Collecting tools to keep onboard
- Thread starter IH82BL8
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What do y'all use for packing gland wrenches? They are huge! I thought about buying some cheapo open ends, but the darn things are still pricey and HUGE!!!
I was thinking about making them from some 1/2 or 3/8 inch thick aluminum plate with short handles on them...
But I am open to ideas...
Don't forget a BIG hammer. Rubber hammer, no recoil plastic hammer. Add a 8" piece of 2x4 to use as a hammer "connector".
We use a hammer and an 8" bronze rod to tap the locking nut loose. The packing nut itself we only ever need to hand tighten.
Check this out Neal: http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-7-8-Shaft..._Accessories_Gear&hash=item3a81da48e3&vxp=mtr
Made of metal would be better if you might need to whack it with a hammer. I had an old style adjustable wrench that I got with a boat way back when and passed it on to the buyers of my last big boat.
There ya go Merlin!!! Thanks bro! Whole lot better than the big a$$ channel locks we used huh?
That is what I've done. And don't forget all of the nuts and so on for your outboard...Additionally, I also have an adjustable wrench, a spark plug socket, many extra screws and threw bolts, shackles, and an old fashion screw driver (manual). You'd be surprised at how useful that is. And a roll of hanger tape (the metal stuff with holes in it). A roll of gorilla tape and a roll of sail repair tape. A tube of calk. And PLUMBERS PUTTY. Seriously, I use that stuff all the time. It makes a great emergency "stop leak" around chain plates, windows etc.
Neal, I use a Rigid wrench that is designed for valves, that resemble a pipe wrench, but is a lot shorter, and has smooth faced jaws on it.
Spanner wrenches like are sold at hardware stores for kitchen sinks are worthless toys, that make the owner feel like he has something relevant to work on the boat with..
Spanner wrenches like are sold at hardware stores for kitchen sinks are worthless toys, that make the owner feel like he has something relevant to work on the boat with..
Yeah Neal! One of us on each side, squeezing through those little access holes....
Wear bifocals?
They make it nearly impossible to do close work over your head, or on your back, or hanging in a locker...... Get a set of "reading glasses" to wear for these occasions...they will save your sanity ... And maybe your boat someday!
They make it nearly impossible to do close work over your head, or on your back, or hanging in a locker...... Get a set of "reading glasses" to wear for these occasions...they will save your sanity ... And maybe your boat someday!
All very good suggestions, but Mr. Murphy will dictate that every once in awhile you won't have the proper tool for the job. When time and locality allow, one goes to the local Tool Store and buys said tool, after which it will never be needed again.
I have three sets of tools, one at my house, one at my summer place, and one on the boat. Usually, I own the tool that I need at the moment, but it only has one chance in three of being in the place where it is needed.
If one were to acquire each tool suggested here, the next step would be to buy a large tool box, create a well designed storage location for it, and spend time installing it. Then, at the next haul out, repaint the waterline an inch or two higher up on the hull because the boat is sitting deeper in the water.
I have three sets of tools, one at my house, one at my summer place, and one on the boat. Usually, I own the tool that I need at the moment, but it only has one chance in three of being in the place where it is needed.
If one were to acquire each tool suggested here, the next step would be to buy a large tool box, create a well designed storage location for it, and spend time installing it. Then, at the next haul out, repaint the waterline an inch or two higher up on the hull because the boat is sitting deeper in the water.
My biggest problem is that wherever the damn tool or part happens to be, I simply can't find it even though I know that I already own multiples of it! If it's in the basement or the garage, I may as well just head for the store. At least if it's in the car or the boat, I have a better chance at finding it!
A plastic serving tray (indestructible polyethylene fast-food or cafateria type) is one of my favorites:
* clean fish
* re-build carb
* varnish station
* pile chain or anchor
* prevent parts from rolling away
... but not for serving food!
* clean fish
* re-build carb
* varnish station
* pile chain or anchor
* prevent parts from rolling away
... but not for serving food!
Are you talking about one of these?
Is so I'm 100% in agreement. I also use them to store stuff in lockers, and wash clothes, bail if I need to etc. I have 4 of these on my boat.
To the OP, I would say carry all standard sizes. As a good cruiser, you never know when you may need them to help someone else besides the whole Murphy's Law thing.
I keep my tools in a tactical tool backpack. (see below) It keeps the tools organized and it's easy to find what you need. I prefer soft bags to hard tool boxes on boats.
I didn't see these mentioned above, I carry a couple of pipe wrenches and a spanner wrench for the stuffing box. Otherwise, most of the tools mentioned.
I keep my tools in a tactical tool backpack. (see below) It keeps the tools organized and it's easy to find what you need. I prefer soft bags to hard tool boxes on boats.
I didn't see these mentioned above, I carry a couple of pipe wrenches and a spanner wrench for the stuffing box. Otherwise, most of the tools mentioned.
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