Volkswagen Tools! - what you should carry.

Keep your VW on the road by having these essential tools with you at all times in your bag of tools. Did we miss anything? Leave a comment below. You can find the items here...
hose removal pliers - amzn.to/2u5AleP
1/4 inch metric socket set - amzn.to/2T7lnzb
3/8 inch metric socket set - amzn.to/2O2wpVn
3/8 inch metric socket set deep - amzn.to/2UAxvdp
1/2 inch metric socket set - amzn.to/2u7KZSl
17 mm allen socket - amzn.to/2u6qUvz
36 mm 1/2 inch socket - amzn.to/2Cj0U4G
phillips screw drivers - amzn.to/2UzXhi3
flat head screw drivers - amzn.to/2Uyv8HW
plier set - amzn.to/2T7cw04
snap ring pliers - amzn.to/2VXtqQB
hose removal pliers - amzn.to/2u5AleP
vice grip set - amzn.to/2u8VaGm
wire stripper & crimper - amzn.to/2O0ZVuH
allen wrench set - amzn.to/2u4Kokh
17 mm allen wrench - amzn.to/2O25Yz6
wood chisel - amzn.to/2XWRsgA
iron file - amzn.to/2O1Oy5y
tire plug set - amzn.to/2HAYAcV
36mm vw axle tool - amzn.to/2CiluCn
46mm vw axle tool - not on amazon
metric combination wrench set
21 mm combo wrench - amzn.to/2O4z4xA
pocket knife - amzn.to/2u5C57R
razor blade - amzn.to/2W0jMwW
small c-clamps - amzn.to/2O30STb
tool bag - amzn.to/2O2eQEN
timing light - amzn.to/2Cj1nUu
dwell meter
spark test tool - amzn.to/2O26XiO
spark plug gapper - amzn.to/2UAPujK
fuel pressure gauge - amzn.to/2u3JTHh
wheel chocks - amzn.to/2Ht5CQC
emergency flasher lights - amzn.to/2VWSibd
duct tape - amzn.to/2u8pMaK
transaxel fluid pump - amzn.to/2W0nPsZ
bank pouch - amzn.to/2O3vWSX
test light - amzn.to/2ClY0wa
8mm wrench - amzn.to/2O286H6
10mm wrench - amzn.to/2T5brWy
13mm wrench - amzn.to/2O3MHwY
VW feeler gauge amzn.to/2VWdH4n
screw starter tool - amzn.to/2TzMTKx
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Head Lamps We Use! - amzn.to/2N11BUj
GoPro Hero 7 - amzn.to/2DhKclU
GoPro Mic Adapter - amzn.to/2TFfREP
ETM-001 Microphone amzn.to/2MTdTxW
Mavic Air Drone - amzn.to/2tkVoK9
DJI Osmo Mobile 2 Gimble - amzn.to/2GwRpSv
Sony A6000 Camera - amzn.to/2I1jG5N
VW Channels you should check out below!
Kombi Life - / @kombilife
Mustie 1 - / @mustie1
5150mxVW - / @5150mxvw
CT moog - / @ctmoog
DuckmanCycles and VW Garage - / @duckmancycles
vwnut 1967 - / @vwnut1967
marcijunebug - / @marcijunebug
TheEZGZ - / @theezgz
Mileage Unknown - / @mileageunknown8910
JW Classic VW - / @jwclassicvw
Mike F - / @mikefngarage
CB Performance - / @cbperformance
Good Old Mike - / @goodoldmike
Chris Vallone - / @classicvwbugs
Haptic Garage - / @hapticgarage
Dust Buggy - / @dustbuggy
VWJawbreaker - / @vwjawbreaker
Airkewld - / @airkewldvws
Wolfsburg West - / @wolfsburgwesttv
Wolfgangint - / @wolfgangint
Gotta Split - / @gottasplit5707
Vw Rosstorations - / @vwrosstorations
Volkswear - / @volkswear
MicBergsma - / @micbergsma
Dan Love - / @busman5429
VINTAGE SPEED - / @vintagespeedtaiwan
Big W Adventures - / @bigwadventures7061
E-man Deluxe - / @emandeluxevlogs
Vané Pinstriping - / vanepinstriping
clark underwood - / @clarkunderwood
Volkswagenplanet - / @volkswagenplanet
Matt Lundquist - / @mattlundquistvw
DubWerks - / @dubwerks
if we missed someone let us know!
#VWLife #VW

[@richarda996]

Back in the day, all my metric tools were carried in a thirty caliber ammo box. Along with spare belt, points, and rotor cap.

[@sawdust311]

Quick story. My Father and my 17 year old self were traveling from Salt Lake City to my first duty station in Norfolk, VA. We were in my '63 bug (it was only 7 years old at the time) with a fresh engine rebuild by an old German VW mechanic. It was a beautiful 40hp engine with 83mm pistons and an exhaust extractor. Wow! We made it to Virginia, but it was still many miles to Norfolk when the engine simply refused to run. It needed a tow to the closest VW dealer for the fix and a few hours later we were back on the road. Seems a wire had come undone in the fatty dizzy and shorted out the electrics, which stopped the engine cold. Neither Dad nor had the knowledge or to TOOLS to fix this very simple problem. Just goes to show you, even when a bug is relatively new and the engine is freshly rebuilt, they are still were prone to the occasion malady. My advice is, "TAKE YOUR TOOLS AND THE IDIOT MANUAL". You are going to need them. It's only a matter of time!

[@VWLifeVW]

great advice and thanks for sharing!

[@backyardbuggies939]

Awsome. Basically the same tools we bring, and if it's good enough for VW life then it's good enough for us The only thing you forgot was an extra 10mm and 13mm socket (they like to come up missing ) 😈

[@VWLifeVW]

Yes!

[@Volkswagenplanet]

This is why you have a bus. Never have enough tools. Great video

[@VWLifeVW]

Well as you can see these don't really take up that much space. But yeah it's nice to have a bus to!

[@vanepinstriping]

Great suggestions! I’m with you, better safe than sorry. Nothing worse than being out on the road and needing that one tool or part that’s sitting back in your garage!

[@VWLifeVW]

that's for sure!

[@ryansawyer958]

The old crown royal bags are the best for misc things

[@marcijunebug]

Knockers, small nut, big nut...got it😂🤣if only someone would just make goto bags...🧐...maybe that’s what I should call them! Lol only thing different in my goto bag is I add an emery board/sand paper for points and a tire pressure gauge! Great video guys!

[@VWLifeVW]

Yes Emery cloth is in the idiot's guide and we have some of that. As well as one of the little Point files that you can buy. Not sure how that was left out. But I have them in my bus

[@marcijunebug]

Thought I remembered you saying that in a previous video👍

[@richiefrancoso7227]

Great stuff brother!!! Only thing I can think of is, fuses, throttle cable, fuel filter, midol for the lady 😆 and good spirits!! Thanks this really helped..noob with a 58 transporter 💪

[@ivorwm2291]

Thank you for sharing. I was a Boy Scout. I learned how to shoot a gun and always to be prepared. Even if one doesn't use the item in 3 years, when left at home, it will be needed. GO LUMBERJACKS! ALL THE WAY SFA!! I saw the Lumberjack flash on the screen. I was in the band. I feel that a flexible bag will fit in an odd size space and won't rattle. How about adding a hand crank flashlight? In the summer, my batteries die in the heat. I gave everybody a hand crank flashlight and a hand crank weather radio as Christmas gift. I keep a wind up flash light on my nightstand, in my car, and by the recliner. I don't have to worry about batteries failing. I got a bunch of them at Home Depot. They are inexpensive and very useful. You have put together a great list of tools. One never knows when you will be under a hot car laying in the dirt by the road, IN THE RAIN. I live in Texas. I also carry zip ties in all sizes, assorted bungee cords, and a couple of old wire coat hangers. The hangers can be used to hang up your nice shirt while you waller in the dirt fixing the vehicle and there are a zillion uses for an old wire hanger. They are really handy for emergency repairs that get hot. For example an engine cover comes loose or to keep a loose muffler from dragging on the road. Zip ties will melt and will stink! LOL. Money is tight and if one can make a temporary repair that will safely work until one gets the time to repair it, it's worth hauling all the supplies around for a few years. Every season, I go through and clean and wipe the metal tools down with a cloth and WD40. It cleans, remember it always breaks in the mud, and keeps the tool from rusting. I really dislike being stuck on the side of the road, a million miles from anywhere (again, Texas) Thanks so much for your tool finds and repair shortcuts...Later. Gator. .....Ivor P.S. I picked up a cheap yoga mat at Walmart to use for yoga and to lay over the dirt when crawling under the car. It's also useful to lay over the car seat when one has been wallering under the car. I always drove "Rolls CanHardly" cars. You know " rolls down the hill and can hardly climb the next one.....

[@VWLifeVW]

Wow cool story yep Jake actually goes to SFA! Thanks as always Ivor

[@CapnTexan]

@@VWLifeVW Actually Jake goes to Sam Houston State, Eat em up Kats!

[@VWLifeVW]

@@CapnTexan whoops. That's what I meant

[@VWJawbreaker]

Wait a second.... all of that and no zip ties? 😂 Gotta have zip ties, ask me how I know!

[@VWLifeVW]

Haha yeah good point we didn't have that in there. We actually have those. As well as a few other little things that we're noticing that we missed

[@VWJawbreaker]

VW Life funny how we miss laying things out when we do a video until afterwards lol Good work guys, thanks for everything!

[@DaddySinger]

I know it isn't absolutely necessary but I carry the little clutch adjustment too (with the + hole in it) for my 79 CA edition. (I also carry a spare clutch and accelerator cable and the little doodad that connects it to the clutch pedal) And a couple flashlights! Thanks for the tremendous videos!

[@fasterlaster]

I really like the idea of putting the common socket on a short extension to make it easy to find. I guess the only problem is that anything you attach to that 10mm will go missing when you need it the most :)

[@VWLifeVW]

Yeah those tens always seem to go missing

[@jamesdodson9417]

Handy wipes to clean up and some rubber gloves . Oh yeah hacksaw blade if you have to make a quick tap cool video man thanks for your hard work and wisdom

[@VWJawbreaker]

Awesome job guys! Thank yuk for all of your input and enthusiasm!

[@VWLifeVW]

Yes sir we know how it goes you too now!

[@tomkimball9798]

Thanks for posting this....shared with our VW club annual show attendees. All good info right there. Liked and subbed!

[@VWLifeVW]

Awesome thank you!

[@mayinnlin1879]

Thank you so very much for sharing! Awesome and great! Love it VWLife! 👍😍

[@VWLifeVW]

Thanks so much!

[@lukegough7495]

hands down one of the best and most informative VW channels on KZbin. Do you guys think you could do a video on the rear suspension setup on a Type 2? Im about to begin a restoration of a 1979 late bay and the rear suspension is in pieces. It would be super useful to have a visual reference and have some tips on exactly how it all goes together. Cheers and keep up the good content.

[@VWLifeVW]

Hey Luke thanks for that compliment!. I don't know if we'll be able to do that for a late bay window bus because we don't really have one around to do that at this point. But maybe in the future

[@CTmoog]

Great video guys! That tool bag is pretty sweet! Thanks for sharing!!!

[@VWLifeVW]

Hey we're glad to share! Got to keep these old things on the road!

[@craigjennings4175]

Man, your energy is contagious. Keep it up. Getting back into vw life after 30yrs. Now 50, really loving your information and it has given me my old confidentance back to keep my newly acquired split bus up and about 👍

[@VWLifeVW]

Post a picture of it on our Facebook page facebook.com/VWLifeVW/

[@JosephDR]

Great video advice! I would add a Bentley VW manual or Compleat Idiot book.

[@hillbillyvwnut1205]

Keep the awesome videos coming I really enjoy watching them I’ve been thinking about doing some Vdub video’s as well

[@VWLifeVW]

We will be! In fact a new video comes out Thursday! You should start making videos

[@alexnielsen8832]

Angled needed nose. I use it to set the nut on the distributor hold down.

[@ANDRE-VW]

We are luck to have a big trunck in our VW Bus. Kkkkkk. It's a lot of spare parts (you showed a couple days ago) and tools. Yes, you are really right, we never know when we'll use this or that tool, so, let's carry all of then. Recently I bought from eBay a Dwell meter from HeathKit. Excelent video, congrats my friend !!!!

[@VWLifeVW]

Cool deal yes the vintage ones are the best! You plan on doing a video on them now that someone has suggested it

[@Fischkopp]

Nice channel! Greetings from Germany 🇩🇪

[@VWLifeVW]

Hey Jakob thanks and welcome!

[@vintage76vipergreenBeetle]

Great info.

[@VWLifeVW]

Thanks Romeo!

[@brandonmcclellan30]

Just a thought. Sometimes it's better to have it & not need it than to need it & not have it. My mom taught me that.

[@VWLifeVW]

Your mom was a smart woman

[@bigwadventures7061]

I carry a lot in my Baja. Not as much as you but almost. Great Video as always. Thanks for sharing and being so helpful. Have a great weekend and keep VeeDub’n Brother. BigW:-)

[@VWLifeVW]

Hi Big W! Yeah it's good to keep this stuff handy. You have a great weekend too

[@TheStickyBusiness]

Awesome!

[@EmanDeluxeVLOGS]

Awsome video! You never know! Would love if you guys could keep in mind... Maybe making a video explaning dwell meter. I would love to learn more on that topic. I have one and really dont know much about it! Thanks guys

[@VWLifeVW]

Okay yeah we can add that to the list

[@EmanDeluxeVLOGS]

awsome!

[@chrisdaniels6269]

Thank you

[@VWLifeVW]

No, thank you ;)

[@brianchisnell1548]

I only carry the factory tool kit and a spare belt along with the factory jack. Tow strap and a cell phone. Lol

[@Matt_from_Florida]

6:45 OMG. *Everybody **_'of a certain age'_** owns THAT EXACT same timing light!* Yes, Sears was a big deal once.

[@Splashdown99]

Super helpful video guys. My first car was a '68 Beetle that I got back in '96. I just bought a '64 Beetle and I'm reacclimating to being an aircooled Volkswagen owner. Couple questions: Which feeler gauges did you leave out? What's your preference for spark plug gapping: wire or straight blade? Thank you for putting out so much content and keeping the aircooled VW hobby alive!

[@richarda996]

Straight, so you can feel the drag.

[@mikehammer4546]

Nice video, have you ever done a video on common spare part to carry ? I.e. distributor, fuel pump, spark plants etc etc. etc. .

[@VWLifeVW]

Yes we have if you look at our video library it's called 100 spares to keep in your VW! Check it out!

[@oldtanker4860]

Tweezers one small and one large. I like to buy forceps for light use. You can get them at harbor freight or most any gun show. Same for small picks or cotter pin pullers. You drop something not steel so the magnet can't get it. Flashlights, at least a pair because the one you are using WILL go dead on you.

[@VWLifeVW]

nice thanks!

[@bruceoppatt5878]

Thanks for your videos appreciate all the information. I would like to ask for a vw life sticker for our beetle

[@VWLifeVW]

email us a [e-mail]

[@dubzy8334]

Just snapped my throttle cable on a highway and was so disgusted that I didn't have the proper size Allen key so here I am waiting for my friend to come and rescue me watching this video

[@VWLifeVW]

OH man we hope you get home safely.. Thanks for hanging out with us. Tommie

[@MadStiles]

Almost spit my coffee out @ knockers , small nut and big nut Haha Very informative thank you!

[@VWLifeVW]

You said Knockerz

[@MadStiles]

@@VWLifeVW in Beavis and Buttheads voice Haha

[@kevinhamling1963]

G'day Kevin from Australia. Great video I've watched it many times now as I'm putting together my tool kit. I may be mistaken but have you got lock tight. I have it in mine and i have used it on the road. ✌ Peace guys

[@VWLifeVW]

no not really but seems like it wouldn't hurt to have it. it's small enough

[@WildBillFlysRC]

One can never take to many tools. need a 12v air pump for those spare tires that are always half flat, :-)

[@VWLifeVW]

Yes I actually carry one in my bus! We left out a couple things here or there for this video but yeah that's a good one to have for sure

[@truckerpeterose]

Very surprised to not see an adjustable wrench. I have one with a ratcheting 1/2” Chuck on the handle side. Very handy tool.

[@VWLifeVW]

I actually have one of those in my bus.

[@truckerpeterose]

VW Life I just purchased that 36mm axle nut removal tool. What a blessing that simple little tool is. I used this video to put my travel bag together so atleast now I know I’m prepared. Thanks for the video, Great idea.

[@VWLifeVW]

@@truckerpeterose oh yes, just a simple piece of metal is a life saver!!! glad to help

[@mikeholbrook5084]

ZGreat information.

[@VWLifeVW]

thanks Mike!

[@59vaughn]

One ton quick lift roller jack...low profile....

[@mentaldogmark]

So a suit case of spares and a bag of tools maybe we should commission snapon or other brand to create a specialist set of tool draws to fit some where in the vehicle

[@VWLifeVW]

if only! do you have a contact with them? we need sponsors!!!

[@joshuapoche5137]

I was surprised not seeing the tool for adjusting/syncing dual carbs

[@VWLifeVW]

we don't run dual carbs, but yes that would be needed if you did.

[@stacycollier7134]

Syncromiter I think I spelt that right it's for dual carbs a gas can I learned the hard way my bug doesn't have a gas gauge

[@VWLifeVW]

yes!

[@bluecarlos65]

Fuses Chuck from Chicago

[@brasil2696]

Hello ! vcs that perform maintenance on vw, could indicate a good brand of spare parts for the replacement?

[@VWLifeVW]

I don't understand...

[@johnflynn9463]

View #1,294 at 12:12 PM on 1/4/19 - NJ

[@stuwemhoener5937]

I just went over to the local Army surplus and damn if they didn’t have one of those awesome tool bags! I’m uptown now boys!

[@VWLifeVW]

Very cool!

[@andrigtmiller]

I'm surprised you don't have the oil filler gland nut tool ;-)

[@VWLifeVW]

Yeah might need to add it

[@larrystreet7797]

Hi..are you looking for Scirocco parts? I need to get rid of extra parts

[@VWLifeVW]

email us at [e-mail]

[@briankinnard654]

Might as well throw My tool chests in the back. Never know what You might need. LOL

[@VWLifeVW]

Yep tool chest, welding machine, generator, autolift! You know just the basics

[@SkaterStimm]

What kind of jack do you carry in the bus?

[@VWLifeVW]

We keep both a bottle jack. And the original side Jack that goes in the jack points. If we're going on a road trip sometimes we take a floor Jack a small one with a block of wood

[@DrakkiiTheLittleDragon]

Might want to add a gas can to that list wanna know how I know thought I had plenty of fuel cause I had just put maybe eight gallons of fuel in the previous night and then I took a short trip to the dollar store wasn't even three miles away and had somehow ran out of fuel thought I was vapor locked or something so yeah gas can with a bit of gas oh and a can of starter fluid that was a very unpleasant afternoon

[@VWLifeVW]

yes that is a good one!

[@DrakkiiTheLittleDragon]

@@VWLifeVW thank you for the reply your videos are amazing and thoughtful yes I'm still new to this world of possibilities of vw as I am learning my way around my first bug so thank you

[@42222]

Those are more tools than i have in my entire garage lol

[@VWLifeVW]

hey got to be prepared :)

[@jmcvay2k6]

How can I get a couple of stickers?

[@VWLifeVW]

Go to the about tab on our home page and you will find our email address

[@geoffreyjones2000]

Sir, you left out a valve grinder...just in case :) I once weighed how much I carry. I almost doubled the total weight. I even carried a spare engine. OCD and VWs are a silly combination

[@VWLifeVW]

Yes spare engine not crazy at all!

[@tomdale1313]

warm and fuzzy till the knockers & nuts...getting uncomfortable for someone from the, "60's" aaa card and a flloor jack

[@VWLifeVW]

Yeah both good things to have!

[@annaclairewycoff6449]

how about a link to that t shirt? GD Life

[@VWLifeVW]

to a VW Life shirt? teespring.com/stores/vwlife-3

[@annaclairewycoff6449]

@@VWLifeVW to Gary's shirt in the video. unless that's the ultimate VWLife x Greatful Dead collab and I missed the drop.

[@jamesdodson9417]

If you don’t mind me asking why do you name y’all’s vehicles?

[@VWLifeVW]

Because they are part of the family

[@johnt8577]

Lets see you fit all that in the bag . . .LOL!!!! (Next Video)

[@VWLifeVW]

ha yeah, most of it actually fits in the little bag.

[@jonathanhicks3342]

I would have thought you have few hammers also

[@VWLifeVW]

we carry a mini sledge to beat the rear axle nuts off with, forgot to include it.

[@dennisc.1189]

Is there a thang too many tools, I don't think so if you don't have it you will need it. You mite wont to get a small air compressor that runs on 12 votes for low tires.

[@VWLifeVW]

Yes great suggestion, we actually have one but forgot to include it

[@altegra_motors1252]

Hello boys :D how a you ? :D if you can make video abaut vw vanagon :D

[@VWLifeVW]

Yes we can do a video on the Vanagon.

[@scotwheeler5789]

Zip ties!!