EDC items locksmiths carry

[Squelchtone]

So here's an off topic item - what type of pocket knife do you carry every day? If you are a tradesman, you probably carry something to use on the job - so since i proposed this topic - here is mine --



You may not recognize this little gem - it is a Swiss Army Knife, made by Wenger. it is a "S54" Tool Chest Plus. There is another version currently available from Victorinox in the same number as they bought out Wenger is 2006.

IT had everything on it, from a locking main blade, to a wrench which works well for small nuts, to a two position pliers -- the usual metal file which is very aggressive and a wood saw, the usual screwdrivers, and a can opener - plus a compass. Everything one needs on the job or just for fun on weekends.

No it isn't too much to carry, and rides well in the pocket...

So let's see your pocket tool!

Sinifar

[Squelchtone]

We have a general EDC thread here: https://www.lockpicking101.com/viewtopi ... dc#p448898

EDIT: making this thread for Sinifar to be what locksmiths every day carry items are.

Squelchtone

[dll932]

I carry a Leatherman, a probe for knob catches I made from a flat steel blank and a magnifying glass.

[Tyler J. Thomas]

Leatherman Charge TTi w/ extra bits and the bit extender.
Fenix 15 flashlight.
Folding pickset made by RCS Tool Co. (for situations when I don't have my tool bag around - they're right down the road too, good folks).
Campus core keys and ED211.

The above handles just about all of my calls except fresh installs, hinge adjustments, and electrical.

[billdeserthills]

I carry,
Folding hex wrenches, automatic knife, razor knife, Kimber Ultra Ten II, penlight, business cards, wallet & pile of cash
& a clean hanky. Every other day, or so I like to also add an FN 5.7x28 IWB

[YouLuckyFox]

Something I've recently added to my daily inventory has been the SOG Baton with a ratchetting screwdriver built in. In my working environment the motto is a tool is there when you do need it, and out of your way when you don't need it. I never know when I'll need a hex key or a screwdriver, so having a multi-tool with a well made ratchetting screwdriver that accepts extensions on it has been a huge productivity improvement. The other feature I like is that it stores "folded out" rather than folded in half like most multitools. Makes it very easy to take out of the pocket and get straight to work. I looked around for a good screwdriver that was ultraportable for awhile, wanted to share and welcome alternatives:

[stratmando]

Was going to post in the EDC area, but fear waking the Dead, Squelchtone mentions the Walther PPK, That was my first gun in the '70's, Cause James Bond had One, Cut the Shape in pages of a Book. Not sure if I got that Idea from a Bond Movie, or 5 Card Stud(Dean Martin, Robert Mitchum).
Since Pocket Picksets came out, carry one Always, I service Security, Access Control, Gate Operators, Electronics in Locked Enclosures, Manager, or Owner many times can't find the Keys to fix, I will pick open, repair, then Secure.
My Everyday Carry was a Leatherman, and a Magnesium Fire Starter. Often in Remote Mountains and Desert, not so much anymore, stopped carrying the Magnesium as I wasn't sure if the Magnesium and the Salt from my body was reacting. May have just been Working hands? I have seen a Swiss Army knife about 4" of tools, you wouldn't carry in your Pocket, was Massive.
Am on my 15th or more Leatherman. Super Handy

[YouLuckyFox]

Is it just me or do Leatherman inside their leather case seem to work great as improvisational bump hammers?

Good feedback on fire starting. I'll have to look into the magnesium issue. My go to used to be:

Take a Q-tip and dip it in the wax of a lit candle, put a lighter flint somewhere in the wax you just made, cut the head of the Qtip off so you now have a ball of wax impregnated cotton, and put it in the corner of your wallet. I also kept a really small broken off piece of a file and a single use alcohol swab in the wallet. When you need fire you open the alcohol swab pack and shove some paper or leaves in it, put the alcohol swab on top of that in a crumpled ball, Break up the fibers of the Q Tip head and sprinkle on top of the ball, use the striker and rub the little lighter flint back and forth on it so that sparks fall into the opening of the swab pack. I went with this solution because it was pretty light and waterproof. I usually hurt my fingers rubbing the flint on the file to get sparks though. Coincidentally I did get the chance to use it impromptu once when my friends were unexpectedly in need of a fire and struggling pretty badly. I was embarrassed to reveal the setup I had but they were grateful.

[stratmando]

The Magnesium Fire Starter Instructions says to shave filings to a pile the size of a Quarter. Then a Spark from the Flint. A dime size or less works, and last longer. 30 Years ago or more when I smoked Cigarettes, I could light a cigarette with just the flint part, just draw the knife along the flint to light the tip of the cigarette in your mouth. Works Well. When Younger, I thought it was cool.
Actually still cool. But no more Cigarettes? Keep 1 in Boat, Car, Pack. They're cheap Better to have and not need, than need and not have.

[YouLuckyFox]

Agreed. Very useful.

[jeffmoss26]

I absolutely love my Knipex mini cobras!

[cledry]

Just a Gerber knife and some tweezers. Removing brass shavings from cutting keys is job one for this locksmith. I have some multitools but never carry them. I prefer just to walk into a job with my small tool bag that is light enough to carry easily, but has most basic tools as well as my picks. I generally know before stepping out of the truck which tools I will need and carry just enough to get the job done.

[GWiens2001]

I absolutely love my Knipex mini cobras!

+1

Recently picked up a Knipex Cobra XS. Slightly smaller than the Mini Cobra. Very small, but strong and versatile. Also designed to be adjustable with one hand. Cheap enough that I may pick up a few extra pairs. One for my car, my wife's car and for my son's and my camping backpacks.

Gordon

[YouLuckyFox]

@JeffMoss, @GWiens2001: Same, just got the Knipex Cobra XS as well. Thanks for the recommendation Jeff. Things I like about the Knipex: They really hold on to things better than needle nose pliers, have used them to grab and pull very small objects without the jaws slipping off; the professional clutch inside is a nice touch to keep them on the setting you put them on; the handles have some nice knurling on the grips. Great tool for small tasks where you really don't want to lose hold of whatever you grab onto. Keep the recommendations coming guys, these had a great impact!

[YouLuckyFox]

One more thing on the Knipex, decent for holding a blank for impressioning.