Tools

[Liming II]

Good Morning,

We are planning on moving aboard and living by the end of the year. Has anyone put together an extensive list of tools needed for living aboard, away from marinas for the most part? If so, could you please share

Thanks,

Mike

[Joh.Ghurt]

It all depends on what kind of work you do.

You'll definitely will want a box of tools used all the time that's easy to reach. Mine contains screwdrivers, various spanners, a ratcheting #13 spanner, some hammers (metal and nylon), some pliers (perfect for shackles), a small piece of wood to work on, a left-over coat-hanger to unplug drains, a stanley-knife, etc.

If you want power tools, decide on one brand for all of them so you can interchange batteries. Cordless is the way to go.

For electronics and cabling, you need a multimeter, a crimping tool and the crimping shoes you need. If you can't solder, skip the iron to go with it. Wire stripers are nice. For more specialised tasks like crimping Coax-connectors, ask your friendly neighbour.

For all things engine, a set of ratchets and nuts. There are two school of thought whether to go quality or just get a cheap one because the stuff is to rust or get lost anyway.

Add to this all the various other tools you'll accumulate. For whatever you miss, ask the around in the anchorage. Many cruising boats become floating workshops. Mine at least is.

[Cheechako]

Where will you travel? If just locally simply have a good set of normal tools aboard; wrenches, sockets, various pliers etc. Some battery power tools like a drill. Wiring tools, stripper, crimping tool, quality wire ends . A VOM.

You dont need to carry specialty tools like a torque wrench if you are staying local most the time.
This will take some time aboard to work out any special things related to your boat.

[chris mac]

Outside of the above mentioned tools, I would recomend...
a good tap and die set.
A hot knife, for sewing and line work
Sailrite or other walking foot sewing machine
Oscillating tool, possibly the most used tool on board
Rotary tool(dremel)
Fish tape
A good multi tool or pocket knife
Cordless vacuum
Sand paper of various grits
For electrical, a fox and hound is very helpful
I also just bought a small 12 volt ozone generator for reducing mold growth while away from the boat. It seems to be helping.

[GordMay]

Left-Handed Tools & Utensils:
Left-handed products are ergonomically made for left-handers, making them safer, more comfortable, and easier to use, than ‘standard’ right-handed items.
For instance:
*Even a standard tape measure, can be awkward for lefties to use. The numbers appear upside down, and the belt clip is on the ‘wrong’ side.
*Going in a clockwise motion, is an awkward movement for a lefty, when it comes to using can openers, and corkscrews.
* Left-handed scissors have the blades reversed, so the top blade is always on the left, so that the cutter can see the line, they are cutting.

[Mickeyrouse]

I wrote an article on “ Tool Time for Sailors” a while back on what my 50 years of sailing has shown me is suitable for the boats we’ve sailed. It’s too long to post here, but if you’d like PM me your email. I’ll be glad to send it.

[GordMay]

I bought a Left-Handed Rigid “Robohammer”* Framing Hammer, in 2000, with an ergonomic [contoured] shock-absorbing Lef-Handed grip.
When the handle came off; I glued it back on, with 3M 5200 - it’s still firmly attached.
However, I glued it on, upside down [backwards], so it’s no longer a left-handed grip.
There’s no idiot-proofing, against expert idiots!

* Teaching an old hammer new tricks
The Silver-award-winning [2001 Industrial Design Excellence Awards] Ridgid Robohammer is a new twist on an old standby. Currently, when hammers drive nails, the impact sends shock waves to the hand. The Robohammer reduces recoil and vibration to the hand and arm, but also has a steel shaft for durability. A thin slot cut into the head ends at an oval-shaped hole containing a shock-absorbing insert. On impact, the head flexes, the sides of the slot touch, and energy normally lost in recoiling action is redirected back into the nail. The three-layered elastomeric handle has a flared base for a firm grip. Also, gripping the offset shaft helps keep distance between the hand and hammering surface, reducing the likelihood of hammering your thumb. Designer: Emerson Tool Co., St. Louis. Price: $30.

[5BTM]

After decades in the trades, fixing my own cars, welding, installing and servicing central fire alarm systems I have every tool I need and a lot more that I don't.

I have been messing around my boat for two years, mostly deleting previous owner's "improvements" and have found these tools to be invaluable:

Most versatile socket set:
https://www.homedepot.ca/product/hus...ce-/1001791732

For loosening stuck fasteners:
https://www.amazon.ca/Lisle-29200-8-...4f1ca0da8&th=1

Picking up stuff that rolls under floorboards, engine, tanks, etc;
https://www.amazon.com/NoCry-Magneti...5239695&sr=8-6


Finding stuff, looking inside engine cooling passages, inside mast finding blockages etc:

https://www.amazon.ca/s?k=inspection..._ts-doa-p_7_28

Small vicegrip, the second hand you need to hold backing nuts, washers etc:

https://www.amazon.com/PLIER-4-VISE-.../dp/B002XMYHWK

Klein scredriver and ratchet combo:

https://www.homedepot.ca/product/kle...ce-/1001755523

Precision screwdriver set:

https://www.amazon.ca/WERA-Kraftform.../dp/B007ICV4FS

A quality multimeter, mine is a Fluke (get spare fuses)

https://www.fluke.com/en-ca

[davil]

Another source of info

https://www.trawlerforum.com/forums/...ons-70623.html

[davil]

[QUOTE=5BTM;3860114]After decades in the trades, fixing my own cars, welding, installing and servicing central fire alarm systems I have every tool I need and a lot more that I don't......................

=================================
what do you use to carry the basic every day set of tools?

a soft bag?
hard case box?
other???

[barnab]

I like the list that Joh.Ghurt posted, this will get you started (and actually rather far)...


I would add a magnifying glass with light (the type that clips to a table), but I'm getting old(er) and sometimes I have troubles working with small things or soldering PCBs...


Also, check if the boat requires metric and/or imperial tools, it sucks to find you have a metric nut only imperial ratchets...



If you stay close to places where you can buy tools I would recommend to not go over the top with your starting set and buy whatever you need later on. If you try to have every tool you might ever need, your boat will sink.

[Island Time O25]

Also don't forget PB blaster and the like. As well as various greases, etc.

[5BTM]

[QUOTE=davil;3860117]

Originally Posted by 5BTM

After decades in the trades, fixing my own cars, welding, installing and servicing central fire alarm systems I have every tool I need and a lot more that I don't......................

=================================
what do you use to carry the basic every day set of tools?

a soft bag?
hard case box?
other???

Soft bags. They fit curved storage spaces better.

[5BTM]

Originally Posted by Island Time O25

Also don't forget PB blaster and the like. As well as various greases, etc.

DeoxIT® D5S-6, More than a Contact Cleaner

[Island Time O25]

Originally Posted by 5BTM

DeoxIT® D5S-6, More than a Contact Cleaner

I used PB as a generic term, the way WD40 was years ago. But thanks for the recomendation.