Tools!

[dobry4u]

It's Christmas time and the family is asking what I want for Christmas. I have really nothing in my tool box but a few fuses, light bulbs, vice grips, and a pair of rubber gloves.

Could you please share with me what tools/items in your tool box you "just couldn't do without"? Thanks!!!

[Rev.Vassago]

- A full set of wrenches, both standard and metric.

- A set of Allen wrenches

- A set of Torx wrenches.

- Plyers with coated handles

- A set of screwdrivers, both philips and flat head

- Zip ties (these come in handy in a lot of situations)

- A pair of Channel Lock pliers

- electrical tape and duct tape

- extra glad hand rubbers

[Orangetxguy]

A "chain repair" tool. http://tirechain.com/tirechain-pliars-large.htm

Will make your winter driving experience so much more enjoyable, since you would be able to repair those chains so much faster...and easier.

[belpre122]

A churchkey?

[vavega]

a good size knife, a la buck for getting the glad hand grommets out so i don't ruin my nails.

fixin's for tiebacks. our shop has them prepackaged that includes two open links of chain, a hook, and a short run of chain. i always have 2 in my toolbox.

the channel locks for the chain kit

2 short bungee cords in case the above won't work. cheap ones so i don't mind leaving them with the trailer for the next guy.

3 larger bungee cords holding down my hand truck and broom

duct tape it really is miracle stuff you know

and a pair of mac snippers to cut cable seals. i have trouble holding up and using the big bolt cutters and these are quicker. 3 snips and i'm done.

i used to carry a crowbar but that's when i did a lot of paper to get the nails up out of the floor.

[Kevin0915]

If you are lucky enough, sweet talk one of the guys in the shop, he might get you a set of glad-hands, and rubbers to go in them. I didn't have jack in my truck...you started with more than me, but every week, i'm buying something to put in my side compartment.

what about a good size socket set? or maybe even a breaker bar....like someone once told me, better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it.

[Walking Eagle]

Many rolls of true duct tape, not the shi11 they sell in truck stops, can fix just about anything. Also JB Weld. I have actualy fixed a cracked block with it to get a truck home. Let the coolant drain down, used a propane torch to dry it, packed it with JB, next morning refilled with water then took it from Wa. to Fl. with no leaking.

[Kevin0915]

Many rolls of true duct tape, not the shi11 they sell in truck stops, can fix just about anything. Also JB Weld. I have actualy fixed a cracked block with it to get a truck home. Let the coolant drain down, used a propane torch to dry it, packed it with JB, next morning refilled with water then took it from Wa. to Fl. with no leaking.

i'd agree with the duct tape. Forgot all about JB Weld. Say, can you 'legally' carry a propane torch in your side compartment?? just curious. if you can, then i'm tossin' in my camping grill. =)

[wepwawet]

Hammer and 1 of each screwdriver. If that cant fix it call the company.

[Rev.Vassago]

i'd agree with the duct tape. Forgot all about JB Weld. Say, can you 'legally' carry a propane torch in your side compartment?? just curious. if you can, then i'm tossin' in my camping grill. =)

Yes, you can legally carry propane, but it has to be secure.

[CaliTrucker]

I carry a good length (atleast 50') of air hose w/ gladhand, air chuck and, of course, tire gauge.

[slodsm]

I carry this

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item....re&dir=catalog

Plus a full set of pliars, screw drivers, fuses, electrical and duct tape, dead blow and claw hammers plus nails/screws and a few otehr things I can't think of.

Due to having all of that, I have never had to use any of it aside from the nails and hammer for V boards.

[Kranky]

All of the suggestions so far have been very good.

Now you'll want to get one of these to put the tools in:

[rigidsporty]

All you need is a BFH and duct tape. If the hammer dont fix it, duct it!

[dobry4u]

All of the suggestions so far have been very good.

Now you'll want to get one of these to put the tools in:

Hmm... that is a pretty big chest... the color is right though!!

Thanks everyone for your input and list . I have passed them along to the family for Christmas ideas. I do hope to get a few frillies too!

[Mackman]

A bet that box is around 15,000 bucks give or take.

[golfhobo]

Hmm... that is a pretty big chest...

No woman trucker should be without one!

[Syncrosonix]

Yes, you can legally carry propane, but it has to be secure.

[GMAN]

I keep spare lights, wire and basic tools. It is amazing what you can fix with a screwdriver and pliers. An adjustable wrench and vice grips can also come in handy. I usually keep a set of Craftsman socket set in my truck. I also have electrical connectors and electrical tape along with some of the other items others have mentioned. Just taking spare lights with you can save you about half of what it would cost in a truck stop. You don't need to have an elaborate set of tools on your truck, but even having a few simple tools can make things much easier when something needs to be done. Not only can you save money but time. You can wait several hours to get a simple light repaired in many truck stops. And a most truck stop will charge you $80-90/hr for something you can do yourself.

[vavega]

almost forgot!

a spare mudflap. keep it on the catwalk with a couple of bungee cords. if you don't have the bolts to reattach, then put it in the front of the hanger and use your plastic ties. use the thick white ones, not the cheesy black ones your husband got you thinking they "would do".