Overlanding Minimalist Toolkit: Ratchets and Sockets. 3/8" flexheads and just a few semi-deeps.

[@brianmellard5886]

I’m really enjoying the series. Thanks for taking the time to share it with us

[@bereadyeveryday6764]

Really love this series. The way you approach your tool kits is refreshing, logical, and borderline cutthroat. I love it and hope to learn a little more about how to be ruthless in my tool selections. Thank you!

[@rwbishop]

I have and for many years used & liked one of those Snap-On 3/8" ball type chrome universals... then bought the Koken version (3771Z) & never looked back. They also make an excellent 1/4" version (2771Z). Might I suggest taking at look. Cool videos, Thanks!

[@Apache-Helicopter-Life]

Love the channel, reviews are Amazing. You’re ability to sum things up and explain things is top notch. Thank you.

[@Apache-Helicopter-Life]

Watching the channel has helped me hone in on what I really need and how to organize it. Now my issue is selling all of the impulse buys that I don’t need anymore.

[@user-cs1ne8gx9u]

Looks good. I like the semi deep sockets as well. Thanks

[@LivingOverland]

Love the thought process behind your selections. I'm in the process of doing this exact exercise with our GX 460!

[@jakechef994]

good video doc, idk if I agree that only carrying sockets you're going to use is a great idea, I cant tell you how many times I've fixed Tacoma's or atvs on the trails around out here in Colorado and I'm in an old 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee, you'd be surprised how many people dont have the proper lug sockets to change a tire, even tho they have a spare, in the woods or how many ATVs n UTVs simply wiggle bolts lose n drop control arms on the trail, it's not your problem unless you do alot of long narrow shelf roads like there are here in Colorado. I can think of a few times where turning around was not an option and if I did I would surely run out of gas before returning all the way back 40 or so miles up the mtn, not 2 mention being the good samaritan feels nice, dont think fixing someone else's vehicle wont help u, I've put out vehicle fires fab back in the woods where ppl are simply watching there vehicle burn because they had no fire extinguishers, didnt thinkn it would happen to them, i show up prepared, or over prepared, n try 2 compensate for everyone else, just my take on it.

[@lastbesttool]

Great points. And I have encountered more than a few in need of assistance. Unfortunately carrying tools exclusively for others is not on my list today. A tourniquet maybe, but not an SAE wrench set. And trail repairs can get rather crude so pulling bolts from other areas, pounding on mis-sized sockets and wrenches, and ratchet-strapping parts together is all part of the fun.

[@benny353]

Great Video again, I think you should definitely look at the spare parts you are going to be taking and then go back and audit the required tools for the parts including the parts you have to strip to get access. Also tools like a strap spanner for filters, tools for fitting hoses and so on.

[@lastbesttool]

Good suggestions. The only filter I anticipate needing a tool to change is the oil filter, but that filter on this Tacoma basically sticks straight out of the top of the engine. Easy access, and old school screw on design. Worst case is I could punch a screwdriver through it sideways to make a handle. But while my usual removal tool is a triple jaw twisting ratchet thing, a pair of Cobras will work in a pinch.

[@stuartlockwood9645]

Hi ,I would carry Std length 3/8 sockets in 6 point, and the same size in deep 6 point, and lug nuts are often harder to remove than you think so a 1/2" strong bar and appropriate socket might be the thing to carry, I presume you'll carry a selection of wrenches , etc , if your going to do an oil and filter change then a strap wrench of some sort for the filter, and spare sump plug and washer can get you out of trouble, at least if you can remove the old filter whithout damage., Then if all else fails you can reuse it, I'm afraid the list goes on and on, but as an old retired mechanic, I try to cover as many scenario's as I can, I hope you have a safe journey, best wishe's to you and your's, Stuart UK.

[@bluefj-wc3vz]

I absolutely love that hard handle shorty flex. Probably my favorite. Of course my handle is Combat Green. 😂🤘

[@lastbesttool]

It is amazing. So much now is access over torque. Just getting a clean line onto the fastener is half the battle, and the rest is a comfortably snug fit that is much easier to assess with a short handle ratchet. I've sheared off fasteners with big ratchets completely unaware of the excessive force until that gut wrenching feeling of a loss of resistance indicating something broke. Even did it to a lug nut stud once.

[@derekatkins8494]

When are you gonna give us a shop tour?! Or tool box tour? You have so much stuff, it would be cool to see how you organize everything

[@nickshepherd1935]

This is a great idea to thin out to what you actually need, this and a couple of articles I've read recently are all pushing me that way. However, on a Toyota, I would always take a 13mm, quite often the M8 bolts that Toyota use a 12mm head on will have been replaced by someone with a standard 13mm headed M8 bolt.

[@tomcardale5596]

I've gone through a similar range of thinking with my Land Rover Defender, but I came to a very different conclusion. I carry 1/4 and 1/2 sets but no 3/8 at all. I have been grateful of both sizes, for example when my anti roll bar half fell off whilst driving across the Sahara or small interior things. As it's a general purpose vehicle for me, the 1/2" set also means I've got something for trailer wheel nuts etc. when I'm not traveling. At home, my primary use sockets sets are 3/8ths because it's the most universally useful size for vehicles but I don't think I would want to manage without 1/2 or 1/4 and so 3/8ths is redundant.

[@felixf5211]

Driving across the Sahara. I'd like to buy you a drink.

[@tomcardale5596]

@@felixf5211 haha, sounds more impressive than it actually is! Was pretty awesome though.

[@raafiqabrahams5170]

@tomcardale5596, I agree completely, I don't even own a 3/8 set,I keep 1/4 and 1/2 in my vehicle kit, there's just nothing you can't deal with when you have them

[@MPD90]

Good setup, although I think you should explore the Veto Pro Pac MB and/or MB2. I'd challenge yourself on whether you really need the longer ratchet if you're going to stick with that pouch size, as it seems a shame to have something loose!

[@poonbandit9924]

Macs expert brand ball swivel is lighter and smaller and held up to use with my 3/8” snap on pneumatic and Milwaukee cordless impact in a pinch many times when I didn’t think I needed a swivel socket but really really needed one.

[@cjcaldie]

Interested to see your storage ideas. I've contemplated over multiple small bags vs one large bag with smaller compartments. I've taken both routs depending on their uses and my time with experience and I still cannot decide. I personally found that when it comes to something like my edc bag is organized multiple bags based off needs and each bag will fulfill that need. Chargers, med, spare clots, etc. Where as I tried that with tools but found opening multiple bags becomes a pain because I'm needing certain things from multiple sets. I still haven't found the best solution but I've resolved to a 2 bag system where one is a multi purpose set where those tools will always be taken out or wanted close by no matter the task. The other one I'm not so sure on. It is more of a dump bag with socket rails and a short list of tools that can handle most jobs around the truck

[@lastbesttool]

Ultimately, my storage choices will be dictated by the vehicle storage options. Right now I am aiming at the under rear seat storage in the Tacoma. It is a rather contoured channel of varying depths so different sized pouches will fit in like puzzle pieces.

[@mrbobthebuilderss]

I would love to know how the trip goes and what changes you would make to your tool bag if you go again.

[@sandy_knight]

Do you have an episode planned on your storage options? I'd like to know more about that pouch you had your socket set in...

[@vx6883]

Ready to go

[@rustydogrustydog9191]

Hey Doc. Thanks for all the content man its always a pleasure to contemplate on. I’d like to make a friendly suggestion. Have you ever given a military “tanker” bag any consideration ? I think you would really love it for your overland carry. The nylon army surplus kind is the one you want , stay away from the cotton ones. Peace

[@georgeferlazzo7936]

Hello again Doc Thank you for another Great Video. How long is your trip, time wise? If you're roughing it, don't forget what tools you may need for a tire repair. I hope you don't need it, otherwise you look very good to me!!!!!! Have a great time with your family and friends!!!!

[@lastbesttool]

Hi George. Thanks for watching. I'll be on the road about a month. The tentative plan is north to the Arctic Circle in both Canada and Alaska. I have tire repair gear. That will be in the recovery gear video still to come.

[@georgeferlazzo7936]

@@lastbesttool That sounds like a real good family time, make those memories. It's the snuff that your kids will need in the future. Your doing a great job, enjoy!!!!!

[@mitsaras2003]

Perhaps a pass-through socket set, like the ones by Gearwrench / Pittsburgh etc. would cover the need for both the low profile and deep sockets - I have not used one however, and not really sure how good/ bad they are.

[@ptstouring49]

Question Doc, and not a criticism, really a question. Have you used semi-deep to do all the work you are possibly going to have to do? I ask because I have never owned or even used semi-deep, but some things I have found there is only room for a regular socket. One thing I would consider is putting the 13mm in the kit. I know Japanese don’t use it, but I bet there are some on the camper or aftermarket equipment as 13mm is very common. So too for the M6 hex. Probably much more likely to use those than the E7 (I don’t think you even remove the studs). It also looks like the PB Swiss hex keys will fit in the bag. PS leaving the E14 and M12 Allen … you mean you don’t plan to pull the diff on the trail? Oh right, it’s a Toyota not a Rover.

[@lastbesttool]

First, checking around the truck with the semi deep is on my list. I will split the difference with socket lengths where possible, but might need to include some specific longs or shorts. I already ran into a 13mm issue because I built out a set of extra bolts and the medium size (all grade 8) had 13mm heads. The others were 10mm and 17mm. The particulars model of Toyota Tacoma is the most dialed in model ever. The 14 and 15 year models were at the end of the gen 2 and have the highest reliability. Even the common problems are rather mundane. So, yes, no Rover.

[@ptstouring49]

Agreed. The only actual issue on tacos is frame rot, but nothing a few dollars of Eastwood products (or similar) won’t prevent. I have.a 2016 4x4 5MT 2.7. I am partial to the 4 banger, but the 4.0 V6 is also excellent.

[@lastbesttool]

@@ptstouring49 The frame rusting was a serious mistake on Toyota's part. However, my Taco is well beyond the last of the bad frames. Plus it has a full aftermarket undercoat. And there is very little application of any chloride based ice melts used around where I am. I have an 84 Toyota Hilux that is only showing bed rust and windshield sealant rot.

[@kellstat]

Curious to know some of these tool kit weights that your putting together ?

[@MattLitkeRacing]

Would a standard universal like TMU8B be good enough? It’s definitely smaller and lighter than the ball style

[@mrweisu]

Watched this with my son. He said you’re basically flexing expensive new tools. I corrected him. You’re just flexing a big old wallet. 😅

[@lastbesttool]

Well, if you're watching the video, it worked! And if you watched it with your son, even better. Seriously, thanks for the comment.

[@mrweisu]

@@lastbesttool Learning how to use tools is better than playing games. He knows the prices of all the gaming gears. So each time you pick up a tool, I ask him to google the price of that exact item. I am happy that he walked away with the appreciation for hand tools and hopefully can develop a life long relationship.

[@mumbles1justin]

Have you verified 6 point sockets are adequate for tail shaft flange bolts and U joint bolts

[@joshford8760]

On the 21, dose the broaching one side of the socket fit on a lug nut?

[@lastbesttool]

Yes. That was my initial concern when I saw the half-broached interior. I can get the lug nuts off with a shallow 21 as well.

[@fernandoboss1740]

do you buy your tools from the truck?

[@NickGuyFski]

Hey Doc, what generation Tacoma do you have?

[@lastbesttool]

Gen 2 2014 TRD Sport longbed

[@dahamsta]

Pardon the off topic question: What watch are you wearing?

[@lastbesttool]

DSSD

[@dahamsta]

@@lastbesttool Thanks

[@MattMorris481]

I’ve said it before but I’ll say it again, if this guy stops buying Snap On tools his dealer will go bankrupt and even Snap On will have to do some belt tightening.

[@willyqueen4066]

Maybe go with wubble plus extensions

[@lastbesttool]

Thinking about them. But that's the hesitation with the swivel adaptor. It just works so much better.

[@steveclark..]

I've worked on vehicles neigh on 40 years now, my tool collection is vastly larger now, I blame the vehicle manufacturers for this. To think how much space there is under the hood of say a 80's car for example, that and not so many different types of fasteners either.

[@jerrybobteasdale]

I don't like using any ratchet for lug nuts. Even with a cheater pipe, they´re not good enough. Carry a good-sized t-wrench for that.

[@georgecroney6168]

The biggest issue with 1/2 is it's length. Cranking it back and forth is laborious. I'll crack a bolt and use a stubby as you can flick it back and forth with your fingers, it's multiple times faster. Plus space doesn't allow a 1/2 for more than a few° usually

[@lastbesttool]

The 3/8 ratchet works and is on the minimal side. I won't use it in garage or swapping snow tires, but for trail repairs is is plenty. Remember, time and speed are not really concerns, and there is a very good chance that the tire won't need to be removed since many flat repairs in the bush can be done with the tire on the rim on the vehicle.

[@ptstouring49]

If you properly torque lug nuts it is no problem getting them off with a long 3/8 ratchet. If the tire shop guy zipped them on with a big impact gun or they are corroded, good luck.

[@jerrybobteasdale]

​@@ptstouring49 Yeah, if the last guy torgued them properly. And if rust hasn't seized them. And if the threads are distinct and nice and clean while re-tightened. And if the weather is not making it more difficult. And if you have comfy working angle, then a 3/8 ratchet might work well enough. For pickup wheels, a t-wrench is worth the extra weight.

[@jerrybobteasdale]

@@lastbesttool Yeah, if the last guy torgued them properly. And if rust hasn't seized them. And if the threads are distinct and nice and clean while re-tightening. And if the weather is not making it more difficult. And if you have comfy working angle, then a 3/8 ratchet might work well enough. For pickup wheels, a t-wrench is worth the extra weight.

[@avernvrey7422]

Go with pass-thru.

[@grahamwaldo331]

I hate how tainted I am. When I hear “watersports” the SECOND thing I think of is athletic activities on or in water.

[@naezro]

Carry only the common bolts sizes for your vehicle. Everything else id dead weight. And unless your carrying spare parts, or close to a parts store, its not gonna be useful most of the time.

[@petarjovicic3311]

you havent seen wera's

[@lastbesttool]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aprce32Fp96rq7M

[@WizzRacing]

Just put them tools in a glass case. Then you can polish them once a month and admire them. As they don't look used for there intended purpose.

[@axtra92]

Have you ever even used the tools you own?