On Tue, 13 Jun 2006 16:25:48 GMT, "Thomas Wentworth"
wrote:

On every cruising sailboat there is a tool kit. Just for fun; what is in
that tool kit?

If you are doing serious cruising you really need two sets of tools,
one set with just the basics and readily at hand since you will be
using them all the time, and a second larger set which can be stowed
away somewhere.

Basic set, easy to reach: 4 way combination screw driver, 8 inch
crescent wrench, small and large vice grips, needle nose pliers,
utility knife w/extra blades, WD-40 and a roll of white vinyl rigging
tape.

The advanced set is more boat specific (I know, I know). At the very
least I'd recommend a full set of 1/4 and 3/8 socket wrenches (both US
and metric), a full set of open end and box wrenches (both US and
metric), assorted deep sockets specific to your boat and engine, a
large and small hammer, a very large straight bladed screwdriver, a
block of wood (various uses), wire stripper and crimper, assorted wire
and terminal lugs, electric drill with suitable bits, right angle
ratchet screw driver, large crescent wrench, large channel lock
pliers, heavy duty wire cutter capable of cutting stainless wire,
miscelaneous stainless steel machine screws, sheet metal screws, nuts,
washers, volt ohmmeter, test light, small hack saw, etc.

Also useful are a Dremel tool with a full set of accessory bits,
propane torch, basic rigging tools, cordless drill w/charger, epoxy
kit, inverter, safety glasses, small vice, small grease gun, japanese
pull saw, chisels, etc.

For what it's worth my advanced set is split into 4 tool boxes,
wrenches, rigging tools and parts, electrical tools and parts, and the
fourth box is miscelaneous. I also carry one of the West Marine brief
case type tool kits which is a good place to start for basic stuff but
no substitute for quality tools.