EDC stands for ‘Everyday Carry’ – the tools you want to have with you at all times. If you have a mobile workshop then this could be quite an extensive list of tools, but if, like most of us, you don’t have such significant tool demands, and don’t want to have to use a vehicle to carry them around, you need to have a set of reliable tools you can carry with you.
What makes a tool an EDC Tool?
Tools come in all shapes and sizes, but the point of EDC tools is that they are truly ‘everyday carry’ tools – the specific tools that you might need every day, and which are also convenient to carry around with you. EDC tools are portable and convenient by definition, so the best EDC tools need to be lightweight, strong, and fit for their specific purpose.
What are the desirable characteristics of EDC tools?
The most important characteristic of EDC tools are the same as for any tool, they need to do the job they are intended to do, and do it well. In addition, EDC tools need to be portable. This means EDC tool designs have to be lightweight and compact without compromising on functionality.
- Functional
- Fit For Purpose
- Lightweight
- Portable
- Personal
- Durable
EDC tools are a personal choice, one person’s essential set of micro flat and cross-head screwdriver bits might be less important to a bike enthusiast than a set of hex bits, for example, but we’ll look at that in more detail in another article! For now let’s start with the definition of tools that you want to have with you on a daily basis.
People have been using EDC Tools for a very long time!
Our ancestors made EDC tools out of flint, obsidian and bone to perform a range of tasks, from hunting and preparing food to making clothes and carvings. The evolution of human tools has a long and detailed history. From the very beginning, over a million years ago, tools like the stone hand-axe in the picture above were made to be carried and used on a daily basis.
Modern EDC tools are much lighter, and more versatile, than flint knives and scrapers, and have the added advantage that you don’t have to make them yourself by banging rocks together. Until the discovery of techniques for forging metals about 10,000 years ago, stone, bone and wood tools were the only option. Fortunately today we can use high grade stainless steels and aluminum to make tools like our iconic Lollipop Bit Driver lighter and stronger than ever before!
Why do people need tools?
Tools are an extension of human physical capabilities. We use our sophisticated brains to design tools that enable us to do things that other, more specialised species have evolved to do using their physical features. We don’t need wings if we can build flying machines, and we don’t need to be able to run very fast when we can make a bicycle, or a car!
Humans have become accustomed over the years to using tools to extend our abilities across a huge range of activities. We depend on our tools today to maintain our modern lifestyles and make our lives easier, more comfortable and convenient.
At a fundamental level, tools like screwdrivers, pliers and wrenches are the building blocks of the more sophisticated machines that are tools for living and recreation – our white goods, transport, electronics and computers, toys and games.
Your EDC Tools Are A Personal Choice
EDC tools reflect a sense of preparedness, and a willingness to learn to solve problems for yourself. This also brings confidence and peace of mind, knowing that you have the tools with you to respond to everyday challenges that could otherwise become inconvenient and disruptive. Simple problems like replacing a fuse or tightening a bolt will bring your day to a halt if you don’t have the right tools on hand.
What tools you need in your life depends on how much you choose to engage with building and maintaining the many machines that you use to enrich your daily life. Some people prefer to have someone else maintain and fix their gear, but EDC enthusiasts think differently! That’s why we make 711L EDC tools – for people who solve problems, and who do the job themselves.