IDEAS: Field Kit

OK, here's where the true power of this list comes into play:

Having been onsite many times at various facilities, I've always wanted a "pick up and go" set of tools that I could use, rather than having to sort around for the individual bits each time I have to go.

Of course, being the nerdy-type person I am, everything would have to be clippable onto a toolbelt.

Here are the things I think would be necessary (if you have to wonder about my choices, you have probably not much field experience):

-tape measure
-really long tape measure
-really, really long tape measure
-clone to hold the other end of the tape measure
-plant operator/engineer interpretation machine
-clipboard with mylar sheets and plastic lead
-bullshit detector
-laser pointer
-high powered, triple D-cell Maglite
-canned spit for use on potentially hot, uninsulated piping
-plumb bob
-inedible markers, chalk points and small spray can
-cheap calculator
-multilingual translator device
-metal detector
-magnetic moon boots for walking upside-down on the underside of
pipe(t)rack steel

[Yes, I know this is getting silly, but I'm running out of ideas]

I'm leaving out advanced electronics such as cell phones and laptops (see Alias's I-Sketch), since these are a no-no for onsite activity in most plants. Their danger is mostly an urban legend, much like why many countries now ban the use of cellular phones at gas stations.

I have no interest in putting together such a kit for general consumption, but if enough interest exists I'll give it top billing at the site and someone else can profit from it.

Let your imagination run wild!

Paul Received on Sat Mar 17 08:02:00 2001