Tools for the road

cover-alls as well.

 

Screw drivers, wire cutters/shippers, pliers, pipe wrench, small socket set, cresent wrench, hammer/tire thumper, single edge razor blade scrape, duct tape, zip ties, electrical tape, flashlight, knife, WD40, and SOG multi tool make up my tool kit.

Oh got some bungee cords, electrical crime connectors, gloves, and a heavy duty tire pressure gauge.

Don't forget to carry some glad hand seals.

 

I have just about everything I need but the three tools I use all of the time are my crowbar (random things), 2 pound sledge hammer (random things and to knock in tandem pins) and the tool I use the most are some wire snips I got from Home Depot that cut through metal seals like paper. I started off with some cheap walmart cutters but sometimes they do not cut through walmart type locks with the braided steel cables. I remember the first time I tried to rip off a metal seal with my hand like I do the plastic ones and it sliced my hand like a knife. I get chills just typing about that. I thought my hand wouldn't stop bleeding without seeing a doctor. I got some napkins and electric tape and wrapped my hand and it stopped bleeding eventually.

Oh yeah, you may want to get the cheap headlight flash light at Walmart found in the camping section. It only costs about $6 and works great. I thought I would never need it but there are times I needed both hands and light at the same time like sweeping out a trailer at night in complete darkness. Some personal things that I like to use on my own are different sized hefty ziplock bags to store supplies and I bought one of those little flash lights for my keychain found at most truck stops. They work great and have a good distance on them. I mostly use it to check my locking jaw around the kingpin at night.

 

So, you wanna put that diesel mechanic out of work, do ya? I'm guessing essential tools were pretty much covered to keep you rolling with the minor stuff but just remember, you're not getting paid the going rate of a diesel mechanic (somewhere around $100/hour) so don't try to be one for a company that's not going to reimburse you accordingly.
I carry tools that can fix minor problems (air, water leaks...) but I don't bypass systems (electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic) that are in place for safety reasons. You may find yourself doing more harm than good.
Some things need to be taken care of by a qualified mechanic,... some companies will, if you do a 'temporary' fix, run you thousands of miles without ever putting you into a shop to do a proper repair.
Be safe, not stupid.

 

Do not think ayone has suggested a ENGINE REBUILD kit , just a few things that can get you out of minor bind.

 

big difference too between being an O/O and a company driver too.


Enough to allow you to get out of a bind and where it needs to for proper repairs.

Being able to change a fuel filter, splice an airline to get off the road or something like that is a LONG Way from changing a compressor.

I've already had to replace the compressor belt on the road for my APU the first week I had it. Glad I stopped in to the parts house and picked up spare belts for the truck and the APU now too.

 

How about a butaine soldering iron for soldering spliced in wires? A more solid fix that way

Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2

 

A GPS navigator is an electronic gadget that is very useful to be always sure you'll find your destination and have a good estimation of the arrival time. Some trucks have it integrated in their instrument panel, however a specific navigator with maps designed for truckers should be considered.
To keep the small tools a truck driver may frequently need, there are boxes designed to keep out dirt and water and some models have keyed locks to protect valuables. Carefully shaped tool boxes are available that fit outside the truck and have hooks to fix them properly.
Having some extra light when you need to make a small repair or access some parts of the trailer can be critical; a flashlight therefore is a very popular tool that is not very expensive and have a long durability, also thanks to the new LED technology and rechargeable batteries.
A first aid kit is very important and can save you much inconvenience in case of small injuries that may be healed with some disinfectant and band aids. Always check that the kit is complete and that the drugs are not expired.
When you need to drink something in the hot summer, there's nothing better than a chilled beverage; portable refrigerators that you can keep in the truck cabin are great accessories where you can store soda cans or bottles of water. Moreover, some models can also warm food, so you can always have it at the right temperature.
Every truck driver will have his set of accessories; code scanners to diagnose the engine, portable ventilators, TV and DVD readers, etc. are common gadgets that you may want to always carry in your truck.

 

Communication - Normally, a CB radio, although most drivers also have cell phones. Being able to communicate is important, especially if you have an accident, breakdown, or become caught in a traffic gridlock.
Food and water - This may sound too easy, however, there are many truck drivers who remember times when they were caught out. A breakdown, traffic gridlock, or climatic event can see drivers stuck in one place for a day or two - having food and water becomes fairly important then.
Basic tools - Every truck driver should have at least a basic tool set. Screw drivers, adjustable spanners, hammer, spray on lubricant, pocket knife, electrical tape, and some old rags is a good start.
Spare clothing - Like food and water, you never know when you're going to get caught out.
Ink pens - Failing to fill out your log book because your pen has run out of ink is not an acceptable excuse. Keep plenty on hand just in case.
Protective gloves - You will need to fill your rig with fuel, perhaps even change a wheel or couple/uncouple your rig - gloves protect the hands and keep them somewhat clean.
While that list may sound fairly basic, it is meant to be. Yet you would be surprised at how many drivers forget many of these basic items. Having a successful truck driving career doesn't just rely on your ability to drive - it also relies on your ability to survive. Log books are important - failing to fill them out could cost you a lot of money, and perhaps even your license. Not having protective gloves could cost you a finger or two. When you start work as a truck driver, come back and check this list.

 

Just be carefull you don't get to carried away. When I was OTR I carried a small tool box maybe 12x6x6 or so. Everything I ever needed fit in it. A small 3/8 socket set, some wrenches, a 6-in-one screwdriver, Channellock's, Vicegrips, a large and small adjustable wrench, electrical tape, wire cutters, and wire strippers/crimpers. I also carried a 3lb sledge, a roll of duck tape, and a can of WD-40. If your gonna do alot of drop and hooks I would also add one of those electrical kits mentioned in an earlier post, extra gladhand seals, a good electrical test light, some extra wire either 14ga or 16ga and some air line splice fittings.( You might be able to get those from the shop at your company, same with the gladhand seals) You should also try to get some extra lights from them. (The company I started with gave out a plastic container filled with a couple of each of the different style lights on the truck) Like was mentioned earlier I would only worry about small repairs because you are probrably not getting paid at all to do the repairs. But it sure does suck too sit at a customer and wait for road side service because the trailer your picking up has something wrong that would only take five minutes to fix.