TESTED: OVERLAND TOOLS
THE SPANNERS AND BITS THAT MIGHT SAVE YOU A LONG WALK HOME.
IN JANUARY of 1999, I found myself in the remote heights of the Peruvian Andes behind the wheel of a waning Jeep CJ7. Pulling long grades over 15,000-foot passes, it had been running hot and developed a vapour lock. We were tail gunner for a group of five vehicles, but our primary toolbox was ahead in another vehicle and we had lost comms in the twisting canyons. Alas, the only tool we had was on my belt, a trusted Leatherman multi-tool. My co-driver Brian and I got out, scratched our heads, and popped the bonnet.
I will admit that running naked (tool-wise) in an old rig ranks right up there with heading into the Simpson Desert with half a tank of fuel. However, it does raise the question of what we actually need in the bush. Let’s break it down: water, appropriate clothing, shelter and food. A survivalist might suggest the most important piece of kit is a knife, fire starter or tarp, but when it comes to keeping our vehicles healthy, we need to expand on that doctrine. What I’ve learned over the years is, when it comes to tools, it is better to have than have not.
TOOL SELECTION
Most pro mechanics swear by quality brands like SK, Mac, Proto or Snap-on, but these names come with hefty price tags. Like you, I need to pick my financial battles, ponying up the big bucks for specialty tools and relying on less costly brands for the standard stuff. Unlike back in the 1970s, there are some quality tools being made in Asia. Operative word, some. I also like to honour the inventive folks that became the Xerox of a genre, as well as those that have the intestinal fortitude to keep production at home.
The following selection represents my existing off-road kit and is broken down into categories: basic hand tools, specialty tools, and rolling fab shop. I see people carrying cordless impact guns, but it is hard to justify the added weight and real estate when a 10-second Supercars tyre change isn’t required. Some products have been provided by the manufacturer, many were pulled out of my vehicle, and others purchased from my local tool shop. We’ve also added a sidebar on storage options, and another on that singular tool you shouldn’t leave home without.
AT AGE 17 I received my first credit card, specifically so I could buy a set of Craftsman tools. There were a more expensive brand, but Craftsman was Us-made, had a reputation for quality and durability, and was affordable. The operative words are quality and durability. If you open my trail toolbox today (40 years later) you will find most are still with me and in service. Now owned by Stanley Black & Decker, much of its manufacturing was moved overseas, but the company is opening a new facility in Texas and bringing some production lines back to the USA.