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With so many posts about new products from Festool bombarding this column last week, I thought it best to write one more to wrap-up the entries. And luckily for me, Festool delivered another product to get the ball rolling.
How about a classic designed systainer full of first aid supplies? At first you’ll wonder what were they thinking, but take a minute and think this through. At $89 (yes it’s $89) you get a host of first-aid goodies that may – just as you reach full-panic mode – calm your fears because you have whatever you need to make things right. Here’s a list of what is included:
- 100 – 1” x 3” Adhesive plastic bandages
- 3 – Knuckle fabric bandages
- 3 – Fingertip fabric bandages, large
- 1 – 2” Conforming gauze roll bandage
- 1 – 40” Triangular sling/bandage, with 2 safety pins
- 6 – 3” x 3” Gauze dressing pads
- 1 – 5” x 9” Trauma pad
- 40 – Antiseptic cleansing wipes (sting free)
- 1 – First aid/burn cream pack, 0.9 g
- 1 – 4”x5” Instant cold compress
- 1 – 1/2” x 10 yd. First aid tape roll
- 1 – 4-1/2” Scissors, nickel plated
- 1 – 4” Tweezers, plastic, one time use
- 4 – Exam quality gloves, 2 pairs
- 1 – 4 fl oz squeezable bottle with eye wash solution
- 1 First Aid Guide
If you’re still stuck on the $89, consider this: A Festool systainer has a retail value of $60 (according to the updated 2011 Master Price List). This special systainer sells for $66 and has a custom insert as well as a padded lid with foam moulding. That leaves just $22 for the first-aid supplies. I know if you add up the costs of the items included in the box, the total is less than $22. But there is another way to look at this.
This systainer is a one-time, limited-quantity item for Festool. Dare I say it could become a collector item? Additionally, the First-aid systainer fits to your other Festool systainers, including the new T-Loc systainers, so it would be close at hand in your shop, which is exactly where your first-aid supplies should be. And just to go “all in” with this line of thinking, the SYS 1 Systainer is clearly marked with the easy-to-identify red cross first aid latches. The kit’s contents have been certified to be ANSI/OSHA compliant.
While you’re mulling over the investment grade of the red cross systainer, here’s a look back at the Festool posts last week, in case you missed any.
New Tools on the Festool Horizon
Tool Review: An Ultra-compact Drill-driver From Festool
Carvex: A Tricked-out Jigsaw From Festool
Here are some supplies and tools we find essential in our everyday work around the shop. We may receive a commission from sales referred by our links; however, we have carefully selected these products for their usefulness and quality.
I love Festools, but I have to say, I incline to agree with some of the previous posts. I would love to get the systainer in one sense, but $66? More than that though, I am surprised at one point: I never use plastic bandaids for anything. Anyone who has ever used a bandaid on the job knows that they will stay on for about 30 seconds. Practically speaking, they are useless. And only 3 fingertip, and 3 knuckle bandaids? At least they’re fabric, but fabric fingertip and knuckle bandaids are practically all I ever use. Anyone who works in the trades like I have for 41 years, knows that 95% of accidents involve the hands, and 95% if those involve the fingers.
So while, as I said I love Festools, I just can’t see any justification for buying this kit at any price. If they gave it to me, I would immediately through the plastic bandaids in the trash, because that’s all they would be worth for someone who works in the shop or in the field.
I don’t mean to be negative, but this surprises me coming from Festool. My experience with the Festools I have, is that they cover all of the details, plus some no one ever thought of before, but sorry to say, they didn’t this time.
From my experience with driving in Germany all vehicles have to have a first aid kit in. I wonder if this is the origins of this kit.
This is a joke, right. You just want to see how many will reply, right? Dreamcatcher is right, I use my handkerchief far more often than adhesive strips. Can’t get blood stains on the wood. And blood rusts tools. I thought I was the only one who did that.
They pulled my last comment, eh? Must have had to do with all those things I said about Festool and their FOG-headed followers. Sorry but it’s true, those guys can be overly pompous when it comes to justifying the expense of Festool products.
However, I will restate my main point concerning this first aid kit…
Imagine having a serious accident in the shop and turing to your trusty Festool first aid systainer only to realize it is the last systainer in the pile – It’s not like you use it that often (hopefully anyway).
A first aid kit should be easily accessible. A bench drawer or hung on the wall is best.
Also, it is better to put the kit together yourself. That way you know exactly what is in it and that everything in it is pertinent to whatever accidents you may encounter. In a woodshop setting you are unlikely to break a leg or get a blister on your foot – events that many first aid kits account for.
I will say that this Festool kit has some of the most applicable shop items compared to other kits but like others mentioned already, those items cost way less than $90.
The #1 “first aid” item I recommend (that is also not in this Festool kit) is a common handkerchief in your back pocket. I’ve soaked up more blood with my handkerchiefs than any first aid kit ever could. Not to mention the ability of a handkerchief to wipe up spills, wipe off sweat, cool the neck when wetted, knock the dust off items, act as a makeshift dust mask, and of course catch a nostril full of dust boogers.
Now, how about keeping this comment posted.
DC
Tongue in cheek. How about we use the list of supplies at the local Walgreen’s for less than $10, then use cut-offs to practice compound angle dove-tails while making our own first-aid tote to keep in ths shop? I’m sorry but 89 clams for something needed and we can put together for lots less just doesn’t work in my budget. There is at least a 70 buck premium to “buy the name”.