Geocache Repair Kit

[Aux10]

So what would you recommend for a geocahe repair kit that you could carry in the field and to fix various finds that need it?

[+victorymike]

Ziploc bag, logbook, pencil, and laminated cache site card made up ahead of time. And I carry extra Ziplocs and pencils too. That way I can add all or just some to set up the cache for many finds to come.

 

My cache site cards are my own version of the the cache site sheets on the "Hide and Seek a cache" page of gc.com. But I make them up business card size, double sided, and laminate them like cache cards.

[+moop]

And a must have is the "Handyman's Secret Weapon" - (camouflage) duck tape!

[+EScout]

My Repair Kit TB has wire, string, cable ties, clear duct tape and electrical tape on a pen, epoxy putty, etc. Purpose is to repair caches and TBs. Ziplocks as mentioned above would be a good addition.

[+victorymike]

Very nice kit and picture, EScout! And nice additions to a repair kit (and moop too). When I find mangled containers I generally add my Ziploc bags for paper items and especially the logbook...as opposed to repairing the container. If there is a mangled container in Michigan it is generally one of those cheap one-use sandwich things and isn't even worth trying to repair. But every now and then...duct tape...hmmm...

[+cerberus1]

We usually carry a couple different sized bags, some rite-in-rain strips for logs and that's about it.

And a rag to wipe things dry (if possible.)

We feel that it's helpful for the next cacher and bides the CO some time.

BUT, repairs on cracked/broken containers should be done by the CO, not us, as the responsibilty of maintaining the cache is on them.

Have been to a few already that were in SUCH a state of neglect, that it's time to archive, not fix.

[+Taoiseach]

Ya know, I honestly don't understand why people get so upset by people wanting to repair their caches.

Sure it is their responsibility to take care of their own caches, but if somebody wants to repair the cache, as long as they don't make any changes to the type/size of the container or the setup of the cache, I don't see why you shouldn't be happy that someone would do you a favour.

 

The reason I bring this up is that a few months ago I found a cache that was in desperate need of attention

 

It was a film canister that had been hanging in this tree for a couple of years - The lid was gone, the log was a solid block of ice, and the logs on the cache page had logs dating back to the spring saying that the log was wet.

 

There was a piece of paper that somebody wedged into the very top of the container that I signed as my log.

 

The CO had only 22 finds, and none of them were later than 2005

 

Our local cache reviewer said that he was going to archive it if the CO didn't respond to their post.

 

I offered to adopt or at the very least repair the cache because I thought that it was an interesting location for a cache

 

When the CO logged a note, he was downright snippy with me - something to the effect of 'These new cachers thinking that they know everything, and how they (we) don't seem to be able to understand how caches that have been in place for years got along fine without them. They instructed me that if I wanted to hide a cache in the area, I was free to do so, but I WAS TO LEAVE THEIR CACHE ALONE

 

Well, first of all, all signs pointed to the CO not being an active cacher anymore, not to mention the fact that there were logs that were nearly 9 months old saying that the log was wet and the cache was in desperate need of repair - So, no... This particular cache was not getting along fine without me.

 

There is a user who hung up his GPS a couple of years ago, and the local caching community actively keeps up his caches.

 

Many of the local caches, especially some of the older caches are excellent caches, and it would be a shame to see them archived just because the CO is no longer an active cacher, doing these repairs.

 

I'd like to hope that most cachers don't feel this way, because I would certainly appreciate somebody fixing my cache if I was unable to - or for that matter, just so I don't have to.

 

With people like this particular cache, it's no wonder courtesy is going down the drain

[+Heather23]

I carry a few of the items mentioned above plus small 'o' rings that fit micro containers and match stick containers. I've replaced a few 'o' rings and was happy to do it.

[Whimspiration]

I just repaired my first cache recently, and it was really exciting. I really like your ideas for on-site repair kits, and I plan on making my own kit shortly

 

In addition to some of the fabulous ideas already mentioned, I would add to my kit, a small battery-operated fan and paper towel (for patting and drying out wet logs), both mini and sandwich-sized zip bags, a diaper wipe (or wet nap, for cleaning up the random muddy micro), film canister caps (the most common wet micro cause I've found so far being bent caps), and several "You Found It!" slips in micro size (to add to caches where the log is full or unusable for any reason).

 

I'm still relatively new to caching, but I just love to help out when I see it is needed.

 

I sure hope the CO for the one I repaired isn't upset with me for my good deed.

[CLV3]

Ya know, I honestly don't understand why people get so upset by people wanting to repair their caches.

Sure it is their responsibility to take care of their own caches, but if somebody wants to repair the cache, as long as they don't make any changes to the type/size of the container or the setup of the cache, I don't see why you shouldn't be happy that someone would do you a favour.

 

The reason I bring this up is that a few months ago I found a cache that was in desperate need of attention

 

It was a film canister that had been hanging in this tree for a couple of years - The lid was gone, the log was a solid block of ice, and the logs on the cache page had logs dating back to the spring saying that the log was wet.

 

There was a piece of paper that somebody wedged into the very top of the container that I signed as my log.

 

The CO had only 22 finds, and none of them were later than 2005

 

Our local cache reviewer said that he was going to archive it if the CO didn't respond to their post.

 

I offered to adopt or at the very least repair the cache because I thought that it was an interesting location for a cache

 

When the CO logged a note, he was downright snippy with me - something to the effect of 'These new cachers thinking that they know everything, and how they (we) don't seem to be able to understand how caches that have been in place for years got along fine without them. They instructed me that if I wanted to hide a cache in the area, I was free to do so, but I WAS TO LEAVE THEIR CACHE ALONE

 

Well, first of all, all signs pointed to the CO not being an active cacher anymore, not to mention the fact that there were logs that were nearly 9 months old saying that the log was wet and the cache was in desperate need of repair - So, no... This particular cache was not getting along fine without me.

 

There is a user who hung up his GPS a couple of years ago, and the local caching community actively keeps up his caches.

 

Many of the local caches, especially some of the older caches are excellent caches, and it would be a shame to see them archived just because the CO is no longer an active cacher, doing these repairs.

 

I'd like to hope that most cachers don't feel this way, because I would certainly appreciate somebody fixing my cache if I was unable to - or for that matter, just so I don't have to.

 

With people like this particular cache, it's no wonder courtesy is going down the drain

 

The thing that draws me to this game is how (generally) people seem to look out for each other and help each other out. I have yet to hide a cache but hoping to work on one soon. I would be grateful if somebody went out of their way to fix my cache if need be between me doing maintenance checks. As long as they are not changing the size, location, or style in any way. I think some people are just defensive and think it is an insult to their caching upkeep ability. It is just like how some parents get all defensive if you correct their children. I don't have an issue with that either. As long as it does not go against my parenting beliefs.

[+Triquest]

For a cache repair kit we use : extra containers, extra logs, camo duct tape, travel bugs/geocoins, trade items, fan, paper towels, rubber rats and spiders to scare people (just kidding), bug repellent, grabber, wet wipes, batteries and GPS, flashlight, and writing utensils.

[+elephantmama]

I carry a gallon sized bag filled with different sized ziploc bags, a grocery bag (for trash), wet wipes, a few pens, a few stacks of paper for logs, and some rubber gloves. I can do some minimal cache maintenance with that stuff.

[+vinsonbar]

there was one day I went out and replaced 2 logs in magnetic micors because they were full. one cache was almost archived by an admin because the maintenance needed was past a month or so. I emailed the admin and said i had done the required maintenance so the cache is still up. never did get an email from the CO or anything. I have also put logs in zip locks now and again. I carry camo tape, extra logs of various sizes, zip locks of various sizes, zip ties, scissors, travel stapler, extra containers, pen/cils, and I think thats about it.

[+Wildbill34275]

I've repaired a couple of caches. One was because I had broke it and it was the obvious thing to do. It was a magnetic Micro and I realized that the magnet had stayed in place when I pulled it from the hiding spot. So, I wouldn't have been able to place it back without first buying some glue and fixing it back to the way I found it. Super Glue or epoxy is an item that folks may want to include in their "Repair Kits".

[end13]

We repaired a geocache a couple of weeks ago. It had rained really hard, and since it was near a rain ditch alongside the road, it got very wet. We wiped off the log and dried it off a bit. We also put the log in a new ziplock bag. Then when we went back to log our finds we emailed the cache owner telling him we did some maintenance and he was OK with it.

[+burner208]

all the caches ive hidded are pertty much universal, when im checking them i carry two extra caches incase one needs to be replaced or i find a good location for one. if one of them are damaged ill just swap the caches out and fix the damaged ones later.

Edited October 9, 2008 by burner208

[+Zarya.]

 

Other implements, like nitrile gloves, string, and a camera for letting the owner see the condition of the cache, are in the backpack.

 

So far, the only thing I've had to do in the way of maintenance is sharpen pencils, replace torn ziplocs, and clean up after humans.

 

Any major repair needed would first be flagged online; most of the more in-depth items in my toolkit are for my future caches (I haven't placed any yet, but am preparing for operation massive owl).

[+supertbone]

Zarya thanks for posting that. I have been thinking of doing something similar.

[+vw_k]

My cache repair kit consists of a small pencil case with the following:

 

Small logbook which can be used to replace a logbook or one page can replace a micro logsheet.

Spare pencil and ball point pen.

Pencil sharpener for sharpening pencils already in the cache.

Various sizes of ziplock bag.

Small magnets for magnetic micros.

Roll of electrical tape for attatching magnets/makeshift repairs.

 

I also carry my tweezers and any geocoins in this bag.

 

The majority of items I got free from the work stationary supply but all these things can be bought cheaply enough. The pencil case is only 6" x 4" and so easily fits in my backpack.

[+TropicalParadise]

Woah Zarya. That's one impressive toolkit! I have bags of various sizes and micro log books and bigger log books among other items. I have little things of 'pocket' duct tape. They make good swag, and good repair items.

[+sullude]

 

Other implements, like nitrile gloves, string, and a camera for letting the owner see the condition of the cache, are in the backpack.

 

So far, the only thing I've had to do in the way of maintenance is sharpen pencils, replace torn ziplocs, and clean up after humans.

 

Any major repair needed would first be flagged online; most of the more in-depth items in my toolkit are for my future caches (I haven't placed any yet, but am preparing for operation massive owl).

 

Seems like the only thing you don't have it a portable toilet wow nice set up McGiver would be prode.

Funny I was thinking about doing one and didn't think of some of the thing you posted thanks for the idea

Edited February 21, 2009 by sullude

[+qlenfg]

We don't carry near the stuff as what the photos above show, but at least I have a few blank logs, some cheap small spiral notepads, bags, pencils, some camo duct tape, a few magnets and a spare decon container.

 

Found two caches today that needed new logs. One had the old 'bag-o-mush' log, and the other was just plumb full up with signatures.

[+WRWhizard]

Yea. I've always carried a big zip lock full of Logs, cache notes, pencils, bags etc. in my backpack. Originally I only intended to have the stuff in case I wanted to spontaneously hide one. But Valentines day this year, all my finds were caches that had wintered badly and I was first find since weather set in. I cleaned out all the ruined swag, salvaged a few items to be cleaned up and placed elsewhere and generally put things back it order. Cost me very little and probably made the next finder's experience a bit better. Just consider the fresh log or whatever your SWAG drop.

 

NOTE to newbies: Just don't EVER take the old log book, even if it's mush. Bag it and leave it for the owner.

Edited May 25, 2009 by WRWhizard