10 Essential Tools Truckers Need in Their Toolbox

Long-haul truckers spend time on the road most days of the week. Though they are not expected to possess mechanical skills, truckers should have enough know-how about their trucks and bring with them on their trips some tools that could help them get moving should "once in a blue moon" situations occur. If you are making or completing your own or your trucker's toolboxes, these tools are perfect for you: 

DOT Reflective Triangles

Since it is inevitable for trucks to break down at some point, all commercial vehicles and truck tractors are required to have DOT reflective triangles. When purchasing reflective triangles, go for those that are DOT (Department of Transportation) approved. It pays to choose triangles with a storage case to prevent damage or loss. They should be marked or stamped as being DOT approved; if you are not sure, email or call the seller or manufacturer to find out. Truckers who prioritize safety gear and other on-road essentials will find reflective triangles indispensable in emergencies, especially during breakdowns in poorly lit areas.

Tow Rope/Strap

Designed to hook into shackles and towing points, tow ropes are fitted with large metal hooks at each end. They are made durable enough to tow vehicles, pull equipment, move debris, or secure cargo. When you're looking for one, tow ropes that are weather-resistant, abrasion-resistant, and wear-resistant, and built to high standards, are worth your money. You should also consider the strap's working capacity. A tow rope is also part of any road-ready truck's maintenance setup, helping you stay prepared in case of minor incidents far from service areas.  

Booster Cables

When it comes to booster or jumper cables, durability is crucial. And no truck tool kit is ever complete, especially during the winter, without a set of these durable cables. Regardless of how your battery died, your jumper cables must provide the necessary charge to restore it and keep it running long enough to take you to your destination. The ideal booster cable should be at least 20 feet long and must be heavy-duty and tangle-free. Reliable booster cables are just one of the many must-have items for anyone focused on a comfortable and well-equipped life on the road.

Multimeter

An indispensable tool for truckers, the multimeter aids in diagnosing, testing, and troubleshooting electrical components, circuits, and devices. This tool, used in truck applications, ensures accurate measurements and is primarily used to measure current, voltage, resistance, and other parameters. When choosing one for your truck tool kit, your primary consideration should be the price, type of multimeter, key features, portability, frequency of use, mounting device, and additional features and attachments. Keeping your truck’s electrical system in good shape goes hand in hand with following preventive truck maintenance practices that minimize costly breakdowns. 

Rechargeable Headlamp

One of the most welcome additions to your toolbox is a rechargeable headlamp. This allows you to go out into the dark while freeing your hands to perform other essential tasks, such as fixing something in your truck or carrying additional tools. This lamp produces an exceptionally bright LED light beam to provide the kind of illumination you need, where you need it. Most rechargeable headlamps, including the Coast HL8R Rechargeable Pure Beam Focusing Headlamp, have three modes to choose from—low, medium, high. This headlamp is impact and weather-resistant, and its LED is durable and virtually unbreakable.

Hammer

A handy tool for auto restoration work, the hammer is ideal when performing chassis or brake work, rebuilding a transmission, fixing leaf springs and suspensions, seating seals and bearings, and addressing some engine-related repairs. The most common weight range for hammers used in automotive and truck applications is from 2 oz. to 48 oz. Remember, though, that when you are striking a truck part with a hammer, you should hit it square on, with the hammer's face as parallel as possible to the surface being hit. This saves you from chipping or deforming the part you're striking with the hammer.

Multitool 

To provide users with ultimate convenience, the multitool is packed with a variety of blades and tools in one handy device, making it significantly more versatile than a pocket knife. A good multitool is lightweight, easy to carry, durable, and contains the right tools for your needs. The Leatherman Super Tool 300 Multitool, for instance, is surprisingly portable, considering the array of tools it contains. It houses 19 tools, including a saw, wood and metal files, various screwdrivers, a wire stripper, pliers, and standard wire cutters, all within its sturdy stainless-steel body.   

Screwdriver Set 

Screwdriver sets are among the most popular tools used by both professionals and DIY enthusiasts. These tools are handy when installing and uninstalling screws or fasteners, as they rely on the operator's physical strength to apply accurate force for clockwise or counterclockwise turning via the screwdriver handle. Among the most popular drive tips are Hex, Phillips, Flat, Pozidriv, and Torx. Proper lubrication can extend the life of your screwdriver set and other hand tools, especially when using truck lubricants that keep components running smoothly.

Ratchet and Socket Set

Professionals and DIY enthusiasts widely use convenient and versatile ratchet and socket sets for their truck maintenance projects. They are used in tightening or loosening fasteners of various types and sizes. They are also a must-have for home garages, as standard socket sets typically contain attachment sizes that suit the nuts and bolts commonly found on buses, cars, trucks, and other vehicles. A ratchet and socket set can make even the most challenging task easier by providing an extra level of user-friendliness.  

Vice Grips

Every mechanic or DIYer needs an extra set of hands when doing fixes. This is where a vice grip comes into play. This tool features a locking mechanism that allows specific components to be securely clamped in place and remain that way while cutting, measuring, releasing a stripped bolt, or performing other maintenance or repair tasks. Also called locking pliers or mole grips, vice grips are a valuable addition to a trucker's toolbox.   

Whether you are creating a new trucker's toolbox kit or replacing damaged tools in your existing toolkit, FinditParts offers a wide range of high-quality, cost-effective tools for you to choose from. We offer all the tools mentioned above—plus many other products, such as spare fuses, hose clamps, tire pressure gauges, fire extinguishers, bungee cords, cable ties, and duct tape—at fair market prices. We also guarantee reasonable rates for our fast and speedy order delivery. You don't have to worry about finding the exact tool you need from our massive part inventory. Our quick look-up feature allows you to find the part you need in just a few seconds. Shop with us today and enjoy a hassle-free online shopping experience.