Cool and simple tools...

[jeepdreamer]

I stumbled across something that has been a source of thought for me. It is a simple concept that I have found very handy. This led to me wondering what else may be out there that folks have found that have made their lives a little easier or more convient while camping. I'd be interested in hearing about them so I suppose I should set a guideline or two..? Maybe keep it limited to things not regularly discussed here? Things like fridge/freezers and RTTs and the like, while great, are already pretty blatent. Lets try for some other items...
Here is the little thing I found.
Its a lighter. Your run of the mill, piezo started "Bic" type butane lighter. So what so special about that you say? Well, here in Iraq, the local guys give them to you when you buy a few things from them sometimes. But what is the real handy part is it has a built in LED light. Fire maker on one end, tinder finder on the other. It runs off a few watch batteries and was designed in a way that it takes up what would normally be the secon chamber for the fuel. So while you only get half the burn time (still a silly amount) you also get to see what your doing. And I think the butane part is refillable as well.
Small, efficent, cheap, and has proven to be excessivly handy! The only info on the lighter is the name HC LIGHTER and the stamping MS300. Don't know if it could be googled or if its available elsewhere?
Anybody else?

 

[UK4X4]

I'll bite- unhappy with the flimsey extendable awning poles from wally world and the like.

I use extending paint poles 2' OD with an inner 1.5" hex pole, the twisted end goes through my grommet holes in the tarp.

The pole has a very positive click positioning

When not in use can also be used to paint with........

similar to this

 

[timh]

Most useful tool I have ever owned is a simple flathead screwdriver with the end bent over at a 45° angle about 1" from the end. We fashioned this tool on the trail a loooong time ago to adjust a drum brake but it has found so many uses since that it is one of the only tools in the outside (quick access) pouch of my toolbag.

 

[Wyowanderer]

Most useful tool I have ever owned is a simple flathead screwdriver with the end bent over at a 45° angle about 1" from the end. We fashioned this tool on the trail a loooong time ago to adjust a drum brake but it has found so many uses since that it is one of the only tools in the outside (quick access) pouch of my toolbag.

X2. I built one just like you describe twenty years ago for the exact same thing. It was the cheapest screwdriver I could find at the time, and I've used it countless times. Built it to adjust the brajkes on my '70's Datsun PL620 pickup.

 

[AFSOC]

Most useful tool I have ever owned is a simple flathead screwdriver with the end bent over at a 45° angle about 1" from the end. We fashioned this tool on the trail a loooong time ago to adjust a drum brake but it has found so many uses since that it is one of the only tools in the outside (quick access) pouch of my toolbag.

I inadvertently crafted a tool similar when I was using a screwdriver as a prybar while lining up a transmission. I was sort of mad at the time but I guess I didn't recognize the genius. :ylsmoke:

 

[JackW]

A Cotter Key puller can be used for an amazing number of jobs from o-rings to window trim to all sorts of stuff - I have several - one in each toolbox

 

[modelbuilder]

My fists.

 

[southpier]

Most useful tool I have ever owned is a simple flathead screwdriver with the end bent over ....

taken to 90 degrees and ground to a point, we used them in the boatyard to remove caulking from between planks on the wooden boats

 

[UK4X4]

here's another..

Scepter mil spec water container, get a 1/2" NPT tap the inside of the small water exit

add one of these, simply pop on the roof and you have a very compact on/off with 1 hand shower

http://www.handyspray.com/Hygiene/Personal_Hygiene_Bidet.html

The hose and head have standard fittings, so will fit most water supply systems.

arround here they are very popular and about 3 US each for hose and head !

something to do with 3 stones and book by a bearded chap.....

 

[MarcFJ60]

Not sure it qualifies as tools, but two things I always keep in my vehicles:

Roll of TP (do I need to explain?)

Baby Wipes - these are awesome to have on hand for any vehicle that strays from the straight and narrow. Clean dusty/dirty hands; clean greasy hands after after an impromptu wrenching session; or a the closest thing to a shower when your camping away from any facilities for several days.

(and I have also made the 90 degree screwdriver thingy too!)

 

[gabepari]

or when that fails...

One of the B.F. variety...

 

[Strizzo]

pointy end works great for moving burning logs around the campfire, other for hammering or pulling tent stakes, etc.

also good for, uh, geology field work, i guess...

 

[crusader]

Not camping related, but one of my favorite simple tools is this bolt grip tool, sold by Aircraft Tool Supply. It allows you to start bolts and nuts in hard-to-reach spots or to start them in areas that would normally require two people:

 

[dragogt]

Not sure it qualifies as tools, but two things I always keep in my vehicles:

Roll of TP (do I need to explain?)

Baby Wipes - these are awesome to have on hand for any vehicle that strays from the straight and narrow. Clean dusty/dirty hands; clean greasy hands after after an impromptu wrenching session; or a the closest thing to a shower when your camping away from any facilities for several days. (Also makes good TP for when you run out..)

(and I have also made the 90 degree screwdriver thingy too!)

Added..

 

[Wyowanderer]

I've never been a fan of wipes of any kind for home, but for camping I like to have Chlorox disinfectant wipes around. And a few baby wipes.