Multitool magic

I send my family a snapshot of me and a necktie, and my sister e-mailed back to ask about my belt pouches.  This was my reply:

Tools: I dislike being without tools on my person -- it drives me nutty to be unprepared. For example, every few days at work I open a package of frozen veggies: instead of having to go back to my desk, I just get my folding scissors out of my pocket. 

About two weeks ago a co-worker came up to me and asked if I had a screwdriver (I have a reputation on the floor for having tools). I reached into my pouch and got out my multitool: he was suitable impressed that I had a screwdriver **on** me (rather than my having to crawl under my desk to get my tool kit). 

And yesterday during my lunch break, two German(?) young-ish tourists were sitting on a bench, trying to open an inexpensive bicycle LED light they had just bought, to insert the batteries. I offered my assistance, and (again) brought out my multi-tool. I let them do the actual opening, though [using the flat-blade screwdriver]. 

I also also carry a few rubber bands with me (looped around one of the pouches).  I was standing in line at a store, about two months ago, and the woman in front of my asked the check-out lady if she had a rubber band she could use. The check-out lady said, apologetically, that she did not. But -- I did!!! So I gave her a rubber band, and saved the day. 

Two pouches on each hip. From far left, to far right: pocket knife; harmonica; multitool; cellphone


--GG

Mom pocket knife

As you possibly know, I collect pocket knives.

When I was most recently in Seattle, my mom gave me her old Girl Scout knife:  it's just been sitting in her jewelry box for the last 30+ years.


I sharpened the blade, and also -- since the "awl" blade was broken off, and thus un-usable -- I had my mom's first initial and maiden name (the period-appropriate surname) engraved on the remaining part of the blade.


As part of my everyday carry (Google "Everyday Carry" or "EDC" for some interesting websites), I carry a pocketknife and a multitool on my belt -- such that I always have a blade long enough to cut an apple in half, and pliers.

(That is:  the knife must be long enough to reach the center of an apple.  So sometimes I have a "regular-size" pocket knife, plus a mini-multitool; and other times I have a small pocket knife, and a "regular-size" multitool.  In both instances, the multitool provides the pliers.)

I rotate through my collection of pocket knives and multitools, such that I carry each tool for at least three months, to impart my "mojo" -- so that when my kids inherit my things, I've actually **used** each of my knives and multitools.  I've been carrying Mom's pocketknife since 8 Feb.  I use it just about every day at work, to cut and core my apples (I usually have 2-3 a day).


--GG

Multitools review website

Found this website by accident.  This link goes to the cumulative list of reviews of multitools.

I like multitools.  :)


--GG

USB flashlight

A USB rechargeable flashlight?  From Swiss+Tech.

Pretty nifty, and at a reasonable price:  US$11.  Plus S&H, I presume.

I kind of collect USB-powered devices (fans, etc.)  One of these days I'll have to pick up one of these things.


--GG

Ancient multitools

I like multitools -- esp. the tiny ones.

Thus, I was pleased when I found this by accident when Googling for something else:  a multitool wiki!

Of particular note:  the wiki's "historical multitools" page -- i.e. multitools that pre-date the "Leatherman" patent (apparently in 1983).


--GG