- Joined
- Jan 24, 2005
- Messages
- 2,792
As a photographer, I am never without a multitool when on assignment (or off it, either. 
) Often on a job, something has to be tightened, cut, or otherwise needs attention. Weight and space considerations do not permit more of a tool kit in my portable photo gear outfit.
Last weekend I was doing group photos of bands, orchestras and ensembles at a music education convention. After one concert, as the stage was being prepared for the next performance, one of the coordinators approached me to ask if I had a hammer or screwdriver. Well, I had no hammer, but told him I would do what I could with my Leatherman.
On stage, several musicians were fussing over a lid they were trying to remove from a concert grand piano. One of the hinge pins was stuck in place. They had been struggling with it for some time, but it would not budge. I examined the pin, found a right angle bend at one end, so I whipped out my Charge Tti, grabbed the L with the pliers, twisted and pulled out the pin. “Wow!” said one of the guys, “We were at it it for 10 minutes and you got it done in seconds.” My (usual) reply: “Everyone ought to have one of these.”
Later, I was talking with the sound recording crew about the incident, repeating my opinion that every able-bodied adult should EDC some sort of MT. They agreed, although apparently the TSA does not. It seems that in flying all over the country to attend these gigs, all these guys, at one time or another, had theirs lifted by airport security, two of them multiple times. In the rush of things they would invariably forget the multitool on their belt or carry-on luggage; too bad for them, big happiness for Ebay sellers.
In the unlikely event I would likewise be so forgetful, my carry-on bag contains a padded envelope, self addressed and stamped, to mail from the airport in case I have a lapse. To paraphrase the Leatherman slogan: “NOW I’m ready” (or is it “Screw the TSA?"
)
) Often on a job, something has to be tightened, cut, or otherwise needs attention. Weight and space considerations do not permit more of a tool kit in my portable photo gear outfit. Last weekend I was doing group photos of bands, orchestras and ensembles at a music education convention. After one concert, as the stage was being prepared for the next performance, one of the coordinators approached me to ask if I had a hammer or screwdriver. Well, I had no hammer, but told him I would do what I could with my Leatherman.
On stage, several musicians were fussing over a lid they were trying to remove from a concert grand piano. One of the hinge pins was stuck in place. They had been struggling with it for some time, but it would not budge. I examined the pin, found a right angle bend at one end, so I whipped out my Charge Tti, grabbed the L with the pliers, twisted and pulled out the pin. “Wow!” said one of the guys, “We were at it it for 10 minutes and you got it done in seconds.” My (usual) reply: “Everyone ought to have one of these.”
Later, I was talking with the sound recording crew about the incident, repeating my opinion that every able-bodied adult should EDC some sort of MT. They agreed, although apparently the TSA does not. It seems that in flying all over the country to attend these gigs, all these guys, at one time or another, had theirs lifted by airport security, two of them multiple times. In the rush of things they would invariably forget the multitool on their belt or carry-on luggage; too bad for them, big happiness for Ebay sellers.
In the unlikely event I would likewise be so forgetful, my carry-on bag contains a padded envelope, self addressed and stamped, to mail from the airport in case I have a lapse. To paraphrase the Leatherman slogan: “NOW I’m ready” (or is it “Screw the TSA?"
)