The Down Range Forum

Member Section => Down Range Cafe => Topic started by: alfsauve on December 10, 2025, 01:42:35 PM

Title: Tools and Tool Boxes
Post by: alfsauve on December 10, 2025, 01:42:35 PM
 For going to the range I assembled one of my Plano boxes with an hodge-podge of this and that.  Random screw drivers, a small assortment of Allan wrenches.  Never really needed it much, until three things happened.  Another shooter needed to borrow a wrench and turns out it was the one size I didn't have.  Then someone had a squib and was leery of using my aluminum rod to drive out the bullet.  Finally my red dot came loose during practice and I realized all I had to tighten it was the plastic tool that came with the sight.  Rather embarrassed by my junky tool box.

For years I've had a small Chapman screwdriver set on my bench.  I decided that would be the start of outfitting my range box.  I printed a more compact holder for the bits.  (Oh and ordered my self a slightly larger Chapman set for the bench.)  Got new Allen wrench sets and pared down the holder eliminating the industrial sizes.  Got rid of the junk.  Have a "professional grade" squib rod.  Below is a picture of the new set.  Only thing missing are the Torx wrench which Miss Kitty is giving me for Christmas.

I really feel good about have Made in USA Chapman screw drivers.  They are hollow ground and the best for not marring up screw heads.  I know most autos don't need screw drivers but us revolver shooter use them frequently.



Title: Re: Tools and Tool Boxes
Post by: Majer on December 10, 2025, 07:13:05 PM
I'll have to try to remember to dig my tool kit out of my gun cart and take pictures of it.I have everything I need for most repairs on my CAS guns.
Title: Re: Tools and Tool Boxes
Post by: Rastus on December 10, 2025, 10:09:35 PM
Good info guys. 

I keep this for screws, etc.:  https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1026653778?pid=566001 (https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1026653778?pid=566001)

Somtimes this punch set:  https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1018248140?pid=258460 (https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1018248140?pid=258460)

One of these if there is AR work to do:  https://www.midwayusa.com/product/102305607?pid=502227 (https://www.midwayusa.com/product/102305607?pid=502227)

Some assorted allen wrenches...mostly from scope mount kits.  And that's about it.  I like the wrenches idea.  Cleaning rods...I never have kept them around but with 22's that's a great idea.  I do keep some silicone cleaning cloths around along with various gun oils.

And, oh yeah, since Frank mentioned them I have received some pipe cleaners that were ordered.  I'm going to drop a couple of those in the shooting bag.
Title: Re: Tools and Tool Boxes
Post by: alfsauve on December 11, 2025, 09:55:48 AM
In the bag on the left are cleaning patches and some pipe cleaners.  I keep several red pipe cleaners hanging on my range cart for a) check for block barrel b) as an emergency ECI in case somebody forgot theirs.  Also, for no good reason I keep a couple of zip ties in the tool box. 

I was wondering about the Leatherman tool.  The only thing I need it for is the pliers.  I'll look for USA made long nose pliers.  For field repairs I don't need large pliers.  I have those in the truck tool box.