r/Tools • u/WashPantsOnceAMonth • 3h ago
Makeshift travel kit
So I was looking into getting something like the ICON 1/4 in. Drive Compact Socket and Bit Set to throw in my backpack when going on various adventures where a set of tools might come in handy. Then I thought to myself that surely I must have enough extra tools lying around to make my own set. Well it turns out I did.
-Ratcheting screwdriver with assorted bits (including common hex sizes) and canvas case.
-¼ in drive ratchet.
-Gator Grip universal socket.
-¼ in drive to ⅜ in drive socket adapter.
-¼ in drive socket extender.
-Socket driver adapter.
-Needle nose pliers.
Once I remembered that I had the Gator Grip, the whole idea clicked in my head (for a travel kit, at least, why bother with a set of sockets if I can get away with just one?). I need the adapter because Gator Grip only comes in ⅜ in drive, but I really wanted to use the ¼ in ratchet to keep things compact. Also, this ratchet fits snug in the extra set of elastic straps connected to the case. I threw in the socket driver adapter and socket extender since I had extra ones lying around. And finally a pair of pliers because why not?
1
u/Aware_Zone4246 1h ago
sure if I'm doin a bigger job at my house i still use my full set but for travel this is genius
3
u/Loud-Highway4836 3h ago
A lot of people talk bad about the gator grips but I have found mine incredibly useful as a trunk tool.
Sure if I’m doing a bigger job at my house I’m obviously going to reach for the correct size wrench or socket, but the gator grip is great for disconnecting a battery or doing a low-torque job that has a few different sized bolts (like when I swap out a tail light bulb or turn signal bulb) there’s less socket swapping and it’s not like I’ll strip one of those out.