What do you have?

[Gareth]

OK so the question really is: what do you have/carry that you think the rest of us, and the world, are crazy not to?

Could be anything; greatest pen, ultimate whistle, mini tape measure, anything. The less obvious the better.

One item per post please and pics are always good.

[edcgear]

X-MET3000 TX+’s new PentaPIN™

detector enables faster analysis and good accuracy at low concentration levels.The new detector is based on the Oxford Instruments’ proven and patented PentaFET® technology.Low detection limit is an irreplaceable feature also when low concentrations of valuable and important alloying elements, or unvanted elements of metals need to be measured.Scrap recycling is a vital part of raw material supply for the world’s metal industry and an important contributor to industrial growth.Recycling is impossible without accurate,fast,analysis of valuable or unwanted elements. A tool for sorting and analyzing metal scrap must meet many challenges: Accurate Fast Easy to use Rugged Oxford Instruments’ X-MET3000TX + with PentaPIN™ detector technology has been designed specifically for this use.PentaPIN™ technology shortens the time it takes to sort scrap and therefore increases the amount of scrap that can be sorted at any one time.
With one pull of the trigger,the X-MET3000TX + delivers faster than ever color-coded alloy identification and assay analysis

A tool for sorting and analyzing metal scrap must meet many challenges: Accuracy, speed and precision The new PentaPIN™ detector shortens the time to sort scrap Identification mode determines the Grade in 2-5 seconds Accurate analysis of valuable elements (e.g.Ni,Cu and Mo) performed in 5 – 10 seconds Analysis of any unknown metal sample. Just point,shoot and read the results Low concentrations of tramp (harmful) elements can be accurately measured with slightly longer measurement times (10 seconds).

Rugged, reliable and durable tool

    * The X-MET3000TX+ withstands demanding weather conditions and rough treatment.It can be used from -15°C to +50°C.
    * It has a proven track record for reliability and endurance

As easy as 1-2-3 - Just point,shoot and sort

    * Analyze large or small,samples,solids or chips,turnings or shavings,or even plastics
    * Sizes and forms of the samples may vary extensively
    * The X-MET3000TX+compensates for distance and shape of the sample
    * The new user friendly software shortens the learning curve
    * Analysis results can be color coded for very easy interpretation e.g.of the grade or of the presence of harmful tramp elements
    * Software supports multiple languages including Chinese,Russian,German,French and others

    * Extensive and open alloy library enables to add new elements and to create a unique library.

Four modes of operation The Empirical assay calibration Fundamental Parameters (FP) calibration Direct spectral identification PASS/FAIL mode

5 year X-ray tube warranty and 2 year instrument warranty

X-MET3000 + Bench-top Stand - A new home for your traveling analyzer

The new X-MET 3000 + bench-top stand optimizes the performance of the field portable analyzer, when used in laboratory or test bench conditions.

Advantages

    * Closed Beam Operation for Increased Radiation Safety
    * Improved Measurement Precision
    * Simplified Sample Positioning
    * Simplified Operation

For Testing

    * Small metal parts
    * Electronic components
    * Prepared Powder and Liquid Samples

[Gareth]

LOL, and how much would one of these cost me?

[edcgear]

LOL, and how much would one of these cost me?

Last time I checked "like new" were 45000$ 

My company let me play with that... They trust me!! 

[ducktapehero]

I'm sure there are others on this board who may do this but I keep around 6-8 ft of ducktape wrapped around an old credit card in my wallet. Everythime I pull it out and use it everyone comments on how good of an idea it is. I also always have a Sharpie of some sort on me. I flirted with carrying a pen but found that the Sharpie works better on most surfaces. Like ducktape. 

[edcgear]

I allways carry this in my backpack:



Never know where I'll end up during day, and what would be for lunch...

Thinking on that I should get some SS bottle and/or mug (KleanKanteen like)

[Millhouse]

Always have, but never had to use.

[Neil]

(Image removed from quote.)

X-MET3000 TX+’s new PentaPIN™
...

Can it be set to stun

I'm sure there are others on this board who may do this but I keep around 6-8 ft of ducktape wrapped around an old credit card in my wallet. Everythime I pull it out and use it everyone comments on how good of an idea it is. I also always have a Sharpie of some sort on me. I flirted with carrying a pen but found that the Sharpie works better on most surfaces. Like ducktape. 

  Problem is my mates think its such a good idea that they nick the cards off me   That has resulted in free beer occasionally though

I allways carry this in my backpack:

(Image removed from quote.)

Never know where I'll end up during day, and what would be for lunch...

Thinking on that I should get some SS bottle and/or mug (KleanKanteen like)

Very sensible but somewhat dull compared to your first post

(Image removed from quote.)

Always have, but never had to use.

   Better safe than sorry

[Neil]

I carry one of these...



It used to be primarily for emergency disc ejections from computers but these days more often just resetting stuff.

[Gareth]

Some very interesting ideas I hadn't thought of. Keep 'em coming chaps.

[cerbera147]

Obviously my grappling hook 


Ok perhaps not; I have two first up is a good pair of gloves  At the minute I'm carrying two; a warm pair and pair for the dirty work

[cerbera147]

Next up is my GPS

It's a Garmin Dakota 10. I do a bit of geocaching but it is just a handy gadget to have 

I suppose today's 3G smartphones cover most of what a GPS can do but always good to have standalone device

[Neil]

Next up is my GPS

It's a Garmin Dakota 10. I do a bit of geocaching but it is just a handy gadget to have 

I suppose today's 3G smartphones cover most of what a GPS can do but always good to have standalone device

...

Yours is also less likely to pack up at the first sign of rain   I think there is a lot to be said for a standalone GPS.

[cerbera147]

Agreed 

It is rated as IPX7 so 'should' be able to take some abuse and the odd puddle Plus it runs on good ol' AA's; try sticking them in your iPhone 

[Millhouse]

One thing I have used a couple of times is the cash stash. A little capsule on my keys containing a £20 note. Very useful when I have forgotten my wallet, or been unable to get to a cash machine. Knowing it is there is quite re-assuring (apart from when I have spent it and not replenished).
 

[J-sews]

Swiss-Tech Utili-Key




It's never saved my life, but its saved me from inconvenience many times.

[parnass]

A small bandage (a "plaster" in UK speak?) is so easy to carry in the wallet that I don't understand why more people don't carry one.

I have used a small bandage many times to cover cuts, torn fingernails, etc. for me, my family, and others.

[nuphoria]

Blank sticky labels.... in case I have to label something

[glorn]

Toilet paper

Available tightly rolled and with no cardboard tube. From it's intended use when you find yourself away from home and in an understocked situation, to more obscure applications such as packing a wound or providing emergency tinder. Nearly as multi-useful as duct tape, and try wiping your a$$ with the latter. If you carry both, you can fashion some fine bandages.


A set of small dice

You can find old board games in thrift shops for a days spare change, and they often include small plastic dice. Look for ones that are smaller than what might come with Yahtzee. A handful of these can be tossed in a bag or pocket very easily, either in a pouch or not. They weigh nearly nothing, are waterproof and more durable than cards, and all you need to do is learn a few basic games (dozens of which are described online).

If you are bored and need to kill some time, if you are sitting with your pals 'round a pub table having a pint, if you need to entertain your kid for awhile, if you need an ice breaker at a stale party, if you need a morale item for your BOB, perhaps you just want to play a game for whatever reason.. They offer a fix for all of these scenarios and can provide as many game options as you can manage to memorize.

[Zed]

x2 old metal tyre levers  way better than the crappy plastic ones 

[Mr. Whippy]

Travel sewing kit.   Especially handy if you've ever broken the zipper in your pants or snagged the seat of your pants while at work.



Bob, I'm shocked you didn't mention this one  

[David]

Small compass.

[edcgear]

Travel sewing kit.   Especially handy if you've ever broken the zipper in your pants or snagged the seat of your pants while at work.

(Image removed from quote.)

Bob, I'm shocked you didn't mention this one  

Great one Mr.Whippy...

I don't have entire set, just needle and fishing thread (allmos unbreakeble)...

Great set though!! 

[cerbera147]

Wet wipes 

They're not just for kids

Love the dice idea Glorn  I fancy a nice metal pair

[Swiss Man]

Travel sewing kit.   Especially handy if you've ever broken the zipper in your pants or snagged the seat of your pants while at work.

(Image removed from quote.)

Bob, I'm shocked you didn't mention this one  

Mr Whippy where did you get that little kit I would like to have one.

[Top-Gear-24]

I've always got a good wrist-watch with ABC functions (Altimeter Barometer Compass) on me, like the one on the picture below (I feel "naked" when I forgot my watch, the same goes for my multitool  ).



Or I wear my Riseman, which has only Altimeter/Barometer functions, but I fixed that with the help of a small (but superb) Silva compass on the wristband, which works all the time without "draining" the batteries. 

[glorn]

I carried a sewing kit for years, and when I was younger, I used it often. I find now days that I need one very infrequently, but I still do maintain a small one. Perhaps I'll photo my homemade version that fits in the case from a memory card later.

But if you desire a proper kit, and don't find much need for the pink, yellow, and red thread that appears in most small kits, I can't say enough good things about the Raine kit.

http://www.raineinc.com/CatItems.asp?Category=Military+Sewing+Kits

WARNING! FOLOWING THIS LINK WILL LEAD TO YOU WANTING ONE!

The whole thing zips up into a taco shape about the size of the bottom of a 12oz beer bottle. I even use the pouch from a kit I bought as an extra to hold non-sewing related EDC items. So buy two for yourself. One for the kit itself, and another for both restock supplies and to use the handy little taco pouch for ear buds and such.

Best of all, no pink thread! Only black, white, and OD.

[glorn]

Wet wipes 

They're not just for kids

Love the dice idea Glorn  I fancy a nice metal pair

Agreed on both wet wipes and metal dice.

20mm in titanium would be nice. 

[Mr. Whippy]

I carried a sewing kit for years, and when I was younger, I used it often. I find now days that I need one very infrequently, but I still do maintain a small one. Perhaps I'll photo my homemade version that fits in the case from a memory card later.

But if you desire a proper kit, and don't find much need for the pink, yellow, and red thread that appears in most small kits, I can't say enough good things about the Raine kit.

http://www.raineinc.com/CatItems.asp?Category=Military+Sewing+Kits

WARNING! FOLOWING THIS LINK WILL LEAD TO YOU WANTING ONE!

The whole thing zips up into a taco shape about the size of the bottom of a 12oz beer bottle. I even use the pouch from a kit I bought as an extra to hold non-sewing related EDC items. So buy two for yourself. One for the kit itself, and another for both restock supplies and to use the handy little taco pouch for ear buds and such.

Best of all, no pink thread! Only black, white, and OD.

That's a nice kit.

I think mine came from Target. No pink thread, but what I like about glorn's link is the case isn't plastic and won't break. Nice

[AHB]

WARNING! FOLOWING THIS LINK WILL LEAD TO YOU WANTING ONE!

Phew, I clicked the link and still don't need one..