Tools Category?

[wilcofan]

<p>Just an observation, but I think it might be worthwhile to have a category on the forum about tools. A lot of us are self-building or modifying our vans. Some of us have experience and some of us do not. For those that do not, I think it would be an interesting primer for figuring out not just what to build, but how to build it. When does one use a jigsaw, a circular saw or a reciprocating saw? What do you look for in a drill? What tools should I carry in my vehicle, and what should I store at home? Etc, etc, etc.&nbsp; I'm pretty comfortable with power tools, hand tools and air tools, because I've worked in environments in which I used them daily, but even I have had to re-adjust my thinking to creatively problem solve a lot of stuff dealing with my van build...</p>

 

[lampliter]

Great idea.<br><br><br>

 

[vanwrinkle]

<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Great topic, Sir! &nbsp;In addition to the hand tools I keep in the van, a sabre saw - jig saw, whatever you want to call it, comes in handy at times and does anything I need. It stays in the package I bought it in and measures something like 3x8x10. Very small compared to circulars and whatever else one wouldn't want to give up space to keep store it. &nbsp;A collection of metal and wood blades accompany the tool. Good deal all around. &nbsp;Oh, and yes, I operate it from the inverter in the van.</span>

 

[mockturtle]

I agree!&nbsp; It's always a challenge to find space [and CCC] to carry all the tools we need.&nbsp; My toad is metric and my RV is standard so I have to carry two sets of wrenches.&nbsp;&nbsp; A power drill is almost a must, too.&nbsp; Those of you with small vans probably don't stow as many tools but you may not need as many.&nbsp; <br>

 

[Les H]

I am a professional builder and remodeler- I'd be happy to share my knowlage and reviews of tools. What works, what doesn't, good un's for the money and the junk to keep away from. Kate or Bob, let me know if I can help out.

 

[SoulRaven]

If you do not have the tools for mechanical, elec. or simple building on board you have just F'ed your self... part of this life is being self sufficient and knowledge... Other wise you will pay allot of money getting simple things fixed... Come to the summer RTR and I will teach you to fix things by your self...<br>

 

[Kisatchieman]

<P>Besides a&nbsp;ratchet and socket set in metric and standard, a 18v B&amp;D cordless drill with screwdriver and assorted drill bits comes in really handy. But the most important tool in my aresenal is&nbsp;a Leatherman Super Tool (saved me countless steps to and from a tool box&nbsp;and has limitless uses). </P>

 

[karl]

A quick, off the cuff inventory of tools in my van includes:<br>Axe, bowsaw, ripping hammer, 3/8" sae/metric socket set, vise grips, 3/8"-1" box end wrenches, pliers/wirecutters, roll of wire, several screwdrivers including those unique to my van, utility knife, survival knife, tape measure, tire guage, 18v drill, sabre saw, sawzall and 12v charger, 2 ton hydraulic jack, propane torch, wrecking bar, Lug wrench,&nbsp; 2' length of 1 1/2" iron pipe (many uses from extending leverage on wrenches to rolling heavy stuff and transfering hammer blows to hard to reach spots) assorted bits, drills, blades for powered tools and of course duct tape and electrical tape. <br>I also carry carpentry tools that I would consider a waste of space for most folks.... <br>

 

[sl1966]

This is kind of sad. I'm the only tool in my rig.<div><font size="1">(yes the double entendre was intentional)</font><br><div><br></div><div><br></div></div>

 

[mockturtle]

A quick, off the cuff inventory of tools in my van includes:<br>Axe, bowsaw, ripping hammer, 3/8" sae/metric socket set, vise grips, 3/8"-1" box end wrenches, pliers/wirecutters, roll of wire, several screwdrivers including those unique to my van, utility knife, survival knife, tape measure, tire guage, 18v drill, sabre saw, sawzall and 12v charger, 2 ton hydraulic jack, propane torch, wrecking bar, Lug wrench,&nbsp; 2' length of 1 1/2" iron pipe (many uses from extending leverage on wrenches to rolling heavy stuff and transfering hammer blows to hard to reach spots) assorted bits, drills, blades for powered tools and of course duct tape and electrical tape. <br>I also carry carpentry tools that I would consider a waste of space for most folks.... <br>

Karl, I'd be interested to know where you store them and how much available exterior/interior storage space you have available.&nbsp; <br>

 

[karl]

<span id="post_message_1273279288">Karl, I'd be interested to know where you store them and how much available exterior/interior storage space you have available.&nbsp; <br></span>

<br>In Lurch (g10 chevy) my 4' wide bed is across the back , under it is a 3' x width of van storage area 2' high. I have also cut&nbsp; openings through the inner panels of the rear doors and glued split hose over the sharp edges - plastic socket/wrench packs, jumper cables, tow straps and odd stuff gets tossed in those, everything else gets packed in milk crates, plastic buckets or tool boxes and stashed with the less used items to the sides and forward...there is also a shelf across the back edge of the bed for small stuff.<br>

 

[SoulRaven]

@Karl... excellent idea, I have been eying the back door storage for some time and now I am going to pull the trigger on this idea... Also a great time to insulate the rear doors...<br><br>PS what tool did you use to cut the sheet metal...???<br><br>

 

[karl]

Steve- my trusty Dewalt 18v sabre saw with metal blade, eye protection, etc.(makes a LOT of noise))<br>I used old air hose that I had to cover the sharp edges- just split it with a utility knife, injected a few dabs of polyurethane construction adhesive, and slid it on....JC Whitney has some self adhesive panel edging that is thinner and looks good, but I used what I had.<br>Didn't insulate the doors since I have a weatherstrip where the doors shut against the shelf behind my bed- so I left the space under as "cold storage"<br>

 

[twokniveskatie]

Hey, this is an excellent idea. I like the idea of seeing what everybody carries. &nbsp;I suggest I move this to the conversion/build out section. I am reluctant to start any more categories to the boards right now. this is a good " what's in your toolbag?" thread. If someone wants to go into details about the pros and cons of specific tools they could start a new thread. What do ya think? Willco, you started it, would you mind if I move it?

 

[Ricekila]

<P>A good start for the semi to beginner is to get a Chilton manual for your vehicle and have one box / open-end wrench and socket for "EVERY" nut and bolt that's on your car / van <IMG src="https://vanlivingforum.com/images/boards/smilies/thumb.gif" align=absMiddle border=0><BR><BR>There's nothing worst that trying to replace a part in the middle of no wear with your cheap-ie socket set - only to find out there is a size between the sets 10 and 12 MM that you don't have <IMG src="https://vanlivingforum.com/images/boards/smilies/rolleyes.gif" align=absMiddle border=0><BR><BR>And that 11 MM socket is on a Sears shelf 50 miles away <IMG src="https://vanlivingforum.com/images/boards/smilies/mad.gif" align=absMiddle border=0><BR><BR>Don't ask <IMG src="https://vanlivingforum.com/images/boards/smilies/redface.gif" align=absMiddle border=0><BR></P><P>Side story --<BR><BR>When I lived in a 70's Dodge Open Road motor home for a little over a year - I had a reason to pull one of the floating axles off. The biggest socket I had was 1 &amp; 1/2 ".<BR><BR>Luckily there was a tool supply house 5 miles away. That had the 2 &amp; 1/2" socket I needed. I hoofed it there and back and bought a sheet metal type for $50 bucks ( that's right fifty dollars

)<BR><BR>Used it "once" to pull the axle off and put the big-ass'ed nut back on

<BR><BR>It's been rolling around in my tool box since 1985

</P><P>

<BR><BR>But like all my one time use tools --- at least I have one now

<BR><BR>Lesson is ---- "The tool you will need the most - will be at Sears - not in your tool box"

<BR></P>

 

[karl]

If you ever need one for a Ford- you can borrow/have mine.....it was only used once too, I have driven GM's ever since.<img src="https://vanlivingforum.com/images/boards/smilies/biggrin.gif" align="absmiddle" border="0" height="15" width="15"><br>Oh, and I have a bearing puller for an International PU too...still shiny after nearly 30 years.<br>At least we have done our part to support the economy, eh?<br>

 

[thinker]

question,&nbsp;<div>are these things bs, or are they a good option for vandwellers?</div><div><a href="http://www.gadgetsgo.com/Select-a-Socket-Multi-Wrench-10-Sockets-in-1-Hand-Tool/" target="_blank">http://www.gadgetsgo.com/Select-a-Socket-Multi-Wrench-10-Sockets-in-1-Hand-Tool/</a> </div>

 

[oldnjung]

Bought something similar years ago. Broke it easily. Was Junk!!&nbsp; Buy "suitcase" set from Sears that has both metric and English sizes. Stores easily and lifetime guarantee on breakage. I have had to buy a different size wrench or socket over time because of special need, but no problems. There are others with lifetime guarantees, but Sears is usually less expensive.<br>

 

[thinker]

yeah. i figured.<div>just always thinking about room, weight, etc.</div><div>danke</div>

 

[Willy]

&nbsp;The term 'cheap crap' comes to mind. Invest in quality tools and you'll be better off. Go visit an auto mechanic (gotta be a shop nearby) and have a gander at his/her tools. Betcha won't find stuff like that.&nbsp; <br>