

It is amazing how much stuff you can fit in. The pics I have posted are just the tools. I have a bunch of spares and special tools in those 2 drawers as well. And it all fits very nicely. Kinda heavy though! :smilies27

I plan on making a list of everything in my truck, but it is a *VERY* long list!!

cheers

[ShearPin]

For tool storage I've found the Fat 50 sized ammo can a good size - water/dust proof, lockable etc.

On a related note, more often then not I've found myself wanting for just that right size nut or bolt. May come from running an old pile but I've often come across people over the years with lots of tools but no spare fastners. I keep two hardware store plastic containers (approx. 12x7) with adjustable compartments full off odds and ends nuts, bolts, cotter pins, plastic plugs...

Henry

[david despain]

On a related note, more often then not I've found myself wanting for just that right size nut or bolt. May come from running an old pile but I've often come across people over the years with lots of tools but no spare fastners. I keep two hardware store plastic containers (approx. 12x7) with adjustable compartments full off odds and ends nuts, bolts, cotter pins, plastic plugs...


oh yeah. what he said! somewhat unrelated but still the same; when ever i go on a road trip to fix a broke plane,wheather its just to get it out of there and back to a bigger shop or all the way done, i always take my miscelaneous parts bins. i have about 4 fishing tackle type plastic containers full of odd and ends i have accumulated over the years and while there isnt always exactly the right length of screw or bolt you want it will generally do the trick to get you home. as well there is all manner of things that if u drop or loose them or damage them or whatever you are done for that i carry in those cases. they have saved my bacon a number of times.

also a magnetic pick up tool and mechanical fingers can be lifesavers for a trailside repair. if u loose a part or hardware in the shop, no big deal just go get another one out of your box or benchstock or whatever. but if u loose something in the dirt you could be really screwed, and thats when it always seems to happen.

[j_nigrelli]

anyone have an alternate [to Duluth TP & BucketBoss brands] favorite tool roll?

i have done a "search" but get bogged down reading the posts and really need to get a couple of these 'on order'. i am not partial to leather or velcro [although i can accept the latter].

thanks,

j

[TJVach]

I have been to Sears.com and they had two Mossy Oak Camo Wrench Rolls on sale for $2.97 so I grabbed 2 of them. They are pretty durable and hold the wrenches very well.

[TeriAnn]

Fixings, AKA my nut & bolt kit


You can't carry every size and length. After loosing essential bolts that I did not have replacements for a few times I have put together an extensive "fixings kit" that fits into a container with lots of dividers. I have spent well over US$ 100 to fill the kit with four grade 8 versions of every bolt, nut and washer I can think of that is on my Land Rover. This includes special Land Rover lock tabs, leaf spring pack bolts and cotter pins.

http://www.expeditionlandrover.info/LR.images/bbClosed.JPG
Bolt box closed . The box has two levels of compartments

http://www.expeditionlandrover.info/LR.images/bbTopCompart.JPG
This is the top level that contains grade 8 nuts, lock washers, flat washers, fender washers, cottor pins (Including one that fits the scuttle vent) , assorted screws, hub washers and seals, hinge kit, tyre air nipples and such.


http://www.expeditionlandrover.info/LR.images/bbBottCompart.JPG
This is the bottom compartment which contains an assortment of grade 8 bolts, special Land Rover fixings, spare brake hose, electrical connectors, hose clamps, shock bushings, special leaf spring bolts, special fixings and assorted glues & goops.


And no I've never had to resort to duct tape.
I keep bailing wire around but have never had need for duct tape.

[offroad_nomad]

I've found this to be a useful offroading tool/equipment list:

4x4 Equipment List (http://www.keystonekrawlers.com/4x4equipment.htm)

[MossMan]

Those are some great setups. I like the wrench rolls and the the bolt boxes. That would be a significant upgrade from my tool box and coffee cans. Off to the flea market.

[RunninRubicon]

Thanks for the great thread idea.

I have found that some of the larger tool kits available from Costco satisfy 80% of the required tools and also keep everything organized in the molded case.

Then I have another case for spares and another for specialty tools. Those kits are specific to the vehicles (I have one for the Jeep, Trooper, Tacoma) These are things like hub sockets, breaker bars, bolts and nuts, thread locking compound, saws, etc.

Costco is a great place to save a buck on tools and batteries, like Optima. I also got an aluminum floor jack there for a song. They even sell WS40 and duct tape. They sell the containers for all your extra tools as well.

Great suggestion Scott

[MaddBaggins]

My tools that are in my rig at all times...standby, this may take some time. :oops:

[MaddBaggins]

Various flat heads and Philips of differing lengths and thickness’
1 set 8mm to 24mm combo wrenches
1 set 8mm to 18mm ratcheting combo wrenches
1 extra 22/24mm wrench
1 set 8mm to 22mm 3/8” sockets
1 14” 3/8 ratchet
1 4” 3/8 ratchet
3 different pair of snap ring pliers
1 pair wire stripper/crimpers
1 1/2 breaker bar with extendable handle ( for big leverage )
1 small pair channel locks
1 large pair channel locks
1 small crescent wrench
1 large crescent wrench
1 utility knife
1 large pair of curve jaw vise grips
1 medium pair regular vise grips
1 small pair vise grips
1 large ball peen hammer
1 large torque wrench
1 4-way lug wrench
1 crow bar
1 deep 6-point 13/16 socket for lugs
1 54mm socket
various socket adapters and swivels
1 set of SAE sockets (in case I need to help out a domestic vehicle)
large c-clamp
tyre-pliers and tire spoon
set of files
1 small claw grabber retrieval tool
1 hi-lift
1 small bottle jack
1 hi-lift base
that should be most everything. I’m sure I missed a few things

on top of those tools

various lengths of heater hose and fuel line and vacuum line
spare belts
spare radiator hoses
spare u-joints
spare fluids
industrial tire patch kit
ARB tire plug kit
Duct tape
Sandpaper
Jumper cables
Zip ties
Lots of fuses
Lots of bulbs
Lots of electrical connections and shrink tube and wire
Spare gaskets and washers of all sorts
Lots of hose clamps
Funnel
Grease
Hand cleaner
Rags
Large pants and shirt to pull on over clothes if things get messy
Shovel
Spare fuel pump
Spare starter
Spare water pump
Spare ARB air line and splice
WD40
1 30k tow strap
1 20k tow strap
3 shackles
2 different compressors
1 Co2 tank
3’x4’ piece of carpet
Factory service manual
2 gallons of distilled water for the rig
large flashlight
large knife
2.5lb ABC fire extinguisher

I believe that’s most of it…

[thallca]

All of my tools are in tool rolls and kept in a custom drawer system. Seems to work pretty well. Of course I have a Land Rover, so I have to carry more. . . :rolleyes:


God; don't I know it!
I have a pelican case filled with tools and in my truck at all times. You just never know what's going to break or fall off.

[p1michaud]

Fixings, AKA my nut & bolt kit

Now that's a very extensive and well though out kit. Job well done.
I may have to do something similar for my truck one of these days.
Cheers,
P

[ntsqd]

Back in the days when my glass buggy was my only off road vehicle I realized that it would be exceptionally easy to carry tools that I didn't need. These vehicles are severely weight challenged. So I emptied it's tool box completely. Given that it is an owner built vehicle I was working on it fairly frequently. I made a rule that I could only use the tools in it's tool box. As the need for a tool arose I added just that tool to the kit. Seemed a simple way to make sure that I had exactly the tools I needed for any likely field repair w/o carrying tools that were excess.

With the 4x4's I make particularly sure that any special tools needed for field repairs are always on-board.

[j_nigrelli]

did you wait until something broke & you were caught without?

i sort of interpreted this link as 'preventive' measures - aka 'don't leave home without it".

[ntsqd]

No, normal maintenance on the vehicle + the on-going improvements combined with knowledge of the special tools only rarely needed but shouldn't be left at home was enough to field a reasonable tools set on the first trip out after my decision. One thing it forced was awareness of bolt head sizes & the need to re-use OE bolts or exact equivalent when ever possible.

An example of what I'm referring to would be that VW's tend to use the odd hex head sizes, so even sized wrenches & sockets don't have much calling & only a few got included. This also means that if you only can use a wrench on a particular bolt that you aren't also carrying that sized socket unless it is needed elsewhere.
Conversely, Asian built vehicles tend to use only even mm head sizes. (There is a conspiracy theory that this is to evenly wear out the tools of those who own both.)

Where this falls down is if you expect to be much help to another, dissimilar vehicle. You may or may not have the "normal" tool with you. However, I'll estimate that it easily cut the weight of the tool box in half.

[j_nigrelli]

gotcha; thanks.

[ntsqd]

I found it easier to approach it that way than to try to anticipate what I might need.

[seriessearcher]

To be used to catch gear oil or fluid you may need to put back in. A small section of screen from a screen door to filter the large chunkcs out if you need to replace the fluid. If you are lucky enough to have spare fluids, this is to insure it is not left on the trailside once you switch fluids.

One item in my tool roll, survival kit, and jacket. Toliet paper, you never know how long you will be out on the repair or limping home :)

[ntsqd]

HAH! TP is definately a tool you don't want to be w/o.

Years ago (High School) I took the Sierra Club's "Basic Mountaineering Training Course." They taught the "10 Esstentials" needed for survival. My instructors called TP the '11th Essential.'

FWIW, I've had good results using the red rags that I carry anyway for straining the chunks out of fluids.

In a pinch a chamois will filter water out of fuel.

[SEREvince]

This might be a step up to the Ultimate Tool List, but what about welding supplies?

With a multiple battery system already in the ride it seems like with just a couple cables, electrode holder and some welding rods you'd be in business. It'd be a pain to remove the batteries but better than being stuck with a broken part.

Oh and don't forget the eye pro!

http://www.4x4wire.com/isuzu/minutemods/welder/

Not to mention all the drool worthy onboard welders!

http://www.zena.net/

http://www.offroaders.com/directory/products/Mobi-Arc-Onboard-Welder.htm

http://www.premierpowerwelder.com/pwerintro.html

[ntsqd]

On that note, Huntsman makes a soft leather welding helmet designed to use a baseball cap as it's "foundation." The lens hangs off the cap's bill, but being all soft leather (except the lens & frame) it folds/lays flat.

[ckkone]

Anybody carry one of these? :costumed-smiley-007

All-in-one socket?
http://www.alltvstuff.com/images/g1.jpg

[TeriAnn]

To be used to catch gear oil or fluid you may need to put back in. A small section of screen from a screen door to filter the large chunkcs out if you need to replace the fluid. If you are lucky enough to have spare fluids, this is to insure it is not left on the trailside once you switch fluids.


When out on a trip I carry atwo surplus German machine gun cleaning kits on the roof rack. A lot of them went through the surplus market a couple years back. The kit consists of a pair of 5L jerry cans, a brush and rag container all sandwiched together in a shallow pan. One jerry can is for solvent, one for waste solvent and the shallow pan is the parts cleaning tray. It is great for field repairs that include cleaning parts & catching oil. I normally carry 2 of the kits, which gives me four 5L cans (1 empty for waste, 1 solvent, 1 90wt, 1 anti freeze) one large jack stand and a square of thick plywood that can support the weight of the jack stand or the hilift.

And yes the jack stand has come in handy for a couple camp site repairs. Try replacing a front axle without one.

[spunky2268]

TeriAnn,

I did a pretty thorough search, including your site (love Lacey, BTW) and Google, and I cold not find the cleaning kits you mentioned. Do you have a pic and a source?

[TeriAnn]

TeriAnn,

I did a pretty thorough search, including your site (love Lacey, BTW) and Google, and I cold not find the cleaning kits you mentioned. Do you have a pic and a source?

Ask and thou shalt receive:


http://www.expeditionlandrover.info/LR.images/cleaningKit.gif

cleaning kit at Colemans surplus (http://www.galleria-e.com/cgi-bin/Colemans.storefront/en/Product/131401)

[j_nigrelli]

most excellent website, TA.

[spunky2268]

TeriAnn,

Danke!

[Martinjmpr]

Good topic. I've been carrying a loose assembly of tools I acquired over the years (probably like most people) but I really need to get serious and put together a deliberate tool kit. I'm at work right now, though, so I don't have time to go through the list.

I'm a big fan of tool rolls. I have two, a large one I got from Northern Tools (I think it's the bucket-caddy type) and a smaller one I got for my motorcycle. Now that I no longer have the bike, I need to combine them into a single tool kit.

My biggest headache is sockets. I need to put my sockets onto a socket holder so I can find the one I need instead of having to search each one for the right size.

Of course, I've also got the "Yuppie Repair Kit"* with me always.

I need to do the same thing with recovery/survival gear, too. One thing I got into the habit of when I was going to school in Laramie (and doing a lot of driving back and forth between Laramie and Denver) was that I always carry a -10 sleeping bag in the truck. It takes up very little room and can mean the difference between life and death if I break down/wreck on a cold winter night.

* Yuppie Repair Kit: A cell phone and a credit card. :D

[j_nigrelli]

http://www.wolftrax.com/products/tr/

these ones are sweet. i have the largest size. the top flap has 3 big sections which could take a small bag'o' sockets - or plastic hard container of miscellanious screws, et cetera.

not the least expensive on the web but very well made and a good company to do business with. i had mine in a week. some of my tools were larger than the dividers so i just took a razor blade & picked out the stitching in between.

[highlandercj-7]

My tool, spare parts, just in case, and necessities list got way outta control. It was such a PIA to keep track where everything was. So I ended up making a list of the stuff onboard and where it is in the Jeep. The locations are 4 ammo cans, a center console, under seats, glove box, on wheel wells, and on spare the tire carrier. Plus there are 6 different self conatined kits. This is the quick responce bag, A small Craftsman 10.00 duffle, most repairs can be handled with it alone:
QUICK RESPONSE TOOL BAG:
- FOLDING ALEN AND TORX WRENCH SETS
- STUBBY AND REG SCREWDRIVERS
- 6” VISE GRIPS
- SNAP RING PLIERS
- 6” DIKES
- RATCHING STUBBY SCREWDRIVER /W APXES
- 8” CRESSENT WRENCH
- 3/8” DR SHALLOW AND DEEP SOCKET SETS
- 3/8” DR RACHET
- 3/8” DR EXTENSIONS 3 – 6 (X2) – 8 – 10
- ¼” DR SOCKET SET METRIC AND STANDARD
- ¼” DR RACHET
- ½” TO 3/8” DR ADAPTER
- 3/8” TO ¼” ADAPTER
- MISC STANDARD WRENCHES (5/16”-1/2”-9/16”-5/8”-11/16”-3/4”)
- SLEDGE HAMMER
- 3/8” TAMPER PROOF TORX BIT SET 10-55
- Shop rags


I also carry a heavy maintence box, for drive train repairs, an electrical kit including a multimeter, a welding kit, and a tire maintence kit. The spare parts list is insane, axle shafts, drive shafts, ball joints, all engine electrical parts, steering assemblies, etc etc.

[11b4v]

Look at GJackson's pix again on pg 2.

That hand drill is the best idea Ive seen in a while.

I wont rest until I get one!

[Karma]

HI All,
I carry a medium sized resin portable tool box I got at Home Depot. It's the kind that has a removable top tray. It is carried in my Tuffy Trunk where the rear seats in my Jeep YJ used to reside. In it I carry a wide variety of tools all the way from small files to a torque wrench. My wrench sets are in tool rolls. If you own a Jeep you know what Torx bolts are and I carry a full set of Torx bits. My sockets, 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 inch drives, are stored in their cases. To save on space and weight, I have a nice selection of socket drive adapters. The tool box is heavy but I can still move it around.

Because my Jeep uses both SAE and metric fasteners, I'm forced to carry both types of sockets and wrenches. All this and more fits in the tool box. What I lack is a nice selection of bolts, nuts and washers. Since it is impossible to predict what will be actually needed, and it is equally impossible to carry every size, a good selection of fasteners is hard to come up with. Yet, I must try to do that.

I do not like the plastic containers I have seen in this thread. Too fragile. I think a small steel tool box with lots of compartments would be ideal and I do have the space for storage. Perhaps a tackle box would do. I'm on the search right now.

Looking at the various posts in this thread, I feel most folks do not not carry enough tools. Perhaps I am overly pessimistic. Or maybe you all are overly optimistic. But remember Murphy's Law. If something can break, it will. Especially if you frequent the tough trails as I do.

Sparky

[ntsqd]

Look at GJackson's pix again on pg 2.

That hand drill is the best idea Ive seen in a while.

I wont rest until I get one!
Look in your grandfather's garage or tool box. That is where mine came from. Back in the days when I could not afford an electric drill I used mine regularly on projects. They are a test of your determination to put a hole "there."

[gjackson]

Look at GJackson's pix again on pg 2.

That hand drill is the best idea Ive seen in a while.

I wont rest until I get one!

That one was my grandfather's. In good condition they can be hard to find, but well worth it when you do.

cheers

[postalWagon]

I have not seen a flash light/torch listed in most tool kits. i have one just for repairs, thats all it gets used for.
just my .02

[Weasel Mender]

Harbor Freight now has "color coded" sockets and racheting combo wrenches, medium quality , not Snap-On not $1.99 bargin table. Both metric and SAE. $7.99-16.99 per set for sockets $27.99 for wrenches, now it will be much easier to tell my helpers (the grandkids) "give me a green socket", or "give me a blue wrench" .:Wow1: