<html xmlns:v="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" = xmlns:o="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" = xmlns:w="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word" = xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40"> <head> <META HTTP-EQUIV="Content-Type" CONTENT="text/html; = charset=us-ascii"> <meta name=Generator content="Microsoft Word 11 (filtered medium)">  <style>  </style>  </head> <body bgcolor=white lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple> <div class=Section1> I hope that I sent the message = about the big house tool case properly In case  I didn’t look at the big = house tool case at duluthtrading.com and you will be amazed. Some one let me know if I = sent that description  properly. <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <div> <div class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'> <hr size=2 width="100%" align=center tabindex=-1> </div> From: caut-bounces@ptg.org [mailto:caut-bounces@ptg.org] On Behalf Of Jeff Olson Sent: Saturday, January = 07, 2006 9:03 PM To: College and = University Technicians Subject: [CAUT] The Ideal = Tool Case?<o:p></o:p> </div> <o:p> </o:p> <div> As much as I hate to change the subject of alcohol and pianos -- surely one = of the most fertile lines of inquiry in the piano repair business -- I wonder = if anyone has any thoughts on what constitutes the idea tool case (or even = if such a thing exists in any universal sense). <o:p></o:p> I ask because I've had one in mind for years, after using several = different cases during that time and only being partly satisfied in each incidence, and = then today I suddenly saw it in the Home Depot tool section (while picking = out a DeWalt 7.2 screwdriver, my absolute favorite battery-powered screwdriver = for basic piano screwing in the home -- light, powerful, compact, and the = battery lasts and lasts, despite its modest voltage.  M wife should be so = content :-). = <o:p></o:p> The tool case in question is a "CLC" (no idea what that stands = for) -- a soft case of heavy nylon construction. It was advertised as being = intended for electrical tools <o:p></o:p> I should say what I've always been looking for: 1) easy access but secure fastening for the most commonly used tools -- e.g., tuning hammers, = basic screwdrivers, tuning felt, meter, etc; 2) easy access to other tools; 3) balance and comfort for carrying and setting down; 4) storage area for = larger items such as flashlight, can of lubricant, battery screwdriver; 5) = lightweight and looks professional. (I'm going to assume that most of you agree with = me that parts and tools should be in separate carrying cases, otherwise you = either have too few of both or a case that weighs about 50 = lbs.) <o:p></o:p> I'd prefer not to open the case to get at my tuning tools. I like them being accessible from the outside, but prior cases had issues securing tuning wrenches, etc.; I'd rather not remove pallets, etc., to get at tools; = I'd like to have a large variety of well-ordered holding compartments appropriate = for the general size of piano repair tools. This isn't a terribly exhaustive = list, but I think it conveys my basic tastes.<o:p></o:p> The CLC toolcase has two side flaps that when unzipped expose a large number = of nylon tool holding pouches on either side, easily more numerous than the = pallet style tool holders I've previously owned in hard-shell cases; in = addition, there are tool pouches on the inside of the flaps themselves. There are = a number of deep pouches on the ends of the case -- placed there to avoid = the imbalances that occur when you store tools on the outsides of a case, = which tend to pull the case open or over on one side. My five tuning wrenches = and some screwdrivers fit neatly into the pouches on both ends of the case. = A quick unzip reveals an array of other useful tools. The deep main compartment = in the toolcase is good for holding the aforementioned larger = items.<o:p></o:p> Anyhow, I've gone on long enough. I was just happy to encounter this case in a = random shopping expedition, and thought I'd share it with you. If anyone's = interested, I'd be happy to send photos. I have no idea if technicians in general = are satisfied with their tool cases. I know I've never been -- until = now.  Any alternate suggestions or thoughts would be = welcome.<o:p></o:p> Best,<o:p></o:p></fon= t> JeffO<o:p></o:p></fon= t> </div> </div> </body> </html>