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Knots & Ropes

We saw these Sampo Ball Berring Swivels at a local fishing tackle shop. These heavy duty ball berring swivels are made for salt water fishing. I thought of about a dozen uses for these when I saw them; key rings, attaching loops of 550 cord to knives and tools, flashlight attachments, digital cameras and cell phones. The larger swivels have solid (welded) rings and look to be very heavy duty

Sampo Ball Berring Swivels
Sun Apr 12 2009

We made two slings (for throwing rocks) out of 550 cord. We found the idea and instructions on the EDC Forum. Both of these were easy to assemble. The tan version uses two cords, the black one was made from just one length of 550 cord. The tan two cord version is larger and longer, but either can be made larger or smaller.

Two 550 Cord Slings
Tue Mar 17 2009

We saw a thread on EDC forum where one of the members figured out a way to tie a sling (for throwing rocks) out of one length of 550 cord. IT looked like a good way to go so I tried one of my own. It did not turn out as nice looking as the original, but it should function anyway. I tied a monkey fist (ball knot) on one end with a steel nut inside for weight. The other end is a loop to fit over a finger. The sling is used by putting the loop over a finger, then holding the monkey fist. A rock or other projectile is held in the pocket and then spun around. Centrifugal force is created and when the monkey fist is released from the hand, the rock is released and its potential energy from the spinning is unleashed into straight flight. It takes a bit of practice to get the aiming down, but it is possible to hit a rabbit or squirrel with some skill

Sling from one length of 550 cord
Sun Mar 15 2009

Many say that 550 cord is about the most usefull thing to have in a survival kit. It can be used for building shelter, starting fire, catching food and repairs among endless other uses. Rope has always been useful, and nylon 550 cord improvements make it very adaptable. It is also very common and easy to find at low cost.

550 Cord, is it the best tool in your Survival Kit?
Wed Aug 20 2008

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Mon May 5 2008

I saw the instructions for this on the internet and figured I would give it a try. I was not about to buy a French Knitting Spool so I made one with some spare parts (a PVC fitting, some chop sticks and some twine). I read that the braid (knit) could be done with
two or more posts along the spool, so I started with 3, it worked easily so I added more pegs to end up with six. At that point I glued the pegs in place so the knitting spool stays together for a while. This process could be useful occasionally

Making rope handles with a single 550 cord
Sun Mar 23 2008

The always useful 550 cord (parachute cord) has many uses and will continue to have more. It's been around for many years (since WW2) and continues to be an important and useful tool. 550 cord is a Kernmantle rope which is a rope constructed with its interior core (the kern) protected with a woven exterior sheath (mantle) This design provides strength, durability, and flexibility.

550 Cord Revisited
Tue Aug 7 2007

Packs, Pouch & Bags

This hunting pack from Blackhawk caught our eye while walking through the NRA National Meeting expo in Phoenix, Arizona. This expandable pack zips up to be a camo pack with plenty of room and many features, then when needed the BLACKHAWK Black Gorge can unzip to open almost three times its size to accomodate whatever you might need to pack back to camp. The blaze orange sides make you visable to other hunters.

BLACKHAWK Black Gorge hunting pack
Sat Jun 27 2009

Here is a quick review of the Deluxe Pro Shooters Bag made by Eagle Industries amd the gear we have in it.

Eagle Industries Deluxe Pro Shooters Bag Review
Sun Jun 14 2009

I had the opportunity to use the Maxpedition over the shoulder bag for just over 45 days. Although I dont have a daily outdoors life, I was able to put it to the test in many ways. I am not a stereotypical female who loves to carry a purse. My everyday and only purse is a 6x6x2 Dooney & Bourke. I carry a wallet and keys. I wasn't sure what I was gonna do with the Maxpedition when I first saw it. It reminded me of my sister who carries, what I like to call luggage, for a purse. I started carrying it everyday.

I started with my everyday purse and a make up bag (that I do not carry on a regular basis) stuffed inside. I started finding things that I needed to carry,antibacterial hand sanitizer tube,hand lotion, chap stick, a small brush, small flash light, cigarettes, lighter, sunglasses, digital camera, mints, water bottle, snacks, mini lint roller, toothbrush, tooth paste, mouth wash, floss. The Maxpedition became very heavy compared to what I was used to. I felt very dependent on it. I have a security door I go through at work and it would get stuck as I passed through. It gave me a strawberry between my collar bone and neck. It went away after a couple of days. It took some getting used to.

All of the compartments were very useful. I liked the way the shoulder strap adjusted to my size. Depending on what I was carrying and the weight of the bag I could adjust it closer or farther from my center of mass and it would allow for a more comfortable carry. I was able to latch my keys on to the clip provided on the inside of the bag. The color was very easy to blend with work dress code. The material absorbed the sweat from my water bottle. I didnt have a big wet mess. The porous material helped spread and evaporate the water before causing anything to get soaked or ruined on the inside.

Maxpedition JUMBO Versipack 45 day Review
Fri May 22, 2009

If you can attend an Arizona Gun Show, you have a pretty good chance to find Omega Weapons Systems. OWS attends most Arizona Gun Shows and they usually have many tables of equipment for sale

Omega Weapons Systems at Arizona Gun Show
Fri May 8 2009

We took some time to describe and evaluate some of the trauma kits we use with our gear. These are first aid kits designed to deal with the most traumadic wounds fast. Bleading and Airway are addressed with these kits.

17 Trauma Kits Compared
Thu May 7 2009

This Eagle fold up ammunition pouch (FAP) can attach to a belt, tactical vest, pack, bag or sling. The pouch uses silent elastic bands and hooks for quiet access, there is no velcro in this pouch. The pouch unfolds to expose 20 rifle rounds in elastic pockets that can hold live or spent shells (empty brass). This Eagle Industries Foldable Ammo Pouch is designed for the .308 (7.62x51) bullet, but will work with many popular rifle length cartridges. This example is sewn in Multicam, and as all Eagle Products it is made in the U.S.A.

Eagle Industries Foldable Ammo Pouch (FAP-.308)
Wed Apr 15 2009

This simple nylon and velcro holster can be set to fit almost any pistol. The holster works with bags and packs with velcro loop panels and allows the holster to be set to various angles. This clever holster costs less than $10 at the time of this review and is a great addition to any bag or pack with a velcro loop panel.

Maxpedition Universal CCW Holster
Mon Apr 13 2009

Electronics

We will be testing this high quality optic while hunting deer, elk and other gamer in Arizona this year. The Leica LRF 900 works from 33 feet to 874 yds, with 7x Magnification, The Leica LRF 900 weighs 11-1/4 ounces with battery. LED display that adjusts itself to the ambient brightness so it is always readable.

Leica LRF 900 Rangemaster Range Finder
Tue Jun 16 2009

School auctions are a great source for low cost used equipment like computers, office supplies, furnature, elecronics, video equipment and a lot more. Laptop computers by the dozen of every make and model both new and old, working and broken. Rows of desktop computers with keyboards, mice and monitors. Macintosh computers both new and old, working and parts / repair. Video equipment and electronics. Tools and heavy machinery is available at low cost at school auctions. Scientific equipment and computers by the pallet.

Computers, Electronics and Tools at Auction
Mon Jun 15 2009

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Wireless Nation in Tucson, Arizona
Fri May 22 2009

Peltor Comtac II are designed to fit under PASGT, MICH and ACH helmets. These are also easily retrofitted to a 2-way communication set-up.

Peltor Comtac II
Mon Apr 13 2009

Detectors Unlimited is a Tucson Gerology club that meets every 4th Tuesday of each month (except December) at 7:00 pm. Detectors Unlimiteds meetings are held at the Annex Building at the REAR of the Craycroft Towers Apartments, 1635 No. Craycroft Rd.

Detectors Unlimited - Metal Detector Club
Sun Apr 12 2009

We took a look at this handy, compact rangefinder. The Nikon Laser 500-G Rangefinder accurately measures distance from 11 yards to over 500 yards with 1/2 yard accuracy. Nikon 500G Laser Rangefinder is also called the Model 8351. The Nikon Laser 500-G Rangefinder has a 6x20 Optic. This means it is 6x magnification with a 20mm Field of View (33 ft @ 100 yds) The Nikon Laser 500-G Rangefinder weighs just 7 oz. The Nikon Laser 500-G Rangefinder has a a High-contrast digital LCD readout display. The Nikon Laser 500-G viewfinder includes targeting crosshairs, a digital distance readout, and a battery power indicator. The Nikon 500 is pocket size. To use the Laser 500-G Rangefinder, just look through its eyepiece and aim at an object, then just press the button. The Nikon Laser 500-G Rangefinder uses an infrared laser to determine the distance from the object in the crosshairs. We used this range finder for a while and it worked flawlessly each time. If you are doing any kind of work outside this is an affordable rangefinder in a small package

Nikon Laser 500-G Rangefinder
Wed Mar 25 2009

I bought this battery holder at a gun show a few months back and it has proved to be a real convenience. It holds 12 AA batteries securely. Since the holder can accept the battery either end down, I can also use the Battery Caddy to keep track of used vs new batteries. The batteries are held tightly so they do not rattle or make any noise in the caddy. In order to find the battery caddy in the pockets or pouches we keep it in, I added a 550 cord lanyard with a LED light. This simple modification makes the battery holder easy to find and easy to grab. Eventually I found this Uncle Mikes double magazine pouch which fits the Battery Caddy as if it was made for it.

PowerPax 12 Pack Battery Caddy
Sun Mar 15 2009

Tools

We will be testing this high quality optic while hunting deer, elk and other gamer in Arizona this year. The Leica LRF 900 works from 33 feet to 874 yds, with 7x Magnification, The Leica LRF 900 weighs 11-1/4 ounces with battery. LED display that adjusts itself to the ambient brightness so it is always readable.

Leica LRF 900 Rangemaster Range Finder
Tue Jun 16 2009

Benchmade BlueBox Service Kit Pocket Tool Set. Benchmade uses six lobe, torx-like headed screws. This Benchmade BlueBox Service Kit includes bit sizes 6, 8 and 10 head bits and bit holder and extension that are all contained in the plastic case which doubles as the handle

Benchmade BlueBox Service Kit
Tue Jun 16 2009

Gerber Clutch is a good EDC pocket or keychain tool. The Gerber Clutch tools include; plier head, screwdrivers, bottle opener, file and tweezers Overall Length is 4.13 inches open and 2.56 inches closed. The Gerber Clutch has a 1.77 inch blade and weighs 2.4 ounces

Gerber Clutch
Mon Jun 15 2009

Becker Combat Utility Knife BK-71 has a seven inch long clip point blade which is .188 inches thick made from 0170-6C carbon steel. The Becker BK-71 weighs 12.9 ounces. The Becker Combat Utility Knife sheath is ambidextrous and made from nylon with a kydex liner. It has a pouch ont he front for a sharpener or folding pocket knife / multi tool. This is a rugged knife that will hold up to almost any abuse

Becker Knife and Tool Company BK-71
Mon Jun 15 2009

School auctions are a great source for low cost used equipment like computers, office supplies, furnature, elecronics, video equipment and a lot more. Laptop computers by the dozen of every make and model both new and old, working and broken. Rows of desktop computers with keyboards, mice and monitors. Macintosh computers both new and old, working and parts / repair. Video equipment and electronics. Tools and heavy machinery is available at low cost at school auctions. Scientific equipment and computers by the pallet.

Computers, Electronics and Tools at Auction
Mon Jun 15 2009

Surefire Echo Fixed Blade Combat / Utility Knife is over 8.68 inches long with a 4.5 inch Blade. The Surefire Echo Knife weighs 5.1 ounces. The blade is made from CPM 3V carbon steel for strength and edge retention coated with rust-proofing to protect it from corrosion. The Surefire Echo Fixed Blade Combat / Utility Knife has a Micarta handle and an injection-molded sheath with built on DMT diamond sharpener

Surefire Echo EW-05 Fixed Blade Knife
Sun Jun 14 2009

Surefire E1L Outdoorsman has 45 lumen (high) and 3 lumen (low) duel output with 8.5 hours to 48 hour runtime. The Surefire E1L Outdoorsman has a 1 inch diameter is 4 inches long and weighs 2.8 ounces. The Surefire E1L Outdoorsman uses one CR 123 battery

Surefire E1L Outdoorsman
Sun Jun 14 2009

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