Making the circuit

It's a cosmic rule: The only tool you ever need is the one you left at home.

Examples abound with TeamBoxer:

• Tow rope. Needed in Texas panhandle 20 years ago. Ever since packing one, never needed again.

• Jumper cables: Needed in Wisconsin 25 years ago. Never needed (by carrier, at least) again.

New example: This little puppy. It's about $25 at Radio Shack. It's a multimeter and circuit tester. It comes in its own cool little yellow shock-proofed case. It has leads that store in the case. It fits in an Airhead's tool box, or any old tank bag.

We needed one in Colorado this summer when Todd's Airhead had electrical tantrums. We didn't have one. When we got to the next town, we bought two at a Shack. (One each.)

Consumer tip: Check the batteries in the store. DAMHIK.

You might have a big, fancy multimeter at home. That's great. Use with pride. Showcase it in your Snap-On rollaway tool chest.

But stash this one in your road bag.

Next to the tow rope and the jumper cables.

And prepare yourself to become part of a cosmic mystery.