The minimalist tool kit?

[ce4460]

Not everyone has the space necessary to carry a comprehensive tool kit, one that would cover you in most mechanical emergencies. What 5 tools would you consider most critical to have aboard, the minimalist tool kit (not counting those required to change a tire)? Please list specific tools and the mechanism in which they're carried.

 

[Daniel Etter]

1: ratchet sets: ratchet carried in a roll up soft pouch and sockets strung together on 550 cord and placed in pocket of soft pouch. Also bring extensions and breaker bar. I carry a 1/4 drive set and 1/2 drive set.
2: screwdrivers: flat and Philips head carried in soft pouch
3: adjustable wrench: carried in soft pouch
4: spare flashlight: carried in soft pouch
5: vehicle jack: stored in rear cargo door
This is just the bare I carry at all times. When I head into the wilderness I carry a more extensive list.

 

[4xFar Adventures]

1. A few wrenches or sockets that are common sizes specific to your vehicle
2. Vice Grips
3. Headlamp (not too bright as you only need to see a few feet)
4. Screwdrivers (flat & Phillips)
5. BFH

I have these (and many more) in my truck all the time, stored in a Pelican case.

 

[Gunnermoose]

I have these (and many more) in my truck all the time, stored in a Pelican case.

I also use a Pelican case as a storage and tool carrier. I can say Im pretty much a minimalist in overlanding, with the exception of first aid, tools and recovery equipment. This is the one area I will not scimp on. Most of the times it not for me. But I have learned that you will always need these three items when you do not carry them.

 

[mase001]

Good responses above. I'd add that gloves are often overlooked and man they can make your job much more fun. Some jobs are easier without, but I will ALWAYS carry gloves in my toolbox!

 

[Skyfixer]

Add a magnetic pickup (to reach that bolt that's falls down in the engine bay),and an inspection mirror, (to find the bolt in the engine bay, so you can use your pickup tool....

 

[RedSheep]

If we are talking about only 5 individual tools (not tool sets or multiples of varying sizes)

1) Big F'in Hammer
2) Vice grips
3) Adjustable wrench
4) Big screwdriver(small pry bar)
5) Strong sharp Knife or Leatherman

Wrap them in an old towel and shove under a seat
Seem this is about as minimalistic as you can get

 

[Kevigizmo]

Think the common theme is a big hammer!! :p

But yeah having a quick set of tools is handy to get you back on the road if you have a small issue

1) small hammer (to knock things back in place)
2) my spanner tool roll (7mm to 21mm)
3) Adjustable (small and large)
4) Socket Set
5) Breaker Bar

DUCKTAPE!!

I usually keep some other bits in a box in the back which is my day to day tools if im out doing work (screwdrivers ect)

 

[OuterLimits]

1- Socket set
2-Screwdrivers
3- VOM with spare wire, butt connectors, crimper.
4- Hammer
5- Repair manual

 

[ZuLander]

Good responses above. I'd add that gloves are often overlooked and man they can make your job much more fun. Some jobs are easier without, but I will ALWAYS carry gloves in my toolbox!

And disposable nitrile gloves too! Nothing like grabbing a steering wheel with greasy hands to make an apparently bad day worse!


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[ZuLander]

I wish I could get by with a minimalist tool kit. But when you drive a 22 year old rig, you go minimalist in other areas! [emoji23]


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[El Gigante Jake]

I have a toolkit that I keep on the harley when I take long trips. It's a "harbor freight special" with screwdrivers, a minimal socket setup, a few wrenches, vice grips and speed pliers. It also has tape, lots of zip ties and a flashlight. It's not a lot, but you can fix quite a few things with just a few tools and some ingenuity. Eventually I'll build out a true truck tool kit I guess, but as of right now it's a new truck and the tools are basic.

 

[ZuLander]

Ahh, the ingenuity. How's this one? I learned of this trick the DAY before I needed to use it!

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[El Loco Barbon]

1) Small socket set with a few extensions
2) Box end wrench set
3) 1/4 inch bit set with driver(I have a 150 piece set that covers screwdrivers, allen wrenches, torques, and everything else you'll need.
4) Small set of prybars
5) Pliers set
Along with all of that I always have a roll of wire, zip ties, tape (duct and electrical), and a few shop towels. I've been wrenching for almost 20 years now and have been able to be 99% of road side repairs with those few tools.

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[Zerobird]

How has nobody said duct tape yet. A code scanner also invaluable. (See above for the duct tape)

 

[Graeman]

Ronnie Dahl has a great video on what to bring along with you when going into the outback. Mostly, you need tools that fit your vehicle - SAE tools are worthless on a Toyota. Nowadays a code reader that can delete the check engine light is becoming a must have tool.

 

[Tim]

I can't decide if this should be five tools are five sets of tools? For everyday use I'd carry;

1. Wheel brace - actually is that meant under changing a tire? In which case I'd go for a hammer or an axe with a hammer head.
2. Double ended screwdriver - flat and crosshead
3. Adjustable spanner
4. Pliers
5. Test light for checking electrics

I'd certainly carry more that if I was travelling for any length of time and I'd certainly be backing that toolkit up with a few spares like bulbs and fuses even for everyday use.

 

[Tim]

I can't decide if this should be five tools are five sets of tools? For everyday use I'd carry;

1. Wheel brace - actually is that meant under changing a tire? In which case I'd go for a hammer or an axe with a hammer head.
2. Double ended screwdriver - flat and crosshead
3. Adjustable spanner
4. Pliers
5. Test light for checking electrics

I'd certainly carry more that if I was travelling for any length of time and I'd certainly be backing that toolkit up with a few spares like bulbs and fuses even for everyday use.

I've been wondering about revising my list and adding my credit card to the top of it... it's certainly got me out of trouble a few times and not just scrapping the ice of the windscreen!


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[Kevigizmo]

I've been wondering about revising my list and adding my credit card to the top of it... it's certainly got me out of trouble a few times and not just scrapping the ice of the windscreen!


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Haha you went ahead and mentioned it then CC [emoji23]

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