10 replies to this topic

[PB4UFLY]

I have been in-out-around the ski industry for quite some time but, I am somewhat new to the maintenance side. My question is, what do mechanics/tech's use to tote tools around during a "normal" (ski season) day. I have tried a backpack strapped to the back of the snowmobile and it works OK, but I doubt the strength. AND what tools do you carry during these days.

If this has been covered before please advise.

BTW, Great site!

Thanks.

[aug]

I use a Ski Area Supplies Superpack that is designed with Lift Mechanics in mind . My first one lasted over ten years with minor repairs. As for the tools I carry...
Combo wrenches1/4" - 1"
sae allens
metric allens
12" cresent
lg vise grips
sm vise grips
diagonal side cutters
needle nose
#1 phillips
#2 phillips
#3phillips
small straight screwdriver
med straight screw driver
hook tool
dental pick
small file
jumper wires
sparkplug wrench
razor knife
fluke multi meter
electronics screwdriver set
wire crimper /stripper
brass hammer
small pry bar
possibles box( various nuts ,bolts, solderless connectors, wire nuts , cotter keys, breakforks, e-tape ,etc))

One of these days all of the lift terminals will have all of these tools there all of the time so I won't have to carry all of this stuff ( dreaming).......

This post has been edited by aug: 04 November 2008 - 07:50 PM

[PB4UFLY]

Quote

I use a Ski Area Supplies Superpack that is designed with Lift Mechanics in mind . My first one lasted over ten years with minor repairs.

Perfect! I just had a look at thier site, good stuff.

That is quite the tool list, but I can see the need for every one of them. The "possibles box" is worth its weight in gold!

Quote

One of these days all of the lift terminals will have all of these tools there all of the time so I won't have to carry all of this stuff ( dreaming).......

Wow, that is quite a dream.

Thanks!

This post has been edited by PB4UFLY: 05 November 2008 - 09:11 AM

[dromo_mania]

PB4UFLY, on Nov 5 2008, 09:31 AM, said:

The "possibles box" is worth its weight in gold!

.. and to add to that: I've not used it myself but a good Blackcomb friend really likes strapping an "amunition box" inside the basket of his long track sled. They have a strong & positive latch along the top, can take a spill, and are pretty much bombproof.

Finding an extra wide one (~16 inches) is the tough part -- but they do exist at your favorite army surplus place.

[Andoman]

dromo_mania, on Nov 5 2008, 12:49 PM, said:

.. and to add to that: I've not used it myself but a good Blackcomb friend really likes strapping an "amunition box" inside the basket of his long track sled. They have a strong & positive latch along the top, can take a spill, and are pretty much bombproof.

Finding an extra wide one (~16 inches) is the tough part -- but they do exist at your favorite army surplus place.

I use these on my quad & sled up at the cabin they work great. I donated 10 of them to the local boy scout troop and they love them.

[Lift Dinosaur]

dromo_mania, on Nov 5 2008, 10:49 AM, said:

.. and to add to that: I've not used it myself but a good Blackcomb friend really likes strapping an "amunition box" inside the basket of his long track sled. They have a strong & positive latch along the top, can take a spill, and are pretty much bombproof.

I have a friend that has the standard - "50 rounds of 7.62mm machine gun ammo" box. It's been his lunch box for the last 30 years!!
As dromo_mania stated, they have a great latch, are waterproof, and damned near bombproof.

Dino

[Aussierob]

Another brand of pack we use is "Toolpak" They work quite well, but the zippers will blow out over time, usually because they get poked by sharp tools or pounded between a tool and the skidoo rack. A few of our guys have gone to a plastic Pelican 1500 case which seems to be working out.

[cjb]

Duluth trading company also has great toolbags, I have one of their backpacks, one 'bighouse' tool bag and one of their laptop bags. I have had therm all for 3+ years with no problems. I also carry my harness in a cheap back pack to keep its straps from getting tangled in my sled tracks, etc... Also since I am a Yan guy I can't leave the shop without an 1 1/2" wrench and 1 5/8" wrench. I have a seperate bag in the shop that has troubleshooting notes, drawings, extra jumpers, extender boards, etc... that I can grab if we have a drive problem-(fortunately few and far between)

In the shop I have Snap-on classic 78 with a craftsman side cabinet and a Craftsman 76" top chest. Last an job box that has remaining tools like drills, grinder, saw, BIG stuff etc...

[PB4UFLY]

Excellent responses, thanks. I really like the backpacks. Duluth and Toolpak look like they'd work well. Most all of our snowmachines have a backrest which makes carrying a pack easy and climbing ladders I prefer to use both hands (I know, call me chicken). I have use ammo cans on previous jobs with good sucess, but the tools started to get in the way of the beer! Remember, no bottles!

MS

This post has been edited by PB4UFLY: 08 November 2008 - 08:32 PM

[chasl]

PB4UFLY, on Nov 9 2008, 12:31 AM, said:

Excellent responses, thanks. I really like the backpacks. Duluth and Toolpak look like they'd work well. Most all of our snowmachines have a backrest which makes carrying a pack easy and climbing ladders I prefer to use both hands (I know, call me chicken). I have use ammo cans on previous jobs with good sucess, but the tools started to get in the way of the beer! Remember, no bottles!

MS

Anyone not using two hands to climb, is a fool, using two hands is not being a chicken. It's called smart.

[Kicking Horse]

Well said Chasl.