Prepper tools

Vanity (hey, it's not a blog!) | 9/29/2012 | Outofsalt

[outofsalt]

I have been pondering emergency preparations for some time and enjoy the prepper threads from which I've learned a lot and have applied much. I was trying to find some good articles on essential tools for "a really bad day" scenario or, TEOTWAWKI. Many articles include things like cash and shelter and first aid. Even post it notes and looms have made some lists. I am looking for ideas for hand operated essentials and have my own list...Please help flesh out these ideas.

[Twinkie]

toilet paper, pepper spray, dry dog food & dog biskits, dry cat food

[outofsalt]

Thanks for your input on my tools thread. I’ve always wanted to go to Switzerland and see just what their army does with those wee tiny little red knives!

[Mortrey]

Manual can opener.

[Mortrey]

Plastic sheeting also good for lining the bed of your truck (rain water)IF the sheeting is big enough and bathtub for water retention.

[300winmag]

Everybody has good advice on how to get along without electrical stuff. But aside from carrying an ammo can full of batteries (which would weigh as much as a can of ammo), how do will you know how good they'll be when it comes time to use them?

That's why I have a couple of ZTS computerized battery testers, both in my bailout bag, and just to have around the house, because they take the guesswork and frustration out of so many battery-related problems.

The smaller ones (about $40) test many types of electronic, rechargeable, and plain ol' consumer batteries, plus lots of oddball ones. The bigger testers test more types, but run up to about $150. The biggest ones also have NSN numbers, which means they are listed in the government's online parts catalog, but you may not have enough "pull" to get one, especially in a war zone.

The alkaline batteries in my cordless mouse stop working when the battery charge drops to only 80%. But those same 80% batteries will run a LED flashlight for quite a while, so all is not lost.

In a barter situation, you might like to swap for batteries, but how do you know they'll work for a while, or are they on death's doorstep, regardless of the "good until" date?

With a tester, you'll have a much better idea of battery health, whether for your own peace of mind, or in a trade.

People have already mentioned booze, ammo, TP, tobacco, etc. as being a form of currency. Most of the other items can be checked visually, or with a quick demo, to give an idea of how useful they will be. Batteries, as desirable as they may be, are a bit trickier without one of these.

And consider having a couple of these testers as spare barter goods. If someone "found" a truckload of batteries, what better way to clinch the sale than testing something at random one one of these?

Batteries will be "luxury goods", but people will be more willing to do business if they know they're getting good merchandise. How much enjoyment can you get from your MP3 player if you know the batteries are good for several weeks?

The smallest model is about $40 list, but I'm sure a bit of online shopping can do better. Just remember that the testers use AA batteries themselves, and make sure you have known fresh ones available. For something about the size of a cell phone, here's an item I haven't seen mentioned elsewhere, but it won't weigh down your wallet or your pack, and might just make you the smartest and coolest kid on the block.

[outofsalt]

Good idea! I get batteries from work as they replace them in the equipment. Lots of charges left in those puppies. I charge them on my trickle charger but I really don’t have a good sense for just how capable they are. I would use them with an inverter to run strings of LED christmas lights. A couple of the Icicle strings put out a lot of light! I need to figure out how to deep cycle them once or twice a year in some controlled manner. This should help a lot.

[4everontheRight]

That is odd....I see wax paper at my local chain grocery and Wal-Mart...right next to the plastic wraps and butcher paper.

[SgtHooper]

I was thinking about that yesterday while mowing my yard. However, I wonder of the need for doing that. I guess it depends on the seriousness of the overall picture. If it is the really bad times, no mowing at all as it is a red tag to come and get me, but if not so bad times, perhaps a good idea to have one.

[Iron Munro]

Pick up a few old style beer can openers (aka Church Key) at yard sales.
Put one in your tool box, bail-out-bag, kitchen box, etc.

[Marcella]

GI can openers from Amazon:

G.I. Type P-51 Can Opener - 10 Pack $4.82
Sold by Survivalist USA
Condition: new

I keep one in my purse. I have opened two cans with one and opening two cans will have you opening cans easily with these little openers. Our military has been using them for eons.

[Iron Munro]

GI can openers from Amazon:
G.I. Type P-51 Can Opener - 10 Pack $4.82
Our military has been using them for eons.

Been there and done that for real.

Get a P-38 (smaller than the P-51) and carry it on a dog tag chain around your neck.
Always there for emergencies. 43 Uses For A P-38

[COBOL2Java]

Might want to consider a still. Liquor could be used as barter.

[Chickensoup]

YOur plan sounds nice but out of my reach. I am more concerned with the heat, and other detecting eyes of the feds. You cannot hide from them

[Chickensoup]

Actually the government DOES have xray vision and drives down streets in cities in truck using it.

[CodeToad]

Bolt Cutters. You never know when a lock keeps you from your goal.

[WVKayaker]

p-38 bump!

[eartick]

Come on...ur sheeting me, right. Well, I live off the hiway about a mile but I guess I better not throw those lead underwear away, just yet.

[Marcella]

The P51 is a little larger and easier to use but also has the hole for a neck chain.

The man who designed these was a genius. Since I got 10, I’m giving them as part of Christmas gifts to family.

[outofsalt]

Good addition. I’m headed to Lowes in the morning.

[TEXOKIE]

THanks. maybe I just need to look harder!