Emergency tool kit

[dsonyay]

I have a 2008 F350 (6.5 P/S). I want to buy a small tool kit to keep on the truck in case of small emergencies. What tools would you buy? What are the must have size wrenches/sockets and screwdrivers, etc I need? I don't want to have to buy a huge set of sockets and wrenches when all I may need is three common sizes.

If it's a major breakdown on the road, I have roadside assistance, or I'd call for a tow truck.

 

[sagebel]

With a brand new truck under warrant I would think you would only need the basics: Pliers, vice grips, hammer, adjustable wrench, jumper cables, piece of pipe(large enough to fit over the breaker bar), and tire changing tools. I always ditch the factory jack and carry a bottle jack and a piece of 2x6. I also carry a 1/2" breaker bar and deep sockets for the truck and trailer. A basic metric set will get you by. You can get cheap sets at Harbor Freight. I don't recommend their tools for routine shop use but I carry a set in the truck.

Scott

 

[Russ]

You can get cheap sets at Harbor Freight. I don't recommend their tools for routine shop use but I carry a set in the truck.

JMHO but I disagree on keeping "cheep" tools for "emergency use". During an on road repair I want a set of tools I can count on. Not ones that may round off the corners of bolts, or snap when I'm 100 miles from a store. I use Craftsman tools. Never had a problem with them. I keep most of my tools in my truck, but you should be able to get by with a metric 3/8" drive socket set, a set of straight wrenches. Hammer duct tape and Vice grips. Screwdriver that had interchangeable bits with a set of Torx bits. Also a AAA card and a cell phone.

 

[sagebel]

I agree. Good tools are invaluble to have. On long trips the good tools go in the truck. For everyday running around town, I carry the cheap set.

 

[F350DRW1]

Don't forget a small, well equipped first aid kit, a good flashlight, and a fire extinguisher.

 

[BamaSixGun]

Road side flare kit (when broke down at night, so others will see you)
Extra batteries for the flash light
Electrical connectors (3-ways, butt connectors, etc.)
Good pair of non-slip gloves
Mechanic gloves
Cell phone charger

 

[dsonyay]

Road side flare kit (when broke down at night, so others will see you)
Extra batteries for the flash light
Electrical connectors (3-ways, butt connectors, etc.)
Good pair of non-slip gloves
Mechanic gloves
Cell phone charger

Should have added- my truck is a commercial vehicle, so I already have emergency triangles, leather gloves/work gloves, extinguisher, cell phone/charger, flashlight/extra battereis, CB radio, Roadside assistance card (while under warranty).

Are most of the bolts/nuts metric? Or is it SAE sizes? or both??
If you had to get one size ratchet, what drive would you use? I thought the 1/2 in. drive would be good.

I was trying to get by with just the sizes of wrenches I'd really need vice getting a socket set, and wrench set. Basically a small bag with the essentials. Maybe I'm trying to be too simple about it. I know sometimes it's cheaper to simply buy the kits instead of individual sockets.

I thinking about Great Neck, Husky, or Craftsman brands.
Instead of a screwdriver set I thought about a good combo screwdriver with 2 different flat and two phillips sizes.

The truck came with no spare tire and jack so I need to get one and I'm looking for a bottle jack and 4-way lug wrench. What's the best took to take the lugs off the rear dually wheels? I don't think my 4-way will fit. The lugs seem too deep.
Plus I have the timber to stand it on (my dunnage on the flatbed.

Thanks!!
If we can get a good "on board tool kit" designed, it would make a good sticky.

 

[dsonyay]

I was looking at tools at a Lowes store and saw a nice "through socket" set that looked interesting. Would eliminate needing deep sockets. Made by Kobalt. Are these a good brand?

 

[BamaSixGun]

I have some Kobalt tools in my truck, they have never let me down.

A lot of the stuff under the hood on my 6.0 is mm.

I know the boost tube clamps are a 11mm, not sure about the 6.4 (very handy to have around)

 

[dsonyay]

Thanks... I don't want to have to buy both mm and sae. Think I'm going to get the Kobalt "through ratchet" socket set and a combination screwdriver set. A small set of wrenches, a small ball pein hammer, adjustable locking pliers, and a canvas bag to throw em in.

I thought about hitting the pawn shop in town, they seem to always have tools too.