Traveling/Vacation Pocket Tools

[Coors Man 264]

I’m headed to Disney World with my family soon, and started contemplating tools needed for travel.

What does everyone travel with if anything? Small multibit screwdriver set, small crescent wrench, flashlight?

This may turn into more of an EDC discussion, which is fine.

Thanks for any input.

 

[JradM]

Sounds like an application for a multitool to me. Caveat that a knife blade will limit where you can take it.



I know some people hate multitools as inherently less useful than dedicated tools - but where they excel is where you don't expect to do work but it might crop up. Then you want as many tools as you can reasonably carry so you can get the job done, even if it's awkward.

There's an potentially apocryphal story that Tim Leatherman invented the Leatherman Tread after going to Disneyland and being unable to take a multitool. That tool in particular though is even more awkward to use than any other multitool - but it CAN do things.



Especially for travel, if you're carrying actual tools, I'd pick the cobra pliers XS or the 125mm pliers wrench (XS may be a bit TOO small for the pliers wrench) over a small crescent wrench, but the adjustable wrench is a lot more affordable.



If you want a knife, consider buying a utility-blade knife so you can travel without a blade and just grab one from a hardware store when you arrive. The Screwpop is extremely light and useful.



A multibit screwdriver is nice to have just in case too - but which one depends largely on whether you actually plan to carry it. I really like the Picquic "The Pic", but I don't know if you can get it in the USA yet. It's light, pocketable, cheap and durable. More info here.

 

[JradM]

For a flashlight I would prioritize size personally (otherwise I don't like carrying one in my pocket), the Olight I3E is my default recommendation because it's cheap, small, uses a standard AAA, is much brighter than your cellphone light and has a narrow enough beam that it's actually useful at that 90 lumen rating.



With a bit more budget I might look at the Acebeam Pokelite. There's several models from ~500 lumens to 1000 and it's available with a High CRI LED. Much better light, but 3x the price of the cheap Olight.

 

[Buster21]

I took my leatherman wave with bit set
and a streamlight 1L

 

[johnre]

Leatherman multitool.

Flashlight.

 

[finn]

My tools stay at home. They don’t deserve a vacation.

I occasionally carry a pocket knife, though , although not if I am flying.

Anything else is superfluous.

This after years of carrying junk I never, ever, used, all across the country.

 

[mike93lx]

I keep a flashlight and a multi bit screwdriver in my laptop bag as they are useful for work, but I don't bring tools on vacation outside of what is already in my car as fixing **** at a hotel or Airbnb isn't my job. If something comes up that I need a tool bad enough for, I'll find a way to borrow or buy one.

What could you need a crescent wrench for on a Disney vacation?

 

[DAustin]

Sounds like an application for a multitool to me. Caveat that a knife blade will limit where you can take it.



I know some people hate multitools as inherently less useful than dedicated tools - but where they excel is where you don't expect to do work but it might crop up. Then you want as many tools as you can reasonably carry so you can get the job done, even if it's awkward.

There's an potentially apocryphal story that Tim Leatherman invented the Leatherman Tread after going to Disneyland and being unable to take a multitool. That tool in particular though is even more awkward to use than any other multitool - but it CAN do things.



Especially for travel, if you're carrying actual tools, I'd pick the cobra pliers XS or the 125mm pliers wrench (XS may be a bit TOO small for the pliers wrench) over a small crescent wrench, but the adjustable wrench is a lot more affordable.



If you want a knife, consider buying a utility-blade knife so you can travel without a blade and just grab one from a hardware store when you arrive. The Screwpop is extremely light and useful.



A multibit screwdriver is nice to have just in case too - but which one depends largely on whether you actually plan to carry it. I really like the Picquic "The Pic", but I don't know if you can get it in the USA yet. It's light, pocketable, cheap and durable. More info here.

I think they sell a multitool in the UK without the knife. It might be a handy thing to carry.

 

[Shiftless]

I carry these two on my keyring every day.
If I fly, I remove the Leatherman and stash it in my checked bag.
The most used functions for me are the knife and the bottle opener but the file is handy for grinding down a broken fingernail.

 

[Coors Man 264]

Sounds like an application for a multitool to me. Caveat that a knife blade will limit where you can take it.



I know some people hate multitools as inherently less useful than dedicated tools - but where they excel is where you don't expect to do work but it might crop up. Then you want as many tools as you can reasonably carry so you can get the job done, even if it's awkward.

There's an potentially apocryphal story that Tim Leatherman invented the Leatherman Tread after going to Disneyland and being unable to take a multitool. That tool in particular though is even more awkward to use than any other multitool - but it CAN do things.



Especially for travel, if you're carrying actual tools, I'd pick the cobra pliers XS or the 125mm pliers wrench (XS may be a bit TOO small for the pliers wrench) over a small crescent wrench, but the adjustable wrench is a lot more affordable.



If you want a knife, consider buying a utility-blade knife so you can travel without a blade and just grab one from a hardware store when you arrive. The Screwpop is extremely light and useful.



A multibit screwdriver is nice to have just in case too - but which one depends largely on whether you actually plan to carry it. I really like the Picquic "The Pic", but I don't know if you can get it in the USA yet. It's light, pocketable, cheap and durable. More info here.

Great ideas. Never heard of "The Pic" before.

 

[Shiftless]

What could you need a crescent wrench for on a Disney vacation?

I don’t know... Maybe for tightening up a few bolts on a Boeing 737 Max.

 

[Coors Man 264]

I don’t know... Maybe for tightening up a few bolts on a Boeing 737 Max.

hahaha, now that was funny

 

[bwringer]

I wouldn't carry anything like that on me in the park.

Knives of any kind are not permitted in DW, and even if your multitool doesn't have a knife, I would not be optimistic about the chances of keeping it if they find it. Then again, I don't think the x-ray and frisk everyone (maybe they do?), so YMMV.

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/park-rules/

They don't mention other tools, but I'm not sure I'd expect to be let in with tools if they know about them.

Besides, there's less than zero need for a multitool in the parks. Start tinkering with stuff and you'll quickly find yourself swarmed and removed... they are VERY alert, you ARE being watched, and The House of the Mouse offers zero slack.

If you're driving, then obviously whatever is in your car is fine as long as you don't bring it in with you.

If you're flying, then a multitool or a few other tools in your checked luggage would be fine, but you'd have to make damn sure you leave it in the room, and that you put it back in your checked luggage before going home.

Honestly, just leave the pocket weights at home, Rambo.

 

[kyrbz]

I’ve had 2 Swiss Tech Utili Keys confiscated by the TSA because I forgot to take them off my keychain

 

[CoogarXR]

I just take my "road box" in my vehicle if I am road-trippin'. It has saved my *** on several occasions (like that time my EGR valve stuck open on a lonely stretch of Tennessee highway, and I had to pull the doghouse off my van and remove the EGR valve and clear the debris, **** like that).

I don't carry any tools on my person while on vacation though, other than my craftsman screwdriver that lives on my keyring, and my cell phone's flashlight.

And If I am flying, I don't even bring my keyring or anything. Wherever I am going better have their own maintenance people, I'm on vacation!

 

[RegeSullivan]

If it's a driving vacation I keep a small tool bag in the car. Tipical stuff... screwdriver, asorted driver bits, pliers, Cresent wrench, small claw hammer, tape measure and an assortment of screws, electrical connectors, roll of electrical tape and a utility knife.

I most always carry as small Swiss Army knife even when flying I'll toss a couple in my shaving kit.

 

[bassJAM]

Road trip? I have something like a 180pc Craftsman set I purchaged 20 years ago that stays in my truck, when I go on trips with the family I transfer it to the minivan. I'll also have my pocket knife that's always on me and probably take a AA/14500 flashlight. And a first aid kit, but I keep one in all the vehicles.

Flying? I'd just have my pocket knife assuming I checked luggage.

 

[Willie Makeit]

a VISA card.

if i get in a situation where i need tools while on vacation, i can either buy what i need or pay someone else to repair it.

 

[Junkdrawer Dog]

Small or medium sized Swiss Army Knife and the flashlight that's already on my cellphone. I can't imagine needing anything more while on vacay. And you'll still need to be careful with the knife, maybe leave it in the car or room when visiting DW. U.S. knife laws are real hodgepodge of regulations. A non locking blade under 3 inches should be a fairly safe combination. Still have to stow it in checked bag when you fly.

 

[Chrome Vanadium Cody]

Proto J100 keychain screwdriver and if that can't do it I have a great excuse to check out a local hardware store!

 

[snod83]

Maybe not a popular opinion here, but what about just enjoying vacation and fixing whatever breaks when you get home? In my mind the only appropriate response to the OP question is a beer opener.... or maybe corkscrew... Good luck getting much more than that through security!

 

[shanny19]

What could you need a crescent wrench for on a Disney vacation?

I spend more time than I like in motels, and some of that time is spent using security bits, Vampliers, and even a plierwrench removing the safety stops from the sliding windows.

 

[designer485]

At the actual park, a small flashlight would be the tool to have. There can be some pretty dark areas which make it difficult to see inside your bag / stroller / etc. As for other tools, they are a no go when entering through security. I have even had a Gerber Shard key chain tool taken because it had a "Phillips screwdriver" on it. I would consider a small first aid kit (band aids, Advil, etc) and a power brick / cable as essential.

A pocket knife and multi-tool are nice to have outside of the park, just make sure you check them if flying.

 

[sparky 1971]

I always have a flashlight, some sort of Leatherman, and a pocket knife on me. For work it's a Mag AAA, a Sidekick, and a Chinese Buck 371 Stockman. Screwing around on my acreage it's a Coast PX1, An OHT(both in a Tale of Knives holster), and a Case XL Stockman, Going out it's a MagTac CR123 with the DNA collector end, usually a Wave+ but sometimes a Surge, (again, in a TOK holster) and a Buck 307 Wrangler or 301 Large Stockman. I also carry either a Leatherman Micra or tiny Swiss Army knife for the tweezers and scissors. The tweezers in the Micra ****, so it's usually the SAK.

I doubt is Disney would allow anything other than the flashlight into the park, but who knows what might happen on the way to and from.

EDIT: I also keep a pen with a glass breaker in the visor of every vehicle along with a full size flashlight in the drivers door pocket.

 

[RTM]

I carry a Swiss Army multi tool w mini hex bits, a Leatherman, and flashlight when I am on vacation, in case I need to fix a camera, phone or a laptop, or maybe a suitcase. They all stay in the room when I go somewhere like a theme park.

Flashlight is for finding black items dropped into the backpack, or the floor of the plane. Maybe my way to the bathroom at night.

Real tools for road trips, or going to Mom's or kids' house with express plans to fix stuff.

 

[finn]

I carry these two on my keyring every day.
If I fly, I remove the Leatherman and stash it in my checked bag.
The most used functions for me are the knife and the bottle opener but the file is handy for grinding down a broken fingernail.

Honestly, when was the last time you opened a bottle, especially on vacation?

Beer mostly comes in cans, or from a tap. The last bottle beer I had was about 20 years ago, and if I order one at a bar, it comes pre-opened.

 

[finn]

I carry a Swiss Army multi tool w mini hex bits, a Leatherman, and flashlight when I am on vacation, in case I need to fix a camera, phone or a laptop, or maybe a suitcase. They all stay in the room when I go somewhere like a theme park.

Flashlight is for finding black items dropped into the backpack, or the floor of the plane. Maybe my way to the bathroom at night.

Real tools for road trips, or going to Mom's or kids' house with express plans to fix stuff.

What is there to fix on a phone?

My phone, and I suppose most others, comes with a flashlight function. It also has a camera, so there’s nothing to fix.

 

[Coors Man 264]

What is there to fix on a phone?

My phone, and I suppose most others, comes with a flashlight function. It also has a camera, so there’s nothing to fix.

I understand what you are saying, I doubt that I have any need for tools, hope I don't as well. I'm not asking about how many spare 18v batteries I should pack for my m18 driver haha. I'm just curious if anybody travels with any small tools on trips? Could be a business trip. I was just thinking of something like, tightening a bolt on the kids' stroller.

 

[f121]

Honestly, when was the last time you opened a bottle, especially on vacation?

Beer mostly comes in cans, or from a tap. The last bottle beer I had was about 20 years ago, and if I order one at a bar, it comes pre-opened.

This evening, a bottle of Black Sheep. Obviously I used a snap on bottle opener (hard handle).

 

[toolenthusiast]

tightening a bolt on the kids' stroller

That doesn’t seem likely… but I’ll text your wife, have her check the size of the fasteners on the stroller, and then post in this thread to let you know what tools you will need if the stroller breaks down.

 

[Coors Man 264]

That doesn’t seem likely… but I’ll text your wife, have her check the size of the fasteners on the stroller, and then post in this thread to let you know what tools you will need if the stroller breaks down.

Haha, its all fun and games until it happens. I'm about ready to start up another thread to discuss hydraulic jack options for the stroller when the axle needs repair. Not sure if a standard 1.5 ton bottle jack will be enough, or if I should just spring for a 2 ton low pro floor jack.

 

[ddurrett896]

Best tool I have is something like this that holds all important documents and passports when we travel....plus change. Change is a MUST in Florida with tolls.

https://www.amazon.com/Passport-Wallet-Documents-Organizer-Passports/dp/B0B2P7MLF2/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Walkers]

At minimum I carry a leatherman Wave +. Be advised, leave it in your hotel room, as you won’t get through the gates with it.

 

[tez929rr]

I wouldn't carry anything like that on me in the park.

Knives of any kind are not permitted in DW, and even if your multitool doesn't have a knife, I would not be optimistic about the chances of keeping it if they find it. Then again, I don't think the x-ray and frisk everyone (maybe they do?), so YMMV.

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/park-rules/

They don't mention other tools, but I'm not sure I'd expect to be let in with tools if they know about them.

Besides, there's less than zero need for a multitool in the parks. Start tinkering with stuff and you'll quickly find yourself swarmed and removed... they are VERY alert, you ARE being watched, and The House of the Mouse offers zero slack.

If you're driving, then obviously whatever is in your car is fine as long as you don't bring it in with you.

If you're flying, then a multitool or a few other tools in your checked luggage would be fine, but you'd have to make damn sure you leave it in the room, and that you put it back in your checked luggage before going home.

Honestly, just leave the pocket weights at home, Rambo.

Yup. About ten years ago Disney security saw the Skeletool in my pocket and made me lock it up in a locker outside the gate.

 

[finn]

Best tool I have is something like this that holds all important documents and passports when we travel....plus change. Change is a MUST in Florida with tolls.

https://www.amazon.com/Passport-Wallet-Documents-Organizer-Passports/dp/B0B2P7MLF2/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Juts get a SumPass.

Actually, I think they joined the IPass network, so I have a spare you can probably have.

 

[bbbarracuda]

I find these work well for vacation.

 

[Bubba Fett]

a VISA card.

if i get in a situation where i need tools while on vacation, i can either buy what i need or pay someone else to repair it.

And you get to add more tools to your collection. Genius!

 

[RTM]

What is there to fix on a phone?

My phone, and I suppose most others, comes with a flashlight function. It also has a camera, so there’s nothing to fix.

Started when I was carrying flip phones, and phones with replacement batteries, had spudgers in the bag for a while too.

My phone's flashlight is really useless for looking down a tube, or in tiny gaps, or lighting up more than 8' away, so I carry a penlight w a zoom lens.

My camera has a 50, 85 & 70-200 lenses, and I shoot wildlife and sports on some vacations.

I guess my life is a bit more diverse in certain areas than others. But wayyyyy less in others.

 

[RTM]

Honestly, when was the last time you opened a bottle, especially on vacation?

Beer mostly comes in cans, or from a tap. The last bottle beer I had was about 20 years ago, and if I order one at a bar, it comes pre-opened.

Wow, vacations with bar service. My last bottle opened was on a beach, no one else in sight. It was a nice red.

 

[sparky 1971]

Honestly, when was the last time you opened a bottle, especially on vacation?

Beer mostly comes in cans, or from a tap. The last bottle beer I had was about 20 years ago, and if I order one at a bar, it comes pre-opened.

It's been 20 years since I had beer out of a can so I open bottles at home quite often. Granted, they are twist off's but every once in a while I get one that's tough so I use a....bottle opener.