13 Don’t-Forget Tools for Field Repairs

Overlooked tools can save the day during field repairs.

By Dan Anderson

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May 17, 2022 08:40 AM

Overlooked tools can save the day during field repairs.

Whether you’re loading a portable toolbox into a pickup truck or outfitting a full-bore service truck, there are optional tools and accessories that make maintenance and repairs in the field easier and safer. Such as:

A 16” pipe wrench and the biggest slip jaw pliers you can buy. You probably remember an instance when one or both of these tools would have been handy during field repairs.
A 4 lb. blacksmith hammer and at least an 8 lb. sledge hammer for when gentle persuasion isn’t enough.
Some kind of pocket voltmeter. A $35 meter from NAPA will do basic voltage testing as well as a $300 voltmeter from Snap-on.
Jumper cables. At least 1-gauge cables, 25’ long. A battery “jump pack” is an alternative, but a jump pack for farm use needs to have at least 3,000 amps capacity and always kept plugged into a cigarette lighter/inverter charger. Otherwise you’ll think you charged it last month, but it was actually last spring. If it’s discharged you’ll have to drag out the battery cables.
Hydraulic jack(s) and sections of railroad ties/bridge planks to use as blocks when jacking equipment in soft dirt. A spade or shovel to dig/move dirt when positioning those jacks.
Large sheets of cardboard, or a tarp, to lay on when working under machines on muddy ground.
Empty 5-gal. buckets with lids, to drain, save and keep oil or coolant clean for re-use after repairs. Shallow drain pans for draining fluids when there’s no room for a 5-gal. bucket. Include a funnel.
A 3-step and a 5-step stepladder. Combines, grain carts, sprayers and even planters are getting taller and taller. A 5-step may be too tall in some places, and a 3-step may be too short, so one of each satisfies all needs.
At least one 6’-long “railroad bar,” for prying and lifting heavy components. Much better and safer than robbing a steel fence post out of a fence row.
A 12 volt to 120 volt electrical inverter, to charge batteries for cordless tools and lights.
Cans of aerosol brake cleaner or contact cleaner for field-cleaning parts. Cans of WD-40, JB-80, Kroil or a penetrating oil of your choice.
A razor knife and pack of razor knife blades. Better than your pocketknife for precise cutting, especially if your pocket knife is as dull as mine.
A zip tie assortment. Rolls of duct tape and electrician’s tape. A box of assorted hardened-steel roll pins. A box of assorted cotter keys. Rolls of 16-, 14- and 12-gauge electrical wire. A box of assorted electrical wire splices and connectors, and…a box of Band-Aids.