Daily Driver Basic Tool Kit - What do you carry?

[Fergie]

Okay, so I've come to the realization that I do not need every single tool I own in the back of the WJ all the time.

I'm trying to pare down all the crap I carry in the back, and want others to have a future resource as well.

As far as basics are concerned, this is what I have:
-Tool Kit
-Compressor and tire gauge(repair kit optional)
-Receiver shackle and 20' strap
-First Aid Kit
-Fire Extinguisher
-Vehicle supplied jack and lug wrench tool.
-E-tool

Now, the actual tool kit is the part I am having troubles with, as far as necceary pieces are concerned.
- Screwdriver(one of each type, possibly a stubby version with the bits in the handle)
- Vice grips
- Lineman(can be wire strippers if you're careful)
- Crescent wrench(in place of larger wrenchs)
- Socket assortment
- Hammer
- Gloves
- Tarp
- Overalls

So, what is missing/not needed here?

Also, what are you carrying as your basic DD tool kit? Not your basic "trail" kit, but a kit for your more, urban travels.

Thanks

G

 

[FourByLand]

Never leave home without it.

 

[MisfitToy]

lol really I'm in the same boat I carry almost every tool I own all the time.


I run an
Etool
hi-lift
6qts oil
1gal coolant
wd-40
tie wire
assorted zip ties
socket set
2 multi screw drivers
4 multi tools (a kershaw,gerber,letherrman and sog)
2 fire extinguishers
hack saw
jumper cables
assorted tie downs from walmart to military grade
tow strap
wrench set
pliers, dykes, wire ties
flares, gloves and glasses
3 flashlights
tire plugs, can of fix a flat...(the aerosol type cans can put a few good psi's in a tire)
bike pump (had to use it once thankfully the fix a flat filled it over half way)


I'm sure theirs more but thats what I carry all the time. With an imagination like mine I can come up with a scenario to us all my tools on the way to work or around town.

 

[madizell]

In the daily driver, a tire tool and that's all. All other repairs and maintenance are performed in the driveway on my schedule, not on the demand of the vehicle. Been that way for 40 years.

 

[Martinjmpr]

I always have a Yuppie Survival Kit:

A Cell phone and a credit card.

Seriously, I do have a slightly larger assortment of tools that I carry in a neat little tool roll. I'll snap a photo sometime next week when I get the chance.

A couple of things I would add: The first thing you should always buy with a new vehicle is a cross-type lug wrench. Those factory lug wrenches are usually crap, especially if the lug nuts were put on by the guys at the tire store with an air wrench.

Second thing: Fire extinguisher. I have a small ABC unit I carry in one of the rear cup holders (though I really need to "hard mount" it.)

Third: Jumper Cables - Duh! I'm astonished by how many people don't carry jumper cables! Why would you carry a tow strap, for example, but not jumper cables? You're much more likely to need a jump start than a pull.

Fourth: Warning triangles. In Germany (and other countries) you are required to carry these. I've gotten into the habit and now I always have them with me. Safer than road flares and reusable (though I carry road flares in my "outback" kit for when I go off road. For both signaling and as an emergency fire starter.)

I see no point in carrying the e-tool, water, spare oil, etc, when driving to and from work. I don't have a high-lift but if I did I would not carry it around for daily driving (honestly, when I see a rig with the high-lift, shovel, fuel cans and axe parked in an office parking lot I just think )

On a long trip, yes, but not around town. The more weight you carry the more fuel you will burn.

 

[Fergie]

Martin-

Spaced the jumper cables completely...I carry a set in the spare tire well. The e-tool is small enough that I don't mind carrying it, and is highly useful...

I like the addition of the warning triangles.

Now...I still need to slim down the tool kit to one small bag.

 

[Martinjmpr]

I use this:

http://www.coastaltool.com/cgi-bin/welcome.pl?ref=froogle+page=/a/ab/boss/bo07004.htm

 

[slooowr6]

Daily Driver? AAA and a cell phone that's all I bring with me.

Oh I forgot, I've the spare tire change kit come with the car with me. I commute 15miles round trip and it's 50% freeway and 50% surface road in metro area.

 

[Fergie]

Good lord people...is there anyone on the middle ground? It may be a DD, but I like to be prepared, but at the same time, it isn't like I'm in the middle of DV with no services around.

Trying to find that "nice median."

 

[MisfitToy]

honestly the hi lift and tow strap have come in hand even at work although i work no where near an office and every once in awhile I get a hair and go hit trails in my area or on base. so it all comes in handy here. triangles are a good idea though or those pop up cones maybe?

 

[MoGas]

I have the factory tool kit that comes with Land Cruisers. It has a few wrenches, a multi tip screwdriver, an adjustable jaw wrench (~8"), some pliers, a spark plug tool, and some tire changing tools. I added into the pouch a couple Snap-On screwdrivers and a set of Craftsman needlenose, slip joint, and channel lock pliers and a roll of electrical tape.
:safari-rig:
Dave

 

[Superu]

I bring it all

Too many times on a "regular" drive I've spotted a trail I hadn't seen before and decide to check it out.

My trail ride is my daily driver so it's not worth it to me to unload everything and find space in the garage for it only to load it all up on the weekend and hope I didn't miss something.

Fire Extinguisher (ABC)
First Aid Kit
Several flashlights
Reflector triangle and pop up cone.
Jumper cables
Jump-Start unit
155 pc tool kit
Lineman's pliers
Gloves
Duct & electrical tape
Axe & Shovel on the rack
Hi-lift in a Jackguard case
Assorted shackles and straps in spare tire well.
4 pt. lug wrench
Tire plug kit
Food (granola bars and individual bags of goldfish)
Drinking water
Sand ladders
I'm sure I've missed something...

While I did see a modest bump in mpg this past winter with the rack off for a few months, you really need to make weight reductions in 100 lb increments to make real differences in your daily mpg. Leaving the hi-lift and sand ladders at home is not going to impact my mpg in a noticeable way.

That said; if I were driving a dedicated commuter car I'd strip things down to about this:

Food
Water
Jumper cables
Jump-Start unit
Tire plug kit
Fix-a-flat
First aid kit
Smaller tool kit
Gloves
Fire Extinguisher

 

[Guinness44]

Running a diesel, add a fuelfilter.
The stock tire changing kit is scary (ad a jackstand heavy enough for your truck).

 

[MuddyMudskipper]

I carry one of these tool kits in my truck at all times.

Also:
Jumper cables
Flares
A couple glow sticks
Flashlights
First aid kit
Gloves
Tire wrench
Tow strap
A couple D-shackles
Fire extinguisher
Two rain ponchos
Thermal blanket
Winch
Hi-Lift
Vehicle fluids
Air Tank
WD40
Loctite
Super glue
Anti seize
Electrical tape
Duct tape
Bungee cords
Shop manual
Triple A card

It seems like a lot but the bulk of the stuff stows nicely in underseat bins and a day pack.

 

[computeruser]

Pretty much everything except the unnecessarily heavy stuff (chains, for example) stays in the vehicle all the time. Spare parts also stay home for everyday use.