December 2025 Tool Box Challenge

[Jack the Zipper]

Here's a contender for the one piece scissors category: Fiskars folding scissors. Will not open in your pocket, very high quality.

[Farmer X]

Those look quite a bit bigger than the tiny folding scissors my Mom kept with her sewing goods. I might have to hunt down a pair!

[IMR4198]

    One of the best liked tools on a SAK seems to be the scissors.  There are lots of good single purpose scissors out there.  I have two or three small ones myself.  Might have to dig them out and see what is available. 
    I wanted to walk down the driveway today and see if anything needed clearing out.  I mentioned on another thread that I had to clear ANOTHER dead tree out of the driveway yesterday morning.  Not a big one this time.  Just too cold and windy for me to get out today.  I try not to walk down that driveway when it is windy.  Downed trees from the wind is one thing.  Being pinned under one is another. 
    The only other challenge for December with any interest seems to be the oversize SAK challenge.  That one was out for me since I don't have any qualifying equipment.  I do have a SwissChamp, but never really had any urge to possess one of the really big SAKs. 
     Deer season opens soon.  I just can't justify converting a young deer into venison.  Too much meat and I don't like to waste things.  I never was interested in trophies either.  Seems like I use less and less meat every year. 
      I have been using either traditional folders or something like an Opinel for carry knives this month.  Not exclusively.  I carried a Leatherman a couple of times and my old stand-by 108mm.  It was a SRM flipper clipper today.  The company says it stands for Stay Ready for More or something.  Somebody figured that was preferable to Sanrenmu.  Best wishes.  Gary
 

[Farmer X]

It was pretty cold here today as well. We didn't get above freezing.

[fullbreakfast]

The only other challenge for December with any interest seems to be the oversize SAK challenge.  That one was out for me since I don't have any qualifying equipment.  I do have a SwissChamp, but never really had any urge to possess one of the really big SAKs. 

It's kinda funny that the choice of challenges for December is either to carry 100 functions or just one. It's a month of extremes.

I have committed to the tool box challenge, and I still don't know how I'm going to replace the opener layer on my SAK with single-use tools. Getting by without that opener layer will be the most interesting / annoying part of the challenge, for me. But it wasn't really a choice between the two challenges, as like you I don't have any SAKs that are big enough for the other one.

[IMR4198]

   As Tubah said to his son Oogla, when asked about dating advice, just go out there and get a woman like I did.  Take a club and bonk one on the head and drag her to your cave.  Don't bonk too hard and if she smiles at you first just give her a tiny little bop and she will pretend to be hurt as you drag her away. 
   Let's see what is on the opener layer of a SAK.  Medium sized screwdriver, small screwdriver, can opener, not-very-good wire stripper, bottle opener.  The replacement for the screwdriver part doesn't even need a comment.  Can opener?  Do you really use one?  I'm sure you have a nice one at home.  Wire stripper?  Nobody serious about wire stripping on a job would use the SAK for that.  That leaves bottle opener.  Lots of bottles with caps here actually screw off.  Anything that doesn't is easily opened with a plier.  In a pinch the screwdriver will work as well.  The world is full of dedicated bottle openers.  String one on a piece of twine and carry it around your neck.  Just like Tom Selleck in Magnum, P.I.
   Everyone will feel some sort of obstacle to maneuver around during the challenge.  Breaking the multi-tool habit will take a little dedication and some application of mental faculties.  After all, this isn't a carry just one tool challenge.  Feel free to carry a screwdriver, two screwdrivers, pliers, scissors, knife, or flashlight.  Even a bottle opener.  Naturally if you are a carpenter, brick mason, or auto mechanic you will use your usual tools at work.  Just leave the multi at home.  Along with your wife bopping club.  Best wishes.  Gary
 

[IMR4198]

    For the record, I won't even pretend that I told friend fullbreakfast anything he didn't already know.  Having a little chat on the thread is a good thing.  It helps to bring the Toolbox challenge up to date and perhaps tickle someone's curiosity about the affair.  Might even prompt someone to give the 30 day event a try. 
    About an inch of snow on the ground this morning here on Werecoyote Trail.  I heard every wild canine in the area light in with a chorus of howls, yips, and squeals about 3AM.  They likely found something to rip to shreds in the snow.  I'm not about to go out and investigate.  Best wishes.  G
 

[fullbreakfast]

   As Tubah said to his son Oogla, when asked about dating advice, just go out there and get a woman like I did.  Take a club and bonk one on the head and drag her to your cave.  Don't bonk too hard and if she smiles at you first just give her a tiny little bop and she will pretend to be hurt as you drag her away. 
   Let's see what is on the opener layer of a SAK.  Medium sized screwdriver, small screwdriver, can opener, not-very-good wire stripper, bottle opener.  The replacement for the screwdriver part doesn't even need a comment.  Can opener?  Do you really use one?  I'm sure you have a nice one at home.  Wire stripper?  Nobody serious about wire stripping on a job would use the SAK for that.  That leaves bottle opener.  Lots of bottles with caps here actually screw off.  Anything that doesn't is easily opened with a plier.  In a pinch the screwdriver will work as well.  The world is full of dedicated bottle openers.  String one on a piece of twine and carry it around your neck.  Just like Tom Selleck in Magnum, P.I.
   Everyone will feel some sort of obstacle to maneuver around during the challenge.  Breaking the multi-tool habit will take a little dedication and some application of mental faculties.  After all, this isn't a carry just one tool challenge.  Feel free to carry a screwdriver, two screwdrivers, pliers, scissors, knife, or flashlight.  Even a bottle opener.  Naturally if you are a carpenter, brick mason, or auto mechanic you will use your usual tools at work.  Just leave the multi at home.  Along with your wife bopping club.  Best wishes.  Gary
 

It's not so much that it can't be done, but how to choose the several items I will need to replace these two small pieces of metal weighing a few grams each. Part of this is that for what I carry all the time in my pocket, I like to keep it fairly small and light. I don't want to end up with a heavy pouch that keeps trying to pull my trousers down.

Screwdrivers:  You have small and large flathead, plus of course good-in-a-pinch Phillips screwdriving with the can opener. I can carry a small bit driver or ratchet and three or four bits to cover this.

Wire stripper: Don't use it, won't try and replace it.

Can opener: Hardly ever use it to open cans, won't try and replace that function.

Bottle opener:  Do use it fairly often for a beer. Of course every EDC item seems to have a bottle opener on it, but that doesn't help for the challenge as it's an added feature on a multi-functional tool.  Like you say pliers can do it, but I don't really want to carry pliers. Screwdriver can do it, but inelegant / will make my wife look at me like I'm insane. Small dedicated bottle opener is probably justified.

Small pry:  The bottle opener is often used by me for small prying, like opening a can of paint. Need a small pry bar. Within challenge rules this is not so easy, as nearly everyone who makes mini pry bars can't resist adding functions - bottle opener, bit driver, multi-wrench, 80mm grenade launcher, etc.  I have a bunch of pry bars because I'm a dork, and I think there are only two that would qualify, and that are actually useful and light enough that I would want to carry them. And one of those I'm not sure about.

Micro pry: I often use the tip of the can opener for such tiny tasks as prying out button batteries, getting under a jar lid, etc. Not sure yet what I will be using for this.

Scraping:  I use the rounded polished edge of the bottle opener for scraping where I'm worried about damaging the surface underneath, and sometimes the sharp edge of the can opener where I'm not so worried.  Not sure if either of the pry bars I have in mind are going to be very good for covering this.

Of course, working out solutions to these 'problems' is where the fun of the challenge is!

[fullbreakfast]

    For the record, I won't even pretend that I told friend fullbreakfast anything he didn't already know.  Having a little chat on the thread is a good thing.  It helps to bring the Toolbox challenge up to date and perhaps tickle someone's curiosity about the affair.  Might even prompt someone to give the 30 day event a try. 

No sweat, I'm enjoying the idle chat!

[LoopCutter]

I have had these same arguments in my head between me and myself. Sometimes waking at 3 AM, only to realize I am loosing the battle and just need to relief myself 😳

I do have a kit bag with my dedicated tools, and have started to clean out the debris, and exam the tool clutter. But this will be my HOME, tool kit.

My comfort will be a TRADITIONAL POCKET KNIFE, maybe a STOCKMAN, a COPPERHEAD, CANOE, or a SOD BUSTER.

I have concluded, my brain and self control will be my best secondary method to deal with this the month of December.    I will not, I do not have to be the FIX-IT guy. I will let others try to be the hero and impress the fools who are never prepared. I will live with my decision knowing that “if I wanted, I could have done it!”

My pockets will be lighter, my belt will not have anything dangling, I WILL BE SLIM AND TRIM.

MISSING MY VAGABOND, but my coin purse will have a couple of plastic toothpicks, currently my most used secondary tool on any of my SAKs😉

My method to overcome these challenge restrictions.   I am at peace with my solution(s). 

(How long can I last?  Can I avoid my fidget addiction of a MT)

[LoopCutter]

Additional thoughts. Several sun cycles later.

I have begun, putting gadgets away, moving upstairs to my ROOM, out of sight out of mind!

Now thinking, a couple jig saw puzzles may serve a purpose, should I buy more snacks?, …

[IMR4198]

   We can never have too many snacks, I say.  Maybe we could find a couple of DVDs to watch.  Something with no multi-tools in it.  Maybe Ben Hur or maybe 300.  Spartans didn't need any Leatherman things.  No cans to open or screws to screw with back in the good old days.
    There are still a few days left to sign up for the challenge.  Early registration is free.  You will have to chip in a dime each to pay for coffee cups.  Either that or bring your own mug. 
Best wishes.  Gary
  

[LoopCutter]

I may inventory my Hot Wheel Cars! I have a few (boxes)

Or, sampling whiskeys and bourbons, watch my beard grow, search recipes for two (cook once,eat twice!)

[AzteCypher]

I've been thinking about my carry and I think I've got most of it sorted.  I normally carry a Super Tinker and a Gerber EAB.  Here's what I'm intending to carry for the Tool Box Challenge.

This stubby will replace both flat heads and Phillips without issue.  We'll see how it feels in the pocket though.




These foldable scissors will do just fine.




This Shelby Co can opener will replace the one on the Super Tinker.




I'll probably trade out knives during the challenge but we can start out with this RR Barlow.




And finally, these modified Victorinox tweezers will round out the carry.  I use these little suckers often enough that it's a necessity for me.

[IMR4198]

   Pre-challenge planning and organizing is a fun part.  Scratch around through your stuff.  Find some things you didn't know you had.  Fail to find something you were sure you did have. 
    I did that this morning.  Dragged out my plier box.  I saw a set of needle-nosed pliers and a couple of wire cutters.  Discovered the needle point thingies would only more a fraction of an inch and that took some effort.  WD-40.  I put a few drops only, because the can is almost empty.  Scrubbed off some neglect with a wire brush.  No name brand on the tool, but I found it at a pay phone years ago.  Someone working on the phone, or possibly vandalizing it, had forgotten it.  There are some more in the box.  Might have to clean up some more.
    The stubby screwdriver with bits looks like a good candidate for carry.  Also liking the Ruff Rida.   
Best wishes.  Gary
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Good pliers vs. naughty bad L-man pliers

[LoopCutter]

 

[gra_farmer]

I have been off the radar and failed the October challenge, my world has been collapsing in on me and the family, on and off since January, and recovery time is taking longer, before the next hit comes...

Gary, has touched base, and grateful. I don't know if I will be able to complete, but I need a little bit of me back...

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

[IMR4198]

    Good to hear from you, Gra.  Survival is like a radio.  Turn down the volume on the bad stuff, and turn up the family, holiday, and friendships.  The bad stuff will still be playing in the background, but the better things can drown it out a little. 
     Not so very many in the challenge yet.  Maybe some more people will join once they learn about the free registration.  And the snacks.  I think some people are afraid of the idea of no multis for a month.  Others don't like the idea because they won't have an excuse to buy some new stuff to enter.  MTo is a model for conspicuous consumption and frivolous purchases after all.  Everyone already has enough things to complete the challenge. 
      We have a fun bunch signed up already.  I shouldn't worry about failed challenges.  Nobody is keeping score. 
Best wishes, Gary
 
     

[nate j]

I've been thinking about my carry and I think I've got most of it sorted.

Ditto

Others don't like the idea because they won't have an excuse to buy some new stuff to enter.

For the record, I already bought some new stuff for this challenge, and it hasn’t even started yet.
 

[IMR4198]

For the record, I already bought some new stuff for this challenge, and it hasn’t even started yet.
 

Good work, Nate.  Someone has to keep this economy functioning.  Best wishes.  G
 

[nate j]

Good work, Nate.  Someone has to keep this economy functioning.  Best wishes.  G
 

[Farmer X]

My world has been collapsing in on me and the family, on and off since January, and recovery time is taking longer, before the next hit comes...

I hope that everything is in the process of working itself out.

[ReamerPunch]

Good work, Nate.  Someone has to keep this economy functioning.  Best wishes.  G
 

I haven't been buying many multi-tools and SAKs. Is that why the economy has been smurf lately?

[AzteCypher]

 

[IMR4198]

Takes a while for the solar orb to creep over the ridge. Best wishes. G
 
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[IMR4198]

   The sun was coming up a bright orange/red, but the camera didn't catch it.  I had the weirdest thing happen a couple of weeks ago.  I still can't explain it.  I woke up about 10PM or so and saw something strange in the living room.  I got up.  The room was bathed in a faint green glow.  A car on the road?  Someone shining a green light from somewhere?  I looked outside.  Nobody.  No cars.  The outside was glowing green.  Not really brightly, but noticeable.  I went through the house, and when I returned the green glow was gone.  I have no explanation. 
    How about a photo of a small BUCK knife with an early lunch.  15 bean soup and some IMR-made biscuits.  Mmmm.  Best wishes.  G
 
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[AzteCypher]

Sounds like you may have seen the northern lights.

[LoopCutter]

Sounds like you may have seen the northern lights.

That was my thought.

My daughter-n-law was visiting her two weeks ago south of Indianapolis and was able to photograph her experience of the sky dancing.  Even visible in my back yard, blue/green waves about 11 pm till 12:30 Am

[IMR4198]

    You two might be right.  I never thought about that.  The beans turned out just fine at any rate.  These were the old N.K. Hurst Hambeens which used to have what must have been a 10 second ad on daytime TV many years ago.  A man dressed in western gear with a Winchester 92 would fire a shot into a target that had a bag of beans in the center.  Didn't hit the beans.  His one line was something like, "This is Peso Dollar reminding you to draw a bead on N.K. Hurst Hambeens."
    They were called 'Hambeens' because they came with a ham flavor packet.  The ones I cooked had the Cajun pack, which I promptly lost.  I substituted salt, freshly ground black pepper, and some Mrs. Dash or whatever it is called now.  It might just be Dash.  I didn't have any of the pot liquor in the photo I took.  I generally put some juice in with the legumes.  The liquid by itself would actually be quite tasty, even devoid of the beans.
Best wishes.  G
 

[Farmer X]

Those beans do sound damn good!