Multitool.org Forum
+-

Hello Lurker! Remove this ad and much more by logging in.


Budget EDC, Upcycle / Reuse to save money

detron · 149 · 27641

us Offline detron

  • *
  • Absolutely No Life Club
  • *******
    • Posts: 7,546
  • Tool Carrying Linux User
Budget EDC, Upcycle / Reuse to save money
on: August 15, 2013, 08:35:01 PM
OK,  I try to be cheap.   :facepalm:  I see things I like, and I just do not like the price, I look for alternatives. 

Call it a mindset of survival (or being cheap)  but I walk through stores trying to see what I could use the items on the shelf for, BESIDES what it was intended for.

A sea shell is a great improvised shovel, the plastic holders that mechanical pencil lead lead comes in is small and can safely hold needles, and small fish hooks.  eye bolts can be can become make shift fishing pole eyes.  ..  you get the idea.

I use empty electrical wire or speaker wire spools to store my paracord.  {I will add a picture of this later}

I use pass through crimp caps as paracord jewelry that is cheap  (12 or so for one dollar)
This picture is just the best I could find since I am not at home at the moment



jph0200 had a prime example of this with his key chain drivers.
http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,46699.msg763145.html#msg763145
the audio jack is amazing because it is gnarled for grip, and looks professional (and cheap)


Ranger bands are amazing, and most bike shops will give you old inner tubes for free



Of coarse, there are loads of possibilities for these



Some more ideas that are not as specific to MT.o  but to give a little more insight into the mindset that I strive for








If you have anything that passes as cheaper way to do something, and you would like to share, please do.  together we can share ideas, and make everyone happy!
If I can help, let me know 


de Offline lowtech

  • No Life Club
  • ******
    • Posts: 4,799
Re: Budget EDC, Upcycle / Reuse to save money
Reply #1 on: August 15, 2013, 08:44:09 PM
I like the Ideas pictured and the "Upcycle/Recycle" Mindset. Nothing specific to add yet, but I´m looking forward to many ideas!


us Offline detron

  • *
  • Absolutely No Life Club
  • *******
    • Posts: 7,546
  • Tool Carrying Linux User
Re: Budget EDC, Upcycle / Reuse to save money
Reply #2 on: August 15, 2013, 08:46:27 PM
I like the Ideas pictured and the "Upcycle/Recycle" Mindset. Nothing specific to add yet, but I´m looking forward to many ideas!

You and me both lowtech  (your name is perfect for this).

I want some of those pocket clip keyrings that I see people with, but not at $10 or $20.  I am searching for the $2 version
If I can help, let me know 


us Offline Aloha

  • Global Moderator
  • *
  • Point Of No Return
  • *
    • Posts: 31,233
Re: Budget EDC, Upcycle / Reuse to save money
Reply #3 on: August 15, 2013, 09:01:06 PM
my kind of thinking detron.  I dont have anything to share off hand but I am much the same, my granny called it being "thrifty".  she was coming from the depression era so I understand fully her frame of thinking.  excellent post
Esse Quam Videri


us Offline detron

  • *
  • Absolutely No Life Club
  • *******
    • Posts: 7,546
  • Tool Carrying Linux User
Re: Budget EDC, Upcycle / Reuse to save money
Reply #4 on: August 15, 2013, 09:07:13 PM
Aloha,

Luckily I did not buy a budget MT, or SAK knock-off.  that is not as good!
but yes, I try to do most little things on the cheap, especially things that are thrown away.  All of my friends give me their used altoid tins.  to buy a metal tin like that cost $3?!?!

I even use use these types of bread ties to label cables  (just write on the plastic, pop it on the cable and now I know which power plug in the surge protector goes to what device
If I can help, let me know 


de Offline lowtech

  • No Life Club
  • ******
    • Posts: 4,799
Re: Budget EDC, Upcycle / Reuse to save money
Reply #5 on: August 15, 2013, 09:49:29 PM
I made my Key-Dangler from a suspender Clip  from an old German Bundeswehr load-carrying belt Suspender.
Gotta take a pic. I even have 2 more of the Clips so i can do a before/after (and 2 more pocket clips...)



gb Offline Zed

  • *
  • Zombie Apprentice
  • ********
    • Posts: 19,555
Re: Budget EDC, Upcycle / Reuse to save money
Reply #6 on: August 15, 2013, 10:21:35 PM
Similar thomas as i made one of my danglers from a spoon handle and a few from light test keys  :tu:,ive lots of ranger bands from old tubes ive got in the shed,i also cut the fingers of old gloves for keeping pocket knives in  :tu:
13644024680381.jpg
* 13644024680381.jpg (Filesize: 288.11 KB)


us Offline detron

  • *
  • Absolutely No Life Club
  • *******
    • Posts: 7,546
  • Tool Carrying Linux User
Re: Budget EDC, Upcycle / Reuse to save money
Reply #7 on: August 15, 2013, 10:58:02 PM
Zed,

Thank you!   The pocket hangers are amazing, and the glove idea is amazing

Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk 2

If I can help, let me know 


gb Offline Zed

  • *
  • Zombie Apprentice
  • ********
    • Posts: 19,555
Re: Budget EDC, Upcycle / Reuse to save money
Reply #8 on: August 15, 2013, 11:28:46 PM
Zed,

Thank you!   The pocket hangers are amazing, and the glove idea is amazing

Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk 2


I cant take credit for the spoon handle idea but it works a treat,the test keys are even easyer to make,old leather gloves look the nicest and they come in 5 handy sizes  :D


us Offline detron

  • *
  • Absolutely No Life Club
  • *******
    • Posts: 7,546
  • Tool Carrying Linux User
Re: Budget EDC, Upcycle / Reuse to save money
Reply #9 on: August 16, 2013, 01:14:04 AM
Ok,   it is plastic,  but the source is cheap!

Air freshener vent clips for the car.

I bought 4 for a dollar.

It is plastic,  but strong enough to hold 2 hammers.

Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk 2

uploadfromtaptalk1376608349934.jpg
* uploadfromtaptalk1376608349934.jpg (Filesize: 65.05 KB)
uploadfromtaptalk1376608364574.jpg
* uploadfromtaptalk1376608364574.jpg (Filesize: 38.66 KB)
If I can help, let me know 


us Offline Bensasupertool

  • No Life Club
  • ******
    • Posts: 1,772
  • Be like The Rifleman
Re: Budget EDC, Upcycle / Reuse to save money
Reply #10 on: August 16, 2013, 01:37:33 AM
 I dont have a picture to add for this. When in grade school,paper bags from the market would be turned into text book covers/protection. Very durable and thrifty.
CHECK YOUR SMOKE DETECTOR BATTERIES!  Everyone Needs a Halligan Tool.


spam Offline comis

  • *
  • *
  • Zombie Apprentice
  • ********
    • Posts: 11,149
Re: Budget EDC, Upcycle / Reuse to save money
Reply #11 on: August 16, 2013, 09:54:45 AM
Great post, I too really like spoon handle idea, and the garden of bottle-pot flowers.  I used to reuse paper bag for book covers, and indeed they are durable.

Also, I learnt that fabric softener sheet could be re-use many many times until it is totally degraded.  Old clothes use as wiping cloth and eventually turn into char-cloth.  Old CD put at the back of the car back window as reflector...


I knew some of you might have seen this, but my humble contribution  :D

Ranger Band Carry - Minimalist tool retention

Ranger Band Carry DIY Minimalistic sheath for Multitools and Knives



us Offline detron

  • *
  • Absolutely No Life Club
  • *******
    • Posts: 7,546
  • Tool Carrying Linux User
Re: Budget EDC, Upcycle / Reuse to save money
Reply #12 on: August 16, 2013, 01:58:58 PM
Comis,

I did see your ranger band carry, and I thought it was awesome!
If I can help, let me know 


spam Offline comis

  • *
  • *
  • Zombie Apprentice
  • ********
    • Posts: 11,149
Re: Budget EDC, Upcycle / Reuse to save money
Reply #13 on: August 16, 2013, 05:43:24 PM
Comis,

I did see your ranger band carry, and I thought it was awesome!

Thank you for watching!  :cheers:

I am just happy to find this alternative carry option and could share this with anyone who is interested!  :D


de Offline lowtech

  • No Life Club
  • ******
    • Posts: 4,799
Re: Budget EDC, Upcycle / Reuse to save money
Reply #14 on: August 16, 2013, 09:37:31 PM
This is the Key-Dangler I made:





And this is how the Suspender hooks look without the straps. They are hooked under the load carrying belt with a Y-formed Canvas suspender. I think i payed 2-3 Euro for that thing and never used it.


 
« Last Edit: August 16, 2013, 10:00:47 PM by lowtech »


ca Offline jzmtl

  • Absolutely No Life Club
  • *******
    • Posts: 8,551
Re: Budget EDC, Upcycle / Reuse to save money
Reply #15 on: August 17, 2013, 03:11:19 AM
Nice, you don't even need to bend them. Mine are from dollar store steak knives, been using them for quite sometime now and they work great.



us Offline detron

  • *
  • Absolutely No Life Club
  • *******
    • Posts: 7,546
  • Tool Carrying Linux User
Re: Budget EDC, Upcycle / Reuse to save money
Reply #16 on: August 17, 2013, 03:54:02 AM
The Steak knives idea is amazing too.  I love this sharing of info, Thanks everyone!  :drool:
If I can help, let me know 


us Offline detron

  • *
  • Absolutely No Life Club
  • *******
    • Posts: 7,546
  • Tool Carrying Linux User
Re: Budget EDC, Upcycle / Reuse to save money
Reply #17 on: August 18, 2013, 12:39:50 AM
Found some cheap paracord beads in the plumbing section.   Package had 3, for $1.56

I will take more pictures over they are in use



Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk 2

uploadfromtaptalk1376779179612.jpg
* uploadfromtaptalk1376779179612.jpg (Filesize: 83.01 KB)
If I can help, let me know 


gb Offline Cupboard

  • No Life Club
  • ******
    • Posts: 2,017
Re: Budget EDC, Upcycle / Reuse to save money
Reply #18 on: August 18, 2013, 03:26:24 PM
to make a very useful and pretty universal mount for a phone, take a large paper clamp like this:


bend the end loops in and put a rubber band to keep the two arms together. Clamp the contraption to whatever you want to, clip the phone in between the arms and hey presto. Mine was improved by adding a bit of rubber sleeving over the loops that hold the phone to protect it and stop it slipping.

We used one on our trip to Mongolia to hold the iPhone that we used as a GPS, and when it wasn't doing navigating we could attach it on to a handle on the van and use it as a sort of improvised Go Pro camera. Worked very well!
« Last Edit: August 19, 2013, 04:28:22 PM by Whoey »


gb Offline nuphoria

  • Ambidangerous Mistress of Mod
  • Admin Team
  • *
  • Zombie Apprentice
  • *
    • Posts: 15,038
  • I'm not all bad, I'm just drawn that way.
Re: Budget EDC, Upcycle / Reuse to save money
Reply #19 on: August 19, 2013, 04:04:36 PM
Absolutely love this thread - superb stuff y'all :tu:

I have a small contribution for now... you can buy very cheap silver backed bubbled wrap and use it as insulation for all sorts of things. Originally, I got some to make window screens for the camper van, them I started making things like sheaths for Nalgene bottles from the offcuts. Brilliant for food and drink etc :)
A dyslexic man walks in to a bra...

All my music for free: http://soundcloud.com/chrissyvandyke


us Offline ducttapetech

  • Zombie Apprentice
  • ********
    • Posts: 18,707
  • Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, over.
Re: Budget EDC, Upcycle / Reuse to save money
Reply #20 on: August 19, 2013, 04:17:26 PM
One is take an old tire rim and mount it to a wall to hang water hoses or air hoses on it.

sent from Ducttapetech's mobile device

Nate

SEND IT!


us Offline detron

  • *
  • Absolutely No Life Club
  • *******
    • Posts: 7,546
  • Tool Carrying Linux User
Re: Budget EDC, Upcycle / Reuse to save money
Reply #21 on: August 19, 2013, 04:23:42 PM
Thanks everyone!  I am sure we can add to this as time goes on.
If I can help, let me know 


us Offline detron

  • *
  • Absolutely No Life Club
  • *******
    • Posts: 7,546
  • Tool Carrying Linux User
Re: Budget EDC, Upcycle / Reuse to save money
Reply #22 on: October 05, 2013, 02:01:21 AM
This recent thread fits this topic too

http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,47615.0.html

If I can help, let me know 


us Offline Aloha

  • Global Moderator
  • *
  • Point Of No Return
  • *
    • Posts: 31,233
Re: Budget EDC, Upcycle / Reuse to save money
Reply #23 on: October 14, 2013, 09:02:27 AM
there seems to be a new support rubber bracelet out every week or so and then its tossed in the junk drawer.  ive repurposed mine to act as a cool ranger band.  it works great on the tin but i haven't tested it on anything else.   

004.JPG
* 004.JPG (Filesize: 96.3 KB)
Esse Quam Videri


us Offline tattoosteve99

  • *
  • Absolutely No Life Club
  • *******
    • Posts: 6,316
Re: Budget EDC, Upcycle / Reuse to save money
Reply #24 on: October 15, 2013, 03:39:17 AM
Great thread! I reuse old tires to make my garden in. As far as EDC goes, I took the fittings off an old Alice pack and made new shoulder straps for my current EDC bag.
If I remember correctly, wait, what was I saying?


us Offline detron

  • *
  • Absolutely No Life Club
  • *******
    • Posts: 7,546
  • Tool Carrying Linux User
Re: Budget EDC, Upcycle / Reuse to save money
Reply #25 on: October 15, 2013, 04:03:40 AM
when I was younger, and my friends got new bicycle chains, I would take the old, clean it real good, and use it as a "though" wallet or key chain.

I say "my friends got, because I never got a new one   :cry:


****joke,  but with serious truth inside*****

as a kid, no day was better than when a house nearby got re-shingled.  nothing flies as far, does aerobatics, and builds arm muscles like flinging shingle pieces all day with your friends. 
If I can help, let me know 


us Offline detron

  • *
  • Absolutely No Life Club
  • *******
    • Posts: 7,546
  • Tool Carrying Linux User
Re: Budget EDC, Upcycle / Reuse to save money
Reply #26 on: October 17, 2013, 06:55:24 PM
YES I AM CHEAP!    :facepalm:

but sometimes that makes the hunt more fun.  :tu:

I love pocket clips for my SAKs, but as I usually buy cheap SAKs, the idea of investing $10 to hang a $4 SAK is hard to swallow.  Even on my $25 SAKs, $10 is too much.

my plastic ones further back in this thread are great, but bigger than I wanted.

so after weeks of pondering and walking different stores looking for items I could improperly use.  >:D

I found my solution in these



Yep, picture hangers.  they are cheap and come in a variety of sizes.


here I started with a 20 lbs hanger



Straightened the base out like so



cut it low enough to leave the entire hole with my ST300 replaceable cutters



used the ST300 to file down the rough edges and remove the sharp corner.



next I located a fulrum point for my bend.  a VIC ink pen



then holding enough of the metal to be your "pop out" area and push down to create your bend



now I have a small clip,  this size one will be better suited for my smaller SAKs, but I wanted to show the size.  You can buy these in several sizes and I think I have a new source of pocket clips.



if you like a tighter fit on your pocket so it cannot come out easily, then just squeeze it closed a little more



I think the 30 lbs hanger will be a better solution, and I will make some of those in the near future.

Thanks for reading.
If I can help, let me know 


pt Offline pfrsantos

  • *
  • Absolute Zombie Club
  • *********
    • Posts: 23,201
  • Oxygen and magnesium toghether?! OMg!
Re: Budget EDC, Upcycle / Reuse to save money
Reply #27 on: October 17, 2013, 07:10:15 PM
Nice!

I have a double one in my desk for some time to turn into a multiple carrier (two split rings).
Double-Picture-Hook-No-3_medium.jpg
* Double-Picture-Hook-No-3_medium.jpg (Filesize: 7.45 KB)
« Last Edit: October 17, 2013, 07:15:06 PM by pfrsantos »
________________________________
It is just a matter of time before they add the word “Syndrome” after my last name.

I don't have OCD, I have OCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ.

I'd give my right arm to be ambidextrous.

Eff the ineffable, scrut the inscrutable.

IYCRTYSWTMTFOT



hr Offline enki_ck

  • Global Moderator
  • *
  • Absolute Zombie Club
  • *
    • Posts: 20,903
  • I may get older but I refuse to grow up.
Re: Budget EDC, Upcycle / Reuse to save money
Reply #28 on: October 17, 2013, 08:16:29 PM
I like this idea a lot. :hatsoff:

I'll search for those the next time I'm in a hardware store. :tu:


us Offline detron

  • *
  • Absolutely No Life Club
  • *******
    • Posts: 7,546
  • Tool Carrying Linux User
Re: Budget EDC, Upcycle / Reuse to save money
Reply #29 on: October 17, 2013, 08:33:35 PM
I like this idea a lot. :hatsoff:

I'll search for those the next time I'm in a hardware store. :tu:

where I am, I was able to get 8 of the 30 lbs hooks for $0.98, and 50 of the 20 lbs hooks for less than $5.

the 50 lbs hooks were like 3 or 4 for $1
If I can help, let me know 


 

Donations

Operational Funds

Help us keep the Unworkable working!
Donate with PayPal!
March Goal: $300.00
Due Date: Mar 31
Total Receipts: $379.86
PayPal Fees: $19.62
Net Balance: $360.24
Above Goal: $60.24
Site Currency: USD
120% 
March Donations

Community Links


Powered by EzPortal