Mary’s Musings
12 Mobile Grooming Toolkit Must-Haves typography
by Mary Oquendo
One of the skills a mobile groomer must possess is to be handy or, at the very least, have access to someone who can assist at a moment’s notice. Typically, a repairable issue arises on the hottest or coldest day of the year, or when you are farthest from home. But often many repairs are minor, and having a toolkit readily available can prevent them from becoming significant problems. However, it’s not just about having the toolkit, but also about knowing how to use its contents effectively.
The following are 12 items that I recommend be part of your mobile grooming toolkit:
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Emergency Blinking Lights

A large wrapped vehicle on the side of the road may not have enough visibility to keep you safe. Blinking lights are a universal sign that there’s a problem ahead and that one should be cautious.

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Flashlight

Flashlights can be used to see in dark corners both inside and outside your vehicle. Store the batteries outside the flashlight in a watertight container. Batteries left in a flashlight can corrode and damage it.

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Duct Tape
Duct tape is invaluable for holding a variety of things together until you can get them repaired. It’s also excellent for fixing cracked dryer hoses.
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Electrical Tape
Electrical tape can be used for pretty much any electrical repair, such as replacing outlets, switches and electrical cords.
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Plumbing Tape

Plumbing tape, which looks similar to paper, will be needed when replacing water pumps or any water lines.

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Portable Drill with Bit Kit
These come in both corded and cordless. The corded will have a stronger motor but needs electricity. Cordless uses a battery, but you must ensure it stays charged. And like all batteries, only store them in the drill if you use the drill frequently. Bit kits contain all the sizes you could possibly need.
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Pocket Multi-Tool

Multi-tools are similar to Swiss Army knives and cost between $20 and $60. Look for one that has enough variety to be useful and has attachments that are easy to open.

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Multi-Bit Screwdriver

A multi-bit screwdriver has about 20 bits that fit into the base of one tool, so you’ll have it handy no matter what size you need.

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Multi-Universal Wrench
Similar to the screwdriver, this wrench covers any nut or bolt that needs tightening or replacing.
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Twenty-Dollar Bill

Tuck a $20 bill in your toolkit for when you leave your purse or wallet at home and need to fuel up or buy something to eat.

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Spare Key
Keep the key either in your pocket or around your neck. It’s no fun locking your keys in a running vehicle with no way to get in—especially if there’s a dog inside.
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Copy of Driver’s License, Registration & Insurance Card
Having these with you in the vehicle at all times should be a no-brainer, but an extra set could come in handy should you lose one of the original documents.
I’ve used every item in this toolkit to resolve various issues efficiently and quickly without depending on someone else to come to the rescue. Possessing a toolkit specific to your mobile grooming vehicle enables prompt problem-solving and prevents the need to rearrange schedules due to simple repair tasks.