What is Your Pick A Part Tool Bag Or Box Full of?

[wildbill23c]

Ok, I've gone to the Pick A Parts in my area several times and always seem to never have the right tools.

What does everyone keep in their tool bag or box for those Pick A Part runs? Also, what bag or box do you guys use? I have several bags and boxes, but what seems to work best? Lately I've been bringing my Dewalt 20V tool set along, it helps speed up fastener removal. What else is a must? Hand tools, cordless tools, etc. Sizes of wrenches and sockets most common, etc.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

1/2" std socket set
Like the $40 Stanly 1/4" and 3/8" combo set from Wal-Mart (which is my go to in the garage too)
Lyle (I know that isn't spelled right) torx bit set (1/4" and 3/8" drive)
Ball peen hammer
small and medium sized prybars
socket extensions
12pt 5/16" socket for driveshafts
My leatherman and penlight (I carry full time)
wire cutters
Visegrips
8" crecent wrench
Screwdrivers
Pickup magnet

If I figure on doing a bunch of little screws I throw in my 4V Craftsman driver screw gun with both screwdriver bits and hex socket bits. Otherwise I am too scared to lose it and leave it at home.

 

[RayInStl]

I take mostly the same. Though mine are mostly harbor freight cheapies. I also bring along a breaker bar and a medium length prybar. Also, hack saw blades. I don't bring the saw portion to keep my load smaller, but bring the blades cause you can use them in a pinch.

 

[tcbaklash]

A good pair of small diagonal cutters are the only tool I would add to what's already been said. Nothing else will work as good for cutting wires and zip ties in tight spaces.

While it's not a tool, bring PB Blaster or a comparable lubricating solvent for cleaning parts/loosening fasteners. I'd imagine it also works great for killing wasps that nest in junked cars in the summer.

 

[wildbill23c]

Great ideas so far. I have a range of hand tools but never seem to be able to get them all together in one bag or box LOL.

What do you guys use a tool bag or tool box to keep all your tools in? They get heavy trying to carry all that stuff around so I usually throw my tool bag or box in one of the yard wheelbarrows LOL.

 

[Curious Hound]

I don't have my inventory handy, but it's similar to what has been mentioned. I sometimes customize it if I am looking for something specific and know what I need for that. I carry my stuff in 2 small-medium sized tool bags. I have never taken battery tools with me.

I usually have some good work gloves, latex gloves, a few heavy duty paper towels and a small (4' x 6'?) tarp to lay on in case it's wet. Flashlight can be handy.

I guess a few bandaids would be good. I haven't hurt myself there yet. But with all the broken glass and sharp metal edges, it can happen. I did bump a make-shift prop one day and had the hood come down on my head.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I have a craftsman tool box. It is good sized and gets heavy.

I have been known to scout with just the Stanly socket set, screwdrivers and a crescent wrench to see if it is worth bringing in the big box.

 

[Doofy]

I only wish we had a local yard to pick and pull. 120 miles to nearest but no self serve. A cordless impact driver and socket set, for sure. A tool bag is handier than a toolbox.

 

[Blown]

It depends on what I am after. Full kit and cart to a couple of tools.

I am 10min. from a good yard and have run home when I needed something a couple of times.

 

[wildbill23c]

I've ran into my closest pick a part a couple times just to see if there was a vehicle there and if the parts I needed were still in it. Its $1 for entry and includes fuses, circuit breakers, bulbs, nuts, bolts, screws etc. But once you pay the entry fee at 1 location they stamp your hand and you can go back to that location as many times that day you want as well as the other 4 locations here in Idaho and soon to be a 5th.

Last time I took my dewalt box with me that has my cordless tools in it, but previously I'd carry a tool bag. After using both I can't really say which is better for me, I do know I need to find some sort of socket organizers because the HF socket rails are terrible I spend more time picking up sockets that fall off the rails.

 

[Doofy]

Probably a complete set of Gearwrench's would eliminate the need for socket sets but I usually carry a small, cheap 3/8" socket set in my truck. If I knew what I was looking for I would be more apt to know the specific tools needed but yes, I know it's a crap-shoot and you just never know what jewels might be available at the moment.

 

[97RangerXLT]

I have a pretty similar set up to 85 Ranger 4x4's.

Craftsman box with two small item boxes in the lid, and I have a cheapo 3/8" socket set, two sets of metric combination wrenches (very cheap, not even Harbor Freight worthy, but work in a pinch), 1/2" breaker bar, 1/2" 8 inch extension for said breaker bar, 1/2" 19 mm and 22 mm for lug nuts, large and small dykes, slip joint pliers, tongue and groove slip joint pliers, assorted screwdrivers, ball peen hammer, 10" brass drift/ punch (that has come in handy a few times) steering wheel lock plate remover, precision screwdriver set, a few assorted 3/8" drive allen tools for GM brakes (have not had a GM in a while..so havent used them much lately) assorted large Torx bits for bed bolts and seatbelts etc, 6" adjustable wrench, a pair of Craftsman Robogrip Pliers, and a few others that I can't think of offhand.

I also will throw in if I think I will need it a Ford Manual Hub wrench, my good Craftsman ratchet with the bent handle and hinged head, prybar, and other specialty tools that I might need for a particular job.

I also carry on me at all times my Gerber knife and phone. the phone can be used as a look up tool, camera and flashlight.

AJ

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Probably a complete set of Gearwrench's would eliminate the need for socket sets but I usually carry a small, cheap 3/8" socket set in my truck. If I knew what I was looking for I would be more apt to know the specific tools needed but yes, I know it's a crap-shoot and you just never know what jewels might be available at the moment.

A lot of times you need the depth though. Ratchet wrenches are a lot bulkier too.

the phone can be used as a look up tool, camera and flashlight.

Good for taking pics of how it is supposed to look too.

 

[wildbill23c]

My basic tools I've been taking when I remember the tool bag...not very often as I kind of have those spur of the moment ideas and stop in when I'm not prepared LOL...

I usually carry basic screwdrivers, a socket set, crescent wrench, and a pair of wire cutters.

However, all that stuff gets a bit cumbersome carrying around when you are trying to look for parts in vehicles LOL. So I started carrying my tool bag around in one of the wheelbarrows at the pick a parts. Being able to do that got me on the idea of carrying my cordless tool set along to make removing fasteners quicker...I noticed a few months ago someone was using a cordless impact on a vehicle which is what got me started in bringing my cordless tools. I use my flashlight a lot and the 1/4" impact driver is really handy for taking out screws and small bolts.

**I'm looking for a way to organize the impact socket sets I carry with me, I have both standard and metric, regular and deep well. The HF socket rails are garbage, so what's the options out there? Haven't come across anything yet that would seem to keep them organized without dumping them out all over in the tool bag.

 

[Doofy]

You could string the sockets thru a small cable or rope. Never did like those socket holders either. Could wear those sockets like a bandolier.