Remembering the Travel Tinker Trouble Kit
This is from the previous version of tecknologi.
Originally published at www.teknopagan.com/C504549306/E20070224090308
Not only did I almost go into internet withdrawal, but I nearly went into tool withdrawal too when my computer bag stayed at home without me. So that tool crisis sparked a bit of thought and a couple of memories.
I ended up going to Phoenix a couple of weeks ago and I accidentally left my computer bag sitting in my living room. So not only did I have to spend several days separated from my trusty Artus iBook, but my main tool pouch was in the side pocket. Of course I still had my small pouch on my belt, and I have taken to carrying a MagLite Solitaire on my keychain so I wasn't in total tool withdraw, but it was tough.
It got me thinking about a blog entry I read a couple of years back (unfortunately no longer online). A man named John had made what he called a Travel Tinker Trouble Kit. Fortunately I have the text clipping I made.
This little unassuming Altoids tin holds the following:
- A small Swiss Army Knife with the plastic removed to save space (the usual tools, knives, screw drivers, scissors, files, ect…)
- The tiny ball point pen from the above knife, used to sit in the side cover but was inefficient there.
- Mini Sharpie marker.
- Lock Picking Set, Tension Wrench, Rake, Diamond Pick.
- LED light, from an old headlamp.
- Folded piece of sand paper.
- Paper clips.
- Rubber bands.
- Zip ties.
- Dental Floss.
- Strike anywhere matches.
- Pills, sleeping, Clariton, Decongestant.
This is a good idea to start with and I think I will start something similar. I'll leave out the homemade lockpicks (I have my own set and I think it would be easier to explain those). I can see putting the tin box in a pocket or maybe in a compass pouch on my belt.
I think I'll start by seeing if I can track down another set of tweezers like I used to have. I got them from L.L. Bean and they were called Uncle Bob's tweezers or something.
Ah, I found them. L.L. Bean doesn't carry them, but other places carry Uncle Bill's Sliver Grippers, including Real Goods on this page if you would rather go with a regular merchant.