One wrench to rule them all?

[mikeofthenorth]

Looking for the one wrench to keep in the Bronco - prepping for situations where I need to unstuck something, undo+redo battery cables, whatever else may arise in the woods as a prep tool without lugging around an entire case of wrenches. (Question is inspired by watching a video of someone stuck in the mountains with a faulty battery unable to swap to their aux because they forgot to put their tools back in the truck)

Any favorites? I really like this for example for non automotive day to day stuff, but I'm thinking something more robust is needed.
https://www.kleintools.com/catalog/standard-pump-pliers/pump-pliers-6-inch

Kit already includes whatever was in that little tool pack that came with the Bronco, as well as a Leatherman, screwdrivers, knives, lights, and a torque wrench for the wheel lugs.

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[HighVelocity]

No such thing, but the closest you'll find is the Knipex Pliers-Wrench.

 

[mikeofthenorth]

No such thing, but the closest you'll find is the Knipex Pliers-Wrench.

Oh these do look pretty versatile - thanks!

 

[MayhemMike]

Knipex Pliers-Wrench “ Do alls”

 

[dpAtlanta]

2026 Swiss Army Knife just released:

 

[ScottyC]

Does it have a 10mm socket?

 

[EvilJim1971]

Does it have a 10mm socket?

No, we don't want to lose it.

 

[23OBX2.7]

Sat phone, 10lb sledge, crow bar, vice grips, crescent wrench, tire wrench multibit screw driver ......can handle anything.

 

[Felix808]

Personally I'm not a fan of strip-it-all tools, unless I'm doing work behind someone who is a fan of them

 

[dpAtlanta]

Invite this guy to go wheeling with you... just bring your credit card:

 

[Valhalla]

I do 2,5 bags of tools, never know when it is CV time or when it is steering rack time...

 

[jofer]

I think if you're trying to get super flexible tools it's not worth it (side note: Knipex pliers-wrench are great, though). Sure, stick a multitool in the glovebox, but don't feel like you need to fix everything with a bad tool.

I think it's better to have a few specific tools that you're likely to use and have those live under the seat or tucked away in a weird place. E.g. for me, a 4mm hex is non-optional, and I always have a 19mm or 3/4" box wrench for the dog step in the trailer hitch.

Don't try to have bad tools that can do everything. Instead, find the things you use the most and stick them in places where they never leave the truck. You're way more likely to need to tighten a nut on a roof rack than you are to fix your truck. Leave a extra around 4mm hex bit or 10mm crescent tucked away where you won't think to pull them out to fit something else in.

A cheap dedicated tool is way better than even a good multi-purpose tool. Adjustable crescents are pretty awful, though I do carry one.

Current stuff that lives in the car separately from my tool bag:

• Stubby ratcheting screwdriver with a few bits in the handle (mostly hex for the roof rack)
• 19mm long handle box wrench (trailer hitch related)
• Old Leatherman (i.e. pliers and a knife)
• Small adjustable crescent (not really for anything mechanical, more for other gear)

I want to add a few random 1/4" sockets to pair with the ratcheting wrench that came with the bronco. It's not going to do anything with any real torque, but they'll fit in the pouch and are handy to get something to stop rattling.

I still carry a "real" tool roll with a good selection of things on trips. But it's not always there, and I need to fix random crap (e.g. a camp stove) way more than I need to change a tie rod. Keep stuff around for what works its way loose the most.

 

[mikeofthenorth]

I think if you're trying to get super flexible tools it's not worth it (side note: Knipex pliers-wrench are great, though). Sure, stick a multitool in the glovebox, but don't feel like you need to fix everything with a bad tool.

I think it's better to have a few specific tools that you're likely to use and have those live under the seat or tucked away in a weird place. E.g. for me, a 4mm hex is non-optional, and I always have a 19mm or 3/4" box wrench for the dog step in the trailer hitch.

Don't try to have bad tools that can do everything. Instead, find the things you use the most and stick them in places where they never leave the truck. You're way more likely to need to tighten a nut on a roof rack than you are to fix your truck. Leave a extra around 4mm hex bit or 10mm crescent tucked away where you won't think to pull them out to fit something else in.

A cheap dedicated tool is way better than even a good multi-purpose tool. Adjustable crescents are pretty awful, though I do carry one.

Current stuff that lives in the car separately from my tool bag:

• Stubby ratcheting screwdriver with a few bits in the handle (mostly hex for the roof rack)
• 19mm long handle box wrench (trailer hitch related)
• Old Leatherman (i.e. pliers and a knife)
• Small adjustable crescent (not really for anything mechanical, more for other gear)

I want to add a few random 1/4" sockets to pair with the ratcheting wrench that came with the bronco. It's not going to do anything with any real torque, but they'll fit in the pouch and are handy to get something to stop rattling.

I still carry a "real" tool roll with a good selection of things on trips. But it's not always there, and I need to fix random crap (e.g. a camp stove) way more than I need to change a tie rod. Keep stuff around for what works its way loose the most.

Those are good points... and agreed I can't remember the last time I was ever able to use an adjustable crescent for anything useful! Thanks for sharing your setup helpful stuff to think about.

The camp stove is a good reminder, need to make sure I have that covered as well for the frigid mornings when everything is stuck!

 

[helifino16]

Remember when one of these fixed everything on your bicycle?

Just be careful chasing that dream, you'll end up with one of these in the back:

 

[indio22]

Looking for the one wrench to keep in the Bronco - prepping for situations where I need to unstuck something, undo+redo battery cables, whatever else may arise in the woods as a prep tool without lugging around an entire case of wrenches. (Question is inspired by watching a video of someone stuck in the mountains with a faulty battery unable to swap to their aux because they forgot to put their tools back in the truck)

Any favorites? I really like this for example for non automotive day to day stuff, but I'm thinking something more robust is needed.
https://www.kleintools.com/catalog/standard-pump-pliers/pump-pliers-6-inch

Kit already includes whatever was in that little tool pack that came with the Bronco, as well as a Leatherman, screwdrivers, knives, lights, and a torque wrench for the wheel lugs.

Checkout the india/Pakistan vehicle repair videos on YouTube. They try to fix just about everything with a hammer and adjustable wrench.

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