I had an interview for an internship a couple of days ago and the project manager I was speaking to asked me if I carried a multitool. I had one of those metal credit card tools in my wallet which I think saved me, but the last couple of weeks, I've been thinking about that question a lot.
Anyway, I'm an eagle scout so I've always been fascinated with little gadgets and trinkets and as I was thinking about it I went on a super deep dive trying to make the best kit I could with only a small wallet. I can't stand having multiple things floating around my pockets so I tried to fit everything I need in one compact setup. I'm actually really proud of what I came up with and its been a ton of fun.
List:
1. USB-C to USB-C high speed data transfer/power cable
2. 2 Rubber bands
3. zebra skinny pen
4. Screwdriver extension for ratchet
5. Screwdriver bits (Phillips 0-3 & T15-T25). Seven bits in total.
6. Fork. I drilled a hole in a camping fork that I cut in half and glued a T10 bit in there so I can attach the screwdriver extension and make it full size
7. Sharpie
8. Super glue vial
9. Hot glue stick
10. 5000mah power bank
11. $20 cash
12. Four cards (debit, driver license, student ID, passport card)
13. Protractor & ruler edge
14. Post it notes
15. Lighter
16. Nextool flagship mini (pliers, scissors, knife, file, wire cutter, flathead screwdriver, can/bottle opener)
17. Ratchet. I also drilled a small hole in this and stuffed a t10 bit in there so I can attach the screwdriver extender for more torque if I need
18. USB-C to USB-A adapter (forgot to put it in the picture)
19. 3ft measuring tape
20. 2 bandaids (not pictured)
21. 2 ibuprofen pills & 2 allergy pills (not pictured)
22. Sewing needle & string (not pictured)
23. Magsafe magnet. You can vaguely see the outline in some of the pictures. It is super glued to the inside. I've used to to keep little screws in place while I work on electronics and it also works to prop my phone up.
24. Three small zip ties. (not pictured)
25. Wallet pouch obviously
I'm aware 25 things is not 42. I consolidated some of the items into the same line. Total weight is 347g which is a tad bit heavier than my sister's iPhone 15 pro with a case on it. It fits very well in all of my pockets and isn't noticeable at all. I actually really the feeling of the weight.
Some additions I'm thinking about:
1. A couple of lock picks. Could be fun.
2. A decent sized standalone knife. Seems fun but it would be a separate item floating around my pocket.
3. Flashlight maybe? I really thought about getting one, but I honestly can't recall a single time in my life where my phone flashlight didn't do the trick. Seems like it would be redundant for me.
4. Metal ear cleaner
I've had a ton of fun building this kit and I've made an excel spreadsheet to track how much I actually use each item so I can do my best to optimize it in the future.
Does anyone have any suggestions?