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The theme for my next Make: Online Toolbox column is "Maker Sartorial," looking at clothing and accessories as tools for makers. In other words, what shirts, pants, shoes, belt pouches/holsters, pocket-contents, etc. do you carry, either when you're at work, engaged in your hobbies, or otherwise doing makery type stuff, whether for work or pleasure. For some of us, the deeper geeks in the house, this might be what we wear and carry all the time.
I've already sent out an email to my local maker community, via the HacDC and Dorkbot DC e-lists, and to the internal Maker Media list. But I thought it'd be fun to ask you all the question, have you email me your answers (and links to pictures!). I'll assemble it all into a column to run next week. I'll choose my favorite submission and send them a Maker's Notebook.
So, send me an email and tell me what you wear and carry that you'd consider part of your "tool set"? Send me links to pictures of your gear or links to products you use.
Painter's pants are very useful when doing any kind of household chore where you need multiple tools. I find a tool belt adds too much weight and snags on things. Pockets are better. Just be careful where you put the pointy tools. ;-)
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I never leave the house without my Tracfone, my Buck 110T folding hunting-style knife, and my LED Mini-Maglite all inside their belt holsters on my right side.
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where do i start.
How about the number one tool you absolutely cant be with out.
My dad a cnc repairman for jeeze nearing 40 years, got me this first one for xmas last year. Its gotten me out of more then I can honestly count. Heres the deal , it is a craftsman screwdriver. You pull the shaft away from the handle to reveal some ingenious mechanics that not only takes the tip currently on the driver and puts it in its slot, but allows you to twist it and procure any of the other tips stowed within.
http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk184/xsavior38/IMG_0043.jpg
http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk184/xsavior38/IMG_0044.jpg
Ok so theres a rod with a magnet on it inside the tips stick to it and sneak down the shaft into the inside of the handle to stow.
Seriously genius. Infact one of my knees is shot from not having this sooner and having to get up repeatedly to get tools. I built multi million dollar homes till my back was shot. This allows you to carry every thing you need and isnt heavy like a box of drivers.
Being disabled , i tend to appreciate things like this.
I cant move my tool box any more.
Posted here so even if it doesnt make the list, others can still benefit.
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I wear my Leatherman Wave just about everywhere. I'm amazed that this wasn't in the first 3 comments. The new Leatherman tools have a - proprietary :( - bit holder system that really expands what it's possible to have nearby. The blades and locks have also improved a lot in the last few years.
There are a number of useful iphone apps. My favorite Maker app is the Carpenter app that has several different "bubble" levels and plumb bobs. I've actually installed shelves with it. It would've been possible to do the whole job with an iPhone and a Leatherman but I did use a single-purpose screwdriver.
Another iPhone app I'm glad I have is the sound pressure meter. Probably not super accurate but hey it's always there.
I recently saw a post here about carrying a pocket multimeter around. Adding that would really make for a killer tool trifecta.
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Ok, I'm the instructional tech at Bard College at Simon's rock. My work pants are always Carhart, either lightweight or heavyweight. I have in my pockets presently: Cellphone, LED flashlight, Palmpilot with bluetooth, flashdrive and then on my belt is a Gerber multi-tool. Single hand open with locking blades and tools.
I can be called on campus for any sort of IT or AV issue and I've got what I need on me. I was going to get an iPhone, however the cell coverage on campus is terrible, so I stuck with the WiFi and Blue tooth capable Palm that I already owned.
Not quite Batman, but pretty close.
Monk.
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