13 Don’t-Forget Tools for Field Repairs
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.
Read More from Dan:
Moisture is the Enemy of Farm Machinery
5 Guarantees When Working on Machinery
Planter Oil Leaks: Common Causes and Fixes
A Few Useful “Pocket Tools” for Planting
Closing Thoughts on Modern Planters
Do Pretty Corn Fields Actually Translate Into Higher Yields?