Best products from r/VEDC

I do a lot of shadetree mechanic stuff, and my toolkit is relatively small and 99% from harbor freight. Invaluable tools for me:

• Dewalt impact wrench. ($100) Fuck the drill, get the driver and these ($5). This makes zipping things together and apart super easy. Not necessary, but holy shit is it my most used tool. I'm lazy and this saves a ton of time.
  
• 3/8" plastic harbor freight socket wrench. ($10) This is a ton better than any steel wrench I've ever had. Great mechanism, ergonomic, light, non-corrosive.
  
• Bit set ($23) comboed with the impact driver and one of these ($2), and you're set for any screw/socket situation you could possibly have. I use this so much that I should probably have 2...
  
• Breaker bar ($20) for anything that the socket wrench can't handle on its own. Direct competitor to Snap-on for $20
  
• Socket set ($30). I don't think I've ever used anything outside of these besides some small jobs where either a special deep socket or thin walled socket was required. Make sure you get an adapter set ($5) so all your tools can work with any sized sockets. While you're at it, get some extensions ($15) and universal joints ($7). These are invaluable when you need them and very useful otherwise. Usefulness factor makes them a necessity in my book
  
• I love my channel locks ($7). I don't carry box end wrenches. I've never been like, "fuck, I NEED a box end wrench." I think that anybody who needs them is a damn liar. These channel locks are every crescent wrench combined into one tool. They also serve as pliers, wire strippers, etc. etc. I might upgrade to vice grips one day, but these are still my go-to pliers.
  
• Similar to channel locks, some adjustable wrenches ($9) are musts for the same reason channel locks are necessary.
  
• Multimeter for electronics. This thing does it all. I want to say it even does continuity which isn't too common.
  
• non-harbor freight torque wrench ($57). This one is a direct competitor to snap-on as well. There's a 1/2" drive one that goes up to 150 ft-lbs which can get you by 95% of jobs for ($38) if savings if the penultimate goal. I'd splurge if I were you though on the 250 ft-lb wrench.
  
• THE BEST TOOL EVER ($5) Whether you dropped something into the engine bay, need to grab a socket way over 'there', or whatever, this tool is so useful.
  
• Jackstands ($50 for 4) - and any jack. I have a nice racing jack, but it's definitely not necessary. Scissor jacks can access tight areas, but bottle jacks are more reliable. I don't care what jack you use, use jackstands BEFORE YOU KILL YOURSELF in the stupidest way possible. Boaters use lifejackets, construction guys use hardhats, mechanics use jackstands. These are your personal protective equipment and they are designed to save your life. Make sure it's rated for your vehicle and carry 2 if you can, but carry at least 1 if you have any inclination to get under your vehicle for any reason. The average person might not need one day-to-day, but the average person shall not go under their car without one. Rant over.
  
• OBD 2 engine communication device ($17). I can read and clear engine codes using my phone. I can check O2 sensor voltages, I can check battery voltage, boost pressure, vacuum pressure, my 1/4 mile time, etc. etc. etc. This tool is extremely useful. I consider it necessary given its pricepoint and utility.
  
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  I don't believe I've missed anything. These are my automotive essentials and are valued at $360 new. Skip the convenient impact driver and you're at $260. I want to make it clear that you can do 99% of any vehicle work using these tools and these tools only. Whether you're changing your tires or dropping the transmission, these will get you 99% of the way there. Most of these have been side-by-side compared with professional grade tools and are very competitive performance-wise. Cost wise, it's no contest. These tools win.
  
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  Jackstands

Knives.

I feel some sort of a utility-blade knife is great for fine / small / delicate work, and pair it with a nice medium - large, solid fixed blade knife is a good idea.

This is a ridiculously nice knife for the price:

SOG Tactical Knife with Sheath - “Field Knife” Fixed Blade Knives FK1001-CP 4” Fixed Blade Knife with Full Tang Sharp Knife Blade + Survival Knife Grip https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MUJBTBO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_.n2YBb2XANXSB



Also I’ve found that Schrade knives seem to provide an exceptionally good value. I bought this one for my bag when it was closer to I think $22/23.00....can’t beat that! Honestly I’m prob going to start collecting them. They’re super inexpensive yet pretty good quality / pretty well rated.

As much as I truly love and used to only go for the best, most expensive stuff, I’d rather have several less expensive knives stashed around instead of one super expensive one that I’m afraid to use, lose, break.

Schrade by BTI Tools SCHF36CP Frontier, 5" High Carbon Steel Blade, Full Tang, Clam https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019RSXGYM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_Dq2YBb8BG9BV0


I did some research (of course....all my suggestions here are very well researched) and for the price, the 2 knives above are very good values. Don’t get me wrong; I love super high-quality, expensive things - especially knives - but;

• I have around 20-ish knives and literally the only knife I ever use is my Gerger EAB utility knife and I only use it to open packages. :-|
  
  
• As these are dedicated for car kits, there’s a chance they’ll get lost or stolen so I certainly don’t want a $200+ knife to play that role.
  
  
  
  Gerber EAB Pocket Knife [22-41830] https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0016KHW2W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_px2YBb0W6VBGD
  
  These things are ridiculously small and useful. Great for EDC or VEDC. Been carrying one for years & use it all the time. Get the one I linked, NOT the fancy-looking new “upgraded” model - it is a POS. I bought 2-3 and the clip broke off on EACH of them almost immediately. It is also much larger than the original EAB.
  
  OR you can get something like this because you have spare blades + larger handle / better grip.
  
  Folding Utility Knife, Heavy Duty, Triple Ground Blades Stay Sharp, Pocket Clip Klein Tools 44131 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A9GGGYY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_wy2YBbA03MMH6
  
  
  
  
  Also a crowbar of some sort so that you aren’t tempted to use any of your knives as a crowbar.

I would buy this,

http://www.amazon.com/Slime-COMP03-12-Volt-Inflator-Gauge/dp/B000ET9SAU/ref=sr_1_12?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1448980138&sr=1-12&keywords=slime+air+pump

and

http://www.amazon.com/Slime-2040-A-Tire-Plug-Kit/dp/B000ET9SAA/ref=sr_1_5?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1448980761&sr=1-5&keywords=tire+plug+kit

In the plug kit your really buying those T handles, there nice and wont try to fold into your hand or away from it while you plug the tire. You can buy I think it's 40 plugs stand alone at walmart for around 5 bucks if you find yourself plugging tires that much.

Then buy a metal jar of rubber cement because that little tube is going to work once and get rock hard.

http://www.amazon.com/Slime-1050-Rubber-Cement-oz/dp/B003V9UU66/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1448981382&sr=8-5&keywords=rubber+cement

Any will do that's just what I found on amazon.

That's the same air pump I own except I dont think mine says 300 PSI on the side, I would be extremely surprised if it could actually reach 300 psi but I can tell you for a fact it'll air a tire up in a less than 10 minutes.

http://www.amazon.com/Battery-Cigarette-Lighter-Lengthened-Extension/dp/B00JOY6U7U

This may be worth while as well incase your cigarette lighter doesnt work or blows a fuse you could just clip directly to your car battery.


As far as a phone charger I just mean use a phone charger that plugs in your cigarette lighter, I dont trust those little power bricks. Even if your car battery is "Dead" as in it wont turn your engine over and clicks, it's probably still got more than enough juice to charge your phone and make a call for help.

I would splurge for these nice jumper cables

http://www.amazon.com/Cartman-Booster-Cable-Gauge-Listed/dp/B00VHE76GE/ref=lp_15719941_1_1?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1448981135&sr=1-1

That comes up to 132 dollars in my amazon cart, I think that puts you much better off than the alternative you were looking at at a reasonable price.

I lived on a dirt road for years, Holes in my tires were Common and I don't think I ever broke out my spare.

I would not recommend a full size battery, I work in an autoparts store and see brand new ones off the shelf dead. They will also loose charge overtime. Instead I would recommend a portable jump pack. I have one and used it twice to jump start a car and it still had full battery. The one I have also has dual lights on it with various functions and a usb power port. Its a little cheaper than a fullsized car battery and won’t go bad after a few years sitting.

NOCO Genius Boost Plus GB40 1000 Amp 12V UltraSafe Lithium Jump Starter https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015TKUPIC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_7UfIAb057BART

Jumper cables as well, because its a good idea to have extra options in case you need to jump or be jumped

Tow strap, only get this if you have an idea as to what you are doing/experience

Tow hook/tow hitch

Mini cheap chinese tire inflator (got it for free, but it does work)

For long trips you can consider bring some oil and a few qts of trans fluid, just make sure you can easily add the trans fluid, may need a funnel or may be a sealed pan.

Water, deerpark makes these fantastic durable 1 gallon bottles I see go on sale for 10 for $10

Gurantee no one will tell you this, but it got me unstuck in the middle of west virginia on a freezing night and has worked getting friends out. That would be 2x4s and a handsaw, or just some precut 2x4’s. I’ve used these to give a 05 F250 traction in mud, I also used a bunch of wood to get myself unstuck from a ditch I backed into. Was able to build the bottom up with wood and gas it quickly
in reverse. Thank god for that one.

Flashlights, even just some cheap junk will work.

If its cold enough toss a cold weather sleeping back in the trunk.

If you can carry a gun inside I suggest looking into that.

People will mention the typical clothes/food

I've been thinking about getting this vehicle mounted GMRS radio. Supports NOAA water radio as well. Figured it would work good for convoy type offroading, camping, road trips, etc. Have that in the truck and a set of handhelds to pass out to your friends or family.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MUGZ5XC/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=IEKOX3XT4H6YU&colid=16RAAS8RH18VZ

https://www.amazon.com/S-Survive-Outdoors-Longer-Reflective/dp/B001MW31XS/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=sol+emergency+blanket&qid=1568672086&sr=8-2

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the cheapy dollar ones tear very easily, this wont, still very compact. they also make a bivy, same material but like a sleeping bag. more important than a blanket, you need some closed cell foam to insulate you. those reflective blankets dont insulate under you at all, car seats get pretty damned cold.

Yaaaaaassss. I hate the hockeystick wrenches so much. "They said we had to include a wrench that's theoretically capable of removing a lugnut. Here you go. Good luck." 🙄

I couldn't find my trusty 4-way recently, so I ended up buying one of these bad boys, but their photos suck so see the photos on this overpriced listing.

It's only a little better than a traditional 4-way, but the addition of the 1/2" square drive means you can include your own socket if you need a weird size, and I like the ergonomics slightly better too. Compact storage is just a bonus.

I've owned and used this compressor over the past five years and it's been great. Viair 00088 88P Portable Air Compressor. It does connect directly to the battery but that prevents blowing fuses when trying to use the 12v outlet in most cars.

On battery jumpers I've tried a few but found the GOOLOO 800A Peak 18000mAh SuperSafe Car Jump Starter works very well. I've owned three of them. The first time I had to use it was after it had been sitting in my trunk for six months without a recharge and it worked like a champ. I gave that one to my brother in-law as it was his battery that was dead and we were parting ways after a road trip vacation. I bought a replacement and have used it probably a dozen times, often when I see someone with their hood up in a parking lot and offer them a jump start - works every time.

Use this for jump starter. Works great: NOCO Boost Plus GB40 1000 Amp 12V UltraSafe Lithium Jump Starter

Air compressor: Kensun Tire Inflator AC/DC Portable Air Compressor

I see recommendations for Viair, but would be remiss if I don't throw this in the mix:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000L9AD2U/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I got one for my brother maybe 5+ years ago for when he went offroading and had to air down. He loved it because it was a relatively quick refill for his monstrous tires. He still carries it in his new truck with a plug kit. I recently bought one to carry in my trunk. People with RV's seem to rave about it in the comments.

And get a good clean agent one. Otherwise it leaves even more of a mess to clean up (I learned the hard way how a standard extinguisher gets powder EVERYWHERE). Get something like this one.

Ive been using this:

GOOLOO 1000A Peak 20800mAh https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XY35D93/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_scuWBbXQYNB3J

Only used it to jump once. Worked like a charm. Has a huge capacity so I've mostly used it to charge phones, speakers, laptops. Really handy, durable, not too big.

I'm not sure about what the difference is between the 2 and 4, but I have the 2 in two vehicles and they are great on NYC roads if that means anything to OP.


https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JRGOKQ8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I’ve had this for a couple of years and it works flawlessly. I use it professionally on customer’s vehicles. If your car doesn’t crank over, squeeze the clamps on tightly with your hands and have someone else start the engine. Good clamp connection is vital.

WeatherTech are really nice and durable. This would be the first thing I put in my truck. You might want to do a gift certificate if you don't know the model/year/etc.

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Also a fire extinguisher - I have this one: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B003TPOU2W/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Again, it's a bit pricey so you might want to just contribute to the truck fund and let him supply the rest of the $$$

Yeah that's what i mean - the beefier portable compressors all come with battery clamps. No need to hardwire it in like if you were installing air lockers. I don't have this exact model but one very similar to it, just pop the hood and clamp it on and air up. I use it when offroading - air down the tires for better traction, air back up when I get back to pavement.

https://www.amazon.com/Viair-30033-VIAIR-Portable-Compressor/dp/B000X90YUO/

Great post. If I were you, I would add to the box a power inverter (like this one) and a 12v air compressor (like this one).

I recommend labeling the bags. Will make for ease of finding equipment for yourself and others.

https://www.amazon.com/Customizable-Text-Patch-Fastener-Morale/dp/B01CIEIN3G?ref_=fsclp_pl_dp_8&th=1

I have this one. My 12V in the car cant run it, but I bought one of these and it works great to hook up to the battery.

https://www.amazon.com/BESTEK-Battery-Cigarette-Lighter-Extension/dp/B00JOY6U7U/ref=pd_sim_263_4?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00JOY6U7U&pd_rd_r=RJ1FSZ7AAYNS4Z6SSK0B&pd_rd_w=9wt3b&pd_rd_wg=prkF3&psc=1&refRID=RJ1FSZ7AAYNS4Z6SSK0B


Maybe not the best idea to use all the time if you off road, cause you'll probably melt the wires at some point, but I've never had an issue.

This is the one I keep in my truck. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00N4U4G5S/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I've used it to flat tow several trucks as well as pull out stuck vehicles. It's held up great.

1. OPT7 Aura 8pc bed light kit https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01BZPAOU4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
   
2. Suaoki 600A Peak Portable Car Jump Starter / Jumper Pack 18000mAh with Air Compressor https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0185CYFE6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
   
3. Car Charger Adapter - Cigarette Lighter Adapter, 4 Port USB https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01J7KTBEE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
   
4. 1-1/2" x 15 ft Heavy Duty Ratchet Cargo Tie Down Straps 3000 lbs Dual J-Hooks https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00N8LMJV6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
   
5. Work light https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LXZWDHB/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
   
6. VicTsing Bluetooth FM Transmitter https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DDPUQTS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1
   
7. 2-Pack of 3/4" Black D-ring Shackle https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B013FLW8J6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
   
8. 3", 30' Tow strap, Recovery Strap 30,000 LB capacity https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00N4U4G5S/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s03?ie=UTF8&psc=1
   
9. Stanley 99 piece set https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000LY5AKU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s04?ie=UTF8&psc=1
   
10. Hand sanitizer
    
11. Bug spray
    
12. Headlamp
    
13. 2 75 pound sand bags
    
14. Jack
    
15. Blanket
    
16. Wool socks
    
17. Duct Tape
    
18. 3 pairs of goves
    
19. Two water bottles
    
20. 2 hats
    
21. zip ties
    
22. Tire plug kit
    
23. Ice scraper

This and it is every bit as great as the reviews say it is.

> but don't inflate automotive tires with this

Compressor is one of the things I am looking for. Though I might use it sparingly. Otherwise this one looks good. I will check it out.

Oh ya I did check the compressor you had linked in earlier thread. However I would rather have all in one thing.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000X90YUO/ref=s9_hps_bw_g263_i5

Amazon links:

Cold Steel Special Forces Shovel with Cordura Sheath

Fiskars 9365 PowerTooth 10-Inch Sliding Saw (Discontinued but still in stock)

Benchmade 915S Triage, Stainless Blade, Combo Edge

If that's excessive I'd hate to see what you describe mine as...

I have those same Jumper cables, they are really nice!

Do you know how large that Swiss army knife is in person? for a car I would get something like a Leatherman Wave or Leatherman Surge. Or at least a bigger swiss army knife (Although the small tweezers on those are useful)

What about a portable compressor? I have used mine more than ANYTHING else

This is the go-to suggestion: https://www.amazon.com/Viair-00073-Heavy-Portable-Compressor/dp/B0012WHBSO

This is what you are looking for

https://www.amazon.com/Viair-00073-Heavy-Portable-Compressor/dp/B0012WHBSO/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1492394608&sr=8-8&keywords=viair+compressor

Its FANTASTIC. Its very quite, super quick but does require 20A on the 12V outlet, my Escape can do it no problem so I assume your F150 can