Tool Lists (What do I need?)

[avkid]

Just got my pair. They're quite nice(coming from someone who hasn't had a pair before though), and the price was reasonable.
Thanks AvKid.

Sweet, finally somebody listens to me.
(it's a shame I don't get a commission from Red Wing)

[howlingwolf487]

I've got a pair of custom ear plugs headed my way...can't wait to get 'em and try them out at a gig - or with an annoying friend...

[sobenson]

Oh, yes I realize that. I just thought they'd have tape measurers, I guess that was the thing that stuck out in my mind. I mean, I guess if I were in charge, I'd want to be the one with the measuring equipment, to make sure it was accurate. Maybe that only makes sense to me? :neutral:

Sorry I have been away for a bit. You would be surprised how many tape measures get cut or bent when someone has laid out a piece of wood with their tape measure on the board, and brought down the chop saw.
derekleffew makes a good point on brining tools and not borrowing, and having that 1 piece of equipment that is not on site when it counts is great; but starting in High school, almost 20 years ago, through college, summer rep, to working on Broadway, all I ever needed was a c-wrench. I started like you bringing bags of tools with me, and some would walk away, or get lost. So over the years I pared down, and riding the subways in New York, I did not want to lug 50lbs of tools. So in my backpack was a c-wrench, flashlight, multitool, and a sharpie. Now as I work as TD in a road house, I carry with me a c-wrench, flashlight, multitool, a sharpie (all which I carry in my Ripoff CO-44 http://www.ripoffs.com/datasheets/co44/co44.html), and because I am TD a clipboard and pen. Anything else that is needed is either in the carp box onstage or 50' away in the shop.

[digitaltec]

You guys list all these tools you need for your job... I have a 500+ pound work box filled with tools and stuff and the most important tool in there is a can of black spray paint... cause if it's broke paint it black... then no one will notice it.

Yeah don't try that. It gets you in trouble... some people have no sense of humor. I guess I could inventory my box but most of the stuff in there is not necessary unless your touring or think your cool like I do.

Maybe I'll inventory it one of these days for all to enjoy. But it seems like you guys have covered all the basics. 2 8" C Wrenches are good to have along with speed wrenches. a 10 in 1 screw driver can also come in handy. Stage Pin Splitter is good for theater techs. tick tracer can help out and a DMM. Unless your getting into fixing cable or repairing moving lights you don't need much to get the job done.

[Charc]

There is so much mention of insane amounts of tools (500lbs?!), my little self imposed rule is that all tools I take with me have to fit neatly into my toolbag. I just need to swap in/out whatever I'll need.

[phil000]

I try and carry multiples when I'm working at the Kent State theater, because almost everyone forgets their c-wrench, and if you have forgetful followspots, a loaner pair of gloves is good. My girlfriend has usurped my backup gerber suspension and my backup mechanix gloves.

so here we go (I'm a flashlight +knife fan)
total inventory:

Surefire 6pd (that's the closest I can get to describing it, it has so much aftermarket stuff it's my baby)
inova x5
backup lithium batteries for these

one slide wrench 8"
one 8" C wrench

one 'jesus' wrench (never really need it)
Sog powerlock
1 blackdiamond vaporware biner
48" spectra
1 petzl rescue pulley
1 Petzl auto-locking biner
GB Voltcheck (built-in sniffer)

Spyderco delica 4 full serrated
Spyderco Tasman Plain edge
(I have 5 or 6 knives that get swapped in and out...)
random carabiners...around 20 ft of paracord 550

Mechanix impact pros +Setwear hothands

Various screwdrivers (about to be condensed into a multi-bit ratcheting type soon.)

Klein stripper/cutter

But this is like...EVERYTHING.

what I would (just did) take with me on a gig outside of the theater with a tour:
SOG powerlock
Klein strippers (backpack)
8" slide wrench
Voltchek (remained hidden in the backpack the whole time)
Surefire 6pd (I'll go into it if someone's interested)
Inova x5 (backpack)
backup lithiums
Kershaw leek 1660ckt

I have coming (now since I read this thread):
the craftsman rachet wrench...Crimpers...Cutters (the big ones)...pin splitter...I have various holsters etc and would like to consolidate down into one or two so I'm looking at the aforementioned ripoffs holster.

ALMOST FORGOT THE BEST investment one can make: Dr. Martens airwair steeltoe. Not a true safety boot, but isolates up to 14KV, due to that fact that it doesn't have the steel in the sole, the rubber is a little soft for my taste but these things have saved my toes about 5 times in 3 months.
For someone not looking to invest that much in shoes (cue youtube video) I recommend Mack steeltoes (target 40$.)

Phil
PS If anyone wants to know more about flashlights etc check out candlepowerforums.com or just PM me

[avkid]

Hmm......this talk of lights reminded me that I still haven't found a suitable holster for my Inova Radiant 2AA flashlight.
The squared off body makes it difficult to find a holster.
I just e-mailed Rip-Offs, so we'll see.

[avkid]

Hmm......this talk of lights reminded me that I still haven't found a suitable holster for my Inova Radiant 2AA flashlight.
The squared off body makes it difficult to find a holster.
I just e-mailed Rip-Offs, so we'll see.

Sweet, I got a response.
They suggest a CO-31.
http://www.ripoffs.com/datasheets/co31/co31.html

[Clark]

As I do primarily lighting, I generally show for work with just what I carry on my belt:

-Victorinox Swiss Army Tool
-Blackhawk MOD XSF folding knife (sharper and easier to use than a multi-tool)
-My c-wrench, with a wrapped paracord grip / safety line
-SureFire 6R/KL-5 LED flashlight
-My work gloves

All of my TD / LD stuff I carry around in a SwissTech folio I got a while ago - very handy!

Clark

[Charc]

As I do primarily lighting, I generally show for work with just what I carry on my belt:
-Victorinox Swiss Army Tool
-Blackhawk MOD XSF folding knife (sharper and easier to use than a multi-tool)
-My c-wrench, with a wrapped paracord grip / safety line
-SureFire 6R/KL-5 LED flashlight
-My work gloves
All of my TD / LD stuff I carry around in a SwissTech folio I got a while ago - very handy!
Clark

Are you referring to Swiss Gear? I'm not familiar with a SwissTech brand. Link, perhaps?

I'm also not familiar with the 6R. I'm guessing the R denotes rechargeable? Is this correct?

[avkid]

Sweet, I got a response.
They suggest a CO-31.
http://www.ripoffs.com/datasheets/co31/co31.html

Got paid and ordered one from National Police Supply.

[McCready00]

I might ask the company I work for my first toolkit.

Other than the basic tools ( screw drivers, ect.. ) what should I put in it? Is there any instruments I should get?

[sk8rsdad]

What is your job, and what sort of tools would somebody performing that job likely use? We don't often use a table saw to bench focus lighting instruments.

[derekleffew]

I might ask the company I work for my first toolkit.
Other than the basic tools (screw drivers, etc.) what should I put in it? Are there any instruments I should get?

Nope. Not gonna start this topic all over again. Thus the above post has been moved here, and am "sticky-ing" this thread. Does anyone want to start a Collaborative Article for extra credit?

See also this thread: http://www.controlbooth.com/forums/g...hlight=workbox.

[DaveySimps]

I am a Production Manager. My "tools" would include a phone with voicemail, cell phone / PDA, computer with internet access, a desk to clutter up with all of my junk, Microsoft Office, a good calendar program, exceptional organizational skills and people skills.

When I am doing sound engineering work my tools bag includes: headphones, various audio adapters, audio tester, tone generator, 4 way screwdriver, micro screwdriver set, soldering iron and solder, multi-tool, LED flashlight, ear plugs, wire strippers, small plier set, and adjustable end wrench. I also have my own assortment of favorite microphones and playback units (CD player, minidisc player, and CD recorder, effects units, gates, and compressors mounted in a rack with appropriate cables so I know I at least have some sort of base line to work with, no matter what gear the venue or group I am working for has in stock. I also have a good variety of royalty free sound effects in my CD collection for doing sound designs.

~Dave

[CavezziMagnum]

Production Manager/Master Electrician:

6" Crescent Wrench
8" Crescent Wrench
Husky brand Diag. Cutters (Dykes)
Leatherman Wave
Mini Maglite w/LED Upgrade
Fluke 322 Clamp Meter
Ultimate Focus Tool
Mega Combo Wrench
Kobalt Gloves for focus
*Note: This is a list of tools only. "Expendables" (Gaff Tape, E-tape, Tie line, etc.) are not included.

Keep it simple. Why carry around more than what you need? Multiple-use tools (NOT Multi-tools) are your best friend.

[jeffmoss26]

I do a lot of voice/data cabling work, so my main tool bag has Klein everything...different testers, staple gun, drywall saw, special tools of the trade. My sound bag has all kinds of stuff...Weller soldering iron, Klein strippers, cutters, screwdrivers, cable tester, multimeter.
I always carry my Mini-Maglite and Leatherman and I also have a Kershaw Leek knife.

[houseoutgo]

i cant believe i have only seen one mention of a pin splitter. I am the ME at a theatre with older equiptment and during hang and focus the pin splitter fixes 9 out of 10 problems we have. I never show up to a call without one on my belt.

[Hughesie]

What do you carry in your normal toolkit?

Here is my toolbox

[Chris15]

What do you carry in your normal toolkit?

Here is my toolbox

I'd be adding a second shifter for when you need to tighten a nut and bolt and need a spanner on each side.
Depending on what you get up to with that tool kit, I'd be expecting a modular plug crimper to go with the (cheap) punchdown tool.
And please don't expect me to terminate cable with that sort of knife, unless you by some miracle have a sharp and stable one of those. Sorry, but it's a pet hate. I've been in a situation where I needed to terminate Cat 5s for an Aviom system and had the full touring draws case of our of our better systems engineers at hand and could not find a knife sharp enough to strip Cat 5 nicely. Take note.
I'd also be adding a bigger pair of side cutters to cut cable, but again depends on what you intend to use the toolbox for...

[mnfreelancer]

Realized I never responded to this thread and fairly recently got my tech kit stabilized (never finalized since I keep adding/changing things.)

Personal carry
Leatherman Wave (the new version with the little tweaker)
Inova XO LED flashlight
Blue Sharpie
Black Sharpie
Fine black Sharpie

Tech Kit
Platt tool case with pallets (got a deal on this on craigslist)
Wiha 13 piece precision screw drivers
Xcellite interchangeable hex drivers, handles and extension
Klein 1000V insulated flat blade screw driver
Klein "wirebender" #2 phillips and flat screwdrivers
2x long-reach bondhus style hex drivers for lenses
Generic branded 10 way screwdriver
Metric and SAE hex key sets - fan-out style
2x 6" Crescent and Channel-Lock brand black adjustable wrenches
"Jesus" light wrench
set of insulated alignment tweakers of various sizes inc. hex
black zip ties
fuse puller
tick tracer
Stanley "pocket knife"
waterproof notebook
tag-out tags
Harris punch-down tool
UTP stripper
RG59/RG6 coax stripper
EZ-RJ45 ratchet crimper
Ripley coax compression crimper
Xcellite flush cutters
Klein diagonal snips
klein wire stripper
Channel-Lock multipurpose wire stripper/crimper
2x 6" needle-nose pliers
electrician's scissors
center punch
outlet tester
Fluke 337 clamp meter
generic smaller multi-meter
test leads
adapter kit with assorted audio, video, electrical adapters
D-sub to RGB-HV breakout
patch cables
Rosco and Apollo swatch books
3" black gaf
red and orange spike tape
board tape
black electrical tape
spare Shure lavaliere mic element and cable assembly
IEC power cord
IEC to 5-15R adapter
TI-89 calculator
assorted batteries
audio insert cables
random metric plasma and projector mount screws
Pocket REF
Ugly's electrical reference
microfiber cleaning cloth
12' tape measure

As you might imagine I catch a lot of crap from other techs when for some reason they have to load my kit out of the van...it's heavy! Luckily the platt box has its own wheels!

[mrb]

I'd be adding a second shifter for when you need to tighten a nut and bolt and need a spanner on each side.
Depending on what you get up to with that tool kit, I'd be expecting a modular plug crimper to go with the (cheap) punchdown tool.
And please don't expect me to terminate cable with that sort of knife, unless you by some miracle have a sharp and stable one of those. Sorry, but it's a pet hate. I've been in a situation where I needed to terminate Cat 5s for an Aviom system and had the full touring draws case of our of our better systems engineers at hand and could not find a knife sharp enough to strip Cat 5 nicely. Take note.
I'd also be adding a bigger pair of side cutters to cut cable, but again depends on what you intend to use the toolbox for...

the little yellow 110 punch down tool is a cat5 stripper. They work quite well, and i do TONS of network wiring.

[ship]

MANDATORY TOOLS FOR ALL CALLS:
HAMMER
PLIERS
DIKES
SCREWDRIVER (slotted and phillips)
GLOVES
6" CRESCENT WRENCH
POCKET KNIFE
MAP OF L.A. COUNTY
PEN OR PENCILS
MINIMUM TOOLS FOR CARPENTER SHOP CALLS
NAIL APRON
HAMMER (16oz.)
HAND SAW
DOVE-TAIL SAW
CHALK-LINE
SCREWDRIVERS (sloted and phillips)
SCREWDRIVERS (pump or electric)
PLIERS
CRESCENT WRENCHES
STEEL TAPE MEASURE (25ft.retractable)
FRAMING SQUARE OR SPEED SQUARE
COMBINATION SQUARE
WOOD CHISEL (1inch width)
RIPPING CHISEL
PRY-BAR (super bar or cat's paw)
NAILSETS (assorted)
DIAGONAL CUTTING PLIERS
PROTRACTOR
SLIDING T-BEVEL
BLOCK PLANE
WELDER'S MUST PROVIDE THEIR OWN HELMET


Manditory call tool list for that local leaves something to be desired.
Hmm, starting out the list for say the sound guy to have a hammer would no doubt be a bad thing if a (are there IA sound guys?) This beyond the hammer jokes that could be made in making it fit. Hammer for me in general is a question of what ounce it’s weighted for and it’s head in that, yea you could have a 22oz. waffle head for much, but it don’t persay work as well at times for electrical boxes or finish nails. Same with “pliers” in that the heck, I don’t even own a pair of slip joint pliers at home much less at work, to what does one mean “Pliers” that set on one’s multi-tool or a pair of “diagonal side cutting pliers” which don’t have a gripping edge on them or a pair of 6" instead of 9" Linsemens pliers which one is attempting to do what ever with like say cutting a cable with. Oh’ you meant slip joint pliers, they don’t cut cable - Next! Dikes is not “PC” I have been told. Best tell the IA’ it ain’t PC to specify something that could be considered offensive. This much less if I show up with a pair of electonics dikes and my task is to be cutting say some 10/3 cable, it ain’t gonna cut it. Yet I got these “minimum” tools, so pay me even if in doing the job I have to borrow from others in getting my job done as a “professional,” and many do buy from a 6" pair of “pliers” to the cheapest other tool they can in being useless as they can. Don’t help the show get done properly or most efficiently.

-Screw driver - both slotted and phillips... Gee I tend to have fights with our guys about them if no #2 Philips in the drawer (beyond them not supplying their own tools), them using a #1 Philips for #2 screws in stripping them out in costing us money. Same with the proper flat head screw driver for the task, heck, can’t do an Edison plug properly without both a 3/16" and 1/4" drive screw driver if slotted yet there is no requirement for more than say even electronics #0 Philips or .5" slotted drivers to qualify for being on the job site. Yep, wee problems with that also.

Ya mean if I showed up with my like 18" long Klien 3/8" blade slotted screw driver, that in comparing between it and the other ME at the shop and I is “Longer”, I can work a call and in having that minimum requirement for slotted screw driver be at all useful in using it for other than with say 5/16-18 or larger slotted screws? Anything smaller than that if slotted... pay me, let me borrow your tool? This much less the IA guy showing up with a 1/8 or smaller blade screw driver - a bit more demur in stature as it were, would be any more useful on an Edison plug than I? Dip switch, sure that guy, me I get the big stuff but it ain’t required so if anyone ain’t a dip switch or bolt turner on the call - you pay to send a runner out for tools while the crew seeks out donuts?

-Gloves... fine, what ever protects your hands without you cursing and wasting time picking slivers of wood out of them, don’t care, one would think quality but ain’t required in time being money as with hospital costs if the gloves you show up with on-call don’t protect.

-6" Crescent wrench is also improper terminology - you mean if I show up with a 8" Klien insul. Grip adjustable wrench, I cannot work (assuming I were IA?) If given the “Crescent” brand name were more like C-Wrench in slang term like Dikes, it’s improper also in that I believe Crescent makes some 6" wrenches that don’t expand out to 3/4" or 15/16" in need I could be useless on a call, this much less I don’t accept a 6" wrench in general out of proper torque on a bolt. I know if there ain’t some ‘IA deal with Crescent for specifically their 6" wrenches to be used exclusively as a brand, that I have at least a Craftsman 6" adjustable wrench which won’t work on a ½" bolt and thus be useless for a crew call. Are we than by specifying other than “wide jaw” 6" wrenches in assuming ability for a common torque on a bolt other than the 8" standard, that it’s not important to get the work call done?

What if nobody showed up with a proper adjustable wrench on a call? Could happen as it’s not required to have proper tools so far.

-Pocket knife....... No comment other than dull knives assure hospital trips and are if needed problematic in needing of them. Still have my Boy Scout knife as with some of GrandPa’s pipe cleaning knives, so I’m all set.

-Now a map is awesome in concept. Just this past weekend pulled one out of my car and with my guys plotted out every single Menards, Home Depot, and Lowes location in the Northern Illinois and some Wisconsin areas. Amongst four runners that did the deal, we visited every at least Menards location in the are in the Home Depot versions being more expensive and Lowes versions pooping out sooner than the others for the part we were buying. In general a concept of a map might be “what we got here, why once here do we need a map for,” but I say great thing you have maps. Need to become a IA runner for parts instead of constructor of the show, you might be useful in having a map. Though if inspected at the door in having one I might not find such a thing as a map as important as other things important to my tool bag. You got here thus you seem to be able to find the place so I’ll assume you had a map.

-Pens and pencils... no Sharpees or paint markers of different colors so as to write on stuff beyond the plot? While it’s often a challenge within a collected group of people to find just one with pen or pencil, also some form of other tool is often needed beyond that.

Definate holes in the manditory things I think, this plus this IA tool list for me is crap.

Onto the fun stuff...

MINIMUM TOOLS FOR CARPENTER SHOP CALLS

-Nail apron = sound guys having a nail apron would be fun.
16oz hammer = anyone that shows up with a 16oz hammer when I’m MC sweeps floors. Child hammer other than for specific instances.
-Hand Saw = hand saw, really? Personal hand tool to an extreme I would think in not being necessary and normally provided and sharp by the show if needed. This as = saw in general, my Leatherman has a saw on it... might take me an hour to hack thru a two by four, but it’s a saw and what is required. Did you mean Shark saw, coping saw, etc...? So don’t matter I suppose in nobody showing up with the required saw if needing to cut something if it’s useful or not? Got an awesome finite materials cutting saw with like 40 tooth blade to it.... it’s a saw, let me on the crew.
-Dove Tail Saw = I don’t even own one. What’s a Dove Tail Saw, I want one in the next step in my home furniture making operations assuming I don’t go with the router jig thingie. Anyone really dove tail on a set these days? This beyond if I show up with a dove tail saw, don’t I qualify for the former in everyone looking at what it is for novelty sense? Ah’ crap, Knew why I never got to be Union, anyone let me in on the secret of what the secret handshake Dovetail saw is? Got Japan saws, Shark Saws, Dad’s old coping saw about to be replaced in that it just don’t hold a blad and other saws but no dovetail saw, and I want one.

-Chalk line is a good concept to have both as plumb bob and snap line, does the show site provide chalk for it? Out of chalk... gee that’s just too bad you cannot get on the call.


-Screw driver, Ibid

-SCREWDRIVERS (pump or electric), Yay the Yankee or ratcheting screw driver in it’s user being just as useful as the cordless drill using techie! No matter the labor and man/hours, that guy using the yankee in sticking with it no doubt is just as cost effective and never runs out of batteries in using it - this granted he wastes time in explaining to everyone around in how it works and in how it is just as efficient. Need to screw down a plywood deck, that Yankee guy is going to be just as useful as that automatic feed screw driving guy with battery back pack guy on the crew. Sometimes perhaps I’m a bit dim.

-again with the “pliers” in general. What no difference beteween needle nosed and 9" Linsesmens’?

- Crescent Wrenches - at least if a carpenter you had at best by definition have more than one.

-25' tape measure... best be able to prove it retracts and don’t stop short on that about three feet mark if it has run into trouble in winding in a past life. Those with tape measures that don’t fully retract one might assume need not apply. Don’t matter the tape measure of course if a wee bit short, just need retract of course. Ah’ but it’s a tape measure at least which is important. Thought of mocking one of my assistant’s 12' tape measure in a guy type of way today, but on the other hand he has on and other’s on my staff don’t have one they can produce. Tape measure a good thing. This as required for all especially a good thing. Do they all show up to the call with one and ready to use it?

- Fraiming Square or Speed Square.... What’s the defination of a “speed square” and or would my 12x9 small square qualify for a “fraiming square” This much less assuming it’s a IA tool list the fraiming square is assured to be dinged into square. 1/8" thick verses 1/4" thick square for sawing purposes = a 1/4" thick speed square is much more useful. This one of 12" instead of 6" size.

-Combination Squares are perfect instruments of use. Who did or when were they invented? What are they based off of in concept? Great tool, one - my Dad’s at work, a newer one at home. I prefer Dad’s, though the reverse side should go metric.
Anyone really show up on site wit one of these or a “Tri-Square” and would such a term be different?

-Chisel 1" width.... the heck use is a 1" width chisel and do it need to be sharp? One of my assistants is a union carpenter by trade... asked him this past summer to chisel out a door hinge for me on a special project and he had no idea. I vote a 3/4" or say ½" chisel is often more useful if sharp for more than barbaric work. Got this reinforced and no longer sold Wagner Power Scraper with modified oak/steel handle for pounding that’s knife sharp and like three inches wide, if I showed up with one of them plus say a ½" chisel that’s also sharp but no 1" chisel, verses one that showed up with a dull chisel that’s 1" who gets the job might be something to work on. This plus does everyone show up to the job site with a chisel? Thats’ fascinating as I’m not seeing any need for them to show up with a matt knife as normal for use also. Good sharp knife often is also needed for good chisel work.

-Ripping Chisel, oops, I suppose My custom built Wagner Power Scraper blade set on a hand made oaken handle with 1/4" steel reinforcement handle is something everyone spends hours upon hours on in creating - cuts thru pneumatic staples or even drywall screws with ease.... Yep, everyone has one, much less keeps it sharp. Otherwise such ripping chisel, might be not knowing the term of ripping chisel for sure - know ripping saw blade but not in reference to a chisel, guess that shows skill level type of thing in being a term I’m not ready for yet, but if in general a thing that’s a say laminate tile scraping chisel, one that say has a handle that accepts a broom handle... yet to see others to show up on a job site ready to go with their power scrapers - but it would be nice in that they are also useful for clout nails. I’m thinking this IA rule is by way of tool requirements thus requiring a long flat plat of steel that can also be used for clout nails, a three inch wide blad for scraping up laminate asbestos tile while attached to a broom handle for this requirement as per “ripping chisel.” This or they if not the definition in term, perhaps those chisels used for opening up padlocks or in breaking thru staples or nails, them chisels no longer servicable for wood scrapint, instead for use once dinged for ripping up the wood scraped while used thus the “Ripping Chisel” term that it would seem local dialect I am attempting to inerpite.

-PRY-BAR (super bar or cat's paw), Sorry, don’t own any of them. So you mean if I have a “Wonder Bar” and a few other types of pry bar, I cannot work on this job site? What’s those brand names paying to the Union to demand all showing up for work have those tools anyway? Good ‘Q of the Day’ what either of these tools are in name to what they look like recognition. Know I wouldn’t recognize either by look. Are they as a specific type in brand as with Crescent tools superior as in general to all others? Or is this just some type of being specific in a lazy type of way and in being specific in that way making for a system of contro nobody’s going to follow in listening to these minimum tool requirements anyway “but it sounding really really good?”

-Nail sets... yea, that’s useful for a proper hammer - no matter the weight in say having a 22oz waffle head and not hitting the nail down all the way in using such a nail set. This espcially if using pneumatics and they are under lower pressure or dirty or punching thru hard wood, one needs to have various sizes in punching them heads in. This plus needle nosed pliers to rip off the as it were slightly off aim or hitting something hard nail or prong sent astray, plus say a 1" putty knife to cover with what ever the hole by it left behind plus sand paper in what’s left of the hole in doing damage. Hmm... flexible 1" putty knife... that’s a good thing also.

-Diagonal Cutting Pliers, for a carpenter call I would think at least an exception for “carpenters pinches” especially case hardendered versions of them would be acceptable. This if not the off the shelf and not say Journeyman 2000 hardened Klien version, gonna be dull and useless for a carpenter after some use, so why require what’s dull other than specifying what might be useful?
Take a typical 6" Ace Hardware diagional side cutting plier and cut one drywall screw with it. Cut the same screw with a hardened 8" Journeyman hardened pliers and one will see that even if at double the price, someone shows up on a call with a now dinged set of dikes - as it were, someone shows up with a tool ready for another cut as needed without a definition as to who gets in the door otherwise. Can have dikes dull as crap and short as sh... but if you got them, that’s all good in being another useless person potentially on the jobsite mixing with the Pro’s there to do their career as opposed to collecting their pay check by being there.

-Protractor... What’s a protractor.... I know I have what one is - at least one or a few that might qualify but it just don’t come to mind. Been years since I heard that term in using it even as a Master Carpenter of my field. I think I have one dating back to like 1982 in having drafting classes but just can’t remember what such a thing is. Should I need work, thowing such a ancient thing into my bag will be really necessary.

Sliding T-Bevel.... I got nothing. I do have a sliding angle degree tri-square, and rarely use it, even marked on it’s markings what is the accurate side of the scribed line for it - this in given like a 1mm line only the edge of this line being as it were square in what I found how many did end for end test their if that’s what it is sliding T-Bevel? This much less own one? And don’t one in having this thing also qualify for also having a “combination square”?

-Block plane... Own lots of them from antique to new. Used to be able to make them function with a curl, curse them years later in just not getting them as concept in grabbing another tool.

-Welders in own helmets but in providing them - replacement shields, gloves, arm guards, and aprons? Such gear - much less lenses for the helmets I would say are shop provided - tools specific and prefered to the welder those tools they provide. Sure if they want their own helmet - and dependant on type of welding done for lens or protection, it’s recommended but also provided. Weldings’ separate than something off the street and to crew call with someone showing up with crap chapest possible that don’t last from someone that welds with a certification not necessary for this IA list, no doubt in having the cert, with their own tools beyond that of a helmet.

I view this tool list a joke and why in many cases gear comes back crapped up after traveling about to venues by way of barbarians using the gear.

[porkchop]

If you are working with my show here's your tool list:

a hand (preferably tool) in good working order
The ability to do what I say
(End of tool list)

The show is designed to be tool free, I can't tell you how many times I've made locals put there crescent wrenches away because they can't be responsible and NOT use them. It's not typical for all touring shows but man is it nice.

[Grommet]

I work a handful of festivals and there are tools just sometimes not enough for everyone. On load outs every one needs a flash light and dikes.

my tool lists will always have

2 C-wrenchs
1 dike
1 safety glasses
1 bottle of water
1 flash light
1 pocket knife
1 leatherman
1 pair of gloves
1 belt with pouch to hold all of this.

at another place i have assumed the role of carpenter, and have built a locking cabinet to store my personal tools. As to keep them from being taken to the other restaurant locations/broken.

the show producer/restaurant owner's husband is known of some how breaking cordless drills. Mine is either in my home, in my hand or in that locking cabinet.

[gafftapegreenia]

Found our other good tool thread today while googling:
suggestion for a tool kit

[Floridaskye]

Great thing to have is a small bungee cable attached to all tools you may be using above another person. I have one on my wrench when I'm focusing lights to make sure it doesn't fall and kill someone. Tie line is ok but you can snag on something and cause more damage to yourself or someone else.

[DanAyers]

Having all these tools is great. I'll admit, I keep most of them in my tool bag.

I anticipate what I will be needing for a show, and my roll for the show as well as what tools the theater will be providing. What I've found is i bring my Setwear Gloves & C-Wrench 100% of the time and use it about 80% of the time. I bring a Ratcheting Ultimate Focus Tool if I know I will be doing lights.

I'm also a fan of the foldable box-cutter's over leathermen's because I hate sharpening baldes, so the replaceable blade for me is great.

My Laser tape measure can't be beat in a theater also, but if I were to buy another I'd buy one from a surveyer's supplier and not a hardware store.

[PeterBuchin]

Great thing to have is a small bungee cable attached to all tools you may be using above another person. I have one on my wrench when I'm focusing lights to make sure it doesn't fall and kill someone. Tie line is ok but you can snag on something and cause more damage to yourself or someone else.

Nononono... I once thought a bungee cord was a superior idea until I saw a fella lose his grip on his wrench while atop an A-frame ladder. The wrench got stuck in the rungs and he tugged the bungee cord. The wrench suddenly got unstuck.

He spoke in a higher register for awhile.

[lalibretti]

Where do you recommend buying from? I want to get a speed wrench and can't find one at a local hardware store. I want to order a speed wrench but don't know where to get one.

[gafftapegreenia]

Where do you recommend buying from? I want to get a speed wrench and can't find one at a local hardware store. I want to order a speed wrench but don't know where to get one.

Google "lightspeed wrench", Production Advantage, Tools for Stagecraft, RoadieTools, Norcostco, Musson, Barbizon and eBay all come up on the first page.

Be aware that the Lightspeed does not fit the 5/16" pan bolt, and thus a c-wrench is still necessary. I'd honestly prefer a Ratcheting Ultimate Focus Tool over a Lightspeed, but to each their own.

[Arez]

Google "lightspeed wrench", Production Advantage, Tools for Stagecraft, RoadieTools, Norcostco, Musson, Barbizon and eBay all come up on the first page.

Be aware that the Lightspeed does not fit the 5/16" pan bolt, and thus a c-wrench is still necessary. I'd honestly prefer a Ratcheting Ultimate Focus Tool over a Lightspeed, but to each their own.

I'll second the recommendation for the Ratcheting UFT, I was given a working demo of one last month and it floored me compared to the original RFTs. I haven't ordered mine yet, but it's on the top of my list. Here's the part that really put it over the top though, he's made a 3/8" socket adapter for the UFT.

I would also like to mention the Flat Focus Tool, also made by Rob at StageJunk. Very nice tool, barely notice you're carrying it, if at all.