While I was checking my spare tire a few days ago, I was reminded that I never got around to replacing the emergency toolbox I took out of my truck. Somehow water got into it, probably from a carelessly spilled drink or slushy feet. Most of the tools were rusted beyond saving and the toolbox was horribly stained.
It probably wasn’t a very effective emergency toolbox anyway. When I put the first toolbox together, I was much younger and less experienced with vehicles and tools. I just threw in spare tools I had lying around that I thought might be useful to make roadside repairs
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Here are the contents of the previous box:
- Ball peen hammer
- Bit driver with multiple bit storage
- Vise Grips
- Strap Wrench
- Various sized combination wrenches
I stored all of these tools in a small plastic blow molded Craftsman toolbox — that obviously wasn’t waterproof — under my back seat.
Now you can obviously buy emergency tool kits at any auto parts store, but usually the quality of the tools are atrocious and everybody’s needs are going vary by quite a bit. So rather than purchase a kit, I’m going to put together a box with quality tools.
Drawing on my life experience and some careful thought, I came up with several factors that should go into preparing an emergency toolbox.
- What kinds of emergencies should I plan for?
- What are the likely things to go wrong with a specific vehicle?
- How far away is help going to be?
- What is the repair proficiency of the driver?
Unfortunately, many vehicle repairs require replacement parts, so that really limits the number of repairs you can perform on the side of the road. That doesn’t mean this is a futile exercise, there are still plenty of problems that can occur that are easily fixable given the right tools.
Here are some of the likely scenarios I’m thinking about for my 2001 Chevy Silverado:
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- Flat tires
- Fluid leak
- Fender bender
- Electrical problems
I’m focusing on roadside repairs and purposely leaving out personal emergency supplies and “getting stuck” scenarios, because those could be two other full posts in themselves.
So given those scenarios, I’m thinking of loading a new emergency tool kit with the following:
- Floodlight flashlight, LED of course
- Tire plugs
- Small compressor
- Gorilla tape
- Silicone tape
- Ball peen hammer
- Metric combo wrenches
- Pliers wrench
- Bit driver with bits
- Multi-meter
- Wire and connectors
- Complete set of replacement fuses.
It would be nice to find a small waterproof box that would fit under my back seat to fit all of these tools. Plus I’m thinking a nice touch would be to embed all the tools in Kaizen foam so they don’t rattle about.
So what roadside repairs would you prepare for?
What tools do you carry in your vehicle for roadside emergencies?
Stuart’s Note: A couple of feet of twine might be a good idea, or even better – a coil of paracord plus scissors or a utility knife. A multi-tool would be a good stand-in for a knife, and adds in pliers that might come in handy. Maybe some alcohol or cleaning wipes? Not even Gorilla tape can securely stick to really dirty surfaces.
The yeti
Towing strap in case we see a stuck ford . Gas can . Wheel wrench . Spare tire . Cold weather gear . Water . Booster cables . Used to Cary a tool bag . And should get back into that habit . Find the new dodges don’t break down much tho .
Bolt
Zip ties and some decent stainless steel wire. I’ve know a couple of guys who’ve had to hang their mufflers on with wire while on the road.
fred
Wire is good but I like to carry Stainless steel zip ties:
https://www.amazon.com/Strip-Stainless-Steel-Locking-Cable/dp/B004C3C22K
DanFromMass
A coil of cheap tie wire. Just as useful as a tie wrap, but you don’t have to worry about it melting from engine or exhaust heat.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008XKTYHO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_q8iPybGPVJBYJ
Benjamen
Why stainless steel? I’ve never had a problem with bailing wire or similar.
pete
stainless is a LOT stronger and if your first tools rusted a roll of regular wire will rust VERY fast. With stainless wire you’ll HAVE to have a pair of pliers because you aren’t twisting that tight at ALL unless you have pliers to do so.
Matt
Spare headlights and tail light. Easy to do road side, in most cases, and can really help out in a jam. Spare wiper blade is not a bad idea, either. I would replace the paracord with some steel wire/cable. In case you need to wire up a broken exhaust hanger, dragging 6 feet of exhaust pipe on asphalt gets loud real quick- and paracord may burn.
A small 1/4″ socket set. I got a small MOB set after your review, nice small plastic case that keeps the bits from banging around- I don’t like the noise. This will let you fix small dash/door/electrical stuff. Anything bigger generally does not get done roadside, anyway.
-Tire plugs- yes! just saved me the other day.
-Jumper cables
-Sliding t-handle with 1/2″ drive and socket to match your lugs. Lug wrenches that come with cars usually stink.
-Flashlight that you can clip/stick somewhere, so you can use hands to fix stuff.
-Tire pressure gauge.
I just put a new kit together for my car recently, so all this stuff is fresh in mind.
Matt
fm2176
I have a tool box on my truck, and keep it filled with all sorts of stuff:
Trolley jack (need a wood block to use for the truck, though)
Jack stands
Wheel chock
Jumper cables
Tire plugs
Tool bags containing various wrenches, sockets, ratchets, extensions, pliers, and other miscellany
48 oz. engineer hammer
32 oz. ball peen hammer
Nitrile gloves
Assorted hardware, wire terminals, fuses, etc.
Penetrating spray and various fluids
I’ve also made a habit of keeping truck-specific tools in the truck:
36mm impact socket for the front hubs
32mm wrench for front suspension components
GM battery terminal wrench
Inside the truck I keep a cordless impact wrench, impact sockets, and usually keep a cordless light and cordless/corded inflator along with a tiny corded inflator. Also, an OBD-II scanner and multi-meter, various knives, multi-tools, and spare bulbs.
All that said, I think a basic tool set should consist of a couple of adjustable wrenches, a handful of commonly used sizes of wrenches, locking pliers, Channellocks, 32-oz. hammer, some universal sockets (for the sake of saving space), ratchets, tape, and a multi-tool.
My 2006 Sierra has 230k miles on it, and with parts stores readily available along most Interstate corridors, I like knowing that I should be able to handle anything that isn’t completely catastrophic myself, even if it means hitting state highways for a 30-minute detour or making an unplanned overnight stay somewhere.
fm2176
Forgot to include the tow chain, recovery strap, and lots of tie down straps. Also, for those that just check the pressure in your spare tire, remember to rotate it out every so often. I am in dire need of doing so, but plan to replace my spare when I buy new tires later this year. It’s the original spare–never used (thanks to plugs), but going on 12 years old. So, it’ll probably get me out of a jam, but it’s still seen 230k miles and eleven years under the bed…
Wayne Ruffner
Add a little can of WD40. For me, rather than one killer LED light, several pretty good LED lights. Powerpax with spare cells. A good tow strap (rather than those cheapies that don’t seem trustworthy) is a great idea. I like the suggestion to add some stainless wire, though insulated copper would be useful too.
During a hurricane response after Katrina, I learned the hard way to keep a non-green 3M scrubby to take off baked-on lovebug residue (the green one I used left swirlies in my windshield). Tire plug kit and pump (even a bike pump) would’ve been handy there too.
I keep a ratty Veto Pro kit in my vehicle that’s equipped with a good assortment of tools that I can use on my own stuff or, more usual, fix stuff when I’m at a friend’s house; it covers most of what I’d use on my vehicle – though I should add a wrench long enough to remove/replace the battery.
Tom
Self Fusing Silicon Tape – fuses on itself to cover wires or seal a pipe. Works from -85 F to 500 F
I love this stuff
https://www.amazon.com/Iron-Grip-SC110-Self-Fusing-Silicone/dp/B01ER0EDQU/
David C.
Thanks for the heads up on this. When I find out about stuff like this it almost always gets added to my Amazon cart for later.
Chris
Always carry a first aid kit! No more important tools than the ones to fix yourself.
Benjamen
Like I said in the post, I wanted to steer away from first aid supplies, because that could be a whole post in itself.
But yes I completely agree, I carry a first aid kit that I check every year or so (I probably need to do it now). I’ll replenish things like band-aids and alcohol wipes that I’ll use regularly and make sure other things are still in date.
Since I live in Minnesota, I make sure I have an extra hat, mittens, jacket, etc, along with a blanket. I also keep a change of clothes and a towel in my truck — it’s no fun sitting in wet clothes if you’ve been caught out in the rain.
Brandon
Here’s my list, leaving out any “we’ll be here for at least an hour” scenarios.
Small 3/8-drive socket set, multi-bit screwdriver, vise grips with wire cutter, scissors;
12-volt Air compressor, tire plug kit, and fix-a-flat;
Jumper cables, terminal brush, electrical tape, spare fuses;
Stainless steel wire, a bag of zip ties, and a roll of duct tape;
Tow strap
Headlamp, so I don’t drop & break my phone while stranded
Crank-powered flashlight, in case headlamp batteries explode
All in a tool bag under the center console.
RX9
My view is to pack items for problems that happen with some frequency that involve 20 minutes or less to fix out on the road.
It also pays to think about what kind of mishaps you might have, that have nothing to do with vehicle function. Ever spilled anything in your car? Paper towels belong in every ride – especially if you have kids.
-Fuses
-Tow Strap
-Ratchet Straps
-Jumper Cables
-Jack, Spare tire and wrench for lug nuts
-Tire inflator (this may make fuses doubly necessary)
-1/4 socket set
-Vice grips
-Duct tape
-Roll of paper towels
-Bug Spray
-Sun Screen
-Spare Change/Currency
Nathan
so for me space is a bit of a premium. And I don’t want to carry the weight all the time either. (not that I personally shouldn’t go on a diet either).
But modern car there is little you can do on the side of the road. I mean OK you have a code scanner, Multi – meter, and complete tool kit to take apart the thing – but you just can’t get a replacement Cam sensor at the nearest _______ anyway – so you’re still grounded even after all that work in the rain on the side of the road.
So I keep a 1/4 drive socket set in metric (I know my car is all metric) and I do keep an extension and a bit driver and bits for torx, philips, (again I surveyed the car and know already that’s what it can use). I have tire goo and a compressor in the back as my car doesn’t have a spare. (another modernism). i’m on the fence about tire plugs as I think about it but never keep any. TO that end I don’t keep a tire wrench or anything of the sort – won’t do me a lick of good anyway.
I do keep a full set of fuses – but again I only keep the mini style as that’s what both my cars use.
jumper cables of size don’t waste your time with thin small gage jobs.
Needle nose pliers (actually for the fuses)
I do keep a larger flat head – never know
I do keep a larger crescent wrench of the 8 inch variety – again never know.
I always keep my cell phone on me with a charger widget in the car and one of those nify second batteries. Now with the age of smart phones it’s not only about calling for help (AAA or whomever) it’s also about looking up references is needed. I consider today’s smartphone as much a tool as any other product – OH and if you wanted to and have the bits – it can be your code scanner. Check out BT ODB devices I have the ODB MX device because it scans the most.
And finally I do keep a flashlight that I replace the batteries in once a year
a red flasher – just in case
those folding triangle things
a hi vis vest
and a leatherman wave tool
.40 cal FNX with night sights and 46 rounds (3 full mags with one in the chamber)
In the car at all times.
TL:DR version – survey your car for what it needs/can use – limit down your kit if you want to – might as well – carry some safety equipment for YOU – have a light – and in this day and age keep your phone available for use. Finally know your surroundings.
Nathan
OH hell good point – I keep 2 trash bags (the 13 gallon home variety) and a roll of paper towels in the trunk also. good point.
Matt
Focusing on roadside repairs only, your list from me is small. Sure I would have all the extras like tow straps and such but those aren’t repair related. Given your truck is a gmt-800, I wouldn’t worry about much. I would spray some fluid film on the backside of the rockers and rear wheel wells to help prevent rust though. Your doors are double sided galvanized so they’re fine. I assume it has the 5.3 or maybe even 4.8 being it’s an 01. Possibly the 4.3 v6. Either way, typically you won’t have to worry about leaks. Those motors and even the 4l60e’s that you probably have stay pretty darn tight and dry. The one place you get leaks on those is where the transmission lines go into the radiator. Those fittings tend to need replacement around 60k miles. I’d put it on the maintenance list if they haven’t been done.
Electrical is bulbs and fuses. I’d always carry spares of those. The only real electrical issue with those models is the gauge cluster and that has to be replaced as a whole unit or fixed with new stepper motors. Not a roadside repair so.. Make sure to have the torx bits to change out bulbs and your standard flat head and phillips head screwdrivers. I always carry some heavy duty tape of any brand, a bottle of loctite ultra gel glue and some wd40. It’s just habit. Toss in a can of fix a flat, jumper cables and a quart of oil too. Sometimes those earlier motors tend to use it. All in all, you have a very reliable truck there. And those were good looking models IMO as well!! Good luck!
Jim P.
My truck is pretty well stocked because I work out of it but here are the tools I have used to get myself back on the road (more than once unfortunately)
1/2″ Breaker bar
Metric Sockets
Vise-grips
Channel locks
WD-40
Duct Tape
Adjustable wrenches
Metric combo wrenches
3/8″ drive ratchet and socket set
Screwdrivers (assorted and multi head)
Hammer
Bucket (for fluids or makeshift ladder)
Jumper cables
Flashlight and head lamp
Spare bulbs for truck and trailer
Spare fuses
Tire plug kit
Fix-a-flat
Road triangles and fire extinguisher (DOT Compliant)
Zip-ties
And I have even used rebar tie-wire to re-clamp a hose!
So pretty much, just buy a saddle box and load it up. 🙂
JC
A funnel is a handy tool to keep around for such occasions
Don
Havent seen a power inverter, electric inflater and extension cord on anybodys list. If you pull a camper behind your truck it is very useful when fixing that inevitable blowout on the camper and find the camper spare needs air.
Even if the camper spare doesnt immediately need air you dont always get a choice of where to pull over to fix the blowout. I have had issues where after getting the blown tire off, I couldnt jack the camper high enough to get a fully inflated spare on. Then you have to deflate it , put it back on and reinflate it.
James B
Besides most of things already mentioned, I keep a section of stainless pipe that can work to break lug-nuts, or pry a smashed fender off a tire.
A spare serpentine belt, something that can cut a hose, and some barbed plastic hose connectors that fit your hoses are all good.
I’ve broken down hundreds of miles from home, and got back on the road twice with hose clamps and duct tape.
BikerDad
Pliers-pliers : when it’s time to be wiggling hoses off, you want something that can grab.
Fuse puller: Sure, you can use something else, but if you’re anything like me, it’s an exercise in frustration.
Correctly sized sockets for your wheels.
Superglue.
Prybar. Often, prying is better than whacking on something to move it.
Extra headlight, brakelight, AND signal bulbs. Usually one of each is all that’s needed.
Grady
A roll of toilet paper .
And blanket .
A cooling towel.
ToolMac
A hammer, duct tape, wd-40 and a coat hanger. Lol
Seriously, you all have covered most everything and then some, except I keep an old blanket to use however needed, warmth if stranded, or more often, to provide a clean surface to crawl underneath vehicles.
I’m a KISS devotee, and don’t have much in the cars. Truck has a good bit more, but it’s a truck and is in different environments.
LOVE the self fusing ilicone tape – have used it a number of times and has never failed to deliver.
Mike47
Small cheap plastic tarp like HF sells. Sure helps if you have to check something under the rig. Big trash bags are a fair substitute . Assorted small screw-clamps. The long ones may work fine for big stuff, but not so well for little hoses. Make sure you know if your rig uses SAE or metric fasteners (or both). Tool-up accordingly. Spare serpentine belt. These can be field-installed in many cases. Lose one and you lose all power to steering and brake. This gets exciting on the freeway… been there, done that. Extra coolant. Get the 50-50 premix or make you own. A plastic water bottle makes a great funnel, just cut the thing in half. Check you-tube videos for fixing your specific vehicle. Some cars/trucks have things that are known to fail a lot, so carry spares of the ones that you can install or a gas station mechanic can install for you.
Steve
Don’t think I saw a fan belt on there…but various hoses, fuel lines, and a way to clamp them will be enough to help you limp home. Otherwise, the emergency kit will be way more important than the tools because there are just some things you can’t/shouldn’t fix on the roadside. Cellphone battery boosters, cash, etc. are going to be more useful than any socket set.
Above all, prev maintenance! Getting under the hood on a regular basis and knowing your vehicle goes a loooong way to determining where your failure prone/aged parts are. It’s amazing how many people never lift the hood until something goes wrong. Changing your own oil is a great way to get in there every few months and check for leaks, squeaks, etc.
Chris
AAA card. That’s all I carry.
Tony
I’ve definitely been put to shame after reading these lists. All I carry is jumper cables and electrical tape. But I’ve read some really good ideas here. Thanks.
JAYoung
I recently went through my road tools and repurposed most of them, including the box wrenches and socket set.
Based on several decades of actual “emergency” use, I kept the jumper cables, the tow rope, duct tape, coat hangers (and a linesman’s pliers to cut them), an adjustable wrench and four-way screwdriver, nylon tie-down rope, flashlight (fresh batteries removed,) LED light that clips to a ball cap brim, a pint each of engine oil, ATF and power steering fluid, gas-tank repair epoxy, various hose clamps, a roll of paper towels and hand cleaner.
The tools I keep in an air-and water-tight 7.62 mm ammo box and the rest in a plastic dish tub.
The only thing I’m looking to add is a 12-volt compresser that clips on to the battery terminals so it won’t blow fuses like the cigarette plug models do.
Christopher
As much as we are all capable of rebuilding an engine with nothing but a pair of pliers and rubber bands, the smart thing is to call for a tow and NOT work on the side of the road.
Just call the Road Service number included with your Vehicle, Insurance, Credit Card, or even your AAA card. The side of the road is one of the most dangerous places you can find yourself. Be smart, and demonstrate for your family the responsible choice.
Tony
In a perfect world, I would say yes. But if you’re traveling in a rural area and can’t get a cell phone signal, who would you call? Ever been out to the bayous in Louisiana?
Benjamen
Sure roadside assistance MIGHT be fine if you are in the city, but when we travel we are in between cities in the middle of nowhere. Having waited several hours for assistance and had friends tell me of even longer waits, what is it going to hurt trying to fix it yourself as long as you are in a safe area to do so?
And like Tony said, there are still some places where it is a long, long walk to somewhere where you can call for help. Having traveled the north shore of Lake Superior and across Nebraska and Colorado, there are surprisingly many gaps in cell coverage.
I said road side assistance might be fine above, be sure check out your roadside assistance package before you get stuck. It might not be as great as they advertised especially if you are far from home.
firefly
One of the last time we call road service, it took over an hour until we finally got confirmation that none were available. We were only about an hour and half away from a major town (Somewhere between Dallas and Austin) just right off I-35. We ended up calling the local police then waited for another hour or so until one nice policemen finally showed up to give us a jump.
Another time some road service guy showed up to change my spare tire and I pretty much have to tell him what to do. Still much better than me having to do it on the side of the road with a dinky jack.
Vaughn M.
Buy a FORD and you won’t need a tool box or be stuck onside the road.
Jim P.
Because it won’t ever leave the shop! ? I know from personal experience.
Bob G
Found on Road Dead.
Don’t worry about fixing!
PhilnTX
Don’t forget waterless hand cleaner and a roll of blue shop towels. Great lists, everyone!
John
I really hope you’re not talking about these “blow molded tool boxes” from craftsman:
Craftsman 17″ Compact Truck Box:
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-17inch-compact-truck-box/p-00965117000P?plpSellerId=Sears&prdNo=20&blockNo=20&blockType=G20
Craftsman 22″ Standard Truck Box
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-22inch-standard-truck-box/p-00965119000P?plpSellerId=Sears&prdNo=6&blockNo=6&blockType=G6
That you said failed on you. I realize these are not completely waterproof but if you own a pickup truck, these two box sizes are *perfect*. They fit under the back bench seat (if you have a King/Crew cab) and in that little welll space behind the back flip up bench inside the truck. They are a steal at $8 and $10 a piece and I swear I have close to 6 of them stuck in spaces in my truck for specific needs including an “emergency kit” as you mentioned. They are really strangely bigger than you realize. I’ve managed to fit a full 3/8th socket set, gloves, two fixed length screw drivers, a bit holder, bit set, lug nut socket (quality one that fits the truck), slip joint wrench, and collapsible cheater bar. If you’re worried about rust, wrap it up in a couple gallon zip lock bags stick a desecant packet in there and you’re good to go for years unopened.
Among other “emergency tools” i suggest is a quality thick gauge jumper cable set. The cheapies you get in these pre-packed kits are too thing a gauge and not appropriate if its freezing or cold outside. Don’t skimp out on jumper cables and get a length at least as long as your vehicle. Moore’s law will be that when you need a jump you wont be able to get to the front of the vehicle or your cables will be too short.
Every truck should have a tow strap / tow rope, that should be standard with the jack. Everyone in Colorado has one and its not necessarily about you getting stuck, its about helping others who do get stuck. Along with self I also keep a small compressor (aligator clamps not cigarette lighter adapter) and of course a high powered flashlight. I also keep a Clore Automotive Jump-N-Carry JNC660 which has bailed me (and a whole bunch of other stranded people I’ve come accross on the road) out so many times and also has a cigarette lighter power outlet built in which is super convenient.
Something else that everyone forgets until they’re in the situation is cleaning up when you’re done. After you’ve sweated your butt off changing a tire and wrapping up, you’re covered in filth, break dust, grease, and oil and you’re going to have to drive home that way and destroy your seats, clothes, stearing wheel, face, etc. I keep a box of “Grease Monkey Degreaser Wipes” in my glove box. They’re orange citrus degreaser and will clean you up at least passible to make it to a gas station / rest stop where you can clean up more throughly in the bathroom.
Benjamen
I’m not sure if it was the exact same box as the 17″ that you posted, because I purchased it in the 90s, but it was very similar.
Jumper cables, forgot to mention them. I have a low gauge (6 or 8 I forgot) jumper cable set in a bucket boss jumper cable bag. I didn’t even think about that, because they are stored separately.
I carry a tow strap and various tie downs and rope too. When I’m going off the beaten path I’ll carry a come-a-long. I’ve been thinking of a hi-lift jack too. In high school, a friend and I used to go off roading in his truck and a high lift jack really comes in handy.
Tim
Shotgun.
William
I live in New York City and have AAA, if I lived out in the backcountry somewhere especially somewhere that gets very cold I would outfit my car differently.
My car is pretty new, has a full sized spare tire, and my car monitors the air pressure, no need for much in the way of tire gear, I don’t realistically see myself getting stuck and performing any repairs to the car on the side of the road as 99% of the time I’m within a few miles of a service center.
That being said, I keep Jumper Cables and a Small Inflator, and 2 pairs of Heavy Work gloves.
Also, a Multitool and some general gear for safety use and to help out in an accident.
First Aid Kit, Medium prybar (opening doors and breaking glass), Space Blanket, duct tape and Para Cord (you never know),
I do keep a few other odd and ends, but it’s mainly because I’m a bit paranoid
Bruce
Step 1: Look at the tools you use for maintenance. If you’ve never done it before, you probably aren’t going to be effective at it at 0 dark 30 in the rain. This is your starting point. If you don’t do your own maintenance, you should probably just bring a cell phone and some cards for playing solitaire. It’ll be cheaper in the long run.
Step 2: Some basic repair supplies, a coil of wire, wire connectors, some fuses, tie wire, zip ties, a nice selection of tape, spare fan belt, ATF, and oil.
My personal tools include: Multi-meter, wire strippers, crimp tool, plies, socket wrench, sockets of the most common fasteners, universal round off wrench, Klein 11 in 1, Channel Locks.
Chris Fyfe
Klein 11 in 1 , and stubby multi drivers . Knipex Plier wrench , and Knipex Cobra . Utility knife , and spare blades , black iron bailing wire , worm gear clamps ( can repair holes in mufflers , with aid of an old tin can .
By no means comprehensive , just off the top on my head .
Best Regards ,
Chris
Wayne
I don’t carry much. Even though I do all my own maintenance and am capable I don’t see the point. I’d rather call roadside and have them tow it back to my garage to work on than try to fix something on the side of the road. I did recently replace the spare under the bed on my 2001 F150 as someone else mentioned. The old one was 16 years old and dry rotted badly. If its not a flat tire or a battery jump I’m getting it towed home by roadside. Only costs me an extra $3 a month on my insurance to have it available and if I need it I’m going to use it.
Mike K
Love this post. In addition to what most people carry, I have a small hand held CB radio that plugs into the lighter along with a magnetic mount antenna. I have heard a Hamm radio might be better, but I do not have a license or training on how to use one.
Rod Takata
JB Weld for sure! Sealed a leaking gas tank in the middle of nowhere.
JAYoung
Glad you mentioned that.
I use a ribbon of binary epoxy designed for gas tank puncture wounds.
Jeff
More for emergencies than simply tools but:
Fire Extinguisher
Tow Rope
Conventional Rope
I’m not an aspiring good samaritan, but I’ve always just dreaded needing those things one day and not having them available to help someone.
Nathan
No that I read this I almost wonder if we should have put down what vehicle we keep this for or in.
IE it sounds like some of you drive some old unreliable cars. or don’t do PM – maybe I’m reading too much into it. My list is for road trip in my 09 Pontiac G8 GT (lightly modified). I know I get funny looks for my PM system when I tell people what I do to it before it dies on me. But maybe that’s part of the tradeoff.
Just curious.
(example when I replaced the coolant at year 8 for the second time I replaced all the hoses even though they were still “good”. I replaced my brake hoses a few years ago – I replace the belts every 3 years even though they are “good” etc etc)
SiSiX
Four things that are ALWAYS in my truck (though not always in a “specific” tool box) and are surprisingly useful until you don’t have them are:
1) Welder’s hat/old ball hat/dew rag/bandana
2) “Engineer Gloves” Here’s an example at Harbor Freight http://www.harborfreight.com/cotton-and-leather-gloves-41977.html
3) Pair of leather Welding Gloves
4) An old, button up, cotton/denim work shirt
Sure, we’re all “Manly Men” or “Tough Women”, but the first time you crawl under a car/truck in the gravel/scrub/dirt/mud and bump the back of your bare arm against a hot exhaust pipe because there is no room while doing whatever it is you’re doing, you’ll wish you had the shirt instead of your t-shirt/dress shirt on. Also, you can take it off when you’re done under the vehicle and throw it back in the box without getting that seat dirty.
The “engineer” style gloves are handy for just about anything and nearly indestructible, and, as a bonus, cheap. Plus, if you ever have to grab something hot, these hold up a lot better than the synthetic work gloves many of us use now.
My father was a welder. I’ve always had heavy leather welding gloves in my vehicles. They work wonders for reaching into places you don’t want to put your hands, picking up sharp pointy hot things, and putting your knees on when you change a tire wearing a pair of $150 dress pants. They’re not expensive, hold up to anything, take up little space, and are nearly indestructible.
Finally, something to put on your head. Because really, even if you don’t have hair, who likes to get their head dirty and fight the bugs working under/in a vehicle? Also beats resting your bare head on the ground.
Otherwise, the basics: Flashlights (LED, bright), 1/4″ mini socket set, 1/2″ universal (Metric & SAE, 8mm-26mm) socket set with extensions and ratchet, Metric and SAE open end/box end wrench set, 24″ breaker bar, vise grips, one BIG flat head screwdriver, regular screwdrivers, bit set, knife, tape measure, duct/electrical tape, zip ties, hose clamps (you WILL NEED HOSE CLAMPS if you don’t have any!), ball peen hammer, steel chisel (you’d be surprised), small floor jack (never trust a screw/bumper jack), jack stands, and a BLOCK OF WOOD 🙂 (you guys all block a wheel when it’s up don’t you?)
Talking to my mechanic once about this not very long ago, effectively on any car after maybe 2000 or so, if something happens to either the engine or the electrical/computer system, you’re probably not going to be able to repair it on the side of the road or in a parking lot if it’s going to take more than 5 minutes. Things like alternators or the like, CAN be replaced, but that assumes you can get the part. Even things like tie rod ends can be done on the road if you have to. (Measure the old and new and hope you catch it before it goes BOOM!) A lot of places will even BRING you the part if you aren’t too far away. So, cell phone is a must. A lot of times, it really comes down to the question of tow to some place or spend a lot of time and hassle (and possibly danger) trying to fix it where you are.
Goodnightjohnboy
The most important tool by far is an understanding of how parts work & know how to repair parts yourself in an emergency situation. Just about everything except the motor, transmission, & drivetrain can be repaired roadside as long as a parts store is around & with a basic understanding of how to evaluate the problem & have an idea on how to fix it. Haynes & Chilton manuals (which should stay in the vehicle at all times). Quick pump jack, stands, cables,fuses, wrench & sockets, headlamps & flashlights & batteries, meter, tire plugs, tow chain,etc. These are just a few of the things in my toolbox. Most emergency situations can be repaired roadside without having to tow it & pay a mechanic. All it takes is a little general understanding of how things work & the willingness to get your hands greasy.
firefly
The only vehicle specifics stuff that I carry with me are: fuse, compressor, heavy gauge jumper, breaker bar. Those few items have certainly saved my butt a few time. When I go on long trip I also carry tire chain, a portable power jumper. I have the Schumacher PSJ-3612. It’s huge, it’s heavy but it’s one of the few model out there that will reliably jump a V8. If I have spare bulbs I will keep them in the car but not a must have for me.
None vehicle specifics: paper towel, tp, large trash bag, zip tie, blanket, lighter, a few flash light, extra battery and chargers , mini knipex, leatherman wave. Saw and a multitool Axe (The trucker friend https://www.amazon.com/Truckers-Friend-Purpose-Survival-Tool-Made/dp/B005HAT9SM/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1487303711&sr=8-2&keywords=trucker+friend )
Usually for longer trip we also carry MRE that enough to last us a few days.
Jesse
I don’t carry a whole lot in my new truck, just a small socket and screwdriver set. My 99 Jeep Cherokee is another story. I have a full 1/2″ metric socket set (deep and standard) with socket wrench and breaker bar. I also have a full 1/4″ metric and imperial set in a blowmolded case. 3 pry bars, a ball pein hammer, an oil pressure sender socket and oxygen sensor socket, metric and imperial long pattern combo wrenches, full set of screwdrivers, cold chisel, and I am sure a bunch of other things. Full assortment of fluids, grease and penetrant. Blanket lined tarp, overalls, and a sweatshirt I don’t mind getting dirty. Bailing wire and zip ties, tow rope and jumper cables. I can fix just about anything in a parking lot as long asI can get a replacement part (which I usually can because I’m in the city). Most of my fixes have been in the driveway, but instead of going to the garage I’m grabbing out of my big box from the back. There had never been a situation where I was at home and my jeep wasn’t, so I see no harm in keeping commonly used tools in there. I have the space and they are always nearby.
Stud Monkey
I am sure everyone knows this is a must but i will mention it anyways.
A 750 ml jug of vodka or similar type of surviver fluid should always be included in any decent emergency kit.
Mike
Owners manual.
Repair Manual.
OBDII Reader.
Multi-bit screwdriver.
Adjustable wrench.
Small socket set
Wire stripper/cutter/crimper.
Multi-tool for the pliers and knives.
LED flashlight with lithium batteries (they last longer, and don’t leak – ruining your light like alkalines)
Duct tape.
WD-40.
Set of fuses with a puller.
Interior panel removal tool(s).
This should handle most minor repairs.
Bernie
I keep a decent amount of stuff in the tool box on my truck.
Vehicle specific items:
-Pair of jack stands
-4 way tire iron
-Stanley Battery jump pack with compressor
-Small floor jack and in the bed I keep a couple wood blocks in case I need more height on the jack
-Small tool bag that houses 8 ratchet straps(they were on sale) 2 tow straps and an array of bungee cords
-small items include a few spare bulbs and 1.5-2 quarts of motor oil.
-24″ folding bolt cutters
I have a 24″ Stanley box that houses the following:
-Folding shovel
-16 oz. claw hammer
-Hatchet
-Electrical Tape
-Ziptie assortment
-Small length of bailing wire
-Heavy duty suction cups(used when my window wouldn’t go up a few years ago)
and a tool roll that contains all my small hand tools.
-Standard and metric sockets
-6 in 1 screwdriver
-Vise Grips
-Pliers, sidecutting pliers, lineman pliers, and needle nose.
-Wire Stripper and voltage tester
-and a snap off utility knife
That is everything I drag around with me each day and I generally have everything that I need.
Anthony
Didn’t see panty hose anywhere – use to improvise a drive belt. You won’t go any where fast but if it keeps the alternator or water pump running you can at least get back to help. Stuffed a couple of pairs in with a basic hand tool set in a tool roll on a trip into some pretty remote parts of Iceland the other year.
John
Was on a trip with the wife and kids in Florida earlier this year. One of the rear window regulators failed leaving us with a window down and thunderstorms coming. Some duct tape and a Swiss Army knife was all we had and that was enough to pop the interior door panel off, force the window in the closed position and duct tape it into place until we got home. Would have liked some wire or some other better fix but it worked. Otherwise a spare, Jack, jumper cables and some gloves. Oh yeah. And a spare roll of toilet paper. Just saying!