Tools up

A short tip for all of us to use this month and this time it has nothing to do with repairs on the mighty Paj. 

The topic of what tools and equipment you should carry with you when you travel to outback destinations has been one of much discussion over the years.  Magazines have advised on it, mates have argued it and colleagues have questioned it.  As far as I’m concerned once you have packed every tool in your toolbox recommended by all of the above there would not even be room left for, heaven forbid, the lovely wife (or a few beers).  Then the reality is that 90% of what you carry won’t get used because we end up taking 4 or 5 of the same tool to handle one application.

Packing a toolbox in preparation for an adventure is something I never have to worry about and being stressed about whether or not I’ve got the right tools to cover almost every situation is something that does not enter my mind.  Why, because my toolbox for the car is always packed and sitting in the back of the car ready to go.  The key to a well organised tool box is taking the minimum number of tools needed to cover any situation.

So how do I know that I have all the right tools packed and ready.  Simple.  When ever I do work on my car I only use the tools that are in the car’s toolbox.  This way I know that I have every situation covered.  If I ever need to go to the shed to get a different tool to tackle a specific situation that tool goes straight into the toolbox (rather than back to the shed) on the completion of the job.  That way I know it will be there next time I need it.

Next time you think that you are being highly organised getting all your tools together 3 weeks prior to going on that special trip think about this article and question yourself “Is this really the highly organised preparation I think it is”?

Now you can have the confidence to answer that question you so often hear “What equipment should I be taking with me for car repairs”?  The answer is simple “Take everything that is already packed in your toolbox in the back of the car”.

For $15 to $20 you can pick yourself up a decent sized toolbox from Bunnings which will get you well on the way to being organised for your next bush repair.  Toolbox preparation is an ongoing job not something to be done a couple of weeks before you go on holidays.  Be self disciplined enough to stay away from all the fancy luxury tools in the shed when fixing your car and you’ll never have to read another magazine article again on 101 essential tools for your Aussie adventure.

P.S.  Even though the Pajero already comes well appointed with high quality tools mounted in a compartment in the back swing door (another reason why Mitsubishi is at the forefront of technological innovations) it may not be enough for every situation so give yourself a treat and go and have some fun stocking up at Auto Pro.  After all it is the responsibility of every man (or woman) to at least look like they know what they are doing when the bonnet is up, and a good looking set of sockets sitting on the engine block next to you can certainly go a long way towards improving your professional image.  If nothing else someone nearby should be able to use them to help out.       

Stay above the high tide mark and safe driving.

Trevor