The most important tool you have is the one that is on you when the crap hits the fan. I have an outstanding tool box filled with tools, but I don’t carry it around each and every day. Every Day Carry, or EDC, items are essential to having the tools you need in your hands when you need them. We will talk about 5 unique products that are helping to bridge the gap as you navigate our brave new world post Covid-19.
NiteIze Doohickey Key Chain Knife
This little knife and I are on a first name basis. The Doohickey is always in my pocket because it is attached to my keys. This knife has been on my keychain for several years, and it is showing a little wear on the finish, but the blade is sharp. It’s been well used for just about everything from cutting rope and even once a wire (it dulls the knife fast) to opening boxes or cutting up an apple. This little knife is the one that gets used every single day, and it is a strong part of my EDC kit.
Travax Keyton Clip | Caribiner Keychain
I have an older version on this Trayvax keychain and I have it outfitted with a Exotac FREEKEY Slim System so that it makes getting my keys on and off super easily. I like this keychain because it is leather and, with what I have on my keys, it makes it easy to pull out of my pocket. In a worst case scenario, it can be used as a defensive weapon. It works well and at twenty dollars, plus another seven in the Freekey system it has lasted a couple of years and looks attractive.
Geekey Multi-Tool
We got a Geekey Multi-Tool to test a few months ago, and it immediately went on to our keychain. It has worked as a bit driver for me, a paint can opener, a screw driver, a box opener and bottle opener and it has more tools like a bike spoke key, closed wrench, multi-fit driver, serrated edge, wire stripper, file, wire bender, open wrench, measurement, multi-head fit and we use the lanyard hole to attach it to our key ring. It does have a smoking pipe built in as well which we would not have a use for but is a part of this tool.
Key Smart Cleankey
The Key | Smart CLEANKEY attaches to your keychain and allows you to push buttons, touchscreens and pull open doors. I have used it to open doors, push buttons on every keypad, and use it to press an elevator button. The copper/zinc alloy is easy to keep clean: you can clean it with a little steel wool or a disinfectant wipe. It’s solid and it keeps your hands from touching every surface. As well, it will patina over time and it just may save your life. It makes a great gift for those you care about. Key | Smart also has the CLEANKEY Mini that works for touching surfaces but cannot help you open a door. It is still quite handy and my wife likes it better than the large CLEANKEY.
Leatherman FREE P2
Owning a proper multi-tool like the Leatherman Free P2 is a tool that I carry just about anytime I head out the door. The magnetic action of this tool makes it super easy to open and use on a regular basis. With over 19 tools it is has just about every tool you could possibly need. The pliers are incredibly easy to use. The wire cutters cut like butter and the saw has come in extremely handy on more than one occasion. This tool is easy to keep clean and fits well in your hand. It is 8.6 ounces, and the gray nylon sheath comes in pretty handy on your belt loop.
- 01 Needlenose Pliers
- 02 Regular Pliers
- 03 Premium Replaceable Wire Cutters
- 04 Premium Replaceable Hard-wire Cutters
- 05 Electrical Crimper
- 06 Wire Stripper
- 07 420HC Combo Knife
- 08 Spring-action Scissors
- 09 Package Opener
- 10 Awl
- 11 Can Opener
- 12 Bottle Opener
- 13 Wood/Metal File
- 14 Phillips Screwdriver
- 15 Medium Screwdriver
- 16 Small Screwdriver
- 17 Extra-small Screwdriver
- 18 Pry Tool
- 19 Ruler (1.41 in | 25 mm)
EDC(every day carry) is really all about finding the best tools that you will pick up every day and carry with you. What tools do you carry that you couldn’t live without?
