The Everything Drawer - Everyone has one, right? (post anything - within the rules)

I've seen them chained to the counter and clipboards before.

We taped tongue depressors to them at the clinic at Cecil Field. People seemed less likely to pocket them for some reason.
 
scissors rubber bands pencils no sharpener dead pens batteries one pen that works buried at the bottom paper clips a single screw pins stapler no staples letter opener key rings loose keys tape small part to something broken post-its pocket knife more keys tiny screwdriver
 
For those wondering what is the story behind these pens, and why every military member and veteran and federal civilian seem to recognize them and have wry comments.

They are the definition of “ubiquitous.”

The story of the Skilcraft government pen, always black ink, see below.

They are in every military desk, briefcase, camo pocket. They travel with you. They sign important things and do any task required, even in extreme weather. They come home with you and stay. They ensure every military member somehow takes government property home with them.


nib.org

Government Pen by NIB: Empowering People with Disabilities - National Industries for the Blind

Discover the Government Pen from NIB, designed for accessibility and inclusivity.
nib.org nib.org



 
Some fun final trivia aboit the Skilcraft pen, which is still made and must meet 16 pages of tech specs:

The small pen is nothing short of amazing. It can write continuously for a mile and not run out of ink. It can withstand extreme temperatures, from 40 below zero to more than 160 degrees Fahrenheit. The ink must not blot, skip, feather or spread and must dry within five seconds. It must also withstand water, light and bleach. To ensure the pens meet the 16 pages of required standards, batches are regularly and closely tested and monitored.
 
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THParent said:
AND the bottom portion of the pen's barrel is the same length as a two-minute fuse. :)
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Handy for everyday tasks! But if course you would know that.

If we could just think of a nexus to bacon…
 
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Capt MJ said:
Handy for everyday tasks! But if course you would know that.

If we could just think of a nexus to bacon…
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There are more;

The overall length of the pen is equal to 150 nautical miles on several charts I have used.
The bottom chrome part can be used to measure maximum regulation fingernail length for females, so I'm told.
I heard about a guy who used the center chrome hoop to crimp two wires together on an aircraft, too.
 
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Devil Doc said:
I dropped off a package at the post office yesterday and included in a container of pens on the counter was a:
View attachment 22026

I didn't need to use it but reached for it on impulse. Stopped myself before picking it up and leaving with it.
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Yet another Pen Story
After I commissioned and after TAD at USNA, I was assigned to USS Edson DD946 in Newport RI for TAD prior to my SWO Basic course. About a month or so after I was aboard, the radiomen who were carrying messages around for signature (chops) who generally had several Skilcrafts in their pocket which sometimes did not get handed back to them suddenly were out doing their jobs with zero pens and actually managed to get some of the officer's pens away from them. After a week or so of this the wardroom JOs found that the Communications Officer who generally bought pens by the case, had locked away all of the division's pen supply and started a contest among his Radiomen to see who could finish the contest with the most pens.
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Good Times for sure!
 
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