This is a guest post and entry in our non-fiction writing contest by Dean in Michigan
Many people who think about prepping and survival tend to focus their attention on guns, food and water, shelter, etc. Those are all valid items of discussion, I just wanted to add one thing to the list.
Adding a good tool bag to the supply shelf could prove to be quite useful. As I’m sure we all know, not having the right tools to do any given task could make said task a pain in the butt. We all have some tools; some of you may have an impressive collection of tools, while others may have a few things in a drawer somewhere.
What I’m suggesting is a small canvas bag to keep things organized, kind of like a bug-out-bag for hand tools. Some may already have tool boxes/bags they can grab real quick, just remember to do so. For those who don’t have an organized tool carrier, I suggest a bag only because they are easier to deal with. Tool boxes with removable trays can be a pain to close if everything isn’t stacked just right. Tool bags can usually carry more weight than you would want to put in them, and still easily zip shut.
Whether you decide to bug out or bug in, you will quickly find that you will need some tools. Try building a shelter, or effectively scavenging without anything to assist you; or brace boarding your doors and windows for protection without a hammer and nails or lag bolts.
Following is a list of tools that should be sufficient enough to get you by. Keeping in mind that this is like a bug-out-bag for tools, we want to keep it lightweight, relatively.
- A good set of screwdrivers: I would get regular drivers and not a set with changeable bits, as these tend to get lost easily, and soon you will be without the one you need.
- A pair of small pliers, a pair of large pliers, a pair of needle nose pliers, and a pair of channel locks: With these you can loosen any set of bolts or wing nuts (that aren’t to big of course). Might come in handy if you need to extract a car battery you come across.
- A good framing hammer: To many uses to list, would even make a good weapon if you had nothing else.
- Two pair of wire cutters: One heavy gauge for larger stuff (and will also cut through fencing) and one lighter gauge for more delicate projects.
- A good set of bolt cutters: At least something strong enough to cut through a common lock, may help if you find yourself scavenging for supplies.
- A small pry bar 18-24”: Also to help with scavenging
- A razor utility knife with extra blades
- A small metal blade hacksaw: You may find yourself wanting to cut some copper piping. For PVC pipe, I would recommend a small tree pruning saw, they work quite well.
- A set of alan wrenches
- In some ziplock bags you could keep a small supply of screws and nails, cordage, L-brackets, wire nuts, zip ties, or whatever small items you think may come in handy.
- And lets not forget the duct tape.
All of the things we think about doing outside will also require a set of tools. Building a shelter or setting up a food plot won’t be easy work. You might want some shovels, an ax/pick, cultivator/hoe, a saw, or many other various things. However, this stuff is not as portable without a vehicle. If you have a vehicle, make these part of your load list.
All this stuff might seem like a lot, but to do certain tasks, it takes certain tools. For those of us who plan to hunker down, it’s easy to keep a heavy inventory of tools on hand. For those who plan to bug out, you may have to consider weight and scale down your inventory. The bag of tools listed above weighs about 50 lbs. Too much weight in tools if walking is your only option. However, I would still leave yourself with more than what a leatherman can provide.
I’m sure I’ve forgotten a few things that others may find useful, feel free to criticize, I can take it.
This is an entry in our non-fiction writing contest where you could win:
- First Prize) Winner will receive a gift certificate for $170 worth of Winchester Ammo donated by Lucky Gunner. A Smith & Wesson Heat Treated Collapsible 21″ Baton and a copy of my book Dirt Cheap Survival Retreat.
- Second Prize) Winner will receive a Wise Food Storage meat bucket and 3 dozen Tattler Reusable Canning Lids donated by LPC Survival.
- Third Prize) Winner will receive a LifeStraw water filter system donated by Eartheasy and a copy of the Wolf Pack Cookbook.
{ 87 comments… read them below or add one }
dean, thanks for the reminder. i wouldn’t go anywhere without a pair of vice-grips and i keep wire in my vehicles also. helps if the pesky muffler falls down but not off:) now i have to go pack my tools….
Dean,
Good article. Got lots of tools, but not enough. Never thought about a grab and go tool bag. Thanks.
Very Good Article
A necessity often overlooked. Thanks for the thoughts. I have a canvas bag full of most of the items you have listed. I do need to add some screws and nails as well as an extra set of pliers, thanks for the thought. Being efficient with your tools would be a recommendation I would make. Swinging a hammer or using a saw could be a pretty exhaustive process if you aren’t using the tools as efficiently as possible. Like all survival preps, practice, practice, practice.
A small/medium pair of good vise grips will let you drop some of the pliers. They will let you cut fair sized wire and small bolts, don’t buy the knock offs get good ones.
I never think about tool bags because I have carried one for almost 32 years, it kind of grows on you…
Great post!! Thank you. You have provided a great list. I have some of these things, but not all, and I can see the wisdom of having them.
I would add: WD-40. It’s there with the duct tape! Is it stuck and should move? WD-40. Is it loose and shouldn’t be? Duct tape. I even saw some camo-printed duct tape in the store yesterday….along with the pink, tiger-striped, and college-logo-printed. Who’d a thunk?
I’d also like to add that the pry-bar can be a weapon.
A good basic tool kit. I would add a wood cutting hand saw and a set of wrenches. Open end and box, standard and metric. And probably an adjustable wrench too. The wrenches would be a neccessity for repairing a generator, wind mill, solar power set-up, etc.
The one thing I want to add is that in a two adult household, it is a good idea for each adult to have his/her own tool bag. Why? For one thing if one is a neat-nick and the other is a slob, there will not be a waging battle when it comes to opening the bag and actually using the tools. The other thing is that tools can be an individual thing. Even with the basics, they come in various sizes and weights and every person as their preference.
I would add an eyeglass repair kit to the tool bag. These little kits consist of a tiny screwdriver, tiny screws and extra nose pieces. The kit will not take up any room and weighs almost nothing. All of the other items in the bag will be much safer to use if you can see!
Gaye
I have my own tools that have pink and purple handles, not because they are girly or anything, but so that when someone borrows them, they can not say it is theirs. I have lost sooo many tools this way.
We’re taking that one step further and building his and hers workshops, lol.
Survival Woman,
This is so funny. My dh and I have his and her tool boxes. He has to have his tools put away in a certain spot. I just throw them in the tool box.
Ah! a tool kit. But the duct tape is priceless.
Good article. Yes, I have my late husbands tools but not a bag for say an emergency/ scavanging purpose.
Survival Women is right you need one for every adult no matter the reason.
Thanks will write that down on my list.
I’d be confident having your list plus duct tape, baling wire, and WD-40. Add just a few more things like jumper cables and tire sealant and you’ve got a nice car kit too.
This is going to sound silly, but I also tossed in a few pairs of sheer panty hose which can serve as a temporary replacement for a fan belt (see link below).
http://www.instructables.com/id/Replace-Fanbelt-with-Pantyhose!/
mr
Do you know if that tire sealant will work on bicycle tires?
Just a thought as I’ll be adding a folding bike to the trunk of my car after my hip surgery. It would be so much easier than patching a tire on the road.
Bicycle tires have an inner tube while vehicle tires do not, they are very different in size, and they are inflated to different pressure levels (32 PSI for a car tire, 40-120 PSI for a bicycle tire). Automotive tire sealants are designed to inject a large amount of sealant and about 25 PSI worth of air into a tubeless car tire, but it’s obviously too much sealant and not enough PSI of air for a bicycle tire. I’m not sure I’d recommend it because all that sealant and low air pressure could result in a weight imbalance in the tire as well as loss of control when riding the bicycle.
There are tire sealants which are designed for bicycles (e.g. Slime, True Goo, Stan’s No Tubes”) and many of them can be added to the tire now as a preventative measure against future punctures. I would suggest talking to a local bicycle shop about these products and, after choosing one, let them do the work on your tires to spare the stress on your hip.
mr
Thanks for that advice.
when you fill a tire with a fix a flat stuff you pick up the vehicle with a jack before filling tire.The can does not have enough psi to fill a flat tire because the can is also lifting the vehicle.If you waqnt to get your moneys with you use a jack.
Actually, that’s a GREAT question — though it leads me down a somewhat different path.
I’m recalling that during the Vietnam war, the NLF/NVA used coolies pushing bicycles to run supplies down the Ho Chi Minh Trail. A single guy could carry 300+ plus pounds of supplies if he had a bike, whereas if he hoofed it with a back pack, he was limited to about 60 – 100 max. They attached a stick to the handle bars and to the seat and then could walk alongside the bike and still steer — they could even still carry a pack too. You can cross some pretty rough terrain on some pretty crappy trails with an awful lot of supplies with a bike like that. Something to keep in mind if your bugout plans lead you someplace where your Rawlesian Hummer 3 can’t take you….
Walmart also sells bicycle tire sealants. Also a small air pump you can attach right to the frame of the bike. Don’t know how much psi the cans have to get the sealant into the tire, I’ll have to read the can to check that. Just mentioning Walmart for convenience…don’t have to make a special trip to a bike shop and probably less expensive.
Shoelaces work well too, but if its a serpentine belt I’d stick with the pantyhose. (I’ve personally used shoelaces in a pinch).
Oh darn,
This posted in the wrong spot. It wa supposed to be under the pushtu hose comment. Sorry guys…not new to reading here but first time posting.
Good info. I still think bug outs a bad idea unless there is no other choice.
MethanP,
I agree with your opinion on bug out vs. bug in, but then again I live in a rural area with more than 30 years worth of prepping paraphernalia on and around the homestead. If you live in an urban or suburban environment, the situation may be very different.
You should however, still keep a 72 hour/BOB ready to go, for the case where emergency services (police, fire, etc.) knock on your door with a 5 minute evacuation notice due to a hazardous spill just up the road and upwind from you.
I agree that I don’t want to bug out for my situation too but I just turn this in to a get home bag. So I am working on putting some of this in my Get Home Bag
I have a plethora of tools including many duplicates, with some in the house, some in the machinery shed/garage, and some in the barn & granary; however, I do not have even the empty bag to throw together a quick transportable tool bag. Been prepping for decades, and never even thought of this one, which is why I keep haunting these blogs and forums. Great suggestion. I would add the following:
• Standard manual rotary pipe cutter.
• Fencing tool/pliers
• A roll of picture frame wire or bailing wire.
• Vice grips & Crescent/adjustable wrench.
• Hand axe & sharpening stone.
I might suggest a lather’s axe. Hatchet, hammer, and short prybar in one tool
Dash,
I’ve seen the tool you’re talking about, but they are generally kind of junk and not made of the best metals. Do you have a reccomendation for a good quality one?
to be honest, no. The one I’ve got is at least 40 years old and came from an estate auction. It’s good (if slightly rusted), heavy steel. My suggestion would be check antique/junk stores or farm auctions and see if you can find an old one.
Dash,
I’ll check on some old ones, but a little searching and I find there are new ones that are made of titanium in the $100 price range. I’ve added it to the wish list.
Dean
Great article. Tools are the one thing I think people leave forget about…until they need them. A good pair of 24″ bolt cutters have gotten me into many a spot that was locked, but not supposed to be when I was in the field. I’d even get a 36″ pair to have in the garage. As for a hammer being a weapon. LOL!! Just ask my thumb.
Good recommendation! Add safety glasses, as an eye injury during a SHTF event will be hard to get taken care of.
“A good set of bolt cutters: At least something strong enough to cut through a common lock, may help if you find yourself scavenging for supplies.”
Cutting through a lock while “scavenging for supplies” would seem to be advocating what a significant group of preppers would call stealing.
David,
Don’t get me wrong, stealing is not something I plan on doing. I didn’t do all this prepping just to start pillaging at a moments notice. However; my preps, as well as many other peoples preps, will only last so long. I estimate my shelves are holding about 8-9 months right now.
In the case of a prolonged event, there may come a time when I have to venture out and start looking for some things. I’m sure it’s safe to say my neighborhood will be quite empty by then. Most of them dead or in FEMA camps.
So, scavenging through a desolate community isn’t stealing, it’s surviving. (Unless you know you are taking from other survivors.)
Supplies that will go unused are a waste. Indeed if country retreats owned by city folk who have been nuked or decimated by disease are still empty long after a TEOTWAWKI event, one can reasonably assume that the retreat and it’s contents may be salvaged. Each such case would have to be judged individually of course. Irregardless, the bolt cutters might come in handy to cut a lock off a BLM or other public lands gate in order to pass through. And I have lost keys to my own locks. How about a lock on a water tank valve when you desperately need water and there is no one around to unlock it for you? And perhaps a bolt on a device or piece of machinery (which I own) may need severing. Handy gizmos, those bolt cutters. I carry a 36″ set in my truck and they have come in handy a time or two and I have never used them to steal anything.
Well, I’ve heard opinions that any scavenging is stealing, even what appears to be unattached property. Yet when I’ve advocated knowing how to pick locks both here and other sites, I have been greatly criticized (MD never approved my comment). While lock picking has legitimate, legal and non-destructive uses, it seems to be a double standard to allow bolt cutters for scavenging to pass without comment.
David: I have no problem with you possessing that particular skill if used in exigent circumstances and with good intentions. Perhaps MD has to consider the liability issue of advocating the use of what is in many jurisdictions illegal (for non-locksmiths) devices. Never noticed MD to have a double standard. He means what he says and says what he means. Pretty straight forward fellow.
I am recently retired LEO and we have no problem in Arizona with persons possessing boltcutters. Deputies would have a problem with persons toting around lock picking devices. Granted it accomplishes the same thing but rightly so or not boltcutters are commonly legal and lock picking devices in the possession of the average Joe are not legal.
That said, I think such skills as you have could be useful if applied judiciously and with good intent. The more knowledge and skills one has in one’s repertoire, the better.
Interesting. Because I’m in the AZ and what I learned in patrol procedures class is that possession of burglary tools with intent is a felony ARS 13-1505. So if an officer wanted to jack me up over bolt cutters he very well could, it doesn’t mean he’ll get a conviction though. But without the necessary mens rea, both bolt cutters and lock pick are legal.
Locksport is a legitimate hobby http://toool.us/ actually practiced in AZ and around the world.
But I guess no one ever lost keys to a lock or forgot the combination or the person with the keys was unavailable and it was vital to gain access. And not break anything in the process.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Locksport#Ethics
Defensive…interesting. Again I don’t see any problem with you having the skills. I have never ‘jacked’ anyone for having a set of bolt cutters in their truck (except for one parollee who also had a set of master keys and had cut a lot padlock and was ‘jacking’ a vehicle) because it is a common tool especially out in the country amidst ranchs and farms where I normally worked. I have ‘jacked’ a fellow for trespassing on someone’s property with a set of picks in their pocket- not technically illegal. And a screwdriver – not illegal. And a glass cutter – not illegal. And an empty backpack – not illegal. Yeah, those items and his actions showed intent. So intent is the key (no pun intended).
I doubt that you are criminally bent. You have skills. Good. Use them wisely. Power to you. And yes, I would much rather have you gently and skillfully pick my lock than have to bust it open.
David. Just chatted with an active duty deputy and we have to admit that LEOs, as a whole, are far more prejudiced about lockpick sets as opposed to a set of boltcutters in someone’s possession. You are right as that is not justifiable. It is pre-judging a person based on our own lack of knowledge of locksmith work and stereotypes about who owns and carries a set of picks. That is probably a nation wide mindset amongst officers. No wonder it annoys you so. Please excuse my “Defensive….” remark. Sometimes I react and post a comment before I’ve really thought it out.
And I did omit the intent to commit a crime or knowingly allowing someone to use such equipment for illegal activities. Again….prejudice. You are indeed more likely to get ‘jacked’ by getting charged with possessing burglary tools (lock picks) tacked onto a relatively unrelated charge. Sometimes LEOs and DAs have too much discretion when charging.
Depending on your needs and carry ability, an old-school, manually operated hand drill (Don’t forget the bits!) might be worth considering.
I second the idea of the eyeglass repair kit. I’ve never worn glasses, but those kits have come in handy for other random things.
A couple of other random items to carry would be a few Q-tips and a couple of emery boards (those wooden nail-filing boards that you see your wives, girlfriends, or sisters using on their fingernails). Both are very lightweight and very handy for a great variety of uses. They are also cheap. If you don’t already have them in your house, you probably know a woman that will give them to you, lol.
Someone posted the panty-hose fan belt idea; I’ve tried that before. It was in the middle of the night, and the car had about 60 more miles to go. The pantyhose are good for only a couple of miles. Do yourself a favor and get spare belts. Should you need it, you’ll be very glad you had it. While you’re at it, you should make note of how your belts are routed before they snap. You’ll save a lot of time if you don’t have to figure it out afterwards; it’s a frustrating thing!
I have an eyeglass repair kit in my EDC.
Having spare fuse, belts, hoses in your car is CHEAP INSURANCE! Not to mention, keep the Haynes manual in the car in a baggie and NOT in your garage!!
Ever since the electronic module broke on my 1978 Trans Am on my way to a Yankees game 60 miles from home, I always carry a spare module otherwise you are dead in the water. Didn’t get to see the game AND didn’t get home till about 4 in the morning. Live and learn!!
It’s funny you mentioned the old school drill….I looked for one last weekend when I was at Lowes……did not find one and the teenager who wanted to help me did not have a clue (before his time). I will have to get one online I think. I have seen them on a couple of sites.
Tools. At first glance, it sounds like a really good idea. HOWEVER…
Let’s get real. Who can carry 50 pounds of tools along with all the other stuff in your bug out bag? I hit the gym 5 – 6 days a week ( 5’10″, 177 pounds ) and I know I would have a hard time lugging an extra 50 lb tool bag.
If you are bugging out, tools are down on the priority list.
Why are you bugging out in the first place?
Where are you bugging out to?
How long are you planning on staying away?
No matter what the answers are, you have to protect your body from EXPOSURE. That is number 1. Then it’s water followed by food. Of course, you may have to defend yourself so your weapon of choice is a must.
You must learn to IMPROVISE. Those who do survive. Those who don’t perish.
Don’t get me wrong, I always carry tools in my vehicle. That’s just common sense (to me). But I would think a good knife and a multitool should suffice and most bug out bags have those already.
BEWARE OF OVERKILL!
KEEP IT SIMPLE!
Avery,
Most of The Wolf Pack will be bugging in instead of out and for good reason – see my post Bugging Out vs. Hunkering Down http://www.thesurvivalistblog.net/bugging-out-vs-hunkering-down/ for why.
Avery,
I am not bugging out, but we know some people plan to, that is why I brought it up. I mentioned that, if on foot, you would want to scale down and not carry all that weight, and that I would leave myself with more than just an multi tool; but I didn’t explain why, so allow me to elaborate.
Assuming you have a good quality survival knife, you will want to keep that blade as pristine as possible. If you keep using your knife for “utility” purposes, it might be in rough shape when you need it to cut meat. Multitools are great, I’m sure most of us have one, and most of us know they are not indestructible. Having a few extra tools will help prolong the lives of some of your more important things.
Yes, bugging in is the preferable alternative HOWEVER…
If there is a chemical spill, wild fire, flood, etc… you may have to BUG OUT!!
BTW: I think this site is a great resource and I ordered your first book.
Avery: Truth in what you say. My Go-Bag weighs 54lb, my tactical vest with gear and guns adds 25b more. My supplemental food bag another 20lbs. That’s the walking/carrying limit for this old groundpounder. My toolbag weighs another 40 lbs. My intent is to get somewhere (if necessary) and stash the toolbox in that locale. Of course most of us couldn’t tote that extra weight on the move afoot. I and a fellow grunt once built a reasonably solid and dry ramshackle semi-temporary shelter in the Isabella Mts of Nicaragua but we did have a rusty hammer, a saw, and axe and a box of nails. Much better than we could have done with a multi-tool and a knife. But I get your point. We could have put something together in a pinch with just those couple of portable tools.
I don’t think Dean was prioritizing his toolbag before his bug out bag, but rather as additional equipment one should have handy. You keep such in your truck but many folks don’t. So it’s a good wake up call for other folks to have tools ready to grab and go (in a vehicle).
If you’re going to be doing any cutting of lumber or metal, I’d recommend some sandpaper and a bastard file. Your womenfolk will thank you! And include a good pair of leather work gloves or mechanics gloves, too.
Aye that on the gloves , 2 pair at least .
Great topic Dean. I have such a bag in my truck toolbox. I have several boxes of 16p nails and assorted screws. Besides the omnipresent duct tape I have a roll of wire. My main focus is on renovating or building a shelter but there are many other uses for such tools. I was going to suggest a good set of bolt cutters but I notice you included such. More efficient and far safer than ramming or shooting a lock off. I have several adjustable multi-size wrenches and a small can of WD 40. Think rusted bolts and nuts. I keep a fencing tool (combo hammer,prybar, wire cutter, hatchet) in my Go-Bag with which I can accomplish quite a bit but as you point out, it’s a lot easier to have specific tools. Good subject. Raises awareness.
Thanks OhioPrepper. I will add a pipe cutter.
SurvivorDan,
I think the hacksaw will work and might even be required for steel or large diameter pipe, but those rotary pipe cutters are small, light, and inexpensive.
Already found one in the garage and put it in my toolbag.
OhioPrepper – Are you thinking of a tubing cutter? I can’t think of a pipe cutter, even a single wheel, that doesn’t weigh several pounds. Or is inexpensive. Jeff
Jeff,
Yes, tubing cutter. For softer metals, plastics, and small diameter steel like a brake line. Evidently had a brain fart on the name LOL.
Great post, Dean. I have some of those tools, but am glad to get a better idea what all I need to have on hand. I will be buggin-in, but love all the ideas.
Thanks
Dean,
This is a great post. Thank you. I would add a few things to your list: a tape measure, a level and a plum bob–these are necessary for basic construction and home repair.
I am not sure how much use I would have for the bolt cutters. If it’s my lock, I have a key and so does my dh. If it’s not my lock, I have no business getting into it.
This post made me laugh a little. Before I got married my dad would give me the same tools he got for my brothers for Christmas. (Now he gives them to my dh.) And if my dad was visiting, he would inevitably find some project to work on. And if he needed any tools, he would go buy them and leave them for me–after having lectured me about the importance of having tools and being able to do things for myself.
No level or plumb bag in my tool bag but will rectify that. Thanks Gayle. Jeez! You people are making all my gear heavier! :)
After I logged off last night I also thought about a carpenter’s square.
See! There you go again. Check….one carpenter’s square.
That is some great choices on tools, and as a Licensed plumber I can agree with channel locks. Also you mention a hacksaw, which is a great saw and can be used to cut pvc better than a pruning saw. As for a tool bag, I use a bag from Home Depot and it is a Husky bag that is opened at the top and has a shoulder harness. I fill it up with over 50 lbs of tools and have no problems carrying it. I wouldn’t enjoy walking more than five miles with it, but I could if I had to get out of dodge.
if you are buggin-in or buggin-out you should have 1-2 hunderd feet of good rope will come in handy
Dean, I jumped on this in my early prepping last year at someone’s suggestion. I recently added some of the sealant tape to fix leaks that has been advertised on TV as of late. It is called Mighty Fix It :https://www.mightyfixit.com/?tag=im|sm|bi|tm&a_aid=011&a_bid=bc30650e
I used it on my sprinkler system and it worked great . It can be used for all kinds of unforeseen repairs.
I’m a big Gorilla tape fan but will try the Mighty Fix, thanks d2.
Don`t forget to keep some tools for your vehicle. A tire repair kit and some specific tools for your vehicle like a socket for your front hubs so you can lube your bearings up front in your 4×4.A couple of spare u joints and tools to replace them with.keep them in a ammo box and keep them under your seat or in your trunk. A hi lift jack if you have a truck.A grease gun that is full is a plus.
I would also add plastic funnel , syhon of some type , 3 or 4 chisels , a pair of bender bars , a few files ( you will be surprised how much you will use a file ) a few automotive hose clamps ( better than zip ties at times ) , a nail set ( many uses ) , exacto knife w/ 1 pack of blades ( delicate cutting ) , small can of 3 in 1 oil . Remember , you may have to modify the things you find and some of these extras make life a lot easier . Dont forget the farmers friend : several feet of bailing wire ( more uses to count on that one )
*syphon*
Sorry , if I put in a bag everything everyone suggested the bag would weigh more than me. I used to watch Mcgiver and only carry a paper clip, bobbi pin and chewing gum and can build a car, blow a building up and do brain surgery with just those!!! I think the key here is to come up with a basic set of tools you think yo will need and just put those in your car and leave them and make another set for bug out if you think you will bug out. I have enough tools around to fill 20 different bags without duplicating too many but I would not want to carry around alll of them.
George,
Exactly. People will have to prioritize how much space and weight they are willing to dedicate to some tools, which would all be situational. A few extra tools would be beneficial, thats all I;m saying.
Aye , To me the above list is a very basic list for a car kit , I would have a smaller bag inside that one for if I had to strike out on foot and abandon the vehicle ( very last resort )
I would include an assortment of bungy cords.
…and if you’re on a “what to do” TV show, you can even use that “small pry bar” to grappel onto, and swing under, an open draw bridge…
if you didn’t see that show, you’re better for it. Hollywood just got a bunch of wannabe preppers ready for the trophy pike!!!
Good article, I keep a bag of hand tools like that in each vehicle next to my BOB.
We just had a 3.9 earthquake about 40 minutes ago at 4.12 am. Another reason to prepare.It woke us up and our dogs.Our dogs had to make sure that we were up.
Another thought is that I try to get good quality tools from the pawn shops. Keeps the cost down, and lets me look for other things I forgot I “needed”.
In my area I can buy tools from my snap on dealer for the same price as the pawn shop and the dealer sells new tools.I do like yard sales for tools though.
I’d suggest a carpenters hatchet. Hatchet on one side, hammer on the other, v-notch for nails. It also makes a decent short pry bar. I’ve used it during cleanup after 5 hurricanes, on innumerable camping trips and extended stays on N. Padre Island. I’ve had this one so long I finally had to replace the stacked leather washer handle with wrapped paracord. If I get a new one I’ll go with a rigbuilders hatchet, same thing just 16 inches long.
I’m also planning to add a one man crosscut saw, already have a two man for pine but I want the one man for hardwoods. Needless to say, this is for in-place prep.
Been looking for another fencing-tool/carpenter’s-hatchet for months. Home Depot, Lowes, Harbor Freight, local hardware stores – nada. I always saw them everywhere. They are cheap and yet I have never broken one but want a couple of spares. I think they made millions of them in China. Where have they all gone?
greetings. problem with this is you can never actually tell what tool will be needed so you would have to take with you a entire hardware store in your bag. and that will be even if you leave the big tools like table saws and drill presses, lathes and all electric tools behind. and with the hand tools the ordinary Wal Marts offers are rarely first class and won’t last long once in use. old true saying. get the best you can afford. not the most you can get at a bargain price. and cheap tools are rarely a bargain. and as was suggested only take tools that you actually have mastered the use of. a tool you don’t know how to use is just extra weight to transport.
Definitely go to Sears and get craftsman tools. They guarantee them for as long as you own the tool. I heard a story about a guy who took his Grandfather’s hammer in to get it replaced. They did it too. But the real point is that since they DO guarantee them for as long as you own the tool, they HAVE to make good quality stuff, otherwise their profit margin would be shot replacing tools every couple of years. The bottom line: spend the extra to get good quality stuff when it counts (tools and knives especially) because if the SHTF in a really serious way (nuclear war, zombie apocalypse, Avian Flu pandemic, EMP event), I’m guessing the odds are that Sears won’t be honoring their guarantee for at least a few years, and you can’t really afford a bunch of broken tools then, even if they seemed like a “bargain” at the time.
Jeff, don’t need a Sears anymore for Craftsman; they are being sold at K Marts and Ace Hardware stores.
A flashlight. Working on your car, at night, after hitting a deer is harder to do without light.
If I could have bypassed the oil cooler for the trans in the dark instead of driving until I found a street light – I could have saved that trans.
I’ve been a tradesman for 20yrs, however, about 2 yrs ago, i pulled out all my greatgrandfathers tools & readied them to go back in service. Hand driven wood auger bits, sharpening stones, fencing pliers, etc. You never know when it maybe time to go old school!
I have 2 79 fords with Dee Zee bed boxes that lock and tools for minor and major repairs along with fire fighting tools, oil, chains, tug em straps, bottle jacks, tarps old towels, rags , actually each a mirror of the other as far as equipment if we have to roll and both tanks usually topped off. This type of prepping has taken years and cannot be done over night and can be costly. Both the rigs have too big of engines but are the same. One problem is one is an auto matic and the other a 4 speed and are 4×4′s and are daily drivers and believe me they are not economical, hence bicycles and a motorcycle for work in good weather. Yes bugging in is the plan but if……
Very good ideas….
I have a tool ‘bucket”… I used one of my old 5 gal. buckets that developed a crack. Fixed the crack by wrapping about 100 feet of duct tape around the bucket itself. I figured if i ever need some tape, I could just peel some off the bucket. I also purchased a “bucket boss” to keep thing organized… I added a hand crank come-along and a brace (the old fashioned hand powered drill) with a handful of assorted bits…
Consider the tool roll if this is for BO use. Takes up less space, and is much easier to access tools, vs. digging them out to find them. Can be wrapped around that prybar, which is extremely heavy btw – not sure if I’d want that if I’m on foot. Vehicle kit – not a problem.