Practice: This tool should be on board

Perhaps the saying that boats are repaired more often than they are moved is just a legend. But one thing is certain: sailors need tools all the time. A loose fitting here, a squeaky floorboard there. Is there a perfect range for water sports? The major yacht chandlers send out complete tool kits, but these are not tailored to maritime needs. Of course, every DIY store also stocks a whole range of well-stocked boxes. These standard boxes are cheaper, but only contain standard products and are often incomplete for sailors.

More on the subject of "Tools":

• Guide: You need these tools for winter storage
• Sailing knives: Small all-rounders: eight multi-tools in the test

If you are looking for a toolbox that perfectly matches your own boat, you are almost always better off with a customised selection. At the same time, there is complete freedom of choice in terms of brand, quality and price level. The principle of "less is more" applies, so that no unnecessary ballast is dragged along and has to be stowed away: Only the bits that correspond to the screws available on board, only the most necessary spanners.

This allows you to put together customised toolboxes for different situations: On the one hand, the universal bag in XS format for quick access at short notice, which can be stowed permanently accessible on the map table or companionway. In addition, there is the large workshop box as a storage location for all the other products that can sometimes disappear deeper into the back box.

And if you like to be really meticulous, you can also continue to sort according to specific applications such as "electrics", "engine" or "sails and running rigging". With increasing experience, some devices that are needed so rarely and predictably that they can safely wait in the attic at home will be banned from the boat.

Which tools should be on board?

An absolute minimum recommendation for quick access for everyday repairs and maintenance tasks for 150 to 200 euros includes the following tools:

• Screwdriver or bits with the appropriate heads for the screws installed on board: Where only Torx screws are installed, cross slots are superfluous.
• The most important Allen key or hexagon socket spanner, preferably bits
• Socket spanner inserts, Nuts Suitable for the nuts and bolts that are installed on board
• At least one handy Combination pliers good quality
• Side cutterif not reliably integrated in the combination pliers.

Compact tool sets that cover most requirements and often already integrate smart functions are a good basis. For around 110 euros, the "Kraftform Kompakt W 1 Wartung" from manufacturer Wera includes a modular range of insulated screwdriver blades with interchangeable handles as well as bits in the standard Allen sizes. It also includes a ratchet handle with a swivelling head for the sockets from 5.5 to 13.0 millimetres. The textile bag also has space for compact combination pliers or additional spanners and can be stored practically anywhere thanks to a self-adhesive Velcro strip. That's all you need for small everyday jobs.

Competitors such as Wiha sell similar collections. Skippers with a penchant for minimalism choose a bit holder in the shape of a screwdriver head and only include the right bits in this set. Or even rely on a multitool with bit attachments, which can only be used for small tasks.

The complete toolbox

But sometimes you need a little more, especially when it comes to major interventions. The minimum equipment of the complete toolbox for all eventualities also includes, according to our recommendation:

• Open-end spanner or nuts in larger formats, for example for the control column
• A complete Allen set
• Pliers spanner or (self-adjusting) open-end spanners in various sizes, also for the shroud terminals - preferably with plastic protective jaws
• Water pipe wrench
• A complete Bit set
• A compact Electric screwdriver for simple but usually tiring work
• Side cutter
• Shroud cutter
• Cutter knife and blades
• A fully insulated VDE combination pliers
• Measuring tape
• Hammer
• Soft-face mallet
• One Handsaw with a sufficient number of interchangeable blades
• LED work light, Headlamp
• Cordless screwdriver or drill with drill bits, charger and preferably 2 batteries.

Could it be more? Electrical and electronic upgrade

The prices vary greatly. Not least with the choice of storage. Depending on craftsmanship and personal commitment, the sky is practically the limit. The supplementary complete electrical and electronic upgrade consists of the following components, for example:

• Digital multimeter
• Reliable Stripping tool
• Versatile, high-quality Crimping pliers for different sizes and cable cross-sections to create secure end connections
• VDE-insulated screwdrivers
• VDE-insulated Combination and needle nose pliers
• Precision mechanic screwdriver set for work on electronic devices
• If necessary a Hot air device for shrinkable connectors.

Most sailing yachts are equipped with tools for working on ropes and rigging. What used to be sailing gloves are now splicing needles of different sizes, Dyneema scissors, marking tape, felt-tip pens, sail repair tape, rigging twine in different diameters and perhaps even a hot knife, which is also available gas-powered. In any case, ropes and Dyneema ends. Does all this belong in the toolbox? Opinions differ here, but in the end it's practicality that decides. Most skippers will carry this material on board in their own bags or boxes.

Good ideas from Wuppertal

As the cradle of German industrialisation, the Bergisches Land region is still home to many toolmakers today. Manufacturers from Wuppertal and neighbouring cities export some of the most innovative tools all over the world. Specialist Knipex, for example, has developed the "plier spanner": With flat jaws that can be additionally defused with plastic attachments, they replace a complete set of classic spanners at best. The distance between the jaws can be varied at the touch of a button on the head. The tools are available in five sizes and different designs from around 40 euros.

Especially practical on board: the company offers retaining clips with fall protection on lines for many of its pliers. This saves many a dive in the harbour.

The self-adjusting open-end spanners from Wera are no less helpful. The jaw width of the six different sized models varies with the movement of the handle, and the spanner grips tightly when the workpiece is turned clockwise. In return, the jaws open and even allow you to work with a ratchet feel. Prices range between 35 and 44 euros, depending on the size. Both the pliers spanner and the self-adjusting open-end spanner, for example, make the effort of tightening shroud tensioners in spring noticeably easier.

Ring spanners with ratchets are almost standard in professional workshops, but are still missing on most boats. The versions with a hinge between the head and handle in particular make it much easier to work in hard-to-reach and tight places. Set prices vary between 30 and 100 euros depending on quality, design and brand. Several manufacturers also have geared screwdrivers in their range. The bit holder rotates four times with one turn of the hand. This turbo can be switched at the touch of a button.

Of course, the choice of on-board tool is always very individual, but it is always worth thinking about the subject.

Cordless screwdrivers are mandatory

When it comes to drilling at the latest, nobody on board wants to do without power tools. The first choice is a cordless drill driver with a brushless motor and metal drill chuck, two gears, controllable torque, a good LED and the most compact design possible. 80 Newton metres are sufficient for practically any on-board application. Makita, for example, recommends the "DDF484" for 120 euros without battery or 280 euros with battery (street prices). For private users, Bosch recommends the equally compact "AdvancedDrill 18V-80" (120 euros) and for commercial customers the "Expert EXSR 18V-90FC" from the blue series (from 250 euros without battery/accessories); both with interchangeable attachments for a wide range of drilling and screwdriving applications.

Depending on your budget and requirements, an electric Multitoolwhich Polishing machine or a Angle grinder typical additions to the equipment pool. In most cases, however, these tend to be stored in the cellar at home and are primarily used in winter storage. However, a very compact additional device for tight spaces, such as a small angle screwdriver, is a good addition on board.

On the question of the right battery system, Bosch, for example, says: "For performance reasons, we recommend the 18-volt system." Although the equally popular 12-volt devices are smaller and more compact, they reach their limits more quickly when working in hardwood, with larger screws in aluminium or with hole saws.

Storage size, redundancy and storage

For most yachts, two to four ampere-hours of battery capacity are sufficient. In case of doubt, the second battery is more practical than the larger battery. Even if some brands advertise splash water protection, contact with salt water must be categorically avoided.

There are a few things to bear in mind when it comes to battery care: Performance drops at temperatures below zero degrees Celsius. The runtime is shortened and the device switches off sooner. Whereas it used to be said that charging below zero degrees Celsius could damage the battery, the all-clear has now been given, at least for Bosch customers: the new batteries in the "Expert" range can be charged at a cell temperature of between minus 10 and 55 degrees Celsius. Manufacturers recommend storing the batteries at 10 to 20 degrees, only taking them out of the heat before use and keeping them close to the body when working in winter storage, for example. Conversely, automatic switch-off protects modern batteries from faster ageing of the storage cells in hot weather. Working in the blazing sun almost always requires breaks to allow the device and battery to cool down in the shade.

Winter storage, on the other hand, is no longer a challenge for modern batteries: "Storage for more than six months is not a problem. Intermediate charging is not normally necessary," explains Bosch. "For longer storage, however, we recommend a charge level of 50 to 80 per cent."

How tools can be protected

Forged tools are not made for a salty environment. However, there are often no alternatives. A 40-euro branded pair of pliers, for example, would cost many times more as a stainless steel product. However, the manufacturer Knipex makes it clear: "Even chrome-plated pliers do not have sufficient rust protection to prevent corrosion in a saltwater environment."

The first commandment on board, regardless of the material, is: Avoid contact with salt! The second is to dry thoroughly. And thirdly: preserve. The manufacturer advises applying thin oil to the tool after regular cleaning with fresh water and thorough drying. "These oils not only improve the appearance of the pliers, but also provide good rust protection." The type of oil does not matter - sewing machine, gun or precision mechanic oil are equally suitable. Light flash rust on non-chrome-plated parts can be removed with a soft cloth and a little oil, level 2 is an abrasive rubber or eraser. Be careful with products made of chrome vanadium: These steels are generally harder and can withstand high mechanical loads, but are more susceptible to corrosion than stainless steels without suitable surface protection. If you want to be on the safe side, add a packet of silica gel to the waterproof toolbox.