What is your tool Everyday Carry (EDC)?

[SoonerFan]

Since I retired about a year ago I have spent a lot more time woodworking in my shop.  As I started to spend more time woodworking I went through several different combinations of tools that I carry.  I was constantly looking for the right combination to be productive and not misplace tools I set down somewhere in my shop.  At the same time I didn’t want to carry more than I needed to.  As the tools I carry have changed so has the rig I use to carry the tools.  I have used an apron, a tool pouch that clips on my belt and a tool belt.  Currently when I am building something I carry the following:

Measuring and Marking:
1.  Wiha imperial and metric folding rule.  I like using this to measure shorter distances.
2.  Paolini Pocket Rule.  Use this lots of times a day to set guide rails a couple mm form the edge of plywood sheets, set table saw blade height, setup router table, set reveals, etc.
3.  Tape measure.  Typically something 5m/16ft long and without the wide blade.
4.  Starrett combination square.  My go to for checking boards coming off the planner / jointer
5.  Mechanical pencils.  I carry both .7mm and .5mm

Misc Hand Tools
1.  Stiletto 10oz trim hammer
2.  Eastwing 12oz rubber mallet.  I  use this to better align boards before glueing or fastening
3.  Couple nail sets.
4.  Extra bits.  I carry a Centrotec T15 and T25 bits to drive the GRK screws I use on most projects
5.  Utility knife which in reality does not see much use except opening packages, tubes of chalking, breaking down boxes, etc.

Misc.
1.  Remote for my dust collector
2.  Small bottle of Titebond III
3.  Couple types of fasteners
4.  Collins miter clamps and tools if working the miters

I have started to carry all of this in a tool belt.  Specifically a Badge Bags Carpenter tool belt with side by side fastener pouches.  The belt is comfortable and provides good back support.  Tape measure and pencil access are great.  I very much like having hammer sleeve for the rubber mallet and hammer loop on the back for the Stiletto.  This is especially helpful when installing the cabinets, book cases, or whatever else I have built and am not in the shop.  Two ouches for fasteners is something I use way more than I thought I would.  I like the size of the pouches and the “compartments” for individual tools.  After a little personal training to put stuff back in the tool belt instead of setting it down somewhere I find I don’t misplace tools as much as before.  Finally this setup is great when I am helping others outside the shop or working in my own house (shop is a separate building on our property).

When I have a bunch of sanding to do I switch back to an apron.  Probably the only time I will use a tool pouch moving forward is if I am going to someone’s house to take measurements for a specific project.

So, what are you carrying and why?

 

[Duckler]

Before I go fully down the rabbit trail of my tool bag and EDC, a different rabbit trail:
My phone case dilemma is one that many probably experience. I have an iPhone 6S. Wifey says it is slow, but I had not realized that. My problem is finding a sturdy carry case that is not too clunky, but not flimsy, either.
I might have to invent something. The market needs something better.
Phone is an essential EDC item, or so I have been told.

 

[luvmytoolz]

I couldn't be bothered with a belt or toolbox, what I do is just keep multiples of pens, metal rules, measuring tapes, stanley knife, hammer, screwdrivers, masking tape, double sided tape, multi-grips, a shifter, and a jar of mixed screws at each of the work areas in my sheds. As I'm working in the lounge atm, using my Lamello hex driver with the Clamex connectors, I made another similar one for keeping in the shed.

This really helps me greatly as I don't have to trudge between the house and sheds for something simple.

 

[woodbutcherbower]

I don’t carry anything permanently apart from a utility knife and my phone.  I’ll just grab whatever I need, when I need it.

 

[jeh]

Before I go fully down the rabbit trail of my tool bag and EDC, a different rabbit trail:
My phone case dilemma is one that many probably experience. I have an iPhone 6S. Wifey says it is slow, but I had not realized that. My problem is finding a sturdy carry case that is not too clunky, but not flimsy, either.
I might have to invent something. The market needs something better.
Phone is an essential EDC item, or so I have been told.

Amazon has 100's of cases to pick from. The age of your phone might be the issue as other than old stock your out. These two look tougher than the Otterbox's

Astra Titan Metal Case

Amazon - Metal Case Tital Knockoff

Or search for "phone 6s metal case" on Amazon or via your search engine.

 

[Rick Herrick]

Well, this was not the content I had expected in this titled thread.  [big grin]

 

[hdv]

I am firmly in [member=75780]woodbutcherbower[/member] 's camp: no pouch or belt for me!

Instead of an apron I wear a dust coat. A bit similar to what you saw Peter Parfitt wearing in his videos. Most of the time I have nothing but saw dust or chips in its pockets. Sometimes a ruler, knife, or pencil. That's it. All the other tools are on the workbench where they are easy to grab.

However, I do suffer from a bit of OCD  [blink] compelling me to always clean and tidy up my workshop before I leave the shop at the end of the day. That does help in being able to always quickly find what I need.

 

[rvieceli]

[member=72074]Duckler[/member] I have been using one of the Otterbox Defender series cases on my last couple of iPhones. I like it a lot. It is a good compromise between protection and not too bulky. I also like the way the charging port is sealed. Also has a bit of texture so its easy to grip but will still go in a pocket. If you decide to upgrade your phone you might want to take a look at them.
https://www.otterbox.com/en-us/search?q=defender&search-button=&lang=en_US

Ron

 

[rvieceli]

[member=28223]SoonerFan[/member] your shop must be a lot bigger than mine  [big grin] I usually just have a pocket knife in my pocket. Stuff I need is usually only a few steps away. I try to keep certain things near the workstation they will used at. Drilling stuff is in a tool cabinet next to the drill press. Sanding stuff is in a cabinet 2 feet behind my main worktable. Etc Etc.

I have tried aprons but haven't really liked them. In the winter I keep a couple of sweatshirts in the shop that have relegated to shop duty and then some similar short and long sleeve cotton shirts for warmer weather.

If I have to do something isn the house or remotely, I'll grab a small tool bag and throw what I think I need in ti. Then put the stuff back when done.

Ron

 

[SoonerFan]

[member=28223]SoonerFan[/member] your shop must be a lot bigger than mine  [big grin] I usually just have a pocket knife in my pocket. Stuff I need is usually only a few steps away. I try to keep certain things near the workstation they will used at. Drilling stuff is in a tool cabinet next to the drill press. Sanding stuff is in a cabinet 2 feet behind my main worktable. Etc Etc.

I have tried aprons but haven't really liked them. In the winter I keep a couple of sweatshirts in the shop that have relegated to shop duty and then some similar short and long sleeve cotton shirts for warmer weather.

If I have to do something isn the house or remotely, I'll grab a small tool bag and throw what I think I need in ti. Then put the stuff back when done.

Ron

Ron, I have about 1100 sq ft (~100 sq meters).  Like you I keep some stuff in cabinets (sandpaper, drill bits, router bit, table saw blades, etc.) and this certainly helps.

I attempted to keep common stuff in multiple areas of the shop as others have suggested they do. This was a huge bust for me.  I was constantly setting stuff down in random places which were not where I picked it up.  Seemed like I was constantly looking for tape, calipers, square, etc.

So I ended up back with a tool belt.  When I worked out of a shared garage (cars at night and through the week, woodworking on the weekends) at our old house I used a tool belt.  Filled it up with what I needed from all the drawers and tool chest that held everything back then.  It worked then and seems to work now for me.  Not sure if I am surprised others are not using a tool belt or vest to hold more tools or not.

And my true EDC is aBenchmade 940 Osborne.  I tried Spyderco, Chris Reeves and others but seem to come back to my trusty 940.  Never a day without it unless I am flying somewhere.

 

[Packard]

Aside from pens, pencils, erasers, a ruler, a S&W 586, and my IPad, I carry a Gerber Exchange-a-blade knife.

It comes with a spring clip to clip the knife onto your belt or alternatively to use as a bill-fold. I don’t do either of those things, so I removed the clip to make a very small knife even smaller.  I’ve been carrying it for about 10 years.  They cost more back then, but about $20.00 now.  I see them sold all over the place, including Lowes and Amazon.com.

Irrationally, I take an Arkansas stone to it more often than I replace the blade.  Mostly because a few fast swipes with the stone is faster than changing out the blade.

Unlike other exchangeable blade knives, this requires the use of a set screw.  It locks the blade firmly in place, something that I value in a knife.

I’m not sure it is worth 7 minutes of video, but the best in-my-pocket knife I have owned.

 

[FestitaMakool]

- Work pants with pockets for fasteners and tools:
# Folding 2M wooden ruler
# Carpenters knife with sheath (also a combi knife/chisel if needed)
# 2 Carpenters square pencils - sharpened with knife with a flat knife edge on the tip
  One sits in a Pica holder meant for square flat pencils
# Tiny slotted screwdriver with pocket clip (use for anything really)
# Small (1 AAA battery) Suprabeam LED flashlight
# Wera screwdriver handle for bits
# Small thin Wera 50mm bit set
# Pica round pencil in sheat - Mostly for rough marking and writing
# Mini 1M folding ruler in plastic
# Bessey foldable knife
# Measuring tape (I like the flat old Festool/BMI meter ones without a clip, also an automatic BMI
  Meter in 2 and 3M length)