(click to buy from Paragon - about $80)
This is an absolutely essential tool for anyone voyaging in tiny boatlets. The old adage about everything having to be multifunctional certainly applies here... although these are expensive compared to a bag of junker tools from the department store, you certainly get your money's worth when you add up what's included: wire and hard wire cutters, wire strippers, regular and needle-nose pliers, clip-point and serrated knife blades, wood saw, diamond-coated file, large, medium, small, extra-small and Phillips screwdrivers, can/bottle opener, and scissors. It's easy on the hands, and just feels satisfying. Here is an excellent and very detailed review of the original Wave; this new model is even better (everything locks back, one-handed knife operation is smoother, and more). I love it.
Although made of stainless steel, this and all similar multi-tools need to be kept out of salt water. I recommend using the nylon instead of leather case, and that you keep the unit in a dry bag or other area out of the spray if you're not in a fresh-water environment. It will reward you with years of reliable use; I never go anywhere without mine.
(click to buy from Northern - about $14)
Every shop needs these... they are so much better than standard allen wrenches that you'll never go back once you try them. These are "ball drivers," with a little button on each end that allows engaging the socket-head screw or other fastener from a wide range of angles. You have no idea how liberating and necessary this is until you use them.
They're not much more expensive than regular hex tools, so indulge yourself. You'll be glad you did.
The set shown at left includes 13 SAE sizes from .050" to 3/8". There is also a matching Bondhus 9–Pc. ProHold Metric Balldriver L–Wrench Set
(click pic to buy from Northern)
You know, when one of my guru-level composite-fabrication friends first told me about this during Microship development, I was aghast... a couple hundred bucks for a sander? You gotta be kidding me! But he talked me into it... and I've never looked back.
This is a must-have tool for complex fabrication projects: a long, skinny belt sander that goes where no sander has gone before. In addition to the obvious fiberglass sculpting applications, I frequently chuck it in the bench vise and use either a standard sanding belt or one made of 3M non-woven abrasive (from McMaster-Carr) to do aluminum finishing with much more agility than the various fixed sanders in the shop. I've even used it to work tough stainless bar stock into smooth, rounded bails that look like they came out of a marine-supply catalog.
It's an expensive tool, but well worth it!