What do you guys carry in your trunk for tools? I finally busted the crappy ratchet that came in my old tool kit I usually keep in the trunk so I'm looking to piece together a nicer, modular kit that can fit in the nooks and crannies in and around the spare tire area of my 2017 WRX. I'm not going for mechanic-level completeness, just something that can come in handy if I encounter minor issues on a road trip. My list thus far includes: 3/8" socket set (standard and metric) Adjustable wrench channel lock pliers Vise-Grips Multi-bit screwdriver utility knife needle-nose pliers hex key driver set (may be included with multi-bit screw driver set) flashlights and spare batteries gloves duct tape double-sided 3M tape Zip ties Side cutter Li-ion jumper pack I'm considering the Kobalt brand at Lowes, since I have some of those tools and they seem to work rather well. Anything I should add/subtract from my list?
This is what I used to carry. https://www.amazon.com/Craftsman-23...1499443265&sr=8-1&keywords=craftsman+tool+set But this would also work well if not better since its a little more form factor and could easily be put d down with the spare. https://www.amazon.com/Craftsman-Ev...499443265&sr=8-14&keywords=craftsman+tool+set Obviously there are some tools in there that could be thrown out of the bag and replaced with more job appropriate tools.
Zipties and side cutter are a great idea! Thanks! That big Craftsman kit is pretty serious. I hope I don't encounter a situation requiring a kit of that level while on a trip. The second kit looks about right with some minor additions and subtractions like you said. I'd probably break the kit up into smaller zip-up bags that can fit around the spare so it stays out of the way.
I used to carry a small tool box, that then evolved to a full sized tool bag, and now I have a small Husky tool bag that's in my trunk almost always. Off of the top of my head, these are some of the contents. Duct Tape Zip Ties Ziploc bags (sandwich and gallon size) Battery terminal cleaner Code Reader Multi-tool hand tool (multiple sizes of phillips/flat heads interchangeable tool) bottle opener lighter Hammer Tape Measurer Crescent wrench Needle nose pliers Small ratchet set (8-14) Lug nut key Small screw driver set (one of the black foldable deals that you see on aisle end caps often) Allen Wrench set Start bit Allen wrench style set Crossbar/roof rack attachment tool Flashlights (one full size, one little one) Knifes (one regular blade and one box cutter) Tire Pressure gauge Tread depth gauge Bike tire tool Power inverter Work gloves Sharpie Pen/notepad Not in bag, but small bin Ratchet straps Microfiber towels Travel pack of Armor All Wipes Jumper cables This is what I can think of... It actually comes in very handy often, and more so when helping others with minor issues. I have the tools needed for a quick car, bike, camping, or building need. My wife says it's my zombie-survival kit... I don't argue one bit.
Throw fire extinguisher in there somewhere. I always have one in the back. A while back, I passed a VW on the side of 169 South. He had just pulled over, and I thought maybe he was just using his phone, or something, so I didn't stop. Come to find out, the car went up in flames. From what I understand though, it was like his 3 or 4 engine in the past year, so it was probably his driving habits, and he was bound to grenade the car at some point anyway. Just food for thought.
Everyone has the basics covered, so I won't list my set (I also don't feel like running down to the garage to document everything). Here are some good ideas that I stumbled upon: I use one of these for the emergency tool set in the wife's car, and one for my wrenches, screwdrivers, etc in my kit (fits inside of my 15" tool bag). They call it a "document bag" but it actually has very durable canvas and heavy duty zipper. And they are relatively inexpensive. http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-12-in-Document-Bag-82012N11/203224009 For the socket kit, I searched high and low the the best combination of price and useful sockets. This set has a pretty complete set of shallow and deep sockets, while retaining a compact size and low price. Unfortunately the price is high right now, but I bought it around the holidays for like $20 or $25. https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-19-Piece-Metric-Mechanic-s-Tool-Set-with-Hard-Case/50200801 Screwdrivers, flashlight, emergency triangle light: free at harbor freight. See coupons here: http://www.hfqpdb.com/ Metric wrenches and tool bags are also very cheap at harbor freight. https://www.harborfreight.com/9-pc-fully-polished-metric-combination-wrench-set-69044.html http://www.hfqpdb.com/coupons/1803_ITEM_12__TOOL_BAG_1497970835.0218.JPG or https://www.harborfreight.com/15-in-tool-bag-61469.html One more thing...having a tow strap is useful, but only if you like helping others. I once pulled a Mitsubishi out of a ditch just to help them remember that Subaru's are in fact superior.
Gallon of gas, road flare and American Express Black card to buy replacement for crappy Subaru that is guaranteed to assplode.
Great suggestions, guys. Thanks much! I try to be helpful to others when I can, but I'm not going to be towing anything more than a moped. Do those tow hooks that screw into the bumper really work, or are they mostly just aesthetic? I never really liked the look of them since I always figured why would someone sport one on a daily driver unless they really suck at driving and always need to be towed? If they are truly functional, perhaps having one in the trunk might be helpful.
The recovery hook gives the tow driver an approved place to hook up to extract you from your off road location rather than just placing their hook somewhere on the suspension/chassis and running the risk of doing additional damage to the vehicle. Did your car not come with one? My '05 Legacy did, but I had to buy one for our '13 Ford. I found it odd that if the car manufacturer deemed it a preferable/required way to recover the vehicle that they did not include it as standard equipment.
I'm guessing the hook attachment would come in the spare tire tools kit? I usually end up taking those tools out and replacing them with more robust tools that do a better job. I'll have to look and see if there is a hook in the kit.
If you have a hitch on your car, here's another idea. It's my functional "hitch cover" on my Forester. https://www.harborfreight.com/d-ring-receiver-hitch-66212.html
You could always weld a tow hook onto the rear diff cover. Unfortunately I can't find the picture of this that was floating around recently. Somebody actually did it, tho.