Which tool set would you buy for the boat?

M

mrsrobinson

Well-Known Member
Mar 9, 2006
7,704
Virginia
Boat Info
2001 380DA
Engines
Caterpillar 3126
There are always tools in these kits I never use. And then there is the "I wish I had that tool in the kit". Which one below would you buy for your boat? In my case for at the dock/on the water general repairs plus working on the 3126 CATs.

I don't want this to turn into "what do you need on the boat for repairs?" thread as we already have that one, rather a "Tool Set" thread.

https://www.amazon.com/Crescent-Pro...rpose+tool+set+-+closed+case,tools,135&sr=1-5

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00F4AVRG...colid=3J084VX45AZ4I&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it&th=1

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09P83ZJZ...colid=3J084VX45AZ4I&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it&th=1

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09P84CZJ...colid=3J084VX45AZ4I&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it&th=1

None of the above, I like this one: insert link here


Thanks
 
Also, im not a fan of those blow molded kits, A, they are passed with screw driver heads that make up the majority of pieces, and B, its clumsy to work out of as it opens to big, and its a pain return the tools to their spot.

A padded duffle bag filled with individual wrench and socket, screwdriver sets is always my preference. You can set a bag in the bilge when working, not so easy with the big blow old folded open.
 
I like the 4th set listed, and just bought it to replace the 15 year old one I have. I differ from Zool. I like that the tool is returned into a proper space instead of digging around in a duffle where everything is tossed in. I'm much better with that type of organization. Ratchetting wrenches are a must. However, he is correct these are harder to get into the bilge. A son is very important to hand you tools :D
 
I like the 4th kit.

I'm aways looking for my combination wrenches when doing a belt service.

Of course you can have a boat load of tools at your disposal .... but when the time comes the one you need isn't in the kit. Thank goodness I have a Harbor Freight about 5 minutes away from the marina.

I bought this kit linked below for the boat which is great for almost everything I get into on a day to day basis but when maintaining the engines I'll have to bring some tools from home.

https://www.harborfreight.com/hand-tools/tool-sets/tool-kits/tool-set-with-case-130-pc-63248.html

Look up item number 63248 from above link.
 
Last edited:
I like the 4th as well if I go with this brand/kit. I have these ratcheting wrenches at home and like them.
 
Little Ducky said:
I like the 4th kit.

I'm aways looking for my combination wrenches when doing a belt service.

Of course you can have a boat load of tools at your disposal .... but when the time comes the one you need isn't in the kit. Thank goodness I have a Harbor Freight about 5 minutes away from the marina.

I bought this kit linked below for the boat which is great for almost everything I get into on a day to day basis but when maintaining the engines I'll have to bring some tools from home.

https://www.harborfreight.com/hand-tools/tool-sets/tool-kits/tool-set-with-case-130-pc-63248.html
Click to expand...
This links take me to a general page, not to the kit
 
techmitch said:
None of the above, that stuff is junk and will fail when you need it most.
I understand some guys don't want to go the Snap-On route.
Here's an alternative.
https://www.amazon.com/Craftsman-450-Piece-Mechanics-Tool-Set/dp/B077BW8S66/ref=sr_1_6?crid=1Q3V42UPGKR5A&keywords=craftsman+tool+set&qid=1647878332&s=hi&sprefix=crafts,tools,63&sr=1-6

https://www.amazon.com/CRAFTSMAN-Sc...df253&pd_rd_wg=fdT29&pd_rd_i=B07QRCNT6L&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/CRAFTSMAN-CMMT12080-32PC-Large-SAE/dp/B07KH6F8WL/ref=sr_1_22?crid=1Q3V42UPGKR5A&keywords=craftsman+tool+set&qid=1647878332&s=hi&sprefix=crafts,tools,63&sr=1-22

https://www.amazon.com/Craftsman-45400-4-Piece-Pliers-Set/dp/B002L0J83W/ref=sr_1_20?crid=6W8GBX9ABVA4&keywords=craftsman+pliers+set+10+piece&qid=1647879185&refinements=p_89:Craftsman&rnid=2528832011&s=hi&sprefix=craftsman+pliers+set+,tools,56&sr=1-20
Click to expand...

Agreed, I have all of these Craftsman tools at home. I don't want to carry them back/forth to the boat, but maybe buying a 2nd set of them just for the boat makes sense.
 
Last edited:
I buy as needed….. obvious stuff like socket set, screwdrivers etc but to do an all inclusive is a waste of space and money.
I just went into the underfloor spare parts and special tool bin and removed all kinds of stuff I bought first and second year. Most things you repair are preplanned so you have time to source tools
 
Blueone said:
I buy as needed….. obvious stuff like socket set, screwdrivers etc but to do an all inclusive is a waste of space and money.
I just went into the underfloor spare parts and special tool bin and removed all kinds of stuff I bought first and second year. Most things you repair are preplanned so you have time to source tools
Click to expand...
I don't disagree.

In my case the boat is currently 3 hours away, and will be about 1.5 hours away once moved. I'm trying to reduce the risk of not having a tool on the boat when I need it, and not having the tool keeps me from starting/finishing the job.
 
mrsrobinson said:
I don't disagree.

In my case the boat is currently 3 hours away, and will be about 1.5 hours away once moved. I'm trying to reduce the risk of not having a tool on the boat when I need it, and not having the tool keeps me from starting/finishing the job.
Click to expand...
LoL….. I am 3-1/2 hours away from the boat…. I now know two boat local hardware store managers by name.
Trust me you will never have everything you need ever :)
 
mrsrobinson said:
There are always tools in these kits I never use. And then there is the "I wish I had that tool in the kit". Which one below would you buy for your boat? In my case for at the dock/on the water general repairs plus working on the 3126 CATs.

I don't want this to turn into "what do you need on the boat for repairs?" thread as we already have that one, rather a "Tool Set" thread.

https://www.amazon.com/Crescent-Professional-Tool-Storage-Case/dp/B08BJCQ663/ref=sr_1_5?crid=24ZH7SFL6K3CV&keywords=Crescent+General+Purpose+Tool+Set+-+Closed+Case&qid=1647877639&s=hi&sprefix=crescent+general+purpose+tool+set+-+closed+case,tools,135&sr=1-5

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00F4AVRG...colid=3J084VX45AZ4I&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it&th=1

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09P83ZJZ...colid=3J084VX45AZ4I&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it&th=1

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09P84CZJ...colid=3J084VX45AZ4I&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it&th=1

None of the above, I like this one: insert link here


Thanks
Click to expand...

The Crescent set in your first link is what I've had onboard for 7 years now. It's been great, with other tools added, but I will tell you they rust if put away wet. Keep 'em inside and maybe even toss some oil on them once or twice.
 
Because they are always getting wet/dropped in water (maybe salt water?) , I keep a set specific to the boat, and go with Harbor Fright. Good enough and if I drop it over the side…oh well.

You will need a could special things not included in most sets, like a 18mm and 22mm deep socket.
 
mrsrobinson said:
I don't disagree.

In my case the boat is currently 3 hours away, and will be about 1.5 hours away once moved. I'm trying to reduce the risk of not having a tool on the boat when I need it, and not having the tool keeps me from starting/finishing the job.
Click to expand...
Last summer we lost our fresh water pump on a long weekend on the island. No problem hooked up the hose to the marina water….. turns out the rubber gasket was gone…water spraying everywhere..... You have to be kidding me….. ripped the boat apart couldn’t find one ….could not believe I didn’t have any…. Told marina manager needed to rent a golf cart to go to hardware store….. he laughed. Went into the shed and gave me a handful….. you just never know what’s going to trip you up
 
Last edited:
As others have said, the ratcheting wrenches are great. If you can, try to get ones with a small ratchet degree. That will let you turn a nut / bolt more easily in a confined space with little back and forth room. The oil cooler zinc on my engine comes to mind - it's practically under the engine mount.

I also like the cases that help keep everything organized. Especially for sockets and drill bits. Or, some folks like the roll up canvas cases too, with individual pockets. Might be harder with sockets though.

Lots of designs, some examples.

91Cd0m6+2JL._AC_UL320_.jpg

91V9C1ht3YL._AC_UL320_.jpg


81pNGkdzBjL._AC_UL320_.jpg
 
Tools are a personal choice and a lot depends on what type of wrenching you’ll be doing.
Get a better set than those listed if you think you will be doing heavier work.
As far as the molded case, not for me. I keep the big stuff in a box in an in floor storage area and the smaller everyday stuff, 1” and less, in a tool bag. Sockets are on indexes and wrenches are in roll up pouches that the admiral sews up using old blue Jean material or bath towels. If you’re worried about what it looks like, use canvas.
As far as the gear wrenches go, they’re nice, but know that because of the gear body, they won’t have clearance to get in half the places you’ll want them to but that’s ok because you will need two sets of wrenches anyway. Just make sure one of them is not gear wrench. Also, you can’t really reef on the smaller gear wrenches, they will break.

This is what I’m talking about for wrenches in a pouch. Separates them and rolls up to throw in the bag. Forgive the condition and permanent grease and oil stains, this is one of the sets in my pick up truck. And the set I carried to do field work on off road equipment for years.
EDAF8E33-EAE7-4333-B72C-7B23C0AC0BA5.jpeg


97D166E5-DAF9-4E1C-A0B3-B5D05926A0BE.jpeg
 
mrsrobinson said:
I have


Agreed, I have all of these Craftsman tools at home. I don't want to carry them back/forth to the boat, but maybe buying a 2nd set of them just for the boat makes sense.
Click to expand...
FWIW Crescent Tools are one of the Apex tool brands. Apex makes a lot of the Craftsman tools. They would serve you well for most any repair that you would need them for. Pick the one that best fits the fasteners on your boat and fill in with others that best fit your specific needs.
 
I’ve had a set like your first link which I’ve used on my last four boats as the on board tool kit. Currently I’ve had to strip my engine down to the block because of a seized exhaust valve on the cylinder head. I was able to do that with nothing more than that Crescent tool kit a hammer, propane torch, and some vice grips. When I put it back together the only extra tool I’ll bring is a torque wrench. Point being, is if you know how, the first kit gives you near about every tool you’d need to fix something while underway. The only other tools I’d say to add to the kit would be some wire stripper/crimpers for electrical repair and perhaps a large-ish adjustable wrench.
 
I use a tool bag for the things that will only be used in the engine room. The bag stays in there. Smaller stuff is in a tool box about like a small tackle box kept in the cockpit. I do keep a small 1/4 right angle drill and a cordless screwdriver with adjustable head on board, each with one of those small snap open bit kits, drill and screwdriver. Oh ya...and two good 20' extension cords.

I have purged my boat tool kit twice in last 7 years and probably still have some things I'll never use but you never know so they stay.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Forum statistics

Threads
113,197
Messages
1,428,341
Members
61,103
Latest member
Navymustng
Back
Top