Onboard Tool Box / Kit

[robcaldwell]

Of those that are flying, what are you using as an onboard tool box / kit? Weight being the greatest concern, what are the minimum tools that you are carrying? What are you storing your tools in, and where?

I imagine a small box anchored in the cargo area containing screwdrivers, combination wrenches, ratchet and sockets, pliers, cross cutter, allen keys, spark plug socket, ratchet straps, zip ties, safety wire... What else?

I'm certain someone will share something that will have the rest of us saying, "AH! I didn't think of that!"

[Bcone1381]

Plan its location to avoid from taking up floor space. Attach it to the wall, or behind the aft bulkhead, or under a seat.

[Rollie]

I have a tool bag with the tools you mentioned plus a tire gauge. 1/4" sockets are in an Altoids tin which keeps them together nicely. the bag also fits a quart of oil and window cleaning stuff. I used to carry hardware to replace the stuff that likes to break on the Scott 3200 when I had my Pacer. I haven't figured out what is most likely to break on the Patrol yet so I just have a few screws to replace any that might go missing from cowls or inspection panels. Haven't needed any yet. With aviation spark plugs I would carry a spare. I run automotive plugs and don't bother carrying spares. (two reasons, they don't seem as problematic and I can get them anywhere.)

I made a little compartment aft of the bulkhead in the baggage area that holds my tool bag and my Claw tie downs. The tool bag with everything in it and the tie down kit add up to 19 lbs. I also carry ratchet straps under the back seat for use at more civilized parking spots that have tiedown rings. I only have about 170 hours on the Patrol so far but have only needed an end wrench and a screwdriver so far.

[robcaldwell]

Good stuff!

[jaredyates]

We did an EAA meeting where folks brought in toolboxes and explained what we had in each one, along with a meeting each for first aid and survival kits.
​
Here is a mostly inclusive list of the toolbag:
A socket set and ratchets (maroon plastic box)
An electric drill
Multimeter
Flexible 1/4 Hex extension
Needle nose pliers, side cutters
Tire tube repair kit, inflator that uses CO2 cartridges and CO2 cylinders (pump is in the survival bag)
Tire pressure gauge
A few drill bits
Numerous screwdriver bits
Ratchet screwdriver handles
Spark plugs and socket
Rescue tape
Small hammer
Wrench set
Metric crescent wrench
Butane torch/soldering iron
JB weld stick
Allen wrench set
Spare nuts, washers, cotter pins, a few screws and bolts, fuses
Brass punch
Leatherman-style multi-tool
Utility knife
Safety wire, RTV, zip ties
Since this photo was taken, I've added a set of nut drivers with a 1/4" drive, and a reacher/grabber

You didn't ask about the other kits, but they all work together in our on-the-road problem solving. The lists below are from memory, and I might be forgetting some:
Survival:
Small blue tarp (signalling and shelter)
1/8" rope
Small axe
Roll of paper towels
Water purification tablets
Water transportation bags
1 Quart aluminum pot with lid
White gas (avgas) MSR Whisperlite stove
Lighter
Signal mirror
Probably more I can't remember

First Aid kit
Several rolls of self-adhering wrap
Lady products to be used as bandages
Antibiotic ointment
Several Space Blankets
Rubber Gloves

Convenience kit (the airplane's flight bag)
Fuel sample cup
VHF handheld radio, batteries, headset adapter, antenna
PLB
Flap locks
pitot cover
tennis balls for VHF antennas (at fly-ins or where the general public will be around the plane)
Flashlights and spare batteries
Charging cables, audio cables
USB battery bank with solar charger
12v USB charging adapters
1-3 quarts of oil
Tiedown anchors, hammer, and ropes
Little girl folding potty
paper for above
a few bottles of water
lion king figures (at the moment)


It's important to open these kits up during the condition inspection and see what might need refreshing.

[Battson]

I carry 12 kg (27 lbs) of "extra stuff" with me at all times in the Backcountry. Apart from true STOL work on airport, I never remove this gear. This weight includes the containers / bags etc.

"Tie down bag"
Tie downs cross-pegs (3 points)
Rope three lengths 4m (12') and breaking strain 1.2 tonne (2,500lbs)
Hatchet
Gust locks x3 (aileron, elevator, rudder)

"Charts box"
Maps (whole country)
Plates (whole country)
Windscreen cleaner
Clean rag

"Toolbox"
Multi-tool screwdrivers / sockets
Knife
Dipstick
Spare fuel card
Spare spark park plug
Spare tail spring retaining bracket
Tire pressure gauge
Cord 10m
Duct tape
Rag
Sick bags
Assorted nuts, washers, bolts
Heavy gauge wire
Waterproof matches and lighter
Toilet paper
Satellite phone
(ELB installed in plane)
Various other parts I forget

"Loose items"
Cowl plugs and pitot cover
Plane cover [for winter only] +1.2kg (2.5lbs)

I use the rear seat to anchor all this stuff. The boxes go under the seat, and bag goes behind the seat with a bungee cord holding it in place. I can confirm this is crash-worthy...

[Luke68]

This is what I came up with, might not be the biggest tool box but it should handle the basic stuff.

[svyolo]

There is lots of space behind the baggage bulkhead. I have a 7" round CF tube for long stuff up high, and I guess I would like to mount the tools back there too. Should also help with FWD CG when I am light.

[robcaldwell]

Great suggestions so far!

I found this video from a Bonanza A-36 driver. Not exactly in our germane, but similar.