Tool bag, tool box, go big or go home (4 Viewers)

[musthave]

Back 4 or 5 years ago I put together a nice TEQ tool roll and sold a number of them on Mud and our website. It was a great starter kit and had some of the "Must Have" tools required to get you out of a jam on the side of the road. Forward to 2022 and I'm looking at tools, tool bags, and tool boxes, for use at home, at the shop, and in the cruiser. As a general rule, I only have Snap-On, Blue Point, and Proto tools. Sure there a few others thrown in the mix like a plethora of Vessel screwdrivers, etc. but overall I buy quality in hopes of sparing my knuckles. It's worked so far.

At the shop I've got several of the 10, 12, 14, 17 etc. sockets, shallow, semi deep, deep, 3/8", 1/2", impact, etc. So I've got maybe 100 sockets, 2 or 3 of most at a minimum. Of course all the other tools and all in a well organized toolbox. Tools get used, and at the end of the day they all get cleaned and put back in the toolbox. Tedious, but it's worked.

At home I've got nearly the same tools that I have at the shop in a smaller snap-on toolbox. Still 8 drawers filled with clean tools of all the appropriate sizes.

At the shop, and at home I've duplicated most everything. 2 @OTRAMM plates for pulley removal, 2 sets of @NLXTACY Bushing Press sets with extras, 2 4X torque multipliers, and lots of Toyota SST's etc. because I always need them. They work, and they're just a requirement at home and at the shop.

In the land cruisers it's a different story. That's what I am set out to change. Or not.

My ideal bags consist of 3/8" drive and 1/2" drive sets with 10, 12, 14, 17, etc. sockets in shallow and deep with multiple of each along with multiple ratchets, breaker bars, extensions, etc. It also has multiple 10, 12, 14, 17, etc. wrenches, open end, ratcheting, offset, etc. Filled with screwdrivers, pliers, cutters, etc. The problem is, it's expanded into 2 huge Bucketbros bags. One all 1/2" drive stuff that weighs about 30 pounds. The other 3/8" drive stuff along with all the other tools. It's about 45 pounds. I keep both bags in my ARB drawers and that works great. I feel like I have enough tools to handle nearly any situation I might find myself in if I need to take off to Montana on a moments notice. The problem is, it's 75+ pounds of tools, and it's impossible to find a 10mm line wrench to bleed the brakes without emptying everything out.

My ideal bags are in each of my cruisers, along with jumper cables and a few select trail spares. Again, so that any cruiser can hit the road at any moment without a second of thought. Just add some wiper fluid before I leave. That's the way I like to plan.

I'm sure that some will say that I don't have enough tools, and that's quite possible. Some might say I'm way over what I could possibly need, which may also be the case.

So, my first question is, what is everyone else doing for carrying tools? 1 big bag with everything in it and only use it while on the road/trail? Multiple bags with things separated and sorted? A real "toolbox" of sorts that has drawers and things sorted (not sure how that could work in a vehicle but maybe)? What are you using? Any pictures?

Do most people who use their cruisers for overlanding, trails, etc. carry a rather large set of tools? What do you carry? Do you use a drawer system for storing them?

Do you keep tools at home, and in the cruiser or do you move them to the cruiser when you hit the road/trail?

Or, do you skip all the tools and just let AAA bring you to your cruiser mechanic?

Anxious to hear any / all feedback and opinions. Great to see pictures of what you use.

 

[davidp14]

90% of the tools I use live in the cruiser all the time. I don't Carry my torque wrenches, some of my deep well Impact sockets, or my 3/4 inch breaker bar, but otherwise I could do just about any job on the trail.

I have socket wrench and related stuff in one bag and all.other type tools in another. They both fit under the passenger seat since I removed the rear heater. I also keep a bunch of stuff in my tailgate storage.

Overkill? Probably.

 

[mingles]

Most of my trips are up and down the east coast from MA-MS/FL. Carrying enough tools and spares for basic repairs is more a matter of convenience than necessity. I prefer to be reliant on myself rather than some counter jockey at a parts store in an unknown town.

I like tool rolls because they don't rattle and I can differentiate types of tools in different rolls. I carry an inventory list and my specialty tools are labeled so I can remember why I put them in in the first place . Everything fits into a half drawer system.

 

[TYM4FUN]

I have an 18" bag that contains a tool roll and the larger tools. I "think" I have most of what I would ever need. As a test, I just finished using it to do a head gasket job, brakes and EVERYTHING under the hood and it worked out. Only things I used out of convenience was a rolling jack, jack stands, 250lb torque wrench and power tooIs. I will post this in my build thread as well.

 

[musthave]

Most of my trips are up and down the east coast from MA-MS/FL. Carrying enough tools and spares for basic repairs is more a matter of convenience than necessity. I prefer to be reliant on myself rather than some counter jockey at a parts store in an unknown town.

I like tool rolls because they don't rattle and I can differentiate types of tools in different rolls. I carry an inventory list and my specialty tools are labeled so I can remember why I put them in in the first place . Everything fits into a half drawer system.

Stunning! You've got things setup really well. Excellent work!

 

[musthave]

I have an 18" bag that contains a tool roll and the larger tools. I "think" I have most of what I would ever need. As a test, I just finished using it to do a head gasket job, brakes and EVERYTHING under the hood and it worked out. Only things I used out of convenience was a rolling jack, jack stands, 250lb torque wrench and power tooIs. I will post this in my build thread as well.

Wow! Another excellent setup!

So, it looks like both setups above have sizes that aren't used. (I could be wrong, just guessing). On the socket rails that I use, they're numbered, but I remove the 11, 13, 15, etc. that aren't needed and drop in extra 10's and 12's, etc. One of my thoughts is an appropriate socket rail that only has the socket sizes that are used on a cruiser.

 

[mingles]

Wow! Another excellent setup!

So, it looks like both setups above have sizes that aren't used. (I could be wrong, just guessing). On the socket rails that I use, they're numbered, but I remove the 11, 13, 15, etc. that aren't needed and drop in extra 10's and 12's, etc. One of my thoughts is an appropriate socket rail that only has the socket sizes that are used on a cruiser.

... But then my OCD kicks in and insists that a complete set is not a complete set unless it has ALL socket sizes . There is always a remote chance that one time I will need the missing size...

 

[TYM4FUN]

Wow! Another excellent setup!

So, it looks like both setups above have sizes that aren't used. (I could be wrong, just guessing). On the socket rails that I use, they're numbered, but I remove the 11, 13, 15, etc. that aren't needed and drop in extra 10's and 12's, etc. One of my thoughts is an appropriate socket rail that only has the socket sizes that are used on a cruiser.

I also doubled up some sizes: 10, 12 ect...I carry Standard sizes as well as the oddballs because of aftermarket parts and I might need to help someone else or something else.

 

[Broski]

I like to be self-sufficient and a minimalist at the same time. I only carry what I think I may need.
Everything fits into one bag including a few key spare parts including critical fuses and fusible links the bag weight 35lbs
I prefer spanner wrenches because there longer and have two sizes on them.
There also the specialty wrenches and sockets

In the side pockets of the bag are there are knuckle bolt, cones, washer and nuts same for the drive flanges and a assortment of others.
I also Carrie a custom made (by me) offset wrench for the knuckle bolt with a extra long handle on it. I check them most every morning before hitting the trail.
This set works well for me I have yet to come up short on the trail. 9 time out of 10 when the bag comes out it's to help someone else

 

[jpoole]

@mingles and @TYM4FUN Your setups are impressive and inspiring.

My onboard tools/spares are currently optimized for local driving or longer trips in supported areas so are much smaller/lighter and closer to what @Broski carries. By volume I dedicate more space to recovery gear (tow straps take up a lot of space) than spares and tools. I should drag it all out for a picture but when stored it's almost all in the trucks driver rear quarter or tailgate storage areas so that all interior space is free for flexible use.

The only item that I keep out full time is a small blue aqua-tainer and the fast orange is easily accessible in the nearby tailgate locker. Not very impressive but gets regular use for hand washing and keeping water bottles full. The main idea I wanted to share is that if you have the right type/size bottle you can hold it in place with a 3rd row seat belt and floor anchor. This works on both sides and should keep the bottle from becoming a projectile most scenarios I think/hope.

 

[davidp14]

I keep spare fuses, fusible link, and relays in the glove box

Snatch strap and winch accessories are also in the tailgate storage. These items previously just bounced around in the back. The hurrican tailgate has really been way more useful than I thought it'd be. Highly recommend

 

[devo]

I’m really not a downer here but I am still crying. I used to carry all the tools to fix my truck and any others. A sht load of spare parts I did have.
Then one night a methican stole my 80. I lost thousands of dollars in tools and parts I have yet to replace.

Keep and eye on your stuff or it could be gone in the blink of an eye!



devo

 

[lp2k]

I’m going to be working on mine soon Tim and also toss in there the old but useable crap I’ve replaced on the truck until my pocket heals.

Just wanted to say if anyone is partying with Slee stuff on their rig, make sure you got 13mm on board lol

 

[Douglas S]

Milwaukee Packout boxes, but I don't mount them when I'm driving around the city. One for mechanical, one for electrical.

Mounting plate is bolted to top of drawer system.

 

[jonheld]

The first thing I did was to dump the majority of my 12 point sockets and wrenches.
I keep 2 tool rolls in the truck at all times. One for wrenches and short throw gear wrenches, one for sockets, handles, and a variety of hand tools.
If I'm going on a wheeling trip, I throw a toolbox with specialty tools in the back along with additional recovery gear, my specialized box-o-hardware, and spare parts.
If it's a long road trip, then the toolbox and a small box of spares gets thrown in.
One of my Fluke 8060A DMMs lives in the center console. Copies of the FSM and EWD are on my phone, tablet and laptop.

All that said, the most important tool resides atop your neck. All the tools in the world won't help if you don't know your vehicle inside and out, and don't have the ability to maintain it. My truck gets a solid baseline on a regular basis, has done numerous cross country trips, wheeled some of the best trails in the US, and always gets me home.

 

[effjay80]

This is a great thread as I'm in the process of putting together an onboard kit. Not interested in $1,000 of tools with an onboard arc welder, but want a nice simple set of basics and spare parts. I still have the OEM kit that came with the 94, but, well, yeah.

 

[Roketdriver]

This is what I carry in terms of tools and such. Not pictured is a variety of hoses, a pair of fusible links, fuses, a heater valve, new set of belts, gorilla tape, and a few specialty tools like the 54mm hub socket and wire strippers. Since this photo was taken I also replaced the claw hammer with a small sledge. All the hand tools fit in the Milwaukee bag.

 

[mingles]

I’m really not a downer here but I am still crying. I used to carry all the tools to fix my truck and any others. A sht load of spare parts I did have.
Then one night a methican stole my 80. I lost thousands of dollars in tools and parts I have yet to replace.

Keep and eye on your stuff or it could be gone in the blink of an eye!



devo

Sorry you had that experience.

Your point is well taken and the subject is something I’ve given considerable thought to. I have several systems in place to not only deter and prevent theft in the first place, but also to recover the vehicle if it is stolen. I’m not going to discuss details further, but there are plenty of ways to shift the odds in your favor of keeping your stuff safe.

At the end of the day however, I’m not willing to live my life in constant fear of my truck going missing. It is a tool that I get enjoyment and personal satisfaction from and I accept there are risks attached to owning it.

As @jonheld points out, the most important tool is the one in your head .

 

[Broski]

All that said, the most important tool resides atop your neck. All the tools in the world won't help if you don't know your vehicle inside and out, and don't have the ability to maintain it. My truck gets a solid baseline on a regular basis, has done numerous cross country trips, wheeled some of the best trails in the US, and always gets me home.

This ^^^^

 

[alia176]

I don't see any SPUD WRENCHES

Advantages to owning one:
- line up things with the sharp end
- use the other end to tighten things
- then use the sharp end again to stab zombies.

In all seriousness, I carry lots of tools and I'm always trying to reduce rattles and noises. Tool bags are great for keeping things quiet and somewhat malleable. I also Dynamatted the insides of the drawers. Needless to say, I have pieces of foam in a nook for those sudden rattles that may pop up.

IH8RATTLES.