Micro (Altoid) tool box surprise

[AimlessWanderer]

I just had a play around with a few items I haven't been quite able to get on very well with in the general carry scheme, trying to see if a cunning combination of items would help. All great items, but I just couldn't get the mix right before. Here's what I've just discovered I can get in an Altoid tin capability wise quite comfortably.
NOTE: This isn't a survival kit type set up - just a pocket tool box.

5 knife blades (Various types)
Pliers with wire cutters
Scissors
3 bottle openers
1 can opener
Saw
Phillips Driver
4 flat blade drivers (Various sizes)
Nail File
File
Tweezers
Multi-mode light (on AND off  )
1mb Flash Drive
Awl

All this with only 6 items, and three of those are dedicated (not multifunction) items 
Probably still room for a couple of other items too (a pen/pencil for example). There are very few compromises as to tool choices too - this is a very capable set of tools. I think I might have just discovered the basis of the perfect Altoids tin tool box   

Best thing is that the lid closes properly and there's very little rattle. Time to see if I can eliminate the rattle altogether 

[enki_ck]

1mb Flash Drive

[AimlessWanderer]

1mb Flash Drive

  yeah ... errmmm ... make that 1 Gig 

[enki_ck]

Otherwise an impressive amount of gear. I tried making a few of those altoid survival boxes and it's surprising what you can fit in that small box.

Oh, and

[Threeme2189]

Otherwise an impressive amount of gear. I tried making a few of those altoid survival boxes and it's surprising what you can fit in that small box.

Oh, and (Image removed from quote.)

I'm with that guy ^^^

[tattoosteve99]

Otherwise an impressive amount of gear. I tried making a few of those altoid survival boxes and it's surprising what you can fit in that small box.

Oh, and (Image removed from quote.)

I'm with that guy ^^^

I'm with that guy ^^^

[Gareth]

I think you might have got the hint by now.

 

[Farmman]

If you cannot post pics bring it round to mine so I can verify it's contents.

[captain spaulding]

Otherwise an impressive amount of gear. I tried making a few of those altoid survival boxes and it's surprising what you can fit in that small box.

Oh, and (Image removed from quote.)

I'm with that guy ^^^

I'm with that guy ^^^

I'm with that guy ^^^

[ironraven]

Another call for pictures!

Sound like you got two SAKs in there, plus some odds and ends.

[turnsouth]

Shouldn't this thread have pictures?

[Beerplumber]

Does a Swiss card fit into one?   if only we could somehow view the contents... nah that's crazy talk

[AimlessWanderer]

Are you guys trying to drop a hint 
Maybe a pic would help 



Vic Harvester (Needs to go in first)
LM Mini (Radiused end up against the side wall at the shield end of the SAK)
LM Micra
Fauxton light
AG Russell Ultimate Penknife
Flash Drive

I think this is the biggest and most capable pliers, scissors, saw, blades and awl you could sensibly fit in one of these tins. Only real compromises are the file (mini) and Phillips (Micra) - they do work but are limited. The AG Russell is in there not just because if fits, but for easy knife access

[AimlessWanderer]

Does a Swiss card fit into one?   if only we could somehow view the contents... nah that's crazy talk

Sorry mate, no idea 

[BIG-TARGET]

I'm now seeing EDC Source selling altoids tins

[BIG-TARGET]

Does a Swiss card fit into one?   if only we could somehow view the contents... nah that's crazy talk

For the record, I keep a swisscardon my money(altoids)tin

[turnsouth]

I'm now seeing EDC Source selling altoids tins

Went over to EDC Source to take a look, and the search turned up nothing. As a matter of fact, search turns up nothing for anything...

[Gareth]

Are you guys trying to drop a hint 
Maybe a pic would help 

(Image removed from quote.)

Vic Harvester (Needs to go in first)
LM Mini (Radiused end up against the side wall at the shield end of the SAK)
LM Micra
Fauxton light
AG Russell Ultimate Penknife
Flash Drive

I think this is the biggest and most capable pliers, scissors, saw, blades and awl you could sensibly fit in one of these tins. Only real compromises are the file (mini) and Phillips (Micra) - they do work but are limited. The AG Russell is in there not just because if fits, but for easy knife access

That's a good set-up mate.  I genuinely wouldn't have thought you'd have got that lot in there.

[AimlessWanderer]

That's a good set-up mate.  I genuinely wouldn't have thought you'd have got that lot in there.

Thanks mate - I wouldn't have thought it either. There are a couple of little tweaks I want to make before it gets much pocket time though.

I'm thinking about getting some True Utility stuff to try, namely the telepen, twistick and eyeglass. I know it's not the greatest gear in the world (I bought a scarab years ago and it was pretty dismal), but I reckon if I can coax some form of corkscrew and pen and maybe even a mag glass into there (even if I lose the flash drive) I'll be a very happy bunny.

I think I'm off to a pretty good start though 

[Gareth]

Funnily I was looking at True Utility stuff over at 7dayshop, some good prices I think.
http://www.7dayshop.com/catalog/default.php?type=0&man=0&filterwords=true+utility&go.x=0&go.y=0&comp=

I was thinking about trying their MultiMate Mini, it's a little smaller than a Juice and has tools "inspired" from a multitude of makers; Vic can opener, SOG serrated cutter, Wenger bottle opener etc.
http://www.7dayshop.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=777_8&products_id=107043

[AimlessWanderer]

That's exactly where I was looking too 

The scarab was too small to be of much function and the quality was maybe on the higher end of the cheapo crappy stuff that's available - add the two together and it wasn't good at all. That one however does look a usable size and I do like outboard tools. It's got a chance if the quality is half decent I reckon.

I'll let you test drive it first though mate as I'm already swimming in tools that need a good testing. I'm still in the "let's use this new thing whenever possible" phase with the MP700, still waiting to give the Zillatool Jnr a decent test drive in it's planned environment (probably Bonfire Night I reckon now BBQ season has gone) and itching to get the Mini Tool Tin fully functional for "no bag, no boat, no car - pockets only" days. I've also not been able to get to the boat in months with being so busy so the Core hasn't had chance to rise to enough challenges yet (it's done some work but not been challenged yet), and the Charge AL has yet to be given a designated role in life. Still got a review to do that I promised on the Fit too. Oh, I'm still building my Maxped mini edc organiser kit ... that'll be stonking when I've got it nailed - plenty of less commonly carried items hopefully

Yeah, I think I've got plenty of toys to keep me entertained for a while  just need more free time 
C'mon Lotto I need a win this week - maybe it'll help if I bought a ticket 

[jekostas]

I was thinking about trying their MultiMate Mini, it's a little smaller than a Juice and has tools "inspired" from a multitude of makers; Vic can opener, SOG serrated cutter, Wenger bottle opener etc.
http://www.7dayshop.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=777_8&products_id=107043

Made by Tekut.  Same guys do the Coast series of multis.  Not bad stuff, actually.

[Sazabi]

50ft:  How do you like the Ultimate Pen Knife?

[AimlessWanderer]

50ft:  How do you like the Ultimate Pen Knife?

It's a tiny featherweight knife and I used to carry it in my wallet, but it never got any use as I always forgot it was there. It works great for light duty chores (package opening etc) and the only reason I don't have it on a keyring is the fact there's a SAK there already.

I'd certainly recommend getting one to try, they are very inobtrusive and handy little items

[tendollarword]

That looks like a great little pocket kit. I'm surprised all that can fit in there. I guess I need to get some Altoids tins. 

[AimlessWanderer]

Thanks tendollar 

I've given it a little test drive and it's not as heavy in the pocket as I thought it might be. The AG Russell has gone back in the wallet along with the flash drive and the titanium spike I won here recently (thanks again Mark  ) The Spyderco Bug might be going in instead, but I want to try out a couple of other items first.

The Mini/Micra/Harvester/Fauxton makes a great foundation and I want to make sure the rest of the space is used as wisely 

[AimlessWanderer]

I did a few tweaks and I'm much happier with the result. Here's the whole ensemble laid out




Leatherman Mini
Leatherman Micra
Victorinox Harvester
DX Fauxton
Mini Reel of 200lb breaking straing Kevlar cord
True Utility Telepen
True Utility Slimclips
Gerber Shard

Packed away in the right order there's hardly any rattle, yet the tin isn't strained in any way. The lid clips shut nicely and the ranger band makes sure it stays that way till I need to get in 




I appreciate there's no quick deployment options here, but the purpose of this is having the maximum options in the minimum package for when I'm away from car and backpack without losing too much function. The capabilities of this little toolbox are mammoth, yet the whole package isn't much bigger than my frequently carried gadget ring



... and while we're on the subject ...




Wenger Pocket Tool Chest
DX mini petrol lighter
True Utility Eyeglass
Uncle Bills Silver Grippers
4 Sevens Preon Revo
Inka Pen

Everything other than the light is detatchable for ease of use. Trying to fix my glasses for example with the whole bundle clattering about isnt fun. There were a few other little things I had hoped to include in the mix, but I discovered this lot fits very comfortably in my wallet alongside the usual cash and cards



Fisher Stowaway Pen
Whistle
12" Duck Tape (backed)
1Gb Flash Drive
True Utility Twistick
AG Russel Ultimate Penknife
Titanium Spike
Victorinox Classic
4X Fresnel Lens

I love little kits like this and value them as part of my day to day activities as much as I do a full sized multitool. These are winning combos in my book, and while the wallet and tin arrangements are fairly young, they have both been comfortably carried and have proved very handy indeed 

[Gareth]

gob-smacked that you can get all of that in an Altoids tin.

[enki_ck]

I see Kevlar thread but no needle? I think you could use this. It's how I carry needle and thread. I keep the needles inside a small tube of a cotton swab with the cotton part cut off and the ends melted, I wrap the thread around the cotton swab, and then it goes inside the straw. The ends of the straw get melted too so no loose sharp metal objects can get out.

[ironraven]

So what is that yellow rubber band thingy, and where do I get one?