Tool Box Size and Contents

[wullie]

Now i know this is length of string question but, having spent over 40 years in engineering i was wondering if anybody would give me any ideas on tool box must have, i want to carry out all my own servicing, and small boat repairs i can undertake myself, i suppose it comes down to stoarage space, i see on some forum posts advise on tool box on board. Type of repairs would be engineplumbing,body work wood work painting, and genral cosmetic repairs.

[andy the hammer]

I was an engineer and run my own property maintenance business got rid of everything and over the last five years had to buy everything again.

 

Andy

[MtB]

Now i know this is length of string question but, having spent over 40 years in engineering i was wondering if anybody would give me any ideas on tool box must have, i want to carry out all my own servicing, and small boat repairs i can undertake myself, i suppose it comes down to stoarage space, i see on some forum posts advise on tool box on board. Type of repairs would be engineplumbing,body work wood work painting, and genral cosmetic repairs.

 

A small Transit Luton will be about right. Or if you are feeling rich, a Mercedes Sprinter.

 

 

MtB

[FadeToScarlet]

I couldn't fit all my tools into one tool box!

[luctor et emergo]

The correct term for a toolbox on a boat is 'engine ole'...

[Stormbringer]

And the correct term for tools stored in said engine 'ole is 'additional ballast' ..........

[Tony Brooks]

Now i know this is length of string question but, having spent over 40 years in engineering i was wondering if anybody would give me any ideas on tool box must have, i want to carry out all my own servicing, and small boat repairs i can undertake myself, i suppose it comes down to stoarage space, i see on some forum posts advise on tool box on board. Type of repairs would be engineplumbing,body work wood work painting, and genral cosmetic repairs.

 

I suspect that you already have a fair idea and I doubt a box that is stowable will hold enough (unless you have great open area around the engine). My tools are in a two shelf locker about 14"W x 14" D x 28" plus a locker built under the front top step. You are bound to find that you never have the exact tool you want so best practise needs forgetting and an aptitude for finding another way developing.

 

I find its a store of "useful bits" and routine spares that is more important than much more than a basic spanner, screwdriver, plier, and socket set. Those plus various grades of abrasive paper take up two more draws. Then the paint, glues, filler and brushes take up a load more space.

[DeanS]

spanners for battery terminals

wire cutters

crimpers

screw drivers all sizes

spanners all sizes

gas pliers

ptfe tape

measuring tape

range of silcons and glues

3 saws - small wood, large wood, hacksaw, bowsaw

torches

etc.. (I was on a roll but LongSufferingWife interrupted me.)

[FadeToScarlet]

Some would argue that gaffer tape and WD40 are sufficient.

 

Either way you invariably won't have the tool you need for the job do just acquire more and more over time!

[carlt]

I couldn't fit all my tools into one tool box!

I couldn't fit all my tools into one boat.

[smileypete]

Now i know this is length of string question but, having spent over 40 years in engineering i was wondering if anybody would give me any ideas on tool box must have, i want to carry out all my own servicing, and small boat repairs i can undertake myself, i suppose it comes down to stoarage space, i see on some forum posts advise on tool box on board. Type of repairs would be engineplumbing,body work wood work painting, and genral cosmetic repairs.

 

For toolboxes maybe start out with a couple of half decent placcy ones with trays, then diversify as the tool collection grows or rather gets out of hand...

 

So you could end up with a barn door metal toolbox for mechanical tools, small ali flightcase type box for electrical tools and so on, cantilever toolbox for general woodwork and plumbing tools, cases for power tools, plastic assorters for small bits and so on.

 

For the tools it largely depends on the what running repairs of changes might be needed, probably start with the basics then add the more specialised stuff and power tools as needs arise.

 

So for the engine some servicing tools, spanner and socket set, waterpump pliers; then for electricals a multimeter, set of pliers/cutters/strippers, electrical screwdrivers, ratchet crimper maybe; for woodwork a few chisels, small mallet, tape measure, ruler, square, snap off knife, hex bit set and T bar; a battery drill and HSS bits; finally the little stuff and consumables like crimp terminals, drill bits, PTFE tape, PVC electrical tape, wood glue, rubber washers an soooo on.

 

cheers, Pete.

~smpt~

Edited June 19, 2013 by smileypete

[George94]

If the toolbox needs to be portable (and it does), then you will need six.

[wullie]

 

For toolboxes maybe start out with a couple of half decent placcy ones with trays, then diversify as the tool collection grows or rather gets out of hand...

 

So you could end up with a barn door metal toolbox for mechanical tools, small ali flightcase type box for electrical tools and so on, cantilever toolbox for general woodwork and plumbing tools, cases for power tools, plastic assorters for small bits and so on.

 

For the tools it largely depends on the what running repairs of changes might be needed, probably start with the basics then add the more specialised stuff and power tools as needs arise.

 

So for the engine some servicing tools, spanner and socket set, waterpump pliers; then for electricals a multimeter, set of pliers/cutters/strippers, electrical screwdrivers, ratchet crimper maybe; for woodwork a few chisels, small mallet, tape measure, ruler, square, snap off knife, hex bit set and T bar; a battery drill and HSS bits; finally the little stuff and consumables like crimp terminals, drill bits, PTFE tape, PVC electrical tape, wood glue, rubber washers an soooo on.

 

cheers, Pete.

~smpt~

Looks like i would be as well just fitting a few empty oil drums to garage and just tow it along behind boat

[Slim]

I need a full length butty

[Naughty Cal]

Having a small boat we have had to slim our onboard tool collection down a bit.

 

We now have one large plastic tool box for general tools, one large boxed socket set and a smaller plastic box for engine spares and assorted other electrical and plumbing spares. If it doesnt fit in one of the boxes then it doesnt stay on the boat.

[Andrew Denny]

I recently started a paper list on the back of the cupboard door where I write down the tools I use for particular jobs, and the jobs/fittings they are needed for. I add a tick each time I use that tool. Gradually this is giving me an idea of the tools I really need, and the structure my toolbox needs to be in the future.

[smileypete]

Looks like i would be as well just fitting a few empty oil drums to garage and just tow it along behind boat

 

I thought that was quite a reasonable list!

 

One thing I do with surplus or little used hand tools is pack them into a 'quarantine box', when it's brimful I just go through and cull the least useful ones to leave the box half empty.

 

I do have a stupid amount of power tools though, some have got to go!

 

cheers, Pete.

~smpt~

[parrotguy]

did anyone mention a butane torch and solder?

[martyn 1]

Simple answer to the how big a toolbox is an easy one for any engineer/mechanic. as big as it possibly can be and that will still be too small

 

I have about 1100 sqft of workshop/storage space and im now no longer sure what colour the floor is as I havent seen it in so long due to kit....... oh and it has a flaw in that it isnt that mobile....

 

For plumbing

 

Pipe cutter, blow torch, solder, flux, pipe benders, flaring tool is also useful.