In my opinion, the best car tool kit allows you to carry enough tools while taking up minimal space. No matter what you drive, it’s not a bad idea to carry some tools with you for roadside repairs. I tend to collect older vehicles. Having a few tools on-hand gives me some peace-of-mind.
Which Car Tool Kit Works Best for Me?
I am the kind of person who tends to pack too much for vacations, packing seven days’ worth of clothes for a three-day trip. That also applies to building an emergency car tool kit. I have had a tendency to include too much, which results in a heavy and bulky tool kit. There are a plethora of different bags, boxes, or containers that are suitable for putting together a car tool kit. While there are also options available for purchase, I prefer to put together my own kit.
I have tried different configurations over the years but for the last several years I have been using the Atlas 46 Yorktown Tool Roll. This tool roll allows me to carry a nice assortment of tools while taking up minimal space. It has five zip-up pockets, wrench slots, carrying handles, and it is durable. Additionally, it has buckle that allows you to roll it up into a shape that doesn’t take up too much space in your vehicle.
In full disclosure, I’m a fan of steel toolboxes. They are durable and can hold a lot of tools. Unfortunately, they can be bulky, heavy, and are not always practical to use as a daily emergency car tool kit. The Yorktown Tool Roll accomplishes the same thing but takes up less space. However, on long road trips or a drive home in an old vehicle I just purchased, I will take a second larger toolbox with additional tools and supplies.
Why the Yorktown Tool Roll Works for Me
I’ve used the Atlas 46 tool roll for the past five years. My favorite thing about it is that it can hold a large assortment of tools. My goal is to carry a basic set of tools that will allow me to make roadside repairs if I have a breakdown. This includes SAE and metric wrenches, Allen wrenches, various screwdrivers, an assortment of pliers, vice grips, an adjustable wrench, a flashlight, a hammer, a few punches/chisels, ratchets, extensions, and both SAE and metric socket sets.
Helpful tip: Put your sockets in freezer bags. I didn’t come up with this idea, but it works well. It really helps save space in your car tool kit. I separate the sockets by drive size and unit of measure. For example, I have a bag of 3/8 drive metric sockets and a bag of 3/8 drive SAE sockets. The only downside is that they are not organized so you will have to do some searching to find the socket you need.
I am far from being an expert mechanic. However, having an assortment of tools at least gives me a chance of making repairs on the road if need be. The Atlas 46 Yorktown Tool Roll has proven to be a durable compact option that has worked well for me over the last 5 years. I move it from vehicle to vehicle and take it with me when I go off-road. It doesn’t take up too much trunk space, even in my Porsche Boxter. Overall, it has been a great solution for my car tool kit needs.
