Here is an idea for a handy 'sportsman's toolbox' that I have found to be useful either in the field or out at the target range. All of these items are necessarily small and utilitarian. There's not much room, so all items must 'pull their weight' in terms of usefulness. If you would like to add your own useful tool to this list, email me at vikings@mebtel.net .

As a container, I started with a 40 ounce impact-resistant plastic jar (NOT GLASS) with a screwtop lid. Food jars - I use a peanut butter jar - work well. A 40 ounce jar is about 6½" tall and 3½" in diameter. You could go a little bigger, but probably would only want to make it a little smaller - remember this is supposed to be a handy toolbox. The screwtop lid is important for keeping it secure, because you DON'T want the jar popping open when you don't want it to - spilling it's contents. Here's what I carry:

1. a roll of black electrical tape - duct tape is great, but it won't fit in this toolbox. Of course, I carry a roll in my pack and in my trunk.
2. Multi-tool - I carry a Leatherman, but other companies make good ones, too (eg. Gerber, SOG, ...). If you don't have one, consider getting one. Otherwise a pair of needlenose pliers with wirecutters, a small folding pocketknife, and a medium/small 'combo' (flat blade / phillips) screwdriver will work - but will take up more space. Also - put a small split ring on your tools and attach a lanyard, then loop the free end to your belt, belt loops, etc...
3. Jeweler's screwdriver set - for very small screws.
4. eyeglass repair kit
5. small sewing kit
6. assorted safety pins - run one of them through the eyes of the others to tie them together, or use a few wire twist ties.
7. nail clippers and a tweezer
8. a few Band-Aids and a SMALL tube of Neosporin.
9. chapstick
10. small tube or bottle of oil or grease - find a gun oil that comes in a small bottle (like Remington's).
11. assorted pieces of wire scraps
12. small tie wraps - held togeter with a few rubber bands
13. nylon cord / twine
14. butane lighter - get one that's translucent so you can see how much fuel is left. Make sure it's at least half full.
15. tube of plastic/metal glue / cement
16. small strips of sandpaper / emory cloth
17. compass and whistle - I carry an orange 'combo' unit that Sportsman's Guide and Sports Authority (and probably others) sell.
18. extra keys for your car/truck, toolbox, padlocks, house, ...
19. $20 bill (or more) - emergency gas/food/etc money
20. assorted Quarters, Dimes, Nickels - for phone calls

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Last updated : 11 August 1999