Ultimate Mini Toolkit 1.0: Taking serious the size-performance equation. Snap On, Knipex PB Swiss 

Doc, This is one of your better videos--nice job. A few suggestions: The pliers wrench, cobra pliers, adj. wrench, and individual wrenches and sockets is way too much redundancy. Lose the pliers wrench or possibly the adj. wrench. Possibly replace the pliers wrench with vice grips--which will be much more useful. Must adds: (1) Needle nose pliers (this is an absolute must) - always handy for reaching in, and you don't have any other wire cutters; (2) tweezers and/or locking forceps; and (3) more hex bits (allen and torx, in particular) - I put mine in a small pill bottle - or at least a small set of allen wrenches. I would also add a medium straight square shank screwdriver with full length tang--for prying, wedging, scraping and all sorts of things instead of the prybar. Good to have (and take up minimal space): piece of sandpaper and/or lady's fingernail file, small metal file, hacksaw blade (cut to length and removable tape on one end for a handle), small metal ruler (or roll up tape measure if space allows), pencil and a couple note cards. In terms of supplies, I would have (possibly inside this kit): Small wire (I use bell wire) for tying and also conductor in a pinch, folded up coat hanger wire and/or bailing wire, micro roll of duct tape, micro roll of electrical tape, small tube of WD40 or other lube, tooth pics, possibly a popsicle stick, small tube of GOOP, and hose clamps. Possibly add a few nuts, bolts, washers, and screws, and use specific stuff, like shear pin, moon keys, wheel bearings, fuses, etc. as space allows. Red out.

One of the oddest tools I use is a small bag of polymorph. It's a granular thermosetting plastic you can melt in hot water. When it sets its like nylon. I've used it with a bar to unscrew a 6 inch nut from a water cooler that was corroded. Great stuff.

The twin grip pliers are the tool I didn’t know I needed. I have no idea how I’ve made it 12 years in hvac without them. Since I bought them 2 months ago I use them at least 3 times a week. Same thing for the 7 inch pliers wrench.

I think a headlight is way more useful than a handheld one because it will free up your hands while working. A telescoping magnetic tool pick up will help you retrieve that bolt or nut you accidentally dropped in the engine compartment. A small metal file and small wire bush are possible options also.

you have the nicest tools, watch your videos almost every day. happy thanksgiving

Well done and versatile… stepping up mine now.

Rubber bands to put on plier handles to hold them shut if wanted (like alligator clips), some sort of measuring tool, and maybe a pair of nitrile gloves rolled up inside a sandwich bag. I also keep a couple tub o towels wipes inside a sealed container in each of my portable toolboxes. A pair of flush cuts or some sort of shearing cutter should take the place of the utility knife if you always carry a pocket knife everywhere

Great video! Add a telescopic magnet for reaching a dropped fastener.

Really enjoy seeing your tool kit videos. I agree with everything you have in there. One thing I would consider adding is the LN46ACF. I have been so pleased with that long nose plier. That was my first Snap On tool and started a whole new collection.

I use 2-3” long 1/4” hex bits. They weigh a bit more but I encounter recessed screws surprisingly often. I got one set that had #2 Phillips in various shaft sizes down to quite small. I rarely need high torque, so the thinnest shaft made it into my should bag. Eg: last night I wanted to check how balances the cells in my Kobalt battery pack were. Recessed high security T10. Got the tool right next to me. Perfect!

Dasco has a 5 1/2” pry bar . Super handy . I couldn’t live without one in my kit .

Love it man. Great mix of tools. I want to build out a compact go bag!

Id say good start but the best advice it to look under your hood and really see what tools you would need to replace or repair something essential.

VICE GRIP?? How many times do I see people build out these mini/edc tool bags and no locking pliers. Yes I'm sure it's looked down upon as a crude tool, but usually it's the best tool to have when you don't have the "right" tool. Ditch one of the pliers and replace with a 6LN needle nose vice grip. The Schrade Toolbox would also work great. Safety wire and zip ties take up nearly no space. Duct and electrical tape. Dump the prybars also for the biggest flat blade screwdriver you can fit diagonally.

Small Vice grip and a couple recipro saw blades. Use the Vice grip as the handle. A small file or coarse diamond sharpener. Something with a wire cutter (think wire wrapped around a driveshaft or mower spindle). Scraper (small putty knife, chisel knife, razor blade holder, etc). Gloves. A couple disposable shop rags for cleanup.

Remove redundancy (choose 1 adjustable wrench, get rid of the other. Choose 1 adjustible plier, get rid of the other). Suggestions to add in: Side cutters / knippers. Roll of electrical tape or mini roll (thin or flat pack) gorilla tape. Sharpie. Headlamp instead of pen light. Zip ties. Small jewelers pliers (pull zip ties through tight spaces, etc). Depending if you have need for them, compact (folding) allen set. Some suggestions... but dependent on what your likely needs are - everyone is different, so there is no mass "right" answer. Only what is 'right' for your most likely needs. Good video series... 👍

I have one of those Snap On mini pry bars and it’s pretty handy. I’d add zip ties and tire plugs

My 90% bag has a nice 8 inch adjustable wrench and a 7.25 pliers wrench. Usually if you have to wrench something you have to hold another nut. Good to have both

Side cutters and zip ties are always a must in my bag

I think you have an awesome tool kit right there. If you try to squeeze in something else, you're going to need a bigger pouch or bag. As for your smaller tools, like your knipex mini cobra I recommend a tool pouch that goes underneath a bicycle seat. I use 2 of them for my daily EDC. The best sell on Etsy. Anyway enjoy the content, keep posting 👍

I pack 5 minute epoxy putty. You can make and/or modify tools or bolts on the fly. Once done you just take the epoxy off with a hammer or angle grinders. Wrap the putty in 3 pairs of gloves so that you can activate the putty. JB weld for black or another brand if you need white for low light places.

As far as the flashlight goes those olight mini batons are hard to beat. They aren't necessarily my favorite lights but they end up in my pocket every single day. The combination of the reversible pocket clip and the magnetic tail cap make it a good hands free option that takes up no space in the pocket/bag. I've found it almost indispensable at work. Everytime I put one in my pocket that doesn't have the magnetic tail cap I always end up needing it.

I found a small 2x aa work light from Milwaukee that I love. It has the magnetic base so is perfect for vehicle maintenance. I would want something like that clipped to the outside of the tool kit because I find I use them so much even during the day on a vehicle.

As a bag option for all sorts of kits, try clear vinyl bank bags. That they're clear works great when you've got several bags and need to know easily what's in each. The cloth zippers let air out so they don't pop open from pressure, and even when cold, the vinyl holds up. I've got a bunch and have never had an issue with any of them.

Very nice Doc!

Side cutters, one of my most used tools!

I really like this size tool kit. A little larger than the cocoon, yet still grab-n-go. A perfect passenger seat/truck kit. I'm not sure that you need the knipex pliers wrench. Everything else seems great and uniquely purposeful. Bondhus 38099 GoldGaurd Hex Keys (Do you need hex keys?) Knipex 74-01-160 Cutters (For cutting and wire stripping) Knipex 31-11-160 Needle Nose (They are so tiny and perfect for precise grabbing of wires, fuses, etc.) Coast G23 COB Flashlight (Durable as heck. Has a magnet clip and side COB light for an impromptu work light) Sharpie Extreme Gorilla Tape Electrical Tape

What you need is a "Telescoping Magnet". Electrical/Teflon/duct tape. Super glue. Those are a lot of pliers. You actually have the room for combination wrenches vs. open-end wrenches. What do plan on using it for ? Plumbing/electrical/roadside assistance? 3/8 Deep/shallow socket sets. How about adding the small bag inside the big bag to use as a divider/separator. That way it's not a big mess.

I just got the Facom JXL.171, and that is a telescopic 3/8 flex head,dust proof ratchet. That might fit in that little larger bag. Will give you the leverage, the dexterity and the flexibility of a 3/8 ratchet.

I like the first bag the little roll one. Ditch the screw extractor pliers put those in your main kit. Its just such a handy size.

Excellent. If you upgrade the Milwaukee knife to the 1505 6 in 1 version you can use the PB Swiss bits in its bit holder as a locking L-handle. The southwire USA mini wire strippers are nice and made good fuse pullers too. As far as a pry bar, I am of the view that a beater flat head screwdriver is the cubby go to. Something like the 5.5mm Wera Chisel driver. Finally, knowing your truck, the space for a dedicated PH2 (JIS?) screwdriver I think is worth it. PS and tape, stainless bailing wire, and RTV

Nice kit

First again Doc!, great content as always 👍, appreciate the practical info, and fun creativity put into thought + practice. -Paul.

This is a great series. Would you be able to provide some more examples of what each tool would possibly be used for?

I don't know whether the double sockets came before this video or after this video but that was the much more compact and easy way to go. Those sockets are adding way too much bulk and weight that doesn't need to be there. You could also opt for the 5 inch Vampliers over the Knipex Twin to shrink your kit. They're imo very comparable.

Hello again Doc Thank you for another Great Video 👍 I appreciate your asking for assistance. But I would think the lessons learned from your last over land trip would also guide your decision process. If I didn't mention it before, Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family 👪

Just thinking of things I use all the time I think needle nose and a hammer but idk how that could be done in that form factor. Great vid!

Good start, good job. I would like some type out nippers/ wire cutters / side cutters and or needle nose . some zip ties, electrical tape and a few feet of baling wire or tie wire or something of the sort. there are so many choice of what I hope I never need to use.

They make a Milwaukee utility knife with magnetic additional blade storage. It’s by far my favorite utility knife.

I'd add small set of side cutters and a few zip ties.

A Milton 'pencil' type tire pressure gauge might be nice.

I don't think I could live without a pair of vice grips. I also know how versatile a painters 6 in 1 tool is. You can use it for shaping, light chiseling, and light prying, and it also excels at jimmying things open. I don't see much in your kit for cutting. If I were putting a minimalist tool kit together, I would include Knipex mini bolt cutters or a pair of dykes at least. I am also a fan of folding Sawzall blade holders, or if you had vice grips or a leatherman crunch you could hold a Sawzall blade in them (or maybe you carry a leatherman with a jigsaw blade holder). I really like the Stanley mini wonder bars for prying or something like Dascos "hive tool" style pry bar.

I would guess what you are missing are ways of marking things (ex. sharpie, ballpoint pen, pencil, permanent marker etc) and a way of measuring (roll of measurement tape, small calipers). Also perhaps some tape and tiewraps in there, at least i find myself needing those all the time. Could fit in the zippered section that you are currently not using. Personally, I would like to have more kinds of drivers, especially hex types, and get rid of most of the redundant pliers. If you like using T-handles instead of regular screwdrivers, I know that Hazet makes a T-handle bit driver, which is extendable as well.

vice grips over pliers any day, don't need speed in emergencies usually, just results. Vice grip is a clamp/vice, modify the end for screw extraction etc etc

I used the Veto MCT to house VDE tools. Shocking! Gucci Tools deserve a Gucci Tool bag. That socket set is good, but if you switched to a vintage Metrinch set you could have both metric and imperial (not something for rusted car bolts but good around the house). Also consider upgrading the batteries in your flashlight to lithium primary batteries, nothing worse than returning to find they have dumped battery acid on your other tools.

I’ve always added the Vampliers’ 4-pc mini precision pliers to my smaller packs.

Please do an update, you do a fantastic video, cheers mate from Brisbane Australia 🇦🇺👍🏽

That is a ton of stuff in a small bag 👌🏻

Nice kit. I have some of those tools. My kit looks very similar but is a bit smaller. What’s missing: gorilla tape, something to measure, drill bits, saw blade, file, super glue (must glue on metal), permanent marker, pencil, paper to take notes and measurements, fine sand paper If you want examples of what to take and how to pack it just let me know.

Fun video. Maybe a magnet. Tape and extra razor blades could fit in back zipper pouch.

zip ties, mini duct tape roll, safety pins, rubber bands, and toothpicks are all infinitely useful. I would also leave out the crescent wrench; great tool but mostly unnecessary when the pliers wrench is available.

Need to add a 4140 skin wedge pry tool. Literally cannot live without them.

Very nice!

Milwaukee makes a razor knife that's abit thicker has an alright bit driver on it and stows razor blades. Also a small file fine/coarse on one side and diamond on the other takes up almost no room and is really useful. Opening up mashed threads on a bolt you have to make work ect. Also I would add a hack saw blade cut to fit your bag and wrap one end in electrical tape as a make shift handle so you've got a way to cut thin stock and bolts and such. The tape can be removed to be used to insulate wires and many other uses.

Looks good. I would add a pair of EMT scissors and a small bottle of gel superglue.

probably don't need the knippex slip joint I think. Also gotta say, I was watching a video where a guy used a mini cutoff wheel on a little dremel and cut perpendicular striations into the mouth of pliers, basically making his own screw extraction surface. I thought that was brilliant and could be a great mod to lighten a portable toolkit. Heck it could be a great way to mod a cheapo plier anyway. I want to give you a ton of ideas here but I'm going to save some of them for my own videos in the future. good stuff though. The socket set is such a hard one to figure out on this. so much weight.

If you are going to keep the cobra and the classic adjustable wrench, I'd ditch the plier wrench. Then, add a more robust crows foot for pulling and prying. Also, have you considered adding a wedge, like an abs doorstop or some such? Great for propping things that you pryed open, especially when it's a car door and you're trying to fish out keys with a wire hanger. ;)

LEVERAGE is the key element missing in you bag. An aluminum pipe nipple 8" long (and a better ratchet without the bulky plastic handle so it just fits the pipe)

1) crimper, stripper combo (I love the compactness of the snap-on PWCS7CF) 2) small vice grip (locking function is extremely adaptive) 3) a good sturdy fixed blade Fat common screw driver (works as a screw driver, pry bar, scraper, cleaning tool) 4) bic lighter 5) electrical tape 6) ty-raps 7) swap that 3/8 universal joint out for the impact ball joint style. They never lock up at full deflection 8) presonally i would ditch the thump adjustable for the Knipex. It’s my “knipex 16th” i use for EVERYTHING

You can get hex bits that fit in your sockets, then maybe a few torx bits. A fabric tape measure. If we are going to start talking consumables, I’ll say fishing line. A laminated card with important information is also pretty damn useful in a car breakdown scenario.

I know I’m late to the party but Dewalt makes a utility knife that folds, retracts, and extends. It holds three blades, one loaded, and 2 stowed in the upper shaft. Once you discard the used one, you just retract and re-extend the the loading mechanism and it automatically loads a new blade for you. It’s slightly bigger than the Milwaukee but it works great.

the only multitool I every thought was good in a tool kit was the Leatherman Crunch, other than that dedicated tools ftw.

I would change out the milwaukee knife with the newest version 1505. Has a bit driver on board, and they snuck in a slot to store an extra blade. Use this every day.

Not too redundant on pliers and wrench but ditch the slip joint pliers. And try a pass through ratchet set it keeps you from carrying deep well and regular well sockets. Some bailing wire and fence pliers are a great addition that would also do away with the pry bar give you a hammer of sorts and are generally great for handling wire and a bunch of other things. If the fence tool is to long cut the handles and/or grind the end of one side flat they work for a large screwdriver or flat pry tool then.

I would put a small breaker bar in there to, that way you can break free really tight bolts without breaking your ratchet.

Sweet bag, jealous.

6” Hemostat. 6” metal ruler and/or 3’ measuring tape.

Tekton makes a nice small sized prybar or there's a Craftman or GearWrench flex head prybar that I believe would be more useful than either of those. But I'm not sure they sell the small version indivudally or not. But I've found them extremely useful for tractor and implement adjustments and pin removals

Nitril gloves, small spray can WD40/Ballistol, maybe wipes, chisel driver (Yellow steel head Wera, pick your size), small hammer, steel wire, ductile (around a plastic card to save space), Ditch the socket set and replace with a Wera Tool Check plus + extra bigger sockets.

I'd remove the 3/8 to 1/2 socket adapter since you don't have any 1/2 drive sockets in the kit. If you have another kit with 1/2 drive sockets, put the adapter in that kit. I'm a big fan of head lamps so I'd add one if I had the room for it.

I would put a “Hultafors 108MINI 7.5 Inch Steel Mini Wrecking Bar“ (or a similar one of a different brand) in there. Mine lives in the same bag as my Knipex TwinGrip.

Pry bars maybe go down to just two options. I love the heck out of the bar one with the bent flat but on them. I think you had a Blue-Point version. Not sure what they’re called exactly. It’s such a strong little curved flat that can get in anywhere.

The PB swiss picks are smaller, might be better for a mini toolkit. An inexpensive spline socket set would be more versatile for the same space. You can definitely fit still fit some extra utility blades in that bag, but I would include a proper knife as well. I would probably include a few more hex bits then the ones that fit in the screwdriver handle, never know what you might need!

Any hex or torx sockets or bits? Looking at a tool kit to keep on my motorcycle. Lots have hex cap bolts. I keep a Wera tool check plus in my backpack and also in my Veto LC with me for basic tasks.

Add vice grips and a Sharpie or pencil. The bag is a good choice.

I would add wire strippers/crimpers. Never know when you might need to do some impromptu wiring. A small bolt/screw extractor wouldn't hurt. Maybe a pair of mini bolt cutters too. I think adding some consumables as others have suggested is also a good idea, but maybe they should have their own seperate smaller pouch. Tape, paper clips, butt connectors, tooth picks, ear swabs, cotton balls, super glue, dielectric, rtv, jb weld, quik steel, alcohol wipes, etc etc. You could easily make a consumables pouch the same size as that one that would be extremely useful.

Zip ties or electric tape would be good addition

I really like a brass brush

Another note: if you don’t include a blade, and keep the tools all under 7 inches, it is TSA compliant for carry on luggage.

CUTTING TOOL is the key element missing in your bag (to steal @DarylOster intro). I suggest Stanley 15-275 keyhole saw (with 4-way positions for its two blades, one for wood, one for metal) OR a handle that takes reciprocating saw blades (like the Milwaukee 48-22-0305 with its foldability cool factor + a couple of sawzall blades)

I would ditch the adjustable wrench, slip joint plier and mini pry bars for locking pliers, combination pliers and a beater screwdriver

I actually think you picked great set of tools. Maybe Toss in a Small roll of Gorilla Tape, maybe, Electrical Tape, A Bic Lighter, A small hex set/Tork bit set of some sort, A pair of your Eagle Grip Vise Grips, Maybe a HeadLamp instead of or to compliment your PenLight, and then maybe a pair of Fast Fit Mechanic Wear gloves, there thin and easy to pack yet just tough enough to help keep your hands safe. Just a few thoughts, but you really did a great job. 😎👍

Really big hammer!!!!

needs vice grips, sidecutters and possibly needlenose if youre omitting the leatherman

My recommendation is a decent headlamp, because if you've got to work you probably need both hands and a light.

Great kit man . I need that 2nd Klein driver anyone have the info on that?!

Good vid. I know you have a light, but consider a headlamp.

Definitely the pocket prybar.

Because I ride motorcycles your toolkit seems too heavy and large for me :-) but I have some suggestions that I use on mine: - Use a tool roll, it keeps tools from rattling around and it's more compact. I've been using a Kriega Tool Roll for many years. - Wera Tool Check Plus and remove/insert needed bits. It's compact and light and I also have a PB Swiss micro screwdriver to go along with it. - Magnetic extensible pen for when you drop some screw into a black hole. - Set of Asahi Lighttool Wrenches. - Light spark plug sockets. - Swiss Army knife. - Engineer screw removal pliers. - Lightweight Top (japanese brand) adjustable wrench (up to 32mm). - Knipex Cobra, but the mini one. I'm still looking for discounts on the wrench one to include it too. - Assortment of bolts and nuts. - Heavy duty "american" tape (that's what we call it over here, it's the resistant silver tape). - Electrical tape. - Several sizes of adjustable nylon cable zip ties. - Metal repair putty. - Tire pressure meter. - Mini-multimeter. - Small powerbank with jump starter. - Puncture repair or spray. - Mini measuring tape. - Light work gloves for when you have to mess with oil or dirty stuff.

I reccomend a Snappy ratchet, specifically a 3/8 drive inside a 1/4' body....

A 99 cent packet of dielectric grease saved me from a shorted coil wire in a rainstorm.

The Milwaukee fastback 48-22-1505 6 in 1 knife is the bees knees.

I'm surprised you have so much Snap On stuff. It's been pretty convincingly proven that Snap On is not only massively overpriced, but also literally not as good as several cheaper brands. Tool guys do tend to have some pretty strong brand loyalty regardless of how unfounded it is though. I'm sure they work great regardless though.

Well i have most of my tools in or on my clothing… And i need a bit collektion,and sadliy short and long bit holders and a few long bits for recessed screws.. .I need some tape for wounds that may occur (also works great to tape some spots on the Fingers that get sore) and one roll of elektrikal tape in a Color where you can write on. Than a bunch of pens (green, red, black needle tip .. a bigger edding.. a red lacker pen.. 2 ball pens) Then i need sockets for 8,10,13,17,19 and adapters for them, also something to hold a nut.. (i use the same two knipex pliers (maybe a bit smaller would do for me) Also i got the Wera mini Rachet. I use also the Milwaukee knife, in my case cable scissors (the small knipek one without steps but sharpend by hand) 3 screwdrivers- 2 flathead big and small one phillips Gloves, tape meassure and a folding stick.. and really small smooth needle pliers that can work as tweezers and a small elektronic side cutter.. oh i forgot the block of caro paper 📝 Oh and a mini level And the small and the big wirestripper pliers from knipex, thetwo wirestipper tubes.. an autocrimper.. Thats what is inside my trousers.. i am considering a small file and a steel saw blade grip thing

Spanner T-bars (with socket 1/4,3/8.1/2 ends -easily extended and can be a handle for your hammer head or as a breaker bar)instead of a ratchet(can fail-yes even Snap on), duct tape , rubber bands, stay ties, just a hammer head (improvise the handle when needed) , gloves attached to outside , test light ( small two wire. Like a pocket protector one) ditch the utility knife put in the Leatherman ( no comparison really), only really need one pliers (smaller the better, vise grip mini ????), two number two screwdrivers ( one cross tip, other flat tip) , HEADLAMP ( you’ll never regret it, ever), universal socket,a sharpie (white is my favorite)……..nice bag tho, small bottle of oil (couple ounces, ya never know until you need)or mini spray lube (they make pen sized aresols I think)

90-degree pick, GI P51 Can Opener, 550 Cord

consumables? Zip ties, duct tape around a card to stay slim, super glue, some random screws, maybe a lighter?

Hey Doc. Sorry if I missed you saying it in the video, but what brand of aluminum rails are you using for the sockets? I’m looking for some good ones for some of my tool bags.

I was just looking at the new Wera stuff at a trade show this weekend - let's just say my wallet won't like it. I might get the 400 RA Set 1, a ratcheting T-handle - probably not too useful for DIYers, it does nothing other mini ratchets or screwdrivers can't, but I use screwdrivers all day, sometimes for higher torque applications, and in terms of ergonomics this seems like a real step up. The Zyklop Pocket combines 1/4" hex bits and 3/8" sockets with bit storage in the handle - not really for me, didn't fit my hand too well, but immensly practical for service technicians etc. And then there is the KK 900, an impact screwdriver with 1/4" bits and Kraftform handle - I have no use for it, but it seems like a really good idea. For a tool kit that size I'd add a kitchen gas bruner, somewhat larger than a lighter, but very useful. Probably leave the pliers wrench, it is a great tool, but if you take sockets and an adjustable wrench it's not really needed. Unless you need a mini press which can be very useful for metal and electrical work.

What type of bag are you using? How come you do not carry a pair of side cutters and wire strippers in this bag? I do like this bag and your set up. I am looking at this set up. I would like to also add a set of rachet wrenches if possibel. But I do like this set up.Thank you for showing m this set up. Have a good day and be safe