What tools do you carry, always

From: healyzh_at_aracnet.com <(healyzh_at_aracnet.com)>
Date: Thu Dec 7 15:38:38 2000

> consists of those two tools and flashlight. I also consider my Handspring
> Visor with its database of DEC module numbers and disk drive numbers to be
> quite valuable at auctions when I'm wondering what exactly something is.
>
> --Chuck

For those without a handheld computer to store a database of module numbers
in, you can shrink the printout of Field Guide down to the point where if
you cut off the blank paper and fold it in thirds it is about the size of a
3.5" floppy. That, a Leatherman, and a flashlight are probably my main
three items. If I'm going somewhere that I'll have to or might have to tear
apart some serious equipment I'll bring my toolbag which includes a goodly
selection of Excelite tools, pliers, wrenches (a big set of socket wrenches
is in a separate case), and other items such as tape and scratch paper.

In the last couple years I've also added a lot of those little screwdriver
bits that seem to be so popular, and can be used in cordless drills and the
like. A few months ago I found a set of the bits that covers basically
every kind of security screw you might encounter. I've got to admit they're
starting to replace my Excelites as my favorite sets. Though my favorite
screwdriver is still the one I got for Christmas from my Uncle one year as
a kid. It's got a shaft that flips over and each end has a bit that flips
over so you've got a total of two sizes phillips, and two sizes of
flat-head. It seems to be a lot better made than the ones like it that are
available now.

Another tool that's very, very useful is a digital camera. If you're
tearing stuff apart you can snap lots of shots off. If you're trying to ID
something you can take a pic and toss it on the web.

A related tool would be a scanner and Adobe Photoshop. As long as it
doesn't have chips that the scanner will erase you can scan the board in and
use Photoshop and it's 'layers' feature to write notes on the scan, and
trace things out. The layers mean you can have mulitiple layers with your
notes and scriblings, and turn them on and off as you wish.

Of course all this reminds me of when I was working as an Electrician in the
Navy. I always carried three tools with me. A pair of fuse pullers, an
Electricians knife, and a pair of slotted pliers. With those three tools I
could do 95% of the work I needed to. Needless to say I've never read the
Navy Manual "Tools and Their Uses", although I've got a copy :^) It would
have told me I couldn't do most of the stuff I did with those three items
:^)

                        Zane

        
Received on Thu Dec 07 2000 - 15:38:38 GMT