5 Toolbox Essentials That Aren’t Tools

"Aaron Vick Starnes" (aaronstarnes) 08/22/2014 at 10:28 • Filed to: None

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When I was 15 I stopped asking for toys and video games at birthdays and Christmas and started asking for tools. Quality tools can be handed down to your kids, and the more tools you have the more stuff you can fix. Here are a few things that I find indispensable that may surprise even die-hard DIYers.

5 . Krylon BBQ Paint

Ok, stick with me here. This !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! goes on smooth and is tough. Satiny black and smooth, this stuff is a near perfect match for anything underneath a car. I've seen whole exhaust systems, excluding the headers, painted in this stuff. It's cheap, durable, versatile, and looks good for a long time. Prepare the surface well and this stuff is a cheap way to get a protective coat on a part quick.

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4. Weatherstrip Adhesive

Weatherstrip Adhesive !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! can be messy but it's unparalleled in its variety of use. Apply it to the two surfaces that you want bonded, wait until it tacks off, stick 'em together and viola, fixed.

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This comes in black and yellow and, like any adhesive, it has its limitations. This versatile little tube of glue can do anything from sticking displaced weatherstrip back where it belongs to sticking the fabric down on your door panels. I've seen a headliner installed in a '69 Camaro with this stuff. The work wasn't done by a hack either, he was a pro who knew the capabilities of this quality product to do a long term repair.

3. Juicy Markers

What are you going to use to write on all those bags with? If you don't have a selection of !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! scattered around your shop the short answer is, you won't be writing at all.

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In 1964 Muhammad Ali won his first heavyweight title, Corvette decided to drop that sexy split rear window, and the world was introduced to glorious sharpies. These things are an infinitely useful, quality product. I like to keep one within arm's reach at my desk, in my truck, and in my shop.

2. Cell Phone

A !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! is probably the most valuable non-tool on the list. I snap pictures almost ceaselessly the first time I tear something down. That way I have a photographic record to back up my faulty memory when it comes time to put things back together. I always have it with me so if I need to show someone exactly what I'm talking about I have a picture right there in my pocket.

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Even my broken old !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! is internet capable, which is essentially like having the answer to any question ever asked at your fingertips. And, astonishingly, this little device can be used to talk in real time with other human beings who may have a sense of what to do in the face of a mechanical conundrum.

1. Zipper Bags

Get a couple sizes !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! and get into the habit of bagging parts as soon as take them off of your project. Write the project name on the bag, the contents, and the date.

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The project name seems obvious, but when you have your little sister's radio torn apart and the carburetor off your dirt bike in pieces, writing the name on the bag avoids any confusion.

Write the contents on the front of the bag along with any details you think will be helpful. "But I'll remember where it goes, besides I'm putting it right back on." Maybe you will, but I don't know how many times I've taken something apart and for some unforeseeable reason it sat for months before I got back to it.

Date it. This is just one more clue to what's in the bag. I remember taking my emergency brake cable off in the summer so that narrows the search through bags of parts down to the warm weather months.

Finally, this speeds up re-installation. Things just seem to put themselves back together when all the necessary pieces and hardware are right in front of you.

My tools are my most cherished and valuable possessions. I'm not much of a collector, but you could say I do collect tools. I can spend a c-note on tools without batting an eye, but when I spend it at the grocery store or buying clothes I wince every time. What are the tools you can't live without?

You can read more articles like this on !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! and follow me at !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! .

TheVancen- In Pursuit of a Greater Payday and Car Parts > Aaron Vick Starnes 08/21/2014 at 23:56

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a 3/8" drive ratchet and sockets. Almost all the fasterners on a car can be removed with it, and if a little extra leverage is needed use a big ads pipe on the handle.

MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s > Aaron Vick Starnes 08/21/2014 at 23:58

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I always keep a leatherman in my truck or backpack and have been thankful for it many times

RiceRocketeer Extraordinaire > Aaron Vick Starnes 08/22/2014 at 00:39

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Opened the article expecting Lifehacker-level tripe, but came away impressed.

E_V > Aaron Vick Starnes 08/22/2014 at 05:32

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Zipties. Never fail to have a few zipties in there, of assorted sizes. They're essential for temporarily holding things in place until you get home.

BZiel > Aaron Vick Starnes 08/22/2014 at 07:20

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The camera has saved my butt more times than I can count, especially on more complicated repairs. There is nothing like having a photo record of how to put something back together.

William Byrd > Aaron Vick Starnes 08/22/2014 at 08:29

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#6 Beer

Great list, was pleased to have most of those. I use the heck out of sharpies on most projects, same with Ziploc bags. The large gallon sized are perfect for lots of stuff.

crowmolly > Aaron Vick Starnes 08/22/2014 at 08:53

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Stuff that will fit in the box?

Anti-sieze and Kroil/PB Blaster.

Stuff that won't?

Internet connection and associated device.

MonkeePuzzle > William Byrd 08/22/2014 at 09:23

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while I dont drink beer, it and pizza are a good way to entice others over to assist with heavy lifting, which can be might handy

DipodomysDeserti > Aaron Vick Starnes 08/22/2014 at 09:55

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I would add gloves and PB Blaster.

Milky > William Byrd 08/22/2014 at 10:33

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Came here to say this.

For Sweden > Aaron Vick Starnes 08/22/2014 at 10:33

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Hey, I'm not on this list!

Oh...

:(

The Real Dacia Sandero > Aaron Vick Starnes 08/22/2014 at 10:34

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The Ikea Jansjo light. It's super cheap, bright, and has a long gooseneck that is super convenient for getting into tight areas. You can get it with a weighted base or clamp. I use it nearly every time I work on my car.

link: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/…

FrederickLawOlmsteez > Aaron Vick Starnes 08/22/2014 at 10:41

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I'd swap out the paint for some JB Weld.

BoulderZ > Aaron Vick Starnes 08/22/2014 at 10:45

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Wired tags, for the stuff that's too big for ziplocs. There's enough room to write the name of the part, where it goes, which orientation, before/after which parts, which fasteners go where, and if the part needed other attention. I used 750 of these (I kept track of all materials) while rebuilding the Z.

FJ80WaitinForaLSV8 > Aaron Vick Starnes 08/22/2014 at 10:50

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I would add bailing wire -

thebigbossyboss > Aaron Vick Starnes 08/22/2014 at 11:53

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Good article I use ziplocks but I put little sticky notes inside the bag with the contents.

I may use that BBQ in the bottom of my rocker panels...As long as I paint the sides, I don't think having black paint on the bottom would be much problem.

klurejr > William Byrd 08/22/2014 at 12:35

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+1 on the beer, and I will add one more:

#7 Friends. It is always nice to have a second set of hands.

leveedog > Aaron Vick Starnes 08/22/2014 at 12:37

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Re: Zipper Bags. My version is to right a description and a diagram on a slip of paper I put in the bag. No worries about ink smears, easier to read too. And the bags can be reused.

functionoverfashion > Aaron Vick Starnes 08/22/2014 at 12:38

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I throw in a white paint pen with the sharpie - it fills in the FEW gaps where a sharpie is inadequate.

pfftballer > Aaron Vick Starnes 08/22/2014 at 12:39

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How could you forget zip ties? Also masking tape is needed to mark electrical connectors when you pull them off so you know where it gets plugged back in. This is a big deal if you're pulling an engine etc.

High Road > Aaron Vick Starnes 08/22/2014 at 12:41

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Where's the duct tape?

tobythesandwich > Aaron Vick Starnes 08/22/2014 at 12:41

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I don't use the zipper bags because they are pretty pricy. And ultimately I won't reuse them because they'll be loaded with grease from whatever I'm working on.
I buy the thin sandwich bags and haven't looked back. They won't hold up to sharp items of course. But the cost a dollar for something like 250 of them. And are just as easy to write on as the Ziplocks.

Matt Urban > Aaron Vick Starnes 08/22/2014 at 12:41

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Chairman Kaga > Aaron Vick Starnes 08/22/2014 at 12:41

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Can we add items? From experience:

willkinton247 > Aaron Vick Starnes 08/22/2014 at 12:42

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Haynes Repair Manuals are pretty useful too.

The Old Man from Scene 24 > Aaron Vick Starnes 08/22/2014 at 12:42

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Duct tape/electrical tape, cable ties (both the plastic and velcro ones) gloves and some form of eye protection need to be added to this list

Chairman Kaga > Matt Urban 08/22/2014 at 12:43

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Brilliant!

RaggedMile > TheVancen- In Pursuit of a Greater Payday and Car Parts 08/22/2014 at 12:43

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Ratchets and sockets are tools though. This is about non-tools that are essential.

Doug Radcliffe > Aaron Vick Starnes 08/22/2014 at 12:44

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You forgot something

JBurd67 > Matt Urban 08/22/2014 at 12:48

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Came here to post this. Here's my pic...

Coty > Aaron Vick Starnes 08/22/2014 at 12:48

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Agree with all of them, except putting the project name on the bag. How are you supposed to make a V8 CD player if you do that?

I esp. agree with the taking pictures pre-teardown. I did that with the carb when I took it off my Beetle. We'll find out how well I did when I go to put it back on tomorrow.

Beckola > Aaron Vick Starnes 08/22/2014 at 12:50

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I'd add a roll of 3M Auto Super Strength Molding Tape is great to always have on hand also. Two other items I can't live without. A flexible claw pick-up tool and a telescoping rare earth magnet pick-up tool.

aktif8 > Matt Urban 08/22/2014 at 12:50

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great suggestion!

I use painters tape. fold over a section, write on it, and stick the hardware right next to it. great in that it's easily accessible for reassembly, labeled, and sorted (if hardware that looks similar is actually slightly different, this method lets you put it in order.)

ouikikazz > Aaron Vick Starnes 08/22/2014 at 12:50

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wire hanger! i would never be able to snake through electrical wiring jobs on my car without it...best part is, just take it off your dry cleaning, essentially free (with dry cleaning)

Jimmy Joe Meeker > Aaron Vick Starnes 08/22/2014 at 12:52

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Some years ago when KMarts were closing in mass I picked up cans of engine paint. Good tough paint for just about anything.

Paint markers are usually better than sharpies. I write on the parts I remove, boxes they are stored in.

Going through some stuff I found a Polaroid photo of a drum brake my grandfather took prior to dis-assembly. So any 'instant' photographic record will do.

furmingerres_t > Aaron Vick Starnes 08/22/2014 at 12:53

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last pay check was $9500 working 12 hours a week online. My neighbour's sister has been averaging 15k for months now and she works about 20 hours a week. I can't believe how easy it was once I tried it out.

This is what I do,,,,,,,,,,

www.KeptMoney.CoM

SouthboundPachyderm > William Byrd 08/22/2014 at 12:53

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Beer is necessary, but I usually keep mine in the fridge or a cooler instead of a tool chest...

Shanon Wagner > Aaron Vick Starnes 08/22/2014 at 12:54

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Rust Reformer:

My entire car is painted in this stuff.

litespud > Aaron Vick Starnes 08/22/2014 at 13:00

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When I took apart my TR6 for restoration, I photographed/sketched everything, and went through ~200 numbered ziploks. When I reassembled, I just started at the back of the "car notebook" and worked my way back to the beginning. I learned long ago not to trust anything like this memory - it'll screw you every time

kbasa > Aaron Vick Starnes 08/22/2014 at 13:00

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"viola"? "Voila!"

It's a "Porch-uh" > FJ80WaitinForaLSV8 08/22/2014 at 13:10

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Acceptable if you're working on a LeMons car.

bpromersberger > Aaron Vick Starnes 08/22/2014 at 13:10

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lets not forget the zip ties.

RidgeR5 > William Byrd 08/22/2014 at 13:11

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Not a beer drinker myself. I'll get a few bottles of Mexican Coca Cola instead.

RidgeR5 > TheVancen- In Pursuit of a Greater Payday and Car Parts 08/22/2014 at 13:13

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Tools that are not tools is the name of the list.

everyonejustcalmdown > Aaron Vick Starnes 08/22/2014 at 13:14

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So, you've given us a partial list of shop supplies. Thanks.

ASEp2 > TheVancen- In Pursuit of a Greater Payday and Car Parts 08/22/2014 at 13:15

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!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

ratchets and sockets are tools.

Random J Nerd > Aaron Vick Starnes 08/22/2014 at 13:16

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One of my favorites is a handful of zip ties. Particularly good when pulling a bunch of things off a shaft (cogs, spacers, etc), slide them off directly onto the zip tie, and you will have them in the correct order to replace.

KunoMochi > BZiel 08/22/2014 at 13:19

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There's also the handiness of being able to take pictures of hard to reach places, like the underside of cars that may be too low to get under. Helps a lot if you want to see what exactly goes on right behind the bumper so you can take it off without breaking any of the clips.

Xaoc > William Byrd 08/22/2014 at 13:23

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please tell me you have a refrigerated tool box and if so, i want one.

inefficient > Aaron Vick Starnes 08/22/2014 at 13:26

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the semi-disposible tubs are great too.

William Byrd > Xaoc 08/22/2014 at 13:27

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Yep!

Actually, no, but that would be awesome. I feel like that must exist and if it doesn't, I think we should build one to sell.

Pending Approval > William Byrd 08/22/2014 at 13:30

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they exist, as well as ones with built in radios, I got my dad one for his birthday a few years back. Basically a mini fridge built into a massive tool cart.

http://www.lowes.com/pd_null_?produ…

Xaoc > Aaron Vick Starnes 08/22/2014 at 13:31

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If your like me and have a god awful memory, markers and especially chalk or the like are a must, i'll have whole lists written directly on to the parts, detailing orientation, what to put on before assembly and i'll also circle out chips, cracks and other blemishes, use pen for smooth surfaces and chalk for rough surfaces and keep some break cleaner handy to spray on and wipe off before or after assembly.

Also, thats another thing to add to your list, Break cleaner or super strong degreaser, if you dont have any of this stuff around, stop what your doing and grab some A.S.A.P

Also, damn you Pending be damned.

stevethecurse > Aaron Vick Starnes 08/22/2014 at 13:33

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Zipties.

IGetPwnedOften > Aaron Vick Starnes 08/22/2014 at 13:36

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The phone idea is a good one. I always take pictures of unfamiliar systems as I'm dismantling them - it's amazing how many times you're reassembling something and you come across a screw or a spring and think "where the heck does this go?"

The other thing that is a must for me is copper grease. Whenever you take something apart, I'd heartily recommend a good covering of copper grease on all fastenings, especially on brake components. It's also a good idea to put some on the hubs before you put the wheels back on, particularly if you have alloy wheels. The only thing worse than getting a flat is getting a flat and then not being able to get the damn wheel off, usually when it's dark and raining.

H4N5 GRU83R > Aaron Vick Starnes 08/22/2014 at 13:36

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Masking tape or painters tape for labeling vacuum lines and wires. So essential.

BigAsn > Aaron Vick Starnes 08/22/2014 at 13:42

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White Out. Great for making temporary marks on things.

Andrew > Aaron Vick Starnes 08/22/2014 at 13:42

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How does zip ties not crack the top 5?

qoncept > Aaron Vick Starnes 08/22/2014 at 13:43

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I always have a shitload of paper plates to organize nuts and bolts on.

Tim the KNinja > Aaron Vick Starnes 08/22/2014 at 13:47

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Can vouch for #5. I used it on a fire pit (close to what it's made for) and realized right off how versatile the paint is. Looks good, too. It's really quite surprising. Krylon is one of of the better rattle can companies.

boobytrapsandtreasure > Aaron Vick Starnes 08/22/2014 at 13:48

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Weatherstrip Adhesive = Amen.

Gizmo44 > Chairman Kaga 08/22/2014 at 13:48

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No garage should be without zip ties of all shapes, sizes and lengths.

I would substitue Dawn for Go-Jo, Lava soap, etc. if you're getting really dirty.

BZiel > KunoMochi 08/22/2014 at 13:49

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So true.

Boxer_4 > crowmolly 08/22/2014 at 13:51

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Aerokroil is the best!

Jorge Milian > The Real Dacia Sandero 08/22/2014 at 13:52

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Glue a couple of rare-earth magnets to the bottom of it ,and it'll be perfect.

Jorge Milian > DipodomysDeserti 08/22/2014 at 13:53

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+1 on the gloves..saves knuckles and cleanup time, Welder's gloves for work around exhaust pipes.

nerd_racing > Aaron Vick Starnes 08/22/2014 at 14:11

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How about a headlight? I have one I found on clearance in the camping section and the thing is awesome. Completely eliminated a trouble light and no extension cords!

nerd_racing > Boxer_4 08/22/2014 at 14:12

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50/50 atf and acetone is better. and cheaper. Just not something you can get pre-made in the store.

Brickman > Aaron Vick Starnes 08/22/2014 at 14:14

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I use Hillshire Farms deli containers. Eat yummy sammiches and use the container to store smaller parts when rebuilding, or organizing. Lid seals well and plastic is tough enough for parts cleaner, etc.

TechWeasel > Aaron Vick Starnes 08/22/2014 at 14:17

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Wow so many typos... Good info, Aaron, but do yourself a huge favor and proofread your work before you post. Nobody at Jalopnik will, that's for sure.

Struts MacPherson > Aaron Vick Starnes 08/22/2014 at 14:28

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Those are all tools.

Ducky > Aaron Vick Starnes 08/22/2014 at 14:46

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Presumably if you have a toolbox, you are handy with tools. These things CAN be repaired if you make a quick trip to eBay.

wheremyboardtakesme > Aaron Vick Starnes 08/22/2014 at 14:50

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Masking tape. Use it to label hoses, wire connectors...etc. Shop towels are nice to have around, too.

Beast2Usa > William Byrd 08/22/2014 at 15:07

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I added a dorm fridge to the side locker on my toolbox with a microwave on top. I worked allot!!!!

William Byrd > Beast2Usa 08/22/2014 at 15:08

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Damn good idea! Food and beer in a toolbox, heck if I had a bathroom in the garage I would get a lot of projects done!

Stupidru > Aaron Vick Starnes 08/22/2014 at 15:13

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I will see your Sharpie and raise you an Inkzall which is quite honestly the best thing to happen to my garage since I got it. Greasy, wet, dusty, no problem. This thing does it all

MINI STIG > Aaron Vick Starnes 08/22/2014 at 15:16

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Air compressor! It lets my tired old hands work for a longer time. Also crowsfoot wrenches for those impossible to get at items. And finally, small plastic bins or milk crates for part storage plus several magnetic parts holders keep everything from getting lost.

PanchoVilleneuve ST > Aaron Vick Starnes 08/22/2014 at 15:22

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Old rags. Lots of old rags. There will always be something that needs soaking up or wiping off.

pintowgn73 > Aaron Vick Starnes 08/22/2014 at 15:46

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the one thing that I use every day that isn't an actual tool is my flash light. Buy a good one. Shop lights are nice and all, but a flash light can go almost anywhere and aim right where you need it. You can't fix it if you can't see it.

ElJuggernauto > BoulderZ 08/22/2014 at 15:47

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I use the heck out of those tags!

Aaron Vick Starnes > Coty 08/22/2014 at 15:48

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I think the real question is "how do we get it to do a burnout?"

ElJuggernauto > BoulderZ 08/22/2014 at 15:51

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These wire tag stickers are useful too, especially for working with wiring harnesses or when you need to remember that "tab a aligns with slot b". You can get them in numbers, letters, or combination of both. The gardner bender booklets are cheap, the 3m dispensers (and refills) not so much.

ChrisMSF > Aaron Vick Starnes 08/22/2014 at 16:11

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I would feel like a backwoods cousin-kisser spraying my car in Krylon BBQ paint. Especially since Eastwood Chassis Black has been a thing for decades.

http://www.eastwood.com/chassis-black

BoulderZ > ElJuggernauto 08/22/2014 at 16:13

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Thanks for the tip about the alphanumeric tags/stickers! I love GB stuff. I've bought their wire nuts by the quart while rewiring my house to modern code/spec (1950s wiring had no ground).

JWSpeedWorkz > Aaron Vick Starnes 08/22/2014 at 16:18

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Uhhh, as a professional technician, my list would include paperclips. They can be used for a whole slew of electrical work, a flexible pick, they can be magnetized and used to get into tight spaces, and they hold papers together!

JWSpeedWorkz > Aaron Vick Starnes 08/22/2014 at 16:18

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Uhhh, as a professional technician, my list would include paperclips. They can be used for a whole slew of electrical work, a flexible pick, they can be magnetized and used to get into tight spaces, and they hold papers together!

JWSpeedWorkz > Aaron Vick Starnes 08/22/2014 at 16:18

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Uhhh, as a professional technician, my list would include paperclips. They can be used for a whole slew of electrical work, a flexible pick, they can be magnetized and used to get into tight spaces, and they hold papers together!

buford-t-justice > Aaron Vick Starnes 08/22/2014 at 16:23

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I use, fluid sample bottles (piss sample bottles) for small items. You can label them, stack them, and screw cap.

Dave-O > Xaoc 08/22/2014 at 16:42

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Here you go sir.

TBDM325i > Aaron Vick Starnes 08/22/2014 at 16:43

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come on people #1 zip ties

Xaoc > Dave-O 08/22/2014 at 16:47

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Great, thanks, I need more debt.

dave the swede car guy > Aaron Vick Starnes 08/22/2014 at 16:50

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Toolbox Essentials in the 70's A large Rock, a roll of bailing wire, and a roll of duct tape

Shiarlis > Aaron Vick Starnes 08/22/2014 at 16:54

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T_T

neidertmike > Aaron Vick Starnes 08/22/2014 at 17:49

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#6 Zip ties

Analyticus > Matt Urban 08/22/2014 at 17:50

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That image scrolls perfectly on my computer as one row of cups per mouse wheel click. Fantastic animation ensues. /easilyamused

Boombayadda > William Byrd 08/22/2014 at 18:00

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Yup, my mind went straight to Bottle Opener.

Like this thing with the knife and corkscrew:

SRTPT > Aaron Vick Starnes 08/22/2014 at 18:26

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Grabber tool, flexible, plunger style. Magnet is nice but it doesn't work to well on a rubber grommet inside an intercooler.. Never been without one since.. It has paid for itself x10 over with bringing back nuts and bolts dropped into the void..

Kiltedpadre > Matt Urban 08/22/2014 at 19:04

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You beat me to it. When my now wife and I moved in together she didn't understand why I had several ratty muffin tins in with my tool sets. As an added feature I hot glued some hefty magnets underneath the cups on the outside. That has saved me from losing my mind several times when I accidentally bump the pan and send clattering to the floor.

Kiltedpadre > MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s 08/22/2014 at 19:08

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I have several myself; one in the glove box of each of our cars, one in each of my tackle boxes, one that stays in the box I take hunting, one in the kitchen, etc etc etc. My in-laws now have a running joke concerning trying to determine how far away I am from my nearest multitool depending on where I am in the house.

Kiltedpadre > Chairman Kaga 08/22/2014 at 19:09

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I discovered while working with old aircraft mechanics that mineral oil works great at getting grease and oil off of hands. Yes, it still leaves oil on your hands, but the mineral oil comes off much more easily with even just regular soap and water.