Got a toolkit you like?

[BruceW]

I have become aware that I have a boat box that is just a vat of tools haphazardly there, difficult to find things in. Oh, and I have a bucket of tools too.

Was thinking that a rollup boat kit with just what I need for the boat might be the ticket.

Haven't seen any in the stores, just online. Here is an example:

http://www.amazon.com/Ergodyne-13770-Arsenal-5870-Roll-Up/dp/B0013G5YAG

What do you do that you like, regarding boat tools?

Here's a link for one person's idea of what the contents should be:

http://www.tropicalboating.com/2007/06/what-should-be-in-your-small-boat-marine-toolkit

Thanks!

[MacGyver]

Tiger, I keep a smaller style Craftsman Bag with a full set of screwdrivers (also Craftsman) inside with a smaller socket set from Craftsman that folds in 2 and zips closed.
I also keep what I think are the utmost valuable tools to have on a boat. The 4WR and 4LN Vice Grips. Undoubtedly the most handy tools to have on board IMHO

Links for all:
http://www.amazon.com/Irwin-Tools-1002L3-Original-Locking/dp/B00012FQGA/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1390881120&sr=8-6&keywords=vise+grips
http://www.amazon.com/Irwin-Tools-1602L3-Orignal-Locking/dp/B0000BYD9A/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1390881120&sr=8-12&keywords=vise+grips
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-17-pc-screwdriver-set/p-00931794000P?prdNo=1

The bag and the socket set I couldnt find...... The socket set has both metric and SAE in it, along with a few allen wrenches and a couple of screwdriver bits and a handle, all in a clamshell zippered soft case.
The bag is just big enough to fit all the screwdrivers into it without the screwdrivers possibly poking a hole into the bag. I also have a clear case from PLANO that holds odds and ends parts, extra pins, etc.

It fits nicely into a spot under the V berth cushions (one of the cubby holes) and although it makes my wife mad that Ihave tools devoted to the boat (I have a shop full of tools....... so I literally dont need anymore......If I die, she will have my burial money 2 fold from all of my tools easily....) that she at first insisted I didnt need them, but after witnessing several jobs get done on the boat without extra tools, she was impressed and has blessed that tool bag with a home on the boat.

And the tools when I sleep are right below my head......... I love tools..........OH, and my lovely wife! 

Mac 

[NateD]

I love quality tools as well, but I've dropped enough screw drivers over the side of the boat that I only keep cheap to medium quality stuff on board. Also, I have never needed a socket (except for the sparkplug) while working on the water. Nearly everything can be done with wrenches/pliers. I put together a fairly complete tool set from Harbor Freight for about ~$50, and if I occasionally lose something over the side I'm not too bummed. You can see the yellow tool bag on the right hand side of this picture.



I can't guarantee it is a complete list, but I believe I have:
Large set of metric and SAE wrenches in cheap plastic roll-up (this I only carried on my 23, got by without it on my 16)
Small channel lock pliers
Needle nose pliers (with a good wire cutter built-in)
Wire strippers
Small crescent wrench
Flat and Philips head screw drivers
Stubby flat and Philips head drivers
Cheap multi-meter
Small hammer
Mini hacksaw
Small tape measure
Scissors
Knife
+ Any tools specific to your outboard

I should say that this is the boat tool kit. I do carry a socket set and other tools just for the tow vehicle/trailer.

[Greene]

Sounds like Nate and I have the same plan.  Good tools at home and cheaper ones on board.  I believe I also have ViseGrips, electrical tape, duct tape, tie straps, rigging wire and a set of mechanic's gloves in my canvas bag.  I keep a medium size plastic box full of electrical connectors/switches/etc. and another plastic box wth assorted stainless screws/bolts/Clevis pins/etc.

Note:I bought stubby or mini versions of the hammer, crescent and hacksaw at Menards to save space in my canvas bag.

I am much more comfortable aboard knowing I most likely have what I need to make repairs.

Mike

[Salty19]

A few tools I carry aboard for the outboard:

-Spark plug wrench
-Extra spark plug, pregapped and in protective case.
-Small piece of 120-200 grit sandpaper (to clean carbon off spark plug)
-If water cooled, 1 ft piece of weed wacker line to clear the water stream port
-Flat head screw driver (to open carburetor drain screw)
-Sheer pin for propeller (if equipped).
-2 stroke oil with measuring device.
-Clean rag.

Aside from the sheer pin, I've needed all of these at one point or another.

[brackish]

Three small waterproof Tupperware boxes with a strap for each to keep the tops from popping off.  One has electrical parts, including a small butane torch, (palm of the hand small) for heat shrinking tubing, one has plumbing  parts, and the third has a divider with SS screws, nuts, washers, split rings, SS locking wire, etc.

For tools, I keep the outboard tools that came with the outboard, pliers, adjustable wrench, flat and Phillips screwdrivers, in a small pouch.  All cheap stuff that I can live with the loss.  I also always bring a Victorinox Swiss multi tool in a belt pouch which I use more than anything else, but have to be careful with it, would not want to drop it overboard .  I have a slightly larger canvas bag that is used to carry specific project tools up to the marina.  It will have everything I need to do whatever project I say I'm going to do but then, if weather is great, I just go sail instead.

http://www2.knifecenter.com/item/VN53805/Victorinox-Swiss-Army-SwissTool-Spirit-413-inch-Closed-Nylon-Sheath

[Greene]

Oh yeah,  forgot the brand new Gerber MP-800 multi tool.  Sweet!

Mike

[BruceW]

Thanks for the comments and discussion.

I got a small roll up tool bag for the boat. I like the idea of a place for everything, and everything someplace I can see it. So, I'll put the essentials from the various lists there. I will keep my clear lidded compartment box for the clevis pins, cotter pins, rindings, multimeter, other odds and ends that I need to find sometimes, mostly less frequently than the main toolkit.

Probably put the rollup in a plastic something that is waterproof, airproof, etc, in between sailing trips. I have some of those ziplocks that you roll up and the air comes out; these or even the tupperware idea might be the ticket.

Once I select out the tools, including those in the depressions (including the sink!) on the molded top step, I'll take a picture, just to show myself, haha, where stuff is/was at one time.

Bruce

[skip1930]

I use the tote bag from CPAC machines ... they are soft sided and have internal Velcro pockets and zipper completely open. Stows between the potty and quarter birth on my CP-19 under the stairs.

Tools include everything necessary to R&R the carb on the outboard. And change a spark plug. Some male and female wire ends.
Philips and flat screw drivers small enough to disassemble the plug-in light sockets. And a expanding tip screwdriver to hold and start the screw.
A few larger screw drivers for electrics. Two multi tools, Vice Grip, two 6 inch adjustables, dikes, PVC El Tape, 12 volt circuit tester, and test lamp. A magnate on a flexible shank. A 4" x 3" balsawood tray with an edge with a no slip bottom having those refrigerator magnates cut and glued down to prevent small parts from rolling over the side. A spare LED light, and a handful of boat fittings for lines, Q/D's. And a roll of 'Rescue Tape' which is a silicone tape that sticks to it's self for wrapping whatever. Tools put to use are fitted with a lanyard looped around my wrist, so nothing goes over the side.

I carry a reasonable first aid kit and 2 ounces of superglue from Hobby Lobby incase I slit a leg or arm open on something sharp and I spring a pretty good leak.

skip.