I've been re-thinking what I carry on the inspection. I'm using a two pocket nail pouch with my camera, outlet tester, moisture meter, screwdrivers, a mini mag light and a full size mag light. I also carry a few spare batteries for the camera, a backup outlet tester, and some pens in the clip board. I'm not happy with my pouch.

What do you carry, and what do you have in it? I found that I have streamlined down to the bare essentials in my pouch, and the other stuff stays in the car with my ladder.

I go back to the car to put on my coveralls and knee pads for crawl spaces...

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Brian Cooper, Located in the Columbia, South Carolina area.

www.CooperHomeInspection.com

I also have a 2 pocket pouch on my belt that I carry Stanley 25 ft tape, Awl, Sure test, Infrared thermometer,Tic tracer, and neon tester.Stream light holder on my belt also. The rest I carry with me in a tool bag. moisture meter, N95 masks, cordless screwdriver, extra screwdrivers and bits, extra flashlights and batteries,knife, voltage tester, pressure gage, Binoculars. Leave the crawl space stuff in car.

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Dave

I've got a small, multiple pocket pouch on a tool belt and in it I have:

awl
2 digital thermometers (with magnets on them)
hand-sized l.e.d. flashlight - wonderfully bright
telescoping mirror (don't use too much)
a magnet with different screwdriver bits attached to it
CO detector clipped to the pouch

Also on the belt, in their own separate pouches, I have:

Suretest 61-165
IR thermometer
camera (couple of extra batteries in the bottom of the case)

Tape measure on the belt too. Hand towel around the neck (I perspire profusely - in case you wanted to know) plus it's great for keeping my hands dry when I'm testing/filling sinks and tubs.

I just bought a Suretest 61-059 (got it Thursday). I'm going to switch it out for the bigger 61-165 and see if I like it better for size and speed of operation.

When not in use, the tool belt rides in a tool bag that also has a 4" ball, house slippers (for being considerate), Ryobi small vacuum (sucking up attic insulation), and my latest cordless screwdriver BOSCH PS20-2 10.8V Litheon Pocket Driver With 2 Batteries - Toolup.com}
It's GREAT and light and one battery lasts a very long time.

Crawl stuff, ladder, binoculars, extra towels, sniffers -- out in the truck.

I, too, have been trying to figure out how to get small/efficient. Working on different things. Having fun.

Wow, that's a long post. Hope this helps someone.

Bruce

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Bruce Thompson, Lic. #9199
www.TPI-Texas.com
Tyler, TX

Also, meant to ask if anyone has thought about or is carrying a longer probing device other than an awl. It could be used for pushing smoke detector test buttons or using it like the picture in the ad below.

I found one here:

Tool Experts- Your Choice For Home Inspection Tools And Testing Needs*::*Monthly Specials*::*Probe It

Not keen about paying $25 bucks for it; however, like the telescopic effect. You know: packs small, plays big!

Any thoughts?

B

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Bruce Thompson, Lic. #9199
www.TPI-Texas.com
Tyler, TX

I carry in a 3 pouch tool belt. Stinger rechargable flashlite, 4 way screwdriver, voltage tester, outlet tester w/ gfci button, moisture meter, magnets, small compass, knife,camera, digital recorder and ir thermometer and golf ball for bouncing on large tiled areas to test for loose tiles instead of crawling around. Saves your knuckles and knees. Also good to show clients how level their floors are.
For a probe I use a cut off 3wood iron golf shaft with a masonry bit epoxied into the end. 3$ at goodwill stores everywhere. Pipe cut the head off and your in business.No bending down required for low decayed areas and can reach 3 feet above extended arm. Good for knocking down cobwebs in teh crawl and to kneel on in a pinch. Also good for keeping cats and brokers at bay.

Photographer vest works great for me. I'm not a fan of the tool bags, but use whatever you're comfortable with. I use an old pool cue stick to test the high smokies.

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Jim Robinson
New Mexico, USA

old pool cues and golf clubs...interesting

I really like the vest idea too, but having this supernatural ability to sweat in a snowstorm is going to limit me there.

Maybe if I inspected without a shirt.... Nah, I'd lose too much business.

Bruce

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Bruce Thompson, Lic. #9199
www.TPI-Texas.com
Tyler, TX

I carry only a flashlight on a cop ring and the camera in a open pouch that clips on the belt.
Everything else except crawl gear is in a step stool tool box that I have had for over 10 years.
The tool box has all the screw drivers, meters, thermometers, shower drain plug, spare flashlight, etc.
The tool box goes to the kitchen where all the appliances get started first and then I grab what I need for each stage of the inspection.
It keeps me from going back and forth to the truck and the step stool gets me by without a ladder on the interior most of the time.
I do wind up with tools stuck in my pockets, but that is still not as heavy as a tool belt, and is easier to maneuver in tight quarters.
I wish I could find another one of these boxes, since it is plastic and is showing its age, but I have looked at every tool store I have come across in the last 5 years and I have not been able to find another.

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Jim Luttrall
Mr. Inspector.net, Inc.
Allen, Texas 75002

Camera on my belt, maglite on my belt with a power-tool clip (the closed circular maglite holster takes too long to get the light in and out of), screw drivers and awl in one back pocket, tape recorder in the other. voltage sniffer in my front right pocket, three-prong outlet and 'wiggie' tester in my front left pocket, binoculars around my neck while outside.

All the crawl gear, pliers and other tools that I don't use much are in my truck. Sometimes, having an excuse to go the the truck can be a blessing

I keep my tool gadget bag in the kitchen. Everything that I need I have found that I can fit nicely in my pants pockets. If it is a big house I use a fanny pack that I sling over my shoulder to hold a few more tools. If I find I need my tape measure I go back and get it, I mean just how often do you really need to measure things.

My Suretest stays in the tool bag, I use a $4 neon light tester and a voltage sniffer most of the time, if I have a question I go get the SureTest. I seldom find a need to use the SureTest.

For a probe, I use a pocket knife or a Flathead screwdriver. Most of the time I probe with my fingernail! If it is soft, why probe and tear it up more?

My Ultra Stinger I hold most of the time while inside the home, you can't beat that white light it puts out. I have a belt ring if needed to hold it.

I use to wear a tool pouch belt, but one fall through an attic and having it get hung-up cured me of hauling 20lbs of tools around my waist.

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Scott Patterson
Spring Hill, TN
http://www.traceinspections.com

Early in my career there was a neighborhood that one of my inspection tools was a Glock 19. Later as I became more successful I referred other new inspectors to handle that area.

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Jerry McCarthy
Construction Consultant
www.expertbuildingconsultants.com

When I get to a house I always park in the road if possible to keep from getting blocked in plus I can get a picture of the house without my truck in the picture. When I get out I carry my camera in a belt case, a 4-way screwdriver, a 4-light receptacle tester, and a LED Maglite in my back pocket. I leave my contract and other stuff in the truck until later. I like to meet the clients without looking like a lawyer or a techno-geek. Most of the time this is all I use except for ladders as needed and coveralls and kneepads. The coverall's and kneepads have been added in the last few months after I inspected a rash of REAL old houses. In the crawl I keep my camera in the top coverall pocket and the 4-way in the deep rear pocket. I keep the flashlight in my hand. I probe with the 4-way.

Plus you were able to write it off as a business expense.

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Bruce Thompson, Lic. #9199
www.TPI-Texas.com
Tyler, TX

Here is a image of a box similar to what I carry (Thanks BAdair) I think I will be ordering a replacement from these folks. Less than $30 is a bargain once you try it.
http://www2.northerntool.com/product/200319997.htm

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Jim Luttrall
Mr. Inspector.net, Inc.
Allen, Texas 75002

Quick question for all: Do you use disposable or washable coveralls? I use disposable but I don't have a pocket (would be very, very nice to have for the camera)

Second question: If you use washable coveralls, where do you find a sturdy but thin pair to wear in the summer?

thanks in advance,
Bruce

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Bruce Thompson, Lic. #9199
www.TPI-Texas.com
Tyler, TX

Very nice. Hmmm....

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Bruce Thompson, Lic. #9199
www.TPI-Texas.com
Tyler, TX

I buy the Sear's blue mechanic coverall's that are washable. I have a couple of pair that I wash when they get too dirty. They go from the truck to the crawl and back to the truck so they never see the inside of the house. They are thick for summer but they do hold up well.

Put a cord on the camera long enough to go around your neck and still be able to take pics. after taking a pic let the camera hang doen inside the coveralls. Keeps it clean and you can't lose it. I can't tell you how many times iv'e finally gotten out of the crawl from hell only to realise my camera fell out of the tool pouch.

[quote=James Duffin;40566] I leave my contract and other stuff in the truck until later. I like to meet the clients without looking like a lawyer or a techno-geek./QUOTE]

James, In North Carolina, the client is required to sign the contract or agreement before you start the inspection.

I will ask again as many others have on here, what is your NC license number that you claim to have, and where are you located?

Bruce....

Why does who I am matter? There are a few folks on this board who take pleasure in being a butt hole and I believe are not above making trouble for a person if they can.

My opinions on this board are sometimes not with the "group mentality" but since I only get bashed on the forum it does not matter.

If someone bashes me in real life they will have a problem they can not handle so it is best we leave things like they are.

I image there are some other people who feel the same way and do not post for fear of being bashed. I suggest that they register under an alias and post away!

There is some good info on this board once you get past the few "legends in their own mind" types.