Beginner Toolkit

Why1504

Caught the Bug
I am new here. I have a new jeep and am going to be headed to Colorado this Sept. I have installed a winch, have shackles, tree strap, tow strap, snatch block, tire repair hit, air compressor, air down tool, and fire extinguisher. I am now starting on the tool kit. I have read about toolkits on multiple forums. These posts are extensive. I am requesting a level one kit (things that are must have), level 2 kit, etc. What do I have to have with me?

Thanks!!
 

wayoflife

Administrator
Staff member
2023 wrangler 392 XR stock. Already had her on the trails.
Okay, a good place to start is with a good metric socket and wrench set that goes all the way up to 24mm. A lot of kits won't go that high unless they go way higher and so, a good kit that at least goes up to 19mm (pretty common) will do the trick. I should note that a lot of kits will NOT have a few basics like 18mm and you WILL want that. Also, if you get the smaller kit, be sure to get a 22mm and 24mm socket and wrench and make sure that the bigger ones are 1/2" drive.

In addition to that, you will want a good torque wrench that can go up to at least 200 ft lbs of torque. I would also recommend a crescent wrench that will open up to at least 24mm. A big hammer (2 lbs), a big pry bar and vice grips in different sizes are good to have as well. That's pretty much the basics and more than likely, all you'll need.

IF you lift your Jeep and start running aftermarket components and or start playing a LOT harder, there are a lot more tools you'll want to add to that list.
 

wayoflife

Administrator
Staff member
When you're working with bolts that require 19, 21, 22 or 24mm sockets, you'll need to tighten them to 100-150 ft lbs of torque. Even your lug nuts require 130 and a mega big crescent wrench ain't gonna tighten them up.

Up to about 13mm, maybe 14mm, you can get by with 3/8" drive but once you get up in the 18mm or more, you really should be using a 1/2" drive if only for the leverage they provide.
 

Why1504

Caught the Bug
Thanks. Where do I get the torque specs for the different fasteners? Do I need a shop manual as well?
 

duktrx

Active Member
Everyone jokes about the elusive 10mm socket, but it is a reality. I carry a few spare 10mm sockets.

Another item to add to your air-down kit is a couple of spare valve stem cores.

A good knife.

Small wire brush.

I carry a small file set to clean up threads that have hit rocks.

During my lift install, I realized how useful an adjustable spud wrench is; since one end is a crescent wrench, it replaced the similar sized crescent wrench.
 

CalSgt

Hooked
I've been really pleased with the Tekton tools @wayoflife has on his Amazon list

My travel tool set lives in Jeep year round and its tailored to work on "My" jeep. Anytime I catch myself needing to borrow a tool from the garage to do something on the jeep I try to add it to the kit when I can afford to.

I carry a similar socket set to this one, mine has a few less sockets but its not available on Amazon currently. It has almost any size you could need and they're all 1/2" drive so it reduces the need to pack a whole 3/8" drive set. I pack a 1/2" extension about 5" long, a small 1/2" drive ratchet and a 1/2" drive ratcheting breaker bar.
https://www.amazon.com/TEKTON-6-Poi...DKBRC4J/dp/B08DKBRC4J/ref=dp_ob_title_hi?th=1

Also this wrench set, I'm kind of a tool snob when it comes to wrenches and ratchets. I grew up using my dad's snap-on stuff and bought myself the Craftsman "Pro" wrenches for almost $200 (25 years ago) for each set of metric and imperial. These Tekton ones feel like real good quality for the price and the roll up case keeps them easy to pack and quiet in the jeep.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0199R9UQ4/ref=twister_B08V47NNRT?_encoding=UTF8&th=1

and the 24MM too
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00Q01ONK...FJQVZ8Q8&ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ons_d_asin&th=1
 

Brute

Hooked
I've been really pleased with the Tekton tools @wayoflife has on his Amazon list

My travel tool set lives in Jeep year round and its tailored to work on "My" jeep. Anytime I catch myself needing to borrow a tool from the garage to do something on the jeep I try to add it to the kit when I can afford to.

I carry a similar socket set to this one, mine has a few less sockets but its not available on Amazon currently. It has almost any size you could need and they're all 1/2" drive so it reduces the need to pack a whole 3/8" drive set. I pack a 1/2" extension about 5" long, a small 1/2" drive ratchet and a 1/2" drive ratcheting breaker bar.
https://www.amazon.com/TEKTON-6-Poi...DKBRC4J/dp/B08DKBRC4J/ref=dp_ob_title_hi?th=1

Also this wrench set, I'm kind of a tool snob when it comes to wrenches and ratchets. I grew up using my dad's snap-on stuff and bought myself the Craftsman "Pro" wrenches for almost $200 (25 years ago) for each set of metric and imperial. These Tekton ones feel like real good quality for the price and the roll up case keeps them easy to pack and quiet in the jeep.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0199R9UQ4/ref=twister_B08V47NNRT?_encoding=UTF8&th=1

and the 24MM too
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00Q01ONK...FJQVZ8Q8&ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ons_d_asin&th=1
I have no complaints with the Tekton tools...and bought them on here as well...

Get a couple small locking pliers...I've given two out over the years to crimp broken brake lines...and you can't have too many flashlights (one is not enough...it usually will stop working the moment you need it)...

And don't forget a BFHammer...
 
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Why1504

Caught the Bug
I've been really pleased with the Tekton tools @wayoflife has on his Amazon list

My travel tool set lives in Jeep year round and its tailored to work on "My" jeep. Anytime I catch myself needing to borrow a tool from the garage to do something on the jeep I try to add it to the kit when I can afford to.

I carry a similar socket set to this one, mine has a few less sockets but its not available on Amazon currently. It has almost any size you could need and they're all 1/2" drive so it reduces the need to pack a whole 3/8" drive set. I pack a 1/2" extension about 5" long, a small 1/2" drive ratchet and a 1/2" drive ratcheting breaker bar.
https://www.amazon.com/TEKTON-6-Poi...DKBRC4J/dp/B08DKBRC4J/ref=dp_ob_title_hi?th=1

Also this wrench set, I'm kind of a tool snob when it comes to wrenches and ratchets. I grew up using my dad's snap-on stuff and bought myself the Craftsman "Pro" wrenches for almost $200 (25 years ago) for each set of metric and imperial. These Tekton ones feel like real good quality for the price and the roll up case keeps them easy to pack and quiet in the jeep.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0199R9UQ4/ref=twister_B08V47NNRT?_encoding=UTF8&th=1

and the 24MM too
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00Q01ONK...FJQVZ8Q8&ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ons_d_asin&th=1
Where do I find a “small” 1/2 inch drive ratchet. Great suggestion on the sockets and the wrenches.
 

CalSgt

Hooked

Aceisback

Hooked
I’m old so these random thoughts just come to me sporadically throughout the day, and since you say beginner it may not have occurred to you yet, but a couple more items to consider are assorted ziplock bags, couple plastic grocery bags, roll of toilet paper, E-tool or small shovel, body wipes/hand wipes.
 
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