I’m in the process of designing and building a new road work box…Something to house everything from small tools to first aid to plastic silverware. For those of you who have similar work boxes, you know it’s basically a Wal-Mart in a road case, preparing you for anything and everything that needs attention while on the road.

I’m taking a poll of fellow entertainment professionals to see what items and/or features they most want in such a work box.

· While out on the road, what item(s) have you unexpectedly needed, but forgot to pack?

· What item do you use the most of while out on the road?

· What feature do you most want in a workbox?

Everything is fair game:

· First aid

· Personal need items

· Fasteners

· Hardware

· Tools

· Anything else that seems too weird to mention

I look forward to hearing everyone’s ideas.

Batteries are on the top of my list. Duct tape and scissors or also a need!

Needle and thread (the visible kind.) For mending bags, props and costumes.

-Gaffers Tape, NOT Duct Tape
-batteries
-velcro
-wrenches, both socket & allen head
-flat black spray paint, for touching up
-alligator clips
-soldering gun
-wire wing nuts
-wire stripper
-electrical tape
-first aid kit
-second skin
-zinc spray
-WD40
-harware for each illusion, case, etc


Getting into another tool box for lighting, audio and distros is all together seperate.

that's most of it.
Kevin

Hey Guys !
I have to brag a bit here -
How about a workbox that not only carries all the gaff tape one would need on a show but also the ability to control not only audio and lighting on the deck but also Video - Have a few extra USB ports for a printer as well as a 19" LCD monitor AND a clear com system with 4 stations......Just drop in a laptop and attach the on board routing system and the show is under complete control !
Take a look !

Click here to view attached image.

Here is another picture.

Click here to view attached image.

And another - This is the audio and Video and 3 pin and 5 pin DMX pass throughs to the deck...

Click here to view attached image.

This is the Video/Audio and DMX in as well as ethernet for wired internet - of course there is also wireless !

Click here to view attached image.

Krazy Glue.

It was used in Vietnam to close wounds.

I would also add that what is carried also depends if you have to fly with it to some degree.

Richard

Zip ties
C Wrench
Gerber ( Multi-tool )
Flashlight
fishing line
Velcro
Markers
small socket set
misc lamps for fixtures
USB jump drive !
audio adapters
Video Adapters

the list goes on
I have found over the years that my gig bag ( IF I fly ) and my work boxes get filled with experience ! the one time you forget or do not have an item, is the last time !

I use a product called "No Sweat" I made the mistake once, 10 minutes before show time, of getting some of this aluminum based stuff in my eye.

Some Visine in the Work Case sure would have came in handy!


Lyndel

Steve,

Where do you keep the work crew that helps to service that nuclear launch station? Is there crew's quarters in the back?

Good question. I've been working on a book about boxes and crates for use with a magic show, and this is one of the things I'm addressing in it. In the theater world, these work boxes are sometimes tied into a stage manager's console, so that's the direction I'm taking. The other issue is that a smaller show will not need as big a box as a very large show, so a lot of stuff can be combined.

George,
My work box serves me and the show I'm on well - strickly hands off though.
Michael,
You know me.....the crew has their own box !
GREAt time at the fest by the way - actually the best 2 hrs talking about old times and stories that I've ever had at the fest !
I wish you all the best.......and where the hell is my stripper deck !
I'll let you tell the story !
See you down the road
Steven

Hahaha. You tell the story much better than I ever could! Awesome times hanging out at the fest! I've been so busy doing inventory, I don't think I had time to ask -- How was your trip? haha

Back to the topic, I run a pretty light show as far as gear is concerned. I carry a roll of gaffers, batteries and a multi-tool and hope the venue has anything else I would ever need. An important thing also is having spare show material that packs flat just in case something is unable to be repaired or fixed on the spot! So maybe add some rope and scissors to that "just in case case"

I refer to it as our possibe case...."anyting you could possibly need"

Here are a few things that are in my work box:

Work gloves
paper punch
makeup mirror
liquid paper (flesh colored)
scotch tape
double stick scotch tape
black paint pen
white paint pen
utility knife
black sharpie marker (fine point and very fine)
nail clippers
duct tape (for certain types of repairs)
scotchbrite
screwdrivers
rubber bands
paper clips
safety pins
glue stick
foam tape
fishing line
needle nose pliers w/ wire cutters
spot remover
ball point pens
tweezers
nylon cord
twist ties
clothes brush
livestock brush
cube taps
stapler
staples
exact-o knife
contact paper (for quick temporary repairs on finished surfaces)