Wilcox Ind

Archive for the ‘Gadgets’ Category

SOG Multi-Tools

Sunday, December 21st, 2008

SOG Knives

SOG Knives manufactures several models of multi-tools and I have been using the Black Oxide PowerLock EOD for several years. SOG’s multi-tools offer a variety of unique features. One of the smartest things they have done is position the cap crimper in the handle rather than the jaws of the pliers. This position combined with the compound pressure design allows you to apply plenty of pressure to the task of crimping.

SOG PowerLock EOD

Additionally, on the newer model the pliers are true needle nose. As you can see the tips of the needle nose now come to a definite point. SOG has also incorporated a hard wire cutter on each PowerLock.

SOG Pliers

The compound pressure feature seen below uses a set of gears to increase the leverage placed on the tool by your natural grip by two-fold.

SOG Power Lock

One of the greatest things about SOG Tools is that they are modular. Over time, you may need additional capabilities beyond your requirements when you first acquired your tool. By removing the hex head bolt that holds the individual tool heads in place you can swap out individual tools. This feature makes the SOG Tool a long-term investment. The array of tools available is incredible and grows regularly.

1/4″ Drive
1/4″ Socket Adapter
3″ 1/2 Serrated Blade
3″ Serrated Blade
3″ Straight Blade
Awl
Bottle Opener & Medium Screwdriver
C-4 Spike
Can Opener & Small Screwdriver
Double Tooth Saw
File (3 Sided)
Handle Covers
Phillips Screwdriver
Robertson Drive
Scissors
Screwdriver (Large)
Serrated Line Cutter
V-Cutter

SOG provides an excellent chart that correlates features with different models.

For more information check out SOG Knives.

Rescue Tape

Friday, December 19th, 2008

Simply amazing. This tape is a fix all. This self-fusing tape has a 700 PSI tensile strength, insulates 8,000 volts per layer, withstands 500° F degrees of heat (260° C) yet remains flexible to -85° F (-60° C). The possibilities are almost endless with the stuff. It isn’t effected by wet, dirty, or oily surfaces and can be used as easily to repair a leaky radiator as to stop a bleeding injury.

Rescue Tape
For reasons such as these, Rescue Tape is found in every Battle Damage Assessment and Repair kit. Rescue Tape is available in 1″ and 2″ widths in eight colors (Black, Red, Clear, Blue, Green, Orange, Yellow, White).

For more info go to Rescue Tape. To order go to Supply Captain.

Key Sergeant – Key Removal Tool

Thursday, December 11th, 2008

The Key Sergeant

One of the most difficult things is putting keys on key rings. The Key Sergeant is teh answer to that problem. This simple device makes quick work of adding keys to a ring. The video shows you how.

Order from The Key Tool, LLC. A portion of each sale goes to support US Veterans.

Picture and video from The Key Tool, LLC.

Down Range Gear

Tuesday, December 2nd, 2008

Down Range Gear recently launched their website and offers several innovative designs at low prices. In particular is the Night Vision Retention lanyard. At $2.50 it is a steal for those who require a simple leash for their NODs.

Down Range Gear’s Night Vision Retention

Available in Coyote and Foliage from Down Range Gear.

Bushnell Backtrack GPS Receiver

Friday, November 28th, 2008

New from Bushnell Outdoors comes the Backtrack, a new take on GPS receivers. Intended as a low cost alternative to more complicated GPS systems, simplicity was key in it’s design. The Backtrack stores up to three locations and uses an onboard digital compass to guide you back to one of the stored points. The device has only two buttons. Simply turn it on and then mark a point such as your truck on a hunting trip. In the event you need to return to a stored point, the Backtrack will give you a direction and distance to the waypoint. Our only concern for military use with this device is that there is no simple way to zeroize it on the event of capture. However, it is a simple and inexpensive GPS receiver for many applications and would not only be a good choice for personnel who would not normally have access to a GPS receiver but also for use off-duty or for family members when away from home.

Bushnell Backtrack GPS Reciever

The Backtrack uses two AAA batteries and contains a SiRF Star III GPS receiver chip. It can be dummy corded utilizing the integral lanyard loop and comes in Yellow, Green, Woodland, Grey, and Pink.

To order visit Bushnell.

Photo from Bushnell.

James Bond’s Weird World of Inventions (Jan, 1966)

Friday, November 21st, 2008

From the January 1966 issue of Popular Science via the blog Modern Mechanix comes a fantastic look at 1960s next tech.

Popular Science’s “James Bond’s Weird World of Inventions”

My favorite has always been the jet pack.

To read the entire article go to blog.modernmechanix.com.

MSM Loop Panels

Wednesday, November 19th, 2008

MilSpecMonkey

A myriad of low-profile tactical clothing and packs are currently on the market that rely on a velcro-based attachment system consisting of a grid of pile to secure holsters, pouches, and other accessories. Unfortunately, many of the pouches intended for these systems are very specialized and do not support a wide enough variety of equipment. Other models don’t offer internal organizers at all. Quite frankly, since the advent of PALS, velcro based systems have taken a back seat.

MSM Loop Panel

With this in mind, MilSpecMonkey developed the new Loop Panel as a low-cost alternative to what’s currently on the market.

MSM Loop Panel

The Loop Panels accommodate a wide variety of items from pistol and rifle magazines to flashlights due to the ingenious, yet simple design that utilizes two rows of different widths of elastic. There are two, 2″ slots on the inner elastic and a 4″ slot on the outer elastic. The loops are sewn down about .5″ from the ends to help prevent the panel from curling and the ends of the elastic are great for holding pens and markers.

MSM Loop Panel

They are sold in pairs and measure about 5″ x 2″.

To order go to Mil Spec Monkey.

Photos courtesy of MilSpecMonkey.

3M MPro 110 Pocket Projector Update

Wednesday, November 12th, 2008

Gizmodo has published photos and some additional background info on the battery operated MPro 110 we discussed back in September. It is pocket sized and while gear heads will complain about the MPro 110’s low resolution, for a guy deployed to a forward location it can pull double duty as an MWR projector and small unit briefing aid.