After input for ideas on a basic breakdown toolkit?
Posted: Mon Jan 14, 2019 9:55 am
Looking for ideas for a basic breakdown kit after blowing thermo fan fuses today and not having a test light or 1/2" socket? I thought this might be a good topic to help others get out of trouble.
I don't want to carry 40 kg of tools, I have NRMA Premium Care cover which anyone who drives an old car like we do should have. It costs me $200 a year but first 6 weeks of having it my car broke down on an interstate trip on its maiden run when the alternator bolt broke (I didn't know the front bracket was missing). They gave me 2 motel rooms for the 3 of us ($240), flatbed truck to the depot and hotel, taxi to Port Macquarie from Kempsey next day ($178) to pickup a hire car of choice, 7 day car hire to finish our holiday ($1100), and 700 km car transporter back to Canberra ($800). Not bad for $70 more than the standard cover.
This is what I've put together so far for my tool kit:
- Test light
- Shifter
- Combination ring spanners - basic set (8-14 plus 1/2")
- Socket set 1/4" & 1/2" (8 - 14 mm plus 1/2") (metric but gets me out of trouble)
- 1/4" and 1/2" ratchet plus extension
- Side cutters
- Combination pliers
- Multigrips
- Crimpers
- Long nose pliers
- 1/4" socket driver
- Phillips head screwdriver - long and stubby
- Flathead screwdriver
- Knife
- Gaffa tape
- 3M electrical tape
- Cable ties - different lengths
- Multiple types of electrical connectors
- Relays
- Fuse holder
- Fuses
- Radiator hose clamps
- Allen key set
- 20 amp Wire
I also have a spare set of radiator hoses, fan belt, old towel which was great to get my arm down deep into a hot engine bay and water bottles in the boot.
So, what have I missed? Any other handy stuff? I don't want another 30 kg worth, just the critical necessary stuff?
I don't want to carry 40 kg of tools, I have NRMA Premium Care cover which anyone who drives an old car like we do should have. It costs me $200 a year but first 6 weeks of having it my car broke down on an interstate trip on its maiden run when the alternator bolt broke (I didn't know the front bracket was missing). They gave me 2 motel rooms for the 3 of us ($240), flatbed truck to the depot and hotel, taxi to Port Macquarie from Kempsey next day ($178) to pickup a hire car of choice, 7 day car hire to finish our holiday ($1100), and 700 km car transporter back to Canberra ($800). Not bad for $70 more than the standard cover.
This is what I've put together so far for my tool kit:
- Test light
- Shifter
- Combination ring spanners - basic set (8-14 plus 1/2")
- Socket set 1/4" & 1/2" (8 - 14 mm plus 1/2") (metric but gets me out of trouble)
- 1/4" and 1/2" ratchet plus extension
- Side cutters
- Combination pliers
- Multigrips
- Crimpers
- Long nose pliers
- 1/4" socket driver
- Phillips head screwdriver - long and stubby
- Flathead screwdriver
- Knife
- Gaffa tape
- 3M electrical tape
- Cable ties - different lengths
- Multiple types of electrical connectors
- Relays
- Fuse holder
- Fuses
- Radiator hose clamps
- Allen key set
- 20 amp Wire
I also have a spare set of radiator hoses, fan belt, old towel which was great to get my arm down deep into a hot engine bay and water bottles in the boot.
So, what have I missed? Any other handy stuff? I don't want another 30 kg worth, just the critical necessary stuff?