A tool box isn’t just for the garage, house or boat.  In fact, it’s a good idea to have a handy toolbox in your trunk at all times you just never know when it might come in handy.  With so many tools on the market today, it’s hard to know what you really need for basic car care and auto repairs, but you don’t need to go out and stock up on a lot of different tools, in fact, you may be surprised at how very few you do need.

Speaking of what you need, you should only purchase tools that you need.  There’s no reason to go out and buy a lot of different tools which you might never use.  In fact, you might be surprised at what you can do with a wrench, a flat head and a Phillips screwdriver.  Believe me, as long as you have these three items in various sizes, as well as a good flashlight, a pocket knife and a pair of pliers, you’re halfway home.

If you’re not sure what you need, ask a salesperson at your favorite automotive store for help in selecting a tool set that meets your needs and your vehicle.  If you’re the owner of an import, you may need tools in metrics rather than standard. 

I also can’t stress enough the importance of qualify tools.  Never buy a cheap tool just to save money because I can promise you this – it will not last.  I recommend Craftsman tools.  Why?  Because they’re solid, durable, last for years and if by a slim chance the tool breaks, chips or has become unusable, a Craftsman dealer will replace the tool with a brand new one for free – no matter what the age.  In fact, you don’t even need a receipt.  Just take the tool in and it will be replaced immediately. 

You can store all of your tools in a lightweight, hard plastic toolbox, which is a little easier to carry and lift from your trunk than a metal tool box, but essentially the choice is up to you. Most tool boxes, both plastic and metal, have keys you may opt to use if you like the idea of a little added security. Using the keys to lock the tool box can prevent theft, especially if you’ll be using your tools in a variety of different locations or you plan on toting the tool box around frequently.   Tool boxes also come in a variety of different sizes and colors, so make certain to get the correct size so your tools fit inside without overcrowding.  The jumper cables probably won’t fit unless the tool box is roomy enough that they lay flat on the top (the jumper cables are the only thing that does not fit in my toolbox, so they’re kept in the trunk next to the tool box).

While it’s a good idea to add more tools as you go, I’ve put together what I believe is a good basic list to get you started:

• One pair of gloves
• Adjustable wrench and/or sockets for bolts and nuts
• Phillips Screwdrivers (small, medium and large)
• Flat head screwdrivers (small, medium and large)
• One pair of pliers
• One pair of wire cutters
• One pocket knife
• Spare fuses
• Flashlight and batteries
• Extra lug nuts
• One roll of Duct Tape (you may be surprised how often you find yourself using it)
• Extra oil
• Jumper Cables
• Tool Box

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