Must Have Items in Your FM Toolkit

My favorite day when setting up a new field team is the trip to Home Depot or Lowes to get them everything they need to be successful in the field. After years of wishing I had certain items with me, this is my go-to shopping list. Hopefully this will give you a jump start on avoiding that last-minute scramble to a hardware store. It never hurts to be that team who can hook up everyone around you, too!   

1.      Attachments: zip-ties, bungees, gear ties, tie-down straps, parachute cord

2.      Tapes: gaffer (multiple colors), duct, packing, scotch

3.      Safety: small first aid kit, but have additional band-aids, athletic wrap, and antibiotic ointment

4.      Tools: Leatherman, pocketknife, Cordless driver, Multi-head screwdriver, Small socket wrench set, Allen wrench Set, box cutter, scissors, Hammer

5.      Writing: sharpies of a few sizes and colors, chalk kit (chalkboard & sidewalk)

6.      Cleaning: cleaning spray, paper towel rolls, assortment of rags, hand soap, hand sanitizer

7.      Gloves: serving gloves & work gloves

8.      Repair: nuts and bolts that fit the 10x10, assortment of screws, replacement parts for setup items

9.      Setup: Acrylic sign holders (5x7 & 8.5x11), fillable weights for 10x10, foldable tables (4’ & 6’)

10. Transport: tubs (see-thru for items you want to find quickly and opaque for fabrics), 5-gallon buckets (can double as weights for 10x10), collapsible wagon, folding or convertible hand truck

11. Power: Cell phone chargers, extension cords, Power strips

This list should have you off to the races. Reach out if you have questions about why you would need any of them. There should be a purpose for everything in your kit and the best items are multiuse!