Tool kit

[pmagowan]

I keep buying a cheap set of tools from Halfords because it has one of everything in it for the boat. The problem is rust. The spanners etc are normally ok but the pliers, screwdrivers etc less so. My tool kit for the boat grows excessively and I also have an electrical toolkit and a box of misc items. Does everyone else do the same or are some of you clever enough to only have the 'right stuff' on board? For instance, why a full spanner set when all the nuts are either 14 or 10 (for the most part)? I know as soon as I dump something from the kit it will be needed immediately. Also, is there a good way to store stuff so that it is protected and also easy to find?

I know there is probably no answer but I just wanted to vent.

 

[ronsurf]

A mothball in the tool box prevents rust. Not sure how well it would work in the marine environment though. One of the mags currently has test of rust preventative products.

 

[northwind]

WD40 - a use it is actually for, and not bad at it either, (it was designed to stop rockets going rusty) wipe over your tools and leave to dry.

 

[richardabeattie]

Put all the tools in the boat in Box A. Every time you use a tool put it back into a (smaller) Box B. After a year or so Box A will contain only those tools you are never likely to need. Then comes the tricky bit. Once Box A is back at home ....

 

[dylanwinter]

Put all the tools in the boat in Box A. Every time you use a tool put it back into a (smaller) Box B. After a year or so Box A will contain only those tools you are never likely to need. Then comes the tricky bit. Once Box A is back at home ....

might I suggest this most excellent product

http://www.keepturningleft.co.uk/blogs/ktl-vlog-138-ktl-toolkit-offer/

 

[ctva]

I've always made sure that I dry tools after use and if neccessary, a squirt of any oil available if WD40 is not. If tools are put away wet or damp, nothing will protect them or the others in the tool box. To combat the damp atmosphere I use the Stanley Fat Max waterproof toolbox, http://www.tooled-up.com/product/st...oductlisting&gclid=CJfT9o3lx7cCFbMdtAod7yIA9Q

As to what tools I carry, everything I can fit in the two that I carry as you can never have too many!

 

[Vara]

Put all the tools in the boat in Box A. Every time you use a tool put it back into a (smaller) Box B. After a year or so Box A will contain only those tools you are never likely to need. Then comes the tricky bit. Once Box A is back at home ....

I think it was Kawasaki who suggested this plan to me, after a year my stock of on board tools is greatly reduced, mind you it also helps to have a pontoon neighbour whose tool locker resembles the back of a snap on tools van.

For rust prevention, I spray liberally with WD 40 or similar every now and then, which seems to keep it at bay.

 

[Tam Lin]

This month's PBO has a test on different products to stop your tools going rusty - might be useful.

 

[mick]

Well I tend to carry as many tools as space permits. e.g. Among other things I have a 60 cm long pair of waterpump pliers (just in case). I also carry two spare service batteries, a power monkey emergency starter and a power pack (just in case). I have plenty of space so they might as well be on the boat as in the garage (just in case).

 

[saxonpirate]

My tools don't go rusty... funny enough! I just want to know where my 13mm and 10mm spanners keep disappearing. I know full well I've bought at least four sets of spanners over the years, but those buggers seem to walk off somewhere...

 

[Poignard]

I keep mine in a plastic toolbox and they don't go rusty

 

[puddock]

A handy tip for any tools (or spare parts for that matter) that may be left for a while in the marine environment is to give them a light smearing of Vaseline. Has worked in an offshore environment for me for years and when the time comes to finally use it, it is very easy to clean off.

 

[pmagowan]

Thanks Guys. I have two thoughts (well possibly more but they will do for now), one is a tool roll (similar to KTL's if maybe slightly more extensive) as I think it would stow well. The other is a plastic waterproof box and maybe some sort of moisture sucking device in it such as you find in good biscuit tins. Of course I use WD40 everywhere like a deodorant! I might go for a radical quick 2 box approach where I dump uneccessary tools after a complete go over the whole boat. My electrics are all good (touch wood) as I installed them myself (smug) with tinned wire, heat sealed glued connectors and a bit of spray on plastic. The engine seems bulletproof (touch wood) and really should no longer need tweaking except for to make me look knowledgeable. I still need a box of bits as I always find something worth bodging on any cruise. Might have a bit of a think this weekend while aboard.

 

[pampas]

Own a dog, if so buy some Roal Canin, Lovely resealable bags I keep my oiles spare injectors in one. For tools I would use Silica Gel or equivalent, not a dog owner, ask around as these bags are a metalic plastic stuff and not recycled.