daily driver vehicle tools

H

Happy Joe

Joined
Jan 9, 2005
Messages
218
As an avid off roader I store a selection of tools in the vehicle at all times.
When getting a new vehicle it doesn't seem "right" untill it properly "stocked"'
GI entrenching tool
GI small pick-mattock
Svensaw
3 ton hydralic jack
large 4way lug wrench
Complete set of Harbor Freight wrenches, 1/4 and 3/8 socket sets (I don't feel so bad if its stolen) and assorted screwdrivers and pliers tape etc in an ammo can
Jeep tool (3lb blacksmiths hammer with a pipe coupling braised on, an 18" 3/4" pipe handle with a prybar inside made from a jack handle)
20,000lb snatch strap
a couple of clevises
This is my to and from work vehicle so I had to keep every thing small and it all stores under the seats except the ammo can tool kit.
What do you folks carry for tools?
Enjoy!
 
Yeah... I've got one but have found that it is very dangerous, heavy to carry, hard to secure and have ended up only using it for my friends (like a winch). For my daily driver both the highlift and winch are way over kill (the winch is on the off road toy/primary bugout vehicle) and the highlift is stored in the garage ready to grab for either.
Enjoy!
 
I'm an eastern suburbanite so not much off roading. I don't like to keep much stuff in the car in case of having to walk in case of some emergency that has the roads blocked. I keep some jumper cables, a small first aid kit, AAmini-mag, and a small general survival kit with the following in the trunk in a rucksack;

Matches in plastic container
Space blanket
duct tape
4 inch mora
Gerber/fiskars folding saw
20 Ibuprophen tablets
compass
spare wool socks
nylon windbreaker
pancho
GI canteen with cup and cover
nylon tarp 8X10
roll of nylon cord

I always have my edc stuff in my pockets like a sak, cell phone, miro-light, fueled up Zippo, pipe, tobacco pouch. And I dress for the season. It always amazes me to see people in mid winter on a 20 degree morning dash out to the car with no coat or just a sport coat and plan on the car heater working and a dash into the office. Do they think car breakdowns, accidents ect always happen to other folks?

I like to think I at least can make a shelter or walk out if I had to.
 
Thanks...forgot to mention the jumper cables, and firstaid/ bugout supplies. I only carry a small knife since the highway patrollman made me break the end off of the one that I used to carry(It was either make it shorter or loose it since jeeps have no place to secure sharp things out of reach).
Enjoy!
 
I'm not an off roader but like to be prepared for most any eventuality. Besides the EDC stuff I always carry I keep the following items in my truck:
Surefire D3 Flashlight
Cold steel entrenching tool
14" Gorilla bar
GI poncho
Jumper cables
Siphon hose
50' nylon rope
GI field jacket
14" x 11" piece of 3/4" plywood (base for jack on soft ground)
Leather work gloves
Couple of shop rags
Full size spare tire
Standard bottle jack and lug wrench

The Cold steel entrenching tool and 14" Gorilla bar can double as improvised weapons.

Also, Hoods Woods Volume 12 Arid lands and Vehicle Survival video has lots of good vehicle recovery info.
 
Always:
Tow rope
Jumper cables
Portable CB radio
Bottle Jack
Fire Extinguisher
Full tool set
Road Flares
Food
Water
Glock Shovel
.22 rifle
.45acp / .357mag
Busse Basic 9
31" ASP Baton
Surefire Aviator
Fix-a-flat (2)
Tire Plug Kit
Light and heavy work gloves
Tarp
Bow Saw

Added for Winter:
Full set of cold weather gear
2 sets of mud/ice chains
 
Add some epoxy and JB weld for patching fluid holding systems... For leaking gas tanks, beat up differentials... oil pans etc.

Carry enough fluid to change everything out...

Might also want a oil filter protector, clamps on... keeps rocks and other sharp stuff from puncturing it.

Have some aluminum soda can material (ends cut off) to patch the radiator hoses. Lots of duct tape or electrical tape... or the best of the best, self vulcanizing tape to do this.

Have spare fan belts on hand... Might also be wise to have plugs for the master cylinder (brakes) if you blow a line to be able to pull the line at the mc and plug it.

Passive protection measures?
Keep good tires on the vehicle. Keep everything greased. Keep all the mechanical parts in tip top shape. If its a 4x4 look into a suspension lift and skid plates for the vitals. Bump bars are a good idea... in case you have to push something out of the way.

A brush guard that protects the headlights is a good idea... a wire mesh screen to guard the radiator is also a good idea.

As long as you can limp it home, you're ahead of the game!

Some links to check out...
http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/
http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billavista/PDFs/index.html

In addition to the obvious... a dual battery setup is a smart move. Optima's are nice because they need no maintenance and can get stashed anywhere.
http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billavista/dual_battery/my_dual_battery_setup.htm


Lots of rope/chain... Para cord and a tarp. Instant home away from home.

An onboard welder and air compressor would be icing on the cake... http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/on-boardwelder/index.html

I'd have a 12v air compressor (Plugs into cig lighter.) and a small roll up solar panel (Radio shack) for charging the battery.

That and a gas can!

If she needs major surgery, your not going to find the part unless you bring it with you! That means take it to the point of diminishing returns... how far can you go for safety/peace of mind before your bringing to much stuff?

What I'd bring in addition to the fluids... Some fuel line (Enough to snag it at the tank and go to the pump...) some vacuum line and plugs (Slides over the nipple.) Spare fan belts. Points/cap and fresh spark plugs. A fuel filter! Heck... one of those funnels with a filter for catching garbage out of the fuel before it clogs your fuel filter is a good idea.

----

My personal car kit is a swiss army knife, a leatherman, a maglight and a shoelace depending on if I have my sandals on or my shoes!
 
Oh... Leather gloves, some cloth rags... Just whatever you like to have on hand for basic repairs... just stay away from aerosol cans (EXPLOSION!)
 
Hotrod said:
Add some epoxy and JB weld for patching fluid holding systems... For leaking gas tanks, beat up differentials... oil pans etc......
I'd have a 12v air compressor (Plugs into cig lighter.) !
Click to expand...

Good points. I actually have the compressor, but I hadn't thought about the patching stuff.
 
One thing y'all are missing is a GOOD LARGE fire extinguisher. I have been on-scene where both times vehicles (other people's) completely burned in a matter of 5 minutes. Those little quart size ones are ineffective and a waste of money unless you are putting out candles.
 
Thanks for the replies... some stuff there I gotta shop for. Already have an air compressor (its part of the ARB front differential system). I am gonna get some fixaflat or slime, work gloves, epoxy putty, JBweld and refresh my tape(and more) this weekend after reviewing these responses.
(I'm gonna catch flack for this but...) My on board flashlight is an angle head d-cell (krypton bulb)with the color filter extender removed. It will shine up and at angles when laying on its side and has alowed me to change drive shafts (U-joints, and other stuff) on night runs. When I locate an LED conversion for a 3 volt flash I'll convert it.
Enjoy!
 
Merek said:
One thing y'all are missing is a GOOD LARGE fire extinguisher. I have been on-scene where both times vehicles (other people's) completely burned in a matter of 5 minutes. Those little quart size ones are ineffective and a waste of money unless you are putting out candles.
Click to expand...

Forgot about that...

Oh, a battery cut off is priceless as well! That way you can stop the smoke coming out of the wires before it turns into a bigger problem!
 
How about some blankets... spare change of clothes? Stash of cash? How about water? Wonder if theres anything besides salt that you can add that will lower the freezing point without it being poison?
 
"Wonder if theres anything besides salt that you can add that will lower the freezing point without it being poison?"
...mmm.. vodka would probably work, everclear would for sure.
Enjoy!
 
Jackknife:

I'm carry about the same stuff in my trunk as you do. But I also carry a cheap, square fleece sleeping bag. I figure this can double as a blanket in case I come upon an accident (shock) or as extra insulation if I have to use the tarp as a shelter.

You've got some paracord or mason's twine too, right?

I also have a surplus Swedish stove/mess kit (the Trangia/Svea alcohol kind), some fuel, and some tea and coffee bags. That's not to carry, but in case I'm stuck somewhere. There are even smaller, lighter ways to make a cup of coffee or tea, but this stove is dirt cheap and a good, solid rig.

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/ctd/...gid=&mscssid=9CK08P49AA398LG61887T9D25NBJFFME

Bear
 
Thats a good point...

Bailing wire...

How about a hack saw? Hefty hammer for whacking fenders away from tires...

:D
 
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