Under-hood tool bar

An apparatus for securement to a hood of an automobile, the apparatus comprising:

• a rod having substantially constant cross section and having a length effective to span a major portion of the hood along at least one direction;
• a stabilizer having a first portion engaging the rigid member and a second portion engaging a fastener for selectively securing the stabilizer to the hood;
• first and second hooks each sized to receive an edge of the hood and having a compliant outer covering;
• first and second straps;
• first and second tensioning members engaging the first and second straps, the first and second tensioning members having a tensioning position effective to permit tensioning movement of the first and second straps and hinder release of the first and second straps and a release position permitting movement of the first and second straps therethrough;
• wherein the first and second tensioning members secure to one of the rigid member and the first and second hooks and wherein the first and second straps are affixed to the other of the rigid member and the first and second hooks.

A method for retaining tools, the method comprising:

• engaging a first hook with a first edge of an automobile hood, the first hook being flexibly mounted to a first end portion of a rigid member;
• engaging a second hook with a second edge of the automobile hood, the second edge being opposite the first edge, the second hook being flexibly mounted to a first end portion of the rigid member, the second end being opposite the first end;
• and
• temporarily placing a tool on the rigid member by means of a temporary tool retaining member