 |
||||||||
 |
||||||||
|
||||||||
|
Gear and Gadgets: Marvelous multitools
By JUDI DASH What better accompaniment for mobile multitaskers than multitools that provide many fix-it aids in one portable unit? Items have been tested by the author and may be available in stores. Price does not include shipping. All these items stash easily in a pocket or glove compartment. If you are flying, transport them in checked bags to comply with security rules; some have sharp points. HOME AND AWAY IMPROVEMENT: The PocketPro is a stocked toolbox in a pouch. Most of the 18 implements twist, swivel or pop out from an 8-inch by 13/8-inch by 1-inch-thick base unit, converting the PocketPro into an adjustable wrench, straight and angle socket drivers, straight and angle screwdrivers, steel hammer and T-bar handle for high-torque fastening. The in-handle bit storage includes four screwdriver bits (two Phillips, two slotted). A separate socket tray holds nine quarter-inch-drive sockets (3/16 inch through half-inch). All this stashes in an 81/2-inch by 31/2-inch nylon pouch for easy transport in a pocket or glove compartment. PocketPro Multi-Tool (223142) is $19.99 from Improvements: toll-free 1-800-985-6044; www.improvementscatalog.com. SHARP CARD: It's hard to believe that 12 useful tools are stashed in the credit card-size, 1.3-ounce Ice Lite II. But look carefully at the one-eighth-inch-thick translucent plastic housing and you'll count tiny scissors, a 2-inch serrated blade, a minilight, a Phillips screwdriver, a flat screwdriver, a diminutive eyeglass screwdriver, a staple puller, a nail file, tweezers, a toothpick and inch/centimeter rulers. I keep one of these in my wallet, and it has come in handy numerous times. Ice Lite II 12-Function Key Ring (10009092) is $29.99 from the Container Store: toll-free 1-888-266-8246; www.containerstore.com. PUZZLE THING: The 13/4-inch by 1-inch by quarter-inch-thick Microtechnician looks like some little pieces of scrap metal joined by a hinge. But this tool is scrappy, not scrap. Swivel out the two "arms" and you've got a little set of pliers. The end of one arm is a Phillips screwdriver, the other a flat-blade screwdriver. Also built into this ingenious gadget (which attaches to a key ring) are a wire cutter/stripper and sheers. The whole thing weighs a little more than an ounce. Edges are not sharp and should not pose an airport security risk. Microtechnician (KT560) is $19.85 from Magellan's: toll-free 1-800-962-4943; www.magellans.com. COMPUTE THIS: The Swiss Army people never seem to tire of tinkering with their knives to come up with newfangled versions that perform ever more diverse tasks. Among the latest creations is the CyberTool 41, which, as its name implies, contains 41 tools useful in fixing computers, specifically laptops, although the tools are equally useful for lower-tech needs. In addition to the various blades and other standard implements found in many Swiss Army knives, the hefty CyberTool 41 has a variety of tiny pliers, screwdrivers and sockets, a DIP switch setter, a bit wrench and more. Also included is that essential mobile business tool: a corkscrew. CyberTool 41 (53938) is $90 from Swiss Army Brands: toll-free 1-800-442-2706; www.swissarmy.com. KEY POINTS: At first glance, the Utili-Key appears to be an odd-shaped key, or perhaps a little wrench. It's actually a six-in-one tool that is neither. Unfolded, the stainless steel contraption becomes a microsized Phillips screwdriver, flat screwdriver, eyeglass screwdriver, bottle opener, knife blade and serrated cutting surface. Weighing half an ounce, the Utili-Key self-locks to any key ring. Keep 'em guessing. Utili-Key 6-in-1 Tool is $10.99 from Swiss Tech: toll-free 1-800-414-8799; www.swisstechtools.com. - Judi Dash is a freelance travel writer who lives near Cleveland.
 © 2006 • All Rights Reserved • St. Petersburg Times
490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111 
|
From the Times Travel page
From the AP |
