Build a No-Nonsense Tool Roll for the Mule
Forget walking back to the shop for a Phillips again. A simple, dedicated tool roll in the Mule means you fix small problems on the spot without robbing other kits.
What you’ll get:
- A lean tool roll loadout built for common fixes while riding in the Mule
- Tips to avoid overlap and bloat, plus smart swaps over time
Tools & Materials
Start with a purpose-built roll
Pick a roll (like the Carhartt Tool Roll) and commit the contents to it. Don’t raid your house, boat, or workbench kits—duplication beats downtime. The goal: always-there basics you won’t miss elsewhere.
Core tools that solve 80% of problems
- Pliers set: A five-piece Pittsburgh set covers gripping, cutting, and twisting. This handles most quick repairs.
- Screwdrivers: A #2 Phillips and a flathead solve most fasteners. Add a smaller Phillips and flathead only if you truly use them.
- Folding hex keys: Carry one SAE or metric fold-up block to keep bulk down; swap as your projects dictate.
Small adds that punch above their weight
- Scissors: Cheap, reliable, and perfect for packaging and tape. Use them to unbox and to trim on the go.
- Stainless steel tweezers: Great for grit or pebbles stuck in screw heads that block bit engagement.
- Super glue: Tuck a few tubes up top for quick, temporary fixes. Leave room alongside for future zip ties or threadlocker.
- Lighter: A flexible-tip lighter earns its spot for campfires and tight access.
Multitool as a filler, not a crutch
If you have a Leatherman Free T4 gathering dust, park it in the roll. It fills knife, small scissors, file, and driver gaps. But don’t rely on it to replace full-size pliers or drivers when real leverage matters.
Pack fit and refinement
Close the roll and test the straps. If you’ve got slack, you can add a few bulkier items later. Tune over time: if a tool never gets touched, pull it; if you needed metric last time, swap the hex block.
A dedicated, no-fuss tool roll in the Mule beats multiple trips to the shop. Keep it lean, don’t cannibalize other kits, and adjust after real use.
