What’s in the Rally Car Tool Kit? Building a common tool-set.

Here is my common tool set. This represents the tools I use 90% of the time. Put one together for yourself and stop 15 trips to 3 places to finish a project. I on-purpose didn’t put links, because I don’t want to update them, and I don’t monetize this site. Take that as an honest recommendation.

  • Sharpies (regular / fine)
  • Leatherman Style PS
  • AA Tweezers (and small tools)
  • Wera Kraftform Kompakt (screw driver with bits)
  • CRKT Drifter (folding knife)
  • EXTECH EX330 Multi-meter (with box of extras)
  • 1lb Brass Hammer
  • Wiha precision screwdrivers
  • AA LED Flashlight
  • Klein Tools Scissors
  • Wire strippers
  • Flush cutters
  • KNIPEX Cobra self locking pliers

12V Anderson Powerpole(s)

Everything I own that requires 12 volts, I have converted to powerpoles. From tire pumps to solar chargers, rally cars to even an internet router or two – if it takes 12V, it’s got these connectors. They are fantastic, universal, genderless (technically hermaphroditic), and if you know anyone involved in Amateur Radio, they have a truck full of things that power or get powered by them.

From Wikipedia: The Powerpole connector has been adopted by some segments of the Amateur Radio (Ham Radio) community as their standard 12-volt DC power connector for everything from radios to accessories. Two notable groups are Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) and Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES). It is more expensive than the older de facto standards of the two-wire trailer plug and the Molex connector, but provides a more reliable electrical connection (both mechanically and electrically), and is easier to adapt to a wider range of wire gauges. [link]

What this means is, in an emergency with emergency personnel, some of those people will be using powerpoles. At performance rallies, most of your ham radio operators will be using powerpoles. I highly recommend their use and a good set of crimpers if you’re going to switch a lot of stuff over to them.

Once you do, you’ll realize you have a lot more configuration options. Now that solar charger can be adapted to charge any of the cars you drive. Your mobile radio can grab power from it or that big battery in the truck. I connect my rally car to a trickle charger with the same connection I use to power its mobile radio, and also the same connection I grab power for my tire pump.