Advocate III
I agree complete. I haven't had a real issue with quality on their hand tools. I have had a few issues with power tools
Vehicle Tools (Merged thread)
- Thread starter Wildland Outdoors
- Start date
Enthusiast III
Same, some of the CP impact guns could be better. the expensive CP one is identical to the cheaper matco one. Never had an issue with any of the big wrenches or adjustable wrenches that i have from there.
Advocate III
Never had any of the air tools have had a couple of their cordless tools. Most of them have been replaced with a more reliable brand. Their batteries dead in a short time. I have a angle grind that I haven't had an issues with. I guess that's where they save you the money is on the batteries.
Enthusiast III
For cordless, you can't beat Snap-On. But on the flip side, i'm not going to carry my $400 Snap-On cordless impact onto the trail with me. But with an on-board air compressor, air would be the way to go in my opinion. And for how often someone would actually have to use the tool, the harbor freight one just can't be beat. It's not like one would be thrashing on the tool every day.
Advocate III
I agree, with on board air. That's the way to go and your right about the harbor freight air tools. I would think as long as you kept them oiled good, they should handle it pretty well. And I definitely agree with you on the cordless snap on. Wouldn't been hauling those around. I run a craftsman cordless drive and impact.
Enthusiast III
My vehicle tool kit is a smorgasbord of Craftsman, harbor freight, Silver Eagle (cheap Matco), and Genius tools. Which reminds me, I need to build one for my Patriot... my current kit resides in my 2500.... -sigh- where's my wallet....
its nice to save $, however
That sounds good in theory until one breaks while under force & lets say your elbow goes slamming into the frame
I've had it happen helping a friend years back
sorry, but they cost more for a reason
Enthusiast III
Being a diesel mechanic, I am well aware of why the good stuff costs more. Id rather have a busted knuckle than break or lose an expensive tool
I carry a electric 3/8 snappy mini impact and a 1/2 electric Milwaukee with the needed impact sockets. Bring my matco or gear wrench ratcheting wrenches and few other things.
With what is spent in rigs and other gadgets I don't see why you would skimp out on tools? Don't get me wrong, I have some HB impact sockets the I have had for about 15 years. But the amount of slop/swing on the wrenches and sockets seems to make it worth spending a Lil more coin on getting a better set of tools. But getting a cheap set of tools is better the rolling with out any I suppose .
Honestly depending on what you drive and what you actually can fix for a trail repair and actually know what you doing your tool list shouldn't be very long .
With what is spent in rigs and other gadgets I don't see why you would skimp out on tools? Don't get me wrong, I have some HB impact sockets the I have had for about 15 years. But the amount of slop/swing on the wrenches and sockets seems to make it worth spending a Lil more coin on getting a better set of tools. But getting a cheap set of tools is better the rolling with out any I suppose .
Honestly depending on what you drive and what you actually can fix for a trail repair and actually know what you doing your tool list shouldn't be very long .
Advocate III
Influencer II
I have found that tools are a very subjective thing. People have different methodologies for choosing the tools they do. I picked what I felt was mid grade stuff that didn't break the bank, and it seems to be working fine for my limited use.
If budget is a concern and time is not you can usually get inexpensive mechanics tools at pawn shops. They might be mismatched and won't have a nifty case but it'll let you do a field repair. And that beats walking out any day.
Advocate III
I have an ACDelco 120-ish piece "mechanics" set that I've kept in my daily driver since '03. I've used it more on other peoples stuff than I have on mine. But that's taught me to always have it, as so many people don't own any tools, even at home. I also keep a 18" breaker bar for the stuck bits. its a molded plastic case, maybe 2"x20"x16"
Influencer II
I have a tool bag with two custom leather craft tool rolls. I used to carry a crescent tool set in a blow molded case but after the latches broke after 6 years of hard work. So I took all the tools and put them in the clc rolls and inside the tool bag. Works pretty well.
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Pathfinder III
I've been wanting to ditch my Crescent hard case for a while. I'm down to one latch. I love tool rolls but seam to get hung up when it comes to the sockets. I really hate having a socket set all jumbled up and disorganized.I have a tool bag with two custom leather craft tool rolls. I used to carry a crescent tool set in a blow molded case but after the latches broke after 6 years of hard work. So I took all the tools and put them in the clc rolls and inside the tool bag. Works pretty well.
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Any of the tool roll guys have any suggestions?
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I keep mine in a small bag I keep a LOT of tools in there to cover most general wrenching. The sockets are on Ernst twist lock rails that I cut down to the size of the socket sets I'm carrying. I have a long breaker bar that has a ratcheting function that I use for wheel lugs. I carry a few common sizes so I can lend a hand to people struggling on the side of the road.
Pathfinder III
Pathfinder I
All this organization makes me look at my junkyard tool bag and feel shame. I must up the spacial efficiency game. This will take some thought and time. I have many spare tool bags. However, I don't have any multi boxes that can be spared. I think another trip to harbor freight is in order.
Gearing up for an 11 day trip to the Victorian High Country (Australia). This kit is specific to my vehicle, camping gear and skill level.
This does not include emergency supplies, recovery kit, first aid or fire suppression.
Socket Set:
I consider a 3/8 socket set as intermediate in size. Weight is an issue for me so I leave my 1/4 and 1/2 sets at home.
Tool Roll:
The quietest way to travel with tools. I find the roll also looks after the tools.
Repair kit:
Also in the truck:
ARB tyre repair kit
LiOn Jumper battery
Compressor
Hi Lift Jack
This does not include emergency supplies, recovery kit, first aid or fire suppression.
Socket Set:
I consider a 3/8 socket set as intermediate in size. Weight is an issue for me so I leave my 1/4 and 1/2 sets at home.
- 7-22mm sockets and 3/8 ratchet wrench
- 1/4 driver and bit set
- adaptors and extensions including flexi-extension
- 1/2 250mm breaker bar
Tool Roll:
The quietest way to travel with tools. I find the roll also looks after the tools.
- Victorinox multitool
- Long and short cross and flat drivers (No.2)
- Topek mini driver set (not pictured. Bike tools make great lightweight Overlanding tools)
- Half round file
- 250mm Knipex Plier Wrench (awesome tool. Replaces channel locks and adjustable wrench)
- Box knife
- Inspection lamp
- Long long-nose pliers
- 8-22mm ratchet combination wrenches
- Combination pliers
- Vice-grips (2 sizes)
- Telescopic grabber
- Circuit tester
- Sissors
Repair kit:
- Sewing kit for clothing, gear and canvas
- Camping gear repair kit (patches, glue, pole repair etc)
- Silicon repair tape
- Electrical tape
- Cloth Tape (3m)
- UHB 3M Tape
- Bailing wire
- Epoxy Putty
- Fuses
- Cable ties
- Lighter
- Torch
- Spare Batteries
- Tarp clips
- Straps
- Paracord
- Tray of carabiners, ties, buckles
- JB Weld (Not pictured)
- WD40 and Break cleaner(Not pictured)
- Grease in a small sealed container (Not pictured)
- Hose clamps - assorted (Not pictured)
- Fuel filter (Not pictured)
- Assorted nuts, bolts and washers (Not pictured)
- AA/AAA/D spare batteries (Not pictured)
Also in the truck:
ARB tyre repair kit
LiOn Jumper battery
Compressor
Hi Lift Jack
Pathfinder I
This makes me wish you were available for pre flight inspection on my rig before I head off into the Sierras...
