The “to go” or driveway tool kit (per request).

evilfij

Well-known member
So my theory is I can fix 90% of problems with this (and often do). Sorry for the dark pics I worked on work, work today (to pay for rover parts and tools). Content list in the next post.
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evilfij

Well-known member
Content list:

Cheap kobalt bag (so people are less likely to break into a truck and steal it than a VETO or fancy bag)

Gedore Red 172 piece set. This has almost every socket and bit you will ever need on a defender. The one exception I can think of is 12 point sockets for the rotor to hub bolts. Has some cheap Allen keys, but I have a good set (Wera, bondhus, PB Swiss etc.) of long ball end Allen keys in every vehicle.

Gearwrench 1/4 and 3/8 flex head ratchets and Harbor Freight Pittsburgh 1/2in breaker bar.

Wrench roll; this is a custom load out I did in the wrench roll from the Stahlwille 14/17 set, but it has 8-19mm Stahlwille 14 and 8, 10, 13, 17, 19 Stahlwille reversible ratcheting wrenches. It also has a 22mm in it (because I had that spare) but it should really have a 10in or 12in adjustable wrench (I have one in every truck so not a big deal). You need that, or the appropriate size wrench, to do the bigger nuts like the oil drain and sensors. The roll is key. I spread it out and open up the Gedore kit and everything is right there. You could use whatever brand wrenches you want, I might swap the stahl for Hazet when they show up v. having both, but the roll with both regular and ratcheting in the primary sizes is key.

(If you are getting one set of wrenches, I would get the Stahlwille 14/15 set because it has the big sizes to 32mm and fill in whatever else you want/need.)

Pliers: Knipex 250mm cobras, 180mm cobras, 180mm pliers wrench (works like an adjustable wrench), the new little needle nose combination pliers, some side cutters (Gedore 160mm but anything decent), and a stripper/crimper tool (that’s a klein). A brush and trim tool are useful.

Power: Dewalt 12v impact with socket adaptors and these bosch impact end drill bits. The drill bits were the game changer as I don’t need a separate drill. Any 1/4 impact will work and is super useful. I grab the 12v because it’s light weight and if I need it I can add the 12v 3/8 ratchet.

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Screwdrivers: PB Swiss 6465 bit holder screwdriver with the SL2 bit swapped for a PZ2 bit and a PB Swiss number 2 slotted (for poking things). I also have a Wera chiseldriver set (or similar like the Felo) in every truck in at least PZ1-3, PH1-3, and some slotted including a big one for prying. I also have a PB Swiss craftform PZ2 around because it’s my new favorite screwdriver (it’s green and smells like vinella).

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Hammer: I have this Klein, but the Gedore Red one with the punch and chisels for $20 has found it’s way into each truck. I used to keep my Estwing 3lb drilling hammer in the kit, but I find the walk to the garage for the BFH makes me think twice. On a trip it comes with me.

Not pictured: streamlight microstream USB flashlight with a hat clip so I can see, Malco 10in eaglegrip locking pliers (they or similar ride in the cubby of everything with a 180mm set of pump pliers — the green Stahlwille above), tape measure, the normal cubby box stuff.

I can toss everything but the Gedore kit in an organized way into the kobalt bag. There is even room in the kobalt bag for parts and PB plaster and antisieze. I walk out to my truck in one trip. (Currently it’s in the HF tool cart with some other odds and ends because I like using it as a table so I drag it out).
 
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javelinadave

Administrator
Staff member
Great list! Definitely a cordless 1/4" impact with drill bits, 1/4 and 3/8 drive is one of the most useful tool to have in a trail tool kit.
 

evilfij

Well-known member
Cost:

No one throw tomatoes please. The target audience for this post is someone who has never worked on their defender or wants to step up and do more. Someone that does not want to spend a ton of money, but wants some quality tools (either to take with them or work out of their garage). I see a lot of people struggle or make do with crap (I used to be that guy), when a bit of investment improves performance, but more importantly enjoyment in working on vehicles (I went way overboard with tools because of this enjoyment).

All in, it’s about a $1000 in tools pictured, which given a repair bill for a defender is not a lot. That being said, you can get what you need for less than that (if you skip some of the bling) and that is with very good to top quality tools. You also don’t need to buy stuff if you already have it. Craftsman USA metric wrenches work fine if you have those, for example.

Start with the Wera chiseldriver set (I just recommended this to someone @javelinadave this evening and everyone loves it) ($80 — if you don’t want to spend that, the gearwrench pozidriv set goes on sale for $20 and is pretty good), the Gedore red 172 (now $192, used to be $145) and hammer and chisel set ($20), a 1/2in breaker bar (HF is excellent and $20), a good set of wrenches including an additional 5 ratcheting in 8. 10, 13, 17, 19 (~$200) a couple adjustable or pliers wrenches, a few good pairs of pliers, a set of strippers/crimper ($100), a battery impact ($150 with drill bits and socket adaptors), and something to put it all in (which could be a cardboard box).

But having a quality version of the right tool (like pozidriv screwdrivers!!!!) and having them organized (bag, cart or box with roll, pocket caddy, socket set to take with you) makes a huge difference in what you can get done and how enjoyable it is to do the work. A stripped screw or bolt is annoying and time consuming. With good tools they break or break free and rarely strip (and when they do the Knipex twin grip pliers and Malco eaglegrip pliers come to the rescue).
 
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evilfij

Well-known member
Great list! Definitely a cordless 1/4" impact with drill bits, 1/4 and 3/8 drive is one of the most useful tool to have in a trail tool kit.
Agreed, and I used to be all about hand tools. I have 1/2in adaptor too because I like running in and out the lug nuts. I think the neiko set pictured was like $8, but I got it because it came with the little holder so I would not lose them. That little Dewalt 12v will break them free (it torqued properly and not overtorqued). I have all manner of power tools, but again the 90% rule, a 1/4 impact can do 90% (and the 1/2in breaker bar or hand tools can do what it can’t).

PS in before you should not use chrome sockets with impacts, that’s true, but it just wears them out quicker IME and you can get Sunex impact set if you want,

PPS for a trail kit you absolutely want to have the correct fan clutch wrench (32mm or 36mm) for your truck. I keep one in each vehicle for emergencies.
 
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mitherial

Well-known member
Great thread. I had never really picked up an automotive tool before owning a Defender, and now I have probably spent the equivalent of a regular used car on tools alone. (I recently went deep into Milwaukee "Team Red" power tools, as they seem to have more automotive specific equipment, and their new impact sockets are things of beauty to look at).

If any of you have not made the move to 12volt powered socket wrenches, it is a game-changer in terms "pleasure of use" (even though you should still keep the old hand tools around).
 

evilfij

Well-known member
$89 is not bad for that kit. My gripe with the kit (and similar from Dewalt, HF, craftsman, gearwrench etc etc) is that they are SAE too and you are carrying around a bunch of stuff you don’t need (which reminds me to buy a bunch of driveshaft bolt specific sockets to toss in the trucks). And since you are tossing it in a bag, you can leave SAE behind.

I agree the 12v ratchets are excellent (I have a Dewalt and a couple Milwaukees).

But some tools are better than no tools for sure and you can get a lot done with that channellock kit! I rolled around and fixed stuff with my metrinch set for two decades.
 
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evilfij

Well-known member
Just as an update, I have added the special socket for driveshafts and a 9/16th wrench so I don’t have to jam a 14mm on it.

I also have added a long 8mm (even though it is 5/16) allen bit for the starter. I need to find a good provider for these in 5/16 after the bolts on the LWB starter gave my mechanic a hard time.
 

evilfij

Well-known member
Not sure where to put this, and it’s a bit off topic, but I wanted a basic kit for my incoming GX460.

First, I learned that the prado has a tool kit but lexus omits the tools from the GX. $75 or so gets me the combination pliers (look like tsunoda) an 8x10 and 12x14 wrench, and the spark plug socket. I will order these once the truck shows up.

Second, I was like what is the absolutely minimum I can live with as tools and not worry. Oh, and they have to all be green. I had everything except the ones with prices

Swiss Army knife (the new military issue one in green)
180mm Stahlwille pump pliers
Stahlwille torx key set
Engineer brand combination pliers
#2 saltus screwdriver (Heyco would work too)
6.3 mm Nepros green wood flathead screwdriver ((this was a splurge as it was $30 on sale)
11 in 1 greenlee screwdriver
Proxxon 3/8 socket set from Amazon global ($57)
Slime air compressor ($18)
Slime tire plug kit ($8)
Wrench set (have not made up my mind which set yet but for now a gearwrench non-ratcheting 6 point set I have)
 

pmatusov

Technical Excellence Contributor
Callsign: AK6PM
It’s a Toyota Lexus. All you’ll need is filters and fluids
... until it hits a rock and cuts the sidewall, and the owners don't have the spare tire, or working jack, or lug wrench, or a socket for anti-theft lug nuts, or all of the above.
... or it is a burly Toyota Lexus, in which case it breaks off the lower ball joint in front or a tie rod.
 

erover82

Well-known member
It’s a Toyota Lexus. All you’ll need is filters and fluids

Was going to disagree.. seen plenty of broken Yotas.. but remembered this thing is brand new, with a warranty behind it. Never a bad idea to have tools around though.
 

MountainD

Technical Excellence Contributor
I love seeing kit ideas. I have a good kit. Enough to build truck minus just a few. I’ll shoot some pics later but it’s very compact and chalk full of what I need. I do have a few priceless pieces of kit that although you “could” get by without, it’s at a significant inconvenience. These are in my essential list (plus basically your set (but not nearly as nice!…)

1. 9/16” drive shaft nut removal tool. https://www.roversnorth.com/parts/rnt141_prop_shaft_socket_special_tool

2 thin fold up cosmetic mirror. Mine was a giveaway item. So many uses to ease in fastener removal or finding hidden dropped shit. It can save you hours of searching for something lost. I’m putting a magnet on mine to stitch it to my telescoping magnet… https://www.amazon.com/Mirrornova-Folding-Ultra-Slim-Portable-Aluminum/dp/B09713R71L/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2N4K6APXR1VJ5&keywords=Folding+travel+mirror&qid=1670990812&refinements=p_36:-500&rnid=386662011&s=beauty&sprefix=folding+travel+mirror,beauty,110&sr=1-1

3. Telescoping magnet. Best thing ever. Specifically this one when on sale, I have several. https://www.harborfreight.com/15-lb-capacity-telescoping-magnetic-pickup-tool-95933.html

4. Hub nut wrench, channel locks are a bitch as not a lot of room with the regressed nuts. Not on a trail, at night in rain with broken axle or loose hub cause a bearing wasn’t fully seated or some shit. It’s not worth it. Toss that big lump in the bag. What is it? 2-1/16”? 52mm? Bought same thing. Whatever’s cheaper.

those are the ones most on my mind at least.

Thanks so much for posting those. When I’m in need, I definitely look at your threads. Super helpful to know which tool are not crap as every day brands I trusted turn out crap that is horrid in quality. I’m sporting some Wera products now too cause of you. Thanks!
 

evilfij

Well-known member
@MountainD good adds and I look forward to the pics of the kit you have. I have a magnet on a stick in the kit (I forgot to list it as it sticks on the inside of the cart) and added the driveshaft tool earlier. I have been meaning to get some inspection mirrors too. Great reminder. I do have a couple hub sockets, but I don’t carry them as I for years used a finely calibrated hammer and chisel/screwdriver on hub nuts. 🤣 This is ideally collaborative which is why this is so fun.

Points are well taken on the Toyota/Lexus. Knock on wood, the tacoma is creeping up on 7 years (but only 39k miles) and has had nothing break. Nothing. The only “repair” was for a screw in a tire). That being said, the tools inside have been used dozens of times. And the kit is not tacoma specific.

All the tools needed for a taco fit in a small pouch (the tacoma fasteners/tool list posted online inspired this project — see the other thread). I plan to make one for the GX460 too as they are basically enthusiast vehicles at this point. Some different stuff like Japanese bolts are all 10/12/14mm heads whereas rover are 10/13mm heads (unless @WreckITFrank uses JIS 10.9 bolts on your 110 …)

And you are right, lots and lots of issues are tire related, so have a plug kit, compressor, spare, jack, lug wrench, and make sure your lugnnuts are not over torqued. I’d add battery issues to the list and having a jump pack is very handy (I use mine quite a bit). These have little to do with what vehicle you have.
 

MountainD

Technical Excellence Contributor
I will go through the kit and "inventory" it at some point as I am sure I need to do that anyways. And I need a better solution to my sockets which are right now in a couple zip lock bags...but like I said, I am cheap. I appreciate nice tools and my house set is now pretty nice but all the tools in this have proven to be functional for me. What I love about the kit is the case. It is super easy to store given how flat it is and it makes finding things super easy for me as I know where everything is.
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It has an outside pocket on this lid that runs the length and opens wide---it has all my sockets along with my driveshaft tool and typically my hub socket although that is on the floor as I have to clean it. You open it up and the little pencil/organizer pockets are. I keep extra fuses in the left side mesh and there is a zip pocket behind that that has my thread lock and extra razor blades.

There is also a folding razor blade knife and some other various little items there. It has another full length zipper and another wide opening pocket. In there are my hex wrenches, stethoscope, strap wrench (for filters and a million other uses if done creatively), a butane fed soldering iron and small bottle of butane, and various other items like a few alligator clip testing wires and a 12V testing light
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Then the body unzips in half. These zippers are so damn well made. Smooth as silk and this bag is 20 years old now! It unzips and lays open. SUPER useful. In that are my channel locks, all my SAE and Metric wrenches, wire strippers and crimpers, cheap multi meter, vice grips, and some specialty screw drivers. Oh, I guess that is where I put my drive shaft tool now that I look at it. I also have a set of SAE and metric harbor freight 1/4" sockets. Mainly for the myriad of hose clamps the older 200TDI had on it---I have standardized to just needing a 6mm, 8mm and 10mm for my various clamps on the R2.8. I am missing my nut driver set as they are in my parts washer waiting for a clean up.
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Not shown is my jack, jack handle, long breaker bar with my 27mm nut socket already on it, a Gooloo battery jumper, a set of jumping wires (good for a ton of stuff including hanging things and jumping batteries together for trail weldiing) and on big trips I bring my Ready Welder II (mig spool gun for running off batteries). I have welded shock hangers, leaf spring hangers, trailer, and a front loader bucket with it in the field but I rarely bring it on trips unless it is a large gnarley group. I have it currently hooked up with aluminum wire used as a spool gun on my Miller Mig welder so I can do some aluminum stuff... But that typically stays at home now.

Kits don't need to be fancy, expensive or nice---but I would rather have as good a tool as possible and I have slowly been upgrading things based on your threads (slowly...). However, the real tool is that I built my trucks myself so I have knowledge---and that is the hardest thing to fit into a tool kit.
 

pmatusov

Technical Excellence Contributor
Callsign: AK6PM
After conversion of the rear shocks on the Classic to stud-to-stud style, I found this to be sorely needed:
 

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MountainD

Technical Excellence Contributor
There is always that one tool
After conversion of the rear shocks on the Classic to stud-to-stud style, I found this to be sorely needed:
that I keep meaning to add! Glad you found yours! Just wish I could recall mine. I distinctly remember thinking “I really need to add…" and then the bourbon kicked in…
 
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