Essential Tool List

[erdonline]

[randywebb]

[Jake de Villiers]

[syncrodoka]

[VWagabond]

[Terry Kay]

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T.K.

[scruffyboy]

I'm not really a fan of "cheap" tools, they're most likely to fail when you most need them I've found the "Crescent" tool set available at Costco stores to be invaluable. Wide variety of tools (metric & SAE) in a blow-mold case. Stores in the closet pretty well. At around $100 it's a really good value and the tools are decent quality. FAR better than anything I've found at Wallywhirlled or other big box stores. Oddly, the only addition I had to make was a 13/16 spark plug socket. Kit didn't come with one for some odd reason.

I also carry a tow strap, small hydraulic bottle jack, "cribbing" blocks, small digital multimeter, headlight so I can have hands-free light where I want it, jumpbox/compressor combo and a tire repair kit.

I tend to go a lot of places off the beaten path so being able to deflate/inflate & repair a tire is a necessity. Having a few spare parts on hand rounds out the load.

I've decided to go "primitive" with my 1982 Westfalia, it now sports dual carbs and a mechanical fuel pump instead of the FI. The "electronic" ignition presently installed can be easily swapped out for a set of points should it decide to up and croak.
Nothing against the FI system or electronics, but the places I tend go? Simple is better

[randywebb]

GoWesty lists a tool kit called "TOOLKIT-AUTO" that includes some small Allen hexes -- "3mm, 4mm, 5mm & 6mm hex key set."

Where are 3 and 4 mm Allen fasteners used in the Van?
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1986 2.1L Westy 2wd Auto Trans.

[Colorado Yeti]

A pair of panty hose. So you can rob the nearest 7-11 to pay for all of the repairs that your van is going to require during your brief roadtrip.

[seventyfo]

I have a couple different length/size stainless surgical clamps, I use them for all sorts of things, from retrieving small parts to holding nuts or bolts during assembly that I can't get my fat fingers in to. Not to mention clamping off fuel lines when changing a fuel pump. In the olden days I might have used them to keep from burning my fingertips.
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85 Vanagon GL Westy GW 2.2 (Rebuilt by YT)


"I don't know you well enough to care about your comments". Watkins Cravey

[outdoornate65]

[Merian]

by stainless surgical clamps, you mean hemostats?

if so, I agree, small, large, bent & straight

if not, then can you post a pic?

[seventyfo]

Yes hemostats, usually pick them up at the flea market for a buck or two.
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85 Vanagon GL Westy GW 2.2 (Rebuilt by YT)


"I don't know you well enough to care about your comments". Watkins Cravey

[boroko]

OK, while I totally can appreciate the lists of tools and spares, there is one thing not listed that has saved my bacon more than once. A cheap tire plug kit. $5 dollars from HF. I also picked up their cheap compressor for $8. Those items are now standard in all my kids cars.

Bo
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'87 SyncroWesty: Smokey the Turtle, '85 SubiWesty: Chappie, '84 GTI, '86 GTI in full Rally trim,
previous: 2 Syncro tin tops, 2 Vanagons, 3 busses, 3 Ghias, 2 Jettas, a 411, a gas and a diesel Bunny and about 25 Beetles, one that only drove left.

[morymob]

Except 4 bleeder & axle nut I carry sae 6point set, covers metric also.

[tjet]

Here's a few specific things I like to carry (along with you generic wrench, socket, & screwdriver sets) - in order of usage:

1. Cardboard - like a mirror or large picture shipping box before it's folded. It fits perfectly over the engine compartment when folded in half. I use this everytime I'm under the van

2. Empty coolant bottle. It makes a great pillow when you are under your van (& it's adjustable when you let some air out). You can also carry liquids, and you can fabricate a makeshift oil drainer out of it by cutting a large hole in the side.

3. Aircraft lockwire. You want the stainless steel stuff. Way stronger than zip ties, especially when you double it up by twisting it together. A good size is .041 & you can get it here, along with pliers (not required tho)

http://www.mcmaster.com/#8860k64/=zhubsw

http://www.mcmaster.com/#lockwire-pliers/=zhucla

4. a 10mm & a 13mm combo wrench. I use these 2 sizes all the time. If you have a complete Harbor Freight wrench set, do yourself a favor & buy a pair of Snap-On's in this size.

5. Needle nose pliers. Super handy.

6. Magnet. This one below can be bent in any position.

https://www.matcotools.com/catalog/product/MP14X/HEAVY-DUTY-FLEXIBLE-MAGNET/

7. Hammers (2). You want to carry 2 hammers:

This one I use a lot. I use the plastic part to strike against a combo wrench when I loosen something.

http://www.mactools.com/en-us/Striking-and-Struck/...ad-Hammers

This one below is when you need some real power - very handy. Think mini sledge

http://www.craftsman.com/craftsman-3-lb-hand-drill...ockType=G9

8. Flashlight. I own this mil-spec one below. It's not the brightest light, but you can leave it on for a week (I did this by accident). USA made, too You don't need the aluminum one. The military one is plastic. The run time they show is way under-rated.

https://www.tek-tite.com/proddetail.php?prod=EXPEDITION_STAR

[ThankYouJerry]

I now consider these Ryobi One+ 18V tools to be "Essential":

They all use the same rechargeable 18V LI batteries. I bought the largest capacity batteries they offer for extended run times (photo below). Recharging batteries is easily accomplished if you have access to shore power, a small generator, or an inverter/solar system. All of these tools are powerful and quite compact. They are sold separately or in kits (usually including a charger and 1-2 batteries). Home Depot has the exclusive on Ryobi Tools and I found their prices to be lower than Amazon. Overall these Ryobi One+ tools are very affordable, versatile, and include a 3yr warranty.

I'm not a Ryobi salesman... I only play one on the internet. All kidding aside, I have really found these to be essential (for me and what I do... SUPing, changing tires, and sleeping comfortably in the summer)... YMMV.

There are many more compatible tools (including lanterns, radios, etc.) on their website https://www.ryobitools.com but the ones below are the ones I own and have experience with.


This high pressure inflator tops off tires up to 150 PSI ($25):

This high pressure / high volume inflator also fills tires no problem, but it's much faster than the one above for inflatables such as iSUPs, kayaks, rafts, etc ($40):

This 1/2" impact wrench makes effortless and fast work of tire changes. Do you really want to hand crank all your lug nuts in 38F rain on the side of a busy highway? ($120):

This "hybrid" fan moves a lot of air and runs for 10+ hours on low with a battery or endlessly with 120v plug (see second photo). 1 for the top bunk and 1 for the lower bunk ($40/ea):

High capacity batteries (optional, but recommended for the fan in particular) with LED indicators ($90 for 2):

Single battery charger ($40):

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1990 Multivan - "Ohana"
1.8T, Auto w/3.27 R&P + Peloquin TBD

[OhBetty]

Ok, so I ran into this problem last time I had to change my wheel bearings out on the road... Is anyone willing to suggest other, less frequently used (>14mm) socket/wrench sizes to carry at all times?

I've heard 17, 19, 21, and 24mm referenced. Any other highly-regarded sizes for the essential road kit?

Thanks in advance.

[djkeev]

I'll be the first to admit that I carry too many tools.

But.....

I can fix My Vanagon, I can fix your Chevy or thelr inoperative kichen stove!

I've honed it down into one tool bag..... Organized and neat (though admittedly heavy! )

I cannot leave my tools behind! I'd be naked and powerless!
But......
You'd be real happy to see me pull up behind you if you're broken down!

Dave
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Stop Dead Photo Links how to post photos

Ghia
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=392473

Vanagon
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=6315537#6315537

Beetle
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=482968&highlight=74+super+vert

[Merian]