Trunk tool kit

Discussion in 'General Subaru Discussion' started by Jason C, Jul 7, 2017.

  1. Jason C
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    Jason C Well-Known Member

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    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?
     
    Last edited: Jul 7, 2017
  2. Krazylegz1485
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    Krazylegz1485 Well-Known Member

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    Zip ties and a side cutter?
     
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  3. JasonoJordan
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    JasonoJordan Well-Known Member

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  4. Jason C
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    Jason C Well-Known Member

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    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.
     
  5. idget
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    idget Want to pokéman? PM ShortytheFirefighter Staff Member

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    duct tape, zip ties, rope, hatchet, 20mil poly bags, and lube
     
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  6. JasonoJordan
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    JasonoJordan Well-Known Member

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    He said tool kit not sex dungeon gift bag.
     
  7. g0tiMe
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    g0tiMe Active Member

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    LOL the only thing missing from your kit is the person you plan on kidnapping
     
  8. Krazylegz1485
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    Krazylegz1485 Well-Known Member

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    LOL at "gift bag".
     
  9. JuStaWRX
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    JuStaWRX Well-Known Member

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    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.
    upload_2017-7-7_12-50-41.png
    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.
     
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  10. housemusic1
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    housemusic1 Well-Known Member

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    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.
     
  11. retreif
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    retreif Well-Known Member

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    Half a bottle of Jack Daniels (1.75l)
     
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  12. TMF
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    TMF Well-Known Member

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    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.
     
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  13. pillboy
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    pillboy Well-Known Member

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    Gallon of gas, road flare and American Express Black card to buy replacement for crappy Subaru that is guaranteed to assplode.
     
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  14. Jason C
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    Jason C Well-Known Member

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    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.
     
  15. retreif
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    retreif Well-Known Member

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    They work.
     
  16. pillboy
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    pillboy Well-Known Member

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    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.
     
  17. tangledupinblu
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    tangledupinblu Event Coordinator Staff Member

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    Ford, pffffft! That's ridiculous
     
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  18. Jason C
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    Jason C Well-Known Member

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    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.
     
  19. tangledupinblu
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    tangledupinblu Event Coordinator Staff Member

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    Usually located in the little sleeve with the tire iron.

    Similar to this...
    IMG_9256.JPG
     
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  20. TMF
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    TMF Well-Known Member

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  21. tangledupinblu
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    tangledupinblu Event Coordinator Staff Member

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  22. Krazylegz1485
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    Krazylegz1485 Well-Known Member

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    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.