Question on ODS U.S. vehicles tool colors

Armor/AFV Modern
1

My question is were the tools such as shovel, axe, pry bar, etc… were they painted as a desert sand color? I’m probably over thinking this, but I’d guess all the tools were attached to the vehicles as they were re-painted in the desert sand color? The person painting may no have taken the time to remove items?
Looking at photos it is difficult to determine the color.
Any help is appreciated. I’m currently building a M2A2 Bradley ODS.

2

Some tools were left on and over-sprayed sand. Others were removed, so would be whatever colors the crew did them. It is/was common to repaint tools when they come out of the field for inspection. Often, metal parts are painted black and wooden parts OD Green. It is also common to see tools w/bare metal parts and wooden handles. or yellow/red handles on commercial fiberglass/rubberized handled tools, etc. There is/was really no one way.

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3

In some vehicles, including the Abrams tank, the tools are stored in stowage boxes or other areas inside the vehicle and would not get painted during a vehicle repaint.
Ken

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4

Thanks, that is very helpful. I had thought it might vary and there is/was no one way.

5

Completely agree I can’t count the amount of tool shaped outlines I’ve seen in the motor pool mostly in green, black and tan.

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6

And E tools, tent stakes, Kevlars… :joy:

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7

Completely agree I can’t count the amount of tool shaped outlines I’ve seen in the motor pool mostly in green, black and tan.

8

Yep, we just spray painted the pioneer tools green with a rattle can.

9

In my FA unit the tools were never on the vehicle until going to the field, so they got painted separately and stored inside the vehicle or in the Conex in the Motorpool.

Most of time as stated, metal was painted black, wood was left brown/tan or may be painted OD.

If the vehicle went to paint shop all the removable things came off to make masking and painting easier.

10

Can’t say with any certainty what happens in British or U.S. Army, but certainly in Australian Army, whenever we return from field & have a ‘refit for fight’ inspection due, most of the time we just break out the spray can & respray the tools :flushed::face_with_peeking_eye::shushing_face:
Which I might add, is NOT how we were taught at Recruits - a good wash & subsequent gun oil coating was the go there