Tools you love, cant live without!

[MOAK]

Ratchet straps: More than any of the 50 or so tools that I drag around to fix anything that might go wrong, I’ve used ratchet straps more than anything. A lot more than once they’ve gotten me back to a place that I can get parts & do the repair properly. All three times.

 

[Old Tanker]

$5 hoof pick, purchased at a saddle and tack store. I use it regularly to get chunks of gravel out of the tread.

 

[John and Mandi]

I carry a Leatherman Rebar, it doesn't have a knife blade. I carry a separate knife and in areas that don't allow knives to be carried I can still carry the Leatherman. Zip ties are probably the most used item we carry but our 4 in one screwdriver gets a lot of use. We don't keep it in the tool bag but in the front console. The two things we will never go without (besides JB Weld) is crappy lip balm and a can of 3-in-one. We use the 3-in-one to keep all of our external padlocks in useable condition and the cheap lip balm is to lubricate our awning zipper.

 

[Dilldog]

I have two, Leatherman (current model is a Wave+) and small Knipex plyers, the really little guys. I use them probably more than I should, lol.

 

[gamble_90]

Folding spade! Never leave home without it....

 

[DintDobbs]

Three indispensable tools:

Ratchet straps, mini shovel, and recovery strap.

I've been known to carry a lot more on some outings, but those have been my best friends.

 

[Alaska hermit]

A leatherman or a Gerber multi tool in every vehicle I own. I too acquired quite a few of them while in the Army. ‍♂

 

[Grantnr]

A bit pricey but this has dug multiple rigs out, done landscaping around the house, modified trails, and split plenty of wood. We carried them in our trucks in the military and I got one in every rig I've owned. It's not a great and perfect tool for specific jobs, but the versatility pays off. Nothing worse than being on you knees with an e-tool, using a hatchet to clear trail, or carrying a bar to break rock. I will say it's worth the investment.

 

[ThundahBeagle]

I carry daily a Leatherman Skeletool. The ergonomics are cursed and no aspect is comfortable to use, but it has a knife, wire cutter, standard pliers, needle nose pliers, 4 screwdriver bits, and a bottle opener all in a small form that clips in your pocket. I've broken it 3 times and was sent a new one free, under warranty. I lost one by carelessly leaving it on a hood after using it. I tried a comparable tool from Gerber first, but bought a new Skeletool after a month or so. It's not a tool you want to use all day, but it does so much so conveniently, I can't imagine being without one.

The knife blade is only swung out to illustrate placement. It stays securely folded closed and has a seer lock when open. I bought the CX shown below so it would be easier to sharpen, but I miss the serrated section on the model I lost.

View attachment 239755

I've got about a dozen Leathermans. Some early ones, then many years later just kept trying to find that one with the perfect tool selection. If course, like a Greatest Hits album, theres always a tool you dont use and a tool you wish it had.

For me I carry the Rebar, with a Surge in the truck. Micra in the day pack

But the Skeletool has always peaked my interest, but I just never picked one up yet

 

[ThundahBeagle]

I have two, Leatherman (current model is a Wave+) and small Knipex plyers, the really little guys. I use them probably more than I should, lol.

Besides my Rebar on my belt, I have very old Bell Systems, New England-tipped linesman's plyers in a tool tote in back if my truck

 

[Mekcanix]

I have been carrying a surge on my belt for the last 10 years at least. I find it so useful, I have he full bit kit as well in the sheath (which I am on my fourth one, the webbing one holds up much better then the leather ones did, go figure)

 

[Shawn686]

For multi tools the Bibury ones are unbeatable for the price:

https://c.media-amazon.com/images/I/81dylAYRNiL._AC_SL1500_.jpg

They are leatherman clones from expired patents, use leatherman replaceable wire cutters, the bit driver uses non proprietary bits, and the file is standard jig saw t shank so you can use any t shank blade on it. You can not close the the t shank holder with a regular blade tho, the tool handle is not long enough to accommodate them, so you have to keep the file one in it or cut down a regular one.

They are amazing quality for the price, cheap enough to buy multiples to leave around and not spend $1000. I have them every where, truck, backpack, desk, work, home etc etc.

I love them

Shawn

 

[Sockettrousers]

Breakfast knives:



These are a french version of a German invention. They are sharp enough to cut dried ham or sausage, they are great for cheese and will spread butter. They work as a break knife. We even use them as steak knives. great in the van or on a picnic.

 

[circasurvive]

One of my go too tools in my kit is my hatchet from Man Made Co. Found them a year or so ago and can't find a bad word to say about this axe and being made in the USA always helps... MAN MADE Hand Crafted Camping Axes + Leather Goods Made In the USA

 

[grubworm]

I went with one tool that is small, lightweight, can fix everything and one that even the wife knows how to use...

 

[Outdoordog]

 

[ThundahBeagle]

I have been carrying a surge on my belt for the last 10 years at least. I find it so useful, I have he full bit kit as well in the sheath (which I am on my fourth one, the webbing one holds up much better then the leather ones did, go figure)

A Surge on your belt? Chiropractor much?

 

[Mekcanix]

A Surge on your belt? Chiropractor much?

yeah I am used to it. I carried SOGs for the 10 years before that with a buck locking blade, so technically the surge feels lighter, till I roll over on it trying to figure something out, then I question my life choices that in my mid to late fifties I still carry it ALL THE DAMN TIME! I actually feel uncomfortable with out it

 

[ThundahBeagle]

yeah I am used to it. I carried SOGs for the 10 years before that with a buck locking blade, so technically the surge feels lighter, till I roll over on it trying to figure something out, then I question my life choices that in my mid to late fifties I still carry it ALL THE DAMN TIME! I actually feel uncomfortable with out it

That's how I am with my Rebar, though. Got a nice thick US made tan sheath for it made here in Massachusetts by American Bench Craft. Was under Lady Beagle's SUV and my GMC Sierra last week changing oil. A roll to my right side reminded me that I wasn't getting out from under there without paying a little price. But I do feel a bit naked without it. Comes in handy all the time.

Before that I was carrying my PST2 on my belt. Significantly thinner but man did it bite the hand when squeezing down on those other handles

 

[lolzhax]

Knipex wrench pliers. The pliers version of a crescent wrench.
They feed my laziness by fitting every bolt size. Basically channel locks without destroying your bolt heads... They also work as a mini press, to press things together like roll pins or bearing casings. Way more useful than I could have imagined before owning them.

My latest discovery was that they are the BEST electrical crimping tool, better than any purpose made tool. They apply perfectly even pressure all the way across the surface to make a perfect crimp every time.




I also have the plastic jaw covers for gripping plastic, soft materials, or things with a painted surface.