This Inexpensive Multitool Deserves a Spot in My Go Bag
Earthquakes don't issue a warning so my family and I have created an emergency plan for when the need arises: We keep our car fueled up, we have our portable chargers topped up and we all know how to shut off our gas. But maybe the most important prep work we've done is to put together an emergency go bag, also known as a bug-out bag. One item I've included in my go bag is a multitool by Gerber that includes pliers, scissors, screwdrivers, wire cutters and a knife.
You can drop a lot of money on a multitool and some of those more expensive models are worth it. But because I wanted to buy more than one of these -- because my kids could always use one too -- price and weight were important to me, which is why I chose the Gerber Dime 12-in-1 Mini multitool.
Usually priced at about $30, this multitool is always worth grabbing, whether it's on sale or not. Right now you can get the red version for $26, a 10% discount. Below, I'll explain why I like this tool so much. For more mainstays of the go bag, here are our favorite power banks for iPhones and the best portable solar panels.
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Where this multitool fits into my emergency preparedness plans
In addition to having bug-out bags at the ready, we keep an extensive earthquake kit in a big toy chest. With this big kit -- called a stay box -- weight isn't really an issue, and we can store enough food, water and whatever else we need to make it through a few days or even weeks. But in a go bag, each item has to be portable and essential, because weight adds up quickly. (This is the mini lantern I went with.) The Gerber Dime 12-in-1 Mini weighs just a few ounces and fits into the palm of my hand when it's folded up.
Gerber Dime 12-in-1 Mini multitool specs
Material: Stainless steel
Stainless steel Dimensions when open: 5.5 x 4 x 0.6 inches
5.5 x 4 x 0.6 inches Dimensions when closed: 5.5 x 2.75 x 0.6 inches
5.5 x 2.75 x 0.6 inches Weight: 2.2 ounces
2.2 ounces Included tools: Pliers, wire cutter, tweezers, small and medium-size flat-head screwdrivers, bottle opener, retail package opener, plain-edge blade, scissors, fine and coarse files, lanyard/key ring
Why the Gerber Dime Mini makes a great gift
This is also a great tool to have in your car or your desk drawer at work.
Gerber
Giving this multitool may seem an overly practical gift but there will eventually be a time that it will come in handy for anyone. Plus, you really can't beat its price compared to some of the competition out there. This is perfect for your handy friends who could always use another gadget for fixing things or for someone who's building out their emergency bags.
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