tools / multi-tools for the camera bag

midnightvisions · 05-09-2019, 02:50 AM

Hello,

My collection of individual accessories for the camera bag is growing and I'm collecting more and more Allan keys, screw drivers, threaded adapters and wrenches.
I'm tired of carrying a ziplock bag bag full of individual tool bits.

Has anyone come across that perfect tool, or mult-tool for the camera bag?

Is there such a thing or has somebody found something that works just as good?

Thanks.

Zivelot · 05-09-2019, 03:39 AM

Hi,

They make compact multi tools for cyclists. I would look at things like these and find out which one suits more.

By the way I am not in any way a representative of the maker of these tools presented here. Just googled for pictures, but there are loads more out there to choose from.

**aslyfox** · 05-09-2019, 04:17 AM - **1 Like**

my advice is to figure out what you need in the field as opposed to what you might use at home

I went for the basic

split ring with a flat head and hex wrench on it

A13 Photographers Multi-Tool 5/32 (4mm) Allen Wrench Hex and Flat Head Key Chain Tool

Photographers Multi-Tool 5/32 (4mm) Allen Wrench Hex and Flat Head Key Chain Tool

available from several sources including Amazon

reeftool · 05-09-2019, 05:28 AM - **1 Like**

I have a very old Swiss Army knife which has been a permanent member of my camera bag since the film days. I also carry a Leatherman multi tool knockoff just about everywhere.

**aslyfox** · 05-09-2019, 05:36 AM

Originally posted by reeftool

I have a very old Swiss Army knife which has been a permanent member of my camera bag since the film days. I also carry a Leatherman multi tool knockoff just about everywhere.

I grew up carrying a small pocket knife and " graduated " to multi tools

I no longer carryi anything since so many locations now ban any type of weapon and often there are metal detectors and many multi tools have blades of some sort

years ago, I was ready to enter the National History Museum in Washington DC and realized that my multitool had a blade and would be detected by the machine. there was no storage area so I looked around and hid it in a planter.

luckily it was still there when I left. It was an expensive Gerber multi tool

planning ahead is, at times, not my strong suit

Zivelot · 05-09-2019, 07:11 AM

Originally posted by reeftool

I have a very old Swiss Army knife which has been a permanent member of my camera bag since the film days. I also carry a Leatherman multi tool knockoff just about everywhere.

Another vote for Swiss Army knife.

reeftool · 05-09-2019, 07:16 AM

Originally posted by aslyfox

I grew up carrying a small pocket knife and " graduated " to multi tools

I no longer carryi anything since so many locations now ban any type of weapon and often there are metal detectors and many multi tools have blades of some sort

years ago, I was ready to enter the National History Museum in Washington DC and realized that my multitool had a blade and would be detected by the machine. there was no storage area so I looked around and hid it in a planter.

luckily it was still there when I left. It was an expensive Gerber multi tool

planning ahead is, at times, not my strong suit

I'm not one to frequent places with metal detectors so I've never paid much mind. When I fly, my camera bag goes in my checked luggage and my camera and whatever lenses I am bringing go in my carry on bag. Mostly when I go into a museum, I leave the camera bag behind. I have a couple of bad discs in my neck and carry as little as necessary. My multi tool is usually in the saddlebag of my Harley or in one of the storage compartments in the car. That said, my old Swiss army knife has never been an issue.

**rogerstg** · 05-09-2019, 11:42 AM

Originally posted by midnightvisions

Has anyone come across that perfect tool, or mult-tool for the camera bag?

Probably there's nothing perfect for everyone, but this Smallrig Folding Multi Tool seems to check a lot of boxes.

**ThorSanchez** · 05-09-2019, 12:02 PM

I'm a fan of the NiteIze DoohicKey. It's the size of a key, weighs nothing, but is a perfect flatblade screwdriver for tripod plates. Plus it's a carabiner, tiny ruler, wrench, bottle opener. And it costs $3.90 in Amazon.

**Ttedders** · 05-09-2019, 12:15 PM

An option to look at is the Tread by Leatherman. It is a multitool bracelet that you wear. It contains about 29 different tools. I have one and use it often. It goes through metal detectors and x-ray machines fine because it does not have a blade. It does have a small cutter. I work in county courthouses and have had no problems getting it through. Except that the law enforcement people stop me to look at it and ask a lot of questions. I have taken it through airport security several times.

**aslyfox** · 05-09-2019, 12:32 PM

I'm going to make a suggestion [ I hope no one minds ]:

why don't folks who are suggesting solutions to the OP's question go to the Accessories section of the forum

Miscellaneous - Pentax Camera Accessory Review Database

and post a thread indicating their suggestions and review them?

**Kerrowdown** · 05-09-2019, 01:24 PM

I recently bought an item from 3 Legged Thing and it came with a free Toolz, a wee multi-function all-round photography tool, with a keyring, hex key, coin key, bottle opener and carabiner.

midnightvisions · 05-09-2019, 11:17 PM

Lots of ideas, thanks for the suggestions guys.

**ChrisPlatt** · 05-12-2019, 01:40 AM - **1 Like**

I have a Leatheman Micra in my (film) camera bag, and another one in my fishing tackle box.
Tiny and unobtrusive - you can attach it to your key ring - yet those scissors are absolutely killer.

Chris

05-09-2019, 02:50 AM	#1
midnightvisions Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2018 Posts: 49	tools / multi-tools for the camera bag Hello, My collection of individual accessories for the camera bag is growing and I'm collecting more and more Allan keys, screw drivers, threaded adapters and wrenches. I'm tired of carrying a ziplock bag bag full of individual tool bits. Has anyone come across that perfect tool, or mult-tool for the camera bag? Is there such a thing or has somebody found something that works just as good? Thanks.

05-09-2019, 03:39 AM	#2
Zivelot Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Great Plain, Hungary Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 204	Hi, They make compact multi tools for cyclists. I would look at things like these and find out which one suits more. By the way I am not in any way a representative of the maker of these tools presented here. Just googled for pictures, but there are loads more out there to choose from. Attached Images Last edited by Zivelot; 05-09-2019 at 03:46 AM.

05-09-2019, 01:24 PM	#12
Kerrowdown PEG Moderator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Highlands of Scotland... "Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand" - William Blake Photos: Gallery Posts: 57,863	I recently bought an item from 3 Legged Thing and it came with a free Toolz, a wee multi-function all-round photography tool, with a keyring, hex key, coin key, bottle opener and carabiner. Attached Images

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Film lens/camera servicing tools	nickthetasmaniac	Repairs and Warranty Service	9	04-17-2019 11:45 AM
What's Your Favorite Camera Bag That Looks Nothing Like a Camera Bag?	reivax	Pentax Camera and Field Accessories	19	10-19-2017 07:09 PM
Advanced Photo Tools - some cool PP software tools	rawr	Digital Processing, Software, and Printing	3	07-23-2010 11:31 PM

05-09-2019, 04:17 AM - 1 Like	#3
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,583	my advice is to figure out what you need in the field as opposed to what you might use at home I went for the basic split ring with a flat head and hex wrench on it A13 Photographers Multi-Tool 5/32 (4mm) Allen Wrench Hex and Flat Head Key Chain Tool Photographers Multi-Tool 5/32 (4mm) Allen Wrench Hex and Flat Head Key Chain Tool available from several sources including Amazon

05-09-2019, 05:28 AM - 1 Like	#4
reeftool Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Upstate New York Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,555	I have a very old Swiss Army knife which has been a permanent member of my camera bag since the film days. I also carry a Leatherman multi tool knockoff just about everywhere.

05-09-2019, 05:36 AM	#5
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,583	Originally posted by reeftool I have a very old Swiss Army knife which has been a permanent member of my camera bag since the film days. I also carry a Leatherman multi tool knockoff just about everywhere. I grew up carrying a small pocket knife and " graduated " to multi tools I no longer carryi anything since so many locations now ban any type of weapon and often there are metal detectors and many multi tools have blades of some sort years ago, I was ready to enter the National History Museum in Washington DC and realized that my multitool had a blade and would be detected by the machine. there was no storage area so I looked around and hid it in a planter. luckily it was still there when I left. It was an expensive Gerber multi tool planning ahead is, at times, not my strong suit

05-09-2019, 07:11 AM	#6
Zivelot Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Great Plain, Hungary Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 204	Originally posted by reeftool I have a very old Swiss Army knife which has been a permanent member of my camera bag since the film days. I also carry a Leatherman multi tool knockoff just about everywhere. Another vote for Swiss Army knife.

05-09-2019, 07:16 AM	#7
reeftool Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Upstate New York Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,555	Originally posted by aslyfox I grew up carrying a small pocket knife and " graduated " to multi tools I no longer carryi anything since so many locations now ban any type of weapon and often there are metal detectors and many multi tools have blades of some sort years ago, I was ready to enter the National History Museum in Washington DC and realized that my multitool had a blade and would be detected by the machine. there was no storage area so I looked around and hid it in a planter. luckily it was still there when I left. It was an expensive Gerber multi tool planning ahead is, at times, not my strong suit I'm not one to frequent places with metal detectors so I've never paid much mind. When I fly, my camera bag goes in my checked luggage and my camera and whatever lenses I am bringing go in my carry on bag. Mostly when I go into a museum, I leave the camera bag behind. I have a couple of bad discs in my neck and carry as little as necessary. My multi tool is usually in the saddlebag of my Harley or in one of the storage compartments in the car. That said, my old Swiss army knife has never been an issue.

05-09-2019, 11:42 AM	#8
rogerstg Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Rhode Island Photos: Albums Posts: 1,168	Originally posted by midnightvisions Has anyone come across that perfect tool, or mult-tool for the camera bag? Probably there's nothing perfect for everyone, but this Smallrig Folding Multi Tool seems to check a lot of boxes.

05-09-2019, 12:02 PM	#9
ThorSanchez Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2012 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,807	I'm a fan of the NiteIze DoohicKey. It's the size of a key, weighs nothing, but is a perfect flatblade screwdriver for tripod plates. Plus it's a carabiner, tiny ruler, wrench, bottle opener. And it costs $3.90 in Amazon.

05-09-2019, 12:15 PM	#10
Ttedders Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2016 Posts: 127	An option to look at is the Tread by Leatherman. It is a multitool bracelet that you wear. It contains about 29 different tools. I have one and use it often. It goes through metal detectors and x-ray machines fine because it does not have a blade. It does have a small cutter. I work in county courthouses and have had no problems getting it through. Except that the law enforcement people stop me to look at it and ask a lot of questions. I have taken it through airport security several times.

05-09-2019, 12:32 PM	#11
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,583	I'm going to make a suggestion [ I hope no one minds ]: why don't folks who are suggesting solutions to the OP's question go to the Accessories section of the forum Miscellaneous - Pentax Camera Accessory Review Database and post a thread indicating their suggestions and review them?

05-09-2019, 11:17 PM	#13
midnightvisions Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2018 Posts: 49 Original Poster	Lots of ideas, thanks for the suggestions guys.

05-12-2019, 01:40 AM - 1 Like	#14
ChrisPlatt Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Rockaway Beach NYC Posts: 7,696	I have a Leatheman Micra in my (film) camera bag, and another one in my fishing tackle box. Tiny and unobtrusive - you can attach it to your key ring - yet those scissors are absolutely killer. Chris