Tool kit / socket suggestions

[ChrisNLA]

I change engine oil, transmission fluid, transfer case fluid, differential fluid, air filters, and fuel filters; otherwise, I don't have the skillset or experience to do many serious trail repairs. If I were to experience a mechanical breakdown, then I'm calling someone. Fortunately, in all my years in the backcountry, I haven't had any mechanical failures. I've had a few flat tires, but those were fairly easy compared to breaking suspension parts.

Nothing wrong with that. In the end I guess part of the advice is 'carry the tools that fit your skill set'. I am hardly a qualified mechanic but I have done quite a bit of mechanical work, including engine swaps - so what I'm crazy enough to do trail side might not be for everyone

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[BourbonRunner]

Offroadcred did a video on this very thing a couple years back

I based my JT's tool kit around DRC's video and the "official" Jeep tool roll. I added to it a selection of electrical (primary, fuses, crimpers, crimp connectors) as well as putting a tire patch kit, picks, etc. Most of the stuff in there I had already but I did fill in with some HF and Craftsman stuff as needed. Non-Icon HF wrenches are garbage- too much slop. The modern Craftsman stuff is Tektron from what I gather and tolerances are better. That said if I need precision I have older Hecho en Estados Unidos Snap On and Craftsman stuff in the full home kit available.

I had a tool roll that wouldn't quite hold everything so I snagged a Husky backpack from HD on clearance for $30. It holds it all with room to spare and is far easier to locate items quickly as well as no issues with zippers not closing like the roll. And if I ever go junk yarding, it's a lot easier to carry a backpack than a roll on a shoulder strap. It also takes up marginally more space than the roll did.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-16-in-Tool-Backpack-H-68003-03/312420750

 

[ChrisNLA]

I based my JT's tool kit around DRC's video and the "official" Jeep tool roll. I added to it a selection of electrical (primary, fuses, crimpers, crimp connectors) as well as putting a tire patch kit, picks, etc. Most of the stuff in there I had already but I did fill in with some HF and Craftsman stuff as needed. Non-Icon HF wrenches are garbage- too much slop. The modern Craftsman stuff is Tektron from what I gather and tolerances are better. That said if I need precision I have older Hecho en Estados Unidos Snap On and Craftsman stuff in the full home kit available.

I had a tool roll that wouldn't quite hold everything so I snagged a Husky backpack from HD on clearance for $30. It holds it all with room to spare and is far easier to locate items quickly as well as no issues with zippers not closing like the roll. And if I ever go junk yarding, it's a lot easier to carry a backpack than a roll on a shoulder strap. It also takes up marginally more space than the roll did.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-16-in-Tool-Backpack-H-68003-03/312420750

I like the tool style back packs. I could possibly use one of those and delete one tool roll and it could hold my longer ratchets, my impact, and a couple other loose tools.

But then it probably wouldn't fit in my crate.

Hmmm.

 

[Mbryson]

I'm an IT professional and somehow we always end up with a bunch of laptop backpacks. They are not QUITE as good as a Milwaukee tool bag but do work well for keeping things organized. I have a backpack for recovery gear, another for tire tools and such, another for a portable office kit (port replicator, extension cords, Starlink accessories and similar) and a last one for personal gear. I'm surprised how well the laptop backpacks have held up for me. Can't beat the price

 

[BourbonRunner]

I like the tool style back packs. I could possibly use one of those and delete one tool roll and it could hold my longer ratchets, my impact, and a couple other loose tools.

But then it probably wouldn't fit in my crate.

Hmmm.

Thats part of why I went with the backpack- breaker bars, speed wrench and other oversized items just didn't fit. Plus I have a couple small tackle box organizers with random small stuff that do. I can throw the 3/8" impact in there if needed but the big 1/2" hog ring won't. I considered getting a Packout box as an alternative but then I couldn't squeeze it between the seats on the floor.

Milk crate? This definitely fits diagonally in one but it's tight.

 

[ChrisNLA]

Thats part of why I went with the backpack- breaker bars, speed wrench and other oversized items just didn't fit. Plus I have a couple small tackle box organizers with random small stuff that do. I can throw the 3/8" impact in there if needed but the big 1/2" hog ring won't. I considered getting a Packout box as an alternative but then I couldn't squeeze it between the seats on the floor.

Milk crate? This definitely fits diagonally in one but it's tight.

I have a Rigid crate (like the packout system but Rigid) so its rectangular, but my plastic socket case goes in it too, so probably not enough room.

Either way. I could rethink the whole layout. Something to consider.

 

[Gvsukids]

I based my JT's tool kit around DRC's video and the "official" Jeep tool roll. I added to it a selection of electrical (primary, fuses, crimpers, crimp connectors) as well as putting a tire patch kit, picks, etc. Most of the stuff in there I had already but I did fill in with some HF and Craftsman stuff as needed. Non-Icon HF wrenches are garbage- too much slop. The modern Craftsman stuff is Tektron from what I gather and tolerances are better. That said if I need precision I have older Hecho en Estados Unidos Snap On and Craftsman stuff in the full home kit available.

I had a tool roll that wouldn't quite hold everything so I snagged a Husky backpack from HD on clearance for $30. It holds it all with room to spare and is far easier to locate items quickly as well as no issues with zippers not closing like the roll. And if I ever go junk yarding, it's a lot easier to carry a backpack than a roll on a shoulder strap. It also takes up marginally more space than the roll did.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-16-in-Tool-Backpack-H-68003-03/312420750

A good deal, probably why it's sold out.

 

[BourbonRunner]

A good deal, probably why it's sold out.

Fairly certain it was clearance when I bought it. Link was only to illustrate the example. The current model is $70 and slightly larger.

 

[biodiesel]

Nothing wrong with that. In the end I guess part of the advice is 'carry the tools that fit your skill set'.

Actually, I'm going to carry you along. That should solve most of my problems. For example, I would like to make a trip all the way to Prudhoe Bay (Arctic Circle). When do you want to go? I only need you for about 2 months.

 

[ChrisNLA]

Actually, I'm going to carry you along. That should solve most of my problems. For example, I would like to make a trip all the way to Prudhoe Bay (Arctic Circle). When do you want to go? I only need you for about 2 months.

Can't promise I'd be useful, but that would be a fun trip

My job on the other hand, they'd might miss me...



Edit: Also never underestimate blind confidence. I have fixed many things simply because I was like 'Dang, its broke' and needed it fixed now, took it apart, realized I am borderline in over my head, and then was obligated to get it back together because I was out of options and stubborn.

And it has worked most of the time.

 

[biodiesel]

My job on the other hand, they'd might miss me...

Yeah, I'll have to save that trip for post-retirement. Maybe in 9 years?

 

[ChrisNLA]

Yeah, I'll have to save that trip for post-retirement. Maybe in 9 years?

Only 9?

I've got...25 or so.

 

[RudeJeepin]

For the JT, I'm truly trying to be minimalist and its working for me

I used to carry a lot of tools around regularly. But almost never used any of them, let alone the while shebang. So I'm trying to keep it to a bare minimum once I put a real bag together.
See below comment, it might just be easier.

Actually, I'm going to carry you along. That should solve most of my problems.

This was thought. I'm just gonna start wheeling with Chris. Then I can leave my tools at home.

 

[RudeJeepin]

Yeah, I'll have to save that trip for post-retirement. Maybe in 9 years?

I'd like to head north, but I also think it needs to be a post retirement trip. Don't think work would like it if I took 2 or 3 months off.
I got between 8 and 10 yrs left. Maybe we need to plan to drag Chris along with both of us. I got most of the skills needed and he's got the tools. You got the booze to keep us warm at night?

 

[biodiesel]

Only 9?

I've got...25 or so.

I'll be 75 years old in 25 years. I might need you and a traveling nurse.

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