The Value of Every Day Carry (EDC)

The concert hall was packed and local parking was limited and in high demand. Nonetheless, we found parking in a levelled building site within walking distance of the concert venue. Paying the entrance fee, we were directed to one of the few parking spots left. We were assured that all vehicles were parked in such a way to allow easy access and egress. We found out that such assurances were misplaced.

Returning to the fenced parking area a couple of hours later, we noticed that a white Ford SUV had parked along the fence line but too close to a small blue Honda Civic. As a result, the SUV had blocked the only route for others to leave.

Attempts to contact the police and Traffic Department were met with the same response- contact the parking company owners.

Another couple arrived and were faced with the same problem. They too were parked in by the white SUV. The concert was only scheduled to end in over three hours’ time but there was no means of communicating with the SUV driver. The parking attendants had left for the night.

Looking around, our options were limited. A fenced in area, cars parked with their handbrakes engaged and a white SUV blocking the only route out. Smashing the SUV front passenger window with my special tactical pen did cross my mind. The purpose was to gain access to the vehicle’s handbrake and move the SUV out of the way. This was an emergency, after all.

But, there had to be another way.                                                                               

Looking at the Clear Vu™ metal fence, I wondered if we could somehow get to the road on the other side. As with all fences, the options are to go over, under or through. We could not drive under or over, and the wire mesh was too thick to cut, even if I had a pair of bolt cutters.

However, examining the fence posts, I noticed that the fence panels were attached to the fence posts with Allen bolts.

I asked the other couple if they had an Allen key. The husband said that he was an engineer and had a set in his company toolbox.

We selected a # 9 Allen key and in 4 minutes had removed the bolts attaching a fence panel to the post. We pulled back the panel, drove through to the road and replaced the fence panel, before heading home.

So, a hugely inconvenient situation was avoided by an EDC item.

From now on, I have included a # 9 Allen key in my EDC bag and suggest that you do the same.

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