Tools for an Emergency Kit

What tools could you have in your emergency kit?

Well, it depends on what type of kit you are adding it to, if you really need this tool and how much room you may have available.

Without knowing the emergency you are going to face, it can be a bit tricky to decide on what tools to have. But having a general selection of items that can deal with most scenarios can help.

Here are some ideas of what could be useful.

Knife

There are a lot of options and price points out there when it comes to knives.

A knife helps you cut things. You’ll have to decide on what you think you may need to cut, or what you are comfortable in using.

Fixed Blade Knife

This is a knife where it can’t fold. It could be a kitchen knife, a hunting knife or something else.

These can be really sturdy with a strong blade. They can also be large, making it easy to cut materials.

The downside to this type of knife is it can be large and it will need a sheath to keep it in to protect itself and other people from the blade. These would only really work for larger kits, or kits aimed for an outdoors purpose.

Folding Knife

This can take up less room. It helps store the blade inside the handle when it is folded, so can be put into a pocket without needing a sheath to put it in.

If going with a folding knife one with a locking blade is better. It helps prevent the blade from folding when working with it.

Pocket Knife

A pocket knife can offer multiple blades, scissors and other tools in a small compact package. Ideal for small emergency kits and everyday carry.

There are a lot of different models to choose from. If going with a pocket knife have a look at what items are useful to you. Having a lot of options might seem like a good idea, but you will end up with a lot of bulk and maybe some reduced usefulness.

Multi Tool

Similar in functions to a pocket knife. A multi tool usually has the added benefit of having pliers. These are usually used by folding the handles back on themselves.

The handles themselves can contain a wide selection of different tools as well.

Just like the pocket knife have a look at all the features offered when looking at a multi tool. 

A Saw

If you had to cut something what would you use?

I find a folding pruning saw is a great addition to an emergency kit. The ones used by arborists or landscapers are ideal. They fold into the handle to protect the blade. They can cut through wood very quickly.

They come in different sizes and different teeth configurations. Find one that can cut a variety of wood.

These saws can be used to cut wood into more useful pieces. Either in part to make a shelter, maybe firewood if you are out in the wild. Or maybe just help clear branches etc from a fallen tree.

Shovel

Need to dig a hole? Or help move rubbish or dirt? Or bury something for hygiene purposes A shovel can come in handy.

There are small packable types. Or standard sized ones which can be found at a variety of price points.

Scissors

These might be part of your first-aid kit already. But can be added to other emergency kits as well. While their usefulness might not be as high as multitool or knife. They do one thing well. Cut things. 

They are also a safer option for cutting a wide variety of materials. Ideal for if younger people are helping you out with a task.

Wrench or Spanner

And adjustable wrench or spanner could help you turn things on and off. They can cover a wide range of nut and bolt sizes.

Water Key

A simple hex shaped tool that will help you turn off water at the source outside your house. Great if pipes are broken or you have something leaking badly inside your house.

Fasteners

Things that can hold down other items can be an important part of your kit. If you had to help provide shelter or fix a hole or broken window what would you have on hand?

It’s all well and good having the tools, but if there is nothing to use with them it could be hard in an emergency situation.

Nails

Have a selection of different sized nails on hand. In an emergency situation it won’t matter what they look like, so go with what you either have on hand or what you can easily get. I personally would go with some galvanized flat head nails in different lengths. These would cover a multitude of tasks.

Screws

Just like nails, make sure you have a selection of lengths. Up to you which type you would like to have on hand. Just make sure you have the right bits to fit the head of the screw.

Cable Ties

These can be used to hold things up, hold things down or help secure something.

There is a lot of different brands out there, get the most you can for your money. In a lot of cases cable ties are very similar no matter the brand. If you are worried about them breaking, use more of them. Or use a different item instead.

I wouldn’t worry about too many different sizes. I’ve always gone with the longer the better. You can always trim the extra piece after securing them. If they aren’t long enough you can always join 2 or more together as well.

Duct Tape

If you need something to hold something up, stick something down or have some on hand to use in a first-aid situation you can’t go past duct tape.

Which Duct Tape is Best?

This is another one of those products where there are a lot of different brands on the market. I’ve used a bunch of different types from super expensive stuff to the super cheap.

The only difference I can tell is how well the adhesive on the tape will hold over a prolonged period. 

You can always use more duct tape if you needed to. So go with what fits your budget. 

How Much Duct Tape to Have?

You never know what you might need it for in an emergency. I’d get the biggest roll I can for the household emergency kit. 

I’d look at a smaller roll for smaller kits.

You can also get duct tape in a semi folded type of way, where there is no centre cardboard circle. You can create this yourself from your own roll. Just wrap it around something flat.

For very small kits I’ve wrapped duct tape around a pen. Having something is better than nothing.

Pre Made Basic Tool Kit

A basic tool kit is always handy to have on hand. Especially in a home situation. If you don’t already have some tools this could be a great option. There are many pre made tools kits out there to choose from.

You might not use most of the tools, but you never know when they might come in handy.

These can range from super compact to very extensive. I would look at what fits your space and what fits your budget. Remember, this is for your emergency kit, not your everyday use.

For myself I have a bunch of different tools I have in the garage. I can access these anytime I want and would if I could in an emergency situation. But if access to them was blocked, or we had to evacuate I’d want to know I had tools set aside for use in an emergency situation.

What Tools Have I Missed?

Is there a must have tool that should be included in an emergency kit that I’ve missed? Let me know by leaving a comment below.