Ideal Toolkit

[Mario]

I have been looking over the ration of tools that came with Rhapsody, which I have supplemented with some various other tools. I have looked at the toolkits sold by West et al., and I have decided to piece together my own custom kit rather than buy a prepackaged set. It will undoubtedly cost more but I figure I can buy superior tools and get only what I really need (when was the last time I needed a spark gap gauge or spark plug wrench??)

My question is this: What basic tools and supplies would you want to have aboard for routine repairs, emergency repairs, and regular maintenance? Keep in mind that I'm not considering a bluewater voyage with complete self-suffiency. I want a set of tools that will handle 90% of my needs without excessive bulk and weight (e.g., no orbital sanders or anvils) and which I can supplement ashore on an as-needed basis for acute needs, like a cordless drill.

In other words, what is your ideal on-board toolkit?

Mario
s/v Rhapsody



capedory252NOSPAM@aol.com

[Will W.]

One of the first things I did when I got Suzi Q was go through the old tool box, sorting and cleaning. I kept several things that I have never seen before; I'm sure that when I need one of them it will be readily apparent when the one in use breaks.
I think the query you made cannot be satisfied with a list from anyone. I say this because you eliminated two tools right off the bat, that I would have on my short list.
I think the tool box that came on Suzi Q is a good example of what you are seeking. In the year or so that I have had her i have found every tool I needed in the small rusty old tool box. I got a new box but the tools are the same. The person who put it there had obviously only put the tools that were usefull in the box. When you start to look around you can see the wisdom in this approach. Do you need a whole socket wrench set, or just the wratchet and six or seven sockets? Is a whole set of wrenches necessary? Or do you only really need a couple of sizes? On my 25 the list of must have tools is pretty small. I have added some stuff to the inventory but not much.
If you spend a little time to figure out exactly what tools you are likely to need, I bet you will find you can actually use a lot less than you think. There are after all, only so many sized nuts etc. on your boat. Carrying tools that don't fit anything is obviously unnecessary. For this reason your supposition about spending a lot may not be the case.
Of course the ideal tool kit is probably impossible to acheive really. Your goal of 90% is ambitious enough. Every once in a while I will read about one of those big 50+ foot yachts that actually have a work room. Then you could really get the ideal set up, a tool shed on your boat, HAH. In the mean time I will continue to drive around with too many tools in my car. I have reached the point where I can't wait to have Suzi Q in the water if for no other reason than that I can finally put all the tools away at home.
Good Luck!

Will Wheatley
Suzi Q
CD25

I have been looking over the ration of tools that came with Rhapsody, which I have supplemented with some various other tools. I have looked at the toolkits sold by West et al., and I have decided to piece together my own custom kit rather than buy a prepackaged set. It will undoubtedly cost more but I figure I can buy superior tools and get only what I really need (when was the last time I needed a spark gap gauge or spark plug wrench??)

My question is this: What basic tools and supplies would you want to have aboard for routine repairs, emergency repairs, and regular maintenance? Keep in mind that I'm not considering a bluewater voyage with complete self-suffiency. I want a set of tools that will handle 90% of my needs without excessive bulk and weight (e.g., no orbital sanders or anvils) and which I can supplement ashore on an as-needed basis for acute needs, like a cordless drill.

In other words, what is your ideal on-board toolkit?

Mario
s/v Rhapsody

willwheatley@starpower.net

[Emil Maurer]

I have been looking over the ration of tools that came with Rhapsody, which I have supplemented with some various other tools. I have looked at the toolkits sold by West et al., and I have decided to piece together my own custom kit rather than buy a prepackaged set. It will undoubtedly cost more but I figure I can buy superior tools and get only what I really need (when was the last time I needed a spark gap gauge or spark plug wrench??)

My question is this: What basic tools and supplies would you want to have aboard for routine repairs, emergency repairs, and regular maintenance? Keep in mind that I'm not considering a bluewater voyage with complete self-suffiency. I want a set of tools that will handle 90% of my needs without excessive bulk and weight (e.g., no orbital sanders or anvils) and which I can supplement ashore on an as-needed basis for acute needs, like a cordless drill.

In other words, what is your ideal on-board toolkit?

Mario
s/v Rhapsody

I just finished maintenance of seacocks on my 25D which I did myself for the first time. I have been looking for a 1" ratcheting box wrench to fit the jam nut you can't reach or see on the port scupper. (You need a 7/8" for the smaller seacocks. I found one). The wrench that Spartan sells also helps because it is thin and fits the flange nut while you tighten the jam nut against it.

I think individual screw drivers are better. I keep loosing screw driver bits over the side or down the bilge. A vise grip wrench with flanges which can hold a line like the one in the Forespar catalog. You need a rubber mallet.



limem@optonline.net

[David Brownlee]

My tool box (from memory):

* A pair of wrenches that fit the stuffing box nuts (or the ones sold by Spartan)
* full sets of Phillips and flat head screwdrivers--including a big one of each
* 10-piece sets of metric (if you have a foreign engine) and English socket and conventional wrenches
* two pairs of slip joint pliers
* needle nose pliers
* large and small vice grips
* large and small adjustable wrenches
* Hand drill (rotary), with bits up to 1/4 in. and countersink
* steel hammer
* nail set
* center punch
* wire snips
* hacksaw
* multi-blade saw set (handle with various blades)
* flat file
* rattail file
* wood rasp
* oil/fuel filter grabber
* epoxy glue
* white (wood) glue

David Brownlee
CD 31 #1 "Windrush"
Havre de Grace, MD
(shoving off today for two weeks cruising down the Bay)



dbrownle@sas.upenn.edu

[Mario]

I should have said that buying a prepackaged tool system inevitably means buying duplicates of tools I already have. Thus, while I do have outboard maintenance tools like a a sparkplug wrench, bronze brush and feeler guage on board, I don't want to buy a second set.

I did buy a $20 heavy canvas tool bag at Lowe's that should hold all the basics and then some. Lots of pockets inside and out. I went with canvas so it could be more easily stuffed into a locker.

Off to Sears...

Mario

One of the first things I did when I got Suzi Q was go through the old tool box, sorting and cleaning. I kept several things that I have never seen before; I'm sure that when I need one of them it will be readily apparent when the one in use breaks.
I think the query you made cannot be satisfied with a list from anyone. I say this because you eliminated two tools right off the bat, that I would have on my short list.
I think the tool box that came on Suzi Q is a good example of what you are seeking. In the year or so that I have had her i have found every tool I needed in the small rusty old tool box. I got a new box but the tools are the same. The person who put it there had obviously only put the tools that were usefull in the box. When you start to look around you can see the wisdom in this approach. Do you need a whole socket wrench set, or just the wratchet and six or seven sockets? Is a whole set of wrenches necessary? Or do you only really need a couple of sizes? On my 25 the list of must have tools is pretty small. I have added some stuff to the inventory but not much.
If you spend a little time to figure out exactly what tools you are likely to need, I bet you will find you can actually use a lot less than you think. There are after all, only so many sized nuts etc. on your boat. Carrying tools that don't fit anything is obviously unnecessary. For this reason your supposition about spending a lot may not be the case.
Of course the ideal tool kit is probably impossible to acheive really. Your goal of 90% is ambitious enough. Every once in a while I will read about one of those big 50+ foot yachts that actually have a work room. Then you could really get the ideal set up, a tool shed on your boat, HAH. In the mean time I will continue to drive around with too many tools in my car. I have reached the point where I can't wait to have Suzi Q in the water if for no other reason than that I can finally put all the tools away at home.
Good Luck!

Will Wheatley
Suzi Q
CD25

capedory252NOSPAM@aol.com

[Bill Goldsmith]

I have seen some good advice on which tools to have aboard. One additional item: you may wish to keep an extra phillips screwdriver, straight screwdriver, adjustable wrench and any other often-used tools in a very handy location. That way you don't have to go searching in a toolbag for simple adjustments/repairs/installations. I plan to mark the tools that belong to that small tool cache with some paint so that the "handy" tools always make it back to the "quick access" location.

With regard to toolbags, I highly recommend canvas toolbags as you mentioned below. Boxes are difficult to stow, and scratch up the woodwork down below. Also, if you can find a canvas toolbag without feet, that will further soften the impact on woodwork, gelcoat, etc.

To make tools easier to find I have organized my kit in tool rolls purchased from the Duluth Trading catalog. For my combination wrench sets (one metric and one fractional), I keep them in those green canvas tool rolls, with the metric one marked "METRIC" on the outside. For other tools, Duluth sells nifty Bucket Boss tool rolls that have a rack for sockets built in, and plenty of space for other stuff. They cinch together with elastic when rolled. When underway, I try to sneak the tool rolls into nooks and crannies and leave the big bag in the car. When doing a project, I throw all the rolls in the bag so everything will be handy.

Bill Goldsmith
CD27#173
Second Chance

I have been looking over the ration of tools that came with Rhapsody, which I have supplemented with some various other tools. I have looked at the toolkits sold by West et al., and I have decided to piece together my own custom kit rather than buy a prepackaged set. It will undoubtedly cost more but I figure I can buy superior tools and get only what I really need (when was the last time I needed a spark gap gauge or spark plug wrench??)

My question is this: What basic tools and supplies would you want to have aboard for routine repairs, emergency repairs, and regular maintenance? Keep in mind that I'm not considering a bluewater voyage with complete self-suffiency. I want a set of tools that will handle 90% of my needs without excessive bulk and weight (e.g., no orbital sanders or anvils) and which I can supplement ashore on an as-needed basis for acute needs, like a cordless drill.

In other words, what is your ideal on-board toolkit?

Mario
s/v Rhapsody

goldy@bestweb.net

[Chris Schnell]

I can't believe there's been no mention of the incomprable and indespensible DUCT TAPE as an essential element of the Ideal Toolkit! Obviously noone ever worked in the Air Force on B-52's or C-130's....LOL!
All kidding aside, I will echo the endorsement of the heavy canvas bags at Lowes. They're great and fit into all manner of spaces. They also come with foldout versions that have those nifty little container trays perfect for nuts and bolts, washers, cotter pins, etc., and they stow easily in a number of places on board. I suspect it will take another year or so of cruising to get my Ideal Toolkit together, but I will! But I will use the 80/20 rule and not try to have every possible tool aboard. Good Luck to All!

Full Sails & Calm Seas

Chris Schnell & Dale Hampton
s/v MADNESS III, CD30 #235
Southport, NC



swabbie@compaq.net

[Mario]

Ah yes, duct tape. We used it last weekend to secure the broken sailgate that STILL hasn't arrived some three months after being ordered. The boat now looks like it belongs to the Clampetts.

Mario

I can't believe there's been no mention of the incomprable and indespensible DUCT TAPE as an essential element of the Ideal Toolkit! Obviously noone ever worked in the Air Force on B-52's or C-130's....LOL!
All kidding aside, I will echo the endorsement of the heavy canvas bags at Lowes. They're great and fit into all manner of spaces. They also come with foldout versions that have those nifty little container trays perfect for nuts and bolts, washers, cotter pins, etc., and they stow easily in a number of places on board. I suspect it will take another year or so of cruising to get my Ideal Toolkit together, but I will! But I will use the 80/20 rule and not try to have every possible tool aboard. Good Luck to All!

Full Sails & Calm Seas

Chris Schnell & Dale Hampton
s/v MADNESS III, CD30 #235
Southport, NC

capedory252NOSPAM@aol.com

[Michael Soloway]

I didn't see mentioned the little tool that removes the retaining ring on my impeller in my waterpump. I wrecked one trying to get that retainer off with pliers, screwdrivers etc. They make a special tool and I carry it always. Chankging the impeller has been done at night in difficyult conditions. I have found that as the need arises, and after I have borrowed some vital tool from someone else that I go out and but it and that is how I have accumulated my personal set of tools. There are some odd ones that I love, however, like a mirror on an extension rod for seeing things that I can't normally see, and a long magnet on another extension for fishing little metal parts out of all of the impossible places that I drop them. Small powerful little flashlight that I can hold in my mouth if necessary. I am not sure there is an ened to the list. Don't even get started on a discussion of parts, hose clamps, nuts, bolts. etc.



m@msoloway.com

[Will W.]

I agree with your intent. At this point almost any tool kit I buy will have or be duplicates of things I already own. The canvas bag idea sounds good too. I think a lot of those pre made tool kits only offer storage conveinience, so the canvas bag should take care of that.
I was with a friend on his boat recently. I was shocked when he pulled out one of those West Marine electrical tool kits. The reason for my surprise was that he owns a fully operational garage with more tools than seems fair. He does not work on cars anymore and uses the garage as an office for an engineering company. So the kit he bought was definately things he already owned. He said the kit was conveinient. So a guess there is a market for that stuff but I usually like to put my own tools together.
Happy sailing.

Will Wheatley
Suzi Q
CD25

I should have said that buying a prepackaged tool system inevitably means buying duplicates of tools I already have. Thus, while I do have outboard maintenance tools like a a sparkplug wrench, bronze brush and feeler guage on board, I don't want to buy a second set.

I did buy a $20 heavy canvas tool bag at Lowe's that should hold all the basics and then some. Lots of pockets inside and out. I went with canvas so it could be more easily stuffed into a locker.

Off to Sears...

Mario

One of the first things I did when I got Suzi Q was go through the old tool box, sorting and cleaning. I kept several things that I have never seen before; I'm sure that when I need one of them it will be readily apparent when the one in use breaks.
I think the query you made cannot be satisfied with a list from anyone. I say this because you eliminated two tools right off the bat, that I would have on my short list.
I think the tool box that came on Suzi Q is a good example of what you are seeking. In the year or so that I have had her i have found every tool I needed in the small rusty old tool box. I got a new box but the tools are the same. The person who put it there had obviously only put the tools that were usefull in the box. When you start to look around you can see the wisdom in this approach. Do you need a whole socket wrench set, or just the wratchet and six or seven sockets? Is a whole set of wrenches necessary? Or do you only really need a couple of sizes? On my 25 the list of must have tools is pretty small. I have added some stuff to the inventory but not much.
If you spend a little time to figure out exactly what tools you are likely to need, I bet you will find you can actually use a lot less than you think. There are after all, only so many sized nuts etc. on your boat. Carrying tools that don't fit anything is obviously unnecessary. For this reason your supposition about spending a lot may not be the case.
Of course the ideal tool kit is probably impossible to acheive really. Your goal of 90% is ambitious enough. Every once in a while I will read about one of those big 50+ foot yachts that actually have a work room. Then you could really get the ideal set up, a tool shed on your boat, HAH. In the mean time I will continue to drive around with too many tools in my car. I have reached the point where I can't wait to have Suzi Q in the water if for no other reason than that I can finally put all the tools away at home.
Good Luck!

Will Wheatley
Suzi Q
CD25

willwheatley@starpower.net

[Jim Westpfahl]

You are absolutely correct about duct tape as an essential for any tool box. However, not all the stuff is as good as some others. Practical Sailor reviewed the stuff some time ago and recommended Scotch and some other brand I don't recall. By the way, before there was "duct tape" the military used stuff called "100 mile-an-hour tape." We used it for almost everything. It was usually sage green or black. Camo style came in during Desert Storm.

Jim



JamesW7644@AOL.COM

[Chris Scheck]

I may be coming to this post a few weeks late, but I was just thinking about this tool question yesterday. I spent the whole Memorial Day weekend working on the boat, and I enjoyed myself immensely ... the weather was lousy.

Rather than talk about specific tools, there is one philosophical question to ask yourself ... do you want quality tools that last a lifetime, tools you can be proud of for years to come? Or do you want cheap tools so you won't feel bad when you inevitably drop them in the drink? Really, a nice supply of 99c and $1.99 tools from the bargain rack at Home Depot makes a lot of sense. Then again, cheap tools have cheap chrome that flakes off like three-year old varnish after a season or two. Just noticed yesterday that West has some nice stainless wrenches and pliers. Those might be worth paying extra for ... if I could hang on to them. I started laying out a rug or a dirty blanket on deck when I'm working. That way the tools don't take that 'bing-boing-kerplunk' bounce when I drop them on the deck.

One of the handiest ways to organize screws, bolts, clamps, bulbs and other hardware is with heavy-duty Ziploc bags. The gallon size is good for most small items. And there's a new Jumbo size ... 14"x16"! It's big enough for sandpaper, a sander or a drill and the cord will fit in there. You can even put one of those flat water hoses in the bag, and it will stay coiled! And the best thing is, you can see what you have without opening the bag. Great for real neat freaks!

Chris Scheck
RAGTIME
CD33 #117



cscheck@aol.com