Tools are a necessity for the commercial or owner operator truck driver. This of course, is no big revelation. Screw drivers, various types of wrenches, a hammer, and a tire pressure gauge are some of the items every truck driver should have in their toolbox. Beyond that however, there are tools and other items, while not absolutely necessary, will make a big difference in making your life on the road easier. Here are seven of them:
Kneepads
Kneeling down on hard pavement while doing work under your truck gets uncomfortable very quickly. Squatting is one way to avoid this but is hard on middle-aged knees. The solution: a pair of inexpensive kneepads. Another benefit is they keep the knees of your pants clean.
Work Gloves
A good pair of work gloves will spare your hands and fingers from years of scrapes, cuts, and pinch injuries. They allow you to grab and pull harder on things that would otherwise cause pain. In addition, they keep your hands warm in cold weather.
First Aid Kit
A first aid kit comes in handy on the days when you forget to bring your gloves or when dealing with other minor injuries. It should include disinfectant, band aids, gauze, tape, scissors, and first aid eye care products such as an eye wash station and eye pads.
Hand Wipes
These are useful for cleaning your hands and face when running water is unavailable.
Headlamp
There’s no question that flashlights are a must when working in the dark. However, they’re a bit awkward when you need both hands for working. You can avoid all the usual fussing with flashlight placement by using a headlamp instead. Its beam always points exactly where you want it: where ever you’re looking. A headlamp is also useful for night reading. If you wear prescription glasses, you can get lighted prescription safety glasses. Small LED lights are integrated into the glasses. This means they’re always with you — ready for use whenever you need them.
Water Jugs
Filled multi-gallon water jugs are an essential comfort item on long hauls. You shouldn’t rely on rest stations for hydration and personal hygiene because they’re not always around when you need them. The water also helps when dealing with an overheated radiator.
A Multi-Tool
A multi-tool that you can carry in your pocket prevents back-and-forth trips to your toolbox. They’re both convenient and real time savers.
Unlike the above, truck insurance isn’t an optional comfort item. Make sure you’re getting the South Carolina commercial or owner operator truck insurance you need by talking to our insurance specialists. Contact us today. We also provide commercial truck insurance in Florida, Georgia, Texas, North Carolina, Tennessee, Illinois, Iowa and Nebraska.
