Good thread Al and nice to see you posting again ! :cheers:
I always appreciate your perspective. :salute:.
A lot of tough decisions to make, but you seem to have made them for all the right reasons :tu:
This discussion has made me realize.. are there any knifeless multi-tools that have outside facing tools? Seems like a quick deploy outside facing tool would be great.
This discussion has made me realize.. are there any knifeless multi-tools that have outside facing tools? Seems like a quick deploy outside facing tool would be great.
There's small ones, like the knifeless version of the Dime and the Style PS. There's also the newer versions of the Sync that have just been announced. However, no "full sized" external access knifeless tools spring to mind.
On top of all those options for pocket carry, there's also a few tools that never leave home. These just sit on or near the desk, in case I need something special a regular multi can't provide, namely heavy duty shears, compound leverage pliers, or locking pliers. I don't actually have any dedicated tools to compete with those functions that these multitools provide.
I really enjoyed the posts, thoughts and pics in here! :like: :hatsoff:
Totally agree with you on the Diesel, and this:On top of all those options for pocket carry, there's also a few tools that never leave home. These just sit on or near the desk, in case I need something special a regular multi can't provide, namely heavy duty shears, compound leverage pliers, or locking pliers. I don't actually have any dedicated tools to compete with those functions that these multitools provide.
this applies to me and my tools as well, :tu:
What I find interesting is, no matter how many times we begin the "process" we will always tend to have more than we "need". I try to stay away from the "need" perspective. Reason being, simply because I like certain tools regardless if they are used, seldom used, or not used at all :salute:. YMMV as each of us knows what works best for ourselves.
Unlike the long standing myth of Crows collecting shiny things, we however as humans do. Its just that way and I'm a lot better at accepting it. That being said, I've gone thru many of my tools and culled quite a lot. I go thru periods of separating the tools I feel I no longer "need" and place them aside for further analysis. A few tools continue on their way to new homes and new owners while many return to their dark resting place :D.
I'm am thankful to not have been so hasty with some tools. I also make it a point as you allude to, to put certain tools into use to get a clearer understanding of that tool or as you state "Maybe I ought to force myself to start carrying them all more, and see which ones I get sick of quickest." My Skeletool CX is such a tool. I am glad I just put it aside and let enough time pass to try again. My Charge TTi is another.
I am not hesitant to assign a tool a purpose even if that purpose on the surface is lowly ;). I don't currently have a bathroom drain tool, YET :whistle:. I have tools parceled about my home. I have them on my coffee table, in my shed, garage, kitchen drawer, hall closet, small tool box, vehicle, evacuation bag, and other places. These are tools that are good tools just not tools I want to carry. This is yet another distinction I tend to make when deciding a tools fate. Just because I don't want to carry it doesn't mean its time to go.
I really like this thread. :salute:
It is super tricky to find that balance you seek. There are some tools that can be easily parted with after trying and trying. I know those all too well. Back ups are good. Once I deem a tool a back up then I make peace with it so I don't deliberate on and on about selling or keeping.
Beater tools. I have tools that are tools I have no problem working hard with little regard. It if breaks then it breaks. I have a Swisstool in my garage for that as well as in my house tool box. I don't mind keeping them in their places. Out of sight, out of mind, till of course I need them. I have a few SAKs and folders that also fall into this category.
Next up the ladder are tools that are on standby. These tools are good tools that have proven themselves. I keep them closer at hand for things that pop up. My OG Surge and Modded Wave are my coffee table tools. If I need a tools I grab these first. If I need dedicated tools then I get my house tool box. If I need more specialized tools then out to the garage. I keep a SAK, folder, and Micra on my coffee table as well as a headlamp.
Further up the ladder are my on person tools while home doing chores. These are tools I rely on as I will have them on person. Today for example I have my Skeletool CX, OC Farmer, Squirt P4, and Benchmade Nimravus on me. If I require more then I can go to my garage or house tool box. If my Farmers saw comes up short for example, I'll go to my shed and fetch my saw. If my Skeletools pliers are a bit weak then out to my garage to get the big channel locks.
Work tools. This is much like my on person tools except that these tools are only used at work. My Charge TTi, Deluxe Tinker are examples of those tools. I like both tools a lot. They earned their spot on work detail.
Off day tools. I have tools that I carry off days. These are tools that I will leaving the house with on off days. Errands, trips to the store, lunch with my kids, etc.
Hiking, camping, walks tools, evacuation bag tools, etc.
Like many here I ended up with a lot of tools. Some were easily moved on. Some are just wonderful and are now shelf queens. Some have jobs. The spillover tools are the ones I have a hard time with, I've recently referred to these as benchwarmers. These are tools that aren't back ups, aren't still being tested, aren't bad tools, they are just EXTRA stuff accumulated over this process.
I think many of us who aren't actively collecting or seeking out tools to collect find ourselves in similar circumstances. I am still a collector to an extent admittedly. Funny thing is, I just don't know what the next tool I'd designate to shelf queen status until I meet it :rofl:.
Good thread Al and I'm enjoying reading your thoughts regarding what and why you carry . :like: :tu:
I'm am thankful to not have been so hasty with some tools. I also make it a point as you allude to, to put certain tools into use to get a clearer understanding of that tool or as you state "Maybe I ought to force myself to start carrying them all more, and see which ones I get sick of quickest." My Skeletool CX is such a tool. I am glad I just put it aside and let enough time pass to try again. My Charge TTi is another.
I am not hesitant to assign a tool a purpose even if that purpose on the surface is lowly ;). I don't currently have a bathroom drain tool, YET :whistle:. I have tools parceled about my home. I have them on my coffee table, in my shed, garage, kitchen drawer, hall closet, small tool box, vehicle, evacuation bag, and other places. These are tools that are good tools just not tools I want to carry. This is yet another distinction I tend to make when deciding a tools fate. Just because I don't want to carry it doesn't mean its time to go.
I really like this thread. :salute:
It is super tricky to find that balance you seek. There are some tools that can be easily parted with after trying and trying. I know those all too well. Back ups are good. Once I deem a tool a back up then I make peace with it so I don't deliberate on and on about selling or keeping.
Beater tools. I have tools that are tools I have no problem working hard with little regard. It if breaks then it breaks. I have a Swisstool in my garage for that as well as in my house tool box. I don't mind keeping them in their places. Out of sight, out of mind, till of course I need them. I have a few SAKs and folders that also fall into this category.
Next up the ladder are tools that are on standby. These tools are good tools that have proven themselves. I keep them closer at hand for things that pop up. My OG Surge and Modded Wave are my coffee table tools. If I need a tools I grab these first. If I need dedicated tools then I get my house tool box. If I need more specialized tools then out to the garage. I keep a SAK, folder, and Micra on my coffee table as well as a headlamp.
Further up the ladder are my on person tools while home doing chores. These are tools I rely on as I will have them on person. Today for example I have my Skeletool CX, OC Farmer, Squirt P4, and Benchmade Nimravus on me. If I require more then I can go to my garage or house tool box. If my Farmers saw comes up short for example, I'll go to my shed and fetch my saw. If my Skeletools pliers are a bit weak then out to my garage to get the big channel locks.
Work tools. This is much like my on person tools except that these tools are only used at work. My Charge TTi, Deluxe Tinker are examples of those tools. I like both tools a lot. They earned their spot on work detail.
Off day tools. I have tools that I carry off days. These are tools that I will leaving the house with on off days. Errands, trips to the store, lunch with my kids, etc.
Hiking, camping, walks tools, evacuation bag tools, etc.
Like many here I ended up with a lot of tools. Some were easily moved on. Some are just wonderful and are now shelf queens. Some have jobs. The spillover tools are the ones I have a hard time with, I've recently referred to these as benchwarmers. These are tools that aren't back ups, aren't still being tested, aren't bad tools, they are just EXTRA stuff accumulated over this process.
I think many of us who aren't actively collecting or seeking out tools to collect find ourselves in similar circumstances. I am still a collector to an extent admittedly. Funny thing is, I just don't know what the next tool I'd designate to shelf queen status until I meet it :rofl:.
Fixed blades are exactly the same too. Way more than I need, but none I can single out as wanting to part with.
Some of my favorites threads and videos to watch are ones discussing what people carry and why. I like to read and hear about the mindset of how one reaches conclusions about gear. I also like to see how one item may not have worked for someone yet I find does for me, or vice versa. When it comes to choosing what to carry and what works is a matter of personal discovery if one decides to go that route. Another route is simply familiarity. This can work too.
I have come to really appreciate combinations. Yeah I carried a MT, SAK, light, but until I gave it some further thought it was just tools. This might sound a bit much for some but for me it has streamlined what I carry and how. I'm also not lugging around a bunch of gear "just incase". The Squirt for me has become a staple of my carry. I want to like the Micra but after several attempts to carry it I find it needing a V.2 variant YMMV. If I want a scissor based tool I'd rather carry my Style CS.
Your keyring set ups are well very well thought out for what you desire and want to carry. I believe I am still working on the right combination myself.
I have thoroughly enjoyed this thread. Its helped me take a closer look at what I carry and has given me some great things to think about.
The next step for me are the benchwarmers. What to do with the benchwarmers :dunno:
Fixed blades are exactly the same too. Way more than I need, but none I can single out as wanting to part with.
If you ever decide to part with the Sheffield one on the bottom row 2nd from the left I know someone interested :pok:
There's another issue with having too many combos. Sometimes you forget they even exist :rofl:
I found this tin yesterday...
Quite an interesting thread, AW! I imagine culling can be somewhat arduous. Well, it would be for me anyway, as a collector.
Are you planning several rotational EDC combos?
I think Whoey's on it. Hopefully be fixed later today.
:dwts: That does seem as though it would be frustrating. :ahhh
i'll be looking forward to seeing some of your combinations, even if they are just temporary. :popcorn:
:dwts: That does seem as though it would be frustrating. :ahhh
i'll be looking forward to seeing some of your combinations, even if they are just temporary. :popcorn:
:dwts: That does seem as though it would be frustrating. :ahhh
i'll be looking forward to seeing some of your combinations, even if they are just temporary. :popcorn:
Yup, seeing how other people combine gear is always interesting and often sparks ideas you may not have had :tu:
The 600 BN is one of my personal favorites! I really cannot think of a stronger pliers head on any other MT. :)
Will you be posting a step-by-step for the SAK mods, AW?
A few changes to the Diesel kit.
as Steve said, very nice kit! :hatsoff:
I have a similar one, which I use for similar purposes :cheers:
(https://i.imgur.com/MKeb0yE.jpg)
I'll echo what the others have said, Nice kit. I figured we all had some kind of grab and go kit for times when visiting friends/family :D. While most items I just want to be a guest like the others, they know we carry tools so.......
I do have an actual bag of tools on my truck but most times a small kit like yours can solve a lot of issues.
Oh, but I'm still probably gonna get some micro mesh ;). I didn't say I was cured.
Thanks TP. What else was lurking in the pouch? Do you have a pic of the full kit?
Thanks TP. :cheers:
For some reason (not sure why, as they're not shown/listed) that reminded me to put some small cable ties in my kit. Now done.
Are they mini vials of Superglue in the first pic?
oh, I sometimes have zip ties in the pouch too :police:
those are eye drops (I had dry eyes for a while after the LASIK surgery) :tu:
If this has been coveref already, please ignore. Have you tried cloth wheel(on bench grinder, drill or dremel) polishing to get the major imperfections out if the steel surface? Then using the Mesh to finish it off?
IMO. The cloth polishing wheels and compound are ideal for heavy polishing. Only downside is that it removes a lot of material to achieve the results. The SideClip would be fine I think, as the frame is very sturdy to begin with. I've polished out an entire Mr. Pinchy before with red compound and a 3400rpm 6" wheel. Only took an hour and it had those kind of pits and orange peel as well. Your MicroMesh pads as the last stage would give it a mirror-esque finish I think. If I hadn't gifted it to a friend(who fell in love with it for some reason), I'd snap some photos. :ahhh
I've never tried the wheels for drills or dremels for large polish jobs, but I assume the time taken would be considerably longer. But, and I don't immediately recall, several members have used them with success. Just something to look into. I'm not an expert with it, but I do know from my limited experience that hand polishing is arduous at best when the metal surface isn't good to start with.
I know what you mean. I hesitate to carry my beater tools after I remove scratches. Even knowing I could just remove the new scratches as easily. And also repolishing, knowing it'll be scratched anyway. Multitool paradox! :ahhh :rant: :ahhh
So the same quandary applies. Do I just stick them back in a drawer for another few years, or do I put my favourites away, and spend a few months with stuff that in some cases has never cut anything it it's life.
I haven't squared that circle yet :)
I've seen hammers that show exactly where the owner has held it over the years. Tools that show a respectable working life. Whats I also enjoy is the thought that someone spent their hard earned money to acquire the tool and used the heck out of it.
Now that being said, I can also appreciate a well cared for tool. Once that has been used but shows little evidence of it. I've always admired tools that look as good as they did when they left the package. I know its hard to imagine a tool that has worked that shows little wear.
I was the same way about shoes. Kinda still am to a degree. I have a pair of boots I've had for 20 + years that are in remarkable condition. These are going out shoes vs work shoes. Work shoes have come and gone in uncountable numbers. Kinda my take on tools as well now that I think about it.
As mentioned in another thread, I've been trying out yet another combo today... ::)
(https://forum.multitool.org/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=10834.0;attach=425972)
I finally got round to fixing the smurfed up Micra that Leatherman shipped out unfinished. The scissor rivet was made too short I think, which meant it didn't peen up properly. As received, with no use or carry time, I could get 0.25mm (0.010") feeler gauges inbetween the blades at the pivot...
(https://forum.multitool.org/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=10834.0;attach=425974)
... and what seemed like about 0.5mm (0.020") side to side play...
(https://forum.multitool.org/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=10834.0;attach=425976)
... as new, from the factory, on their 30th anniversary ST300 set. :dwts:
I managed to peen it up to a clearance of 0.04-0.05mm (just under 0.002") using pin punches, so it didn't completely mangle the top face of the rivet, or leave unsightly pop marks. The Micra is a tool, defect aside, which I've always struggled to incorporate into any of my combos with any real satisfaction. Same applies with the Style PS, which is why I decided to try them together.
The problem with that combo, is the only thing that the Style introduces, that the Micra doesn't have is the pliers. It's already got bottle opener, tweezers, scissors (which is good, because the spring on the Style PS scissors has snapped again), nail file, and a very similarly profiled screwdriver. As such, I might need to either replace the Style with something else, or mod it with something the Micra doesn't have.
Work in progress...
The little toothpick knife was dull, my fault, I should have checked first. In trying to hand sharpen it, there was a somewhat disconcerting flex to the blde, which rematerialised while trying to sharpen a pencil with it. Not a fault of the knife, but the overzealous operator. It did however make me wonder if this combo might require a little extra oomph, so I'll be adding some extras to the pockets tomorrow... (pic attached)
If I do piece together a working combo from this lot, I think it will benefit greatly from a pocket pouch. :whistle:
I don't have anywhere near that many shoes either which is also why I kept those boots in such great shape. I also like to buy shoes that I can replace the soles which extends the life of a good quality shoe.
I really like that lower hammer. Love how I can see where you held it. You're making quite the progress with this cull. I like the thought process with each of your posts. I may not have said it but I enjoy these threads. I enjoy all the thought individuals go thru when deciding what to carry/own/keep/buy. Its one thing to decide on what tool makes sense but a whole other dimension when deciding carry/role/compliment to other tools/etc.
On the upside, I've got my Lumapower D-mini VX back up and running on 18650s. It's not a retina burning powerhouse at only 250/300lm at full tilt, but has excellent run times, particularly at the mid level. I'm not sure what the mid level is, but the high runs for 3 hours, and low is 13lm for 91hrs :rofl:
Carry options are a good thing. While we have surplus its nice to try something just because, at least for me. I was getting rid of anything that I didn't immediatly bond with or didn't find a paring with. I now give a tool a fair shot and if it doesn't make sense after then I put it away. I'll get rid of it down the road but I do like to rethink the tool before I send it on its way.
I've gotten rid of a few tools that I do regret. Nothing major but buying them back is not in my forecast. I have a few combos that are easy to go for. Not set ups I have to think much about. My Manager/Fenix LD02/LM#4Photon X live on my keys. Any tools I want to add are compliments to those. When I am not driving or need my house keys is when I have other combos.
An errand day like later today will get another combo specific to the errands. Today is a pick up materials then PO then Bank then off to the grocery store. I'll bring my Skeletool today in addition to a larger SAK ( Explorer ).
:popcorn: oooh this is interesting. I always like a good project regardless the outcome ( successful is always nice ). I had to back away from the Traditional side of the forum as I can see spending money to try patters. I am fond of the Moose. I've got a trapper that I also quite like. Its nothing fancy but I like it. I think 2 blades is what I tend to like in a traditional folder which is odd cause I can do without the small blade on my SAK :dunno:.