Having the right tools and supplies in your work truck is critical for productivity and efficiency on the job site. The contents of your truck depend largely on your trade and the type of work you do, but there are some universal items every work truck should be stocked with.
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Hand Tools
The foundation of any work truck is a high-quality set of hand tools specific to your trade. These will be the tools you’ll rely on day in and day out for a wide variety of tasks. Some essentials include:
- Hammers
- Screwdrivers
- Wrenches
- Pliers
- Cutters
- Measuring tapes
- Levels
- Utility knives
Make sure to have multiple sizes of any adjustable tools like wrenches or screwdrivers. It’s also a good idea to have backup tools in case any get misplaced or damaged on site. Investing in high-quality hand tools is worth it for longevity, performance and reliability.
Power Tools
Power tools make tasks faster and easier and are a must for most trade professionals. Some common power tools to consider:
- Drills
- Impact drivers
- Saws
- Grinders
- Nail guns
- Sanders
- Compressors
Cordless, battery-powered tools offer the most portability and flexibility on jobsites. Make sure to invest in a long-lasting battery platform that offers multiple tool options. Gas-powered equipment like generators or pressure washers are also extremely useful for some trades.
Tool Storage
Proper tool storage in your work truck keeps tools protected, organized and easy to access. Consider these storage options:
- Tool boxes
- Chests/cabinets
- Shelving
- Drawers
- Bins and buckets
- Wall panels
- Racks
Look for heavy-duty storage made from high quality materials to withstand the demands of the job site. Organize storage according to frequency of use and position for easy access while working.
Materials
Have an inventory of the materials you use on a daily basis stocked in your work truck. This saves time having to go back and forth to the suppliers. Some good materials to keep on hand include:
- Fasteners (nails, screws, bolts, etc.)
- Adhesives (glues, tapes, caulks)
- Building supplies (lumber, sheet goods, concrete, etc.)
- Electrical supplies
- Plumbing supplies
- Abrasives (sandpaper, steel wool)
- Paints and solvents
Make sure to securely store these materials, contain any leaks/spills and comply with hazardous waste regulations. Restock materials before they run out completely.
Safety Gear
The safety of you and your team should be a top priority. Keep these essential safety items on hand:
- Hard hats
- Gloves
- Safety glasses/goggles
- Ear protection
- Dust masks
- High-visibility vests
- Knee pads
Also consider having first aid kits, fire extinguishers, safety signs/cones, and other safety equipment as needed. Be diligent about proper use and maintenance of all safety gear.
Cleaning Supplies
It’s amazing how dirty, messy and disorganized work trucks can get. Keep your truck tidy and functional with these cleaning supplies:
- Garbage bags
- Paper towels
- Glass cleaner
- All-purpose cleaner
- Broom/dustpan
- Vacuum
- Mops
- Sponges and rags
Take time at least once a week to thoroughly clean out your truck – it will pay off in spades.
Electronics
Some electronic essentials for your work truck include:
- Laptop/tablet
- GPS/navigation system
- Mobile hotspot
- Chargers
- Speakers
- Dash camera
– For managing digital paperwork, time tracking, communication
– For getting to job sites efficiently
– For connectivity anywhere there is cellular service
– Cords for powering devices; consider inverter for charging while working
– For playing job site radios or listening to podcasts/music
– For recording incidents and protecting against liability
Keep electronics organized and secure against weather, impacts, theft, etc.
Vehicle Maintenance Tools
It’s inevitable – at some point you’ll need to troubleshoot issues or make repairs on your work truck. Have these maintenance essentials on board:
- Spare tire & jack
- Jumper cables
- Roadside kit
- Tire pressure gauge
- Jack stands
- Basic wrench set
- Duct tape
- WD-40 lubricant
- Blankets
Regular preventative maintenance and checks will minimize breakdowns. Having the right tools to quickly handle basic repairs can prevent costly towing and downtime.
Incidentals
Some other useful items to toss in your work truck:
- Note pads/pens/markers
- Business cards
- Tape measure
- Bungee cords
- Zip ties
- Rags
- Snacks & water
– For taking notes, leaving messages, labeling items
– To hand out to prospective clients
– Backup for measuring jobs
– Endlessly handy for securing items
– Same as above
– For wiping up messes, checking fluids, etc
– For keeping your energy up and hydrated
Take advantage of all the nooks and crannies in your truck to tuck away incidentals for quick access.
Personal Items
To stay comfortable on the job, keep these personal items on hand:
- Extra layers
- Gloves & hats
- Boots
- Changes of clothes
- Lunch box
- Reusable water bottle
- Ice scraper
- Umbrella
– Outerwear for variable weather
– For warmth in cold temps
– As needed for jobs; store shoes for drive time
– If you get excessively dirty/sweaty
– Packed meals and snacks
– Stay hydrated!
– If working in wintery conditions
– For rain showers
The work truck essentially serves as your mobile office and locker. Make sure to clean up old food containers, clothing items, etc. regularly.
Organization Systems
No matter how well-stocked your truck is, disorganization can lead to wasted time searching for tools and supplies. Make use of these strategies:
- Storage containers
- Tool/supply lists
- Pictures
- Labels
- Access pockets
- Cleanup routine
– Clear plastic bins to categorize items
– Track where everything should go
– Take photos of the organized setups
– Use to mark bins and shelving for contents
– Add exterior pouches for common tools
– Quick daily tidy up to maintain order
An organized truck sets you up for an orderly, productive work day.
Customize for Your Trade
The checklist above covers the general basics, but you’ll want to customize the contents for your specific trade:
| Trade | Specialized Items |
|---|---|
| Carpentry | Circular saw, miter saw, cordless drill/driver, levels, clamps, fasteners, lumber, measuring tapes |
| Electrical | Wire strippers, conduit benders, junction boxes,TEST EQUPMENT, test leads, voltmeter, ammeter, insulation tester, multimeter, clamp meters, fish tapes |
| Plumbing | Pipes, fittings, cutters, wrenches, flux, propane torch, soldering tools, glue, drainage snakes |
| Painting | Paint sprayers, drop cloths, paint cans, brushes, rollers, trays, scrapers, masking tape, caulk |
| Concrete/Masonry | Shovels, trowels, jointers, groovers, levels, stone chisels, mixers, floats, edgers |
| HVAC | Sheet metal tools, coils, gauges, recovery tanks, vacuum pumps, detectors, manifold gauges, thermometers, screwdrivers |
Maintain Supply Inventory
Keep track of tool/supply inventory and when things run out. Some tips:
- Log materials used on each job
- Note when stock needs to be reordered
- Regularly inventory all truck contents
- Review/update inventory at end of each week
- Designate re-stock days for shop runs
Proactively replenishing your work truck leads to less downtime waiting on materials to be delivered on a job site.
Checkout Process
Implement a standard checkout process when team members need to borrow tools/supplies:
- Create checkout log
- Have borrower initial when taking items
- Note return date
- Review log at end of day
- Follow up on outstanding loans
This ensures you know what’s being used where and by whom, and can track down tools that don’t make it back to your truck.
Security
Your work truck contains valuable assets that are attractive to thieves. Use these deterrents:
- Locking truck cap
- Toolboxes with locking lids
- Park in visible areas when on job sites
- Truck alarm system
- Lock down heavy equipment
- Security cameras on truck
- Discrete VIN etching
- Remove valuables each night
Don’t make your truck an easy target. Take sensible precautions to protect your livelihood.
Maintenance
Your work truck is the biggest and most important tool you own. Follow this routine maintenance schedule:
- Daily walk around check
- Weekly wash
- Monthly fluid check
- 3,000 miles – Oil change
- 5,000 miles – Tire rotation
- 15,000 miles – Comprehensive service
- 30,000 miles – Major service
This prevents big repair bills down the road. Keep all maintenance records in a folder in the truck.
Conclusion
Your work truck is your mobile base of operations – treat it that way. The right selection of tools, supplies, organization and upkeep will maximize your efficiency and enable you to take on any job. Use the checklist and tips above as a blueprint to outfit your truck for success. The investment will pay off every single work day over the long haul. Now get out there and get to work!