85 260 SR/SD Tool "box" for XMAS present need help

[hamrick]

I would like to purchase or put together a tool box for my husbands xmas present. he told me he is tired of taking his tools back and forth to the boat. Can anyone suggest a tool kit or tools I should purchase. I have no idea what to get. I think he would prefer to have the most important tools for the boat so if we do have problems he can try to fix it till we get back to the dock. I appreciate any help or suggestions for anything I should purchase. Thank you.

 

[Ten Years Gone]

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[1990-270-da-lover]

Just few, but a good socket set, set of pliers including adjustable channel lock types, couple pairs of needle nose, quality screw drivers, both slotted and phillips head. Maybe a set of torks head drivers, especially on the newer model boats, a set of vice grips. Wire cutters and strippers either separate or combo. These would make a good starter kit, and I'm sure he would add to it as time goes on. Good Luck, and as the OP said I know there are a couple threads on the subject.

 

[jitts3]

While a crappy tool is better than none, (usually). Stay away from the Wall Mart type junk. I use Craftsman tools available at Sears. They are lifetime guaranteed and will always exchange good for bad should he ever break one. I have abused many wrenches and NEVER had an issue with replacement. They are the best made tools without being taken for a financial ride by Snap On or Mac.

 

[themikehyde]

I would recommend a nice, plastic tool box or tool bag for starters. One with a sturdy handle, and that will fit in a place on your boat where it is easy to get too, but you won't fuss at him for taking up that space. You can start filling by getting a multi-purpose screwdriver, some pliers, a 12v test light, basic wrench set and maybe a small electrical kit (Crimper/stripper, connectors) and a good assortment of cable ties. I would recommend getting decent (Craftsman) tools, and not harbor freight specials. Craftsman are not terribly expensive (Compared to MAC or Snap-on), but won't break or be all rusty the first time he goes to use them.
Maybe you could throw in a good boating DVD, like Captn Ron?

Just my opinion.
Merry Christmas
Mike

 

[dvx216]

As tool boxes go I use a ammo style tool box that is made out of abs and has a oring seal. One of the things I like about an ammo box is that it has a small foot print.

 

[KC_Sundancer]

Great christmas present idea! :thumbsup:

As tool boxes go I use a ammo style tool box that is made out of abs and has a oring seal. One of the things I like about an ammo box is that it has a small foot print.

I agree, I use two deep, dry storage boxes like these (below) made by Plano for about $25. One for basic tools and one for spare parts and a cordless drill.
There has been a pretty good listing of the basic tools by others so far and like was said before, he can build on the collection.

 

[hamrick]

Thanks everybody for the info. I am also going to search the threads as recommended.

 

[dvx216]

Hamrick this is one time having an older boat is a blessing a few common tools like a good set of combination wrenches 3/8-3/4" Some good screw drivers short and long. 1/4 and 3/8 socket set . One thing some people dont carry is wire 12 gauge 6 ft. usually will cover most things electrical tape some yellow wire nuts a selection of crimps connectors and a multi crimper tool and a average cost multimeter. Scotch bright pads and if you can find a place that sells sample size aerosols like PB blaster, lithium grease, contact cleaner they really come in handy plus they take up a lot less room then full size cans. If You carry a spare prop make sure you have every thing to install it just in case you lose a prop.

 

[Chris Nowell]

All I can think of to add to these already excellent lists is a duplicate of certain combination wrenches. When we had our "pre efi" 260 I found that pairs of 1/2", 9/16", and 5/8" combo wrenches always came in handy. Also may want to include a 1/4" drive socket set with extensions and a universal for some of the really hard to get small stuff that you'll find.

 

[Thornton69]

Might have missed it but did not see a multi-meter suggested below. Even a cheep $12 from Sears or somebody is far better than a test light. Test lights are good for testing lights but if they accidently used on an electronic circuit, could be a very costly mistake. I have been called out many occasions to find fried controllers and sensors because of them.