RIB tool box

Limey Linda · 10 June 2007, 00:17

I need to put together an on board tool box. I have a good pretty good idea of the basics, but would appreciate input from others. No, I do not want a 50lb. box of tools. what would you choose, assuming the max. is 2 cubic ft. and 20 lbs.
Duct tape
Baling wire
WD40
Pliers
?
?
?
Regards, T

codprawn · 10 June 2007, 02:02

I was going to invest in a nice set of stainless tools - until someone kindly pointed out that they would be nicked or lost overboard. I bought an all in one kit for about £15 which covers most things.

I also carry a sperate eletrical toolbox with

multimeter
gas soldering iron
solder
bits of wire
insulation tape
heat shrink tubing
wire strippers/cutters

Don't forget lots of cable ties!!!

Rogue Wave · 10 June 2007, 03:00

good call

http://www.manchestertools.co.uk/twi...m-p-26186.html are excellent

a jiggle syphon

a par of wire strippers that you find easy to use.

Allen keys ( Hex wrenches) providing your boat needs them

codprawn · 10 June 2007, 03:43

Yes I also carry a jiggle syphon - don't consider it a tool though - essential more like for refueling - saves lifting heavy jerry cans. I also carry a plastic funnel with a filter as the jerry cans have a habit of losing their internal coating.

Sarah G · 10 June 2007, 17:39

1) Credit Card
2) Sun glasses
3) Sun cream
4) bottle of Gin, Tonic (ice is a problem) and lemon.
5) Passport - in case knocked off course

No seriously... Sorry

Thanks for posting this - this is very useful for us to. ;o)

codprawn · 10 June 2007, 17:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sarah G

1) Credit Card
2) Sun glasses
3) Sun cream
4) bottle of Gin, Tonic (ice is a problem) and lemon.
5) Passport - in case knocked off course

No seriously... Sorry

Thanks for posting this - this is very useful for us to. ;o)

Didn't you forget

mirror
nail file
lipstick
foundation
blusher
eye liner
nail varnish
nail varnish remover
make up remover
cotton wool buds
cotton wool balls

And all the other strange stuff that live in women's handbags. My aunt used to carry everything in hers - I am sure she even had a spare prop in there somwhere!!!

Erin · 10 June 2007, 20:49

knife
and one of those clam seal puncture repair things.

Nos4r2 · 10 June 2007, 22:44

Scissors
Bostik
8" square hypalon
Cheap set of spanners
Pliers and long nose pliers
Screwdrivers
Adjustable spanner
A length of wire and electrical tape.

al40 · 10 June 2007, 23:40

I've also got a small socket set that is really useful... A small electrical screwdriver is a good all rounder (50p at B&Q). Was sparkplug socket on original list?

In terms of spares (not really tools)
- crimp connectors and crimper thingy
- crimp connectors for main battery cable
- Fuses
- Possibly a spare switch or something to allow you to bypass it
- terminal strip
- spare bulbs
- Spare engine fuel connector - mine fell off and got jammed between the engine and transom when I was lifting the engine - thankfully I was in the marina at the time but I now carry a spare!
- VHF antenna???

Rogue Wave · 10 June 2007, 23:45

prop nut
thrust washer
floating prop spanner
hand cleaner
magnetic pick up tool you know for when you've dropped the special bolt down the gap between the console and the fuel tank

Limey Linda · 11 June 2007, 00:13

There are some really good ideas being posted. However, I would suggest, that in the interests of space and weight saving we think in terms of items that multl task. Example: do not need insulation tape and duct tape or electrical wire and baling wire ( baling wire will make a hose clamp with a pair of pliers) adjustable spanner rather than a complete set of open enders/rings. Have to admit that one of those El cheapo socket sets can be very handy. Codders seems to need a gas powered soldering iron; why I do not know. A knife is not a tool , it is basic boating equipment and certainly does not belong in the toolbox. The objective is to get you home not to do a permanent repair so we do not need to take the kitchen sink. Keep them coming. I will collate into a "preferred list" and post. Spares are a slightly different subject and dependant on the specific boat, but may influence our choice of tools.

PS. I am sure that Pathalla has 10cfm compressor and an impact wrench on War machine.
PPS. Rogue Wave> magnet bolt finders do not work on stainless nuts and bolts.

codprawn · 11 June 2007, 00:16

The gas soldering iron is the same size as a large marker pen - it can also be used for cutting rope.

As most breakdowns are of an electrical nature why not? If you just twist wires together they can easily come apart again on a bouncing RIB!!!

Limey Linda · 11 June 2007, 00:22

Sorry codders I thought you used it making a quick cuppa.

If you make twisted joint properly it WILL get you home. Twist together, bend over into a hook and crimp back on itself with needle nose pliers and wrap with tape. Will last months.

codprawn · 11 June 2007, 00:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by Limey Linda

Sorry codders I thought you used it making a quick cuppa.

Now there's a thought!!!

Wouldn't fancy getting it near the tubes though......

Poly · 11 June 2007, 12:11

Linda,

I agree about the soldering iron - although CP is right about cutting sealing rope. It depends on if you are taking the boat home every time - if you keep the boat away from home you are more likely to keep a wider range of tools on board - perhaps for more permanent repairs.

One ajustable spanner won't be much good if it gets dropped in the sea or you need two spanners for the job.

I keep a knife in the tool box as well as elsewhere so I have two, and so I have one where I need it when I need it (and my boat is <4m long!).

You didn't mention any trailer tools - do you keep these in your car?

You have a big boat - wouldn't have thought space was so critical that Duck tape and insulating tape, or cable ties and wire were occupying too much space that they were surplus to requirements. I follow your line of thinking when carrying gear for camping etc - but on the boat I would prefer to have two ways to do any task where possible so that if I lose one, drop one, one gets wet, one gets loaned to someone else etc there is still an alternative.

Nos4r2 · 11 June 2007, 13:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rogue Wave

prop nut
thrust washer

Good point and thanks for the reminder

My spare prop nut is still the mariner 50 nut and I need to get a thrust washer too.

The adjustable spanner fits the prop nut and spark plugs (on my engine-don't know about others)-it's got a wrist strap on it so it can't be dropped.
The screwdrivers I carry are magnetic.
The cheap spanner set is open enders and the size of 2 packets of cigarettes.

I carry the bostik and hypalon because a temporary repair with that means not having to cut a bigger hole for a clamshell-and it can repair a bigger section in an emergency.

Rogue Wave · 11 June 2007, 13:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by Limey Linda

PPS. Rogue Wave> magnet bolt finders do not work on stainless nuts and bolts.

I knew that!

you can get claw things as well

pathalla · 11 June 2007, 14:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by Limey Linda

There are some really good ideas being posted. However, I would suggest, that in the interests of space and weight saving we think in terms of items that multl task. Example: do not need insulation tape and duct tape or electrical wire and baling wire ( baling wire will make a hose clamp with a pair of pliers) adjustable spanner rather than a complete set of open enders/rings. Have to admit that one of those El cheapo socket sets can be very handy. Codders seems to need a gas powered soldering iron; why I do not know. A knife is not a tool , it is basic boating equipment and certainly does not belong in the toolbox. The objective is to get you home not to do a permanent repair so we do not need to take the kitchen sink. Keep them coming. I will collate into a "preferred list" and post. Spares are a slightly different subject and dependant on the specific boat, but may influence our choice of tools.

PS. I am sure that Pathalla has 10cfm compressor and an impact wrench on War machine.
PPS. Rogue Wave> magnet bolt finders do not work on stainless nuts and bolts.

Limey, don't forget a hammer, seems many times for many reasons I just need a hammer to whack on something, a wrench or anything else in the tool box just doesn't cut it. Was launching the boat yesterday and had brought all kinds of tools as my cruising ground is about 75 miles from home, I needed to use a hammer for just a few minor things and had forgotten to bring one... It sucks when you just need a hammer for a few moments and you have to resort to using a board or a big rock from the side of the road.
Have you thought about possibly putting a locking tool box on your trailer? It does allow you to carry tools specific to your trailer as well as a few things you might need but may not want to carry on the boat. I installed one on my trailer earlier this season and it came in handy already as of yesterday.

Limey Linda · 11 June 2007, 17:19

Yes Pat, need a hammer. I prefer a claw hammer as it doubles as a pry bar About a 1 pounder should be good.

Erin · 11 June 2007, 21:51

Strongly disagree about an adjustable spanner. Have you ever tried getting your spark plugs out with one?

More to the point, I can't even get the lower cowling off my suzzy without an 8 mm nut spinner, so that's top of my list. Then a 12, 10 and 8 for undoing most of the other nuts on the engine if the need should arise. If I wreck the gearcasing on a rock then no end of tools will ever help, but if I need to whip the primary fuel filter off then a 12mm for the inlet barbs is a must to clear any blockages.