Most commonly used tools.

[john_morris_uk]

Not one tool but a set: I was given one of these sets a few years ago and its one of the most useful things on the boat.

http://http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_173083_langId_-1_categoryId_165572

 

[bbdave]

How about one of these?

http://www.swiss-army-knife-wenger.co.uk/swiss_army_knife_giant_wenger.html

 

[William_H]

Tools

My sailing is somewhat simple not carrying a motor.Over years of experience I keep only a few tools on board. I have a heavy winch handle which will double as a hammer. A pair of slip hinge pliers a screw driver for straight slot and one for phillips head. An allen key for the winches, a can of WD lubricant and a knife which I am obliged to carry but is never used. All tools are the cheapest type so no worries if they leap overboard. They don't because because they are cheap. All are fairly rusty but the pliers have a sloppy joint so will not seize up. Occasionally a 6 inch adjustable spanner finds its way on board but rust is real problem.
For spares I carry a few shackles and nuts and bolts stainless steel wire and string. Mostly for tieing hats on. and of course lots of rope for reefing and tieing up.
All the good tools are kept at home. perhaps the most useful being a pedestal drill and bench vice. olewill

 

[Woodlouse]

I actually think a Leatherman is the most commonly used tool when one is onboard. If you have any doubts, then try being the only one on board with one and see how many times in a day you get asked for it.

 

[colvic987]

This is the best tool i have on the boat, came in very handy yesterday when i needed to change a filter.

http://www.jhmbuttco.com/acatalog/info_AK644.html


a decent large screwdriver with square shank is also worth its weight in gold.

 

[john_morris_uk]

This is the best tool i have on the boat, came in very handy yesterday when i needed to change a filter.

http://www.jhmbuttco.com/acatalog/info_AK644.html


a decent large screwdriver with square shank is also worth its weight in gold.

I have two of those in different sizes - as well. They are excellent.

 

[Kelpie]

I actually think a Leatherman is the most commonly used tool when one is onboard. If you have any doubts, then try being the only one on board with one and see how many times in a day you get asked for it.

Agree with that. The knife blade on mine has been used for everything from stabbing an old tube of sikaflex and spreading the contents, to spreading marg on a malt loaf... yes the loaf did taste a bit polyurethaney...
My own collection of shifters seems to be holding out against rust OK, I did make sure to grease up the threaded part. I find them very useful because they can round off nuts of any sizes, whereas a ring spanner can only round off one or two sizes
The 18" shifter also does duty as a hammer.