D.I.Y.
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Whistle while you work: this set of tiny tools will get you out of many a tiny jam.

KEYCHAIN SURVIVAL TOOLS
Whether you’re facing a parachute drop into
the High Sierras or a jammed button on your
mobile, some handy keychain gizmo can be
there for you. By Bob Scott

Although my daily routine doesn’t include as easily adjustable brightness, extended run time,
many parachute drops as it probably should, I and doubles the light output of earlier models, all
still like to be prepared. Here’s what’s keeping my for about 20 bucks.
keys company. If you want something really tiny, check out
the hearing-aid-battery-powered Firefli. Barely

Photograph by Bob Scott

Lighting big enough to find, it features a clever valve Whether reading a menu at your local diner or arrangement in the on/off switch that extends coping with a blackout in a high-rise office, a reli- the normally short “use it or lose it” life of the able light is a must. zinc air batteries. ( keygearcorp.com, about $25).

LRI’s Photon ( photonlight.com) series are probably the best-known keychain lights and for good Signaling reason. They’re reasonably rugged, light, and Unless you’re an opera star or door-to-door dependable. I’ve been using the white LED ver- cymbal salesman, you can’t bet on being able to sion of their latest Freedom light, which features signal for help in a crisis. If you’ve ever enjoyed