December 2025 Tool Box Challenge

[IMR4198]

     Well, it's time for a nice December 2025 challenge.  This one has only been held once before, and that was almost four years ago.  Only seven members hold the badge.  Why is that?
     Might be because it is a anything but multitool challenge.  This might be too much for some members if they are carrying a backpack with Four Leatherman, Three Opinels, Two Bic lighters, and a SwissChamp in a pocket organizer.  La, la, la.
     Time to dig out something like a nice traditional folder, a pocket screwdriver, and/or a Knipex.  And get a badge if you can stand the stress of leaving multi-purpose tools for 30 days at home.  Flashlights, lighters, tape measures, pens, all are legal.  Pliers are legal with wire cutters built in or locks.  As long as they don't have blades and such.  One piece tools are okay as long as they are single function.  No one piece tools with wire strippers, wrenches, or compasses are allowed.  Rules out something like a SwissCard.  No tactical pens.  Pens have to be pens.  Multi-blade knives are fine as long as there are just blades.  Fixed blades likewise.  If you can't live without scissors, then carry scissors by themselves.
      Lots of latitude on what you can carry.  Can you answer the challenge?  Lots of time to think about it before December 1st.  Best wishes.  Gary (IMR)
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[powernoodle]

This sounds fun and I am interested. 

But not committed. 

Yet.   

[IMR4198]

https://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,88227.msg2284896.html#msg2284896

   In case anybody wants to see the last challenge and how it shaped up.  Our friend Reamer started it.  I like his set of rules in the initial post and might copy them to this thread.  Best wishes.  Gary
 

[MadPlumbarian]

This should be interesting,,
JR

[IMR4198]

   Hi JR,
It should be interesting, I think.  One thing I will promise.  It won't be boring.  Best wishes.  Gary (IMR)
 

[LoopCutter]

This is so strange, I just looked at my tool bag in the front room, thinking I need a new bag as one handle ripped off the bag.   

Awl my years working I had seemed to frequently developed speciality tool kits for primary routine maintenance fitted with specific tools for certain equipment.

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Yes, likely too many tools for the bag, but this my gate kit for 8 years.  In the house the past couple years for what ifs.

A interesting challenge using real tools for what they are intended to be utilized.

This is my goto, as the ST300 or REBAR were convient when surveying sites riding the belt. 

[IMR4198]

   Looks like a pretty well-equipped bag, Looper.  If it were me, I would just pop a couple of rivets through the handle and keep the bag as is.  As soon as some members mull over the challenge, we will start a list.  I will post friend ReamerPunch's rule list from his original challenge back in January 2022.  I hope with his approval.  It pretty well covers everything.  Best wishes.  Gary

Rules:
1. Carry tools with single functions only. No multi-tools, no multi-layer Swiss Army Knives, no combo one-piece tools, no wallet ninjas.
2. Post a photo of a single function tool for each day of December.
3. Some tools have one feature but many functions. This is fine. A dedicated flathead may be used as a screwdriver, pry bar, wedge, scraper, etc; but it is only one feature: a flathead screwdriver, so it is ok to carry.
4. Some tools are combination tools by design, like pliers, hammers, axes, etc. This is acceptable.
5. Tools that have a slot for multiple accessories are acceptable, like mini bit ratchets, scalpel holders, etc.
6. No need to commit to a set of tools from Day 1, but it would be nice to see your core edc that will be replacing your normal multi-functional tools.
7. Other stuff.

    Reamer didn't say what constituted 'Other stuff.'  That means you could carry a roll of tape, pencil, calipers, carabiner, or a thousand other things.  Just keep to the spirit of the rules.  If anyone wants to carry a plier based multi along 'just in case', maybe this challenge isn't for you.  A non multi-tool SAK is legal.  Alox model with just scissors is fine.  So is something like an Evoke, or a horticultural single blade for instance.  Leatherman newest single blade fixed and folding knives are fine.  G
 

[BPRoberts]

I will be carrying a different Tool Chest for December, but I'm sure this'll be a fun one to follow along.

[IMR4198]

Kibitzers and lookers are welcome and feel free to leave any comments you choose during the challenge.  This could be a good opportunity for newer members to get their first badge.  Maybe you don't have a multi-tool yet?  I guarantee you will have something that will qualify.  Best wishes.  Gary (IMR)
 

[Grand_Banana]

I could be interested in doing this, but need to think about whether I could fully commit to it.

Just thinking ahead, I have a pocket screwdriver, folding knife, 4” pliers, pen, flashlight, and maybe a couple other tools that could work and also still probably fit in my pockets if I wear cargo pants 

I think if I do this I would try to replicate the tools on my spirit I use most often.  The scissors would be the trickiest. I think I have some small scissors somewhere.

[IMR4198]

    Remember everybody, this isn't a full pockets challenge.  You can carry one tool, or as many as you like.  Imagine you are transported back to 1970, before the birth of the plier based multi tool.  If you might need a screwdriver, just carry a screwdriver.  Multiple bits with one handle or ratchet are eligible according to the ReamerPunch accords.  Miss the pliers on your Gerber, or L-Man?  Carry a Knipex or a pair of Channel-Locks.  Vise-Grips or just plain old slip joint pliers are great. 
    You don't need to declare what your carry will be for the month.  You can change every day if you want.  Knife and a watch one day.  Flashlight, lighter, and a mini Crescent wrench the next.  Single blade Kizer or Buck is acceptable.  Most everyone in the trades does this kind of carry already.  Utility knife, pliers, screwdriver.
    MTo is just about ready to start our new EDC-TV program.  I say our.  I didn't have anything to do with it.  This is EDC without knife or plier based multi tools.  All of the alternative tools are already a part of MTo.  Lots of time to decide.
Best wishes.  Gary (IMR)
 

[AzteCypher]

I'm in.  Gives me a "reason" to buy one of those pocket organizers bag.  I'm telling the wife it's an "essential" for this challenge.  As long as she doesn't read the rules for the challenge I'll be fine.   

1. AzteCypher

[Echotech]

This was a really fun challenge I remember, not getting to carry an MT for a month had me worried but there’s plenty of pocketable OPT’s out there and makes a nice change

I’m going to UK to see family in December so will definitely need my trusty Juice CS4 and Rambler so won’t sign up properly, but would like to be in it before I go

[ReamerPunch]

The first one was so much fun!
Quite challenging as well. Lots of people take multi-tools and SAKs etc for granted, but you'll appreciate how compact they are and what they offer when you carry dedicated tools for a month. Replacing the tools of even a 58mm Victorinox with dedicated ones will seem like a chore. It was a very fun and eye-opening experiment, and I look forward to what everyone carries.

[ReamerPunch]

https://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,88227.msg2284896.html#msg2284896

   In case anybody wants to see the last challenge and how it shaped up.  Our friend Reamer started it.  I like his set of rules in the initial post and might copy them to this thread.  Best wishes.  Gary
 

My ratchet review marathon started with this challenge!

[IMR4198]

I'm in.  Gives me a "reason" to buy one of those pocket organizers bag.  I'm telling the wife it's an "essential" for this challenge.  As long as she doesn't read the rules for the challenge I'll be fine.   

Gotcha covered with Rule 8. Gary (IMR) 

Rules:
1. Carry tools with single functions only. No multi-tools, no multi-layer Swiss Army Knives, no combo one-piece tools, no wallet ninjas.
2. Post a photo of a single function tool for each day of the challenge.
3. Some tools have one feature but many functions. This is fine. A dedicated flathead may be used as a screwdriver, pry bar, wedge, scraper, etc; but it is only one feature: a flathead screwdriver, so it is ok to carry.
4. Some tools are combination tools by design, like pliers, hammers, axes, etc. This is acceptable.
5. Tools that have a slot for multiple accessories are acceptable, like mini bit ratchets, scalpel holders, etc.
6. No need to commit to a set of tools from Day 1, but it would be nice to see your core edc that will be replacing your normal multi-functional tools.
7. Other stuff.
8. Texans must procure a pocket organizer. 

1. AzteCypher
2. IMR4198

[IMR4198]

IMR's big back yard this morning. First thing I thought of was Thanksgiving. Not sure why. Best wishes. G
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[Farmer X]

Good thing I'm not a Texan yet. I may join this one if I decide that a whole month of dedicated knives and flashlights won't be too boring.

[IMR4198]

   Our friend ReamerPunch assured us that the challenge was a lot of fun the first time.  It even inspired him to become the Grand Poobah of Ratchets.  The way I look at it, the only way it will be boring is if we let it be boring. 
   I have heard from several of our members that they don't feel they have enough non-multi items to compete.  In fact you could fulfill all requirements with a CASE knife alone.  You could even get the CASE badge instead, if you so choose.  I doubt there is anybody out there without a box opener, watch, screwdriver, Zippo, or a dozen other things that they could use.  The only challenge is just using the single purpose tools alone. 
   Will anyone be handicapped by using single purpose tools?  I doubt it.  Of all the pliers that I own, I think the least useful are the ones on a Leatherman.  Same with the knife blades.  Practically every knife I own has better blades than a Leatherman.  Same with screwdrivers.  L-Man tools are great as a compact carry along folding pocket just-in-case item.  On the other hand, I never saw anyone who worked with tools for a living reach for one of them first. 
   There is still plenty of time to think things over.  The signups have hopefully just begun.  Anyone who wants in on the fun is welcome. 
Best wishes.  Gary (IMR)
 

[Sos24]

I will have to think about this.  Being without a SAK is definitely a challenge.

[ReamerPunch]

I'm in for this one.
The first one was a milestone in my edc and MTO life. It made me appreciate multi-tools and SAKs, but also opened my eyes to mini dedicated tools, and was what inspired the ratchet review thread, and my collection of stubby bit drivers. And it hasn't been attempted since, as far as I'm aware.
Plus, since last time, there are many more options to choose from. More mini ratchets, more folding knives, more tiny pliers, more flashlights, more ratcheting stubby screwdrivers. And of course, any dedicated tool counts. Dedicated tweezers, scissors, Bic lighter, toothpicks, folders, screwdrivers, pliers. There are tons of things that you could carry.

1. AzteCypher
2. IMR4198
3. ReamerPunch

[IMR4198]

   Is the Toolbox Challenge going to be hard?  It might be.  A month without coffee or tea, tobacco, TV, walking in the sunshine, the company of pets, a smile from a spouse, driving to work, sleep.  All that would really be hard. 
   On the contrary a month long Chocolate Challenge, or Pizza Every Day Challenge wouldn't be much of a challenge at all.  Everyone lived for years and coped with everyday issues long before Tim and his tool.  Many a new fur coat for the beautiful Ooog was provided by slaying and skinning some beast at the strong hand of her faithful mate Korg.  With an assist by an occasional prehisterical mammal providing the fabric.  Sharpened rocks and sticks did the trick.  And provided a meal.
   A SAK or plier based tool can be replaced by an ordinary knife and pocket friendly pliers and/or screwdriver.  Suppose you need to grip something while you use a screwdriver.  A multi can't do that.  It was a necessity to cut some barbed wire from around a fallen tree.  I had a tool to do that.  Using a multi would have been an enormous fail.  Likewise, I had to dissect another tree that fell across my driveway.  Multi-tool?  No.  It needed a saw and some lopping shears to cut some of the other briars and things that the tree brought down. 
   Everyone can do without a multi for a month.  The question is who wants to give up the multis and take the challenge?  There weren't very many when our friend Reamer ran the first one.  Might be fewer now?  We will see.  Still plenty of time.  Holiday travel and events will likely be a difficulty in many cases as well.  Noted. 
    It is good to see RP is in for the challenge.  He can help show us the way.  We have been in several challenges together.  I don't remember any of them as being boring with members like RP and AzteCypher along. 
 Best wishes.  Gary
 
   

[ReamerPunch]

     
Only seven members hold the badge.  Why is that?

Because we are awesome.

[Fireman]

Only seven members hold the badge.  Why is that?

Only seven of us were dumb enough to volunteer?   

The first time around I went minimalist IIRC.   Now I routinely use small pliers, dykes, and various drivers at work.  They have the stuff, but it's a PITA to search for stuff when others leave them in the wrong place.  I could do this one again... 

[AzteCypher]

Only seven of us were dumb enough to volunteer?   

 

[ReamerPunch]

I didn't volunteer. I hosted it.

[nate j]

Like ET, I’ll be traveling some in December.  And that’s a time when I’ll need maximum capability with minimal footprint.

[IMR4198]

   It looks like travel will be a reason for some not to join in the challenge.  Generally speaking, members mention that they can't carry things while traveling. 
    Some members like to join challenges as an excuse to buy something.  Actually, you could complete the challenge by carrying a Sharpie and a box cutter.  It could get a little annoying to make a photo of those items every single day.  "Today I cut open some boxes at work and a co-worker borrowed my Sharpie to make a temporary tattoo of a spider on his hand.  Guessing how often he washes his hand it could be considered semi-permanent. "
    Someone suggested replacing the tools on his L-Man with single use equivalents.  Carry a knife (or two), a ratchet set, pliers, maybe throw in a Zippo and a mechanical pencil.  That could work.  Some evidently don't have to change anything except for taking a SAK and a multi out of their little (or not so little) pouches.  That would work also. 
    I don't have any travel plans.  I carry some sort of knife every day and always have since my age was in the single digits.  Usually I don't carry any other tool except for a one-piece screwdriver key fob.  I will have to whisper this last part, since it is a heresy.  Get close.  I could actually get by without either of them.  Regular voice now.  The key thing doesn't take up any space and I like pocky knives.  I like them so I carry one.  I will likely carry some other items that I don't usually carry for the challenge.  Winter time.  Big pockets on the coats won't be a problem to slide some things in. 
    We will see how things progress.  Best wishes.  Gary (IMR)
 

[Farmer X]

No travel plans for me, either. These days, going to Meijer (less than 12 miles round-trip) is a long journey for me. What the hell; I'm in.

1. AzteCypher
2. IMR4198
3. ReamerPunch
4. Farmer X

[IMR4198]

The fun quotient just jumped up 25%.  Welcome.  Best wishes.  Gary