Tortured by Torx - What does my tool kit need?

960orbust · Post by **960orbust** » 31 Dec 2015, 09:53

Hello forumistos and forumistas!
Happy New Year!

I am starting the New Year with the acquisition of a 1995 Volvo 960 sedan that runs ok, but I have as yet to baseline it and start a regular maintenance program.

My question:

In my tool kit I received a Felo screwdriver with multiple shafts containing TORX bits on the end.

When I commented to the prior owner (I though they were Phillips head) he said , "Oh you will definitely need these for your Volvo!"

Where would I use them? I didn't see a lot of Torx drives fasteners on the car.

They are T10, T15, T25, T40.

Also: what tools should I carry? I have the kit with a 11mm, 13mm wrenches, a hubcap pry bar/Tommy bar, a spark plug wrench and a lug nut wrench, and of course, a pair of white cotton gloves!

Should I carry some fuses?
I have seen fuses that now have a small LED in them when they short, so you can locate them. Cool if they work!

James_A_Sousa · Post by **James_A_Sousa** » 06 Jan 2016, 13:59

Your fuse box or its cover should have some spare fuses and perhaps a fuse pulling tool. If not, look in your owner's manual to see what fuses your car uses, and get some spares and a fuse puller.

You might find that some or the exterior parts use Torx screws.

NAPA sells a decent tool kit in a case for around $30. To save space, I put the tools in 3 cloth bags, stored around my spare tire. Add a pair of vice grips. I also have some spare bulbs and a set of old wiper blades. (Sometimes people steal them!)

lummert · Post by **lummert** » 06 Jan 2016, 19:50

There are numerous Torx head screws used in your car, most of them in the interior.

Post by **benpineapple** » 12 Jan 2016, 09:55

I have a simple tool roll in my car at all times, it has:

-Torx key set (T5-T35)
-Open-box Wrenches (1/4", 8/9mm, 10/11mm, 12/13mm, 14/15mm)
-Vice grips
-Adjustable jaw wrench x2
-Flat blade screwdriver
-Phillips screwdriver

The 1/4" wrench is just for hose-clamps. Open box wrenches only because they have 2 sizes per wrench. I try not to carry too much, I'd rather not do beefy fixes on the side of the road. Also have roadside assistance with my car insurance carrier, it's like $2 a month haha.

I also try to always have a couple spare headlight and brakelight bulbs, assortment of fuses, and a spare fuel pump relay. Long story on why I always have the relay.

That's just my preference of items to carry. I usually pack my toolbox when going on roadtrips more than 400miles. Unfamiliar territory is always the worst place to breakdown.

960orbust · Post by **960orbust** » 17 Jan 2016, 07:01

The posts to date have been very interesting because they contradict other items I have been told, like:

I need a T45 Torx for any emergency engine work

I need 16mm and 18 mm wrenches and six-point sockets

A guy I know who has a junkyard has talked about boxes with spare bulbs in them that he finds in Volvos, along with tool kits, so I'm going to buy a couple of these from him before he throws them out.

Post by **tryingbe** » 17 Jan 2016, 08:13

I just carry a AAA card.

mydamnvolvo · Post by **mydamnvolvo** » 17 Jan 2016, 13:38

In my wagon there was a toolbox in a compartment on the passenger side under the window. The only thing I added to that was a pair of vice grips and a small hammer. Also, there is a spot for spare fuses in the fuse box on the drivers side next to the dashboard.