Critical Items for Trail Tool Kit

[ChrisH]

After the last run out, I'm thinking of re-evaluating what I'm carrying for tools. Was looking for suggestions from club members for "must have" tools. What do you think is critical that you carry?

Currently I bring along a fairly basic Craftsman socket/wrench set augmented with some other items...wire cutters, vice grips, pry bar, BFH, etc... But I'm wondering if there are certain tools that jeepers know to be critical. For example, I have a set of Torx in the kit now. Realized I didn't have a hacksaw while on the trail a couple of weeks ago (got a great one in the garage at home).

Also, bear in mind I'm driving a TJ, so not a lot of room. That means no welder, or other behemoth tool. Ideally I'm trying to develop a good everyday carry set that I can fit in my "trunk" with just the critical items.

Ideas?

Oh, and driver for this is a pair of Sears gift certificates that magically appeared in the mail.

[Kurt]

Chris,

We made a very complete list for our Jeep 101 that we held earlier this year.
I e-mailed you a copy of the Excel file.
There is a tab in the file with items listed and is sorted by priority.

Let me know if you need it in a different format.

Kurt

[ZAEDOCK]

All you need is chain.

[ChrisH]

Chain....check.

Thanks for the file Kurt. I'll have a look before I go spend the money I don't have.

Chris

[ArticRubi]

This is my full trail load:


Orange bag:
Snatch strap, tree saver, snatch block, cable damper, hatchet, winch controller, air hose, spare shackles

Blue/black case:
It's a 200+ piece mechanic set, has 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2" drive socket sets and has a lower drawer that I can stuff screw drivers, channel locks, torx bits, ect.
I got this set specifically to ride in the jeep because of its compact size, easy to carry, and it's a fairly complete set with convenient packaging. Not high quality stuff by any means, nice to not worry too much if I lose a socket in the mud. Also allows me to not have to pick through my shop tools and assemble/disassemble a tool kit every time I go on a run.

Red bag:
Set of 18V power tools, drill, sawzall, impact driver. Also carry specialty stuff in here, such as a socket for my axle nut, which is larger than anything in the mechanic's set. Of course a BFH. Also a 3/8 and 1/2" drive torque wrench, pry bar, misc electrical parts.

It sounds like a lot of stuff, but I've gotten the packaging figured out to where it doesn't take up a ton of room. I've also got a small box I carry various fluids, ect in.

[ChrisH]

Sawzall! As a former house framer, that's an idea I like. Of course, I may need to use the Sawzall to make room somewhere in the jeep to carry it, but it's still a great idea. :=)

[johnsxj]

My "Sawzall" for trail use is a 4 1/2" grinder!