Minimum Automotive Tools needed =?

[eugene]

Started with a wrench roll, so I can store a set of wrenches and wrap them up tightly without rattling. Then wait for a good sale (after Christmas or after Fathers day when they clear out the special sets made for those holidays).
Then I bought a tool roll and a couple small socket sets, 1/4 and 3/8" drive. I then bought the longest breaker bar I could find and a socket to fit the lug nuts.
A wrench set and 3/8" drive socket set will do mostly everything and its cheaper to buy a whole set than a few individual wrenches or sockets.
So when I crawl under to drain my oil, I check the starter bolts to make sure I have sockets to fit, same with the alternator when I'm on top.
I found my caliper bolts took a big torx, had to go buy that one. So i drove around to a couple automotive stores and gave them the year and model and asked them to bring out one of each caliper bolts their computer listed until I found ones that had a normal hex head and replaced them so I didn't need that special torx bit.
few other things in my picture that are not vehicle maintenance specific such as the GHb and FAK in the bottom right, one of the zipper binders is maps, the other is a vehicle repair manual.

Not really a bad idea changing those caliper pins out, GM locktite's the shit outta them. Cant even count how many bits I've snapped pullin apart rear calipers on chevys (mainly because I'm lazy and use an impact on em). Then again I buy snap-on so they get warrantied once a week.

Whats up with the toilet seat?

I even used an impact bit (craftsman) and its twisted a little.
Potty seat is so my 3 year old daughter could go safely in public restrooms, its nice having the camper on for long trips since we have our own potty. Actually had someone stop and ask if we were needed help when we were pulled off the side of the road to let her go.

[Hoppy]

whats your jack? a scissor jack?

dump it and get a long throw bottel jack
get a wheel choke or 2

get a spare spare, at minimum if not a complete spare tires/wheel set ontop of the spare

all common wrenches, Allen keys, sockets, ratchets, towball wrenches, recovery gear ( recovery shackles, straps and winches rated beyond the vehicles loaded weight)

all this is assuming 4wd. 2wd is MUCH much more

chow water heat and shelter are assumed
i have an MRE 2 liters of water 2 or 3 cans of food and chem heaters. an old wool blanket

[Dooms]

'Minimum' amount of automotive tools is really tough to say. It depends heavily on the vehicle itself, your level of experience, what kind of work you are willing to perform, and, basically, just how much crap you're willing to carry.

I mean, this is just my little toolbox in my SUV. It doesn't have any 3/4" or 1/2" drive stuff, recovery stuff, ect....it's just for the little stuff. Even still, it's a lot to carry. However, just about everything that's in there is there because I've needed it at one point or another and had to buy it (hence the variety in tool manufacturers).



Inside:











The most annoying thing about it is simply the wide variety of fasteners used in vehicles nowadays. Standard, metric, torx, security torx, e-torx, robertson, standard allen, metric allen, phillips, slotted, ect, ect. If they could pick one type of fastener and stick with it, well, it certainly would make things a hell of a lot easier (and mean having to carry a lot less tools).

[eugene]

That's where I lucked out, mine have always had a handful of torx but the rest metric. I'm slowly replacing all the torx as I find them, there are a couple that hold a bracket on the transmissoon that prevents the pan from coming down, I could not get them loose, ended up bending the bracket to change the fluid. Then the couple torx screws holding the tail lights.

[44Dave]

I see a couple hatchets here in the repair kits. What are you guys using the hatchets for?

[sicsiksix]

That's where I lucked out, mine have always had a handful of torx but the rest metric. I'm slowly replacing all the torx as I find them, there are a couple that hold a bracket on the transmissoon that prevents the pan from coming down, I could not get them loose, ended up bending the bracket to change the fluid. Then the couple torx screws holding the tail lights.

Sometimes those bracket bolts need a good thumping from a hammer while trying to turn 'em or some heat, honestly I have never pulled that bracket off to do transmission filter changes. I've always just bent it a tad, usually have to 'tweak' the shift linkage bracket as well. Just be careful not to bend the bracket too far or the exhaust hangers might rattle.

If you dont already, I would recommend a handful or various house clamps, a roll or 14ga wire, a bunch of assorted electrical connectors, portable air compressor (cant tell if you got one in that picture or not), tire plug kit, i noticed someone had fuel line disconnect tools those are so very handy, thats all i can think of right now. Maybe I'll take some pics of my car kit this afternoon.

[KJ4VOV]

I see a couple hatchets here in the repair kits. What are you guys using the hatchets for?

Comes in handy for hacking off the arm your vehicle just landed on because you didn't have jackstands and it slips off the scissors jack.

Seriously though, a small hatchet makes a good addition to any vehicle road kit for a lot of reasons, such as cutting a few pine branches to stick under the wheels if you're stuck in snow, etc.

[dukman]

I could have sworn there was already a thread like this somewhere.. Wal-Mart sells this socket called a Gator Grip for about $10. I would add it to your toolbox. I had a stubborn alternator bold that ended up rounding on me and I thought I was going to have to cut it off. As a last ditch effort I used the Gator Grip and was shocked it actually worked.

I didn't feel like reading the whole thing, Did anyone mention safety goggles? Basic tire plug kit?


About the torx bit thing, I wouldn't swap them out because where there is one, there is more. If you don't have the torx bit you will find another part where you need it. There is no getting around Murphy's Law.

*Ratchet can be any length, it just needs to be sturdy and a good brand. (I put a piece of pipe over the handle if I need torque).

Another trick is to use your sockets and an extension in lieu of the pipe.

[eugene]

That's where I lucked out, mine have always had a handful of torx but the rest metric. I'm slowly replacing all the torx as I find them, there are a couple that hold a bracket on the transmissoon that prevents the pan from coming down, I could not get them loose, ended up bending the bracket to change the fluid. Then the couple torx screws holding the tail lights.

Sometimes those bracket bolts need a good thumping from a hammer while trying to turn 'em or some heat, honestly I have never pulled that bracket off to do transmission filter changes. I've always just bent it a tad, usually have to 'tweak' the shift linkage bracket as well. Just be careful not to bend the bracket too far or the exhaust hangers might rattle.

If you dont already, I would recommend a handful or various house clamps, a roll or 14ga wire, a bunch of assorted electrical connectors, portable air compressor (cant tell if you got one in that picture or not), tire plug kit, i noticed someone had fuel line disconnect tools those are so very handy, thats all i can think of right now. Maybe I'll take some pics of my car kit this afternoon.

Those bolts are on top of the transmission, could barely get the ratchet and torx bit in there, can't fit a hammer. I'm hoping maybe I can pull the 4x4 lever out and get to them from the top. Pan clearance was real tight with it in place, I had to leave the gasket off so the pan could scrape into place then slide the gasket in. Took way too long.
I have a small air compressor and inthe small pockets of the tool roll are a set of fuel/ac/transmission cooler line tools

[sdg]

All depends on your car....

I haven't read the entire thread, but the above is spot on. I work in a repair shop and can tell you for a fact that cars require aaaallll kinds of different tools. Some cars are better than others but it's amazing (and incredibly aggravating at times) how many tools a lot of simple jobs require these days.

If you're focusing on working on your car only, I suggest taking notes on which tools you use and which you don't. This way you're not carrying a bunch of tools you're never going to use. I used to have a tool kit in my old Ranger that contained a relatively small amount of tools but I could do just about anything. Everything in it was carefully chosen and served a specific purpose. Even including a few special tools, it packed small and out of the way.

My daily driver is a 65 Falcon Wagon with a straight six and let me tell you, that car is a pleasure to work on. A truly minimal tool kit can do wonders on such a simple vehicle.

[eugene]

All depends on your car....

I haven't read the entire thread, but the above is spot on. I work in a repair shop and can tell you for a fact that cars require aaaallll kinds of different tools. Some cars are better than others but it's amazing (and incredibly aggravating at times) how many tools a lot of simple jobs require these days.

If you're focusing on working on your car only, I suggest taking notes on which tools you use and which you don't. This way you're not carrying a bunch of tools you're never going to use. I used to have a tool kit in my old Ranger that contained a relatively small amount of tools but I could do just about anything. Everything in it was carefully chosen and served a specific purpose. Even including a few special tools, it packed small and out of the way.

My daily driver is a 65 Falcon Wagon with a straight six and let me tell you, that car is a pleasure to work on. A truly minimal tool kit can do wonders on such a simple vehicle.

I only need a 13mm and 15mm wrench for example, haven't found a 14mm bolt, hovered having the 14 there to make an extended handle for one of the others or a pry bar or for helping someone else is worth the extra space.
I've helped a lot of people with their broken vehicles over the years, usually the ones that drive the imports they think are more reliable than my American one.

[eugene]

I could have sworn there was already a thread like this somewhere.. Wal-Mart sells this socket called a Gator Grip for about $10. I would add it to your toolbox. I had a stubborn alternator bold that ended up rounding on me and I thought I was going to have to cut it off. As a last ditch effort I used the Gator Grip and was shocked it actually worked.

I didn't feel like reading the whole thing, Did anyone mention safety goggles? Basic tire plug kit?


About the torx bit thing, I wouldn't swap them out because where there is one, there is more. If you don't have the torx bit you will find another part where you need it. There is no getting around Murphy's Law.

*Ratchet can be any length, it just needs to be sturdy and a good brand. (I put a piece of pipe over the handle if I need torque).

Another trick is to use your sockets and an extension in lieu of the pipe.

There are two more torx on top of the transmission that I can't get out but I searched for any more. Brakes, differential cover, transmission pan, starter, alternator, etc none have any torx.

[gtofreak65]

Professional mechanic's opinion:

Like all things automotive, the only accurate answer is "It Depends.".

Here's what I mean: what do you define as "maintain"? Really, a modern car will only need its fluids, air filter, and spark plugs changed on a regular basis as preventative maintenance. To do that for, as an example, a 2005 Subaru Impreza 2.5RS, you would need:

• 17mm box wrench
• T70 socket - 1/2" drive
• 3" extension - 1/2" drive
• Breaker bar (18" or longer) - 1/2" drive
• 5/16" spark plug socket - 3/8" drive
• 3" extension - 3/8" drive
• Thin profile flex head ratchet - 3/8" Drive
• Ramps to elevate the car
• 8mm combo wrench
• 10mm combo wrench

Seriously, that's it for PM on that car. Other imports are going to be similar.


Now, if you want to go up to "I want to be able to do my own brakes and struts", you basically need to add:

• Full set of 12-point, modern profile combo wrenches from 8mm to 22mm
• Full set of 6-point sockets in modern profile from 8mm to 32mm (some will be 3/8" drive some will be 1/2" drive)
• A handful of screwdrivers
• A couple of C-clamps (to retract brake pistons)
• Spring compressor

Again, that's it. If you want to make most of the basic things easy or quick, you'll need 5 times that much stuff.


Now, if you want to be ready for all the stuff that can semi-reasonably go wrong with a car... well... I'm up to 12,000lbs of tools and rising every month.

You never have enough tools. Whenever you think you do somthing else comes out.

[eugene]

Its the law of tools. The one tool you need will be the one you don't have. The coraliary to that is the more tools you have the less likely you are to need them.
I've had to use my tools very little in the last few years, other than things I caused myself such as pulling thr starter only to find out it was a shared fues that I tapped off of for my battery isolator, I should have consulted my manual first.

[jamoni]

Jamoni's Method to Find Lost Tools:
1. Look for the tool for at least 1/2 hour
2. Give up and try to use a similar tool that won't quite work. If possible, strip some threads or otherwise damage the work during this step.
3. Get angry and destroy a tool worth more than the tool you have lost.
4. Curse and feel hopeless and stupid
5. Drive to the store, and cut off innocent people just because you are mad at the world
6. Since they will inevitably be out of the tool you need, by one twice as expensive that does the same thing
7. Once home, open the new tool, get it dirty and scratched up, so that it cannot be returned
8. You will then INSTANTLY find the old one.

None of these steps may be omitted, especially step 3 and 6. It is vitally important that you spend at least 4 times as much as the tool is worth.

[KJ4VOV]

Jamoni's Method to Find Lost Tools:
1. Look for the tool for at least 1/2 hour
2. Give up and try to use a similar tool that won't quite work. If possible, strip some threads or otherwise damage the work during this step.
3. Get angry and destroy a tool worth more than the tool you have lost.
4. Curse and feel hopeless and stupid
5. Drive to the store, and cut off innocent people just because you are mad at the world
6. Since they will inevitably be out of the tool you need, by one twice as expensive that does the same thing
7. Once home, open the new tool, get it dirty and scratched up, so that it cannot be returned
8. You will then INSTANTLY find the old one.

None of these steps may be omitted, especially step 3 and 6. It is vitally important that you spend at least 4 times as much as the tool is worth.

Bernie's Corollary to "Jamoni's Law":

• Any attempt to circumvent Jamoni's Law by purchasing multiples of any particular tool will result in the lending out of all the extras to friends who lose them or otherwise never return them.

[gtofreak65]

Jamoni's Method to Find Lost Tools:
1. Look for the tool for at least 1/2 hour
2. Give up and try to use a similar tool that won't quite work. If possible, strip some threads or otherwise damage the work during this step.
3. Get angry and destroy a tool worth more than the tool you have lost.
4. Curse and feel hopeless and stupid
5. Drive to the store, and cut off innocent people just because you are mad at the world
6. Since they will inevitably be out of the tool you need, by one twice as expensive that does the same thing
7. Once home, open the new tool, get it dirty and scratched up, so that it cannot be returned
8. You will then INSTANTLY find the old one.

None of these steps may be omitted, especially step 3 and 6. It is vitally important that you spend at least 4 times as much as the tool is worth.

Wow that is way too true

[TXwaterdog]

I'd ditch the voltmeter for a multimeter. Checking ground and continuity and amperage is, I've found, more important than checking voltage.

My bad, I meant multimeter. >by far the most used tool in my toolbox!

[dmxsoulja3]

You guys came up with some great suggestions, as a Jeep owner I will add that I keep the following close by.

One hand held Torch
One big hammer
PB Blaster
Torque wrench

If you have ever worked on Jeep suspension you will know that these items make or break...literally, the repair

I also keep Anti-seize in all of my tool boxes, if I remove something, it gets some anti-seize before reassembly, if I was stuck somewhere the last thing I want is to deal with frozen bolts, lugnuts, etc. Might sound funny, but I also keep JB Weld and 2 part Epoxy with me, you can fix things temporarily that otherwise might leave you stranded.

[KJ4VOV]

You guys came up with some great suggestions, as a Jeep owner I will add that I keep the following close by.

One hand held Torch
One big hammer
PB Blaster
Torque wrench

If you have ever worked on Jeep suspension you will know that these items make or break...literally, the repair

I also keep Anti-seize in all of my tool boxes, if I remove something, it gets some anti-seize before reassembly, if I was stuck somewhere the last thing I want is to deal with frozen bolts, lugnuts, etc. Might sound funny, but I also keep JB Weld and 2 part Epoxy with me, you can fix things temporarily that otherwise might leave you stranded.

PB Blaster is okay, but I use a mix of ATF and acetone. It's about 200% more effective.

[TXwaterdog]

Wal-Mart sells this socket called a Gator Grip for about $10. I would add it to your toolbox.

pass, use the right tool for the job. Those things are a complete waste of space IMO.

*Ratchet can be any length, it just needs to be sturdy and a good brand. (I put a piece of pipe over the handle if I need torque).

Another trick is to use your sockets and an extension in lieu of the pipe.

I wast talking about adding torque to a short ratchet by extending the handle with a pipe, not the depth of the extension to get to a bolt but the actual ratchet handle itself. If you have a stubborn bolt, extending the length of your ratchet handle allows you to put even torque and leverage on the bolt to get it turning/broken loose. In my experience when you start jerking on stubborn bolts I wind up stripping them. With a pipe I get the results I 'm looking for.