Just tooling along...

Every Day Carry Tools...I have always been one to carry tools with me, expecting Ole Murphy to show at the least opportune time, and being a former Boy Scout always wanting to be prepared. I wasn't a particularly good Boy Scout, but some stuff did stick with me, so I rate the experience as a plus. Anyway... As I aged, I started dropping the amount of tools I was willing to carry with me, partly due to kids needing room or driving a pickup with no tool box in back and little to no room in the cab, various reasons, but still not wanting to give up the security blanket of a good set of sockets and wrench.

Question is - What do you consider the bare minimum amount of tools to carry in our Tundras if we do not use a tool box in the bed of the truck? What tools do you believe are essential?

They are going to have to reside in the foot well in the back seat area, so there is a limitation on space. I just bought a cordless impact wrench and wonder how I can justify taking it with me when I also include the impact sockets and batteries.

I currently have two uninvited guests perched on my shoulders giving me all kinds of advice and I can't seem to make headway in this matter, so please by all means share your thoughts in this matter.

 

I keep:
-A scangauge 2 running. Not only shows me data for my own amusement but has been helpful in reading codes (only needed twice for that in 12 years)
-Bottle jack and block of wood (1ft 6x4) along with wheel chocks for tire changing duty. Also a small breaker bar, 3/4" socket and the spline drive for my lugs.
-Jumper cables
-A strip of metric sockets and wrench, ranging from 10mm to 19mm
-Pair of needle nose and vise grips
-Phillip's and flathead screwdriver

In my VW GTI I keep way more tools, mostly because has so many things that can break.

 

I keep a basic socket set, wrenches, cheap multimeter, booster cables, 12V compressor and plug kit, small tarp, some zip ties, and spare relays and fuses in my truck.

I also put my old serpentine belt behind the seat (and drew a routing diagram on the cardboard sleeve) when I replaced it, it was a free spare that would get me home. That practice saved me from bad day a few years ago with my Tacoma.

 

Luckily the tundra is the most reliable truck...but I still carry a lot tools and supplies just because I like tools and supplies.

 

A true minimalist! Or is it that all your other tools are with the VW?

 

Its either all of my tools or none of them.
The jack typically stay in the truck, sort of.

I'm ocd when it comes to rattles. The thought of 2 wrenches lightly vibrating against each other at a red light is will have me pulling over asap and wrapping them up in napkins.

I don't even want to talk about interior panels...

 

I've got
generic BT code reader
GB40 jump box
Viair 88p
Safety Seal Plug Kit

Anything beyond a flat I'm not dicking around on the side of the road. So far I'm averaging a tow every 10 years, both times it was a fuel pump.

 

Not talking Jeeps, they are another animal entirely, what with the mandatory hi-lift jack, the high-end CO2 tanks to run the pneumatic tools and air the tires, winches and block pulleys, synthetic rope, ascot, Meerschaum pipe, and bunny slippers. I used to have a Jeep, or rather it had me. Burned out on the Jeeps. And Bendix and Weber carburetors. And Mr. Nutter. But it's a long story for another board...

I'm talking a civilized ride, with a civilized need bordering on boredom; the easy rides before my sun sets. Trying to stay on top of things, while living far from the beaten path and outside of cellular range much too often to solely rely on it. As a young man I could do the twenty mile hike that may be necessary, but at my age and health, a half mile is too much. Which means I have to be prepared to do triage on my rig wherever it's needed and knowing I am no MacGyver - I'll need tools.

 

The biggest issue for my acces cab is space. I've got tools stuffed in the rear door pockets but I'll eventually get a swing case or just stick a 50 cal ammo can back there. I know to go Harbor Freight and get some cheap tools for the truck that I'm missing.

 

I like keeping my truck as light as possible which means I do not carry many tools except for:

1) A pocket multitool mainly used as needle nose pliers to pick my nose hairs.

2) A recovery strap for pulling others out of being stuck. (Never used on me).

3) 4 small blocks of 1x wood for the OEM jack as a solid base plus acts as an extension to make up for slightly bigger tire height. (Never had a full blow out).

4) Husky multi use tire iron (highly recco!) It breaks down into two pieces and has 4 different socket sizes for helping others. Lots of leverage compared to the factory one. Finely engineered.

5) Plug kit for tires.

Knocking on wood here, but my truck has never let me down. Only had to limp home once on a bad coil (my fault for letting maintenance slip). Multiple nail punctures over the years fixed on the spot with the nose hair puller and some rubber plugs.

 

Leatherman
Tire plug kit
Beer

 

Is a Tarp a tool? It's in my tool box. Collapsible hand truck, (I do IT work, some of those UPSs can be heavy as hell) golf shoes (haven't played in years), think my cordless drill is down in there somewheres. Various pry bars because you just never know. Couple of those mesh cargo net tie down things for snatchin groceries that don't fit up front. I got a tool bag up front with all sorts of screwdrivers and mini socket set and various things to help me break stuff. Found a bottle of cheap brandy in there, not sure where that came from.
Now y'all got me wondering, I'll have to look in there today.

 

9mm or our favorite tool, the 10mm.

 

Unfortunately it is the reality in Atlanta.

 

I carry almost no tools on a regular basis. I'm like @Twinky in that rattles from anything set off my inner Hulk rage. I carry a Stanley tool kit and a loaded recovery bag on backcountry trips, but day to day not much.

- Jumper cables
- Breaker bar with socket and extension for lug nuts
- Bottle jack
- Leather gloves
- Multi-tool
- Bluetooth OBD II reader
- Flashlight

Need to add:

- Wood blocks
- Multi-bit screwdriver
- Small metric socket set

In winter I add a tow strap and a couple shackles.

Anything more than a dead battery or flat tire, I'm not likely to fix much on the side of the road anyways. I've only had one flat in my life. In town, I'll throw the spare on and deal with fixing the flat later. In the bush, I'll repair the puncture if possilbe so then I'll need a repair kit and compressor.

I've never needed a tow even despite owning a Ford at one point, everything has been able to limp home. Hell, my 1994 Toyota pickup got me off the mountain and around town for a month with a broken axle and cracked hub.

 

The GTI has had 2 bags in it for years. One with every kind of socket known to man, including allens, triple squares, torx, and tamper proof torx. The other bag holds wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, picks, those special pliers for band clamps, and miscellaneous parts and clamps. Plus a skateboard to get home if needed.

In its defense, haven't needed any of those tools on the road side in about 18 months. I've almost fixed every neglected or improperly done work from the prior owners and it's become a reliable car. God I know I'll regret typing that now.

 

In all honesty you never know where you'll break down. Some tools are just handy to have no matter where that is.


Op- I carry as many tools as I possibly can because I venture into the desert where phone reception is poor. I use a couple large ammo cans for hand tools and some food stuff, a shovel, medical supplies (everything from asperin and benedryl to an ibd and a tourniquet) can of fuel, and an aquatainer of water. If I can't change a tire, start a fire, feed my kid, hydrate myself and others, or fix a booboo (or make one), without calling for help, I feel naked.

Amateur tip from someone who's been broken down in the desert a couple times. Vienna sausages keep a long time and are easy to store and kids will eat them cold if they are hungry. Nothing like a salty snack to boost morale in the hot desert after or during a stressful situation. Also given enough water and time you can pretty much get out of anywhere that isn't hostile or freezing.

 

I always travel with at least basic tools. Since there is not a good place for even a small toolbox in my double cab, I got a canvas tool roll and keep it in the under rear seat storage box (and no rattles with the tool roll). If going on a long trip or towing etc, I bring a tool box with a bigger selection of tools.

 

Question as to which socket set would be most valuable? I tend to believe the 1/2" impact sockets would be best, being able to handle any big mishap (and allow for me to carry my impact wrench). A roll-up set of ratcheting wrenches, large vice grip, large channel lock pliers, assortment of bits and 1/4" impact driver, jumper cables, bottle jack, pry bar and very large adjustable Crescent wrench. Need to purchase a tow strap.

So what should be stricken from the list, and what should be added?

 

Metal ammo can with socket set, 11 in 1 screwdriver, tow strap. Jumper cables in the storage area. Long road trips I add my Rigid 1/2 impact and a battery pack / inflation tool. 40 S&W

edit.
long breaker bar along with a good socket set to change out flats.

 

I am a big fan of trying to keep your bases covered from 8mm-21mm or a bit more with 3/8 or 1/4 drive and wrenches and whatever it takes to change your tire with an extension and breaker bar. Everything bigger I would normally leave up to an adjustment wrench. On dedicated trips I would take my 1/2 drive set that goes bigger too. Make sure you have adapters from 1/4 up to 1/2 and back again or any combination. No power tools for me.

Screwdrivers as you see fit. Also pliers as you see fit.

A pry bar strong enough to get a fender out of a tire in case of a collision or a smaller pry bar and rely on your breaker bar or jack handle.

Wood in the form of 2x4 or similar to extend the reach of your jack, help with prying, give your jack something to sit on, or make a splint I guess.

A good strap for pulling someone or being pulled or possibly holding something together. Ratchet straps are also useful for many things.

Duct tape... Enough said there... Oh and some f#$in rope! And bailing wire.

A tire plug kit with fresh rubber cement (check that stuff every once in a while just in case). A way to inflate a tire is a plus but if you can find any filling station, house, or farm, then chances are you can find air.

A shovel and an axe or hatchet.

A spare belt. Replace your belt and zip tie your old one under the hood somewhere. You'll probably forget it's there unless you need it.

Fuses and fluids.

A flashlight and or lantern.

Some way to start a fire with something to eat and plenty to drink.

Emergency blankets and ponchos.

Medical supplies. Don't skimp and keep them somewhere close by that's obvious. An obvious medical bag strapped to your seat that's bright red or something could save your life. Think how do I stop bleeding, what do I do if someone is having an allergic reaction, what if someone is having chest pain, what if someone has really low blood sugar, etc.

A solar charger or power supply for your phone with appropriate cables.

Spare magazines... Because!

I'm sure I'm forgetting some stuff. I probably have more junk on my most times than I'll ever need. Oh well.

 

If anybody is looking for a great way to store tools then this HD box is awesome. I can't say enough good things about them. Tough, zero water and dust. I keep a lot of my HVAC equipment in them.

 

@KarmaKannon...An expedition worthy listing, for sure, forgetting only the Jerry can(s). Had I a tool box in the bed of my truck, I would have a list like yours.

@nvrgvup444...How did you know I was shopping for a serious tool box? Two days ago I decided to separate my tools, metrics here and SAE there. I put all my SAE into a tool bad and went to pick it up by the shoulder straps which immediately snapped and the bag just missing my foot as it fell. Two sets of impact sockets can play hell with those fabric bags, surprised now that they didn't just tear out the sides of the bag instead of the "reinforced" shoulder straps.

 

Ditto. I have two- they stack together and they have one that is half that height that can also stack on and lock together. Mine are stacked in the back (I have a Snugtop but they do fit behind the front seats). Very solid boxes, lots of space for recovery gear, air compressor, socket sets, adjustable pliers. Really solid boxes. Got 'em at Home Depot.

 

Cell phone and AAA card. With the exception of the BMW's which had their own tool kit in the trunk lid I think I pretty well gave up on any serious tools when I got rid of the last car with points in it. Considering some of what I drove in the past I've been fortunate to have not been broken down very often. None of my breakdowns were roadside repairable; two fuel pumps and a Chevy timing chain that fell in the oil pan.

 

A candle and matches for keeping warm during a winter breakdown.

 

If you buy a Safety Seal kit they don't use rubber cement so there's no need to keep buying new kits. They're more expensive but I've had the same kit for 5 years and it still works well.

https://www.safetyseal.com/safetysealoriginal.php