December 2025 Tool Box Challenge

[IMR4198]

   Let me ask friend Vidar a question.  What do you carry with you during your everyday life?  I'm not interested in your workshop tools.  Best wishes.  Gary
 

[Vidar]

Normally not much or a pocket SAK. A SAK or plier based multitool if doing relevant work. Some work clothes are preloaded.

Well, I guess that what was the answer. My tool box is pretty full, but those are definitely workshop tools for the most part.

[IMR4198]

It might be helpful to read a few pages of the posts from the last time this challenge was held.  That would be a good way to get a feel for what it is all about.  Best wishes.  Gary
https://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,88227.msg2284896.html#msg2284896

[Vidar]

Yes, those seem to be EDC sized tools. I just got confused about where to draw the line with the Tool Box heading, but the old thread made that a lot clearer.

[Farmer X]

Our friend Looper wanted me to show a photo of a Chapman screwdriver, I think?  Maybe it was a Coleman sleeping bag.

I am thinking of carrying this little chap:

Please do! Is there an NSN on the other side?

[fullbreakfast]

Please do! Is there an NSN on the other side?

Nothing on the other side, sadly. Except for a couple of rust spots.

[IMR4198]

    I got out a pry bar yesterday.  The only one I ever had, except for really big ones for prying apart parts of a building or something.  A friend here sent me one for Christmas along with some other things.  I said thank you for the various items and for the chisel.  I was informed that it wasn't a chisel, it was a mini pry bar.  Oops. 
    I VERY rarely pry anything.  I sometimes use a screwdriver for something like that.  Evidently I am in the minority judging from the number of bent knife blades and tools I see on used SAKs.  I might carry my cute little chi pry bar during the challenge.  It doesn't take up much room in a pocket.  Best wishes.  G
 

[LoopCutter]

I know GARY has done a great job preparing us for this challenge.

As I have shared, having specialized tool kits has been my style since I started working in the electronics field service industry, 1973.

Today I visited the back of my pickup and retrieved a kit stored in my Stanley rolling tool locker.

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This kit was assembled about 1979, was lighter that a briefcase style grip, was used for repairing train printers, vertical tape stands, disc packs, and installations mainframe systems that filled a 40’ x 60’ computer room.
The only tool missing is my FLUKE multimeter, it is on loan to my son.

I was actually searching for one of my small screwdrivers,  but not there.

This was last used a few years ago at the PT gig at the Y, requiring and changing a display panel on the control panel for the lighting system that talked to the power control station in the electrical room.

[IMR4198]

   I'm pretty sure I saw a small screwdriver in there somewhere?  I sifted around in my own screwdriver box and found a pretty good small one myself.  Didn't know I had it. 
   My local Walmart installed those scanners that you pass between when you go in or out.  That was a number of years ago after the new location was opened up near my house.  I figured out I would do a little test on those things.  I put a full-sized vise grip in a coat pocket.  Pretty hefty piece of steel.  Certainly enough to simulate a weapon of some sort.  Walked right in.  Nothing.  Looked at some things in the store and attempted to walk back out.  What happened?  Nothing.  Naturally I was prepared to defend walking around with a large pair of locking pliers with some sort of excuse.
   Whatever those scanners were supposed to check for, that wasn't it.  Do people bring their dogs in the Walmart stores where you folks live?  They sure do where I am.  I saw two dogs during my last hasty visit.  I asked my sister, and she said that she had never seen a dog in the store where she lives.  These two were on leashes.  Sometimes they put them in the shopping carts.  I saw one older woman with a small dog in the kiddie seat of a shopping cart wrapped in a blanket.  Leaving a trail of dog urine behind her on the floor.  Lovely. 
Best wishes.  Gary
 

[fullbreakfast]

I know GARY has done a great job preparing us for this challenge.

As I have shared, having specialized tool kits has been my style since I started working in the electronics field service industry, 1973.

Today I visited the back of my pickup and retrieved a kit stored in my Stanley rolling tool locker.

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This kit was assembled about 1979, was lighter that a briefcase style grip, was used for repairing train printers, vertical tape stands, disc packs, and installations mainframe systems that filled a 40’ x 60’ computer room.
The only tool missing is my FLUKE multimeter, it is on loan to my son.

I was actually searching for one of my small screwdrivers,  but not there.

This was last used a few years ago at the PT gig at the Y, requiring and changing a display panel on the control panel for the lighting system that talked to the power control station in the electrical room.

This is great. The experience that must have gone into building it up is obvious, and makes it so much cooler than any pre-packaged tool kit ever would be. Respect!

[LoopCutter]

@Gary - Yes, the orange/black handle is a screw driver, just not the one I was searching. I wanted one of mine that has both flat blade and Phillips.

Also, the sensors you observed at your Walmart and other stores were not configured for metal detection, though they can be and are used at schools, hospitals, government buildings and even airports.

At retail stores they are configured to sense a RFID tag that is placed into packages, or price tags, even clam shells packages. Often items valued above $8 retail.

RFID = Radio Frequency Identification. These broadcast a signal, if close to a sensor an alarm will go off.
When you scan your purchase, that RFID tag is disabled or turned off.   If the internal battery is exhausted, the tag is of no value, however I am not aware of the battery life cycle.  It was suspected a year or more!


@fullbreakfast - it did take some time to refine and tune the kit. It also was always evolving depending on new equipment, types of fasterner heads,

Most of the drivers are based off the excelite interchangeable driver bits and size of handles I was comfortable using.

[cody6268]

I'm in.

1. AzteCypher
2. IMR4198
3. ReamerPunch
4. Farmer X
5. cody6268

[IMR4198]

And welcome, friend cody.  This might be the latest list.  I don't know.  Best wishes. G

1. AzteCypher
2. IMR4198
3. ReamerPunch
4. Farmer X
5. fullbreakfast
6. nate j
7. LoopCutter
8. Humayd
9. Gra_farmer
10. cody6268 

[cody6268]

In addition to my actual Cobras+ Pliers Wrench and their backup Kobalt clones (and a myriad of small bit drivers), I WILL be buying the Workpro clone before Dec.

Also, while pricey, there are a few 4 and  5-inch Snap-On pliers I really like. I can afford only one this month if I just so happen to run into the Snap-On guy. Three routes (I've seen three different trucks with three different guys' names on the side) kind of converge in the  four-town SWVA/Southern WV area I do most of my day-to-day stuff in.  I don't think the shop nearest me gets Snap-On anymore, but a business owned by one of my neighbors does (thus, I'll see if he can put the order in for me--or at least give me his guy's number). Also, a shop started by a family friend in a building my Granddad used to work in gets it as well.

HJ44BCF "Flank Jaw" Slip-Joint Pliers.

These will likely finally replace the old Duluth Handi-Boy pliers I've had for ages (that Knipex Pliers Wrenches couldn't replace...) In addition to having their agressive grip on the teeth (and a wire cutter), it has a portion designed to serve as a wrench that "will not round bolts". It handles up to 9/16, which means it can handle gate hinge work.   6" may be better, but too bulky for pocket carry.

https://shop.snapon.com/product/Combination-(Pliers)/4%22-Talon-Grip%E2%84%A2-FlankJaw%E2%84%A2-Slip-Joint-Pliers-(Red)/HJ44BCF

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LN44BCF, a rather fine needlenose.

https://shop.snapon.com/product/Combination-(Pliers)/5%22-Talon-Grip%E2%84%A2-Long-Nose-Slip-Joint-Pliers-(Red)/LN44BCF


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[nate j]

Also, the sensors you observed at your Walmart and other stores were not configured for metal detection, though they can be and are used at schools, hospitals, government buildings and even airports.

At retail stores they are configured to sense a RFID tag that is placed into packages, or price tags, even clam shells packages. Often items valued above $8 retail.

RFID = Radio Frequency Identification. These broadcast a signal, if close to a sensor an alarm will go off.
When you scan your purchase, that RFID tag is disabled or turned off.   If the internal battery is exhausted, the tag is of no value, however I am not aware of the battery life cycle.  It was suspected a year or more!

I suspect most of the RFID tags used in stores are the passive type, meaning they are powered by a signal from the reader and don’t have their own battery.

[LoopCutter]

I found the 2 screwdrivers I was searching for!

Concept is two carry items in this pouch,

Mini pipe wrench for plier needs, added a color complimenting short lanyard for pouch extraction.

And adding a Wuben G5

I plan to move the pouch from carry bag or coat pocket to another as needed.

Presently I have items already in pockets or on the counter.

Plus a traditional pocketknife will also be pocket carried as I currently do, but just one not two or three.

[IMR4198]

    Nice photo.  That should give some folks a good idea of where to go with this thing.  I think our friend Vidar said something about not carrying much, maybe just a SAK.  That makes sense when you have all your work tools already organized and probably permanently located in your workplace.  Not something he carries with him at all.  Tools are for work, the SAK is for daily carry.
    A SAK is a pretty good knife.  Okay screwdriver maybe.  Depending on the screws.  Awl.  Something to open a bottle or can.  Maybe scissors.  None of these things are really primary use tools.  I think it is safe to say our friend LoopCutter will dig up a great knife to carry.  He already has some good screwdrivers in his dedicated pouch.  If he needs scissors or something to open food or drink containers, that will be easy to add.  Maybe he doesn't need that sort of thing?  He has a good flashlight.  First class pliers. 
    Your EDC Toolbox carry may not look like his.  Might need a Zippo or a Bic disposable.  Might just carry a knife.  Nothing in the rules to forbid carrying two or three knives.  Minimal carry, or all out.  You get to decide.  Just no multis.  Find your needs have changed after a day or two of carry?  Change it up.  Best wishes.  Gary
 

[Farmer X]

Changing it up and showing different items will be part of the fun. The fun starts in nine days!

[IMR4198]

    I am having a turkey sandwich for lunch today.  I looked in the fridge yesterday and saw the turkey was thawed out nicely.  Next thing I knew I was boning out the turkey and preheating the oven.  It happened just like that.  If I had planned it, I would have had a nice sweet potato roasting at the same time. That's how the turkey sandwich happened. 
    I am digging out some stuff and doing a little pre-challenge carry trials.  Seeing what works and what doesn't.  Several members expressed interest in the challenge.  Either on the thread or by PM.  I will be reminding them in the next day or two.  Just to let them know it is still on.  It won't be long before the start.  Best wishes.  G
 

[WECSOG]

    Feel free to add your name to the list if you choose.  I can practically guarantee that not carrying a multi-tool/SAK for a month isn't fatal.  If worse comes to worse and your nerves begin to fail, you can always just drop out.  Or mark your name off the list before the beginning. 
    I didn't mention it specifically, but carrying a Katana would be legal.  Be sure to tell the police when they stop you that IMR4198 said it was legal.  That way they won't put you in jail.  That is a big plus.  The food in mental facilities is much better than most lockups. 
Best wishes.  Gary (IMR)
 

PS.  I see from your late edit that you made the list.  Good on you.  Anyway the reference to the LATEST Leatherman folding knives being legal is in contrast with their earlier folding knives.  Some of them had gut hooks, internal bit storage, etc.  Not legal.  Also just being Leatherman brand doesn't disqualify automatically.  Depends on the on-board equipment of said Leatherman.  Single function only.  Best wishes.  G

Ok, I'm in. As long as I can carry a Type 38 Arisaka along with my katana! Loaded with handloads using IMR4198 powder, of course!

Nah, j/k. I have neither a Katana nor an Arisaka, although I would like to have both! I'm in anyway, though.

1. AzteCypher
2. IMR4198
3. ReamerPunch
4. Farmer X
5. fullbreakfast
6. nate j
7. LoopCutter
8. Humayd
9. Gra_farmer
10. cody6268
11. WECSOG

[IMR4198]

   I used to shoot a Type 99.  Welcome aboard.  Best wishes.  G
 

[WECSOG]

So, here's a question: are these electrician's scissors allowed? They have a couple of small notches for wire stripping, but I don't use that feature. In fact I think the actual scissors part does a better job of stripping wires.

[Farmer X]

As long as I can carry a Type 38 Arisaka along with my katana!

I had to look that one up. In my defense, I've never been much of a rifleman. Handguns and shotguns are more my thing (as I'm a cross-eyed shooter).

Good to have you along, WECSOG!

[WECSOG]

I had to look that one up. In my defense, I've never been much of a rifleman. Handguns and shotguns are more my thing (as I'm a cross-eyed shooter).

Good to have you along, WECSOG!

Thanks!

[IMR4198]

     I look at those Klein scissors as a single purpose electrician's tool.  Pliers were allowed in the last challenge with gripping and wire cutting features built in.  That is just the way they have always been.  Cut the wire.  Twist connections, etc. 
     If friend ReamerPunch would like to voice his opinion on the scissors, it would be welcome.  In fact if he were to say no, I would defer to his judgment in the matter. 
     Whether or not you use a feature on a tool doesn't really matter as far as eligibility.  One couldn't use just the pliers on a SOG for instance and not use the other tools.  Not allowed. 
      So, I will say allowed pending possible agreement or objection.  Not a final judgment, as I might change my mind. 
Best wishes.  G
 

[fullbreakfast]

     I look at those Klein scissors as a single purpose electrician's tool.  Pliers were allowed in the last challenge with gripping and wire cutting features built in.  That is just the way they have always been.  Cut the wire.  Twist connections, etc. 
     If friend ReamerPunch would like to voice his opinion on the scissors, it would be welcome.  In fact if he were to say no, I would defer to his judgment in the matter. 
     Whether or not you use a feature on a tool doesn't really matter as far as eligibility.  One couldn't use just the pliers on a SOG for instance and not use the other tools.  Not allowed. 
      So, I will say allowed pending possible agreement or objection.  Not a final judgment, as I might change my mind. 
Best wishes.  G
 

Not that my opinion signifies, but it would be an awfully strange world if I was allowed to carry my Knipex combi pliers - with their needle nose, nail hole, gripping section and wire cutters - and those scissors were not allowed.

[ReamerPunch]

     If friend ReamerPunch would like to voice his opinion on the scissors, it would be welcome.  In fact if he were to say no, I would defer to his judgment in the matter. 

I would allow it. I have the exact same model, and the additional features are afterthoughts, at least on my unit.

You do not have to defer to my judgement for anything, though. You are hosting this now, so the rules are up to you, as long as they make sense regarding the badge. You could be extremely strict, and not allow pliers because they also have wire-cutters. I was ok with a Skeletool KXB knife even though the pocket clip is also a bottle opener, because everything is a bottle opener. I was not that strict, because it was the first time the challenge was being done and the badge was not in the list, so I wanted as many people to join as possible. But the awesome mods allowed the badge despite low numbers.

I am more than happy to offer my opinions but if something is in the gray, we can decide together if it qualifies or not.

[IMR4198]

    I welcome your input on the question, RP.  I respect your thoughts and know there wouldn't even be a badge if you hadn't taken it in hand to create one and run the original challenge. 
    There has always been a tendency to dilute challenges here.  There is no way (nor should there be) to figure out if someone is keeping to the rules.  That has always been a question of agreement to follow the rules of the challenge.  These things can be entertaining, or they can be meaningless.  Depends on the individual.
     It is pretty easy to guess which individuals are actually keeping up with the challenge and interacting with the other members.  The personal connections and 'playing along' are 98% of the fun in any challenge.  The badges are a pretty decoration but shouldn't be the reason for joining in on a challenge. 
     I ran a challenge where two members had no connection to anyone else there.  Obviously never read any of the posts.  Never answered anything they were asked.  Zero conversation or comments with anyone else.  Didn't pitch in on a single one of the weekly mini-challenges and probably never realized there was such a thing.  Posted the same photos they did on another challenge 100% of the time.  They got a meaningless badge anyway.  Nothing contributed, nothing gained.  Just wasted their self-centered time for a month.
     We have a pretty good bunch here this time.  I think.  I haven't had a lot of interaction with everyone.  I have no problem with making judgment calls but have no desire to be a dictator either.  I like to think that I am open to at least hearing (and considering) input.  I like to hear from MTO members who didn't or couldn't join in the challenge and listen to what they say as well.   
Best wishes.  Gary (IMR)
 
     

[LoopCutter]

Just to chime in on the scissor’s question!

Yes, it should be allowed!  It is a single purpose tool even with the stripping notches.

The scissors are very practical and if I had mine, they would part of my kit.

Unfortunately, they part of my tool grip when started my construction gig. That kit was stolen when my truck was broken into, and ran sacked by some cowardly thieves.

The scissors are single function built to make life easier for communication (phone) techs working with 22 - 24 size wire on punch down boards and D-Marks.

I really should look for a replacement pair.  Best darn scissors I ever used.

And, that’s my opinion 🫣

[IMR4198]

   I have those scissors as well.  No stripping notches on mine, but it is easy to cut and strip wire with them anyway.  I use mine for all sorts of little household chores.  Best wishes.  Gary
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