GR ECHO is sleek and sexy but just as tough as all GORUCK gear. Stash the essentials and stay organized while moving around town by foot, metro, or car.

The smallest of their packs.

GORUCK

Where the tools at?

I have a detached garage, so it’s a bit of a pain when there is a foot of snow on the ground, or I need a screw driver or hammer for a single fastener and it’s pouring down rain. Solution: new House Toolbox.

So I set out to list some things I’d need for the toolbox. First off, the toolbox.

So I hit my local Hardware store to see what they had in stock.  The selection was between some small tool boxes that were made “somewhere” (no label). And a couple Stack-On Tool Boxes; I went with the 23″ pro model.

The Stack-On box is really sturdily built.  No Joke! It feels more sturdy than my older Craftsman metal toolbox.  The hinges are super strong, four or five inch wide hinge barrel with a heavy gauge pin (I grab and move it around by the lid with little flex.) and when it’s latched shut, it’s very solid.

I have decided to fill it with Items made in the USA only. Seemed like the thing to do… since I have this site. Mostly, I will pickup tools from the flea markets but if the need arises; I’ll likely buy what I have mentioned below.

Screwdriver set:

• Enderes 6 in 1 Screwdriver – Enderes Tools
• JH Williams 5-piece – JH Williams Tool Group
• Channellock Code Blue 7-piece Screwdriver Set – Channellock

Plier set:

• Channellock 6-Inch Long Nose Plier
• Channellock 6.5-Inch Slip Joint Plier
• Channellock Griplock Set

Adjustable wrench

• Channellock 8″ adjustable Wrench

Sockets

• Craftsman Std/Met Socket Wrench Set – Craftsman
• Gator Grip Socket- Endeavor Tool Company- Great multifunctional tool

Tape

• Gorilla Glue and Tape – Gorilla Glue

zip ties

• 500-Pack of zip ties – Gardner Bender

Hammer

• Estwing Hammer – Estwing

Level

• Klein Tool Aluminum Level – Klein Tools

Any suggestions?

I had an “incident” this year that could have resulted in my house burning down. It was a windy day, a dumpster near my home had caught on fire and it spread into my yard and was licking at my home. I only had to replace siding. I was very lucky.

It was time to protect some of my necessary items with a fire proof safe.

In looking around for a safe I really only had one criteria. Save my stuff inside if it’s in a fire. I had looked at Honeywell safes. They were less expensive, but they didn’t have the right wording on the box(Made in xxxxx, and no “FireProof” wording until you get to $80-100). I’m sure they are fine safes, Just not a Fire-Safe in my price range.  I needed to make sure I was getting something that would survive a house fire. Anything else would be pretty much useless.

I ran across this on Sentry Safe’s Blog. It’s an independent test of a Sentry safe and Honeywell safe.

If you are still skeptical, Here is a CNN video.

SentrySafe is Family owned and Operated by the Brush Family out of new york.

I ended up going with the KS2100. It had the right price(under $50), right size, Waterproof seal, and Fire protection for up to an hour for documents and Media.

After opening it, I filled it up with as much gold as would fit (I wish) and started messing around with the lock and lid. I wanted to make sure I could get my documents out once in.  There was a minor problem with the latch on the lid, it was catching on something and not allowing the lid to latch properly. It must have been stuck from the factory or in shipping.  Once I tried it a few more times the latch began functioning properly, so it was only a minor glitch. I have opened and closed it multiple times now without issue.

Best part is, aside from it being made in the US, if you do have a fire they replace your safe for free.

My PSA: If you get anything bigger than the kr2100, Have someone help you lift it. These things are not lite.
SentrySafe on Amazon
SentrySafe website

North Star Leather makes some fine leather wallets and many other leather acessories out of their factory in Ruby South Carolina.

I was in need of a new front pocket wallet. I ordered the Leather money clip/card ID pockets.  I had been looking for a wallet for a while now. I’ve seen a couple cheap wallets at the flea market that would do… but I wanted something someone made, here.

The Leather money clip arrived and something was just not right about it… It was built perfect, Everything fit perfect.. but I couldn’t put my finger on it. Finally, I realized it was Brown instead of the Black I had ordered.  I Emailed Northstar and got a prompt response offering ot replace the wallet and shipping cost for the return of the Brown wallet.  Keep in mind this is for a $7 wallet. That is some great service.

I declined the deal to ship the wallet back and ordered a new black wallet. It would cost us both more in time than it’s worth.  I now have an early christmas gift for someone who likes brown wallets.

All is good now. I have the black wallet, It’s very built very well.  I expect I will get many years of service out of it.

∞North Star Leather

Finally broke down and bought a 38-qt Igloo Wheeled Cooler.  I had some stuff in it and lifted it right out of my car with the handle.

Very durrable, I need to fill it up now. I can’t wait to put “Food” it it and go camping.

∞Igloo Coolers

Hit a couple stores and this is what was found.

• Suncast Hose Reel – View Suncast on Amazon – I bought a SHA150, sub $30, It’s fair quality but I hardly use the hose through out the year so it will hold up fine.  If you use your hose much, Pickup one of their heavier duty models. They are built much stronger and will run you between $50-100.
• Flexon Hose -View Flexon on Amazon – Nice hose, My current hoses were just too weather damaged. Picked this up at Big Lots for a steal, $15 bucks for 50 ft. The connector is great, easy to attach to the spigot.
• Anchor Hocking Co – Glassware – $5 bucks for a pitcher, another Big Lots score. I’m getting things together to brew beer. This may come in handy when I experiment with keging my beer.  Visit Anchor Hocking on Amazon

My Dad is in the market for some new summer work boots. While we were out we hit a local “Chain”, they have two stores. Chuck’s boots, has an awe inspiring selection of boots(seriously we were there for at least an hour and didn’t make it through Everything). Everything made in the USA is marked with a US flag.

• Chippewa boots – Most everything I saw of this brand was made in the USA. Check your labels though.
• Thourogood
• Rocky Uniform
• Danner - Portland Oregon
• Justin boots
• Carolina Boots
• Corcoran and Matterhorn
• Double H
• Tony Lama

Post a comment if you have used any of these Products. We would all love to hear your experience.

I was amazed to find that my Sterilite Tubs and Laundry baskets were Made in the US. I was so Impressed, I needed to find out more. Where were these made?

I use a couple sterilite tubs for Computer equipment and Music Recording equipment. Rather heavy and the tubs hold up. I also have one in my car to keep all the stuff in my trunk in one place (Very handy for Autocross Racing). A couple for my Laundry, had these since I moved out of the parents house about 8 or 9 years ago, that is durability.

So I sent them an email to find out more, I like it when I get a response to my Information requests (It means less writing for me).

Reply From Sterilite:

While our products are sold throughout the world, all of our products are made here in the USA.  We currently have 6 manufacturing facilities strategically located across the country to enable us to distribute our products most efficiently to our retail customers.  These locations are listed in the employment segment of our website.

Our various household products are shown in 4 categories on our website with details and dimensions.  Should something be of interest, and you have difficulty locating the item(s), please let us know.  We can advise what retailers carry the specific item in your area.

• Home Office (Townsend, MA)
• Townsend, MA – Plant
• Birmingham, AL – Plant
• Lake Havasu City, AZ – Plant
• Massillon, OH – Plant
• Clinton, SC – Plant
• Ennis, TX – Plant

Shop for Sterilite Products

For 70 years, Sterilite products have helped make life easier and more organized in millions of homes, schools and offices. We produce a wide range of innovative solutions that include food containers, dish drainers, laundry baskets, wastebaskets, storage boxes, drawer carts, cabinets and shelving. Sterilite is one of the most desired and trusted brands for houseware and storage products today, making quality and attractive products consumers need.
Sterilite – Innovation, Design, Quality and Value.

∞Thanks Sterilite

Oh I forgot, I have some drawers on wheels in the garage too.