Car Tool Box

 

  • Tools To Have In The Car
    One day, you may find yourself stuck on the side of the road.
    If you do there are some tools that you should have to help you get going again.
    These are very basic tools that are easily kept in a small tackle box and takes up very little room in the trunk.
  • Screwdrivers
    A large and small straight blade screwdriver and a #2 Phillips screwdrivers are a must.
    Without these there won't be very much you can do to get yourself going again.
  • Wrenches
    Vehicles today use metric fasteners.
    If you have a Japanese import, you will need an 8, 10, 12, 14, 17 and a 19mm wrench.
    If you have an American import, a 10, 13, 15, 17 and 19mm are the most useful.
    Combination wrenches that have an open and box end are more versatile then a box end or open end.12-point wrenches are more useful than 6-point wrenches.
    Avoid wrenches that are one size on one end and another size on the other end.
  • Ratchet and Sockets
    A 3/8" drive ratchet and sockets are good to have as well.
    There are places where a wrench will not go and you will need a socket to loosen or tighten a fastener.
    If you have a Japanese import, you will need an 8, 10, 12, 14, 17 and a 19mm deep and shallow sockets.
    If you have an American import, a 10, 13, 15, 17 and 19mm deep and shallow sockets are the most useful.
    In addition a 3", 6" and 12" extension will be useful as well.
  • Hammer
    A 12 or 14-ounce ball peen hammer is a good, all round hammer to have and will still fit in the tackle box.
    If you have the room a 12-ounce and 16-ounce ball peen hammer would be great.
  • Pliers
    A regular pair of pliers is the least you should have.
    Along with the pliers a pair of Channel Locks, a small and large pair of vise grips will prove handy as well.
    In addition a pair of needlenose pliers are very handy.
  • Flashlight
    A decent quality flashlight is a must if you are on a dark road at night.
    The tools won't do you much good if you can't see what you're doing.
    Don't leave the batteries in the flashlight.
    They may leak and not only ruin the flashlight, but the other tools in your tackle box.
    Get a new set of batteries and leave them in the original package.
    Put them in a zip lock bag to aid in keeping them fresh.
  • Jumper Cables
    Having a good set of jumper cables almost goes without saying.
    If you have a dead battery it is a lot easier to find someone willing to give you a jump than it is to find someone willing to give you a jump and have jumper cables.
    Get a heavy pair of cables 2 or 4 gauge.
    Any lighter than that and you're just wasting your money.
    Light cables can't carry much current and you need a lot of current to get a car started.
  • Pry Bar
    A good, sturdy pry bar will be good to have.
    A 12" and 24" pry bars would be good.
    A crowbar can be substituted but don't rely on a tire iron.
    They are not really made for prying off more than a hub cap.
  • Work Gloves
    A pair of work gloves will protect your hands from sharp edges and keep them warm in the winter.
    If it is cold enough skin will freeze to metal.
  • Bottle Jack
    I know, your car already comes with a jack.
    But if you have a "Bottle" type jack, it will make jacking your vehicle up a lot easier.
    It can also be used to push a fender away from a wheel if you have been hit or have hit something.
    A 12" square of 3/4" plywood will be needed to put under the jack if you use it on grass or dirt.