Tool Lists (What do I need?)

[avkid]

The polyurethane coating is a water proofer.
(you should know this from shop class)

[derekleffew]

Back to tool topic: sobensen, steveb, and others, have made good points regarding what is expected depending on where one is working. Generally, Mandatory tool lists are laughable, but Suggested tool lists, (venue specific), are helpful. Exceeding the minimum requirements is usually never a bad thing, with the understanding that doing so is "at your own risk." I, personally, prefer using my own tools, and feel uncomfortable asking to borrow a tool from either a fellow crewmember or venue management. And since my venue is not particularly well-equipped; if I, or others, don't bring it, we won't have it. Does everyone need to carry a DMX analyzer/generator? No, but I've been glad to have mine on many occasions. For those touring or working in ballrooms and other non-theatre spaces, a fully-stocked work box is absolutely essential, as ship, len, JD, and others can attest. A touring Electrics Crew Chief/Master Electrician should have all the tools and parts required to fix anything in his rig, or hire assistants who do!

[avkid]

Now Derek, good footwear is one of the most important tools one can have.

[Logos]

Originally Posted by derekleffew

A touring Electrics Crew Chief/Master Electrician should have all the tools and parts required to fix anything in his rig, or hire assistants who do!

I agree that this becomes a completely different question if I am putting a rig of my own in a non theatre space. I then carry a lot of tools.

[Charc]

Er, sorry Phil.

However, in fact, I did not know polyurethane was a water proofer. (The shop class at my school is only offered in 3rd through 6th grades.) Also, going from the link you provided, it makes no mention of the ankle support, or rigidity of the sole.

[avkid]

Originally Posted by charcoaldabs

it makes no mention of the ankle support, or rigidity of the sole.

Those are my conclusions from years of daily wear.

[derekleffew]

So the start of a new year is a perfect time for organization. I took everything out of my bag, laid it all out in a somewhat logical fashion, and took a picture. Then made an inventory list with costs for insurance purposes, and out of my own curiosity. The list follows the picture starting at the top right corner.


Note the picture nor the list includes certain specific tools for specialized tasks. My Fluke 336 and MicroTechDMX won't fit in the bag. When I'm programming, I have a separate bag containing my keyboard, trackball, Littlelite, disks, reference materials, etc. My "SpotOpBag" contains SpotDot, gloves, brads, SuperTrouper lamphouse Key, etc. MacBook, wirelss cell modem, and iPod in different category.

PDF of the Inventory List is below. (Constructive) Comments welcomed!

[avkid]

Are those foam earplugs?
If so, get some real ones.
Only $12 a pair- http://www.etymotic.com/ephp/er20.aspx

[derekleffew]

Originally Posted by avkid

Are those foam earplugs?
If so, get some real ones.
Only $12 a pair- http://www.etymotic.com/ephp/er20.aspx

Yes, they are disposable foam earplugs, supplied by the venue. I do have a pair similar to your link, in my "programming" bag, and I will get a pair for my tool bag also. Thank you, avkid.

[Charc]

Originally Posted by avkid

Run of the mill steel toe sneakers are not all that good.
You need several things to make a safety shoe, not just the steel in the toes.
These things are the best!
http://www.redwingworx.com/order/6552.htm
Actually stronger than steel, and they don't set off alarms at the airport.

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.