Tool Kits & Preventative Maintenance
“Awe, Crap my screw fell out.” That’s what happened to a player at the charity game last weekend. One of the screws holding his drop forward had worked it’s way out and his tank was turning from side to side. Luckily I had some electrical tape to provided a quick fix, but he no longer had a stable shooting platform.
This could have easily been prevented, had he made sure that all the screws were torqued he could have continued to work the field, instead he had to take it easy until he could get off the field to find a new screw and some tools. Always go over and inspect your gear before a game, better to know now than find out later.
A good tool kit might be pretty far down on your wish list of gear, but it’s a good tool kit which turns you from a Zero into a Hero. Let’s go over some things that should be found in every baller’s gear bag, or tool box.
Screw Drivers- Pretty Standard, two major types you will find in paintball, Phillips and Flat.
“Hex” or “Allen” keys- Standard measurements are most common as most markers I find come from the US. But there are also markers from Japan and China, these commonly use measurements from the metric system. Also Kingman, manufacturer of the Spyder uses metric sizes. It would be a great investment to own a set of both. I recommend the ones that fold out as they are all the sizes you need in one handy package.
Pliers- I carry a set of needle nose for those fine precise jobs and a set of channel locks for when I need a good grip on that part that just won’t budge. It’s also nice to have a pair of side cutters.
Adjustable wrenches- Why carry two whole sets when you can have them all 
in one. These are a must have.
Lube- Oil helps maintain your seals, and reduce friction, meaning less wear and no leaks. Different markers require different oil, be sure that your oil is approved for your marker, or it could work to your dis-advantage.
Thread Sealant- Tape or Liquid, both have their drawbacks and advantages but you will need to seal a fitting someday, and it’s not going to happen without a tread sealant.
Batteries- We all know the story here, in the middle of a game and your setup dies, it’s too preventable to let it happen to you. Always have a brand new spare set of batteries ready and waiting.
While I could go on and on naming the parts and pieces in my box but I will draw the line here, with a solid base of things you should have. From here you can build up, and there will be no problem you can’t solve.
Until next Time, Cheers!
Keep it safe and fun.
Courtesy of Justin “Vapor” Hewitt.
