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Yet another discussion on tool kits

  • 1.  Yet another discussion on tool kits

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 08-26-2021 16:38
    I finally have what I consider, for me, the ultimate tool case for my piano tools. The Jet 5000 by B&W International.
    https://www.amazon.com/5000-Outdoor-Pocket-Boards-Black/dp/B00PCLXRO8/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=jet+5000&qid=1630010019&sr=8-5 

    But that's not what I'm writing about today. The case above now weighs more than I want to carry all the time so I want to make up a mini tool case that holds only the stuff I actually use 90% of the time. A tuning only kit. I'm not so interested in what you actually store in yours as to what you are using to store those tools in. A mini case? A roll-up? 

    Please share what ya got. 

    Thanks --

    ------------------------------
    Geoff Sykes, RPT
    Los Angeles CA
    ------------------------------


  • 2.  RE: Yet another discussion on tool kits

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 08-26-2021 17:57

    Geoff

    For the most basic of tool kits just for tuning I used to have a flute case. It held my tuning hammer, a fork, temperament strip, a couple of rubber mutes and a small screwdriver. But the tuning hammer was the old straight handle kind.

    If you need a little more room, try a clarinet case.


    wim



    ------------------------------
    Willem "Wim" Blees, RPT
    St. Augustine, FL 32095
    Tnrwim@aol.com
    ------------------------------



  • 3.  RE: Yet another discussion on tool kits

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 08-26-2021 20:15
    Wim - Please forgive me if that is making me giggle. ;-) 

    Geoff - I just ordered one of these.  I might also get one of these that Nick Reyburn told me about. 


    ------------------------------
    Maggie Jusiel, RPT
    Athens, WV
    (304)952-8615
    mags@timandmaggie.net
    ------------------------------



  • 4.  RE: Yet another discussion on tool kits

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 08-26-2021 21:00

    I've been using this Platt case for more than a decade. 


    https://www.bigbangzshop.com/products/platt-tool-case-oi

    I don't carry a "tuning only" kit because I'm rarely only tuning and I like to have whatever I am likely to need with me.  I do carry a second slightly larger case in the car which holds a variety of repair items, supplies and tools less often used including strings, felt, pinning tools, hammer samples, ivory repair kit, misc repair items…



    ------------------------------
    David Love RPT
    www.davidlovepianos.com
    davidlovepianos@comcast.net
    415 407 8320
    ------------------------------



  • 5.  RE: Yet another discussion on tool kits

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 08-26-2021 21:35
    David --

    I've never carried a tuning only kit for the same reason. Everything I have in my main case is there because I use them often enough and having them handy means I don't have to make another trip out to the car. Stringing, extra parts, repair tools, etc., are all in a separate case that stays in the car unless really needed. But this main case up to over 35 Lbs at this point and I'm finding it harder and harder to carry that weight for any more than normal curb-to-door distance. At this point I'm about willing to opt for that second trip to the car to pick up the former main case if I need something that goes beyond just tuning.

    ------------------------------
    Geoff Sykes, RPT
    Los Angeles CA
    ------------------------------



  • 6.  RE: Yet another discussion on tool kits

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 08-26-2021 23:37
    Seems like every time I remove something from my main kit that I haven't used in some time I need it at the next appointment

    ------------------------------
    David Love RPT
    www.davidlovepianos.com
    davidlovepianos@comcast.net
    415 407 8320
    ------------------------------



  • 7.  RE: Yet another discussion on tool kits

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 08-27-2021 11:28
    Since everyone's sharing their favorite tool kits, I've been absolutely loving this bag.  


    Klein Tools 55421BP-14 Tool Bag Backpack, Heavy Duty Tradesman Pro Tool Organizer / Tool Carrier with 39 Pockets and Molded Base https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MK9UY0A/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_YH11746WW89RNCNCAZG0





  • 8.  RE: Yet another discussion on tool kits

    Posted 08-27-2021 22:01
    I use one of these. Got it a couple years ago from Supply88.com

    https://www.acmetools.com/shop/tools/veto-pro-pac-tech-pac1-tool-bag?cm_mmc=Bing-_-PRODUCTFEED-_-VETO%20PRO%20PAC-_-TECH-PAC1&msclkid=686fcb3030f51dc8c89aaa19a713ade0&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Shopping-National-Search%20Only-Profit%20Margin%20Target-31-35&utm_term=4579740811985087&utm_content=Profit%20Margin%2031%25%20-%2035%25
    Acmetools remove preview
    View this on Acmetools >


    ------------------------------
    John Formsma, RPT
    New Albany MS

    Slow the spread. Stop the mass vaccination during a pandemic.
    ------------------------------



  • 9.  RE: Yet another discussion on tool kits

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 08-26-2021 21:29
    Maggie --

    These look great. Thanks.

    ------------------------------
    Geoff Sykes, RPT
    Los Angeles CA
    ------------------------------



  • 10.  RE: Yet another discussion on tool kits

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 08-26-2021 21:28
    Wim --

    Great idea. I know one local tech that made his first tool case out of a trumpet case.

    ------------------------------
    Geoff Sykes, RPT
    Los Angeles CA
    ------------------------------



  • 11.  RE: Yet another discussion on tool kits

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 08-27-2021 12:33
    Geoff,
    The only problem with the trumpet case is that when clients see you carry it into their home, they may be very leery about what you’ll pull out of it.

    Joe Wiencek




  • 12.  RE: Yet another discussion on tool kits

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 08-27-2021 14:04
    It’s only violin cases that will draw attention. Lol.

    Sent from my iPhone




  • 13.  RE: Yet another discussion on tool kits

    Posted 08-26-2021 20:44
    I carry my tuning/voicing tools in a nylon (somesuch)  camera case w/ shoulder strap. Frequently used regulation tools are carried in a tool case made by Chicago. An identical case carries less frequently used tools  and resides in the car. Another case hold various other tools infrequently used. Then there's a case for wire coils and stringing tools. Usually I just bring in the soft case w/ tuning tools unless it's a first-time visit, then I'll bring in the first tool case. The last three are specialty cases.

    I try to keep the regulating tool case to about 30 lbs.
    ------------------------------
    Regards,

    Jon Page
    mailto:jonpage@comcast.net
    http://www.pianocapecod.com
    ------------------------------



  • 14.  RE: Yet another discussion on tool kits

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 08-26-2021 22:56
    I was told years ago that a craftsman does 90% of their work with 10% of their tools. Each Christmas holiday I remove from my kit tools I haven't used in the last month. They go in a special bag in the trunk. Gradually they come out but I start the year on a light note. By the way, the kit I carry into the house probably at the beginning of December has 20% of the tools I use. The rest are in separate kits in the trunk.  There is a psychological advantage of telling the customer that I need to get something special from the car. This is not a usual or normal repair.​

    ------------------------------
    Larry Messerly, RPT
    Bringing Harmony to Homes
    www.lacrossepianotuning.com
    ljmesserly@gmail.com
    928-899-7292
    ------------------------------



  • 15.  RE: Yet another discussion on tool kits

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 08-26-2021 23:45
    I mentioned at a meeting once that I carry a flute case and that if I had to go to my car to get a tool to make a repair or adjustment I charged more for the appointment. Some members thought that to be unethical.

    ------------------------------
    Willem "Wim" Blees, RPT
    St. Augustine, FL 32095
    Tnrwim@aol.com
    ------------------------------



  • 16.  RE: Yet another discussion on tool kits

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 08-27-2021 02:46
    Well, at least no one suggested a violin case, too many people remember them being used for "Chicago Typewriters" !!





  • 17.  RE: Yet another discussion on tool kits

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 08-27-2021 05:21

    I too have gone to the camera backpack concept. I cleared out the internal storage area and created 3 sections.

    1. For the Accutuner which is fully protected

    2.   For my regulating tools ( in a roll pouch)

    3.  For my hand tools ( pliers, string cutters, etc.- which are all kept in their own little case)

    Tuning lever straddles over everything, which was the only thing I couldn't create its own space for.

     

    Outside pockets carry business cards, sandpaper files, micrometer ( plastic to lessen weight), voicing

     

    I've tried so many types of carrying case, and by far, this one is the lightest weight ( 15lbs- fully loaded) and with the shoulder strap, it's hardly an issue to carry long distances. Customize the internal areas to fit your needs, and you have a light-weight, rugged bag that does it all.

    Here's one style

    Case Logic DCB-309 Carrying Case (Backpack) for 15" MacBook Pro, Notebook, Camera, Camera Lens, Bottle, Black | Staples

    Tom Servinsky 

    Registered Piano Technician

    Concert Artist Piano Technician

    Director/Conductor- Academy Orchestra

    Managing Conductor-Treasure Coast Youth Symphony

    Clarinetist-Atlantic Classical Orchestra

    tompiano@tomservinsky.com

    Website: tomservinsky.com

    772 221 1011 office

    772 260 7110 cell

     






  • 18.  RE: Yet another discussion on tool kits

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 08-27-2021 00:49
    Klein Tool bag is a canvas bag 18” long and 3.5” wide at the bottom which I bought on Amazon.
    They also make smaller bags too that you can buy in 3 packs at Home Depot with different colors which are nice for separating tools for different tasks like voicing or repining.

    Robert B Edwardsen
    Registered Piano Technician
    21 Courtenay Circle
    Pittsford NY 14534
    585-586-1360
    edwardsenpianoservice.com
    eedward2@rochester.rr.com

    Sent from my HAL 9000




  • 19.  RE: Yet another discussion on tool kits

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 08-27-2021 01:04
    Well, I composed a detailed description but lost it (don't know what or where the "auto-save" stuff goes).
    In short, I converted to a 16" soft laptop case that weighs about 13 lbs. full and carry the tools in individual zippered cloth cases, and a second kit that I use when I'm expecting to only tune but still carry a flattened regulating tool roll with combo handle and also some smaller pliers etc. that is good for hotels, cruise ships, and entertainment venues that weighs about 7 lbs.
    Geoff I notice that your jet case weighs 10.5 lbs, that's a quarter of what your carrying.

    ------------------------------
    Steven Rosenthal
    Honolulu HI
    808-521-7129
    ------------------------------



  • 20.  RE: Yet another discussion on tool kits

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 08-27-2021 02:34
    I suggested an on-going topic for the PTJ about tool kits; "Whats In Your Tool Kit" (or something similar). but my idea was not well received.

    I have several tool kits, my current kit was recently evolved because my new ergonomic tuning wrench would not fit into my old kit, plus the old kit was growing too heavy, perhaps as much from my age as anything else (though also because I became tired of lugging my kit up appartment stairs and through school campuses).

    I also have my father's tool kit and my grandfather's tool kit set aside as a "shrine" to my heritage.

    This is a topic that I still would love to see in the Journal.

    ------------------------------
    Blaine Hebert
    Duarte CA
    626-795-5170
    ------------------------------



  • 21.  RE: Yet another discussion on tool kits

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 08-27-2021 09:34

    I use a soft sided pistol bag that I randomly found at Walmart three or four years ago. It easily carries my tuning tools, iPad, basic regulation tool roll-up, screw drivers, and needling tools for voicing. Plus my spare pair of glasses. I think it was $15 at the time. With all this stuff it weighs about 8-9 pounds  



    ------------------------------
    Benjamin Sanchez, RPT
    Piano Technician / Artisan
    (256) 947-9999
    www.professional-piano-services.com
    ------------------------------



  • 22.  RE: Yet another discussion on tool kits

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 08-27-2021 11:43
    Ben,

    Well at least after they see your bag the customer will have second thoughts about stiffing you on your fee.  LOL


    ------------------------------
    Kenneth Jeffs
    Chesterfield MO
    573-960-6389
    ------------------------------



  • 23.  RE: Yet another discussion on tool kits

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 08-27-2021 12:47
    Haha! Love some of these. Someone in the guild shared a picture of their tool set up in a violin case. Can't remember who, but it was very clever. 

    I've been eyeing this for a while. IF I were to ever want a backpack, I think it would be this one, but I think I don't want one. Anyone ever try one like this with the extra zipper pockets? 

    CLC Custom LeatherCraft 1132 75-Pocket Tool Backpack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000DYVCY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apan_glt_fabc_JACQZGAX6HJ7VGMW0RH5?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

    ------------------------------
    Maggie Jusiel, RPT
    Athens, WV
    (304)952-8615
    mags@timandmaggie.net
    ------------------------------



  • 24.  RE: Yet another discussion on tool kits

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 08-27-2021 15:25
    I've only ever used a backpack as my tool kit.  Though I don't own a car and work in NYC, so that plays a large role.  Walking long distances and moving in and out of subways, I won't consider a toolkit that weighs me down on one side only. Years of that would not bode well on skeletal health. Some technicians I know do use a combo backpack/roller bag.  That could work well for some, and has versatility. 

    Regarding violin cases that Wim mentions would draw attention, I know a true account of one technician in the city who purchased a client list from another, all in cash, and he transported the money on the subway to seal the deal- in a violin case!

    Joe Wiencek





  • 25.  RE: Yet another discussion on tool kits

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 08-27-2021 19:21
    Hi Kenneth,

    I've had a few clients ask about my case. Even the few I told about it being a pistol case were shocked. "That's the nicest looking pistol case I've ever seen. If you hadn't told me I'd have had no idea."

    And the funniest thing is, most of the ones who made this comment were gun owners! I guess most people realize what things are better in context. I've never had any problems because of the case, only compliments.

    ------------------------------
    Benjamin Sanchez, RPT
    Piano Technician / Artisan
    (256) 947-9999
    www.professional-piano-services.com
    ------------------------------



  • 26.  RE: Yet another discussion on tool kits

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 08-27-2021 18:53

    Carry the case? Why?

    Life got a lot easier after I bought this:

    https://smile.amazon.com/Folding-Shopping-Cart-VersaCart-Water-Resistant/dp/B07JFTTBZG/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=versacart&qid=1630104617&sr=8-2

    It folds up and gets tossed into the back seat. It can hold a lot of weight. I can walk a lot faster holding onto it than I can without it. As a bonus, my folding action cart can hang on its handles. Its only drawback is that it's not very good on stairs. Sometimes a customer will just pick it up and walk upstairs with it for me.






  • 27.  RE: Yet another discussion on tool kits

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 08-27-2021 19:00
    Susan,

    I, too, have a Versacart. Got it on the recommendation of another piano technician. While I don't use it as regularly as you do, it is definitely a friend to piano techs. Excellent way to carry several odd-shaped items at once.

    Alan

    ------------------------------
    Alan Eder, RPT
    Herb Alpert School of Music
    California Institute of the Arts
    Valencia, CA
    661.904.6483
    ------------------------------



  • 28.  RE: Yet another discussion on tool kits

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 08-27-2021 19:07
    Susan & Allen - I gave up on wheels long ago. They don't do well on gravel, mud, or on grassy hills. 🤷‍♀️

    ------------------------------
    Maggie Jusiel, RPT
    Athens, WV
    (304)952-8615
    mags@timandmaggie.net
    ------------------------------



  • 29.  RE: Yet another discussion on tool kits

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 08-27-2021 19:31

    These wheels are pretty good. I've taken them through a foot of snow, for instance.






  • 30.  RE: Yet another discussion on tool kits

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 08-27-2021 19:30

    Yes, you never run out of hands, and you almost never need to?? make two trips. Also, it has a rain flap which can keep the contents dry.






  • 31.  RE: Yet another discussion on tool kits

    Posted 08-27-2021 21:07
    This isn't a tool kit, but about a year ago I discovered my left side was getting sore from tuning and I discovered I was twisting around to grab something out of my tool kit that was on the floor. I got this handy camping table that's very light and my back is doing much better now.

    ------------------------------
    "That Tuning Guy"
    Scott Kerns
    www.thattuningguy.com
    PianoMeter, TuneLab & OnlyPure user
    ------------------------------



  • 32.  RE: Yet another discussion on tool kits

    Posted 08-28-2021 22:19
    This is the case I use for all of my tuning stuff & some tools: Swiss Gear. I have another case from Harbor Freight Tools that many times I don't open. It has heavier tools and more regulating stuff in it. It never fails that if I don't bring it in, I need it, so I just bring it in. So, I've got my table and two cases that I bring in.

    ------------------------------
    "That Tuning Guy"
    Scott Kerns
    www.thattuningguy.com
    PianoMeter, TuneLab & OnlyPure user
    ------------------------------



  • 33.  RE: Yet another discussion on tool kits

    Member
    Posted 08-27-2021 23:15
    I am actually thinking about getting a mule with some saddle bags. During Covid I gave the topic a lot of thought and consolidated and counted tools. Its amazing how many duplicates I have . Why is it that when you need a Phillips screwdriver all you can find is a straight edge driver or you can never find your Hart Spring Tool ? I recently put a bunch of smaller tools in a zippered case that is hot pink and easy to find. Lots of smaller tools like the Hart tool, drop screw tool, letoff tool , dip blocks, jack screw adjuster, drop screw adjuster . Glues and lubricants in an orange waterproof ammo box from a boat store. My SAT IV is happy in a plastic water proof box with foam padding purchased at Harbor Freight . I continue to sort and organize my stuff and realize that I have a significant investment in tools . The prices have increased quite a bit so I have been using the Schaff catalog to determine the current value. Lately I have been preloading some small zippered tool bags instead of hauling everything into a job.

    ------------------------------
    James Kelly
    Owner- Fur Elise Piano Service
    Pawleys Island SC
    843-325-4357
    ------------------------------



  • 34.  RE: Yet another discussion on tool kits

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 08-27-2021 23:41

    We keep talking about tool kits. How about ways to save time and my back getting from one tune to the next. 

     

    I am working on this one:

     

    Jetpacks: here's why you don't have one | Aeronautics | The Guardian