10 best truck driver tools you must have

Getting the right truck driver tools can increase efficiency, help you deliver more cargo and stay safe on the road. However, your toolbox has limited space. Which tools make the most sense for your truck and which ones should you leave behind? This guide will reveal 10 of the best tools you should bring with you on every route.

Quicklook: Best truck driver tools

• Toolbox
• Duct tape
• Gloves
• Flashlight
• Adjustable wrench
• Vice grips
• Dowel rod
• Safety glasses
• Wire cutters
• Sledgehammer

10 best truck driver tools you must have

Truck drivers rely on tools to solve problems and increase efficiency. Having an extensive toolset can help with fleet maintenance and enable drivers to handle surprises and continue on their routes. Here are the 10 best truck driver tools to have with you at all times.

Toolbox

Getting tools for your truck can save a lot of time, but you have to keep them in a central location. That way, it’s easier to find the right tool when you need it. A toolbox lets you store tools you may have to use on the road.

Pricing: $160 for a 39-inch toolbox on Amazon

Duct tape

There’s a saying that duct tape can help with anything. The tape’s durability has made it a mainstay in many truckers’ toolkits. It can help with torn clothing, tarps and other items. Duct tape can turn an unusable item into something viable and effective.

Pricing: $25 for 5 rolls of heavy-duty duct tape on Amazon

Gloves

Truckers encounter various weather conditions, and some days can be frigid. Any pair of gloves will keep you warm, but some are warmer than others. And gloves that provide no steering wheel traction can actually be dangerous. Trucking gloves solve these problems by offering a good grip, and they can help you avoid hand injuries during extensive activity.

Pricing: Approximately $45 for 12 pairs of trucking gloves on Amazon, depending on type

Flashlight

It’s more difficult to see objects, people and your environment at night. Your truck’s lights can help you while you are on the road. However, if you need to check something in the back of your truck, review the truck’s exterior or walk in a pitch-black area, a flashlight will help.

Pricing: $30 for a flashlight on Amazon

Adjustable wrench

Wrenches help you tighten or loosen nuts and bolts on your truck. Every trucker should include at least one wrench in their toolkit. Adjustable wrenches, also known as crescent wrenches, give truckers more coverage in case they have nuts and bolts of varying sizes.

Pricing: $12 for an adjustable wrench on Amazon

Vice grips

Vice grips are pliers that can come in handy if you don’t have the right wrench or tool in your toolbox. This trucking tool has a lot of versatility and is a go-to staple for many truckers. It can keep things in place, remove nuts and bolts and bend wires. 

Pricing: $37 for vice grips on Amazon

Dowel rod

Truck drivers need toolkits to navigate various issues and obstacles. If your brakes freeze or get stuck, a dowel rod can help. It can break the ice and get you back on the road safely.

Pricing: $11 for a set of dowel rods on Amazon

Safety glasses

You don’t need safety glasses while driving, but they can protect you from injury when you’re working on a truck. Using them with trucking gloves will help keep you safe.

Pricing: $36 for safety glasses on Amazon

Wire cutters

Truckers frequently come across scenarios that call for wire cutters. While it can be tempting to use scissors because they’re more affordable, they’re often not up to the task of cutting through an entire wire. 

Pricing: $13 for wire cutters on Amazon

Sledgehammer 

A sledgehammer can help you monitor the condition of your tires. Hitting a tire with a sledgehammer may alert you to low tire pressure or another problem. If hitting a tire multiple times yields inconsistent sounds, you should investigate further or consider replacing it.

Pricing: $29 for a sledgehammer on Amazon

What to consider when purchasing driver tools

Investing in driving tools is one of the many ways to stay safe on the road. Oil changes and other maintenance can also help and complement your trucking tools. Here are some things to keep in mind as you finalize your toolkit.

Price

Price is an important factor, but a more affordable truck driver tool isn’t necessarily better. You may save more money buying something cheaper only to need a replacement in a few months. However, if you can save money on your tools, you can store extra cash in your emergency fund to address other needs if necessary.

Quality and brand

Many companies produce truck driver tools, but some are better than others. Truck drivers can look at product and brand reviews to determine the quality of a product. It may make sense to continue using what has worked in the past instead of venturing out to new brands and products.

Job type

Truck driver tools perform various functions. Some can feel redundant but others serve niche purposes. Understand what you need to be able to do with your truck, and which combination of tools will help facilitate all of it.

Assemble your trucking toolkit

Finding the right truck driver tools can help you address more challenges and get on the road faster. They can also increase your safety and provide other benefits. While truck driver tools aren’t the only key to becoming a successful truck driver, being prepared to handle anything does make a big difference.

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