I was in need of some tools, a tool box, and a small storage box for different types of screws that I have. I passed by Ace Hardware after work as they have the best selection of tools from all the other stores in the market. I was surprised that they have stocked up with tools now, they also have the Bosch blower back in stock, about 7 or 8 boxes were on the shelves. They had even some cool Stanley tool boxes for the car garage, nice and big with wheels and a few other items.

I found a nice compact storage box which you can pick up like a handle, and picked up a nice small Stanley tool box for all the tools I had in mind. I am always working on servers, computers and other electrical equipment, wiring things and taking things apart. What I need is a good tool set, organized, high quality and a nice range of sizes to be used for different applications. I picked up a Craftsman and Stanley screw driver set, since they had different ranges and they are quality made products. Then I picked up a few individual items such as cutters, pliers, allen keys, and a few other items. Overall I put together a quality tool box for every day use with a few specialized tools all for 38 KD, and it helped when I was working on the server and putting things back together again.

Need to pick up some tools:

• Screw Driver Set
• Air Blower
• Clear Storage Boxes

I decided to visit Platform then Abyat, the hardest item to find on that list is an air blower surprisingly. I use the air blower to clean hard to reach places then I wipe them down, or to dry the car, or motorcycle. On a good day I like to clean my bike after a ride, it feels refreshing, I keep my head phones on and once I’m done I use the air blower its extremely efficient and quickly to dry with it. I had a Bosch for over two years and it broke even after fixing it twice, so I wanted to get another Bosch from Platform but I can’t find it anymore and Platform didn’t have it. And their tool section is a bit disappointing, they had Great Wall which is Chinese while I was looking for better quality tool sets, so I headed over to Abyat and they had a better section. The Manager at Platform said they are reorganizing and getting more items this coming month and Xcite will be opening in Platform, which is a surprise.

Air Blowers:

• Bosch – Not Available
• Black and Decker – 16.5 KD
• Makita – 22.5 KD

I tried the both the B&D blower and Makita blower, overall the Makita blower felt like it was of better quality then the B&D. B&D is American while Makita is Japanese, but both are made in China. The Makita is more powerful so I went with it and crossing my fingers that it lasts awhile. Went home cleaned up, yes the blower for inside my PCs and Servers, it was nice to clean up the area but that will require a whole day.

I tend to tinker with mechanical items, I like to put things together, and when you have this habit you always have to have a set of tools. And new to my small tool set is this new Black & Decker Ready Wrench, it is the most useful tool anyone can have, I don’t know why they haven’t made this before. There are limitations this wrench of course, such as the depth of the bolt but other then that this is a high quality multi-purpose wrench.

The rubber hand piece is really useful especially when your hands is a bit oily or wet, I like the metal tools because they are easy to clean but this is easier to grip. It has the general metric sizes which has made me use my single pieces less and less, its easy to use for general purpose even though sometimes it doesn’t have all the right sizes. One thing is that sometimes the bolt isn’t a perfect fit, with 11mm it fit the edges which might cause it to around off the bolt if it wasn’t a solid bolt but the possibility is there. Overall its a must have for any tool box.

Link: Amazon
Price: $30

I have had my Leatherman Skeletool for a little over four months now and I don’t know why I didn’t purchase it earlier. It’s one of the most useful and durable tools I have ever bought for all kinds of situations. I have cut some very thick towing cable with the knife and oddly required the pliers in different vehicle situations. Its extremely compact for a tool of its strength, I like the look of the carbon fiber and its also feels comfortable. I also like the weight of it, feels just right when I’m using it and carrying it, its supposed to be this heavy if you expect it to be strong. If you like tools or are usually using tools then this should be part of your arsenal.

Quick Points:

• Combination Straight and Serrated Blade which is extremely sharpe and strong. Made of 154CM steel which is very tough and high resistence to corrosion, better edge retention then most steel.
• Belt Clip, very easy to hang it or remove it.
• Bottle Opener/Carabiner honestly this is how I hang my Skeletool CX on my shorts or on a key chain real quick.
• Combination Pliers and Wire Cutter, very strong with the build of the tool.
• Extremely durable build with tungsten coating, its not just for looks it help the tool stay in great condition when being used in humid and moist conditions.
• Universal Bit Driver with different bits for philips screw driver or any of the other options available through the optional accesories

Link: Amazon
Price: $54
Rating:

• This compact rolling carrier organizes 230 professional-quality tools and over 180 critical or commonly needed small parts (4,000 pieces in all).
• Every piece is carried in its own labeled pocket or bin. It takes just 30 seconds to inventory every tool!
• Field-tested for seven years and proven to increase productivity by as much as 40 percent.
• Entire Mobile-Shop rolls on wheels and casters. Quickly breaks up into four easy-to-manage sections — including the ultimate grab-and-go tool bag.
• Includes a built-in work surface.
• Comes with training DVD, excellent customer support and easy re-supply of every tool ad part.

This is the ultimate tool box with all the tools usually needed by any person in the home or garage. It seems they really thought of all the possible tools that a person could want, but I wouldn’t even know what they have in it, it has parts and tools from different high-end tool manufacturers which is really interesting. It seems like its a combination package put together for the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) type person. I wouldn’t mind getting my hands on one of these but the shipping would be insane, and its also not that cheap.

Price: $3000

Link: UnCrate

There are the essentials, but there are tools you are not supposed to be without. And these two below are essential tools:

• Leatherman Multitool
• Surefire E2L LED FLashlight

We had a foldable shovel, ropes, ties downs, and a knife. But a proper flashlight was needed.

I have had a Surefire flashlight before and they are nothing short of amazing! Highquality which is extremely bright and only draws very little battery. All their flashlights are of highquality and they have different flashlights for different applications. Their products are worth every penny.

Link: Surefire
Link: Amazon (Leatherman Tool)