I like keeping a basic set of tools in my van in case of any unfortunate mishaps (hey, if I can keep a first-aid kit for me, then why not for my van). What I would like is a good (meaning reliable) ratchet set. I did like the 20pc. Stanley set at Wal-Mart retailing for $19.99. I just didn't like the made in Taiwan insignia (plus the socket quality didn't look as good as my Craftsman or Huskey sets that I keep at home). I will admit that I have a set of locking pliers and 2 adjustable wrenches from Husky (also from Stanley and also M.I.T.), but I felt that they were made well enough for my needs and were very cheap to replace if lost or stolen. I would also like to get a set of wrenches. The Stanley's at Wal-Mart looked really cheap though, but sell for $15.

Back in '91, while living in NY. I had my Astro van stolen along with a set of Craftsman tools (box and all). Now I live in Eastern PA and I still believe in keeping a set of tools with me. I just don't want to buy good tools for someone else.

Also, can anyone tell me if it is better to have a 1/4 or 3/8 rarchet set?

BTW - I am a big fan of Craftsman. I like Huskey, but HD just doesn't know how to keep a good stock of them.

 

Are you talking about the Stanley Professional tools? I dont think there quality is cheap but the price is. The wrenches and stuff are the same as Husky tools since they are made by Stanley. I like Husky tools and have a few of there Microtough ratchets, and would recommend them to anyone. You should check out Kobalt tools at Lowes, they sell sets in cases witch are a great deal. I have a 138 piece for $150.00. Made is USA guareteed forever. I would say you probably will only need a 3/8 and 1/2(in your truck)and sockets for both.

 

Yes, but I'm only looking for a basic set. A 138 piece set is way too much ( I already have a 178+ pc set for home). I liked the Stanley 'cause it contained both sae and mm.

 

I would look for one of those all-in-one sets, they sell smaller sets of like 50 or 60 pieces or how ever many you want that will have everything you will need. Not to mention they come in a convienent carrying case so your not packing 20 cases. In work I have a collection of atleast 5grand worth of tools and I've only been in the trade for what I consider about 7 months or so but my tool kit for the truck consist of a tow strap, jumper cables, jumper wire for famous ford starter selonoids, and sometimes some extra fluids. Actually one smart thing would be a tire repair kit, weather thats a plug kit or a can of fix-a-flat stuff may work, and a pump. Unfortananetly there isn't much you can fix today on the road. If your gonna keep a tool kit with you it would be worth it to bring a box of parts too, distributor, belts, hoses etc, and a scan tool and a shop guide(if your not all that mechanicly inclined)

Thats the way I look at it, if something is going to break its more than likley going to be something big that you may not be able to get parts for on the spot never mind have the right tools.

 

UMM just buy a 1/2 to 3/8 adapter and 1/2 rachet and sockets 3/8

 

> just buy a 1/2 to 3/8 adapter and 1/2 rachet and sockets 3/8

Because on many newer cars, only thinwall 1/4 drive sockets will fit in the spaces to remove some items. A good example would be the TFI module on the back of Ford distributors.

A good roadside set up:

1) Northern Tools carries a $60 dollar 3/8 and 1/2 impact socket set with metric and SAE long and short sockets. It coes with it's own carrying case. I have had mine for years and they are fine.

2) Go to Home Depot and buy a Husky 1/2 flex ratchet 24" long and a cheap 3/8 regular length ratchet (8") along with an impact adapter for 3/8 -> 1/2 adapter.

3) Go to Autozone and buy their 1/4 socket set with SAE and metric long and short sockets that comes in the red plastic moulded case.

4) Buy a good large crescent wrench with a lifetime warranty from whom ever along with a short stubby one.

5) A ratchet screw driver that stores the bits inside the handle.

6) A large hammer, plastic ties, duct tape, DVM, LED flashlight, and a cheater bar big enough to fit around the 1/2 ratchet handle with at least 1/8 walls.

Also, I sometimes carry a 12V drop light with battery clips. It comes in very handy.

All this will fit (except the impact socket set) inside a large plastic box from Home Depot, the yellow and black one about 28L x 10w x 10h.

 

Lots of good ideas here,just a suggestion though....go to your local auto parts store and pick up one of their multi sets or even pick up a general set at Sears,at least you know if it breaks you can get the tools replaced.I suggest this because I know if you shop around you can get a good set fairly cheap and with a lifetime warranty,I've seen 150 piece sets at Checker for 70 or 80 bucks,which is cheap if it gets stolen by the more needy in this world.Not sure what you drive,but as mentioned earlier there isn't a whole lot fixable on the side of the road on newer vehicles.I work for a Chrysler garage and know that alot more gets screwed up by people trying to fix their newer model cars on their own.Depending on what you drive you may be better off making sure you have tow insurance and a cell phone.Just my thoughts,John

 

sure it may not fix the newer cars but i have been very lucky to have my kit with me. one of my older dump trucks wouldnt start, i was about an hour away from home with my truck, broke out my kit and took off the starter and wet to a parts store and got a new one and bolted it all up locally..really saved me some time. i also use it for quick fixing equipment at work...has really saved me so many times. another truck my tranmission cooler line ruptured and wih my tools i was able to cut it and just reatach it. i cant say enough about having the right tools in your truck. i have this 62pc set from sears...
http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...nics+Tool+Sets

along with a cresant wrenc, a pliers set and various screw and nut drivers from sears as well, all packaged in a little craftsman bag. stays tucked away under my back seat. good luck

 

If you go on the Stanley's auction site they sometimes have tool sets that go cheap.

 

Just a hint to all of you,no matter the make.If you have a check engine light pop on you within 50 miles of a fill up retighten your fuel cap.A majority of the service orders we encounter involve this issue,not only Chrysler,but Ford and GM,if the light doesn't clear go to your dealer.

 

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't Stanley/Husky/Craftsman all the same tool?

. . . .

Look at Sears for sales on tool sets. Alot of times you can get there larger sets for $10-$15 a month. Also ask about their Craftsman Tool Club(?), saves 10% on top of any sale price, and its free.

Another tip for getting tools for cheap. Hit your local pawn shops and flea markets for life time garauntee tools, and exchange them for new ones.

Along with tools to fix mechanical problems, I would keep some electrical repair items with you. Things like relays, common sensors, inline fuses, lengths of wire, cell phone, etc. .





And don't forget DUCT TAPE!!

 

LOL that reminds me... last week i replaced the wifes fuel cap on her 2000 Chevy Tracker.. with the wrong one no less...shortly after that the Check Engine light came on...replaced the old fuel cap and drove it around for about an Hour.. light goes off...amazing.

 

Correction
No, Stanley "makes" Stanly, Husky, Proto, Challenger, Mac, and Blackhawk tools. These are just the ones I know for sure and some of these used to be thier own companies who were bought out. The "makes" part is due to the lawsuit that they lost against I believe the FTC. Most of their stuff is made overseas or manufactured overseas and assembled here.

Dahaner tool group makes Craftsman, K D tools, Easco, Lowe's Kobalt line (that they took over from J.H. Williams, a division of Snap~on), Allen, Armstrong, Matco, Napa, Holo-chrome, and SATA. Sata uses the same trademark as Matco and Dahaner hasn't been busted yet for advertising as made in the USA when they are made overseas.

Stanley used to make Craftsman (I believe it stopped in the late 80's or early 90's) and I think that they used to make at least the New Britain line that Napa carries/carried. And I have an old Husky ratchet that matches an old Craftsman that just sold on ebay, both are pre WWII and who knows who made them.

 

Tell ya' what I did for "portable" tools - went to SAMS club and bought a set in one of the plastic carry cases - has both standard/metric combo wrenches, socket sets, 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" ratchets, extensions, hex key sets, screwdriver with several bit sets...all for $59.95! I bought two of the sets - gave one set to my son for his first set of tools. One set was made by Crescent and the other was made by Channel-Lock.

Before you go saying...what a CHEAP set of tools!!!...they work just fine and it's convenient to have them in the car - the "brief-case-like" carrying case fits behind a seat or in the back of my wagon without taking up much room. They also have an unconditional lifetime warranty against breakage or defects. Hard to beat for the price! AND...you won't be heart-broken if someone decides they need them worse than you do. Works for me!

 

The only problem with the warranty is the fact you have to mail them back. That is the convenience of Sears, and even Snap~on if you spend enough money.

Happy wrenching