Ever been stuck next to the road or faced with a trivial mechanical task sans the necessary tools at your disposal? Prevent this unfortunate situation – always pack an emergency toolkit!
Visiting a friend the other day he showed me a problem with his vehicle. Coolant was leaking from a hose running to the HVAC heater matrix. I offered to fix the problem if he could supply me a pair of pliers. He did not have any and after checking my car’s tool kit had to blush and say – sorry can’t help! Even though I have a complete toolset (and then some) at home this was of no help in this case.
This brings me to the topic of the emergency toolkit. Even though there is little space in a fully loaded vehicle for tools I still think one should carry the basic items – in case of emergency. Back home I took a small toolbox (not much larger than a loaf of bread) and started to fill it with extra tools in my garage to function as my emergency toolkit, which is now stored in the boot of my vehicle.
From the headline picture one can spot the tools I have chosen but I am sure with some more thought a more complete, yet compact set can be assembled. With the help of my colleague, Peter Palm we decided on a preliminary list of must have tools for the kit below. Can you add to the list?
Emergency toolkit contents
- Water pump pliers;
- Side cutter;
- Round nose pliers;
- Vice grip;
- Spanners sizes 10, 13, 17;
- Shifting spanner;
- Wire;
- Screw drivers of various sizes;
- Allen keys;
- Small hammer;
- Small hack saw;
- Flashlight;
- Insulation tape;
- Electrical connectors and fuses;
- Duct tape;
- Stanley knife;
- Hose clamps.