I’m assuming we talk all day about the best microwave or hatchet to take to the wild, but hardly do we remember the required tools for your gear repair kit. This is ironic, given that everyone knows tools can’t last forever & are likely to demand repair while we are afield. 

So, let’s ask, without the necessary repair tools, how do you get your rifle to get firing again or your gas stove to resume flaming as it used to do? 

Remember that your gear can be a lifesaver on some days. You don’t want to be let down on such days. 

10 Required Tools for Your Gear Repair Kit

 

Just so you know, there are preset gear repair kits that can be bought at fair prices. If you’re buoyant enough & wouldn’t rather bother with what’s not necessary, you can simply shop for one that meets your specifications.

I, for one, though, prefer to put my stuff together for two reasons: lower cost & better customization. If you are like me in this regard, then let’s check out ten items that have to be in your toolkit to consider it good enough. 

Here we go.

Duct Tape

 

For decades, duct tape has been the number one item in my gear repair box — and it’s the same for nearly every seasoned outdoorsman I’ve met out there. 

Duct tape is an affordable item, which may belittle its extreme effectiveness in various situations. I have held my boots together because I was ploughing through a swampy land using this tape. I have patched holes in packs and made other useful tools like straps.

If your box can contain it, you should come with an entire duct tape roll because there’s a lot to gain from it.

There may be a problem with that suggestion, however, because this role does not pack well. An alternative is to get a piece of flat rectangular metal that you can wrap the tape around. This method helps to measure the amount of tape you’re carrying and fits better. 

And let’s not forget that there are various brands & kinds of such tape to select from. Every man with his choice, but I’d suggest Gorilla Tape due to its remarkable strength. But like I said, choose whatever you find best. I can only advise you to avoid the cheap, poor brands.

Gorilla Glue

 

Gorilla glue is an instant glue that bonds materials instantly — and it does with great ease.

This glue was designed to substitute duct tape in areas where tape may be hard to have. Instead of turning the roll of tape over an object repeatedly, a Gorilla Glue can be applied by pressing a little nozzle on the container. 

Gorilla glue works very well & it’s most likely a permanent fix whenever applied. You have to be thorough & careful before its application to any objects, therefore. 

Sewing Thread

 

Clothes are some of the most critical gear that we hit the wild with, and a few other gear are as important as the bag for our supplies. These two gear are surely made out of some fabric type, making them susceptible to tears & other damages.

Now, when this happens, it’s a major problem, no doubt, except if they can be mended. Needless to say, sewing is the best way you can repair torn clothes.

Needles

 

A set of needles is necessary if you’re wearing clothes to the wild. Note that the keyword is “set off needles,” not a “needle.” 

This is because small needles hardly work on rough or thick fabrics, while larger needles don’t work in thinner fabrics.

It is recommended to have a set of needles, at least, so all fabrics, from small to larger upholstery, can be easily sewn too.

Paracord Yarns

 

Paracord yarns can also be used in place of sewing thread. These are unbelievably strong & work very fine for repairs that require stronger materials. I have several items that I’ve mended using these yarns & they are very much good until now.

Typically, I advise going about with a whole yarn piece, although you can go with thinner pieces too.

For better harvesting from the core, you can use a paracord — if there’s one. I’ve often wrapped the yarns around a good piece of metal, and this has served.

Paracord Lacing Needle

 

Not something for everyone, as some people do not use paracord. Whoever uses a paracord, however, must carry a paracord lacing needle.

The lacing needle is hollow & large, with threads attached to one end. For you, a whole paracord piece can be threaded around the needle, after which the needle can just be used as a normal needle. The availability of a lacing needle makes it much easier to repair using paracord.

Glue Stick

 

Most don’t pay much attention to the glue stick because there are beliefs that it cannot work without its glue gun. They could not be more wrong.

While it is true that a glue gun makes it easier to use the glue stick, all that’s needed to use it is a heat source — with or without.

All you need to have is lighter. So, whenever you have to make a repair, you can just melt the stick’s end before applying to the location you are repairing.

Note that while glue from a glue stick adheres, it is not in any way close to the effectiveness of the Gorilla Glue. It removes easily & I recommend it for temporary repairs only.

Miscellaneous Items

 

I have made it a practice to throw in a variety of tools to my box whenever I’m making a repair kit. I’ve found it helpful to carry buttons (in case the ones on your clothes go loose), shackles (for holding together items like cordage or straps), plastic buckles & clasps (makes it easier to carry) & keyrings (which can be used to pull the zipper & adjust loops in cordage).

Concluding the Required Tools for Your Gear Repair Kit

 

Drawing up a list of the required tools for your gear repair kit isn’t an arduous process to me anymore, but it may be to you. This is because I’ve done this for decades while you’re probably just starting. The items above are not compulsorily made for the repair kit; you can always create your more customized box. I’m guessing you’ll be selecting most of the items highlighted above.