Some trunk tool sets

[spackard]

First one I saw looks like it can be bought as an option at a GM dealer: SONIC MCS COMBINATION SET 1/4", 1/2", 94-PCS 309402.
Runs $180 on EBay, about double that new.

Next one I found, which has a better selection of screwdriver bits is Vigor by Hazet V2461 Socket Wrench Set, Ratchet Box Tool Case 172 Pieces.
Runs $263.90 on EBay, and comes from Larnaka, Cyprus. The ratchets look like the HF composite ratchets, not a bad thing just an observation.

Both of the above have no open-end wrenches with them. (Sonic makes a larger set that has them, but that's $400.) I'm not sure if that's a must-have in a trunk set.

This is more of a mental exercise. 40 years ago all the tools I owned I put in my trunk, and made use of them. They were SAE. They also rattled around in the two tool boxes. Nowadays I don't carry any in the trunk. Just thinking maybe I should get a trunk kit.

 

[nomas]

I keep a tool bag in my truck because it's not unusual for me to end up working on something for other folks . Mostly screwdrivers , various types of pliers , adjustable wrench , and a few other things . I'm not going to try to change a water pump or a tie rod on the side of the road .

 

[Warstud]

The #1 problem on the road would be with the battery . So carrying the right size sockets for the battery and some jumper cables and duct tape is about all I would carry . Alot of the sockets etc. in the kit would never get used on the road so why carry them .

 

[supton]

I just keep a cheapo set from HF in the trunk. The blow molded case is junky but kinda keeps everything in place, and its been a while since I have tried to fix anything when not home. Its meant to be just enough to fix minor stuff, anything major and I probably didn’t want to fix it on the side of the road anyhow.

 

[wings&wheels]

I keep a cheap set of tools in each of the fun fleet; start with a 'car tool kit' or similar available from HF, HD or others and augment w/ any key items appropriate to the car. Add in spares and I keep them in old laptop cases that I've collected through the years. The two old Rovers get much more due to 1) where I will occasionally take them, and 2) British...

 

[jhs914]

I keep this Channellock set in my truck. Better quality than the comparable Harbor Freight set. It includes combo open end/ratcheting boxed end wrenches. Has 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" ratchets. It was $89 when I bought mine.

Let us know you're not a robot - Sam's Club

www.samsclub.com

 

[supton]

I've had enough cheap tools over the years and they seem fine for this duty--except for ratchets. If one jumps for a cheap set, there may be value in getting a better HF one, and maybe adding some extensions.

I'm finding I dislike the screwdriver set with bits. Seems like much of the time, I need something with a narrow shank, the hex drive bit is too large to fit into a small area. Might not hurt to have one or two regular "real" screwdrivers.

Don't forget zip ties, bailing wire and duct tape.

 

[paulo57509]

I got one of these years ago from Costco.

https://www.amazon.com/Crescent-CTK170CMP2-Mechanics-Tool-170-Piece/dp/B00F4AVRGW/ref=sr_1_31?crid=27WTUXOTHIKZ1&keywords=crescent+tool+sets&qid=1672521172&sprefix=crescent+tool+sets%2Caps%2C235&sr=8-31

Before I ever take trunk tools with me, I use them for a while to do auto repairs in the garage. Gives me a better idea of how they'll perform and let's me know if there are any glaring missing tools that need to be added.

 

[nwjones18]

I got one of these years ago from Costco.

https://www.amazon.com/Crescent-CTK170CMP2-Mechanics-Tool-170-Piece/dp/B00F4AVRGW/ref=sr_1_31?crid=27WTUXOTHIKZ1&keywords=crescent+tool+sets&qid=1672521172&sprefix=crescent+tool+sets%2Caps%2C235&sr=8-31

Before I ever take trunk tools with me, I use them for a while to do auto repairs in the garage. Gives me a better idea of how they'll perform and let's me know if there are any glaring missing tools that need to be added.

That's the same set I leave in my truck. Like others have mentioned I keep them in there not so much for working on the truck itself, but for whatever I may end up needing to work on when I'm not at home.. I also leave a bottle jack, 12v tire pump, jumper cables and a bag with some other random tools in there.. I have a similar tool selection in both trucks. In my Mazda and my wifes car I just keep a Leatherman, jumper cables and a flashlight.

 

[eljefino]

I keep a tool bag in my truck because it's not unusual for me to end up working on something for other folks . Mostly screwdrivers , various types of pliers , adjustable wrench , and a few other things . I'm not going to try to change a water pump or a tie rod on the side of the road .

This is it, my own stuff I hope is in decent repair but I get an opportunity to play hero. And it might not be car stuff, could be house electrical or plumbing. Even breaking something down enough for a diagnosis vice repair will put that person in a much better spot.

 

[SC Maintenance]

The issue with most "kits" is they lack things you really need, like a needle nose vise grip, a really big screwdriver, etc. I made my own using a rolled up tool holder that keeps everything from rattling. I have combo wrenches from 8 to 19mm, socket set the same, couple extensions, different plyers and vice grips. Doesn't take much space, all the best stuff, and doesn't make any noise.

This isn't mine - but similar idea:

 

[D60]

I also prefer to go a-la-carte because "kits" just don't cut it.

First, sockets are the big issue. I try to find a kit or kits of sockets I like, preferably with an effective, efficient hard case. This is because throwing sockets in a bag is a PITA, as are socket rails in a bag.

Second, get some tool bags and import wrench sets. Throw wrenches in bag. Sometimes -- especially during holiday sales -- ratcheting GW (or other brands) is not much more expensive.

Then grab a BFH of your choosing, screwdrivers, extensions, pliers and whatever else you think you might need. This will likely go in a second tool bag.

Don't forget Torx and hex! These are quite common today but often overlooked.

I also throw a 24" ratchet or breaker bar in each vehicle. Tool bags are obviously impractical here so this has to be stashed in a trunk or under a seat, etc. Don't discount this, leverage is amazing and often needed. Carry a cheater pipe instead if you're cheap.

 

[CleanSump]

The OEM tool roll from Mercedes or BMW, which have the cheapest crap tools for high end cars. That takes care of pliers, a few metric combo wrenches and screwdrivers.
Add for
a) Mercedes: 30" breaker bar and 17mm wheel stud socket. 5mm Allen wrench for fuel filter bracket, tiny torx driver for the fuel filter water sensor.
b) BMW: 30" breaker bar 17mm wheel stud socket.

Anything beyond those requires real work and will get a tow.

 

[jhs914]

Like others in addition to the Channellock tool kit I keep a tool bag with assorted pliers, zip ties, tape, a pipe for use as a breaker bar, vice grips, etc. I also keep a plug in air pump, tire plug kit, jump box,ratchet straps, bungee cords, and tow strap. And yes, I keep it all in a tool box in the bed of the truck.

 

[RaymondP]

Don't understand why so many sets blend both SAE and metric. Normally you are in one camp or the other, resulting in having to buy useless tools and wasted space. Prefer a comprehensive kit of either denomination.

 

[WobblyElvis]

If you are ever going to change a flat on the traffic lane side of a vehicle, having true pyrotechnic road flares make a big difference.

 

[spackard]

I made a lower offer on the first set and it was accepted so I'll put that one in my trunk. I'll look into the roll-up tool holder and probably buy that and put some wrenches I know I'll use (such as those to change the battery) and a 'scope on a rope in there. I think the Sonic set will match the '17 Buick Lacrosse better than a HF set.

Plus, I don't like really cheap tools. There's usually some shortcoming I don't spot until it comes time to use them. Like a socket is a quarter inch too long, or too thick to fit into a hole. Then I'm stuck with something I won't throw out but can't practically use.

Dudes who make it to my (eventual) estate sale are going to make out like bandits.

 

[RooflessVW]

IMO the Husky sets are pretty hard to beat, especially this time of year when there is still some overstock from Xmas in stores.

 

[jhellwig]

Don't understand why so many sets blend both SAE and metric. Normally you are in one camp or the other, resulting in having to buy useless tools and wasted space. Prefer a comprehensive kit of either denomination.

Because domestic vehicles from the 80s and 90s.

 

[HangFire]

Don't forget zip ties, bailing wire and duct tape.

In my Mazda and my wifes car I just keep a Leatherman, jumper cables and a flashlight.

If you are ever going to change a flat on the traffic lane side of a vehicle, having true pyrotechnic road flares make a big difference.

Like others in addition to the Channellock tool kit I keep a tool bag with assorted pliers, zip ties, tape, a pipe for use as a breaker bar, vice grips, etc. I also keep a plug in air pump, tire plug kit, jump box,ratchet straps, bungee cords, and tow strap. And yes, I keep it all in a tool box in the bed of the truck.

All good stuff.

I would add:
A safety reflective vest
Metal zip ties (though I guess bailing wire might serve the same purpose)

I have moved to tool bags. Quieter, smaller and more conformable to available space than tool boxes. A little less convenient in use, though.