Tool Kit for the K

When I got the K it didn't come with a toolkit. I don't really know what came in the kit, but from the tools I've used so far I have an idea of what I want to carry. The key is to keep it small and light but as useful as possible. And, the fact remains that no matter what you carry, there will always be something else that you need. I don't know if it's Murphy' law, but I do know that when I'm deep in the bilge of a boat I usually don't have the next tool I need within reach.

Some Specialized Tools

I always like to have my little GearWrench Micro-Driver Set. This little set has driver, hexhead, and some odd bit's as well as SAE and Metric sockets. One very nice function is that both sides are reversible and has a thumb wheel for tight spaces. I've been toying with the thought of switching out the SAE sockets and hex bits for Metric only. However, I'm not sure that the substitutes would fit into the box. The hex bits are a real problem. I can't find hex head driver bits. I find it interesting, when I go to buy tools on sale, the metrics sell out first. I think the buyers think this country is stuck in the engineering of twenty years ago. I wonder if new "American" cars are SAE? What I would love to find is metric hex head bits that fit into a driver (1/4"?).

I consider the 18mm spark plug socket specialized. I don't find them sitting on the shelf everywhere. Along with the plug socket I need to have an extension. If I can find a driver bit adapter to 3/8" drive I can use the Micro Driver to remove the plugs.

A ratchet drive? The Micro Driver can do most everything. However, it's small and probably couldn't break something that hasn't been moved recently. I found an articulating 1/4" ratchet drive at Lowe's that was pretty cool, and fairly inexpensive at $11. This is one of their Task Force line, not as expensive as the Kobalt line. The other nice thing about this drive is that the head can articulate back behind the handle making it a smaller unit. The other function that might come in handy is that you can release the handle and use it in a pumping motion from the side; this might be good when trying to do something in a blind space.

Dual Quad Box Wrench Set

Metric Reversible Gearwrench set includes: 8mm x 10mm and 12mm x 13mm wrench, 16mm x 17mm and 18mm x 19mm wrench

 The Tool Kit

1. 5 or 6 inch long nose pliers
2. 5 inch adjustable wrench (opens to 7/8", 18mm)
3. Ratcheting Multi head screwdriver with bits in handle
4. Flashlight (9 LED 3AAA aluminum HFT)
5. GearWrench Micro Driver Kit
6. 1/4" to 3/8" adapter
7. Driver to 3/8" adapter
8. Wobble U joint 1/4" adapter
9. 6" extension
10. 18mm spark plug socket 
11. Metric Reversible Quad Box set
12. Knife
13. Spark plugs