This is prompted by an incident yesterday. I was approached by a woman seeking assistance for a broken bicycle chain. I immediately offered my Wave. "What kind of a guy carries pliers around all the time?" she uttered in disbelief. Answer: those who are equipped to survive...

I currently carry a Wave, bit kit, bit extender, and 4" adjustable wrench in a hip pouch. This is supplemented when on duty, with a Leatherman Z-Rex strap cutter with a 1/4" hex drive. In my vehicle I have an el cheapo socket set with a hex drive, 1/4" drive adapter.

This seems like a good beginning, but I am interested in what the assembled expertise of this group could propose for nifty improvements.

The goal would be compact, not too heavy, and quite versatile, suited for the occasional odd job - not continuous use. The core would be EDC, with supplements readily available.....

Thoughts and suggestions, anyone?

What you carry is good in general, but did they suffice in fixing her bicycle chain? I carry tools for bicycle specific issues in a small kit under the seat of my bike. For chains, there are tools and spare links.

I keep an emergency kit in a backpack in my car. Among other things it contains a Leatherman Surge, a Leatherman bit kit and extender, duct tape, cable ties and a pry bar.

The car-specific kit (not in the backpack) contains Rescue Tape (http://www.rescuetape.com/), radiator leak stopper, a tire patch kit, an assortment of automotive fuses, and some heavy gauge wire. There's also a battery jumpstarter with a compressor. The spare tire compartment contains a jack, tire iron, spare tire and jumper cables.

My bike kit contains a Leatherman Sidekick, a set of Fix It Sticks (http://www.fixitsticks.com/), a spare tube, a tube patch kit, tire levers, an emergency tire boot, and a chain repair link. All of that fits in a small under-seat bike bag. Other than the spare tube it's a very small and light kit. I had three "saves" of members of my bike group last summer with this kit.

My laptop bag contains a (pre-2004) Wave, a silent ratcheting screwdriver with a large assortment of bits, a precision screwdriver with an assortment of bits, and some cable ties.

I have a separate Surge, bit kit and extender in a belt sheath with a flashlight that I'll throw in a bag or on my belt depending on where I'm going and what I'm up to. If I'm carrying lighter it will be a Wave with no sheath and no bit kit. I always have a PS4 (or a Style PS if I'm flying) on my keyring.

A pocket knife and a bit of duct tape?

I would have countered with, "How do you expect me to assist you with repairing your chain without tools?"
But I'm known around the department and life in general as a smart aleck.

A general all purpose keep in my car kit

Glove box:
*Headlamp
*Automatic punch
*Tire pressure gauge
*List of tow companies that work with my insurance
*Owners manual

16" toolbox in trunk:
*Scissors
*Gorilla Glue duct tape
*Rubber mallet
*Fire extinguisher
*Spare bulbs (headlight, tail/brake lights, turn signals)
*Spare fuses
*Extra Motor oil
*Fire extinguisher
*10 ft precut lengths of 1/4" utility rope
*Paper towels
*Ice scraper

In spare tire well
*Gloves
*Jumper cables
*Pouch with the following tools:
**Channel lock pliers
**Vise grip/Adjustable crescent wrench
**Needle nose pliers
**Combination wrench set (metric to fit car)
**6 in 1 screwdriver/bit driver
**18mm Olfa knife
**Feeler gauge

For on person/bag I'd add a flashlight, cord/shoelace, and reusable zip ties.

Well, I was on the job, so I had to be nice. Besides, she came back quite enthusiastic, handing me back my Wave, saying, "There are all kinds of tools in here." So I expounded on the many virtues of multitools and dragged out my PS4, which is probably better suited for demure ladies. She was off immediately for the nearest REI.....

Actually, ounce for ounce and dollar for dollar, the PS4 is probably the better deal.

Huh? You EDC BOTH a Wave and a Squirt PS4? Why?

I know you weren't asking me, but since I do at work I'll tell you.

The PS4 is on my keyring and always available. The Wave is usually in my laptop bag which may not be in reach.

Every so often, having both is awesome, like in a datacenter environment when I need two pairs of pliers to make something come apart or go back together.

Chaos speak with straight tongue, Kemosabe. The PS4 is on the key ring, and is always there, except when flying commercially. The Wave is almost always on my belt, but there are situations where it is inappropriate. It is surprising how often I reach for the PS4 when I have a choice.

I am not planning to pack a Surge on my other hip...Now that would be excessive!