must have tools

[HACK BLOCK]

I always like to keep a small bag of tools in my cars just in case so I would like to know what are some must have size sockets/ tools that I should have with me at all times.? and where is a good place to keep them with limited trunk space in a tahoe

 

[ScottyBoy]

I have a 24" breaker bar with a 22mm socket on it stashed in the side panel where my factory jack and spare tire tools are. I also ALWAYS keep a small tool bag with basic 3/8" drive sockets and a ratchet and extension. I bring a few more tools whenever I go on a road trip. Earlier this year I drove over 3000 miles on a road trip to Orlando in my old ass Suburban. But thankfully, I did not have a single hiccup on the way there or the way back.

 

[adventurenali92]

I keep a small tool box(like a 12 inch long by 6 inch wide box) in the back with if my Denali with all my detail gear. Couple different size ratchets along with standard and metric sockets, screwdrivers, pliers, need nose and regular, electrical tape, clippers. Just sorta the basics.

 

[swathdiver]

Tech2

Whichever wrenches and nuts fit the battery cables. That used to be 8mm, not sure if it still is. Until I get around to figuring all that out mine is equipped with a Leatherman.

 

[HACK BLOCK]

sounds good. I just wanted to make sure cause right now my bag has a lot of BMW specific sizes. I wanna make sure if I have a problem at least I have the right sizes on me

 

[HACK BLOCK]

Tech2

Whichever wrenches and nuts fit the battery cables. That used to be 8mm, not sure if it still is. Until I get around to figuring all that out mine equipped with a Leatherman.

I just picked up an autel al619 for now, still waiting for it in the mail

 

[2011SSVHOE]

I keep a code scanner in my console, and if I go on a road trip, I take a tool bag with me with a good assortment of wrenches and vise-grips and screwdrivers and dykes.

 

[rockola1971]

Tech 2 with case $300 https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Hot...fb41-4abd-bdff-cf393ccde0ee&priceBeautifyAB=4

Search the site, they can be had cheaper without the case.

 

[swathdiver]

Tech 2 with case $300 https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Hot...fb41-4abd-bdff-cf393ccde0ee&priceBeautifyAB=4

Search the site, they can be had cheaper without the case.

That's what I bought and the price has come down since. I'm telling you fellas, it's a must have item, makes working on these trucks so much easier and less costly. Mine has paid for itself several times over already and the knowledge gained from using it allows me to help out here on the forum.

There was another tool carrying thread posted here recently but it was broader in scope than what the OP required, good reading though.

 

[Doubeleive]

for just around town I carry a flashlight, needle nose pliers, spare fuses, flashlight, jumper cables, chain, code scanner, and a big roll of some heavy duty tape that I need to replenish, most of these items have been more useful in helping others out instead of myself, for longer trips I either throw a whole tool bag in the back or the basics 7,8, 10, 13, 15mm, channel locks, vise grip, ratchet and breaker bar, and at least a couple gallons of water. most of that stuff will fit in the jack storage compartment and/or center console.
a package of zip ties and bailing wire are probably good to have also
ya never know....

 

[Chubbs]

If you want to get specific there will be 8/10mm for small bolts & 14/15/18/19mm on up for your bigger bolts & parts like BJs. Keep a medium sized crescent wrench with a spare pipe or bar that you know for a fact will slide over that crescent & your ratchets for leverage. At the least I keep small 3-ton bottle jack, it doesn't take up any space. I also keep a 4x4 block of wood to set it on. It has taken the place of the factory emergency jack but doubles as a mobile press, which is where it has seen the majority of its duty.

Always have a long extension & univ' joint for 1/4 ratchet to get at hose clamps in tight spots.

Set of Torx & Allen bits with adapter for ratchet/driver. These kits are much better than having 1/2-doz dif't screwdrivers.

Quality penetrating spray

Gorilla tape or equivalent

Roll of rags

Always make sure you have the proper tools to release your spare tire and go through the routine to determine if the mechanism works. When I bought my last truck it was missing the last leg of the bar which both adapts to the jack AND the winch for the spare. I was unable to remove the spare tire until I went to a junkyard and happened to find the necessary piece from a junker. This is a big 1. Used vehicles that we reg' purchase will be missing all kinds of necessary $hit that we don't go for until we need it in emergency. Be prepared. Great thread by the way.

Edit: @Doubeleive def gotta have a nice, big vice grip on-deck. Another 1 of those universal "must-haves" that should be in every truck.

OP: I don't know if you have the subwoofer in the very back, left-hand side but mine is just a box with trap door. I stuff all kinds of bars and pipes in there with the factory tire tools.

 

[swathdiver]

Hey Joe, what do we use the 19mm for? I put it on my Amazon wishlist and they showed up in my stocking for Christmas. But now I cannot remember why I wanted them!

15mm and 18mm are for the rear calipers on GMT900s, probably the front too; don't remember. See a pattern there? LOL

 

[Chubbs]

@swathdiver

The torsion bar adj bolt is 18. The TREs are either 18 or 19. Shock mounting bolts. Most upper BJs. Just off the top of my head. I think the control arm bolts will be 18, too.

my new HF TRE seperator takes a 19 is prob why I said it.

And indeed don't get caught w/out a 15mm

 

[swathdiver]

Sorry, I'm confused Joe. What's a TRE? Upper ball joint takes a 19mm?

 

[02_Tahoe]

I just have a basic 20 piece 3/8 drive ratchet set, a couple screwdrivers and a multimeter.

 

[HiHoeSilver]

Sorry, I'm confused Joe. What's a TRE? Upper ball joint takes a 19mm?

I'm guessing tie rod end

 

[Garandman]

We check the lug nuts every time we have tires serviced, as they are usually overtorqued. We back them off and torque them. Tahoe is pretty high - 140 ft lbs - so a breaker bar or pipe section may be helpful.

If we are towing the boat we bring a full tool set.

• LED flashlight. We change all the batteries at New year
• 30’ recovery strap with two large anchor shackles
• 5” needle nose pliers
• 10” water pump pliers
• Vice grips
• 10” adjustable
• Large flat and Phillips screw drivers
• Stubby flat and Phillips screw drivers
• 2lb hand sledge hammer
• Hacksaw blade with back handle
• 6’ of stainless safety wire
• Wire coat hanger
• Self sealing tape
• Duck tape
• 24” zip ties
• 11” zip ties
• Jumper cables or jump pack

Carhartt makes a tool roll that holds just about all this. It’s in the little compartment under the floor along with drawbar, light adapters etc. we carry a little more in the Subaru which has a lot more room if you don’t use a full size spare.

 

[dmad1]

I always carry a extra muffler bearing...

 

[swathdiver]

Thanks Nate, I had that and some 36mm wrenches for when we do the tie rod sleeves.

 

[kf7grq]

What to carry for spare parts and tools can drive a person crazy. It will depend on how well you keep your preventive maintenance up, how old your vehicle is, and your talents to use tools. Are the tools meant for road side repairs?

So much for the double talk. Most important is a good repair manual, a set of sockets, channel lock pliers, screw drivers, a hammer, a good LED flashlight, and a volt/ohm meter. Supplies should include a small roll of duct tape, electrical tape, an assortment of fuses, a bottle of engine oil, and stop leak.

For local driving I just keep AAA in my speed dial, and a flash light. I also keep a well stocked first aid kit and road flares.

I hope you do not mind opinions because you sure got mine. As an amateur radio operator; my go bag and tool kits over lap, so what I have in mine will not necessarily be the same in yours.

Most respectfully
Michael