ORTB Recommended Carry Offroad Tools & Sizes List

[mikekey]

When you head off road you want to be prepared for anything that could break on the vehicle. Part of being prepared for handling repairs is taking the appropriate tools with you whenever you drive off the pavement. With the help of the other guys in the SME group, we've come up with a "minimum" recommendation of tools that you should have on hand to handle common repairs. The list is designed to act as a basic guide, and your tool kit might be a little different based on vehicle modifications. We recommend that you start with a basic mechanic's tool kit and add to it.

BASIC RECOMMENDATIONS:
(size ranges to help you match a tool kit listed below)

- Full Set of of wrenches
- Full set of sockets
- 1/2 ratchet wrench
- 3/8 ratchet wrench
- Various length extensions
- Breaker bar or Pipe (3/8's breaker bar works on the accessory belt)
- (Any of these or all if you prefer)

-- Adjustable Wrench
-- Crescent Wrench
-- Channel Locks
-- Vise Grips
- #2 phillips screwdriver
- Flat head screwdriver
- Rubber Mallet
- Hammer
- BFH ( BIG F**ing HAMMER)
- Multimeter
- Tire Gauge
- Pillers
- Wire Stripper
- Pry bar or crow bar
- Chisel

RECOMMENDED SPECIALTY TOOLS:

- Pitman Puller
- Pickle Fork
- Inner tie rod tool (??)
- CV axle pulling tool w/ slide hammer
- Tire Repair Kit

MISC ITEMS & TOOLS:
(Good Idea to have on hand)

- 1 Roll of electrical tape
- 1 Roll of Duct Tape
- 28" HVAC zip tie (will fix a lot of problems temporarily.)
- OBDII Code Reader
- Super Siphon
- Chain 4ft - (DirtyBacon - "Great for fan clutch fix") (Fishsticks "Used as a temp fix for broken motor mount")
- Tire Plug Kit

DIY TOOLS & ITEMS USED BY MEMBERS:

I keep a 18 or so inch piece of rebar inside my hi lift handle. Works great for CV removal.

Most Common Wrench & Socket Sizes:

8mm - Battery connector
10mm - Thermostat housing
13mm
14mm - Caliper bolts
15mm - Oil Pan drain plug, Bolts around Disconnect, Alternator bolts
17mm - Radflo top strut nuts
18mm - Hub bolts, Caliper Bracket
19mm - Lug nuts
22mm - Tie Rod Castle Nut, LCA Castle Nut, Lower Control Arm Bolts, Upper Control Arm Bolts
24mm - Strut mount to LCA bolt
35mm deep socket (oem wheel hubs)
36mm deep socket (oem wheel hubs & aftermarket)

- Allen Hex Keys

-- 2.5mm
-- 6mm
-- 10mm
- Torx Keys

Moderators Note: We want to keep this discussion free of arguments about tool brands & free of recommending you just carry a big tool kit. The point is to create a list of specific tools that one is most likely to use. We do not want it turning into a thread recommending people carry diesel powered welders and 5000 piece aircraft mechanics tool kits.

Second note, please only respond with either a recommended tool you use regularly to be placed in one of the above categories on the list or if you know of a specific size that fits something on our rigs to add the size chart. Also, let us know if you have DIY tools like rebar on a handle that you have made yourself that you carry.

[Moots1288]

Linemans and or wire strippers

[mikekey]

Linemans and or wire strippers

Updated

[HARDTRAILZ]

I keep a 18 or so inch piece of rebar inside my hi lift handle. Works great for CV removal.

[Moots1288]

I keep a 18 or so inch piece of rebar inside my hi lift handle. Works great for CV removal.

Seen that at Tecore and went that route, Also had a 1" Black cap welded to the top of it and a 1" Female x Male Black coupling welded to the hilift handle for easy storage and for a flat surface to hit with a lump hammer.

[mikekey]

I'm having a hard time picturing this. Think you guys could post a picture sometime?

[Moots1288]

Here.

[Jrgunn5150]

I just want to add, 7mm Hex wrench, or Allen wrench if you prefer. None of my set's came with that size, and it totally held me up from taking my sway bar end links off.

[HARDTRAILZ]

I think Bacon had something in another thread about CV removal tools that applies.

I tried something similar a few months ago. I used a ratchet strap, looped one end around the inner tripot, hooked other end to front d ring (used strut as a redirector for the strap to give it a relatively straight pull). Put some tension on it, tapped on the disco a few times with a small hammer and it popped right out.

Most do not think of a ratchet strap as a tool, but seems like a great idea for a trail fix!

[tarsh]

Good idea, Haa I'll have to try that one