Survival Tool Key Ring

This is a survival tool key ring that I put together.  It has 9 basic tools that will perform many important functions in a variety of situations.  There is a miniature compass, 2 ways to start a fire, dry tender storage, a whistle, a mini pry bar, a bottle opener, surgical blade, a flashlight, a signal light, a mini multi-tool, and a folding knife all stored on a small carabiner.  All of these tools together weigh less than 8 ounces.  I carry this ring in my pack whenever I'm in the woods.

Step 1 Key Ring Tools

Here are the tools and their functions

1.  Carabiner key ring:  Keeps all the tools secure.  Tools can be removed and the carabiner can be used to secure other items if needed.

2.  Tool Logic Signal Fire Tool:  A combo tool with a fire steel, striker, and whistle.  Can be used to start fires and as a signaling device.  The whistle is very loud.

3.  Stainless steel pill box:  Waterproof container for fire making tender.  Can also be used for holding medication.

4.  Zippo style flint wheel refillable lighter:  Filled with lighter fluid will start fires.  If fluid runs dry, the flint wheel can be used to apply sparks to tender for fire starting.

5.  Gerber Artifact mini pry bar w/ bottle opener and Exacto blade:  Pry open lids, open bottles, pull small nails, brads, or staples, remove splinters, light cutting chores.

6.  Inova mini LED 3 function flashlight:  Has high and low light levels and also a strobe function. Use for general illumination or signaling.

7.  Gerber Ridge folding single edge knife:  Use for general light cutting chores, field dressing game, making fuzz sticks, snare triggers, etc.

8.  Leatherman Squirt P4 multi-tool:  7 tools in one includes pliers, knife blade, 2 sided file, medium and small flat tip screwdriver blades, philips screwdriver blade, and leather punch/awl.

9.  Mini liquid filled compass on zipper pull:  Navigation aid.

Comments

[punkhead58]

Very nice system. But, as a suggestion, perhaps fill the tinder container with vaseline instead? You can find tinder just about anywhere, and a little vaseline will go a long way: rub a little into the natural tinder, and even if it's damp, it'll burn long enough to dry out. This will start many more fires, rather than a couple tinder sticks, which will only start a couple.

Also, maybe add another pill container with water purification tablets, or atleast keep a square of aluminum foil (along with a square of duct tape, for that matter) in your wallet/pocket.

One more thing: personally, if I had to rely on a small keychain folder for survival, I would prefer a lockback; the small Kabar Dozier fits that bill perfectly. I have one with orange scales.

That's just my two cents. Great idea, by the way.

[JackJobe]

This would fulfill many areas I address - Great simple, inexpensive devices - http://www.instructables.com/id/Wise-Items-for-Your-Vehicles-Glove-Box/

[diyoutdoorsman]

Thanks. I have another instuctable for an auto survival kit. Maybe we can compare kits: http://www.instructables.com/id/Auto-Emergency-Survival-Kit/

[Denger]

Two suggestions: (1) Keep a folded, rolled $20, $50 or $100 bill in the pill safe, since it may prove most useful in a range of emergency situations (including use as emergency dry  tinder), and (2) The mini-compass is a nice touch, but be sure to always remove the compass from the carabiner and keep it well away from the rest of the tools (vehicle body, electric motors, etc) when taking a bearing, or the compass won't be accurate.  When in close proximity, ferrous metals like steel and stainless steel interfere with the compass needle's magnetic field.

Approximately how much it cost to assemble this rig?

[diyoutdoorsman]

I didn't set out to make this ring, but rather collected these tools over a period of time and they just sort of found themselves attached to each other at some point. It just seemed like a good way to keep them from getting lost in the bottom of my pack. To the best on my knowledge this is approximately what I paid for each item:

Carabiner Key Ring = $1.00 (Dollar Store Item)
Tool Logic Signal Fire Tool = $10.00
Stainless Steel Pill Box = $2.50 (Drug Store Item)
Flint Wheel Lighter = $2.50 (eBay purchase)
Gerber Artifact Tool = $9.00
Inova Microlight = $6.50 (Sports Authority Sporting Goods Store)
Gerber Ridge Knife = $12.00 (Hardware store)
Leatherman Squirt P4 = $5.00 (eBay purchase, TSA confiscated item)
Zipper Pull Compass = $0.89 (gofastandlight.com)

All together, the whole setup cost less than $50.00.

[Denger]

Good point, (pack this in your checked baggage!).

Thanks for the Instructable!

[zazenergy]

Neato! how heavy does all this weight, out of curiosity?

[diyoutdoorsman]

A little under 8 ounces.