Small, underseat auto toolkit

Im wanting to put together a small, underseat toolkit to keep in the car with some basics - what are yall using?

Im not seeing anything in stores that fit my needs (needs to be sort of thin, 2" or so thick to easily slide in and out from under the seat), and some elastic loops inside would be handy to keep things in a specific place and not just strewn about.

Ive found roadside emergency kits which have flares and reflectors, but no tools
Hell, if I could find the right case/bag I could just put together something of my own, but that's been a chore so far too

Buy a bag the size you need fit-wise and put tools that apply for your vehicle and it's likely needs...

My primary vehicle is my work truck. I have lots of tools all the time. My spare vehicle is my Sprinter RV. I have a box in the back of basic and specialized tools and bandaid stuff.

Flares are okay but I suggest Chem Light sticks be in you kit also. They can be used for light as well as a safety marker hung on a person’s belt, jacket, etc. They last a lot longer and are not pyrotech type light.

As to bag maybe you could go more for a tool “roll” more than a “bag”.

https://www.amazon.com/Pocket-Leath...coding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=DDWHN52NGKT8BFSRQG2B

I have used cheapy tool bags (like the AWP brand bags sold at Lowe's.) In addition to tools, I like to carry a class 2, hi-vis vest.

I store the tools in the spare tire well instead of under the seat

I use them pretty often working on things from trucks and tractors so decided to build my own as I got tired of the incomplete sets or going back to shop everytime but below are some I have and have really felt I got my moneys worth and store in small areas.

I have been really pleased with this kit for sockets and pretty compact case to fit under seat of truck. Amazon also has it on sale sometimes if you watch.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Sunex-3-8-in-Drive-Master-Impact-Socket-Set-42-Piece-3342/302908202

I paired it with a gear wrench ratchet and few longer extensions and covers most jobs if you only wanted one socket set.

Also use one of the cheap harbor freight tool bags to store ratchet and some wrenches, plyers zip ties misc fuses and electrical connectors and electrical tape in and it has held up well. Lowes put the kobalt wrench sets on sale around holidays for 19.99 and they have been good as well.

I'll just add that having it immediately accessible probably shouldn't be such a factor. You won't be timed when you have need of the kit.

It isnt about being timed, it's about SPACE

HMP said:

It isnt about being timed, it's about SPACE

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I think what JR is saying is most of the time it's not going to be about tools rather than parts that may fail. At least that's how I took it.

Ratcheting screwdriver covers a bunch of tools with minimum space.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-Dou...heting-Set-Multi-Bit-Screwdriver-Set/50175547

Dad bought me a gm goodwrench toolkit (very similar to the pic) years ago that's my constant companion. Never know when you'll need a little something to get a back on the road.

A bit set.....to cover hex/torx/screwdriver.
A small 3/8 ratchet set that rolls up in a bag/pouch.
7-9 piece wrench set that rolls up in a bag/pouch.
Long nose vise grip, medium adjustable wrench, medium hammer, electrical tape, small flashlight and zip ties. This wont take up much room and should cover most anything you will tackle on the side od the road or parking lot, and wont take up too much room.

"It isnt about being timed, it's about SPACE"

since i am cheap, this is what is in one of our cars.
3 ZipLoc, gallon bags inserted into each other filled with my chosen tool assortment.
mash it down to fit under just about anything. throw a desiccant pouch or four in there, too.
hope it stays there and is never moved because it was never needed.

Diablos said:

Dad bought me a gm goodwrench toolkit (very similar to the pic) years ago that's my constant companion. Never know when you'll need a little something to get a back on the road.

View attachment 150649

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That's what I used to have! (or something much like it - I know mine had electrical tape in it too)
It MIGHT be at my parents somewhere, but it sure as heck aint at my house
I had one and it had a ton of great stuff in a small package

I’m actually in the process of putting together a tool roll kit for my truck. I wouldn’t buy any kit, gather what you need for your vehicle and for situations you may encounter.

My plan is to gather all of the tools I want then lastly, buy the tool roll.

I dont have much to add but I wanted to share. My wife's car blew a radiator hose and I fixed it with my pocket knife and a dime I found in the trunk. Felt like a total BOSS after that.