A repair pouch for airsoft does not have to contain the entire repair shop for airsoft. A basic set of tools and spare parts which can be used for most of the repairs will do just fine. Choose the spare parts and the tools which are necessary for the repairs of your airsoft guns. A repair pouch should contain the tools and spare parts that a player needs to repair his replica on the field in case of a failure.
Assess the Common Issues
Start by listing the issues you might have to solve. When fixing a loose sling mount for your rifle, for example, you will need different tools than for a magazine release screw that keeps coming loose for your sidearm. Try to cover the smallest problems that could annoy you during your game and pack accordingly to solve these in a snap. You don't need a complete repair set, just the items to prevent the smallest problems from becoming a big deal.
This list is intended to help you plan your tool kit to be able to maintain your Airsoft replicas in the best way to play. The inspection of your replica at home for loose fasteners, pinched battery leads, check selector and trigger for proper function, check magazine's for proper feeding and so on will inform you of the spare parts you will actually need. The items in red are not to be fixed on the field and are best to be fixed at a workbench to avoid any damage or safety issues.
Tailor Your Pouch to Your Game
Making sure your repair pouch is suited for your type of games is important. A small kit for a short event near you is fine. A full day of playing at a distant location on the other hand will require a bit more space for unexpected issues to occur. Always check if there are any equipment restrictions at the event you are playing and make sure you are allowed to bring the tools and other repair items you have with you.
Must-Have Hand Tools
A set of precision screwdrivers for screwing and unscrewing would be better for a repair pouch than a heavy multitool. Choose the correct screwdriver tip for the screws of your replica. Don't let them wobble, as you might end up damaging the screw head when trying to remove it later. In addition to screwdrivers, small hex keys for the hex bolts of the mounts, handguards, stocks and grips of your replica are essential.
The needle-nose pliers, side cutters and non-marring pick can also be quite useful in your repair pouch. The pliers will allow you to get a good grip on pins or connectors. The side cutters are useful for cutting zip ties, should you need to make repairs to your Airsoft gear in the field. The non-marring pick is great for cleaning out areas to allow for the placement of O-rings. Additionally, it can be used to retrieve small springs should they become misplaced. Use caution when using a pick to avoid prying against any wiring or Airsoft replica seals.
While tools are typically supplied in a folding format in order to save space in the repair pouch, these may not always be the ideal solution for every repair. This is especially true when working with tools while your hands are cold, i.e. in winter. Working with longer tool handles is often far more practical in such instances. The space saved in the pouch by opting for folding tools must not be overestimated.
Spare Parts for Quick Fixes
The more you have, the harder it is to tell them apart. Use the same parts as you currently have for your airsoft guns and store them in labeled bags so that you can easily identify what you have. Some screws can have slightly different lengths or have different numbers of threads, or even a different type of head.
Small amounts of cable tie, electrical tape or short pieces of hook-and-loop cable wrap can also be a handy thing to have with you in the field for fixing damaged wiring or parts which have been broken. However, don't confuse these with spare parts for fixing more serious problems with your airsoft guns and use them to temporarily fix a part which has been damaged in play, such as a loose wire on a battery, rather than to attempt to permanently repair the part.
Another item to carry as a spare part would be a battery connector or fuse (depending on your replica type) for electric replicas. Just remember to ensure you have the correct type and can safely replace them without any risk of short-circuiting. As mentioned previously, an unknown part could be a lot of weight for no reason and could even cause more problems should you try to use it for repairs.
Essential Consumables for Maintenance
A small cleaning cloth, cotton swabs and a soft brush can also be a good addition to your maintenance kit as dirt and grime can easily get into the magazine well and the area around the hop-up. Clean only areas which you can reach and do not push any dirt further into the replica.
Most lubricants are designed to be used in small amounts and applied specifically. Some types are better for certain materials than others. Make sure you know what you are using and store it in clearly marked containers. Do not spray unknown cleaners into airsoft replicas' electronics or barrels.
Including a few spare BBs (in a sealed container to prevent loss) to test if a magazine is working correctly after making any adjustments to it. Do not use damaged airsoft balls for testing. If your airsoft gun continues to malfunction, stop using it and find out what is wrong with it safely.
Organizing Your Repair Pouch
Streamline your approach for repairs, allowing for an initial check through the outer pouch before opening up the contents. It is recommended that you keep similar tools such as your screwdrivers and hex keys together within the pouch, separate from your consumables, and then store your spare parts within a small pocket or case within the pouch. Also make sure that your repair pouch is a brightly colored tool roll or pouch, this will ensure that should any of the tools or parts fall off that they can easily be located.
When a malfunction happens start to troubleshoot with the least invasive actions to test for possible causes. First check if the battery is correctly connected, then check the magazine for any problems, check if all fasteners are tightened correctly and check for any obstructions. Remove the battery before trying to connect or disconnect any electrical parts. Always point the replica in safe direction and follow the site handling rules. If the malfunction cannot be solved with these actions then it is best to pack up the airsoft gun and not try to fix it with possible faulty or even more damaged parts.
After every event throw away any used consumables, sort out all tools and get rid of any spares that you no longer need for your current setup of replicas. By doing this you will have a compact and fully functional repair pouch for airsoft, containing items that you can recognize and deal with before they become major problems.