a Saber saw is the powered hand tool that will take several
size and types of blades--a Jig saw sits on a bench and has a
small fine blade and a Scroll saw is the unpowered hand saw
with the fine blade and large loop frame..now if you really
want a saw get a Saws-All--with one of those and a few tubes
of Liquid Nails in a tube you could remodel your house---

I have also heard of a jig saw being called a scroll saw. As well as a sabre saw with a blade that rotated with the knob on top that was called a scroll saw. It is supposed to make it more stable cutting near the edge of material. Have not used the scroll/sabre saw so i don't know if it is a cool tool or just marketing hype.

There are different names for tools and parts depending on where you are at and what kind of trade you are in. Just think about that the next time you are at a store and ask for a hickey, you might get slapped, get something that will get you in trouble when you get home, or if they know thier stuff they should hand you a bent piece of metal that goes in a lamp.

http://tinyurl.com/2ww3gw

This thread is almost like asking: 'anyone got any tips for being equipped to survive?'
Apart from the mirror, compass and whistle Dougs kit is a good example of a small 'utility' kit. Thread, string, fire, duct tape etc all have multi-uses. That's what being equipped to survive is.
The Sock

Yes....but what are they? That's the big question. Knowing thread is good for stuff doesn't help you if you're unaware of what those uses could be.

One thing years of experience has taught me is that lots of people are not creative. They can't come up with ideas on their own. Giving their minds a nudge like this is a good thing that should be encouraged.

-Blast

Slightly off topic:
On many other forums there is a nice mechanism which allows the Topic initiator to edit his very first message, adding the suggestions and ideas, which comes from others later (sometimes years later). Thus consolidating, accumulating, and organizing the precious bits of knowledge in a single, easy to find place. Is there such an amenity available on our forum? It seems to be essential for our style of discussion, one have to dig through many pages to have a complete picture sometimes...

The easiest way for our Administrator is to simply disable the time limit for the messages editing.

Hey I'm not criticising anyone. This thread is a good idea; just pointing out it's open ended.
Coming to think of it there were even other multiple uses for 'the pure survival' items in Dougs kit.

Whistle:
For a pre arranged signal if you get split up anywhere even the shopping mall
Rape alarm
Dog signal
Heard of someone ending a dispute over a bill by simply blowing a whistle.
Weapon; but then practically anything can; hit them end on; it's harder than your hand. This is the answer to the 'how to use a flashlight as a weapon' question if you have a small torch too. Don't carry a kubotan it has only one purpose - a weapon.

A mini maglite is 'but of course I walk through the car park with it in my hand officer, it has my car keys on it. Really? people use them as weapons? I never knew'.

Mirror:
Shaving
Blinding someone
Weapon: slice them with it, or if the mirror is glass break it first and slash.

Compass:
Test if something is a magnet
Test if something is iron or steel
Watch; by using the 'use your watch as a compass' trick in reverse.

One of the best examples I saw of lateral thinking was when a friends lights turned off in his car. He pressed the switch and the lights stayed on while he kept it pressed. Did he have to drive like that all the time? No; he simply peeled off a post it pad from the dash and used that to stick the switch down :-)

On the theme of the uses of a spare sock:

The best use ever for a sock/stocking will be on the 25th of this month. Anyone wants to disagree, please take this up with your relatives under 10....

The Sock

A bandanna or two have many uses. As clothing, as bandages, as a water filter, as a bag or sack, as a glove, as cordage, as toilet paper... many more.

I carry a smart phone which stores novels to read, music, movies and games. It has an FM radio and is generally the only radio I carry. It has a camera, eg to document damage for insurance claims, or to help analyse what went wrong later. The camera has a flash which can be used as a light, as can the screen's backlight. It has some astronomy software which could help in navigation. It has a calculator and some reference material If the network is up I can access more information from the web, or use Google maps. My approximate location can be determined from the cell tower it is registered to. It can even make telephone calls and send text messages.

My watch includes a digital compass and a barometer. Again trying to get the most utility out of everything I carry daily.

I carry a small multi-tool and swiss army knife, which are more versatile than a simple blade.

My belt is a money-belt which holds a few emergency supplies, including money and fire-making tools.

Try getting a coconut out of a tube sock. I don't remember how we got it out on the 25th but I'd like to have watched it going in on the 24th.

And stress magnifies this.

For example, someone might be aware theoretically that dental floss and dirt can be used to cut metal if you absolutely have to. But if they are running about half blood and half adrenaline in their veins and are over taken by events, that theoretical knowledge isn't always going to be available. The more you brain storm it, the more likely you are to have alternatives bubble up to the top.