Salina 48: What tools do I need?

[TrentePieds]

Quote: "Have a 5/16 socket on it permanently. This is very handy and far better for hose clamps....Also get a volt ohm meter. Even a cheap one is better than nothing."

Yes - absolutely essential items, these. The flat bladed driver just doesn't cut it for hose clamps! And you WILL lose track of which loose end is which when you start rewiring. Without the ability to continuity-test, you are lost.

TP

[Suijin]

Mine looks pretty much like Cotemar's.

A few additions:

- A angleable mirror on a telescoping handle
- A stubby ratcheting screwdriver that takes different bits
- Small butane torch
- Manual impact driver
- Large wire crimping tool

Probably more I can't think of.


I also have a box with six or seven Plano boxes with:

- Screws
- Nuts, bolts, washers (fender and lock)
- Electrical stuff (connectors, heat shrink tubing, fuses, etc.)
- Rigging hardware (clevis pins, cotter pins, etc.)
- Small spares (winch pawls, springs, and circle clips, specialty items for various hardware)
- Plumbing stuff
- Misc. stuff I have pulled off the boat but might need again sometime.

There is a general rule when it comes to boat tools, fasteners, materials, and spares; if you don't bring it or have it, you'll probably end up needing it.

FYI I buy cheap boat tools due to rust, breakage, and dropping stuff in the drink. Am now a fan of Lowes' Kobalt line of tools. I have a few Snap-on tools on the boat, but not many and only things that I just can't live without.

Also, lastly, consider duplicates of tools that you commonly use for engine maintenance and put them in a secured place in the engine compartment, particularly if it's difficult to get into/out of. Saves you from remembering what size wrench you need for such and such, or getting into position to do some maintenance and then realizing you don't have the right tool.

[Olly75]

You can't have too many cable ties

And don't forget disposable gloves and/or Swarfega.

[LeeV]

The two additional items I would NEED aboard (one was hinted at) would be one of those magnetic dishes (bought mine for car repair from Harbor Freight), and most importantly for me: a 1st Aid KIt!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[boatpoker]

You need everything !
Just took me 8 days upside down, doubled up like a malformed pretzel in unbearable heat and humidity to get a shaft coupling off in extremely limited space. It eventually came off in 11 pieces.
Tools used, hammer, sledge hammer, 7" disc grinder, reciprocating saw, metric and SAE sockets and wrenches, breaker bar, Pry bar, log splitter wedges and a couple of home made press flanges.

[paulajayne]

Originally Posted by boatpoker

You need everything !
Just took me 8 days upside down, doubled up like a malformed pretzel in unbearable heat and humidity to get a shaft coupling off in extremely limited space. It eventually came off in 11 pieces.
Tools used, hammer, sledge hammer, 7" disc grinder, reciprocating saw, metric and SAE sockets and wrenches, breaker bar, Pry bar, log splitter wedges and a couple of home made press flanges.

Why did you not just unbolt it?

[boatpoker]

Originally Posted by paulajayne

Why did you not just unbolt it?

Very funny (on my second beer now. literally just got it off 40min. ago)

[paulajayne]

Originally Posted by boatpoker

Very funny (on my second beer now. literally just got it off 40min. ago)

Well earned beer methinks.

[boatpoker]

Originally Posted by Cheechako

and a pair of dykes.

[jeepbluetj]

Originally Posted by boatpoker

Very funny (on my second beer now. literally just got it off 40min. ago)

Yaknow, 8 days makes it more than a 2 beer job...

[Suijin]

Originally Posted by boatpoker

Slang for diagonal wire cutters.

[Kelkara]

Originally Posted by boatpoker

Saves a lot on haul-out costs?
Just sail into shallow water, deploy your dykes around the boat, and pump the water out ... I guess a bilge keeler would help.

[Rivatar]

Plus a mirror on a selfie stick

[Kenomac]

Every tool imaginable, and yes... every single one gets used every season.

[boatpoker]

Originally Posted by jeepbluetj

Yaknow, 8 days makes it more than a 2 beer job...

I've moved on to spiced rum and coke