I work retail in an auto parts store.
1) Cheap ink pen from a medical vendor - free. Most shoppers don't have one and will steal it. Real mechanics always have a pen on them.
2) Streamlight AAA. To look at some part under the hood because the owner has no clue what it is, but is certain it's causing the problem. Also to light up stuff on the shelves back in the dimly lit warehouse.
3) Timex chronograph. To see how much longer I have to put up with 1 & 2. Also because the narrow passages in the warehouse shelving and cast iron parts thrown on the counter will damage anything nicer.
4) Notebook. To write down part numbers because it's a long walk to the warehouse, the customer will keep asking the next three questions on pricing something, and you will get interrupted once on the way.
5) Knife. Current EDC is a CRKT M16 titanium. Other days, a carbon fiber. To cut rubber hose because the store hose cutters really don't work. I never loan it. Don't ask.
6) Chap stick. I have to go outside the unheated building at all hours.
7) Leather bifold Levi's wallet, new from DAV. Holds the CCW rated drivers license. That and a lot of apologetic "Yes Sirs!" to young officers has kept me from getting a ticket while trying to get as far away from work as possible.
8) Tracphone. My son sometimes likes to escape his band frat house life and eat real food, so he calls me to come get him. Also, Edna Furber leaves me voicemail that another of her Fredonia, KS classmates of 1958 has died. She still doesn't understand it's a wrong number. I just erase it.
I didn't include my expensive unscratchable Cryzal glasses with unbreakable alloy frames, because they are scratched up and the frames soldered back together. No sense promoting over hyped junk.
And most importantly, the cash drawer key on a retractable chain reel. From Walmart because the ones we sell self destruct in a few weeks.
How's your EDC life? My good stuff stays home right now.
1) Cheap ink pen from a medical vendor - free. Most shoppers don't have one and will steal it. Real mechanics always have a pen on them.
2) Streamlight AAA. To look at some part under the hood because the owner has no clue what it is, but is certain it's causing the problem. Also to light up stuff on the shelves back in the dimly lit warehouse.
3) Timex chronograph. To see how much longer I have to put up with 1 & 2. Also because the narrow passages in the warehouse shelving and cast iron parts thrown on the counter will damage anything nicer.
4) Notebook. To write down part numbers because it's a long walk to the warehouse, the customer will keep asking the next three questions on pricing something, and you will get interrupted once on the way.
5) Knife. Current EDC is a CRKT M16 titanium. Other days, a carbon fiber. To cut rubber hose because the store hose cutters really don't work. I never loan it. Don't ask.
6) Chap stick. I have to go outside the unheated building at all hours.
7) Leather bifold Levi's wallet, new from DAV. Holds the CCW rated drivers license. That and a lot of apologetic "Yes Sirs!" to young officers has kept me from getting a ticket while trying to get as far away from work as possible.
8) Tracphone. My son sometimes likes to escape his band frat house life and eat real food, so he calls me to come get him. Also, Edna Furber leaves me voicemail that another of her Fredonia, KS classmates of 1958 has died. She still doesn't understand it's a wrong number. I just erase it.
I didn't include my expensive unscratchable Cryzal glasses with unbreakable alloy frames, because they are scratched up and the frames soldered back together. No sense promoting over hyped junk.
And most importantly, the cash drawer key on a retractable chain reel. From Walmart because the ones we sell self destruct in a few weeks.
How's your EDC life? My good stuff stays home right now.
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Glad to see you haven't lost your wit.