Must-Have Tools for Live aboard Boat Life

[@LaughterOnWater]

Engine tools, plumbing tools, electronics tools, sail and sheet tools… you could do a whole series on minimal and extended toolkits needed for total boat sufficiency. As always, stay safe out there!

[@artfulalias3984]

It would be a great topic covered by an engineer and cruiser. What systems would he simplify, consolidate, or eliminate on a new design? Too often its like the decision maker who adds a completely new systems, say, propane cooking or electro-hydraulic autopilot only sees the operational convenience. But not the extra tools, hoses, vent lines, routing holes, bins of fittings, soft parts and major spares, quarts and gallons of fluids, specialized sealant, ad infinitum. Its very easy for yachts in service for decades to accumulate too many types of systems without regard for interoperability of parts and tools.

[@dfhepner]

I have found that the tool to make a hose clamp out of wire the best thing to have. Clamptite. I carry it with me and a spool of stainless steel wire all the time. Also the original Vicegrips have hex slot in the adjuster knob so that you can get them really tight after they are closed. The knock offs don’t have that.

[@dfhepner]

@@backwoodsvirginia I got the small one with the wing nut. I then made larger nut with handle to get more torque.

[@patric3917]

To help with rust on tools use a corrosion-inhibitor that becomes dry to the touch. Wax based inhibitor works but some brands can make the tools a bit slippery. Shop around and find some that works for you. Makes tools stay good for many years, just don't use a wax-based corrosion-inhibitor on stainless parts. Another way is to buy some bluing liquid and apply to your tools. Makes oil penetrate a bit into the surface making them almost rustproof while not making them slippery and feel dry to the touch. Don't use on stainless and some hardened parts and only works on pure steel. Requires re-oiling them from time to time depending on use. Worked great on my adjustable wrenches. Some brands come pre-blued from the factory.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Yes I have an old blued 6" adjustable that has held up very well.

[@E.Asinus]

Lanolin spray has saved my hvac field tools.

[@matatooie]

Clark, remember, they call those screwdrivers six in one for a reason. The sockets that hold the screw bits are actually sockets;) 1/4 inch and 5/16, which are incredibly helpful when tightening or loosening hose clamps. Most hose clamps use quarter inch head on the screw head.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Yes I should have mentioned that

[@braithmiller]

Were is a metric one for the metric clamps!

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Sockets

[@hurdurdur7rl696]

Water pump pliers. The ones that ... well a plumber uses ... you can get incredible amounts of torque and compression for desperate moments (oh and those moments will find you, no doubt about that). In case you are very skilled at rounding nuts i would also recommend a file, so you could restore (or add) a flat surface to grab with wrenches.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Yes I haven't used mine in a while but should have included them.

[@Roger_Icce]

Came here to mention the channel locks, also to mention pipe wrenches, which can rival if not surpass vice grips in turning power. Would like to see your extended carry aboard tool kit. Thanks for sharing. 👍

[@TheCornucopiaProject-bd5jk]

It’s a good list I like to have “dedicated” tools. One bag for outboard, one for electrical and so on. It means I have often duplicates but reduces time looking. My biggest pet peeve is that only come in “collections”, set. And something like a #10 wrench or socket, I need more than one of but the rest of the set becomes dead weight.

[@jonathanwetherell3609]

I can not disagree with that list, very close to my minimum. I would add anti seize compound ("Copper Slip" is the go to in the UK). It will make all the difference next time as stainless usually cold welds and a little on your nuts will help get them off next time.

[@jsneds9838]

Multiple GOOD magnetic "grabbers". Telescopic, keep them soaked in WD40 or similar product. Small and big ones, One of the best life savers for boat work. Endless uses. And wrenches!

[@rickcarpenter4518]

Consider Japanese "+" drive screwdrivers. Not only do they fit perfectly with Japanese JIS screws, but they fit Western-style Phillips screws better than Phillips screwdrivers.

[@paulkopp3634]

Having read through the comments the quote from jaws came to me : “ We need a bigger boat “ !!!

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Yep. I miss my tig welder

[@rhirwin10]

My 44' sailboat is 2" lower in the waterline for all the tools I carry. 6mm-32mm open end wrenches with no skips! Angle grinders, hydraulic crimping tools, TIG & MIG tools. Carpentry tools,... machinist tools...Painting and refinishing tools...Electrical tools... VOMs, current probes, digital oscilloscopes, test probes, RJ45 & RJ11 crimp tools. Thank you for trying to constrain my addiction.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Want to cruise together??? That is if you loan tools or help with projects

[@worldweary1913]

Gotta have them.

[@eddiehendricks5441]

I’m a sucker for boat tool and tool storage solutions for boats.

[@scottkrebs586]

I will agree 100% with all of that, but add at least one essential tool that you prolly didn't "forget" to mention... a \sharp/ knife, hopefully in a sheath or scabbard at your side for use at a moment's notice - arguably this should be included in your safety equipment tho so maybe not a toolbox item. Extend that thought to include your mention of things to have on hand even if you don't know how to use them just yet: Lansky knife sharpener (I use WorkSharp at home but the Lansky is in a much more compact case / better for sailboat-sized storage). Other nice to haves: massive/obscenely large channel-lock pliers, crimpers and a box of butt connectors, multi-meter... If I am going further than day sailing in the bay then there's likely 17 other things that I won't be leaving home without lol :) but I am the old mechanic which you reference at the start. Cheers!

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Yep knife buy that's always with me. I once had to buy a 24" diamond brand "channel lock plyer". That thing is amazing. I use it as a press more than a plyer.

[@scottkrebs586]

@@Clarks-Adventure They also make the most fantastic oil filter wrenches.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Yeah, if it won't unscrew just crush it!

[@scottkrebs586]

@@Clarks-Adventure Depending on the knucklehead that installed it, sometimes that's in order. Hopefully no one was planning on reusing that oil filter anyway if you have to break out the big guns (BluePoint 20" here, any bigger and clearance problems get more challenging trying to swing them as I'm sure you know). Also good for putting caliper pistons back in place, but that's not germane to boats and terrible advice if one doesn't know what one is doing lol :)

[@E.Asinus]

10:20 lol, they’re called the farmers nut rounder for a reason. Open and or box ended wrenches are a must for engine work. The ukranian socket set (crescent wrench) is really limited

[@kbbarton1]

I have one of those 4-in-1 cheap screwdriver tools that you mentioned, and not only is it very useful but it has also held up well over 12 years in a saltwater environment. Brilliant!

[@Seafariireland]

Excellent lesson, thank you. SkipRay, Kerry, Ireland.

[@bobuncle8704]

Great short list. I’d have the problem of taking too much along. I’ve often thought I’d bring my welder with me, if I went cruising. I just don’t know the regulations about carrying welding gasses while travelling globally.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

No worries on welding gas. I had to leave my yig welder in Florida. Sad, but just not enough room

[@braithmiller]

28v (24)batteries and alternator is the start of a compact welder. I am wooden boat still will happen in the priority list. Steel boat it's a basic.

[@nodogrunner]

You can take welding rods and heavy wire. Welding mask plastic insert you can use with your glasses in a pinch.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

I can barely lay down a decent bead with proper gear. No way I could even get aluminium to stick together without proper gear.

[@stevecurran3007]

I would ad a magnetic parts grabber. I realize most of the fasteners are non magnetic but those things will keep hou sane.

[@DefaultUser61]

I’ve been looking for a video like this for a while now!

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Glad to help. Similar ones are coming. Subscribed?

[@richard9316]

Great video, don't have a boat yet but once I get her will definitely refer to this vud.

[@johnnylightning1491]

I don't have a sailboat but I do have a motorhome which in many ways just a square boat with a bigger engine and wheels. I couldn't agree more with your selection of tools especially when it comes to buying brand name vice grips. The only knock-of that comes anywhere close is an OLD Craftsman one which is no longer available but the OGs are still better. As one of the previous posters said some safety wire and safety wire pliers can be a lifesaver. I got a pair of the pliers from Harbor Freight and they aren't half bad. Keep the good stuff coming Clark.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

I've never used those but we got a lot of recommendations for them in Emily's boat build series.

[@josephclayton1835]

🤠, you start to talk tools and look at all of the old guys coming out of the woodwork to comment, I love it!

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Yes. If this does well I'd like to do more on tools. Most boats don't carry anything but the basics. I went the other way. Honestly I might have a problem.

[@travistucker7317]

I did the same thing trading in an old craftsman 1/2" ratchet. They brought me the new one with plastic button and selector. I told the guy nah, I'll keep my old one, but it was like they already dropped it back on the forge and called the ratchet cops and said they were gonna have an issue with a customer.

[@mvintrigue-trawlerdiy1101]

As usual spot on. But I would add 2 things. A combination wire cutter and stake crimper and I now have to include a few of the Knipex pliers. Clark,, if yo havent tried some of the Knipex stuff recently it is something to investigate. Especially the smaller one. Super useful and one of my "go to" tools now. Especially the Knipex pliers/wrench and the Knipex Cobras. This is also one of the few times brand matters and you must go with Knipex. Thanks for all your videos, they have been truly helpful.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

I've heard good things

[@jeffmayart]

I definitely be interested what you carry of the tools that are often overlooked, or specially tools that your not going to find just anywhere ... thanks Clark...

[@annhysell6064]

Definitely saving this video. Great short course on necessary tools. I will be watching for more. And the roll storage bags, necessity on a boat, the plastic boxes are awful. Thank you Emily & Clark.

[@obxarms7685]

Remember that old forged vise your Pop Pop left you? The new ones are all cast! ..a good forged vise today goes for 500-1500 bucks!

[@therokenman2594]

Great video, as always.

[@patrickfitzoot]

Robertson not Roberts. Understandable mistake for US residents. There are 3 basic sizes R1,R2, R3 and at least 2 others I have encountered (0 and 4). In Canada we mostly by bits (in 10 packs) or long bits, and use drills or multibit drivers to run them. R2 is the most common. Superior screw head, and in a pinch I can make a driver out of an old screwdriver, using a grinder. I'll add, BF Brass Hammer. Got into the habit years ago, transfers energy without damaging steel surface (as much). Good content as always, cheers.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

I realized my mistake after editing (made a citation in the description). Sorry to all the Canadian tool guys

[@markthomasson5077]

I heard the problem with Roberts head, is that are too good, and all too easy to shear off the screw head.

[@patrickfitzoot]

@@markthomasson5077 yes if you happen upon low quality screws they will shear. Decent screws and a little common sense I can drive a thousands without problems (there was a box I got once that had to be thrown out). Most drills have a clutch on them these days so really it's academic after you work out the shear strength and adjust the clutch

[@josephclayton1835]

OMG 🤠, I was just trying to figure out a better way to store my tools to make it easier to find and realized how many screwdrivers I have, like you I have a couple of old 1ft long drivers . I must have 40 of them. I am Hard pressed to get rid of any.I think us old guys are all the same!

[@davidhakes3884]

A few tools are good for some, I need a big enough boat to House All my tools, Machine shop, welding/ fab shop, Forging tools(knife making) Painting tools, sanders grinders and paint guns, SEWING MACHINE for Sails Lets Not forget Wiring tools and last but not least Jewelers tools. Good stuff Clark. But Dang I will have to have a 75ft to 125ft boat.

[@brownnoise357]

An impact driver set set with impact screwdriver tips plus impact Sockets can be a godsend along with a Torque wrench. Ive been collecting tools, along the way, and my parents bought me a very expensive German Socket Set for my 21st birthday. Buge disappointment, the So kets were so bad, they'd shatter, and bits of sharp metal would fly everywhere. I never told my parents, i just replaced Sockets in the Set with good ones as they broke. There are some pretty useful Watchmaker S rewdriver Sets, with Cutters and needle nosed Pliars in small plastic cases that go under the Rolson rand here in the UK, and I used to get them and a lot of their other tools off their wholesaler when I had my Roofing Materials Business, and their stuff used to fly out the door. The other thing I sold a lot of was a uch better WD type spray for the Marine Envirinment, called Keens Aquanol, and once I have my boat in the Caribbean, I'll see if they will ship me a pallet or two from the UK to F,orida for me to collect. Actually if they will ship to Boat Builder, Maybe I'll go for a 20ft Container full if surface shipping doesn't cost too much. Or, will Sail the boat to the UK, and get a good amount delivered to a Marina, and Sail them back over. at some point. Have to see how pricing works out. 🤔 Best Wishes and Fair Winds,. Bob in Wales still. 👍⛵️✨️✨️✨️

[@CharlesStevens-vi7ky]

As a n auto mechanic I suggest 6 point and 12 point wrenches, and only 6 point sockets. Flats vs corners but the 12 point like a ‘ratchet needs les room to catche the next bit. Sometimes there are 12 point fasteners and that is another animal. FWI you forgot the nut driver feature of the 6 way screwdriver…

[@Clarks-Adventure]

And really old square nuts work with 12 point

[@MNeilGri]

I like whaat you've listed, but would add tin snips. I find them surprisingly useful for off cutting jobs.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

I've never owned a pair Beyond sheet metal how do you find them useful?

[@MNeilGri]

@@Clarks-Adventure i find i use them to cut a lot of things, thin line, non-electrical wire, screen material, cardboard, zip ties, etc. Basically anything you would use scisors for, but worry doing so may dull/damage your scisors, or struggle getting a cut. Maybe it isn't neccessary, but I do find myself grabbing them for random projects frequently enough I miss them when I canxt find them.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Yes any tool you are used to is sorely missed. Because of TSA I don't have my knife. We didn't check bags last flight I feel like a declawed cat!

[@davidrhightower]

Supposedly, you can put camphor cubes in with your tools and it’s supposed to keep them from rusting

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Really?

[@sotosyannopoulos4889]

For a real newbie a listing of tools would be useful. Great Video!

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Well this would be the start

[@jeffdege4786]

I like Milwaukee MAXBITE locking pliers. They have a flat polymer knob with a thru-hole, instead of a knurled steel knob. When I need to hold a nut on the inside of the boat while I work a wrench on the outside, I grab it with the maxbites, then tie them off to something with parachute cord to keep them from spinning, using the hole.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

I'll look into this...

[@braithmiller]

HFT, pawn shops, lots of sources for better old tools. The tool monger has the part you need as a spare they now know.

[@philotown]

A really excellent and very informative video Clark. I have all of the tools that you mentioned but I cannot live without a pair of old slip joint pliers. Picked them up in a yard sale and they must be about a hundred years old. Absolutely invaluable. A lot like your good advice. Many thanks.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Yep very usefull

[@bailout00]

I buy two of those blue HF screwdrivers every time I go 🤣

[@davescroggins895]

I must have a socket, ratchet and extension to Manually rotate the engine

[@artfulalias3984]

That's pretty close to a universal very basic mechanical tool set: wrench set, socket set, assortment of screwdrivers and pliers. This is adjacent to the more involved topic of long term cruising tools and spares. And the philosophy of boat design. Modern yachts have a shocking reliance on specialized hardware and tools. Now all these systems are convenient and useful. But the escalation in tools, fittings, hardware, and spares usually doesn't get enough attention unless its new design work for commercial or military customers. Its very easy for yachts in service for a few decades to accumulate Systems from different decades, and different countries, and different industries. Using different wiring, terminals, connectors, bus systems, metric, SAE, compression, crimp, Torx bits, square bits... Electro-mechanical system on one end of the boat. Electro hydraulic at the other end. Engine driven hydraulic elswhere. Why go diesel or electric when hybrid diesel electric exists? Except the stove, let's have a compressed cryogenic flammable gas system for a little more convenience. Forced air, duct work, pressure water, hot water, refrigeration, ad infinitum. We seem to be creeping toward digital and all electric though.

[@SoItGoesCAL34]

Nice video. Thanks! Where/how do you store your tools (like wrenches) that do not go into a tool roll? Do you have a tool drawer? Do you use zippered tool bags? How do you keep the zippers on those tool bags working? It is a drag when you need something and the zip is frozen. 👍

[@Clarks-Adventure]

I'll show it sometime. I made a canvas wall hanger with loads of pockets. Hand tools live in it. Kinda boat friendly peg board

[@SoItGoesCAL34]

@@Clarks-Adventure That would be an interesting video (along with the laptop power supply). Thanks!

[@BadenBadenSwitzerBaden]

Are Torx not a thing? I get so frustrated when I have to do a job on an old boat and one piece is mounted with three different slot/flat/reg, philips/cross, allen/hex fasteners. I try and replace what I can with Torx and end up using two 'screwdrivers' for most of the boat. Of course, I do still love me a big flathead mini-pry/scraper/flapjack flipper/bottle opener tool!

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Yes torx.. I prefer the Robertson for the same reasons. Knowing that in a pinch an old screwdriver and a file/grinder gives me a Robertson driver. I don't think I'm up to field manufacturing a torx.

[@Gone2TxInspect]

I’ve been enjoying having a ratchet screw driver with multiple bits/heads. It has a telescoping shaft and you can turn the ratchet action off when needed. I didn’t think I’d like it but I do!

[@Clarks-Adventure]

My issue is I keep praying or hammering with whatever feels like a screwdriver. So I kill them fast.

[@Gone2TxInspect]

@@Clarks-Adventure yes it’s def not great for that. I do real estate inspections and i use the screw driver to pop water meter covers off and if you leave the bit on it can fall down into the enclosure. The little bit collar grabs pretty well alone however.

[@paulpozboater]

Hi Clark, I'd like to see something like specialty tools that you use and feel like make life easier for you. Thanks.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Sure.

[@Adamdaj]

I imagine you might advise someone to a light grit sandpaper for cleaning rust after the WD-40 Right? I know wire brushes tend to wear out the surface more than sandpaper. Of course, that depends on the metal.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

I don't really have A method. Depends on the job and what tools are handy

[@williamSailingWindDragon]

A large hammer is always helpful :-D

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Yep. I should have included that. But where do you draw the line?

[@williamSailingWindDragon]

It is a difficult question I struggle with constantly. I have 3 hammers 🤣 on board right now

[@kurtschaefer8489]

Another great video Clark! I'm adding to my list of electronic upgrades. On the subject of tools from Harbor Freight, I purchased an Ames DM1000 meter for a lot less than a Fluke, FYI. I have to ask, any new Lithium batteries tested? Also, do you have any recommendations on solar panels? A video on them would be great.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

As I see it all hard panels are basically the same. I have two batteries that arrived this week and have several more coming.

[@kurtschaefer8489]

@@Clarks-Adventure From what little I know mono crystal is the preferred panel. What is you opinion?

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Yes that is basically all that they make now. Mono lasts at high production for many years. Multi degrades but they sell them over spec so for the first couple of years they outperform.

[@akabones4404]

Robertson's rule for ease of use compared to all other types, far less slippage and striping.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

And just so satisfying to use

[@chrisbarriere101]

6:19 😂every brand makes square drive bits for 1/4” drivers

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Yes I just have trouble keeping them. And out here it's hard to replace them

[@bryrensexton4618]

👍!!!

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Thanks

[@PyeGuySailing]

Weirdly enough the two tools I have on the boat that saved my arse more times than I can count are a oscillating multi-tool and a reacher grabber tool I bought from a dollar store😂

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Where have oscillating multi-tools been all my life? I'm about to do a project with mine that I simply couldn't do without after answering these comments.

[@stevenhs8821]

Any suggestions on tool care? Do you rinse tools in freshwater? Any product to use on stored tools?

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Yes I think I talk about this with the adjustable wrenches. Fresh water and oil or wax. Or buy cheap and replace

[@curacao11]

😎

[@hyperchannel4048]

If you have ever used an original Knipex cobra, you will keep it next to the life jacket and you will definitely cry if you drop it in the sea, no matter what you paid for it. Definitely should be on the boat. Anything that looks similar is garbage. Some graphite oil and then wax spray and it's almost saltwater resistant.

[@Burvedys]

It's a scotch tape and scotch. Should be more than enough.

[@E.Asinus]

I love the tool rolls. I discovered them 20 years ago and havent looked back. I am planning on upgrading all my hand tools to work at height units when i depart on my voyage next year, do you think thats a worthwhile expense or unnecessary?

[@Clarks-Adventure]

I should have shown it but what worked best for me is a wall hanging cloth with pockets for tools. It's on the wall of my tool room and is the home for all my hand tools beyond the wrenches. Works great if you have a wall to use.

[@reversingentropy]

He who dies with the most tools, wins. 😁

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Yep

[@johnross440]

Clark, Do you recommend a hammer, a type of hammer, I like a ball pean, myself…. John, Ontario, Canada

[@Clarks-Adventure]

I use my 4 lb BFH a bunch. And a regular carpentry hammer when things just aren't that serious

[@webbrowne2291]

Don't forget the hammer. 😀

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Anything is a hammer....

[@Clarks-Adventure]

😁

[@Roly679]

Couldn't see if you had combination spanners (open one end ring the other) or a set of open and a set of ring spanners. Having the two sets (same overall volume of spanners) good when you need i.e. hold the 17mm bolt one end to undo the nut from the other, alternator bolt could be an example. In the UK Lidl spanners are cheap, 3 year guarantee, I've given mine a reasonable amount of abuse, extending them and then using my foot, they've survived.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

I have combinations. I've always been fine with either a socket or adjustable on the other end.

[@e.stanfoster2722]

I have tried a number of anti-corrosion sprays. Yes, WD-40 is handy, but does not stick and endure very long. The best I have found is LPS 3. It is wax-based. Years ago, sprayed a newly-machined mild steel exterior part on an airplane, and exposed it outside for years. Good as new. I now spray all of my steel hand tools. All of the small pieces like drill bits, drivers and spare parts go in Ziploc bags. Just open the top zipper, spray a "bath" for all of them, and zip them closed. No rust.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

@e.stanfoster2722 I don't use my "wax based" boeshild enough

[@treetopflyer139]

We are on the same Page

[@Jean-MarcMariotti]

hi, no hammer?

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Absolutely forgot it.

[@SADIK19631963]

👍🧿

[@adelarsen9776]

Your missing screw driver - Ask Emily....

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Yes it was actually in an "Emily" project. My wife isn't the best at putting her toys away

[@adelarsen9776]

@@Clarks-Adventure That's the fun and ups and downs of relationships. Happy days and good health to you both :-)

[@benkanobe7500]

Where do I get those nice strong bags for wrenches?

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Amazon, eBay...

[@braithmiller]

Harder to get and more expensive now. Make out of Sunbrella scraps.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Sure. I can't think of an easier project and would probably last longer. Dream wrap. Oiled leather

[@dyslectische]

O for sailing. Well for motor boats you need more junk.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

I have loads more junk aboard

[@podocrypto6072]

Bro, you need a new set of tools! 😸

[@Clarks-Adventure]

These work fine. Don't get hung up on shiny