I have a Swiss-Tech Micro (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001AY2...HYS0MTR3R4VQDFM) that I've put in the dish for years with my change, flashlight, and other crap. I've had use of the pliers and little screw drivers often enough to make it well worth carrying.

I carry a small pocket-sized notebook and pen, which are very handy for noting things people tell me, getting email and phone numbers, and such. Note my pen:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/civex/5507277599/

When we're traveling, my wife and I take our handheld radios, which we've never had a problem with.