Track tool box contents and impact wrench recommendations

[chillindrdude]

this is a 2 parter:

Trying to travel light and resisting urge to bring the kitchen sink. This is the contents of my tool box/kit:

-socket set and extension
-breaker bar
-mallet
-needle nose pliers, extended reach 14" pliers
-torque wrench
-tire gauge
-IR temp gun
-complete brake pad set (OEM or Racing, depending how lazy I am)
-1 qt engine oil
-1 L brake fluid
-brake pressure bleeder
-zip ties, locktite, WD40, painters tape, gorilla tape
-2 jack stands, 1 wheel chock
-1 low clearance jack
-nitrile gloves
-retired (garbage) microfibers
-flashlight, helmet/head light


2nd question: I am considering adding a battery pack impact wrench/driver to this. what brand you guys recommend? don't need "shop" quality, but something more value-oriented. what is minimum torque spec needed for wheel lugs? i'm eyeing dewalt, makita, milwaukee...

[heckyeahbro69]

I love my Milwaukee electric impact. It's the fuel brushless powered one and it was really cheap on amazon with an extra battery and charger. I didn't get a 1/2 inch one because I don't use it to break loose the wheel bolts, just remove them once broken free with the breaker bar. it was like $150 shipped.

[turbo8765]

http://www.dewalt.com/tools/cordless...-dcf895c2.aspx

I use this one at track.

Setting number 3 is good for lug removal and setting 2 is perfect for lug tightening. It's ~85 ft-lbs so perfect for tightening before final torque-ing.

And the battery lasts forever.

[tcpsoft]

These aren't 20 year old E36s where you'll need to replace a water pump in the paddock. Get your car tech'd at a reputable shop and you should be fine with a few things. I'm a bit of a minimalist these days - start with helmet, torque wrench, tire pressure gauge, log book, water. The TMI shop in the paddock will have any emergency needs that may come up. No need to overcomplicate things and the worst thing you can do is to change every variable while you're learning.

Highly recommended in the summer: 10x10 canopy and a folding chair. Heavy weights for the corners of the canopy to keep it from blowing away (no spikes allowed).

Just go and have fun.

PS - if you've already got an IR temp gun then great, otherwise don't waste money on the IR - get a probe pyrometer in the future.

[JNoSol]

I bring nothing, other than a 1/2 inch TQ wrench, air gauge, and air pump. You can find a dozen people with a jack within a stone throw and would happy to lend it out. Our cars are new and designed to take a beating on the track, it will not fall apart like the Z06.


Brake fluid and oil is a good idea too.

[turbo8765]

Originally Posted by JNoSol

it will not fall apart like the Z06.

Quality post.

[nicknaz]

I have been tracking stock cars for the past few years so i just bring a torque wrench, breaker bar, 17mm deep socket, and air compressor with me

[Jorgem2009]

Originally Posted by turbo8765

Quality post.

i have been tracking my M4 for the last year or more with no issues, my friends c6 z06 has oveheated or busted brake lines on the only two times hes tracked it lol

[ChipB]

My track day tool kit is similar to yours - enough stuff to be able to do brake fluid bleeding and a brake pad change if necessary. Only things I would add are a bleeder bootle, plastic tarp, glass cleaner, and paper towels.

[evanescent03]

have you been using your list or did you modify it some?

your list is similar to what I take. I just want to be able to swap wheels/tires (PSS, NT01), brake pad swap of I get down to the backing plate, brake bleed and that's about it.

I use an 18V milwaukee impact gun which won't break em free but I just them to finish the job. my buddy has a big a $$ kobalt that will break the bolts free, it's a beast but was more like $300-400 . did you choose one?

also what actual tool box are people using? I went from a big Tupperware(too bulky) to a cardboard box (doesn't hold up well in water) and now use a canvas folding bag that I got with my Milwaukee tools. the canvas bag works well except it's not very organized. I'm thinking of getting a plastic box for track trips to keep stuff organized. anyone using something clever?

[robbo mcs]

The other things I would take are basic spare parts. Things that are cheap, don't take up much room, and can save much grief. Eg spare spark plug, coil pack, wheel speed sensor, wheel bolts.

Other things that are useful are a few hose clamps of various size, silicon wrapping tape.

[MaynardZed]

Originally Posted by evanescent03

have you been using your list or did you modify it some?

your list is similar to what I take. I just want to be able to swap wheels/tires (PSS, NT01), brake pad swap of I get down to the backing plate, brake bleed and that's about it.

I use an 18V milwaukee impact gun which won't break em free but I just them to finish the job. my buddy has a big a $$ kobalt that will break the bolts free, it's a beast but was more like $300-400 . did you choose one?

also what actual tool box are people using? I went from a big Tupperware(too bulky) to a cardboard box (doesn't hold up well in water) and now use a canvas folding bag that I got with my Milwaukee tools. the canvas bag works well except it's not very organized. I'm thinking of getting a plastic box for track trips to keep stuff organized. anyone using something clever?

I've been using a those cheap plastic orange toolboxes from Home Depot. For $8 they are big enough to fit a torque wrench in there and you don't feel bad if you accidentally run over over it.

[Reach]

I'd only change to not bring the pressure bleeder. I only really use a pressure bleeder for a full system flush. If you're just doing a quick bleed to swap pads, it's easy to grab a track buddy or just the guy next to you in the paddock to do a few brake pedal pushes for you.

[tom @ eas]

Good list.

We always bring a couple cans of Torco (octane booster) as backup in case the pumps aren't functioning.

Don't forget paper towels/glass cleaner. Seems minuscule, but windshields always get gunked up.

[DaBean]

My tool list, which is primarily for brake / wheel change:
- Metric Craftsman tool set
- Jack
- Breaker bar
- Torque Wrench with 17mm socket
- Large screwdriver (brakes)
- Hex key set
- 1 Jack stand
- Impact Gun
- Tire gauge
- Nitrile gloves
- Blue paper towels

[baz171]

Well seems everyone is in the right ball park here. Just the tools required for a pad change and fluid flush in reality.

No need for jack stands IMO, just keep one side up on jack as you work.

No need for impact gun unless you feel lazy and want to spend the $150 plus.

No need for IR temp sensor. What are you going to achieve or repair with it?

From my experience of a years worth of trackways in M3.

A big big help would be a nice tool bag or box to fit most things into. Also a large plastic storage box with lid (maybe 2) as everything can be removed from boot and left safe in your service/pit area. Lid keeps stuff dry!

I would suggest a couple of spare wheel bolts. I lost one while on track recently.

If you plan on changing pads you can use a 4mm allen/hex socket extension to knock out pad retaining pins.


So I have updated list of essentials to get by on a track day.


-large storage box with lid
-socket set and extension (including Hex/allen sockets etc)
-screw driver set
-breaker bar
-rubber mallet and/or hammer
-needle nose pliers and normal size pliers
-torque wrench with 17mm long socket
-tire pressure gauge
-12v tyre pump
-spare brake pad set
-spare wheel bolts
-1qt engine oil
-1L brake fluid
-brake pressure bleeder or hose and empty bottle with cap
-zip ties, WD40, painters tape, gorilla tape
-1 low clearance jack
-nitrile gloves or mech gloves
-retired (garbage) microfibers
-paper towels/roll
-flashlight, helmet/head light
-glass cleaner

If you wish

-octane booster
-impact gun (cause your lazy)

Anything else is up to yourself.

Baz

[evanescent03]

good review for prepping for next weekend. it had been a few months since I've been out to the track. biggest things for me are supplies to change tires, pads, brake fluid bleed. it's nice having a new car as the track car. the older the car, the bigger the toolbox/list.