Remembering the Travel Tinker Trouble Kit ~ teknologi

Posted on Sat - February 24, 2007

Remembering the Travel Tinker Trouble Kit

Not only did I almost go into internet withdrawal, but I nearly went into tool withdrawal too when my computer bag stayed at home without me. So that tool crisis sparked a bit of thought and a couple of memories.

I ended up going to Phoenix a couple of weeks ago and I accidently left my computer bag sitting in my living room. So not only did I have to spend several days separated from my trusty Artus iBook, but my main tool pouch was in the side pocket. Of course I still had my small pouch on my belt, and I have taken to carrying a MagLite Solitaire on my keychain so I wasn't in total tool withdraw, but it was tough.

It got me thinking about a blog entry I read a couple of years back (unfortunately no longer online). A man named John had made what he called a Travel Tinker Trouble Kit. Fortunately I have the text clipping I made.

Fancy yourself a bit of a MacGyver? With this you might be a bit closer if you make one of these.
This little unassuming Altoids tin holds the following:

A small Swiss Army Knife with the plastic removed to save space (the usual tools, knives, screw drivers, scissors, files, ect…)
The tiny ball point pen from the above knife, used to sit in the side cover but was inefficient there.
Mini Sharpie marker.
Lock Picking Set, Tension Wrench, Rake, Diamond Pick.
LED light, from an old headlamp.
Folded piece of sand paper.
Paper clips.
Rubber bands.
Zip ties.
Dental Floss.
Strike anywhere matches.
Pills, sleeping, Clariton, Decongestant.
Not the sort of think you want to try explaining to the TSA guy when your trying to board your next flight, but then again if it will save your bacon in a tight spot you might want to stow this gem in you checked luggage. For years I kept a tiny (3″x”3″x1-/2″) first aid kit that had all sorts of ‘extra’ stuff in it with me and I can’t tell you how many time that came in handy. I think I need a new one… And some curiously strong mints.

This is a good idea to start with and I think I will start something similar. I'll leave out the homemade lockpicks (I have my own set and I think it would be easier to explain those). I can see putting the tin box in a pocket or maybe in a compass pouch on my belt.

I think I'll start by seeing if I can track down another set of tweezers like I used to have. I got them from L.L. Bean and they were called Uncle Bob's tweezers or something.

Ah, I found them. L.L. Bean doesn't carry them, but other places carry Uncle Bill's Silver Grippers, including Real Goods on this page if you would rather go with a regular merchant.

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