Looking for a decent marine tool set

bds85466

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jun 11, 2007
Messages
375
Christmas gift:

50-100 bucks...something to keep on the boat for emergencies. Anyone know of a good one that's got everything?
 

a70eliminator

Captain
Joined
Sep 9, 2007
Messages
3,762
Re: Looking for a decent marine tool set

Best 80 bucks my wife ever spent on me was my trusty leatherman multitool never leave home without it, (Everything) is a loaded question.
 

robert graham

Admiral
Joined
Apr 16, 2009
Messages
6,908
Re: Looking for a decent marine tool set

Maybe a set of open and box end metric wrenches, small and medium slot and phillips screw drivers, mechanics and needle nose pliers, tie wraps, electrical tape, super glue, carb cleaner, spray lubricant, rags,cotter pins for prop nut, spare fuses for all circuits, spare spark plugs and wrench,other stuff, all in a waterproof plastic box with a handle. If you're lucky you can patch it up with that until you get back home. Good Luck
 

fishrdan

Admiral
Joined
Jan 25, 2008
Messages
6,989
Re: Looking for a decent marine tool set

Sears/Kmart had a Craftsman 100+ piece tool set on sale last Friday. I was thinking of picking up for the boat, I didn't get around to it :rolleyes: Think it was around $50,,, but that was a black Friday special.

Looked to be a good set for minor "on the water" repairs as it had 1/4 -3/8 socket sets, allen wrenches, screwdrivers, etc. Of course this wouldn't be the end-all/be-all tool kit, but a good starting point.
 

Boatist

Rear Admiral
Joined
Apr 22, 2002
Messages
4,552
Re: Looking for a decent marine tool set

It not something you can do for Xmass but what I do is I always use the tool on the boat to do all boat repairs. If I need something else I get it out of my main home tools and it stays on the boat unitl a buy another for the boat.

I think you will find you really do not need a complete 100 peice tool kit.
While they can be nice or a good starting point you will fine some of the tool just add weight and never get used.
Other tools you will need often that will not be in the set.
Another big factor is how much of the work you or your crew can do your self.
I have a Brother in Law who did not even know how to drain the oil or add oil.
No way could he chains points and adjust a carb. Tools would not help him at all.
 

ken52

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jul 27, 2008
Messages
307
Re: Looking for a decent marine tool set

Ditto on leatherman. More tools more extra weigth. Put together a kit yourself. You can get those wrenches that are for various bolt sizes that cover about 8 or more open end wrenches. Your not gonna be rebuilding out there just fix it to get back home. Extra zip ties, electrical tape, clamps, multimeter(inexpensive type $10) and any other toll specific to your motor to take off covers. Extra fuel filter or some fuel line and hose, splice connector and clamps to bypass a filter/fuel problem. Just my 2c.
 

tashasdaddy

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Nov 11, 2005
Messages
51,019
Re: Looking for a decent marine tool set

it really depends on the type boat, and power system. i/o's and outboards required some different tools.
 

timmyjoebob

Seaman
Joined
Nov 10, 2009
Messages
53
Re: Looking for a decent marine tool set

I could be wrong here, but if you have a non-American engine (Yamaha, Suzuki, Volvo, etc.), you're gonna need a metric set of heads. If it's American-made *Johnson, Merc, Evinrude), you'll need SAE heads. That is... if you're doing any engine tinkering.
 

Woodnaut

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 4, 2007
Messages
634
Re: Looking for a decent marine tool set

Whatever tool kit you end up with, make sure that there is a socket in it that fits the prop nut and another one that fits the lug nuts on the trailer. ;)
 

ken52

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jul 27, 2008
Messages
307
Re: Looking for a decent marine tool set

I could be wrong here, but if you have a non-American engine (Yamaha, Suzuki, Volvo, etc.), you're gonna need a metric set of heads. If it's American-made *Johnson, Merc, Evinrude), you'll need SAE heads. That is... if you're doing any engine tinkering.

Thats the nice thing about those wrenches that have the ability to work on multiple head sizes. Sorry I don't have a better name for this type of wrench but most of you guys I'm sure have seen them, the head pivots and it adjusts for varing bolt sizes. When I'm home working I would never suggest using them over standard wrenches or sockets but they save a lot of space on the boat and cover quit a bit of SAE or Metric bolts.
 

scutly

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Aug 20, 2009
Messages
368
Re: Looking for a decent marine tool set

stay away from those cheap sets made overseas. the tools suck. wrenches are not quite the right size and end up stripping bolts. screwdriver handles always break. and i've broken a ton of thin walled cheapo china sockets and ratchets. do yourself a favor and go to kmart/sears and get some craftsman tools or home depot for husky brand tools. both have lifetime warranties. snap a tip of a screwdriver and sears gives you a new one at the store. ALWAYS buy good tools. my dad taught me this at a very early age. i have tools from him that are 40+ yrs old and work like brand new. this is what i have on my boat. all the tools would run you a little over $100 for craftsman.

set of combo wrenches
1/4 and 3/8 standard depth socket set
both ratchets and extensions
spark plug socket and prop nut socket
small and large vice grips
linesman, slip-joint and needle nose pliers, dikes, and curved jaw channellocks
wire stripper/cutter/crimper combo pliers
small roll of 12 gauge wire and assortment of connectors
electrical and duct tape, hex keys, ball peen hammer
small and large phillips and flat head screwdrivers
rags, tube of silicon, plastic wire ties, flashlight, test light, hose clamps
stainless bolt/nut/screw assortment, small can WD40, tube of 2-4-C grease

it all fits in a nice canvas tool bag in my cuddy under a seat cushion and only weighs about a case of beer. :D
 
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