Basic vehicle tool kit?

[bk42261]

Need a very basic tool kit for the car- Combination wrenches, 3/8" drive ratchet and sockets, etc. Just to have in vehicle in case of loosened bolt, things like that.
I'm thinking either Harbor Freight or Tractor Supply- available in my area. Any other places I should look at? I'm NOT looking for MAC or Snapon quality, just something that won't snap in two the second time I use it.
TIA

 

[Rodan]

Harbor Freight is perfect for this.

Grab one of their small canvas tool bags, a basic combo wrench set, and basic socket set in the proper flavor (metric or SAE). Add pliers, channel lock and needle nose and a couple of screw drivers and you're all set.

Should be able to set it up for ~$50 all in.

I also like to add duct tape, electrical tape and some baling wire. A set of gloves, or a few nitrile gloves in a sandwich bag are nice to have as well. Allen and torx are optional, but handy.

 

[lihpster]

A couple pairs of locking pliers like vise grips can come in handy, too.

 

[ralph7]

Agree with above and I would add a pair of vise grips as that is a must in my book.

You beat me to it, great minds and such...

 

[Rodan]

Forgot to add, don't bother with the tool kits that come in the blown plastic 'storage cases'... they're usually bottom of the barrel, and the plastic cases are next to useless. They take up way too much space for what's in them, and the tools never stay in place anyway.

And yes, vice grips are great to have... should have included those.

 

[Greyman50]

Have an US Army tool bag from back in 70s filled with metric and standard tools. Screw drivers, hammer, file, pry bar and 2 ratchets , all 3/8” drive. Has worked so far but new Hyundai looks to be “ restricted” for owner repairs, will see and hope I never need to use them.

 

[Kinman]

I have always been self sufficient and learned early on with all of the junk I drove up until well into my 40's I always had a tool bag, in my vehicles I hunted and goofed around in the woods in I had tow straps, length of rope, come-a-long, later a sheep herders jack, double bit axe, Swede saw, everything got used at one time or another. Today I don't carry any tools in my daily, just the socket adapter for the locking lug nut on each wheel. I had tool kits left to me by family and friends over the years, at one time needed a second set of tools to be kept in Canada at lake property in order to avoid hauling stuff back and forth across the border. I've ended up with a nice "Tankers" bag full of open end/combination wrenches, medium ball peen hammer, small portable hacksaw that folds up that has saved my bacon,length of bailing wire coiled up, duct tape, assorted screwdriver bits in a handle that holds them. That bag usually goes in the Model A whenever I go for a serious drive, otherwise it sits ready to grab. When someone has a problem and calls I can grab it and go but often today's vehicles are beyond any help besides calling for a wrecker.

 

[Bajadoc]

I have recently added a rechargeable jump starter to my car kit. Also, a good small flashlight is mandatory.

 

[gym cat]

I would also throw in a rechargeable battery jump starter.

 

[Ματθιας]

Multi-bit screwdriver with an assortment of different bits. Assorted zip ties. Assortment of appropriate fuses.

If you have a newer vehicle, short of a scan tool, not much else can be done on the side of the road.

 

[DWalt]

Minimum of socket wrench set, open end wrench set, medium vise grip, plain pliers, water pump pliers, assortment of blade and Philips screwdriver sizes, wire cutters, knife, claw hammer. I find water pump pliers are very versatile. I also carry a smaller (1.5 Ton) hydraulic jack and jumper cables.

 

[jbtrucker]

My 2023 Mustang doesn't have spare to save weight , has air pump for flats . Saver spare to clear the large brake rotors cost $400. I always keep fuses , flash lights battery jump start and Leatherman Multi Tool . For long trips carry Harbor Freight small metric socket set in steel case , lug wrench and jack , tire patch kit Couple plastic wheel chocks, rain coat and gloves.