Light Everyday Maintenance Bag !PICTURES!

[Zinc2005]

After creeping around this forum and learning what I need over the past year, this is the bag I have put together for everyday around the house maintenance in my own home as well as a few rental properties I own. This is my grab and go bag. Still tweaking it, but getting closer to being satisfied.

Total weight: 23lbs

No sockets, which I know is blasphemy on this auto-focused forum.. but I just rarely find a use for them. I don't do any auto repair. The closest I would come to that is fixing a push lawnmower.

Suggestions? Anything useful I am missing? Better versions of what I have? Ways to reduce weight without giving up functionality? One tool that can do the job of two?

Feedback appreciated!

 

[Rogue1987]

Very nice! I'm going to steal the idea of how you've loaded up that Milwaukee bit case, thats slick!

 

[Zinc2005]

Yeah, I like the Milwaukee cases because you can move those trays around and sort of use them to tie down little items you would like beneath. Be careful when moving things around to really flex the sidewalls to release the tray or else you will ruin the plastic nubs that hold them in place.

 

[Tenex]

My only recommendation is for a small Plano storage container. I have one of the double-sided models that I use to store small stuff like Q-tips, lighter, rubber bands, band aids, super glue, AA and AAA batteries, and extra razor blades.

I use foam ear plugs packed around the batteries to keep them from rattling.

 

[joeysh03]

Why have the flathead screwdriver on the far left and also have the husky multi bit screwdriver. Don't really need the paint can opener when you have a flat head screwdriver. Maybe add an adjustable wrench This won't save much on weight but would eliminate 2 tools from the bag in case you think of something else you need. Hard to say what else you might need as every job or scenario is different. Maybe add

 

[Zinc2005]

@ the adjustable wrench suggestion: I have two pairs of Knipex Pliers Wrenches in the box pictured which have covered me so far.

@ flathead on the left - I include it because it has a thru-tang handle with a metal strike plate on back. It gets used as a quick 1/4 inch flathead or a thing to pound on a bit... I find myself using it to remove hinge pins on doors pretty frequently.

 

[jd_1138]

I just got a DeWalt DCL510 12V flashlight which is awesome. It has a magnet and a couple of clips also so you can hang from a shirt pocket or stand it up, and the light swivels where ever you need it. Might be nicer than the regular flashlight you have. Ridgid probably makes one also since you're in the Ridgid system. Also they make a neat little radio for the Ridgid system -- great for when doing boring projects.

Also, maybe carry around a bit of mechanic's wire for wiring things up. Also maybe a medium size adjustable wrench. Those pliers might wear your hand out if you have to turn a fastener with a lot of threads.

Nice group of tools, though.

 

[Zinc2005]

Thanks, I will check out that light!

 

[FigureItOut]

Looks nicely done. The first thing I thought to suggest was detailed in the second picture. I like those red helix bits for grab and go. I'd throw in some safety goggles, the sunglass frame style with a foam gasket around the eyes. They're not just for safety, they're also great for when nasty **** is dropping down on you.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337Z using Tapatalk

 

[DemoFly]

I worked commercial maintenance for 2.5 years and I couldn't imagine life without a tape knife or dove tail detail saw.

I imagine doing a drywall patch would be pretty hard to tape and mud with a 2" putty knife.

You'd be surprised how often you use the detail saw. Door shims, laminate edge trimming, etc. I prefer it to a hacksaw cutting PCV, even PEX.

I don't know what kinds of properties you own, but a basin wrench is usually a life saver.

It's preference, but I would ditch the flashlight for a headlamp. Two hands are always better than one, especially in crawl spaces.

You also might want a small file for massaging strike plates or...well, burred stuff that needs filing.

Again, preference, I would ditch the claw for a high-velocity framing hammer. More useful, in my opinion.

 

[balrog]

Nice kit you put together! I would swap your hex key set for Bondhus ball end keys for the ability to engage fasteners from an angle and the longer hex key will offer increased leverage.

Looks like you have a 16' tape measure, I would carry a 25' instead.

Add a small notebook for making material lists and diagrams. A roll of heavy duty shop paper towels. Multimeter for AC/DC voltage and continuity readings. Speed square. Roll of 3m wide blue painter's tape. A couple hand files and maybe a rasp. Fine tooth Japanese handsaw, Silky makes some folding ones. Door stop.

Laser distance measure is helpful if you're working by yourself. No need for someone to hold the end of the tape measure.

Led headlamp allows you to work with both hands free.

In a couple months, take an assessment of your kit to add or subtract tools you aren't using.

 

[R-Savage]

Slick Setup! Very Well Put Together! Nicely Done!

 

[crackit]

Don't really need the paint can opener when you have a flat head screwdriver.

Ah, but can a flat head screwdriver open a bottle of beer?

 

[Marcm157]

Ah, but can a flat head screwdriver open a bottle of beer?

Actually, yes it can when leveraged against your thumb and so can the bottom of a Bic lighter. Ask me how I know...

 

[rockinacummins]

Nice setup!

 

[RonnieC]

I have never seen a collection of tools that looked so unused!

 

[WhiskeyRanger]

Storage box of assorted hardware like screws, nails, wire nuts, etc...

 

[Zinc2005]

It's preference, but I would ditch the flashlight for a headlamp. Two hands are always better than one, especially in crawl spaces.

You also might want a small file for massaging strike plates or...well, burred stuff that needs filing.

A file seems like a good idea.. I saw that nicholson has a chisel/file thing.. worth a look?

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Nicholson-Wood-Chuck-Chisel-Rasp-Set-3-Piece-WCSET3CMN/100190518

Obviously not for detailed woodworking...

Nice kit you put together! I would swap your hex key set for Bondhus ball end keys for the ability to engage fasteners from an angle and the longer hex key will offer increased leverage.

Looks like you have a 16' tape measure, I would carry a 25' instead.

Add a small notebook for making material lists and diagrams. A roll of heavy duty shop paper towels. Multimeter for AC/DC voltage and continuity readings. Speed square. Roll of 3m wide blue painter's tape. A couple hand files and maybe a rasp. Fine tooth Japanese handsaw, Silky makes some folding ones. Door stop.

Led headlamp allows you to work with both hands free.

I'm good with my 16' tape but I like the folding detail saw and headlamp idea. I have some longer ball end hexes.. I may throw them in although it is pretty rare that I need hexes at all.. I considered excluding them completely as I have about 9 hex bits in the milwaukee box.

Actually, yes it can when leveraged against your thumb and so can the bottom of a Bic lighter. Ask me how I know...

Hah, I just use the bottle opener on the 5 in 1 painters tool

Storage box of assorted hardware like screws, nails, wire nuts, etc...

Yep, good call.

 

[larry_g]

What I didn't see are the micro screw drivers. Most all new toys have a screw holding the battery cover on. Make sure that you have the tools to remove it. I will second the above on having a VOM for checking voltages and resistance. I find I repair a lot of battery powered stuff.

lg
no neat sigline

 

[Zinc2005]

What I didn't see are the micro screw drivers. Most all new toys have a screw holding the battery cover on. Make sure that you have the tools to remove it. I will second the above on having a VOM for checking voltages and resistance. I find I repair a lot of battery powered stuff.

lg
no neat sigline

There is a micro driver on the top row in the Milwaukee box (2nd picture). It is a red one of these: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001QVPHBO/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[sberry]

I could almost slide by without ratchet and sockets. There are old versions and change a little. I think they quit that tray. It was some kind of janitorial size and didn't always find it. The thing should have had a convertible kit for just this thing, I took a drill, saw, some conduit, sheet metal and made holders etc.
Its tailored up pretty well, can be carried in if needed but having it right on the truck seat is about as slick as it gets. I pocket what I think I need when I get out of the truck.

 

[TLCObsession]

Two tools missing that I need all the time - A Klein needle-nose that has wire stripping built in for 12 & 14 AWG and a very small flat blade screwdriver to release the 'stab in' tab on the back of an outlet/switch. In both residential and light commercial, I use them both all the time. I would also want a meter.

The other suggestion made earlier is a box of assorted screws, wire nuts etc. I have parachute bags with screws and nails organized (1 ea, I think there are 6 compartments).

 

[Zinc2005]

Two tools missing that I need all the time - A Klein needle-nose that has wire stripping built in for 12 & 14 AWG and a very small flat blade screwdriver to release the 'stab in' tab on the back of an outlet/switch. In both residential and light commercial, I use them both all the time. I would also want a meter.

The other suggestion made earlier is a box of assorted screws, wire nuts etc. I have parachute bags with screws and nails organized (1 ea, I think there are 6 compartments).

I had originally included these to cover needle-nose:



They are a bit bulky though, and so I switched back to the Channellocks and have just been using a knife to strip wire when I need to. Maybe I should reconsider. Does anyone have any experience using those Kleins pictured above?

To release those "stab in" tabs on outlets I use the 1.5" putty knife. Seems to work ok but I will consider your suggestion on the small screwdriver. Thanks!

 

[TLCObsession]

I had originally included these to cover needle-nose:



They are a bit bulky though, and so I switched back to the Channellocks and have just been using a knife to strip wire when I need to. Maybe I should reconsider. Does anyone have any experience using those Kleins pictured above?

To release those "stab in" tabs on outlets I use the 1.5" putty knife. Seems to work ok but I will consider your suggestion on the small screwdriver. Thanks!

I like those Kleins. Mine are older, but being able to crimp a QD would be nice. Not sure how you get the putty knife (especially a 5 in 1) in to release, but if it works for you.... My screwdriver is about 3" long and 1/4" diameter. Its a basic advertising piece, but perfect for jamming into the back of an outlet - especially if I haven't turned the breaker off....

 

[Zinc2005]

I like those Kleins. Mine are older, but being able to crimp a QD would be nice. Not sure how you get the putty knife (especially a 5 in 1) in to release, but if it works for you.... My screwdriver is about 3" long and 1/4" diameter. Its a basic advertising piece, but perfect for jamming into the back of an outlet - especially if I haven't turned the breaker off....

Ahh, not the 5 in 1. The guy right next door in the original picture. It should be light enough to add a small driver like that.

Never run into a situation where the klein was too bulky for the job?

 

[nev]

I have a pair of Knipex installation pliers i keep in my bag when doing maintenance. They do alot of tasks but in the workshop i have my fatmax backpack with all my other tools full set of vde screwdrivers chisel drivers etc...small screwdriver is defiantly a cheap loght tool to throw in there

 

[Crazyjake8493]

@ the adjustable wrench suggestion: I have two pairs of Knipex Pliers Wrenches in the box pictured which have covered me so far.

@ flathead on the left - I include it because it has a thru-tang handle with a metal strike plate on back. It gets used as a quick 1/4 inch flathead or a thing to pound on a bit... I find myself using it to remove hinge pins on doors pretty frequently.

Knipex and Wera are two of my addicitions! The chiseldrivers are great. And I haven't touched my adjustable wrenches since I got my second pair of pliers wrenches. 7" and 10" are a nice combination.

 

[Coach James]

I would keep the multi bit driver, get rid of the stand alone flat tip and replace it with a pin punch.

I would also add a small piece of emery cloth.

Coach