favorite tool...?

[mrhoneydew]

I don't actually have a specific question... this one is sort of just for fun and for some general discussion.

Question :

You are a world cruiser and, more often than not, you work on/repair your own boat. For the sake of argument, say you have all of your tools in just one tool box (I know, either it's impossible, you're an idiot, or it's some behemoth deck locker... but just play along.) Next, say you are up on deck with this mythical toolbox repairing something and just as you turn your attention back to your work, out of the corner of your eye you see it start to tip overboard. Your reflexes are just quick enough to grab for it and you wind up catching just one tool. What tool would you want that to be?

Cheers ,

don

[Maine Sail]

Bottle opener with built in cork screw...

[TintedChrome]

If grabbing the tool was detrimental to my hands, I'd let it go - best tool in the world is your hands .. Other than that, it would probably be vice-grips.. I can probably do more by (incorrectly) using vice grips than with any other tool.

Of course, if your one physical tool is allowed to be a multi-tool, then I'd think a leatherman would be pretty damn handy to keep

If we're talking all time favourite as opposed to something useful for a boat, I'd keep my jeweler's screwdrivers. They're too cute and tiny not to save

[jjablonowski]

Corkscrew/bottle opener. What more can be said?

[RichP]

A really big hammer!

[TintedChrome]

Funnily enough, I was going to mention corkscrew/bottle opener first, but quickly came to the realization that if you want your booze bad enough, a couple of well placed whacks against something hard or teeth for bottle caps works just as well.

Real sailors don't need no damn tools for their booze *cough*

[mrhoneydew]

Great answers... those of you who mention corkscrew as your first tool of choice are pretty hardcore... I actually thought the corkscrew was supposed to be kept in the galley. Personally I try not to be too sentimental about such things as tools that can [theoretically] be replaced since I figure they are likely to be either lost or stolen at some point despite my best efforts, but I have a 20oz Vaughn ball-peen hammer that has seen it's fair share of use over the years. It has been my "therapist" as I have tried out various forms of... ur... shall we say... colorful language. I would really hate to see that go. Plus it's difficult to find something as simple as a well-made hammer these days (without having to sell a kidney, anyway).

[TOMINDC2]

And now for a serious answer. As I only take open beverages on deck, my corkscrew would be on the bar. Even if I did lose it over the side, I have a spare in the galley.

My Multimaster would be the choice grab. Nothing like it for plunge cutting, unbedding chain plates and hatches from 5200, sanding & polishing gelcoat repairs, and as long as my inverter is functioning, it will even saw through my half-inch shrouds in a jiffy -- not a trivial achievement if demasted.

[SteveInMD]

My current favorite is my remote starter switch. You can bypass the entire engine panel if need be, or just avoid many trips topside while working on the motor. Just clip one lead to the "S" and one to "B" on the starter solenoid and you're all set. Yes, I know you can use a screwdriver but I'd rather avoid the sparks and jolts to the solenoid - just a clean on and off like key.

NAPAONLINE®

[philsboat]

A 10 in 1 screwdriver from the electrical dept. of Home Depot is one I wouldn't be without.
Phil