Tool Kit - What's needed ?
- peyote2004
- Posts: 163
- Joined: Fri Feb 29, 2008 12:03 pm
- Burning Since: 2017
- Location: Ottawa, Canada
Tool Kit - What's needed ?
Starting to put together a small tool kit for the playa ... basically as things go on sale, or I find used items I'm adding them.
pliers / vice-grips (I have 1 of each)
zip ties
duct tape
rope
bungee cords
good quality multi-tool
screw driver with changeable bits
small sledge hamer or similar for pounding rebar
What do you suggest I add?
pliers / vice-grips (I have 1 of each)
zip ties
duct tape
rope
bungee cords
good quality multi-tool
screw driver with changeable bits
small sledge hamer or similar for pounding rebar
What do you suggest I add?
--
Today is the Tomorrow you worried about Yesterday... now you know why.
Today is the Tomorrow you worried about Yesterday... now you know why.
- theCryptofishist
- Posts: 40313
- Joined: Mon Feb 23, 2004 9:28 am
- Burning Since: 2017
- Location: In Exile
Re: Tool Kit - What's needed ?
[channelling AntiM]Spring clamps[/channelling AntiM]
Last edited by theCryptofishist on Tue Sep 11, 2012 10:36 am, edited 1 time in total.
The Lady with a Lamprey
"The powerful are exploiting people, art and ideas, and this leads to us plebes debating how to best ration ice.
Man, no wonder they always win....." Lonesomebri
"The powerful are exploiting people, art and ideas, and this leads to us plebes debating how to best ration ice.
Man, no wonder they always win....." Lonesomebri
Re: Tool Kit - What's needed ?
Being a recent convert to the Spring Clamp camp, I agree with Crypto and AntiM highly!!!!!
- misfit
- Posts: 573
- Joined: Tue Sep 13, 2005 12:45 pm
- Burning Since: 1996
- Camp Name: wish you were here
- Location: norcal
- Contact:
Re: Tool Kit - What's needed ?
if your bringing a bike,,, a smal air pump and fresh tube.
Be happy while you're living, For you're a long time dead.
Re: Tool Kit - What's needed ?
Wire strippers.
- AntiM
- Moderator
- Posts: 19705
- Joined: Wed Mar 24, 2004 5:23 am
- Burning Since: 2001
- Camp Name: Anti M's Home for Wayward Art
- Location: Wild, Wild West
Re: Tool Kit - What's needed ?
MyLarry brings a full tool kit, including a drill and an entire case of fasteners. Someone came looking for a woodsaw, and yes, he had one. So camp next to us.
- Bob
- Posts: 6748
- Joined: Wed Sep 03, 2003 10:00 am
- Burning Since: 1986
- Camp Name: Royaneh
- Location: San Francisco
- Contact:
Re: Tool Kit - What's needed ?
Pawn shops in gambling towns [cough Reno] are good for buying multi-tools, I got a Gerber in good shape for less than half the price new, but I get more use out of a basic pocket knife plus the Victorinox mini-knife that has the tweezers, toothpick & mini-scissors. Bring a small stone to keep blades sharp.
Get a mini-tripod for your camera. Going to Burning Man and not taking pics of yourself there is just stupid.
Bring a basic first aid kit, painkillers of choice, and antihistamines.
Regarding actual "tools" it depends on what you're building. Stick to better brands eg Irwin/Vise-Grip, Klein, Knipex, ChannelLock, Estwing, etc. If you plan on volunteering on a work crew building big art bring a comfortable tool belt, framing hammer, side-cutting pliers, Vise-Grips, utility knife, 4-way screwdriver, and a beer cooler.
Get a mini-tripod for your camera. Going to Burning Man and not taking pics of yourself there is just stupid.
Bring a basic first aid kit, painkillers of choice, and antihistamines.
Regarding actual "tools" it depends on what you're building. Stick to better brands eg Irwin/Vise-Grip, Klein, Knipex, ChannelLock, Estwing, etc. If you plan on volunteering on a work crew building big art bring a comfortable tool belt, framing hammer, side-cutting pliers, Vise-Grips, utility knife, 4-way screwdriver, and a beer cooler.
Amazing desert structures & stuff: http://sites.google.com/site/potatotrap/
"Let us say I suggest you may be human." -- Reverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohiam
"Let us say I suggest you may be human." -- Reverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohiam
- Zhust
- Posts: 710
- Joined: Tue Feb 15, 2005 12:46 pm
- Burning Since: 2004
- Camp Name: Camp CampCampCamp
- Location: Rochester, NY
- Contact:
Re: Tool Kit - What's needed ?
Your kit is pretty complete as far as I'm concerned. Note to get colored zip-ties (or, for our Canadian listeners, zap-straps) rather than clear/white ones. You can find the colored ones in the Playa if you drop one. And I know I'm in the minority in thinking duct tape is terribly useless.
My most used tools were the vice grips (Irwin-brand for reals; good for getting rebar out), 4-pound "drilling hammer" from Harbor Freight (for getting rebar in), claw-wrench (similar to a small pipe wrench except it instantly adjusts to any size), and a GatorGrip socket with ratchet (not as good as having every socket, but it fits every bolt).
Basically scale your tool kit to match the things you are bringing. I didn't bring bike tools because I didn't bring a bike (except a small frame pump 'cause it was small). I had some electronic projects so I had a minimal kit to diagnose and fix them (meter, wire cutter/stripper, soldering iron, solder, solar battery pack/inverter/AA charger).
My most used tools were the vice grips (Irwin-brand for reals; good for getting rebar out), 4-pound "drilling hammer" from Harbor Freight (for getting rebar in), claw-wrench (similar to a small pipe wrench except it instantly adjusts to any size), and a GatorGrip socket with ratchet (not as good as having every socket, but it fits every bolt).
Basically scale your tool kit to match the things you are bringing. I didn't bring bike tools because I didn't bring a bike (except a small frame pump 'cause it was small). I had some electronic projects so I had a minimal kit to diagnose and fix them (meter, wire cutter/stripper, soldering iron, solder, solar battery pack/inverter/AA charger).
May your deeds return to you tenfold,
---Zhust, Curiosityist
---Zhust, Curiosityist
- peyote2004
- Posts: 163
- Joined: Fri Feb 29, 2008 12:03 pm
- Burning Since: 2017
- Location: Ottawa, Canada
Re: Tool Kit - What's needed ?
These items are a great place to start. I'm making a list of all the things I need/want (tools, gear, fun stuff) so I can look for them on sale or used over the next 11 months.
I had thought I've some of the items suggested, but then quickly forgotten about them. They are now on my list.
I hadn't thought about the benefit of colored zip-ties over clear, but the added visibility is worth it .... Now, I just need to locate some.
Zhust - I'm Canadian, and I've never heard of calling zip-ties ... Zap-straps. You learn something new every day
Thanks for the ideas ... Hopefully this thread will help others come prepared too.
I had thought I've some of the items suggested, but then quickly forgotten about them. They are now on my list.
I hadn't thought about the benefit of colored zip-ties over clear, but the added visibility is worth it .... Now, I just need to locate some.
Zhust - I'm Canadian, and I've never heard of calling zip-ties ... Zap-straps. You learn something new every day

Thanks for the ideas ... Hopefully this thread will help others come prepared too.
--
Today is the Tomorrow you worried about Yesterday... now you know why.
Today is the Tomorrow you worried about Yesterday... now you know why.
- AntiM
- Moderator
- Posts: 19705
- Joined: Wed Mar 24, 2004 5:23 am
- Burning Since: 2001
- Camp Name: Anti M's Home for Wayward Art
- Location: Wild, Wild West
Re: Tool Kit - What's needed ?
Harbor Freight has the colored zip-zaps, often on sale. I have a pack of neon ones.
- theCryptofishist
- Posts: 40313
- Joined: Mon Feb 23, 2004 9:28 am
- Burning Since: 2017
- Location: In Exile
Re: Tool Kit - What's needed ?
Zhust wrote:And I know I'm in the minority in thinking duct tape is terribly useless.
Actually, one message I got from reading the board this year is that gaffer's tape is preferable on playa. Heat makes the glue on the duct tape loosen. Of course, tape in general might be useless. I have to say that it often isn't what's called for, but it's something those of us without a bunch of basic skills can use to accomplish something.
The Lady with a Lamprey
"The powerful are exploiting people, art and ideas, and this leads to us plebes debating how to best ration ice.
Man, no wonder they always win....." Lonesomebri
"The powerful are exploiting people, art and ideas, and this leads to us plebes debating how to best ration ice.
Man, no wonder they always win....." Lonesomebri
Re: Tool Kit - What's needed ?
theCryptofishist wrote:I have to say that it often isn't what's called for, but it's something those of us without a bunch of basic skills can use to accomplish something.
Duct tape is always the wrong answer. But it is always an answer, nonetheless.
I agree with the heat thing - I have been holding my passenger side mirror on all summer with duct tape because I am too lazy to either epoxy it or drill a hole and bolt it on. In the 100 degree heat the duct tape only holds for a day. Now that it is getting cool it holds for weeks.

Re: Tool Kit - What's needed ?
A study found duct tape (or probably the better gaffer's tape) was useful for virtually everything, except ductwork.
- theCryptofishist
- Posts: 40313
- Joined: Mon Feb 23, 2004 9:28 am
- Burning Since: 2017
- Location: In Exile
Re: Tool Kit - What's needed ?
5280MeV wrote:theCryptofishist wrote:I have to say that it often isn't what's called for, but it's something those of us without a bunch of basic skills can use to accomplish something.
Duct tape is always the wrong answer. But it is always an answer, nonetheless.
I agree with the heat thing - I have been holding my passenger side mirror on all summer with duct tape because I am too lazy to either epoxy it or drill a hole and bolt it on. In the 100 degree heat the duct tape only holds for a day. Now that it is getting cool it holds for weeks.
Thank you! I'm ready to take the SAT again!
The Lady with a Lamprey
"The powerful are exploiting people, art and ideas, and this leads to us plebes debating how to best ration ice.
Man, no wonder they always win....." Lonesomebri
"The powerful are exploiting people, art and ideas, and this leads to us plebes debating how to best ration ice.
Man, no wonder they always win....." Lonesomebri
- MikeGyver
- Posts: 681
- Joined: Sat Jun 04, 2011 3:23 pm
- Burning Since: 2011
- Camp Name: Dye With Dignity
- Location: San Diego, California
- Contact:
Re: Tool Kit - What's needed ?
In my tool box is three adjustable wrenches (two 6" and one 10") for various situations, a pair of vise grips, Wire cutters, wire strippers, a few feet of electrical wire, wire connectors, gerber multi-tool, Duct tape (may not work for long but it will get you down the road), spool of tie wire, bunch of zip ties, electrical Multi-tester, screw driver with assorted heads.
IMHO its a good small tool kit, carried in a Surplus Ammo box. At some point I plan to get a bigger box and make a more versatile kit for road trips.
IMHO its a good small tool kit, carried in a Surplus Ammo box. At some point I plan to get a bigger box and make a more versatile kit for road trips.
The major difference between a thing that might go wrong and a thing that cannot possibly go wrong is that when a thing that cannot possibly go wrong goes wrong it usually turns out to be impossible to get at or repair.
- TomServo
- Posts: 6160
- Joined: Wed Dec 01, 2004 1:17 pm
- Burning Since: 1999
- Camp Name: Black Rock City Assholes Union Local 668
- Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
Re: Tool Kit - What's needed ?
Gorilla Tape
Harbor freight ratchet straps (tie downs)
Harbor freight ratchet straps (tie downs)
anything worth doing is worth overdoing..
- tattoogoddess
- Posts: 2099
- Joined: Wed Sep 14, 2011 5:22 pm
- Burning Since: 2012
- Location: Des Moines, Iowa
Re: Tool Kit - What's needed ?
TomServo wrote:Gorilla Tape
Harbor freight ratchet straps (tie downs)
Tool box, not our sex box tom. gees.
zip ties are a must!! found so many uses for them! also works well as last minute wedding bands.
maladroit- Burning Man is like a second job, except you pay to work there.
Burning Man is just the pre party for exodus! - fellow burner during exodus
Burning Man is just the pre party for exodus! - fellow burner during exodus
Re: Tool Kit - What's needed ?
Lots of good stuff here. I can add only:
Bottle opener worn on my belt at all times for emergency beers.
A long Fulton wrecking bar to help pull my 10" nailhead stakes.
Box cutter.
Packing tape.
I third the recommendation of spring clamps. So useful! And just sort of . . . fun.
Bottle opener worn on my belt at all times for emergency beers.
A long Fulton wrecking bar to help pull my 10" nailhead stakes.
Box cutter.
Packing tape.
I third the recommendation of spring clamps. So useful! And just sort of . . . fun.

*** 2017 Survival Guide ***
"I must've lost it when I was twerking at the trash fence." -- BBadger
"Snark away, ePlaya, you magnificent bastards." -- McStrangle
"I must've lost it when I was twerking at the trash fence." -- BBadger
"Snark away, ePlaya, you magnificent bastards." -- McStrangle
- BBadger
- Posts: 5649
- Joined: Wed Jan 19, 2011 10:37 am
- Burning Since: 2018
- Location: (near) Portland, OR, USA
Re: Tool Kit - What's needed ?
In addition to what you listed:
- Spool of mechanic's wire (it's like metal duct tape for holding stuff in place)
- Canned air
- Mirror
- Round file (remove burrs off stuff, etc.)
- Nail clipper
- Carabiners
- Needle nosed wire snips (not just for wire)
- Bag of zip-ties
- Flashlight
- Safety pins
- Velcro straps
- Hand Brush (it is dusty, but good for sweeping stuff off a table)
- Magnet (for collecting screws, etc.)
- Tire flat kit
- Tire pump
- Tape measure
Specialized tools:
- Bike chain tool + Allen key (or both)
- Sewing Awl (for repairing heavy fabrics, tarps, leather, or stuff in general). Great for costume repairs.
- Spool of mechanic's wire (it's like metal duct tape for holding stuff in place)
- Canned air
- Mirror
- Round file (remove burrs off stuff, etc.)
- Nail clipper
- Carabiners
- Needle nosed wire snips (not just for wire)
- Bag of zip-ties
- Flashlight
- Safety pins
- Velcro straps
- Hand Brush (it is dusty, but good for sweeping stuff off a table)
- Magnet (for collecting screws, etc.)
- Tire flat kit
- Tire pump
- Tape measure
Specialized tools:
- Bike chain tool + Allen key (or both)
- Sewing Awl (for repairing heavy fabrics, tarps, leather, or stuff in general). Great for costume repairs.
"The essence of tyranny is not iron law. It is capricious law." -- Christopher Hitchens
Hate reading my replies? Click here to add me to your plonk (foe) list.
Hate reading my replies? Click here to add me to your plonk (foe) list.
- graidawg
- Posts: 3180
- Joined: Thu Jan 20, 2011 5:50 am
- Burning Since: 2011
- Camp Name: CAMP Hooker
- Contact:
Re: Tool Kit - What's needed ?
are zip ties and gaffer tape tools? and why has nobody mentioned wd40? a good multitool is essential i used every single attachement while at bm on my gerber.
if zip ties are tools then carabinas- a good assortment is essential also bungee cords and paracord are damn useful.
if zip ties are tools then carabinas- a good assortment is essential also bungee cords and paracord are damn useful.
FREE THE SHERPAS
Burners with torches is right and natural and just.-fishy.
CATCH AND RELEASE.
Burners with torches is right and natural and just.-fishy.
CATCH AND RELEASE.
Re: Tool Kit - What's needed ?
**makes a note to camp close to antim**
"Success is not the result of spontaneous combustion. You must first set yourself on fire."~~Fred Shero
- Bob
- Posts: 6748
- Joined: Wed Sep 03, 2003 10:00 am
- Burning Since: 1986
- Camp Name: Royaneh
- Location: San Francisco
- Contact:
Re: Tool Kit - What's needed ?
They aren't vicegrips no matter how many times they've been to bunringman.
And I think you people are confusing tools, hardware and rigging.
And I think you people are confusing tools, hardware and rigging.
Amazing desert structures & stuff: http://sites.google.com/site/potatotrap/
"Let us say I suggest you may be human." -- Reverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohiam
"Let us say I suggest you may be human." -- Reverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohiam
- BBadger
- Posts: 5649
- Joined: Wed Jan 19, 2011 10:37 am
- Burning Since: 2018
- Location: (near) Portland, OR, USA
Re: Tool Kit - What's needed ?
Vice-Grip:
Vise-Grip:
Vise-Grip:
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
"The essence of tyranny is not iron law. It is capricious law." -- Christopher Hitchens
Hate reading my replies? Click here to add me to your plonk (foe) list.
Hate reading my replies? Click here to add me to your plonk (foe) list.
- MacGlenver
- Posts: 869
- Joined: Thu Feb 09, 2012 5:11 pm
- Burning Since: 2011
- Camp Name: I call this one 'Old Gregg'
Re: Tool Kit - What's needed ?
Carabiners & Multi tool. Never left home without em.
"just two indecisive cowboys, trying to play a word game." - piehole
"Just apply intelligence and discretion and you should be able to get away with just about anything." - Ugly Dougly
"Just apply intelligence and discretion and you should be able to get away with just about anything." - Ugly Dougly
- graidawg
- Posts: 3180
- Joined: Thu Jan 20, 2011 5:50 am
- Burning Since: 2011
- Camp Name: CAMP Hooker
- Contact:
Re: Tool Kit - What's needed ?
BBadger wrote:Vice-Grip:
Vise-Grip:
my dad called them mole grips. in our tool shops they are called locking pliers. useful tool i have about 5 pairs of varying sizes. i have far more crowbars of varying sizes,, my tool bag looks like a well equiped burglars, more so once i have done my locksmith course
FREE THE SHERPAS
Burners with torches is right and natural and just.-fishy.
CATCH AND RELEASE.
Burners with torches is right and natural and just.-fishy.
CATCH AND RELEASE.
- BBadger
- Posts: 5649
- Joined: Wed Jan 19, 2011 10:37 am
- Burning Since: 2018
- Location: (near) Portland, OR, USA
Re: Tool Kit - What's needed ?
Yeah "Vise grip" is a genericized trademark in the US these days.
"The essence of tyranny is not iron law. It is capricious law." -- Christopher Hitchens
Hate reading my replies? Click here to add me to your plonk (foe) list.
Hate reading my replies? Click here to add me to your plonk (foe) list.
- Zhust
- Posts: 710
- Joined: Tue Feb 15, 2005 12:46 pm
- Burning Since: 2004
- Camp Name: Camp CampCampCamp
- Location: Rochester, NY
- Contact:
Re: Tool Kit - What's needed ?
May your deeds return to you tenfold,
---Zhust, Curiosityist
---Zhust, Curiosityist
- Bob
- Posts: 6748
- Joined: Wed Sep 03, 2003 10:00 am
- Burning Since: 1986
- Camp Name: Royaneh
- Location: San Francisco
- Contact:
Re: Tool Kit - What's needed ?

Amazing desert structures & stuff: http://sites.google.com/site/potatotrap/
"Let us say I suggest you may be human." -- Reverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohiam
"Let us say I suggest you may be human." -- Reverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohiam
- some seeing eye
- Posts: 2679
- Joined: Tue Sep 09, 2008 12:06 pm
- Burning Since: 1999
- Camp Name: Woo
- Location: The Oregon
Re: Tool Kit - What's needed ?
Many good suggestions. Add lineman's pliers/cutters, hemostats and a measuring tape for laying out camp, monkey huts etc. Safety glasses if your goggles aren't doing it.
increasing the signal to noise ratio with compassion
- otakup0pe
- Posts: 144
- Joined: Sat Jan 21, 2012 6:27 pm
- Burning Since: 2012
- Location: Oakland, CA
- Contact:
Re: Tool Kit - What's needed ?
The volt meter I brought for testing batteries ended up being useful troubleshooting an art car. The one tool I definitely missed was a wrecking bar to pull my playa staples out of the ground. They were too tight to use vise-grips on but came out smoothly once I went at them with a piece of rebar as a lever and the eight pound sledge.
Actually I'll probably also have a Linux powered netbook next year to help with microcontroller debugging but it may not live in my tool box.
Also the tool box is pink.
Actually I'll probably also have a Linux powered netbook next year to help with microcontroller debugging but it may not live in my tool box.
Also the tool box is pink.
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
Return to “Q & A Tips and Tricks”
Who is online
Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 5 guests