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I'd like to put together a little tool kit that I can switch from car to car as I travel. While I've never been abandoned on the side of the road I'd like to put together something small that can easily be switched from car to car. I'm not interested in something that will let me change a U joint or pull an intake, just something to tighten what comes loose, plug what starts to leak or get into th trouble area. Here's my list;
3/8 metric socket set with about 5 sockets
1/4 inch socket set
6 inch extension for both
couple of screwdrivers
duct tape
electrical tape
16ga wire
plastic siphon tubing
2 vice grips
crescent wrench
small ball peon hammer
flashlight
Any thoughts?
I carry the blue bag with the socket set and the brown bag (8"x10") with all the other stuff in it. I transfer them to whichever vehicle I am driving at the time. I also carry a roll of duct tape and plastic wrap. The little brown bag is full of fuses and the silver spot on top is a valve stem cover that can be used to remove the valve stem core.
Car Tool Bag
Last edited by Black'95; Dec 8, 2015 at 06:34 PM.
Reason: improvement
One potential failure that can be encountered is a broken serp belt. It's easy enough to buy a spare belt and store it somewhere, but to replace that belt you will need a 1/2" drive breaker bar that's probably a good 18" long. The belt tensioner does take some effort to pull back so that a new belt can be installed.
And any other repairs you may wind up doing by yourself such as a replacement alternator or water pump is going to require removal of the serp belt.
Another good use for that breaker bar is for removing wheel lugs. It's a lot longer than the factory lug wrench so you will be able remove the lugs that are tightened to at least 90 ft-lbs. Just add a 6" extension and a 19mm or 3/4" socket. That can move from car to car but just make sure of the lug size to get the right socket.
It may be a good idea to carry a can of Fix-a-flat or similar stuff and a small 12V air compressor. A jumper pack may be a good idea too and some of them come with an internal air compressor. They also have a 12V power port that you can use to charge various devices.
One potential failure that can be encountered is a broken serp belt. It's easy enough to buy a spare belt and store it somewhere, but to replace that belt you will need a 1/2" drive breaker bar that's probably a good 18" long. The belt tensioner does take some effort to pull back so that a new belt can be installed.
For that exact reason, I made a folding tool that I keep under the seat:
it depends on how mechanical inclined you are and what kind of repairs you can do. I carry basic tools wrenches sockets screwdrivers ect. also fuses, tape, meter and a scan tool in some of my cars. most roadside repairs would be broke belt, tensioner, coolant leak.
I changed my alternator the other day, I just hooked a wrench onto the one I used to relieve the tension on the idler. It gives you a longer piece for more leverage. Just another option for you if you plan to add wrenches to the kit.
To this list I would add an inexpensive (and small) multi-meter, and the necessary tools for removing the side gill panel to replace the battery. And some spare fuses.
Live well,
SJW
Originally Posted by 73n95
I'd like to put together a little tool kit that I can switch from car to car as I travel. While I've never been abandoned on the side of the road I'd like to put together something small that can easily be switched from car to car. I'm not interested in something that will let me change a U joint or pull an intake, just something to tighten what comes loose, plug what starts to leak or get into th trouble area. Here's my list;
3/8 metric socket set with about 5 sockets
1/4 inch socket set
6 inch extension for both
couple of screwdrivers
duct tape
electrical tape
16ga wire
plastic siphon tubing
2 vice grips
crescent wrench
small ball peon hammer
flashlight
Any thoughts?
Tool Kit
