Billjratt
Active member
Then someone needs to invent a toolcase where the unused ones gravitate to the bottom leaving the useful ones handy, and can also take a vice...
You daren't take the unused ones home because you know what will happen next...
What is the best tool set?
- Thread starter Ex-SolentBoy
- Start date
You daren't take the unused ones home because you know what will happen next...
northwind
Well-known member
You might want to see if Dylan has any of his left..
http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?t=284031&highlight=Ktl+toolkit
http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?t=284031&highlight=Ktl+toolkit
KINGFISHER 8
Well-known member
Screwfix do some very good general mixed toolkits but don't make the mistake I did - I bought a super kit which came in a sort of canvas folding case with inner flaps and buckles and two zips and so on ... I used it for a year and it was such a nuisance having to go through all the drama just getting the thing open and closed that I've now slung it and bought a £20 plastic toolbox to keep everything in, with metal overclips which are good and sturdy, and open with one click. The suitcase idea seemed a good one, keeping everything damp free etc ... don't do it, it will drive you nuts!
CreakyDecks
New member
I think the most useful tool in the world is a vice. Finding somewhere to put one is the problem!
gljnr1983
Member
Theres no beating the halfords kit there garuranteed for life showing us how much snapon rob us for,i have had the £99.99 kit for years and it has been very useful at times it is well worth the money.I always have a pair of visegrips with,hammer,stanley,screwdrivers and a multimeter on board with it.
prv
Well-known member
I have a small clamp-to-the-edge-of-a-tabletop vice in my tool locker. I generally clamp it to the edge of the companionway hatch, which on my boat puts it at a nice working height when standing in the cabin.
Pete
ccscott49
Active member
I swear by Teng tools. Have lots of them, from my classic car rebuilding days. Way too many for the boat, but they are all on there! Top quality tools very reasonable price and garuanteed for life, just like snap on, but no quibbles.
JClarkes
New member
I would love a set of Teng tools someday. Usually more pricey but you get what you pay for in the end. I think I might set a few on our wedding list for this year.
Ex-SolentBoy
New member
basil421
New member
I'll second that. The most used tool on my boat is a vice which clamps on the companionway steps. The second most used is a hacksaw.
Of course I have lots of other tools on board but I would not like to go to sea without a complete set of ring/open jaw spanners, socket set, screw drivers, "stanley" type knife and a cordless drill fully charged + set of drills.
Ex-SolentBoy
New member
I am not sure what others get up to but, despite carrying both, I have never needed a hacksaw or a vice on board.
The most used tool on our boat is the corkscrew.
sarabande
Well-known member
When I worked in Cardiff at Companies House, we had a link with the aircraft college. They used to sell Teng kit from time to time in college, and I managed to build up a goodish set.
One set of open ended / ring spanners sat lost and forlorn in a very wet shed for about five years. Some superficial staining, but it all wiped off, when I retrieved them
Good kit.
richardabeattie
Active member
and elastoplast!
Croc
New member
....ah the corkscrew....so much used it stays to hand and does not get buried in a tool box....never even thought of it as a tool...more an old friend.
stav
Member
A set of tools is a good start but in the end, if you are going to tackle the range of jobs on a boat a plastic tool box of 'other' tools will be needed. I have a set bought for Xmas 10yrs ago and still going strong. I have a range of quality and cheaper tools. My most treasured set is a little 1/4" socket set bought from halfords 20yrs ago when doing my 'second degree' and needed to change the cambelt on a £25 volvo. Then there are cheap and expensive pliers and adjustables, my Bahco tools don't go in the sea but then there is a second set for chains and shackles in the mud.Dewalt 14.4 volt cordless with three batteries and basic wood tools.
Basically enough tools to complete the range of mechanical servicing required on the boat plus enough tools to fashion emergency items: tiller, rudder, refix a broken hinge etc.
Guess it also depends on what you are willing to tackle.
I love buying tools though, one of my favourite reads the axminster catalouge!
Enjoy.
Actually my most tresured mechaninc tool is my little 3/8" Teng torque wrench ideal for torquing bolts on the engine in the confines of its box, but this does not live on the boat.
Basically enough tools to complete the range of mechanical servicing required on the boat plus enough tools to fashion emergency items: tiller, rudder, refix a broken hinge etc.
Guess it also depends on what you are willing to tackle.
I love buying tools though, one of my favourite reads the axminster catalouge!
Enjoy.
Actually my most tresured mechaninc tool is my little 3/8" Teng torque wrench ideal for torquing bolts on the engine in the confines of its box, but this does not live on the boat.
Last edited:
johnphilip
Well-known member
Small is beautiful
I bought several years ago a small Halfords Professional 1/4" drive socket set. It has bits to fit everything from the Furlex to the Volvo. First impression might be that at this size it is a bit of a toy but the reality of working on a boat is that there is seldom room to operate spanners or drivers. Being able to fit any screwdriver or socket bit into a small very neat ratchet means you can use it in the many places on boats which are specially designed to be awkward and inaccessible.
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/...er-_-Product_List_Zone_1-_-Blank&iozone=PLPz1
I bought several years ago a small Halfords Professional 1/4" drive socket set. It has bits to fit everything from the Furlex to the Volvo. First impression might be that at this size it is a bit of a toy but the reality of working on a boat is that there is seldom room to operate spanners or drivers. Being able to fit any screwdriver or socket bit into a small very neat ratchet means you can use it in the many places on boats which are specially designed to be awkward and inaccessible.
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/...er-_-Product_List_Zone_1-_-Blank&iozone=PLPz1
Applescruffs
Member
A quick Ad Break !
This excellent value for money kit has now been expanded to include:
1: (in)-sufficient plywood and glue to construct an....errr ... plywood and glue boat, (mast, rigging, rudder, and sail, not included), please note: ply and adhesive subject to availability.
2: A Nissan Micra repair manual.
3: A VW Golf 'off-road' driving experience.
4: 28 x 'free' tickets for the London Boat Show.
5: A voucher exchangeable for an evening with the boating celebrity of your choice......errr...that's either me or Dylan.....food and beer most definitely not included in this offer but donations more than welcome !...see attached voucher for terms and conditions.
A message from our sponsor...
Buy Rolson....and keep on buying....
You might want to see if Dylan has any of his left..
http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?t=284031&highlight=Ktl+toolkit
This excellent value for money kit has now been expanded to include:
1: (in)-sufficient plywood and glue to construct an....errr ... plywood and glue boat, (mast, rigging, rudder, and sail, not included), please note: ply and adhesive subject to availability.
2: A Nissan Micra repair manual.
3: A VW Golf 'off-road' driving experience.
4: 28 x 'free' tickets for the London Boat Show.
5: A voucher exchangeable for an evening with the boating celebrity of your choice......errr...that's either me or Dylan.....food and beer most definitely not included in this offer but donations more than welcome !...see attached voucher for terms and conditions.
A message from our sponsor...
Buy Rolson....and keep on buying....
Last edited:
gljnr1983
Member
The Crescent 211 peice tool kit on ebay looks like a good complete set i would have bought it instead of the halfords set if i knew about at the then.
DaiB
Member
a couple of approaches
Method 1. Buy good quality straight away.
Downside: No blaming the tools
Upside: it's cheaper
Method 2. When your spanner rounds off a nut or slips as the jaws open, throw it away and buy a good one.
When you wreck a screw slot. throw the driver away and buy a good one.
When your hex wrench twists or wrecks the shape of the hex, throw it away and buy a good one.
etc etc etc.
Downside: You pay 50% more to arrive in the same place.
Upside: You can blame the tools.
Method 1. Buy good quality straight away.
Downside: No blaming the tools
Upside: it's cheaper
Method 2. When your spanner rounds off a nut or slips as the jaws open, throw it away and buy a good one.
When you wreck a screw slot. throw the driver away and buy a good one.
When your hex wrench twists or wrecks the shape of the hex, throw it away and buy a good one.
etc etc etc.
Downside: You pay 50% more to arrive in the same place.
Upside: You can blame the tools.
Croc
New member
I think I am with DaiB. I prefer to use good tools and take the blame if I foul up....however a boat builder I know well and sail with frequently,with at least electrical tools works on the opposite principle....they all go wrong he says so buy cheap and throw away..... he buys jig-saws three at a time.
The problem is **** tools or not he always makes a better job of what he is doing than I can.
The problem is **** tools or not he always makes a better job of what he is doing than I can.
