field tool kit

[DSM]

The thread about aid kits the other day got me to thinking about my IFAK and how it was organized with the insert and elastic webbing.  I keep a small cleaning and tool kit (read: multi-tool) in my kit all the time that takes care of most issues.  What got me to thinking was being able to perform minor repairs and replacement of parts in a less then ideal environment.  What I'm thinking is a small maintenance kit that would be of minimal weight, take up little space in a 3-day or sustainment ruck and would contain spares (bolt, pins, springs, etc), extra wrenches, applicable punch or two, possibly even a small hammer if I could lathe one that could be disassembled.  Having been under the big green wart that is the LC1 ALICE ruck for many moons adding things that aren't really necessary is a big concern of my load plan.  In an emergency UPS won't be running when you need them though!

I've got some ideas how I might make one up but I'd like to hear what some other folk's opinions are on items they would think important for such a task.

[dont_tread_on_me]

   Looks like a nifty piece of gear.I would have a complete XCR repair kit ,the wrenches required,and a complete spare bolt for starters.

[DSM]

OK, so after many months of thinking about doing it, I finally got up the gumption, with much assistance of someone that can run a sewing machine without becoming a yelling and bleeding part of the machine or project.  We picked up some webbing and elastic from the local surplus store and I ordered some multicam cordura, because if it's not multicam then it just isn't cool, and here's what we came up with...




Contained within is about every tool I could think of ever needing to maintain an XCR in the field, away from a workbench of sorts.  A multi-tool; a few different sizes of punches for pins and such; wrenches for bolts (ejector and a special barrel bolt I made); cleaning rods; small bottle of thread locker; small bottle of LaRue's MG lube; all the XCR specific hex wrench bits and a driver (the "L" shaped device); and my parts kit (in the Armalite plastic box--spares kit with a complete bolt fits nicely with enough room I think to get a spare trigger group too).  I wanted to make sure it would fit into one of Tactical Tailor's 1V accessory pouches with a little room to spare for my Otis cleaning stuff--cable rod, brushes and patches, and it worked out nicely.  The 1V pouch I have admittedly isn't multicam but you can imagine what it would be like if it was!  It definitely isn't super professional quality but it keeps everything together and handy if it's needed, and hopefully it's not needed!  Now I don't have a bunch of loose tools floating around my range bag.

[dont_tread_on_me]

 That kicks ass!! You should package them up and sell em'.

[DSM]

I don't know about all that now!  I might look at making a second one and changing up a few things though. 

[Nomad]

Very nice... I have been wanting to do the same but am too lazy to figure out what I want/need and haven't found the right container.  I hadn't even thought about making one.  I don't sew so well.  Hmm...maybe the wife will want to participate.   

[SINKER]

Hey there Brother!
Pray tell where you got that deal?  I am wondering what size it is and how many ways it will attach to whatever.  Some where on here, I/we got together on a pretty complete repair kit, including tools, parts and whatever one of us would need to keep Our XCR's running.  I have thought about some other things as well, but we have to get us a neat pouch of some kind to carry Our repair/maintenance XCR Kit! I love this, we are up to MORE good!
Best regards, Chris

[Underground]

That's pretty slick, nicely done.  It got me to thinking also, I know someone that does custom sewing on heavy material, we could probably make some up like that.  I'm not looking to make anything off it myself, but I was thinking if there was interest we could put some basic kits together fairly inexpensively and maybe raise a little cash for the Wounded Warrior project or some other worthy cause.

A roll like that is almost certainly the easiest to make.  This is what I was thinking about as contents.

Hex wrenches, all sizes for XCR, longer ones for grip and barrel bolt
Flat head driver
Phillips driver
Patches, brushes, jags for 5.56 - 6.8 - 7.62x39
Vial of threadlocker
Small container of lube (CLP?)
Punch (do you think we need a separate roll pin punch?)
Cleaning rod(s)/cable - Long enough for 18" barrels and muzzle devices

On the cleaning rods, we really only need a pull through for cleaning, do you think it should also contain rigid sections in case you need to try and tap a stuck case out or something?  Should it have both?

One thing I couldn't find was a source for some sort of little flat wrench to fit the ejector bolts if anyone knows of something like that.

I thought instead of a separate container we could sew a pocket on the inside of the roll for parts.

Should we add an inexpensive multitool of some sort?  I thought we might just leave room for one, and a few other odds and ends that someone might like to add.

Of course the material should be hot pink digital camo.     Probably like a basic coated OD green cordura or something.

[DSM]

For little wrenches you can always look at Harbor Freight.  Mostly it's cheaper Chinese stuff but unless you're stripping the rifle down every day they should work fairly well.  Most of the stuff in mine I got from Menard's (like Lowe's or Home Depot if you're not familiar).  The generic driver and bits have paid for themselves nicely in the past couple weeks from the new trigger install and refinishing my rifle.

That little green Armalite box had one of their LPK's and I saved it because I thought it was neat.  When I started ordering up spares for the XCR I put them in there to keep them organized.  To me, it made sense to keep everything in there so it wouldn't get lost or jumbled around too much.  I also put one of Brownells anti-rust tabs in there too so the metal parts have a little corrosion protection.

Roll pin punches are nice but I never knew such a thing existed until after I got out of the service.  My tenure fixing small arms we used standard punches.  I'd say honestly it would depend on what price point you'd be trying to meet.

I've had the displeasure of a short recoil and several stuck cases (none in the XCR mind you, but now I'm superstitious!) so keeping a set of rigid rods is always a priority for me, can't speak for anyone else.  For cleaning I always use the Otis style pull through rods.  For a field kit it doesn't need to be a "full kit" either, just the basics to keep you going, like you mentioned.  We could've probably made loops for them on the kit but I already keep that stuff in that TT pouch.


Professionally done, I'd be willing to bet they'd sell decently.  To my knowledge there is no one outside of RA making anything specifically for the XCR. 

[SINKER]

Darn it~!!  I had a really good post and I had to go back and look something up, I blew it off!!  I am going to wait until tomorrow as I don't feel like doing it again!  Anyway, I also think that we should have a "Broken Shell Extractor" in the kit....I'll talk to you guys tomorrow...

[Underground]

I found some good quality combo wrenches that were marked down.  I ordered some of those and some hex wrenches, if no one wants to do a full kit I'll just offer those up at cost as a tool set.

The only problem with broken shell extractors is they're a little pricy and calber specific.  That might be better as something for someone to add themselves, but I'm certainly open to suggestions.

[SINKER]

I didn't think that the shell extractors were very pricey.  I've got two of them and I am pretty frugal......tryCheaper Than Dirt or Midway USA, AR-15 BROKEN SHELL EXTRACTOR.  When I need to get a piece running, I'm not too worried about a few bucks...., but I still don't think that they are very much money.

[dont_tread_on_me]

  Not to hi-jack the thread but this brings up an interesting question.How many people have actually had a case head separate or need to use a broken shell extractor to retrieve the brass from the chamber? Hmmmm...Maybe I should start a poll.

[Underground]

I didn't think that the shell extractors were very pricey.  I've got two of them and I am pretty frugal......tryCheaper Than Dirt or Midway USA, AR-15 BROKEN SHELL EXTRACTOR.  When I need to get a piece running, I'm not too worried about a few bucks...., but I still don't think that they are very much money.

I did find some cheaper ones than what I saw initially, but that's still $4-14 that someone may not need at all depending on what caliber(s) of XCR they have.  I think it may be better to leave some space for it, and let folks add it themselves.  I didn't see any for 6.8 either, although there may be one out there.

[DSM]

  Not to hi-jack the thread but this brings up an interesting question.How many people have actually had a case head separate or need to use a broken shell extractor to retrieve the brass from the chamber? Hmmmm...Maybe I should start a poll.

It was rare for me, even with machineguns, but when it did happen you were glad to have that tool in the kit!  The first thing we looked at was headspace and if the bolt was getting worn.  If the XCR's barrel bolt is loose and there is an out of battery condition, it's possible.  And of course, very possible if you've reloaded a case one too many times or have used "range brass" or gun show specials of unknown origin.

[dont_tread_on_me]

It was rare for me, even with machineguns, but when it did happen you were glad to have that tool in the kit!

LMAO...yea I kinda figured that much,I personally have never had it happen to me,which is why I was wondering.

[SINKER]

MAN! WE ARE GOOD AT THIS!! I LOVE IT!!
Sinker

[DSM]

Had an epiphany about my little kit here.  Was looking at my full-up Otis kit earlier, I had forgotten that they have small sectioned, solid brass rods in there.  They're to use the little picks and brushes and such but there isn't anything stopping me from ordering them separate (they're sold as spares for a couple bucks apiece) for inclusion with my kit.  They'll be smaller than the GI rods so I'll end up carrying more than just three.  I like the trade off to give more compactness though.  I'll see about getting another strip of elastic across the back maybe.

[Underground]

Yeah I thought about that too, but those are like $1 / inch.  I've been looking for some brass rod sections that are already threaded and tapped, but the only ones I've seen that are relatively cheap are way too long, like 4' sections minimum.  I figure they must be sourcing them from somewhere.

I've got some good quality hex wrenches, and a nice combo wrench for the ejector bolts (not here yet) at a good price.  The rod sections are the hard part apparently.

[DSM]

Yeah I thought about that too, but those are like $1 / inch.  I've been looking for some brass rod sections that are already threaded and tapped, but the only ones I've seen that are relatively cheap are way too long, like 4' sections minimum.  I figure they must be sourcing them from somewhere.

I've got some good quality hex wrenches, and a nice combo wrench for the ejector bolts (not here yet) at a good price.  The rod sections are the hard part apparently.

That's why everyone needs SBR's, less rod sections!   

[Underground]

Well I have a couple of friends that have several sewing machines, and know how to use them, that are going to help me put the pouches together.  I have most of the materials ordered, I've been looking for good deals on everything to keep the cost down.

It should be nice and compact, pocket size at least.

[DSM]

Great!  Hope they turn out as expected.  Good luck.

[SINKER]

Hey Underground,
Let us see what you end up with.  You may start a "cottage industry" if they are liked.  Most of us, Our Forum Members, would like to do business with Our Group when/if possible.....Happy Thanksgiving!
S

[Underground]

Thanks, these are just to try and provide something useful to the forum members, and raise a little money for a good cause.  I won't be making any money off it personally.

As soon as I get the case layout figured out and a prototype made I'll post some pics with everything.