For AAA or AA powered tools cut a piece of thin plastic (freezer bag plastic works well) about 1-2 inches long. Stick it between the contact and battery pole then run the plastic out of the battery door, put the battery door back on. You then have a tab of plastic sticking out you can pull to activate the tool instantly, but your batteries cannot be drained while tool is in storage.
I've used Kapton tape to do this same thing; I think the higher durability of this material might be less likely to tear and leave FOD in the tool you have to dig out later. Great idea!
The challenge with the 1/2” ratchet idea is now you have new weak point in the adapter. I have seen those twist and break more than a 3/8” ratchet anvil would.
I recently went to harbor frieght to buy a cheap caliper tool that i knew was going to get beat up on a project I was working on, and while checking out I saw a small 6' measuring tape. It got me thinking of making a small toolkit like this, hence me watching this video. I think some kind of measuring tool is something I would want to have in a kit like this.
Something that is always part of my every day carry that I'm surprised I don't see often is gel superglue! I use this multiple times a week for repairs of all kinds, everything from shoes to clothes to tools to plates, trim, you name it. Works on wood, paper, plastic, and metal.
I'm finding the same thing. I once stored my superglue with all of my adhesives. Now I'm keeping it with my main tool bag and using it constantly. I like the gel and other thicker versions as they seem less messy and fill small gaps. I mix it with sawdust or whatever im cutting or drilling to fill larger gaps.
I carry several new tubes, they are even good for first aid on a bleeding small cut. It is repackaged for medical use in the medical market, but I just use it comes in handy for small cuts.
If you cut a 3/8 square hole in the end of the socket rail you can mount your socket wrench directly to the back of it. Use an elastic bungee cord to secure it on the other end. As for the ratchet check out the PowerTorque Mini Stubby (O'Reilly's Auto Parts) that lets you use your extension as a handle.
You have a multi meter and wire stripper but no crimper or crimp connections. I like to use small pouches that I fill with a handful of wire nuts, crimps, and butt splices. I usually also throw a few wood screws and common machine screws in there. A small pouch or bag is all you need and you can contribute to it over time. I call it my trail mix. I also like to keep a roll of electrical tape.
This is very true. You can have all the tools with you, but if you are out on the trail and you need a small nut or bolt and there is none you are stranded... X2 for small stash of electrical supplies
if you cut a notch in the locking vicegrip jaws on each side (like they have on the Engineer Locking Vicegrip Screw extraction pliers), you can hold a sawzall blade like you would a normal saw. Once you do that you can basically stack a whole # of different saw blades with very little space lost.
Think about using a pass through ratchet and sockets. They only use the space of a regular socket but allow you to use it on a longer bolt than even a deep well. Allows you to get into a tighter area plus if you are using it post disaster it allows you to use it on more material options.
If we're just filling that space with as many tools that could potentially be useful on the fly, as it were, i might put a measuring tape in there. Did your shears get removed? I might put some shears/ scissors in there. Re: the hammer, Lowes had a kid's hammer on sale this week that would fit and should work fine for light duty "pinewood derby" applications. Maybe this is outside the PoU, but how about some flat duct tape or a tube of glue? A small canister of wd40 or balistol? Sheet of sandpaper or a rasp/file? A couple quick release drill bits to slot into your driver? A bag of pointy/self tapping screws? A hank of paracord? A couple feet of wire coiled up? A couple small glue sticks (can melt with the lighter)? A level? Spare batteries in a small plastic battery case? A spare $20 bill and a roll of quarters for parking meters, jic? Roll of teflon tape and/or a tube of thread locker? Travel size vaseline? Binary epoxy putty? A nail set or pin driver?
You might want to add a plastic trim tool and an automotive circuit test light. Some nitrile gloves in the front pocket with the paper towels and shrink tubing.
I can't imagine a scenario where I would remove the Knipex pliers wrench and replace it with an adjustable wrench. I bought more pliers wrenches so that I could throw the adjustable wrenches in the trash where they belong. Their only function is to round off fasteners.
Gotta agree with Joe on this one buddy. Not knocking pliers wrenches but there's a reason I and millions of other people have been using adjustables for years to great effect. Might not be our favorite tool but you can't say the damn things don't get the job done.
Interested of a headlamp what about a small flashlight with the two way pocket clip so you can clip it on a hat? (Personal favorite) what about a small file and wire brush for cleaning up threads on bolts or so many other things 🤔
Great video. You could add a seamstress tape measure. The 36 inch long 1/2 wide. You can wrap up it up put a rubber band around it. What I think you should do is make the tool kits into different categories. Like a small one for around town close to home. Then maybe a larger one for long distance traveling say on the interstate. But can call to get a tow truck if needed. Next one for true overland / camping in the middle of nowhere. If a guy thinks a long this line the bags get more manageable. Plus you could make all 3. Then add 1 ( the close to home) 2 the longer distance bag. Then all 3 together for the largest off the grid tool bag? What do ya think about that concept?
As far as hammers are concerned, I often reach for a length of brass rod, say, 7/8ths by 6" long. Great 'feel' when tapping things around, non marring on steel.
I agree I worked in a machine shop brass was king for tapping anything . Jantz knife supply in Davis Oklahoma is the best place to order brass from check them out .
I’d recommend a Veto MB or MB2 for these smaller setups. If you’re going any larger with your “small” tool kits, go for the MB3, MB3B or even the TP-LC. All great options
Klein makes another model of the all in one wire strippers but with a crimper. True all in one's. Also, I think the snap on long nose talon grip should be in every kit if they will fit. So versatile, and the grip is insane! After my first pair, I decided I needed them in my truck, tool bag, home. Best long nose of all time, definitely in a league of their own.
Pica Dry is excellent, but I can wholeheartedly recommend the Thorvald Carpentry pencil over the one you are using. It has the smaller form factor of a normal pen rather than the sheath design, but the nose pops off to expose the deep reach neck for marking through holes.
Very nice setup! Not sure what you are aiming at fixing, but I have similar main tools, maybe add your favorite sizes Alan keys, small metal file, wire brush, sandpaper. Strap the gloves to the outside, I put slightly damp ones inside mine after a job and got rust on 4 of my brand new knipex tools. Lighter, as you mentioned, some glue and a flat section of ductape or 2 side by side sections of ductape rolled onto your bit extender shaft as thick as the head. 10ml spray bottle of WD40 or other penetrant. I have mine in a Maxpedition Beefy and a Survival kit in my Vanquest FTIM 6x9, might play around with the idea of swapping them in future.
I was thinking about using the bottle holder as a tool kit, im going over seas for long time and i want to get a tool kit ready. A tool kit with the intention that ill get more toolsbut this tool kit will go everywhere with me, and one to work on motorcycles.
You could take the head of an old ball peen hammer and use that as a kind of palm hammer (hammering stone) - the rounded end fits well against the palm of the hand. It can also be used to hammer as one would with the butt of a knife.
I’ve used the husky 3/8 ratchet on some 22mm control arm bolts because there just wasn’t the depth to fit a 1/2 ratchet. I’ve broken 3/8 ratchets before, but not the husky yet, they can be a game changer when you just don’t have room for a larger driver.
Classy move not pointing out the mispronounced name of your company. Vanquest - not Vanquish. Must of drove you nuts though! 😉 Awesome kit, btw. Been watching your videos for ideas for a while now. Zip ties? I put a few different sizes in all my kits.
Just stumbled upon your mini tool kit videos - I find myself currently reorganizing my van tool bag set-up and am building up a mini satellite bag with my 1/4" drive as well as the smaller items I often need to do the quick simple stuff. I'm leaving the 3/8" and 1/2" stuff with all the other BIG stuff like pry bar, breaker bar, impact sockets, giant crescent wrench, large box wrenches, etc..., all in the larger bag. Just a suggestion but you might want to consider that, you don't need 1/2" drive for much other that the large bolts associated with wheel and suspension work - the satellite mini tool kit is the "quick grab" that'll take care of the easy small stuff you do most often.... I'll have the large bag with everything else but keep the mini kit in a more accessible spot. I was getting real tired of having to go to the big bag to get to my small stuff - repacking the large bag is always a tedious game of Tetris which often takes longer than what you need the smaller tool for in the first place. I do 98% of my own work on my van, it took me years to finally start using power to spin off nut/bolts and I finally picked up an impact driver as well - All of that can stay in the larger bag(s) a lot of the time....
Should try switching those wire strippers for klein tools hybrid strippers / crimpers / linesman. I been using them for a couple of years now and they take care of all my basic electrical needs.
I think the bigger ratchet is a good idea. Perhaps having a longer ⅜" one tucked into the Mollie down the side would work? I understand the appeal of having it all zipped in but if it is firmly attached it wouldn't be too bad. You could also add a proper slotted screwdriver the same way, somthing like an SDD8 or similar, I good size one that be miss used as a lever too.
In an addition to the usual, I like for most any kit to have a pair of diagonal cutters, a pair of Visegrips, and a relatively long, pokey tool (like a long-shafted flat screwdriver, or a long, mildly angled pick. I don't much like flex heads on a ratchet. I use a U-joint attachment, instead. If you're determined to use a short-handled 3/8 or 1/2 ratchet in a kit, include a cheater extension that fits the ratchet handle and fits the Crescent's handle, too.
Great Kit. More socket and electronic oriented than I need, but I really like the locking plier w/ metal saw blade; Knipex Twin-grip; adj wrench; long 1/4” Phillips bit suggestions. Thanks.
I have watched your videos for about 3 months now but I don't know if I missed it but I am unsure what is your profession or just a handyman as many of us, but I would highly suggest you to add a set of 1/4" bit set, has happen to me many times... you need to undo a bolt which is torx or Allen or whatever. And for the saw "handle" which is a visegrip, well it's a genius idea but your holding the saw the wrong way, you have to make a groove at the bottom and upper teeth of the locking pliers in order to grab and hold the saw vertically and it won't move anywhere. Finally I would swap the PB swiss bit driver for a ratcheting one, the Wera 8009 would be my first option if you ask me.
stanley has a blade handle that was originally made w a Japanese flush cut type of blade, but it could accept any hacksaw, recip, or like jab drywall blade w the hole in the shank... i keep that w a few diff recip blades for if i ever gotta cut sumn super fast
Check out the Dasco scrape & pry, it's a little trim type bar with a dedicated scraper on one end. Still prying capable on that end, but no notch in it so it's a great scraping tool. I discovered them a couple years and consider them to be about the best $5 you can spend.
@@aaronmcclain1279 the little 5" scrape and bry bar is an excellent little tool that I really love, they're so damn useful. However they were $5 but have shot all the way up to $11 recently , so it's better to get the 3pc trim set for just a couple dollars more. I have 2 that I love and was recently going to buy one for a friend as a Christmas gift when I noticed the price jump so I just bought the 3pc set. You really can't beat the price anyways.
I'm taking notes, this kit is great, I would swap maybe 2 o 3 things just for personal preference, but this one is great. It seems like we encounter the same type of situations, my friends "grab and go" tool kits all look and have different stuff, I'd say you are missing out on different types of tape and different types of glue.
At some point in one of your videos (which I’m struggling to find) you had a compact Allen wrench holder which I believe you had inserted higher quality wrenches than those that came with it. I’m looking to replace the folding Allen wrench sets in my tool bag with standard L shaped keys. I cannot find a compact holder like you showed. Could you help me determine what that was? Thanks
If you plan or think you plan to remove lug nuts you are most likely going to twist off that 1/2 to 3/8 adapter. My suggestion would be a half in socket for that size if you keep the half in ratchet.
Regarding your small 1/2 ratchet idea I quite like the thought. That being said from my experience as far as snap on and other high end ratchets go the failure point is always the anvil... Granted that proves to be the case, the total system is not any stronger as I would reckon the adapter would be the next failure point. However, that is really interesting to think about as adapters are relatively cheap and don't take very much space or weight in a kit like this you could always take a spare.
Curious if you have any updates on the "ultimate tool kit series" of the full size, and micro/EDC kits as well. Would love to keep following along on the search for perfection. Thanks!
I really wish SO offered a chrome or nitride treatment on some of their pliers for the mobile crowd. Why have an 15mm socket but not a 18mm. Usually those two are found in the same sort of applications. Like 17mm and 19mm with Toyota, Honda, and Nissan.
Definitely no need to move to a 1/2" ratchet head; short of needing to throw a 3' pipe on the end of that ratchet to bust free a cross threaded lug nut, you can tear down a whole car with the one you have in there. And you'd be forcing yourself to have a tool with a far larger than necessary head, with a forced extension that will prevent you from getting into many tight spaces.
I don’t know if it’s Been mentioned or not but Lenox makes a folding knife that takes sawzall blades. It might be worth adding it’ll give you better grip while cutting. Also you could add an aggressive toothed blade for cutting wood
With you pairing down your socket set and not having every size wouldn't it be useful to have one of those gator grip type sockets in the bag or a red dog universal socket depending on which is the stronger more durable socket.
How about the Nupla “handleless “ hammer? I carry one,comes in handy. Just as an aside,I prefer “ clean bench” tool kit reviews/tours….this felt a bit “tweaky” and stressful to watch. Looking forward to #3!
Some leatherman tools have a removable file/saw. They use a t shank system that’s the same as a jigsaw blade. I carry a tiny metal cutting saw blade in my leatherman pouch with it. Much better than trying to use a Sawzall blade and vice grip in my opinion.
Pica pens and pencils are great. I find the felt writing tip tends to get destroyed pretty easily on the ink versions. I've tried the hiboom pencils and they are a close second, and a bit cheaper as well.
I know this is old, but I just found this channel. For the kits you are building that contain sockets, have you ever considered Metrinch? They make sockets and wrenches that grab on the flats. Due to this, 1 socket will work on both SAE and metric. They are high quality as well. My dad got some in the 90's, and I love them. I hate to sound like a commercial, but they work on rounded-off fasteners because they grab the flats. You should check them out.
As fas as a slim safety glasses go, I've seen "face shields" that are basically clear plastic with an elastic strap that goes around your head and a small piece of foam for your forehead. Maybe cutting one of these to size may work.
What about some Zip Ties? Just recently did a roadside repair of faulty wiring on a rental trailer and I was happy to have a few zip ties to make it nice and neat.
If I remember right this isn't the only toolkit you would have with you, but mostly an essentials bag? I wouldn't just challenge yourself to stuff your whole toolbox into a small package. A toolroll would be your next step to accommodate longer handle/leverage tools. But if it is just an essentials, quick grab tool bag, slim it down. Ditch the socket rail, if the job is that big you'll be going to another toolkit. Leatherman Surge, Knipex Pliers wrench, small vice grip, VIM bit ratchet, would be a great starting point.
I just purchased for a kit I need to take on a plane. I work out of a tool box everyday so I know what I use and don't. I got a micro dmm, a 1/4" wratchet with sockets and bits and extensions. 150 knipex cobras, 27mm adjustable spanner. A small caliper. I'll add a leatherman, locking long nose pliers and some small needle nose pliers. A couple of dental picks, an electricians screwdriver, the type with the bulb in it. Then a roll of electrical tape. Small zip ties and assorted fuses and wire nuts. That'll get me out of most jams. I have a specific task to attend to which should be covered by this. Anything else and I'd just go find a hardware shop and bug what I need.
I would recommend a 6" machinist combination square. Obviously you get all the benefits of measuring, leveling, squaring, etc; but you would additionally gain the 6" hardened steel blade. The hardened blade could be used for scraping, light prying, etc.
Could you demonstrate loosening lug nuts in the field with stubby ratchets or breaker bars? Would the nepros 3/8" stubby with a short breaker bar work as a compact solution? It would be interesting to see if a 3/8" ratchet could serve at loosening lugs..
I'd definitely want a tape measure and a 6" steel rule in there. Maybe a small try square as well. I can't see the point of the stubby 1/2" ratchet - it seems like a lot of extra weight and bulk, for what? Why would you want a 1/2" ratchet in a small tool kit?
Much flatter safety glasses, but come with a price, go to a reputable optical store and get safety "Planos" with side shields. If you need it, they can add a bifocal (readers, for us old guys). No prescription should be needed.
Whats the intended use of this kit, that should dictate what you put in it, eg off road bike? Small repairs on the truck? General DIY? In any case I think you need add some sort of sticky tape, electrical or duct tape, tie wraps and some way to cut them.
The basic premise is to have a general purpose small tool kit that can be carried on trips regardless of whose vehicle is driven. It can also be a handy tool kit to supplement the big kit packed away in the overloading vehicle.
You did state that suggestions were not the concept, but you did not...or i missed it...state what the goal/or first intended use is. But because of size and weight a stationary place or on the move in car is my first thought. For me in those situations my toolpack consists of tools to repair but also bits and pieces to create tools or materials to fix . As tiewraps, flatfolded ducktape, some self vulcanising tape,(waterproofing) some screws, nails, bolt, washers and nuts. Waco connectors, crimpconnectors. A piece of electrical wire, a meter of stainless wire and homemade tensiontool to make hoseclamps, (worked great on car) or clamp/attach anything broken. A thin strip of metal and/or aluminium. And some epoxy. (which get used much more than first thought) small tube of McNett seamseal, waterproofs, fix rainpants, tents, shells etc. And yes, some sewing needles and dynema fishline fix textiles but the line works great with epoxy too. What further is needed i source in surroundings. For this i use a cobra, visegrip, a good knipex long cutters, a smal steel saw (blade), an awl to punch holes, small iron files, hammer, strong flathead and philips screwdriver, some bits, next to 3 sizes small-large adjustable wrenches.
Have you considered using a 3/4 breaker bar + a smallish 3/8 ratchet? Then you have heavy duty plus light and compact. I'm sure you've answered this but how do you have such an American accent but only have metric sockets?
Hey Doc, have you seen the Made in USA Fire Force bags. They have a variety of sizes, colors and uses. I use one for my car emergency tool kit. Thanks for all the videos. I really enjoy your channel.
I gotta ask. Doc, when you build a toolkit do you typically have a purpose in mind? I've been building a few kits lately, and they've been pretty purpose built. I ask because I totally understand what you are saying, I didn't even think 1/2" drive because well... I've been thinking electronics or home maintenance (with basic electrical and plumbing). All of the sudden I felt a little naked, "Do I need a half-inch drive for this?". Uh, no, not for my recent kits, I don't expect any of them to be able to change a tire.
Good questions. I build with purpose. However, that purpose might be to be small, or light, or under a certain size, or to supplement, or even to do the most with the least. Sometimes I build to a bag or container. Sometimes to an allocated space in a vehicle. And sometimes just to have my favorite tools. if there is an anticipated use scenario, I will of course build towards that and only that, often at the exclusion of many tools simply because there is no immediate application for them. Like bike packing for instance. There are very few tools that are actually needed, and nothing outside those. And off-roading can be the same like with not a single 9mm, 11mm, 16mm, 18mm or 20mm fastener. And only a couple screw sizes, a couple Torx, and any major repair would exceed the tools but also the available parts.
This is not what I was looking for but it came up in the search anyways. Can I suggest the Step 22 Gear Pangolin Tool roll. It’s a life changing bag. Sweet company too.
I have a kit similar which includes: GEARWRENCH 5 Pc. Hook & Pick Set - 3121D ( very useful) a straight and a curved mosquito / kelly clamp / forceps A Precision oiler Commando Products (Made in USA) Diamond Needle File Sets with Mini 4" Long Files Stored in Handle Single use tube(s) of cyanoacrylate glue Zip Ties a couple of yards of Duct tape - wrap it around an old gift card
Greetings from Germany. I'm fairly new to your chanel, but I realy like your videos. For your ratchet, you could try a Hazet 3/8 HiPer, Modell 8816HP. It is only 200mm long (7 7/8') an rated for 400Nm (295 lbft) with 90 teeth. I'm not familiar with the Snap On, but I worked with Hazet ratches for a few years now and I like them a lot, just indestructible.
Worst case scenario in a survival situation, if a Concealed Firearm doesn't cut it, you would always have that beast of a Stubby Snap On Flex Head Ratchet to use as a Self Defense. 😂😆 Now that would be Tool multi tasking !!!! "Seriously" I think the bigger Snap On Ratchet just might be the way too go, That little Tank will get you out of any troubles for sure !!!
First of all love your content and videos, very informative and educational. I was wondering if you are a tool collector / reviewer, or do you actually use your tools for work? All your gear and tools looks untouched / unused or the most part. Anyway, either way keep up the good work.
For AAA or AA powered tools cut a piece of thin plastic (freezer bag plastic works well) about 1-2 inches long. Stick it between the contact and battery pole then run the plastic out of the battery door, put the battery door back on. You then have a tab of plastic sticking out you can pull to activate the tool instantly, but your batteries cannot be drained while tool is in storage.
🙄
Great idea!
I've used Kapton tape to do this same thing; I think the higher durability of this material might be less likely to tear and leave FOD in the tool you have to dig out later. Great idea!
I find a 5-1 painters tool handy for all kinds of things. Awesome kit.
They don’t make one expensive enough to be worth this guys time. Maybe if Snap-On slapped their logo on one and charged $200 he’d be all over it lol
He has that in other videos.
@@UnhumanNewman 🤣🤣🤣
The challenge with the 1/2” ratchet idea is now you have new weak point in the adapter. I have seen those twist and break more than a 3/8” ratchet anvil would.
I recently went to harbor frieght to buy a cheap caliper tool that i knew was going to get beat up on a project I was working on, and while checking out I saw a small 6' measuring tape. It got me thinking of making a small toolkit like this, hence me watching this video. I think some kind of measuring tool is something I would want to have in a kit like this.
Something that is always part of my every day carry that I'm surprised I don't see often is gel superglue! I use this multiple times a week for repairs of all kinds, everything from shoes to clothes to tools to plates, trim, you name it. Works on wood, paper, plastic, and metal.
I'm finding the same thing. I once stored my superglue with all of my adhesives. Now I'm keeping it with my main tool bag and using it constantly. I like the gel and other thicker versions as they seem less messy and fill small gaps. I mix it with sawdust or whatever im cutting or drilling to fill larger gaps.
I carry several new tubes, they are even good for first aid on a bleeding small cut. It is repackaged for medical use in the medical market, but I just use it comes in handy for small cuts.
If you cut a 3/8 square hole in the end of the socket rail you can mount your socket wrench directly to the back of it. Use an elastic bungee cord to secure it on the other end. As for the ratchet check out the PowerTorque Mini Stubby (O'Reilly's Auto Parts) that lets you use your extension as a handle.
You have a multi meter and wire stripper but no crimper or crimp connections. I like to use small pouches that I fill with a handful of wire nuts, crimps, and butt splices. I usually also throw a few wood screws and common machine screws in there. A small pouch or bag is all you need and you can contribute to it over time. I call it my trail mix. I also like to keep a roll of electrical tape.
There is a crimper on the Klein Pliers behind the hinge.
@@paulbillingslea4848 That version is spring loaded so it omits the crimper.
This is very true. You can have all the tools with you, but if you are out on the trail and you need a small nut or bolt and there is none you are stranded...
X2 for small stash of electrical supplies
I've found VHB tape useful too for reattaching things, like the 3rd light cover on a car hauler that is still on years later
if you cut a notch in the locking vicegrip jaws on each side (like they have on the Engineer Locking Vicegrip Screw extraction pliers), you can hold a sawzall blade like you would a normal saw. Once you do that you can basically stack a whole # of different saw blades with very little space lost.
He could also pick up the leatherman crunch (which also has a notch), then he would have some tool redundancy on top of it.
LMAO I almost commented that you must watch Maxlvledc with a comment like that. Nice name btw
Think about using a pass through ratchet and sockets. They only use the space of a regular socket but allow you to use it on a longer bolt than even a deep well. Allows you to get into a tighter area plus if you are using it post disaster it allows you to use it on more material options.
If we're just filling that space with as many tools that could potentially be useful on the fly, as it were, i might put a measuring tape in there. Did your shears get removed? I might put some shears/ scissors in there. Re: the hammer, Lowes had a kid's hammer on sale this week that would fit and should work fine for light duty "pinewood derby" applications. Maybe this is outside the PoU, but how about some flat duct tape or a tube of glue? A small canister of wd40 or balistol? Sheet of sandpaper or a rasp/file? A couple quick release drill bits to slot into your driver? A bag of pointy/self tapping screws? A hank of paracord? A couple feet of wire coiled up? A couple small glue sticks (can melt with the lighter)? A level? Spare batteries in a small plastic battery case? A spare $20 bill and a roll of quarters for parking meters, jic? Roll of teflon tape and/or a tube of thread locker? Travel size vaseline? Binary epoxy putty? A nail set or pin driver?
You might want to add a plastic trim tool and an automotive circuit test light. Some nitrile gloves in the front pocket with the paper towels and shrink tubing.
Good ideas! shrink tubing especially with the adhesive inside has a number of uses.
Honestly, I'm jealous of all the cool quality tools you have.
Me too, you're not alone
There are several thousand dollars in redundant tools. Must be in a good trade.
I can't imagine a scenario where I would remove the Knipex pliers wrench and replace it with an adjustable wrench. I bought more pliers wrenches so that I could throw the adjustable wrenches in the trash where they belong. Their only function is to round off fasteners.
Pliers wrenches are great but they sometimes can’t get where an adjustable can get. The angle of the opening makes a difference.
@Joe Then you have never used one.
Gotta agree with Joe on this one buddy. Not knocking pliers wrenches but there's a reason I and millions of other people have been using adjustables for years to great effect. Might not be our favorite tool but you can't say the damn things don't get the job done.
@William S. Glad you are happy with them. They made me very happy as they hit the bottom of the trash can. I haven't missed them at all.
Pliers wrench unfortunately doesn’t always fit. Beautiful tool though 80% of the time
Would love to see version 3.0! Great channel and info Doc
Interested of a headlamp what about a small flashlight with the two way pocket clip so you can clip it on a hat? (Personal favorite) what about a small file and wire brush for cleaning up threads on bolts or so many other things 🤔
Great video. You could add a seamstress tape measure. The 36 inch long 1/2 wide. You can wrap up it up put a rubber band around it. What I think you should do is make the tool kits into different categories. Like a small one for around town close to home. Then maybe a larger one for long distance traveling say on the interstate. But can call to get a tow truck if needed. Next one for true overland / camping in the middle of nowhere. If a guy thinks a long this line the bags get more manageable. Plus you could make all 3. Then add 1 ( the close to home) 2 the longer distance bag. Then all 3 together for the largest off the grid tool bag? What do ya think about that concept?
As far as hammers are concerned, I often reach for a length of brass rod, say, 7/8ths by 6" long. Great 'feel' when tapping things around, non marring on steel.
I agree I worked in a machine shop brass was king for tapping anything . Jantz knife supply in Davis Oklahoma is the best place to order brass from check them out .
I’d recommend a Veto MB or MB2 for these smaller setups. If you’re going any larger with your “small” tool kits, go for the MB3, MB3B or even the TP-LC. All great options
He has videos on some of those bags. Check them out.
Klein makes another model of the all in one wire strippers but with a crimper. True all in one's. Also, I think the snap on long nose talon grip should be in every kit if they will fit. So versatile, and the grip is insane! After my first pair, I decided I needed them in my truck, tool bag, home. Best long nose of all time, definitely in a league of their own.
Pica Dry is excellent, but I can wholeheartedly recommend the Thorvald Carpentry pencil over the one you are using. It has the smaller form factor of a normal pen rather than the sheath design, but the nose pops off to expose the deep reach neck for marking through holes.
It's the Thorvald pencil 2.0 that has the removable pen grip. Great bit of kit.
Just carry a cut down breaker bar with a ratchet attachment you can add once the bolt is broke loose. That's what I use and it's perfect
Very nice setup!
Not sure what you are aiming at fixing, but I have similar main tools, maybe add your favorite sizes Alan keys, small metal file, wire brush, sandpaper. Strap the gloves to the outside, I put slightly damp ones inside mine after a job and got rust on 4 of my brand new knipex tools. Lighter, as you mentioned, some glue and a flat section of ductape or 2 side by side sections of ductape rolled onto your bit extender shaft as thick as the head. 10ml spray bottle of WD40 or other penetrant.
I have mine in a Maxpedition Beefy and a Survival kit in my Vanquest FTIM 6x9, might play around with the idea of swapping them in future.
I was thinking about using the bottle holder as a tool kit, im going over seas for long time and i want to get a tool kit ready. A tool kit with the intention that ill get more toolsbut this tool kit will go everywhere with me, and one to work on motorcycles.
You could take the head of an old ball peen hammer and use that as a kind of palm hammer (hammering stone) - the rounded end fits well against the palm of the hand. It can also be used to hammer as one would with the butt of a knife.
What you might want to look at is a wobble extension that can also be a standard extension. I think VIM makes one, among others.
That compact ratchet is a great idea I already have one in my tool bag not a smaller one like your setup but it’s on the agenda 😎🇺🇸🤙🏼
Leatherman Crunch has a groove in its jaws specifically for saw blade use
Yea, that would be better to use than the vice grip, IMO.
I’ve used the husky 3/8 ratchet on some 22mm control arm bolts because there just wasn’t the depth to fit a 1/2 ratchet. I’ve broken 3/8 ratchets before, but not the husky yet, they can be a game changer when you just don’t have room for a larger driver.
Game changer on a budget. I’m sure most snap-ons are just as strong.
Flat safety glasses, never thought of that but its a great idea! Solid tool kit Doc!
Just found these and I'll give them a try: amzn.to/3H0cLqn
Classy move not pointing out the mispronounced name of your company.
Vanquest - not Vanquish.
Must of drove you nuts though! 😉
Awesome kit, btw. Been watching your videos for ideas for a while now.
Zip ties? I put a few different sizes in all my kits.
Looks like a good kit to me. The only thing I would add is a mirror on a stick, possibly with a light.
Wrap the case with a 1” ratchet strap. A mechanics 3rd hand and best friend.
Great video series. Two things i have on every tool case that you don't mention are a vernier caliper and sandpaper. Best regards
Always tweaking your carry. Love it.! Greetings from Australia.
Just stumbled upon your mini tool kit videos - I find myself currently reorganizing my van tool bag set-up and am building up a mini satellite bag with my 1/4" drive as well as the smaller items I often need to do the quick simple stuff. I'm leaving the 3/8" and 1/2" stuff with all the other BIG stuff like pry bar, breaker bar, impact sockets, giant crescent wrench, large box wrenches, etc..., all in the larger bag.
Just a suggestion but you might want to consider that, you don't need 1/2" drive for much other that the large bolts associated with wheel and suspension work - the satellite mini tool kit is the "quick grab" that'll take care of the easy small stuff you do most often.... I'll have the large bag with everything else but keep the mini kit in a more accessible spot.
I was getting real tired of having to go to the big bag to get to my small stuff - repacking the large bag is always a tedious game of Tetris which often takes longer than what you need the smaller tool for in the first place. I do 98% of my own work on my van, it took me years to finally start using power to spin off nut/bolts and I finally picked up an impact driver as well - All of that can stay in the larger bag(s) a lot of the time....
Should try switching those wire strippers for klein tools hybrid strippers / crimpers / linesman. I been using them for a couple of years now and they take care of all my basic electrical needs.
I think the bigger ratchet is a good idea. Perhaps having a longer ⅜" one tucked into the Mollie down the side would work? I understand the appeal of having it all zipped in but if it is firmly attached it wouldn't be too bad.
You could also add a proper slotted screwdriver the same way, somthing like an SDD8 or similar, I good size one that be miss used as a lever too.
In an addition to the usual, I like for most any kit to have a pair of diagonal cutters, a pair of Visegrips, and a relatively long, pokey tool (like a long-shafted flat screwdriver, or a long, mildly angled pick. I don't much like flex heads on a ratchet. I use a U-joint attachment, instead.
If you're determined to use a short-handled 3/8 or 1/2 ratchet in a kit, include a cheater extension that fits the ratchet handle and fits the Crescent's handle, too.
Great Kit. More socket and electronic oriented than I need, but I really like the locking plier w/ metal saw blade; Knipex Twin-grip; adj wrench; long 1/4” Phillips bit suggestions. Thanks.
I have watched your videos for about 3 months now but I don't know if I missed it but I am unsure what is your profession or just a handyman as many of us, but I would highly suggest you to add a set of 1/4" bit set, has happen to me many times... you need to undo a bolt which is torx or Allen or whatever.
And for the saw "handle" which is a visegrip, well it's a genius idea but your holding the saw the wrong way, you have to make a groove at the bottom and upper teeth of the locking pliers in order to grab and hold the saw vertically and it won't move anywhere.
Finally I would swap the PB swiss bit driver for a ratcheting one, the Wera 8009 would be my first option if you ask me.
stanley has a blade handle that was originally made w a Japanese flush cut type of blade, but it could accept any hacksaw, recip, or like jab drywall blade w the hole in the shank... i keep that w a few diff recip blades for if i ever gotta cut sumn super fast
Great video brother, looking forward to see the v3, and even more the Micro tool kit / EDC combo.
You can get the knipex mini cobalt bolt cutters, same functionality but sub 6 inches
Check out the Dasco scrape & pry, it's a little trim type bar with a dedicated scraper on one end.
Still prying capable on that end, but no notch in it so it's a great scraping tool.
I discovered them a couple years and consider them to be about the best $5 you can spend.
I seen that at home Depot. Is it a pretty good tool ??
@@aaronmcclain1279 the little 5" scrape and bry bar is an excellent little tool that I really love, they're so damn useful.
However they were $5 but have shot all the way up to $11 recently , so it's better to get the 3pc trim set for just a couple dollars more.
I have 2 that I love and was recently going to buy one for a friend as a Christmas gift when I noticed the price jump so I just bought the 3pc set.
You really can't beat the price anyways.
I'm taking notes, this kit is great, I would swap maybe 2 o 3 things just for personal preference, but this one is great. It seems like we encounter the same type of situations, my friends "grab and go" tool kits all look and have different stuff, I'd say you are missing out on different types of tape and different types of glue.
Maybe consider a CRKT Razel GT for the knife. Great tip for scraping.
At some point in one of your videos (which I’m struggling to find) you had a compact Allen wrench holder which I believe you had inserted higher quality wrenches than those that came with it.
I’m looking to replace the folding Allen wrench sets in my tool bag with standard L shaped keys. I cannot find a compact holder like you showed.
Could you help me determine what that was?
Thanks
If you plan or think you plan to remove lug nuts you are most likely going to twist off that 1/2 to 3/8 adapter. My suggestion would be a half in socket for that size if you keep the half in ratchet.
Regarding your small 1/2 ratchet idea I quite like the thought. That being said from my experience as far as snap on and other high end ratchets go the failure point is always the anvil... Granted that proves to be the case, the total system is not any stronger as I would reckon the adapter would be the next failure point. However, that is really interesting to think about as adapters are relatively cheap and don't take very much space or weight in a kit like this you could always take a spare.
Still think a tool roll/wrap is the way to go. I just hate digging through a pocket-style bag.
Curious if you have any updates on the "ultimate tool kit series" of the full size, and micro/EDC kits as well. Would love to keep following along on the search for perfection. Thanks!
I really wish SO offered a chrome or nitride treatment on some of their pliers for the mobile crowd.
Why have an 15mm socket but not a 18mm. Usually those two are found in the same sort of applications. Like 17mm and 19mm with Toyota, Honda, and Nissan.
Definitely no need to move to a 1/2" ratchet head; short of needing to throw a 3' pipe on the end of that ratchet to bust free a cross threaded lug nut, you can tear down a whole car with the one you have in there. And you'd be forcing yourself to have a tool with a far larger than necessary head, with a forced extension that will prevent you from getting into many tight spaces.
Who makes the boxes you keep your blades in.???
Please review the tiger tools u joint snap ring pliers please. Great content👍
I don’t know if it’s Been mentioned or not but Lenox makes a folding knife that takes sawzall blades. It might be worth adding it’ll give you better grip while cutting. Also you could add an aggressive toothed blade for cutting wood
ua-cam.com/video/m4McKL59Lfo/v-deo.html
With you pairing down your socket set and not having every size wouldn't it be useful to have one of those gator grip type sockets in the bag or a red dog universal socket depending on which is the stronger more durable socket.
How about the Nupla “handleless “ hammer? I carry one,comes in handy. Just as an aside,I prefer “ clean bench” tool kit reviews/tours….this felt a bit “tweaky” and stressful to watch. Looking forward to #3!
I was going to suggest the exact same Nupla hammer.
They are such a handy addition to a kit like that.
Clean bench haha! you must be new here
Is there a link to the magnetic parts holder from snap on? Cant find anything like it!
Some leatherman tools have a removable file/saw. They use a t shank system that’s the same as a jigsaw blade. I carry a tiny metal cutting saw blade in my leatherman pouch with it. Much better than trying to use a Sawzall blade and vice grip in my opinion.
Darn it Doc, now I have to go out an buy a small tool bag..lol
Pica pens and pencils are great. I find the felt writing tip tends to get destroyed pretty easily on the ink versions. I've tried the hiboom pencils and they are a close second, and a bit cheaper as well.
I know this is old, but I just found this channel. For the kits you are building that contain sockets, have you ever considered Metrinch? They make sockets and wrenches that grab on the flats. Due to this, 1 socket will work on both SAE and metric. They are high quality as well. My dad got some in the 90's, and I love them. I hate to sound like a commercial, but they work on rounded-off fasteners because they grab the flats. You should check them out.
As fas as a slim safety glasses go, I've seen "face shields" that are basically clear plastic with an elastic strap that goes around your head and a small piece of foam for your forehead.
Maybe cutting one of these to size may work.
The 1/2” ratchet could be useful, but I’d suggest going with one of the low profile adapters
What about some Zip Ties? Just recently did a roadside repair of faulty wiring on a rental trailer and I was happy to have a few zip ties to make it nice and neat.
If I remember right this isn't the only toolkit you would have with you, but mostly an essentials bag? I wouldn't just challenge yourself to stuff your whole toolbox into a small package. A toolroll would be your next step to accommodate longer handle/leverage tools. But if it is just an essentials, quick grab tool bag, slim it down. Ditch the socket rail, if the job is that big you'll be going to another toolkit. Leatherman Surge, Knipex Pliers wrench, small vice grip, VIM bit ratchet, would be a great starting point.
I just purchased for a kit I need to take on a plane. I work out of a tool box everyday so I know what I use and don't. I got a micro dmm, a 1/4" wratchet with sockets and bits and extensions. 150 knipex cobras, 27mm adjustable spanner. A small caliper. I'll add a leatherman, locking long nose pliers and some small needle nose pliers. A couple of dental picks, an electricians screwdriver, the type with the bulb in it.
Then a roll of electrical tape. Small zip ties and assorted fuses and wire nuts.
That'll get me out of most jams. I have a specific task to attend to which should be covered by this.
Anything else and I'd just go find a hardware shop and bug what I need.
I think you are good on saw blades; wow.
I got a pile of them once in a deal. So many I made these: ua-cam.com/video/ZmEDeRHutrY/v-deo.html
You could trim up a face shield to size to fit instead of glasses?
I would recommend a 6" machinist combination square. Obviously you get all the benefits of measuring, leveling, squaring, etc; but you would additionally gain the 6" hardened steel blade. The hardened blade could be used for scraping, light prying, etc.
You should clear your bench before you go through the tool kit. It would allow everyone to focus on the kit without all the surrounding clutter.
Have you tried the 5.11 Conoy Dopp Kit?
Size is 6”H x 9.5”W x 4.5”D
Could you demonstrate loosening lug nuts in the field with stubby ratchets or breaker bars? Would the nepros 3/8" stubby with a short breaker bar work as a compact solution? It would be interesting to see if a 3/8" ratchet could serve at loosening lugs..
Have you made a kit for the 125mm tools? I'd like to be able to carry my 8603125 and 8701125 size tools....
I love it it’s a great set up!!
It's telling that you were unable to readily read the socket sizes. I've yet to find good legible sizes on moderately priced sockets.
I'd definitely want a tape measure and a 6" steel rule in there. Maybe a small try square as well. I can't see the point of the stubby 1/2" ratchet - it seems like a lot of extra weight and bulk, for what? Why would you want a 1/2" ratchet in a small tool kit?
Much flatter safety glasses, but come with a price, go to a reputable optical store and get safety "Planos" with side shields. If you need it, they can add a bifocal (readers, for us old guys). No prescription should be needed.
Whats the intended use of this kit, that should dictate what you put in it, eg off road bike? Small repairs on the truck? General DIY? In any case I think you need add some sort of sticky tape, electrical or duct tape, tie wraps and some way to cut them.
The basic premise is to have a general purpose small tool kit that can be carried on trips regardless of whose vehicle is driven. It can also be a handy tool kit to supplement the big kit packed away in the overloading vehicle.
You did state that suggestions were not the concept, but you did not...or i missed it...state what the goal/or first intended use is. But because of size and weight a stationary place or on the move in car is my first thought.
For me in those situations my toolpack consists of tools to repair but also bits and pieces to create tools or materials to fix . As tiewraps, flatfolded ducktape, some self vulcanising tape,(waterproofing) some screws, nails, bolt, washers and nuts. Waco connectors, crimpconnectors. A piece of electrical wire, a meter of stainless wire and homemade tensiontool to make hoseclamps, (worked great on car) or clamp/attach anything broken. A thin strip of metal and/or aluminium. And some epoxy. (which get used much more than first thought) small tube of McNett seamseal, waterproofs, fix rainpants, tents, shells etc. And yes, some sewing needles and dynema fishline fix textiles but the line works great with epoxy too. What further is needed i source in surroundings. For this i use a cobra, visegrip, a good knipex long cutters, a smal steel saw (blade), an awl to punch holes, small iron files, hammer, strong flathead and philips screwdriver, some bits, next to 3 sizes small-large adjustable wrenches.
Have you considered using a 3/4 breaker bar + a smallish 3/8 ratchet? Then you have heavy duty plus light and compact.
I'm sure you've answered this but how do you have such an American accent but only have metric sockets?
I would add a piece of sandpaper, clean battery cable ends, spark plug cables, any connection...
Yes. I have emery paper on my 3.0 list.
Hey Doc, have you seen the Made in USA Fire Force bags. They have a variety of sizes, colors and uses. I use one for my car emergency tool kit. Thanks for all the videos. I really enjoy your channel.
Great video but where are the links to the tools?
so did you remove all sae socket sizes?
I'd add some hex wrenches too
I gotta ask. Doc, when you build a toolkit do you typically have a purpose in mind? I've been building a few kits lately, and they've been pretty purpose built.
I ask because I totally understand what you are saying, I didn't even think 1/2" drive because well... I've been thinking electronics or home maintenance (with basic electrical and plumbing). All of the sudden I felt a little naked, "Do I need a half-inch drive for this?". Uh, no, not for my recent kits, I don't expect any of them to be able to change a tire.
Good questions. I build with purpose. However, that purpose might be to be small, or light, or under a certain size, or to supplement, or even to do the most with the least. Sometimes I build to a bag or container. Sometimes to an allocated space in a vehicle. And sometimes just to have my favorite tools. if there is an anticipated use scenario, I will of course build towards that and only that, often at the exclusion of many tools simply because there is no immediate application for them. Like bike packing for instance. There are very few tools that are actually needed, and nothing outside those. And off-roading can be the same like with not a single 9mm, 11mm, 16mm, 18mm or 20mm fastener. And only a couple screw sizes, a couple Torx, and any major repair would exceed the tools but also the available parts.
This is not what I was looking for but it came up in the search anyways.
Can I suggest the Step 22 Gear Pangolin Tool roll. It’s a life changing bag. Sweet company too.
Mini hammers are amazing
I’ve been wanting one of those micro magnetic mat (black) from Snap On, but man their shipping costs from their website are insane!
If you wear eyeglasses maybe ombraz armless glasses would work but they're not cheap
I have a kit similar which includes:
GEARWRENCH 5 Pc. Hook & Pick Set - 3121D ( very useful)
a straight and a curved mosquito / kelly clamp / forceps
A Precision oiler
Commando Products (Made in USA) Diamond Needle File Sets with Mini 4" Long Files Stored in Handle
Single use tube(s) of cyanoacrylate glue
Zip Ties
a couple of yards of Duct tape - wrap it around an old gift card
What size cobra is that?
I'm sure you've thought of this but I always put zip ties and tape in my tool kits, thank you sir
I’m going to address the consumables in another video series. Thanks for watching.
throw some zip ties in there.😉😉
Greetings from Germany. I'm fairly new to your chanel, but I realy like your videos. For your ratchet, you could try a Hazet 3/8 HiPer, Modell 8816HP. It is only 200mm long (7 7/8') an rated for 400Nm (295 lbft) with 90 teeth. I'm not familiar with the Snap On, but I worked with Hazet ratches for a few years now and I like them a lot, just indestructible.
I’ve never heard of Hazet tools. However, after reading your post, i checked them out! They are an excellent alternative! Great suggestion!
Worst case scenario in a survival situation, if a Concealed Firearm doesn't cut it, you would always have that beast of a Stubby Snap On Flex Head Ratchet to use as a Self Defense. 😂😆 Now that would be Tool multi tasking !!!! "Seriously" I think the bigger Snap On Ratchet just might be the way too go, That little Tank will get you out of any troubles for sure !!!
First of all love your content and videos, very informative and educational. I was wondering if you are a tool collector / reviewer, or do you actually use your tools for work? All your gear and tools looks untouched / unused or the most part. Anyway, either way keep up the good work.
I would recommend a file of some kind. Even a simple four in hand
Good call. Thanks.
Might as well use some cheap skydiving goggles, not really safety rated but keeps the dust and sparks out.
I mean the student/tandem goggles
I'll look into them. (pun intended) Thanks.
As for your ratchet head... maybe KTC or Nepros?