EDC Experiments

Tom Munch · **Reply #60 on:** May 22, 2007, 07:57:51 PM

I haven't been carrying a multitool other than a Vic SwissChamp in my Possibles bag for the last month or so. I haven't even been carrying the Mini Cobra in a sheath on my belt - only a LM c304. I've put the Mini Cobra in my Possibles bag & taken out the 7" Cobra & am trying to carry the Possibles bag everywhere I go. (For some of you new guys you can read through this thread to pick up on what I'm talking about.) It's been very interesting to commit to a certain set of tools for an extended time & find their strengths & weaknesses. With the Spring I've had a lot of house projects where my Possibles bag had more of what I needed to fix fence & sprinklers than any of of my multitools could have handled - in fact I've needed my toolbox & DeWalt cordless drill for a lot of jobs.

Tom

Tom Munch · **Reply #61 on:** May 22, 2007, 08:11:50 PM

I guess I should say what I'm carrying overall for those of you that don't want to read this whole thread.

I'm carrying on my person:

LM c304
Wallet
Money
Credit cards
I.D.
Business cards
Insurance I.D.
Fishing license
Wallet pen
Vehicle remote
Vehicle key
House key
Treo 700p
Jabra JX10 headset
Photon in watch pocket

I'm carrying in my Possibles bag:

Front
Utility Knife
Photon batteries
Side pockets
Nail files
Pens
Middle
Knipex 7" Cobra Pliers
Knipex 7" Plier Wrench
*New Item* Sears Autoloading Multi-Bit Screwdriver

SwissChamp
Bandana
12' paracord
Prybaby
Middle Pocket
Chapstick
Pills
Sharpener
Safety pins, needles, dental floss, & carpet thread
Bandages & paper tape
Ear plugs
Reading glasses
2 Lighters
Whistle
Cell battery
Gaffer tape
Tweezers
Back
Kleenex
Paper
Checkbook

You can find a link to a bunch of EDC ideas here.

http://edcforums.com/index.php?topic=8190.0

Tom

plowboy · **Reply #62 on:** May 23, 2007, 07:45:38 PM

Interesting thread, Tom.

I wish I had an easy way to keep a bag with me, but I don't. I have tried various combinations of EDC stuff...unfortunately, the stuff has to live in my pockets. Usually I have:

1. quality 3" folder
2. one of those great 74 or 84 mm SAKs
3. Atwood Prybaby
4. SOG Crossgrip.

Of course, I have the wallet (doesn't add too much to pocket weight since there's usually very little cash in it), keys, chapstick. I need to get a whistle and flashlight worked into the carry. The problem with adding the whistle and flashlight is that I'm having trouble keeping my pants up now.

Thanks for sharing your experiment, Tom!

Tom Munch · **Reply #63 on:** July 14, 2007, 06:31:45 PM

Just to follow up on this thread. I'm still using the same setup as I was in May with no pliers-based multitool. I think this will change when I get the CRKT tools in.

Tom

Grant Lamontagne · **Reply #64 on:** July 14, 2007, 06:47:50 PM

Nice to see you are still kicking around Tom!

Don't be a stranger- or at least no stranger than the rest of us!

Def

Tom Munch · **Reply #65 on:** September 12, 2007, 05:01:32 PM

I got the CRKT tools in, & I'm still not carrying them over my regular list of gear. I've been playing with the Zilla, but I just can't find a way to carry it comfortably yet. You know how we pull out all our tools & knives & then fiddle with them & try them on? That's what I've been doing - trying to see if the Zilla would be a better choice.

Tom

Tom Munch · **Reply #66 on:** December 01, 2007, 04:22:03 PM

I switched EDC bags to an Eagle Creek Boarder this week.

I'm thinking that a Maxpedition bag would be a better fit though. I really like the add-on pockets they offer.

I've also had to switch back to the smaller bit driver from Rubbermaid (branded as Bulldog at WalMart) from the slick Craftsman driver I was using to save space in this smaller bag.

I'd like to find space for the Vic ratchet & bits in my bag.

I'm swapping out tools in my front right pocket from dedicated 3" folder to BO Spirit to regular Spirit to Charge Ti to Juice S2 to SAK or OHT - just got to have some variety & cycle through the tools I have.

Tom

parnass · **Reply #67 on:** December 01, 2007, 10:55:21 PM

Quote from: Tom Munch on December 01, 2007, 04:22:03 PM

....
I'm thinking that a Maxpedition bag would be a better fit though. I really like the add-on pockets they offer...

I liked that idea, too, so I bought and used (and still use) several Maxpedition Versipacks and add-on pouches. In practice, the combination takes up a lot more space than I would have thought.

A 3-D X-ray photograph of a pack with an add-on pouch or two would reveal that most of the volume is taken up by the pack, pouches, and MOLLE webbing versus just the EDC items you want to carry.

I think dense packing gear in a single bag with easy accessibility is the key to compact carry, but that isn't easy to attain, especially if you want to change the items you carry.

Sea Monster · **Reply #68 on:** December 01, 2007, 11:09:22 PM

Before religiously carrying a multitool I would EDC (sometimes with great awkwardness, depending on what I was doing that day) a Yachtmans knife (I think fixed blades are illegal here?), Extra-wide opening jaw 8" Shifter, (or Crescent Wrench, or Adjustable Wrench) Screwdriver with Hex-bits (honestly not a huge fan of these, but I find I am missing the extra reach and Tip selection. For every one time I want to use a #1 Phillips, (and can, because one is on my multitool), I want to use a #3 Phillips 5 times (and can't),
originally SlipJoint Pliers, but later Linesman. and some Hard Wire Cutters.

I never have, but have often considered EDCing Vicegrips. (LM Crunch?)

In any case, the stylishness and attention of a Multitool (no one ever asks to play with a shifter) makes up for any lack in ability it has.

Tom Munch · **Reply #69 on:** December 01, 2007, 11:12:10 PM

Well then, maybe I won't order a Maxpedition.

Benner · **Reply #70 on:** December 01, 2007, 11:17:19 PM

Quote from: Nomad on December 01, 2007, 11:09:22 PM

Before religiously carrying a multitool I would EDC (sometimes with great awkwardness, depending on what I was doing that day) a Yachtmans knife (I think fixed blades are illegal here?), Extra-wide opening jaw 8" Shifter, (or Crescent Wrench, or Adjustable Wrench) Screwdriver with Hex-bits (honestly not a huge fan of these, but I find I am missing the extra reach and Tip selection. For every one time I want to use a #1 Phillips, (and can, because one is on my multitool), I want to use a #3 Phillips 5 times (and can't),
originally SlipJoint Pliers, but later Linesman. and some Hard Wire Cutters.

I never have, but have often considered EDCing Vicegrips. (LM Crunch?)

Well as regards to a decent tool with vicegrips, the Crunch is the only option you have. And it's a bloody good option too.

Tom Munch · **Reply #71 on:** December 01, 2007, 11:22:46 PM

I've EDC'd the small curved-jaw needle-nose Vice-Grip. It was pretty handy.

Sea Monster · **Reply #72 on:** December 02, 2007, 12:17:01 AM

Quote from: Tom Munch on December 01, 2007, 11:22:46 PM

I've EDC'd the small curved-jaw needle-nose Vice-Grip. It was pretty handy.

Curved Jaw Needle Nose?

I've managed to unceremoniously FUBAR some of the small Needlenose Vicies (I think they were Trojan brand?)

Tom Munch · **Reply #73 on:** December 02, 2007, 06:26:54 PM

I posted a picture of it with the other small Vice-Grip I have earlier in this thread. It's 5 1/4" long.

Anthony · **Reply #74 on:** December 03, 2007, 12:11:01 AM

I've never seen that curved jaw Grip model...does the curve come in handy more often then not?

Tom Munch · **Reply #75 on:** December 03, 2007, 01:17:34 AM

Quote from: Corrugated on December 03, 2007, 12:11:01 AM

I've never seen that curved jaw Grip model...does the curve come in handy more often then not?

Yes. It allows you to clamp & turn something that is flush much easier.

Tom Munch · **Reply #76 on:** December 03, 2007, 03:38:18 PM

I switched over to the ratchet from the Vic Plus ratchet kit. I'm not sure it's as easy to use as a standard bit driver with screwdriver handle, but in some brief testing it seemed to work well. (I have one screw on my office door that gets a lot of testing & is well-worn.) Without the extender some of the bits slip through, so I leave the extender installed with a Phillips bit in it with the whole kit in a leather Spirit case in my EDC bag for quick access.

Tom Munch · **Reply #77 on:** December 03, 2007, 03:40:17 PM

I also switched back to the Sears Cobra pliers since I have a little more room in the tool compartment of this bag.

Tom Munch · **Reply #78 on:** December 04, 2007, 03:56:54 PM

In a fit of ultra-minimalism I have stripped my bag of it's tools & am going to only wearing tools for a couple days.

I'll still carry my EDC bag, but I've taken out the two Knipex pliers, the bit driver, the tweasers, extra flashlight & batteries, earplugs, Gerber EAC, & PryBaby. I went through my bag & figured everything I hadn't used in a while or ever used & took those things out.

On my person I'll carry a short-handled Knipex plier in a sheath, a Vic Explorer SAK on a magnetic lanyard, & a Photon.

I'm interested to see how long this lasts for me.

I may go to the Spirit on the lanyard & the Plus ratchet in a sheath alternately.

Tom Munch · **Reply #79 on:** March 10, 2008, 06:40:22 PM

I finally stopped carrying all these tools in my daily carry bag & put them in a bag in my truck. I like being prepared, but I was tired of carrying the extra weight. I'm also not doing as many projects around the property this winter - too cold.

I'm actually carrying a Juice S2 & a Kershaw Ken Onion right now - trying to go minimal & small for a while. (The Skeletool is getting a rest for a time.)

Tom

Grant Lamontagne · **Reply #80 on:** March 10, 2008, 06:47:44 PM

Thanks for the update- I have been wondering how this was going!

Def

Tom Munch · **Reply #81 on:** March 10, 2008, 07:51:45 PM

After my update in December a couple posts ago I had gone back to the tools in my EDC bag. The real reason I stopped carrying tools in my bag recently was because I got a new iPod & am carrying that where the tools were. I'll probably go back to the tools this summer though.

Grant Lamontagne · **Reply #82 on:** March 10, 2008, 08:03:04 PM

Yeah, carrying tools and an iPod in the same place at the same time may not be the greatest idea in the world!

Def

Tom Munch · **Reply #83 on:** March 05, 2016, 04:37:02 PM

Just to follow up, after 8 years I'm still carrying the same bag with most of the same stuff. I added a shorter Knipex Plierwrench when it came out last year - 6". There are a few other changes in the bag too.

On my person I've been going pretty minimal and changing up quite a bit. I tend to go with a SOG Reactor or custom-tooled SwitchPlier (PE blade, bottle opener, Phillips, large flat, scissors) in my right front pocket lately with a AAA flashlight (47's, Thrunite, or Olight) in my left front pocket. I did carry a LM Crater with a Knipex Cobra the other day when I needed a little more capability. The Skeletool CX still sees regular rotation. I've also become fond of a LM Wingman with PE.

Around the property I still have my tool pouch with utility knife, crescent wrench, water pump pliers, reversible-bit screwdriver, and scraper.

sLaughterMed · **Reply #84 on:** March 05, 2016, 07:57:26 PM

Very interesting to read that after 8 years your carry bag is basically unchanged.

Tom Munch · **Reply #85 on:** March 05, 2016, 08:01:44 PM

That's partially because I stayed off the forum here so I wasn't tempted to buy new tools constantly. But it does speak to the fact that good tools not only last but also aren't often superseded by new tools that are "better".

Demel · **Reply #86 on:** March 05, 2016, 11:55:04 PM

Great thread. That's my motto. Buy good tools the first time and they will serve you well.

Tom Munch · **Reply #87 on:** March 06, 2016, 06:23:28 AM

I'll go through my EDC Possibles bag tomorrow to detail some of the changes I've made.

Tom Munch · **Reply #88 on:** March 06, 2016, 08:06:41 PM

I went through my possibles EDC bag. Here's what Im carrying now.

Possibles bag March 2016

Outside pocket
Ball of foot gel pads - I get metatarsal blisters too easily
Headband with velcro loop for flashlight holding

Next pocket
2 retractable 1/8” to 18” stereo cords
nod alert for driving late nights
iPhone earbuds
iPod Classic

Next pocket
2 paracord lines
External iPod speaker
Square reader for music sales

Main pocket
2 bags with various items
bandages
paper tape
2 Photons and extra batteries
needles and thread
tweezers
emergency whistle
lighter
earplugs
gaffer tape
nail files for guitar
2 pairs Macrovision reading glasses in different strengths
2 sets Leatherman bits
bandana
USB to micro USB for charging headset
Leatherman bit extender
Knipex 5” Cobra
Knipex 5” Plierench
Weatherman Skeletool
Pocket made from gaffer tape that rides on top
Swisschamp
pill bottle
chapstick
bluetooth headset
hand sanitizer
Fisher Spacepen/stylus
glasses microfiber cloths

Inside back pocket
checkbook
paper
Kleenex
Sharpie
stylus

Outside back pocket
older iPhone with music library

Tom Munch · **Reply #89 on:** March 06, 2016, 08:07:23 PM

Sometimes I have a Leatherman PS4 in there too.

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

EDC Experiments

Donations

Community Links