The "Overlooked" things

[NEONOBODY]

One of the best ways to survive a crisis is to know how to make do with what you have. With that in mind, I would like to make a list of often overlooked basics a person should know or have.

Sewing. Every person should know basic hand stitches. Here is a good example. Practicing can also help keep busy if there is nothing else to do http://sewsitall.blogspot.com/2010/10/hand-sewing-basic-stitches.html

Next is knots. Even if you're not a boyscout, you should know at least basic knots http://www.animatedknots.com/indexbasics.php

Tools. This comes from me. I have been a mechanic / electrician for more years than I care to count. Here is what I would consider a good basic all purpose toolbox.

1 set combination wrench set, metric, 7mm - 24mm (metric because it will cover inch sizes also but not nessasarily vice versa)
1 ea Hex key wrench set, inch and metric
1 ea Screwdriver with bit set (extended length bits)
1 ea channel locks, vice grip, cresent wrench mid size (on these buy "name brand"!)
1 ea side cut pliers
1 ea "linemans tool" w/ needlenose pliers
1 package tie wraps (aka zip ties)
1 package 20 ea hose clamps (2 inch) can be put together if bigger size is nessasary
2 rolls electrical tape (avoid PVC)
1 roll QUALITY duct tape
1 tube high temp silicone sealer / liquid gasket
Place all in a waterproof bag with dessicant and put a kit in each vehicle. Even if you do not know how to use it, someone may arrive to help who does but does not have tools.

Please feel free to add to this

 

[Gazrok]

I'd recommend a standard claw hammer also. (sometimes, just need the brute force), and a strong, straight-slot screwdriver that is pretty long.

Personally for the car, I'd also prefer to keep spare fuses in such a kit, and a small roll of electrical wire, and of course, a small LED flashlight, and SuperGlue (gel).

 

[jimLE]

cheater pipe(s) for crescent and pipe wrenches.and maybe for open and closed wrenches..

 

[psalm 7]

Just good quality yard and garden tools will be pricless . These would have to be kept locked up .

 

[Gazrok]

Biggest overlooked prep;

CLEANERS (of all kinds).
Hard to make post SHTF, and staying clean is the best defense against the real post SHTF killer.....lack of sanitation.

 

[psalm 7]

Yes sanitation is one of the biggest differances from our standard of living and some of the worst sh** holes you could imagine .

 

[Gazrok]

Not to mention that it breeds disease.

In the cities, I think this will be the second most dangerous factor (the first being your fellow city survivors).
Can you imagine days (prior to the full-blown SHTF) where garbage piles up, sewers back up, no drinking water, etc.? Cities will be hellish places in a matter of a few days. Just look to Katrina and other real world examples.

 

[Maverick]

Biggest overlooked prep;

CLEANERS (of all kinds).
Hard to make post SHTF, and staying clean is the best defense against the real post SHTF killer.....lack of sanitation.

Agree! dysentery has been one of the number one killer for centuries and every nation has felt this killers grip, another overlooked item is the tetanus shot, tetanus ranks up there with dysentery, make sure you are up on your tetanus shot an absolute must for a prepper!