IT WORKS FOR ME – Your favorite gadget
IT WORKS FOR ME…
Got a favorite gadget, widget, tool or technique that works for you?
Want to share it?
I’ll throw one out: POT MAGNETS FOR PARTS
Ever spend your day at the top of a ladder, fiddling with small fastners or parts that are so eager to return to ground level and crawl in a nice deep hole? Wish you had a place to put them until needed?
My solution: Home Depot pot magnets bolted to my harness.
I wear Oxy bags with their harness and have a magnet bolted to each strap. Now I can slap a handfull of screws or nails to the magnet and not worry about them. 16d sinkers, nuts and bolts for a cable tray, DW screws, they all stay put.
Even started cutting pencils in half and taping a washer to them. No more looking for the pencil pouch. Just slap the pencil on the magnet.
Liked the magnets so much that I got a small one and hot-glued it to my impact driver. (They really should offer a bit holder, but I have not seen one.)
The ToolBear
“Never met a man who couldn’t teach me something.” Anon.
Replies
I've got one that I love. It's a push-pin thing that you use to replace the hook on your chalk line. It's great for running around and snapping out walls on the deck. When I first got it I figures it would last about a week until I bent the pin pushing it into frozen stock or a knot or something. That pin must be made out of kryptonite or something though cuz it's still going strong.
If anyone's interested, I got it at Garrett Wade. It came attached to a pretty cheesy chalk line, but was well worth the cost of the package.
Got one that works for our slab-on-grade jobs? For the second floor I carry an awl in the bags. Got an URL for G. Wade? Thought I had their catalog. Can't find it. They the ones with the lush photos of tools you would love to own?
Speaking of chalk lines - that new $10 Irwin. Kind of ugly in styling. Did not last on the job. We were chalking six roofs in advance of tiling same. Gears stripped out. Their old plastic versions continued to work.
Walmart has a Stanley and bottle of chalk for about $4.The ToolBear
"Never met a man who couldn't teach me something." Anon.
Dang it Diesel, you just shot another of my secret inventions!
blue
Sounds like you made your own Blue. What did you use and how did you make it? Got any pictures?
It kills me to tie up a warm body for something that barely requires brain activity. So when I saw that pin, it just warmed my heart. :) I used to run around and set 8's into all my tick marks and snap solo, but even that took up more time than I liked.
Now if I could just get the forklift to move me around on the platform without a guy in the cab................View Image
TRASH CANS - for carrying tools in and out.
I carry tools and such in a pair of 20g sturdy Brute trash cans. They are reasonably rain tight in the back of the truck and generally no one seems interested in a trash can. (Good, because this one is worth about $500 and the other one about $400.)
Hammers, bags, knee pads and such go in one. Tool bucket and other stuff goes in another with trash bags in the bottom. It then serves as the trash can.
Have a 32g Brute, but a pair of 20gs are easier to manage. They stack on the hand truck. Put a work top across them and you have a low work bench.
@@@
Get around to it someday: Mounting an old bucket organizer around the inside of a trash can. I may start replacing my 18g totes with 20g cans for the various gear sets - painting, drywall, etc.The ToolBear
"Never met a man who couldn't teach me something." Anon.
I got a little thing that is barely bigger than my thumbnail. It is an LED light with some sort of battery inside. It is made for a keyring, but I hung it to the zipper on my vest, thinking this might come in handy someday in an emergency...
I can't believe how many times I have used it when crawling in closets, attics, my truck at night, etc. Just enough lite to read the tape measure when your body is blocking the light from behind you.
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Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime.
where ...
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I got one with the green light. 2+3=7
Double ended nailset with a spring in the middle, got it at Sears. Pull it back and the spring slams an anvil against the back of the set, doesn't move the wood around like a hammer and set. Hey, pocket doors can't come off the track if they're nailed open
Yes, I have one of those.
(Pulled it out of the drawer after reading yr post.). Nice blue light. Still works. Think I will stick in in the bags somewhere. Not doing much in the drawer.
I carry a headlight (human) on the work truck. At 0600 out here it sure helps load up. Also helps on some projects. The new LED ones are quite bright and light. We use them camping to read and work by. The Coleman lanterns now stay home.The ToolBear
"Never met a man who couldn't teach me something." Anon.
I hung it to the zipper on my vest
Good idea. Now when you need to p in the dark you can see what you're doing.
"When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it." T. Roosevelt
I just got a little at ACE - small tube about 2" long with a 3" flexwire that has a small but fairly good LED light at the end - has a clip on it to put in the pocket and nice little magnet built into base - has come in handy in a number of situations - I now make sure to keep a roofing nail on hand to tap into wood to use a base for the light if no metal is handy. Oh - by the way - it has a built in laser pointer as well - drives one of my cats nuts trying to catch it.1 - measure the board twice, 2 - cut it once, 3 - measure the space where it is supposed to go 4 - get a new board and go back to step 1
If you have a hard time loosening an old galvanized water supply (or other) fitting, try tightening it (one wrench on the pipe and the other on the fitting, of course), then loosen. I've managed this trick on 100 yr+ pipe--no kidding--sorry plumbers?
same thing works for wood screws
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I've done that before, works great.
I wouldn't call it a gadget but my leather man has saved me miles of walking back and forth to the truck to get a screw driver or pair of pliers.
Ugha Chaka! Ugha Chaka! Ugha, Ugha, Ugha, Chaka!
I often carry a small and cheap, about $10, laser pointer. It makes explaining situations much simpler. Especially if it involves something overhead or down in a hole.
I have also found that helpers seem to remember a lot more when I'm explaining that we are running a conduit from box 'A', now clearly designated by a bright red dot, to panel 'B', presently designated by a bright red dot. Some helpers seemingly couldn't read their way out of a comic book but they are highly visual. The laser helps paint a picture and goes a long way to eliminating confusion.
Also I have long carried an awl. It can act as a drift pin or nail, temporarily holding a panel to a drilled plate or wood while I get the screws or bolts lined up. Also handy for tacking a string line or end of a tape in place.
This in addition to general poking holes, probing and motivating the help up the ladder. I have always wondered why more tradesmen don't carry one.
Count me in as one of the awl-bearers
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
"Some helpers seemingly couldn't read their way out of a comic book"
Hahahahaha.
Scott.Always remember those first immortal words that Adam said to Eve, “You’d better stand back, I don’t know how big this thing’s going to get.â€
>>>>poking holes, probing and motivating the help up the ladderDo you always probe your help, to motivate them ?You work somewhere around brokeback mountain ?
Rudeness is the weak man's imitation of strength. ~~ Eric Hoffer
ROTFLMAOQuit it! I can't breathe here for laughing
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
Yea we hear the 'I wish I could quit you ...' line all the time. With employees its all about loyalty. What ever it takes.
Kreg pocket screw jig and screws
Awlways<G> Hey, pocket doors can't come off the track if they're nailed open
Hey-
watch what yer saying about us comic book readers! Some of us do read the words.
( like the Playboy readers)
:)
"Some of us do read the words."Sure - in a last ditch effort to keep from going blond - er typo - going blind
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
please type larger
my eyes are gettin' kind of weak from all that reading
Same size type I been using for 26281 posts now. Scroll down and adjust your display size
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
My favorite gadget would definitely have to be the Stanley Wonder Bar II Pry Bar.
Talk about one handy little tool. Prying, levarging, lifting sheets, holding whatever in place, and many other uses. I love it so much that every time I've lost one, I'd emediatley run to the hardware store to pick up a new one as soon as I knew it was gone.
Here's a link: http://www.stanleytools.com
"I hear, and I forget. I read, and I remember. I do, and I understand." - Confucious
Edited 1/21/2006 10:44 pm ET by Max Minimus
I have a small 6" steel bar with a mini catspaw/hammer on one end and 1½" flat pry on the other end. Its always in my pouch or on my bench. I believe I use it everyday.
Gord
CATSPAW
That the one with the fine wide blade on one end. Have one in the trim kit.
Have another small one with a nail set on one end. It acts like a centering punch on some jobs.The ToolBear
"Never met a man who couldn't teach me something." Anon.
Scratch awl.
If ignorance is bliss why aren't more people
happy?
And a tapered repairman's reamer.
If ignorance is bliss why aren't more people
happy?
Reamer...
Yes, nice choice. Have two in the top chest. They used to get out on jobs now and again, but unibits have taken over a lot of that work. Same idea. The ToolBear
"Never met a man who couldn't teach me something." Anon.
Before I had a cordless drill I used the awl and reamer to make most holes -- would only drag out the corded if I needed to make multiple holes or had to drill thick steel. I still use the awl and reamer when doing jobs like installing Molly bolts in DW -- less mess and you can get exactly the hole you want/need.
If ignorance is bliss why aren't more people
happy?
Though not a gadget, I've kept a small cake of bees wax with me for years. It lubes screws and nails, hand saws, drawers, anything you need to slide around.
"A contented man enjoys the scenery of a detour"
I keep a Lee Valley/Veritas round "Pocket Screwdriver" on each of my various key rings; they're tapered, so I can use them on straight-slot screws of various sizes. I bought a few dozen and have given them to several of my friends and coworkers.
-Jazzdogg-
"Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive." Gil Bailie
I've taken to using a (cheap) digital camera..."before we started", "this is where the elec wiring is", "this is the plumbing before we boarded it", and "this is rot in your crawlspace" . That sort of thing.
All the best...
To those who know - this may be obvious. To those who don't - I hope I've helped.
Big bar clamp has become my third hand this month.
I use it to rest one side of 2x4 as I nail off the other side to post.
Attached it to wide brick column to hold string for straight line for fence.
Clamped to old posts break concrete away from post and then use bar clamp for grip to pull out post.
Straighten twisted joists and studs then nail off.
ANDYSZ2I MAY DISAGREE WITH WHAT YOUR SAYING BUT I WILL DEFEND TO THE DEATH YOUR RIGHT TO SAY IT.
Remodeler/Punchout
DIGITAL CAMERAS
We maintain a full photographic record of our work. At rollup it's photo time. I carry one on my own for my records. Foreman has an antique that uses 1.44m floppies.
The Nikon CoolPix 5600 is my current one. Doesn't normally go on the jobs ; the 2yrs old model has that job, but it is smarter than I am and small enough to fit in the outer pocket in my bags. Had it out today. One of the older CoolPix might be a good buy.The ToolBear
"Never met a man who couldn't teach me something." Anon.
Whitney punch for sheet metal. Beats a drill - faster and perfect holes. The more you use it, the more you use it... The kids working with me were always borrowing it, I finally bought them each one.
68525.22 in reply to 68525.1
Whitney punch
DUH?
Working for a cell tower firm means we are always drilling holes in sheet metal so I am all ears. What do they look like? Who sells them? Etc.The ToolBear
"Never met a man who couldn't teach me something." Anon.
http://roperwhitney.com/punching/2-45.cfmhttp://www.eastwoodco.comGoogle will find other suppliers.There are a bunch on ebay.http://search.ebay.com/whitney-punch_W0QQfkrZ1
I wont get any points for originality here but my dalluge trimster 16oz rip claw hammer.Besides just being a super badass hammer in general. The claws have almost no curve at all to them and they are skinny making the hammer usfull in many ways that a flat bar is.also, lately i've been keeping a BIX bit and that dewalt 6 in one driver bit http://www.amazon.com
in my belt and i dont know how i ever did without them______________________________________________
--> measure once / scribble several lines / spend some time figuring out wich scribble / cut the wrong line / get mad
DALLUGE
That the Sweet 16 titanium hammer? Had one. Very nice. Stolen last January.The ToolBear
"Never met a man who couldn't teach me something." Anon.
no just the old fashioned steel hammer. I havent tries any ti-hammers yet______________________________________________
--> measure once / scribble several lines / spend some time figuring out wich scribble / cut the wrong line / get mad
WHITNEY PUNCH
Tnx for the URLS. Time to go shopping. We have been using unibits.The ToolBear
"Never met a man who couldn't teach me something." Anon.
Ahhh. So that's a 'Whitney punch'.I had pictured something more like a knockout punch. Which didn't make a whole lot of sense because you were saying it was an alternative to drilling. KO punched, of course, needing a hole for the draw bolt.I can see where your punch would have some utility. Particularly if the hole was near an edge. Given the larger Whitney punch, more reach and ability to work over the bent edge of a panel, I could see using a Whitney to press a hole for the draw bar of a much larger KO punch.Given the right situation, location and hole size within the capability of the Whitney punch, I could see significant savings in time, safety and comfort. I might need to invest in one.
Hate to disappoint you, O wise one. For a 3/4" stud, I don't think a Whitney punch will punch that big. You might get a 3/8" hole within maybe 2" of the edge and then use a 7/8" knockout punch [nominal for 1/2" conduit] which uses a 3/8" stud and then go to the larger set up.
Nevertheless, the punch is a useful tool. Harbor Freight has similar [very?] versions at much lower cost.
I have recently discover a hole cutter made by Hougen.com. It looks like a hole saw but has much bigger teeth and cuts much faster and smoother. You might like it. It also has a ridge around the perimeter which limits penetration into live or wire filled panels. Sizes available up to 3". Overall probally faster than the stud punch regime.
~Peter
The Seattle-Tacoma earthquake was all Bush's fault.
Follow the link in BillHartman's reply.
It will punch a hole anywhere within 1 1/2" from an edge.
I think the largest hole it will do is 3/8".
I have an original, but the Chinese knock-offs from Harbour Freight look pretty good.
Good luck,
Lee
got my son a headlamp for Xmas.
Borrowed it to work on my truck...
then needed it again for something iwas doing in a basement...
now it stays in my bucket boss..
gonna have to pick up another to give back to little buddy...
Mr. T.
There's a steering-wheel in me pants and it's driving me nuts!!!
Those headlights are one of the handiest things to come around in a long time. I keep one in my tool bag and one in my world gone bad bag.
I used to think only goobers wore them. Until one day a guy I was teasing asked me. "What looks sillier? A light straped to your head or deep throating a mini mag light?"
Ugha Chaka! Ugha Chaka! Ugha, Ugha, Ugha, Chaka!
When i got the Dewalt 6 pc set of stuff at xmess, I thought I'd never use the funny looking flexable flash light...2 nights later, I was outside trying to fix the phone line with the battery part of the light in my hood behind my head...and the flex light end over my shoulder...LOL I looked like a cyborg.
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Save a few posts, fill in your Profile, we can help!
glad to meet cha Sphereborg!
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
I use a MiniMag all the time. It rides in a pocket or in its own pouch on my tool belt most times. It is a real handy sized light. Couple it with a Nite Ize headband that holds it off to one side and you have a head lamp that is effective, stores compactly and is still usable as a regular flashlight. The headband, just a bit of nylon strap and Velcro, can be wound around a belt or simply stuffed into a pocket where it takes very little room. The Minimag slipped into the headband is way better than gargling it. IMO most dedicated head lights are too bulky and unhandy when off the head. lately I have found a Nite Ize LED conversion kit for the minimag. About $5 at Wally World. Put all three pieces; Minimag, nylon headband and LED conversion, together and it covers most situations quite well. Compact and light enough to stay out of the way when not needed and still more than enough light, endurance and ruggedness to get the job done and be counted on.
I'll have to check into that LED conversion.
Ugha Chaka! Ugha Chaka! Ugha, Ugha, Ugha, Chaka!
Oh Yeah!, wE're gettin' in deep here!
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
My Keurig one cup coffee maker.
Anything else can be handled with either a sawsall, crowbar or a 5 pound sledge for close trim work.
Re:"My Keurig one cup coffee maker."By saying "one cup" you mean, of course, one full standard urn on a MrCoffee. Otherwise known as 'just about enough to get to lunch'.
I can't imagine not having an awl.
The scratch awl from general has the metal run clear through the handle so it can be hammered on and the steel is pretty good.
If kept sharp for layout simply hand pressure will stick it well enough for snapping lines. There is an extra awl that gets used when stringing lines to figure a layout, such as when joining oddball roof lines or whatnot. Moving the awls around is much easier than a bunch of 8s.
When hanging doors, stripped out screw holes are quickly plugged by adding a little glue to a 1/8" square sliver of wood and pounding it in. The awl will then center punch the hole, insuring a straight screw, and drive it home. There is no need for waiting for the glue to dry and it will be as strong as any of the others.
If a screw is a little off center, simply use the awl to move a little of the wood to the other side to better center it. It's a quick trick that doesn't require adding additional wood since you're not removing anything, just moving it over.
Need to chip off a little tile so toilet bolts will fit, or enlarge a tile hole--just "nibble" away with light hammer blows on the awl. Fitting trim against concrete, it's easy to take off a small high point with the awl. The General brand awl holds up surprisingly well to such punishment, but your nice sharp tip will not last long.
Hanging heavy pictures or anything that works well to make the hole for small expansion anchors.
Adding an outlet to a plaster wall is easy with an awl to nibble away the plaster for a cut-in box.
With just the right length, it can open the seal on construction adhesive.
It can mark framing lumber like a pencil.
It can make a hole in sheet metal for those times when you either don't have self tapping screws or when getting a nail through is just not working well.
It's perfect for marking aluminum extrusions or slate tile for cutting.
I used two of them just last night to hold vertical tiles in place on Hardibacker, on a backsplash behind the stove, while shims were adjusted and the thinset firmed up.
The sharp tip makes quick work of pulling o-rings or hose washers.
When drawing a large arc, I'll set the awl and hook the end of a tape measure to it, then hold the pencil at the correct measurement and draw away. On carpet, a helper can hold the awl vertical while the tape is used in the same way.
My reservoir-type (one ended hose) water level is height adjusted with a Quickclamp hooked on an awl.
It's a studfinder if you need to be sure you're nailing on a stud. An electrical outlet was sheetrocked over, but the electrician knew the approximate location of it. A quick check with my new studfinder with an electrical finder function showed what should have been the wires in the box. A small hole made by the awl and a short section of wire confirmed it was an outlet box before we whipped out the sheetrock saw.
Want to know if there's solid wood behind that osb? Awl it.
Temporarily holding plans on a wall with awls is handy, until you need the awls for something else.
When hanging sheetrock solo, for those times when an extra hand, or a 16d is needed to hold the other end of the sheet, the awl is quicker to hammer in and take out. It can also tack a sheet in place while more appropriate fasteners are located.
It's a good size for making holes for low voltage wire in just about everything except 2x lumber.
I've often hung my oxy's on an awl at the end of the day so the pockets don't empty out on the ground.
Wow, that about covers awl of it!
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
Oh man Piffin..... that was so bad, it was good.View Image
It gets worse. I'm full of it tonight
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
<<Wow, that about covers awl of it!>>Not quite.For ten milkbones -- without doing a web search -- who can name the source of this quote;"Truly, sir, all that I live by is with the awl"Subtract two milkbones if you need this hint;Cry "Havoc" and let slip the dogs of war.If we get a right answer I'll add one more use for the awl to this list.A king can stand people fighting but he can't last long if people start
thinking. -Will Rogers, humorist (1879-1935)
W.S.Woof.
Ten milkbones to drozer!The use for an awl that nobody has mentioned yet -- you ought to see the look on a would be mugger's face when you reach for that awl in the door-pocket of your truck.Double the milkbones -- again, without a search -- which work is the quote from?A king can stand people fighting but he can't last long if people start
thinking. -Will Rogers, humorist (1879-1935)
J.C.?Woof?But I'm pretty sure the character's a shoemaker.
Yep -- 20 Milkbones it is!OK, on the subject of awls . . . or more to the point, spring-loaded centerpunches. Wouldn't go to work without one.It's also the first choice for the immediate removal of tempered glass.A king can stand people fighting but he can't last long if people start
thinking. -Will Rogers, humorist (1879-1935)
Yep -- 20 Milkbones it is!
Whoa hold on there Catskinner. You can't be tossing around such a huge number of milkbones. Who do you think you are?!....the Bill Gates of Milkbonage?
Obviously, your stash is counterfeit because no one tosses numbers like that around!
blue
<<Yep -- 20 Milkbones it is!Whoa hold on there Catskinner. You can't be tossing around such a huge number of milkbones. Who do you think you are?!....the Bill Gates of Milkbonage?Obviously, your stash is counterfeit because no one tosses numbers like that around!blue>>That is correct -- a man of discrimination and refined taste --they're the generic ones from Sam's Club. So sad.After all, we're only talking about Shakespeare. If we were talking about something important like construction then we'd used the bona fide real deal honest to goodness Milkbones, and then, what, one, maybe two? <G>A king can stand people fighting but he can't last long if people start
thinking. -Will Rogers, humorist (1879-1935)
I use a gasket scraper for removing trim/molding that will be re-used. It does a great job, and does not mar up the surfaces.
What's a gasket scraper? Where do you get one?
-- J.S.
Gasket scraper...
Mechanic's tool. Have one in my rollaway. Handle. Blade set crossways on the end like a T. Scrape off old gaskets from engine parts. Could probably use a painter's 5 in 1.
The ToolBear
"Never met a man who couldn't teach me something." Anon.
I think I got it at NAPA. The partilar one I have looks like a long flat head screwdriver, but the blade is about 2" wide and a very sharp tip. The long hand really helps to create alot of leverage, but you can still be gentle with the trim.
the old bait and switch...and i'll leave the only shakespeare alone. peer pressure, i know.
jealous? i earned 'em.
awl righty then...punch the awl thru the #### for stud finding...when you pull it out, if the tip's white, you've got a void...if the the tip is clean, yeah baby<G> Hey, pocket doors can't come off the track if they're nailed open
I only wished i thought of this years ago. take a retractable line that goes to a clip. it hooks on my pocket. fasten your pencil to other end. you see nurses have those clips or people with keys. my pencil is always there and i never have to fumble looking for it and it does not matter if it gets short. plus i can play with it when i get bored. try it.the clips are like 99 cents for cheap ones. if i wear a t shirt with no pockets it fastens to your collar.
swiss army knife , not the huge multi tool but basic "recruit maybe ? " two blades two flat screwdrivers small one can be used to hit one slot on a phillips and a wire stripper . toothpick and tweezers
small ,light, cheap and has saved a lot of trips to the truck
Did somebody say gadget? I love gadgets! Here's just a few that I've found handy. Click on the highlighted phrases for links.
I use magnets-two rare earth magnets stuck together-they keep my chisel from cutting through my pouch.
I also use something similar to a push pin for layout. A "Rocket Anchor." I prefer it over a scratch awl because of its very sharp replaceable needle (I don't have to pound it with the palm of my hand). Her's that ULR for GarrettWade.
The LED lights I use are made by Craftsman. There's two that store in a small black case. They'll clip onto anything, including safety glasses. I store them in my toolbox near my Maglight. I never thought of attaching one to a vest or jacket zipper. Great tip!
My favorite chalk line is the Tajima "Ultra Thin Line." I like it for just that reason-its nice and accurate thin line.
Similar to a Leatherman, I carry a jack knife in the folding ruler pocket of my carpenter's jeans. The one I use is called the "Mechanic" by Victorinox. I prefer this model because it doesn't weigh me down with a lot of junk. Besides the tweezers and the "reamer" I use as a scratch awl, screwdrivers and pliers is about all that's included.
Of my various pry bars, one I like for finish work is my Hyde painter's pry bar. It's great for when you need something stronger than a putty knife, and thin enough to fit in between a tight spot.
I carry a giant Vise-Grip c-clamp in my tool box. Its great for quickly clamping things to a saw horse.
When hand nailing ties and hangers, a simple center punch can enlarge a hole. I hold it with a pair of Switch-Grip pliers you can pick up at most home centers. It rotates into a pair of needle nose pliers that are perfect for holding small truss nails. In both instances, it saves your thumb.
I also carry a few tools in the back of my truck. A bungee cord keeps three 5 gal. buckets lined up tight against my tail gate. This way I just unlock the back window, and reach inside. Each bucket lid has a rubber seal inside it that provides extra rust protection. One bucket can even be used for fasteners. "Drop-In-the-Bucket" organizers from Journeyman Products LTD will stack them up nicely.
I like to lock up my tool box, but it takes time to dig for your keys. I snap a key carrier onto my tool belt and clip on my key. Now it's as ready as any tool would be.
Great thread!
-T
Edited 1/22/2006 8:27 pm ET by JourneymanCarpenterT
Edited 1/22/2006 8:28 pm ET by JourneymanCarpenterT
Thanks for the link to the lights - Ive been looking for them.
I agree on the Painter's prybar - sometimes it's just the right tool. - i carry one with the rest of the small bars.
Remodeling Contractor just on the other side of the Glass City
This may be obvious, but I'm missing it... How do the magnets keep the chisel from cutting your pouch. Your answer could solve one of the problems that destroyed my last bag.Also, in addition to many of the above mentioned gadgets, I carry a small half round file. Doesn't take up any space and is great for cleaning up copes, etc. And I gotta have my thumb plane. Cedar shingles, scribing baseboard, you name it.
I simply place my chisel inside its pocket, then I place the magnets (2 stuck together) on the outside of its pocket. When carrying the chisel in an inside pocket, the magnets go in front of the blade. When carrying the chisel in an outside pocket, the magnets go behind the blade.
The magnets are strong enough to hold through the leather. When I pull the chisel out, the magnets drop into the large pouch. When I slip the chisel back into its pocket, the magnetic force pulls the magnets right back onto the chisel pocket.
This way my chisel stays razor sharp because nothing touches its edge. My bags stay in tact because my chisel's edge never reaches the bottom of its pocket. Because the magnets are always positioned to fall inside my large pouch, I don't stick to things on the job site. Finally, I have a rare earth magnet handy (actually 2 stuck together) whenever I need it.-T
Magnets on chisel -
Thanks for a nicely illustrated reply. I see we share a common taste for Oxy products.
If I toss my 4-1 screwdriver in the bottom of the bag, will be it hanging on the other side of the magnets? It usually rides there in the bottom.
Wonder if these magnets would work on my pencils? I cut a few in half and taped washers to them so they stick to my harness mangets. They don't stick all that well and I'd like to improve on that. Tape a magent to a pencil?The ToolBear
"Never met a man who couldn't teach me something." Anon.
Rare earth magnets are handy to have for finding steel in old walls. With practice, you can tell by feel if you've found a pipe or the nails that hold wood lath to a stud. The downside is that they attract and hold tiny fragments of steel. I keep mine in a heavy plastic bag so I can take it out and let the micro-junk fall away.
-- J.S.
Thanks, I got it now.
Thanks for the many interesting ideas. I use the Tajima myself. Got to check out those LEDs. Clip on glasses?
Chisel protection - We're wondering how two magnets keep your chisel under control.
I use a sleeve made of that plastic they pack stuff in nowadays. I figure that since In can bearly cut thru the stuff, the chisel might have the same problem. Had a flattened tube of copper pipe, but the chisel wanted to fall out too easily when the bags were on the deck. The ToolBear
"Never met a man who couldn't teach me something." Anon.
I'm guessing the magnets are glued to the leather pouch
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
So many gadgets yet so little time.
O.K. Here are my top two of many.
1-Those spring loaded center punches. The kind you hold the point on your mark and push and the spring tensions and releases at once leaving you a nice dimple.
Great for hardware lay out on cabinets--and a starter hole on metal. The better ones have a replaceable tip but I have yet to dull the orginal one.
2--a super thin flat bar--acually a bee keeper tool for seperating the hive boards and scrapping the honey off .
Hyde makes them now-guess they caught wind of their usefulness in removing trim.
Mike
" I reject your reality and substitute my own"
Adam Savage---Mythbusters
Super thin flat bar...
I was using another adaptive tool today -
Artist's pallet knife
These come in assorted shapes and sizes and are springy steel. Good for getting under things - such as dried paint in a 5g bucket that was wanted for other work.
The ToolBear
"Never met a man who couldn't teach me something." Anon.
      Artist's pallet knifeNow you went and did it--now I have to stop by my local shop and look for them.Funny how we find tools from other occupations and work them into our arsenal.Not sure what I would use it for but you know how it goes--once you have it you just can't imagine not having it around.Mike" I reject your reality and substitute my own"
Adam Savage---Mythbusters
Pallet knives ...
They come in all sorts of shapes, sizes and weights. I was using a springy one to get under dried latex in a 5g bucket - which now dispenses stucco base.
I suspect opening doors when no credit card is handy is another use. The ToolBear
"Never met a man who couldn't teach me something." Anon.
What's a pallet knife, and where do you get one?
Pallet knife -
Artist tool used in oil painting. The oil is applied to the canvas with a pallet knife.
They come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, stiffnesses, etc. Miine are springy.The ToolBear
"Never met a man who couldn't teach me something." Anon.
Pallet knives ...
Reminds me of the "happy little trees"
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--------------------------
It's only satisfying if you eat it.
Edited 1/24/2006 8:46 pm ET by dustinf
LOL.... you're smoked dude.View Image
Hi-Ho Hi-Ho it's off to the artist store I go----Thanks, I'll let you know what I find.Mike" I reject your reality and substitute my own"
Adam Savage---Mythbusters
Shopping the art stores...
If my wife's reaction is any guide, you will find the prices up.
$____ for a pallet knife??!!
However, she quiut smoking at 0.67/pack because she thought that was too much to pay.The ToolBear
"Never met a man who couldn't teach me something." Anon.
in addition to being the umpteenth awl carrier (and i'm a minimalist when it comes to crap to lug around), i have to give a shout to the little "bitz" bit carrier that i think mcfeely's carries. you stick it to the side of your drill and it's made of some kind of foam, and it carries 4 hex bits snugly. since i use 2 square drive, 1 torx, combo bit, plus phillips almost every day, it's far more convenient than trying to remember where you left the bit on the counter or what cabinet drawer it's sitting in.------------"the test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in mind at the same time and still retain the ability to function. one should, for example, be able to see that things are hopeless and yet be determined to make them otherwise."- f. scott fitzgerald
Bit holder -
We're all awl-right. (Awlful, but why resist.)
I have an old McFeely catalog so I am going to look for that. Been wondering who had them. I hot-glued a magent on the impact driver to hold a few drill bits.The ToolBear
"Never met a man who couldn't teach me something." Anon.
"you stick it to the side of your drill and it's made of some kind of foam, and it carries 4 hex bits snugly"I just picked up one at Rocker. Great add-on.
Problem is, those things go bad too quick -- the holes enlarge and the bits fall out.
If ignorance is bliss why aren't more people
happy?
Heating Pad
Using it to warm up a tube of caulk right now that was in the garage over night. Rolls up nicely around the tube.
Around here caulk stays inside, or else you throw it out come spring.
If ignorance is bliss why aren't more people
happy?
Heating pad for caulk -
You must be back where it snows and has a winter. My boss wears shorts to work.
The ToolBear
"Never met a man who couldn't teach me something." Anon.
I wear shorts to work.
If ignorance is bliss why aren't more people
happy?
That is an awesome tip Omnimax!
I'm going looking for my wifesheating pad!
blue
Stick on bit holder -
Been looking for one of those. Any vendors in So Cal? I glued a magnet on my driver.The ToolBear
"Never met a man who couldn't teach me something." Anon.
Dick Blick is where to shop for them. Mebbe try http://www.dickblick.com
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Save a few posts, fill in your Profile, we can help!
Thank Sphere--I have a Pearsons art supply around the corner so I'll stop and see what they have first.Had Jacobs Pinewood derby today--check out the thread.Mike" I reject your reality and substitute my own"
Adam Savage---Mythbusters
Dick Blick is where to shop for them. >>>>>>>>>I know I know, you posted this ions ago...so call me slow but I was wondering.......Is this the name of your new band???? Kewl....stopped ME in my tracks and made me go...hmmmmmmmmm
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Painter's 5-in-1 tool. I sharpen the blade until it can cut paper. I use them for many things, but it is the first tool under trim that must be removed. With the sharpened blade, it does not mar/dent the trim. Lift with the 5-in-1, insert thin pry bar, leapfrog one tool over the other along the entire length. With a sharpened blade, it often seconds as a light duty chisel.
"I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul." Invictus, by Henley.
The 5 in 1 -
Lovely tool. So many uses. I have them stashed here and there in various bags and buckets. Need to get some more.
The ToolBear
"Never met a man who couldn't teach me something." Anon.
I was at the paint store a while back and picked up a new 5-in-1, big rubberry grip, blade almost an 1/8th thick, even had a nail-pulling keyhole.
I bet I could chop down a good size tree with that suckker!!!
Mr. T.
There's a steering-wheel in me pants and it's driving me nuts!!!
My latest best tool is my AAA card. Having one of them days again. 2 out of 3 rides are MIA. So I can put to rest the Ford v. GM debate, they both suck. ( or not as the case may be applied to fuel delivery).
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Save a few posts, fill in your Profile, we can help!
"I was at the paint store a while back and picked up a new 5-in-1,"That is so Last Milleium.Need to move into the modern age and get a 6-in-1.
You are still behind, the last ones I bought were "Eight-in-ones". I think that paper weight must have been one of the functions along with door stop and fingernail cleaner.
Edit: I too am way the he11 behind. It is 11 in 1 now!
http://www.reddevil.com/productDetail.cfm?id=6291RT&c=pk&cat=2
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11-in-1 Multi-Purpose Decorating ToolThis versatile painter's and decorator's tool can be used for a variety of professional and household applications. Uses include: Scraper, spreader, gouger, hammer, rake, opener, linoleum knife, putty remover, paint roller cleaner, nail setter and nail puller. Buy Now / View More
Edited 1/27/2006 11:26 am ET by rasconc
......"hammer, rake, opener"...... MY yard is small but there's no way I'd ever try to rake the grass with that thing!
Yea, I am not so sure what they mean. Guess I need to get the owner's manual or take the advanced course.
I LOVE the 5-1 and have various sizes... all SHARP. GREAT for removing wallpaper, trim, anything. Always in the pouch.
I sharpen the claws on my Estwing framer.
Zip ties often substitute for a third hand.
Troy Sprout
Square, Level & Plumb Renovations
Sharp claws...
I wonder how many sharpen their claws?
I sharpen the claws on my Stilletos, nail pullers, crowbars, etc. I don't pick up headers and such. My hammer does.
Get in the nail puller slot with a tiny flat file. Use the grinder for the other stuff.The ToolBear
"Never met a man who couldn't teach me something." Anon.
bear,
What do you use to sharpen the titanium Stiletto? Didn't think a regular grinder would touch the titanium so I never bothered to try.View Image
Sharpening ti. hammers -
Just use the regular grinder. Puts a nice edge on the tips.
Stuff is not that hard - which is why the steel nose on a ti body makes sense. Lot of my all-ti hammers could use refacing as the serrations are pounded flat. Could use some for siding and trim work.The ToolBear
"Never met a man who couldn't teach me something." Anon.
I also pick up a lot of lumber with my claws. I don't bend like I used to.
I also used to sharpen my claws, but haven't had to lately. The primary reason that I used to sharpen my claws is that no one ever carried a nail puller. Nail puller were reserved for those special situations that you couldn't get your hammer in there to dig out. Instead of reacing for nail puller on routine pulls, we simple slam the claws under the head and wrench the nail out in one violent jerk. Sharp claws made that procedure much easier. I don't use that technique much any more...mainly because my hammering skills have eroded from so much use of the gun.
blue
@@@ Nail puller -
Bending - 2 of Costco version of Tylenol on rising. Tell them you are practicing Tai Chi - and the motif is Framer Bends Down.
I'll have to try that - on some one else's wood. Given my accuracy, I'll sink the claws in me.
On another thread it seems that a cat's paw down in Australia was a rare item imported from the States. Seemed hard to believe - but perhaps they have sharp claws. Was wondering how they got the nails back out. You may have the answer.
Was working on a substitute to the Stilleto Ti nail puller with that dimpler with HD plumbing parts. Got to get back at it. The ToolBear
"Never met a man who couldn't teach me something." Anon.
You hammer the sections apart, or lever them apart. ALL hammers sold in Australia are curved claw hammers.
Curved claw hammers ---
You mean like those homeowner hammers? No straight claws at all? What weight is common in the field?
What do the Aussies use for framing saws?The ToolBear
"Never met a man who couldn't teach me something." Anon.
No straight claws at all, the common weight is 20oz, all 13 or 14 inches long. For framing, if not scms then a 9 1/4 sidewinder which appears to only exist in Au/Nz or a 7 1/4 sidewinder, the 9 1/4's have quite big motors the eqivilant to say a 20 amp US saw. Dangerous barstards of things.
Is there some kinda law against straight claws ?
Rudeness is the weak man's imitation of strength. ~~ Eric Hoffer
This screwdriver kicks ####.http://www.picquic.com/sixpac.htmlIt is absolutely deadly when coupled with a cordless impact driver.http://www.dewalt.com/us/products/tool_detail.asp?productID=5726
It's just a cultural thing. If you were to find out what type of hammer carpenters use in each country, I think you would find that 90% of them use a curved claw hammer at around 20oz 13 or 14 inches long.
In saying that I'm not saying they are right, because they are wrong, at least when it comes to framing anyway. In the US hammers have evolved from the curved claw to a straight claw. In Australia the only two brand names on hardware shelves are Estwing and Plumb. Estwing sell 20 oz and 24oz curved claw hammers about 14 inches long. Plumb a 20oz in curved claw. All of the rest are no name chinese hammers (of the same description). I guess it's to small a market for others to bother (about 1/10 of yours). I once contacted Douglas hammers and asked them if I could attempt to sell their hammers ( a bit of diversification) and they basically said "who do you think you are, no way", upon trying to pursue them further, they just ignored my communications, now there is no logic to that response, maybe they sell every one that they can make. It is also contrary to everything I know about people from the US. People generally have a yes, can do sort of attitude.
9.25" saw ---
Hate to heft that thing all day or cut overhead. I am thinking of a PC 6" SawBoss, blade left, for a lot of little stuff.
On the other hand, it should cut most anything at 45 dgs.
The only curved claw hammer I have left is a old DIY junker the wife uses. All the rest are straight clawed.
Interesting differences in practices. Be interesting to see how they frame.
The ToolBear
"Never met a man who couldn't teach me something." Anon.
Has anyone mentioned a Japanese style pull saw? I keep one in my toolbag, and hardly ever have need of a regular handsaw. It's great for cutting plastic conduit or drain pipe, good for undercutting trim for tile, etc. For plain old wood cutting I generally can have whatever it is cut by the time someone else would get their circ saw out and plug it in.
If ignorance is bliss why aren't more people
happy?
I'm with you, the Japanese saw is very versatile -- just yesterday I used mine three or four times. (one good use for it is to run it down a less than perfect miter. it'll remove that booger that is keeping it from closing)
Pull Saw ...
I think you are the first to mention it, but I have several and love them. The Husky box saw seldom gets to come out. I reach for the pull saw first. They really work well.The ToolBear
"Never met a man who couldn't teach me something." Anon.
Interesting. Here I've seen a lot of 7¼", some 8¼", and I even bought a 10¼', though the available blades are an even 10". If there are any 9¼", I've been walking past them in the stores and never noticed.
-- J.S.
As mentioned in earlier post 91/4 seems to be exclusive to Australia/New Zealand
23.5 CM. Odd...
If ignorance is bliss why aren't more people
happy?
235 mm Odd for you, normal for me
I was just expecting a rounder number, since it seems to be a metric size.
If ignorance is bliss why aren't more people
happy?
We used to use the imperial system until late 60's early 70's and we knew the saw as a 9 1/4, in fact most people still refer to it as a 9 1/4. You can't change a country's thinking by changing a law. At least not in one generation.
Amazing that you did the Douglas hammer thing.
My elbows were giving me merry hell so I imported an axe handled Douglas with a straight claw. VERY nice hammer. I also seriously considered trying to sell here. Probably a good thing I didnt waste my time.
Cant remember who posted above and commented about using a 9 1/4 overhead..........easy. Ya just get used to it and do it anyway. Nobody likes my 7 1/4 worm ( rare as chicken lips here ) cos they complain its 'all backwards and too heavy'.
I just tell them if they be such a girl maybe they should stay home.........:-)
Whatever it was.................I didnt do it.
I've had a different reation, people liking the smoothness and quietness that characterise wormdrives, but not always they usually say its a left handers circ saw. Just got my 14 inch big foot worm back from having it rewound today, and am looking forward to using it in anger!
SHOP SCOOP DUST PAN...
http://www.mcfeelys.com/product.asp?ProductID=sw-0020
I have one of these. Don't remember where I got it. Want a spare or two. They are just outstanding. You really can scoop. Did so on one job last year. Mine is on the service truck and I watch it with care. The ToolBear
"Never met a man who couldn't teach me something." Anon.
I own a sailboat, and removing nuts that were installed some twenty years back, can present a challenge. I have, for lack of a better discripition, a water trap in the exhaust pipe, in which a mouse had made a nest in during one winter. I had to disconnect the exhaust pipe from the exhaust manifold. Those two 3/8" bolts had been in there for some 23 years. You couldn't see them to work on, typical for working on a sailboat engine. The thought of breaking one or both, was a nightmare. I used Wintergreen oil. A couple drops every other day for six days. They backed right out, with no sweat. However, the bolts went back in with todays anti-seize. ......Pop
I own a sail boat and it's 31 this year. If you can do it left handed, by feel, while stuffed in some awkward position, you're a sailboat engine mechanic.
I have been using Never Seize on most everything - and it works. Put it on the prop and it came off nicely at haulout instead of me having to make nice and borrow the yard's shaft puller.
I am trying it on the thru hulls. BTW - never use anhydrous lanolin on those. Cold water, stiffens up, etc. However lanolin works fine on threads under water. I don't have to cut my anchor shackles. They unscrew.The ToolBear
"Never met a man who couldn't teach me something." Anon.
I am a east coast sailor, however, I learned to sail in California. I have done some sailing in, I think, Piffin's area, around Penobscot Bay, and Blue Hill Bay, most beautiful! But most of my sailing is around Narragansett Bay, Block Island Sound, Buzzards Bay, and Long Island Sound.
Never Seize is a good product, messy, but a good product. They also make one for electrical connections that is copper in color. A high resistant corroded electrical connection can drive you crazy.
Now I am to old and too stiff to reach the packing glan on the prop shaft, through the cockpit sail locker, upside down, sadly, I am too old to sail. I still have the boat, a Tartian 27. If I am lucky, they will tie my body to the mast, and send the two of us down to the bottom! LOL. ...........Pop
> I used Wintergreen oil. A couple drops every other day for six days. They backed right out ....
I use SiliKroil from Kano Labs in Nashville, TN. So far, it's the best penetrating rust and corrosion breaker I've found.
-- J.S.
Toolbear,
I couldn't (gadget lover) stop 'til I read all your thread - great!
One tool I didn't see mentioned is a "bent putty knife" I bought years and years ago for putting glazing in windows. I use it for a lot of things but not that.
Another tool I really like, relatively new, is the Sheffield fold up utility/knife that looks sort of like a pocket knife with a clip on the side. The clip is a big key to the handiness - you don't have to go digging for it. And I use the new bi-metal utility blades in it - don't think I'll ever go back to the old style utility blades.
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Bent Putty Knife
Item No.: 4243
1 1/4" (3.2 cm)Labeled
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Price: $5.43
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Qty:
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That lock blade needs to be watched. I put mine on the belt once and got in the truck and put on the seat belt. Later looked down and the belt had opened that sucker up.
Edited 1/27/2006 10:21 pm ET by rasconc
Utility knife, folding -
You're right. I have a number of those folding razor knives. Wear one every day in lieu of a large assortment of knives. Been wearing a knife or two or three for 40+ years, but these things are so handy that the sheath knives and folders and such are sitting in the drawer.
Bent putty knife...
Window putty? They still do that? On the Left Coast I have not seen glazing for years. Plastic, aluminum and gaskets. I suppose it's out there. Putty, linseed oil, points, memories.The ToolBear
"Never met a man who couldn't teach me something." Anon.
Toolbear,When I bought the thing (bent putty kniffe) in the late 60's I remember the "paint store man", the "expert" said the "automatic gizmo" that provided a "form" for the glazing worked in some instances, but if you learned to put the putty on with the bent knife you could do all situations - he was pretty much right.No, when we have to "putty" a window now we (and the local glass company) use silicone latex. I quickly mask the limits, run the caulk and strike off with the bent putty knife. It's fast and looks good.Now I use it for things like filling a bad spot in a prefinished hardwood floor - mixing "bondo" with oil artist color, masking with blue tape. It works great for that too.
The most revolutionary practice of late we have come up with is using the 1/4 crown stapler to put on drywall outside corner bead. My PC doesn't have depth adjust I hear others blowing about so we have to disarm the safety and hold it back 1/8, whatever the situation dictates.
It doesn't distort the corner bead - like taking a picture - I hated having to use nails on corner bead - of course I can't drive a nail anymore.
I love our wide crown stapler for putting bead on.
blue
How wide is the staple you put the bead on with?
Fonzie, I've hung a bit of drywall (glued of course) with 1" wide crown staples. I'm used roofing nails too. They work great on metal bead too. I now own several medium (1/2") crown staples that can be easily adjusted to eliminate blow through. They would do an excellent job on the bead too. If you can eliminate the blow through, any pneumatic fastener will work.
blue
blueeyeddevil,Ok, thats new for me - never heard of that (hanging drywall with 1 inch staples) , but I would love to be able to shoot the drywall on if it worked. We don't glue drywall anymore. I do love shooting the corner bead on with the 1/4 inch stapler. Thanks for getting back to me on that.Fz
Drywall nailer
CN351R-ST
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Dustinf, we had roofing nailer that we used. I actually have used quite a few roofing nails when I do drywall even if I hand pound them. I like the wider heads and I don't need the sterilized drywall nails because I never, ever put nails in my mouth.
blue
I find it easier to avoid drywall all together. I've been gypsum free for 2 years, and counting.
Fonzie, don't let anyone see you shooting the drywall on...they'll think your crazy!
I wouldn't use staples if I wasn't gluing. The glue hold the board. The staples only have to hold it til the glue sets up.
The staples work great on bead though. 1/4" should be enough if the legs penetrate about 1/2" or so.
blue
The freaking VIX BIT! Puts a perfectly centered, perpendicular pilot hole behind hinges, strike plates, etc. Totally awesome and effortless.
And never forget the construction calculator. Nuff said.
working on a friends truck changing the valve cover gaskets whoops the bolt broke
so went to my truck got one of my vix bits tah da a perfectly centered hole
And never forget the construction calculator. Nuff said.
Oh yeah... good one. Saves me tons of head scratching dumbazz mistakes.View Image
VIX BIT -Duh? Got a picture or url of this?The ToolBear
"Never met a man who couldn't teach me something." Anon.
"Fast Grip" Magnetic Tape Holder System by Endeavor
no website or sales photo :-(Have been using the Huskey magnetic tape holders for some years. Saw this one at Ganahl's (SoCal). It claimed "twist and release." The Huskey works, but it take some pulling to get the tape off. Tribute to their double stick foam tape, which has not failed in all this time.The Fast Grip has three magnets on the tape side and three segments on the holder with ribs between. The ribs rise as they move outward, torquing the tape upward as you twist. It really does twist and release. The tape comes off with little pressure when twisted. A straight pull outward is like the Huskey. Better - it has a belt clip and pair of belt loops so I can set it forward on my Oxy Stronghold framers. 3" make a difference.The foam backer on the first one was useless. Lasted one working day before the tape was twirling rather than releaseing. @#$% sez I. Clean it off. Hot glue the sucker down and it has been solid so far.Wanted to contact them to see if I could buy more tape attachments. Snail only. @#$% that. So I bought another to set up another tape.The ToolBear
"Never met a man who couldn't teach me something." Anon.
View ImageView Large Image
Above is a Rockler product, below is true Vix.
http://www.hartvilletool.com/product/11297
VIX -Tnx for the pix. Interesting. Looks like a trim carpentry bit.
Few of those and some unibits and you have more $ in bits in the drill box than the drill cost.The ToolBear
"Never met a man who couldn't teach me something." Anon.
More of a cabinetry bit -- for centering holes in a template, etc. Works well with door hinges, though.
If ignorance is bliss why aren't more people
happy?
http://images.rockler.com/rockler/images/22567-lg.jpg
If ignorance is bliss why aren't more people
happy?
if you don't know what a Vix bit is...
you should change yer handle to:
ToolCUB!!!
;o)
Mr. T.
There's a steering-wheel in me pants and it's driving me nuts!!!
I was thinking after seeing those "bear" and "grizzly" magazines someone posted a couple days ago, that anyone with -Bear- in their name would probably be scuttling off to the sysop to get their name changed. LOL
Rudeness is the weak man's imitation of strength. ~~ Eric Hoffer
How much they payin to pose???
lukabear
;oD
Mr. T.
There's a steering-wheel in me pants and it's driving me nuts!!!
I have some steel hooks that slip over a 2 x 4 and make an instant ladder. They work great in truss built roofs when you need to go up, or on walls when you don't want to cart around a ladder. They were $20 each.
ROFLOLThey'd have to pay about a million bucks.
Rudeness is the weak man's imitation of strength. ~~ Eric Hoffer
Here's a little gage you can make in a minute that is fully adjustable. I have had great success with these for circular saw straightedge set - back (one for both sides of the kerf) - also for various router-straightedge set back.
As you guys know, our old circular saws cut with different setbacks at different depths. This gage allows for quick calibration. Note the screw is offset so it lays close to the surface against straight edge.
Fonzie, I like it. I should take a picture of my stair gauges. You'd be amazed at their efficiency.
blue
i would like to see your stair guages. i am a stair builder well i build alot of stairs
Tool, you're going to have to find a small corner of plywood. I like 3/8" best. You'll also need two nails.
blue
toolbear,
A thing I just came across TODAY that works great!
SORTING SCREWS, HARDWARE and all you know what in TWO (opened ended) SCRAPS of gutter (parallel, back to back) about 3 - 4 feet long each.
Here's what works so great about it.
A. It's white (good visibility).
B. You can string out the misc. as far and as "thin" as you need it to start sorting. Throw the sorted group in the second gutter section.
C. Being (open ended) when the right time comes - just put a bucket or bag at one end and dump.
D. There is even a "rounded radius" at the front that makes it easy to pick up thin washers, etc. (I sorted with a narrow margin trowel in one hand)
Fz
Gutter sorter...
Now, that's a use for gutters I never would have though of. Could use one as I am sorting all sorts of fasteners. I try to surround myself with boxes and start tossing.The ToolBear
"Never met a man who couldn't teach me something." Anon.
I like the vix bit too.
but whenever I whip out my mason's trowel I always find a new use for it.
it takes a beating and can handle the abuse when you tap it behind trim for removal. if it's own leverage isn't enough to remove caulked on stubborn trim, it makes an excellent wide fulcrum to use a heavier pry bar without damaging the drywall.
it also makes a great little digger for levelling earth at the bottom of shallow footers.
I keep about a 4" stiff-bladed putty knife for that. I sharpen the edge moderately well (not enough to be dangerous) so that it can be used for prying stuff (or scraping). My usual scheme for taking off trim is to work the putty knife behind and pry loose slightly, then put the knife flat against the wall and use a mini wonderbar, "knee" pressing on the knife blade, to pull the trim the rest of the way off.The knife has metal all the way through the handle, so one can hammer on it and use it as a chisel for splitting wood, separating a glue joint, etc.I've also used the knife for digging holes, and, on rare occasions, puttying.
If ignorance is bliss why aren't more people
happy?
I tried the putty/taping knife too, but I'm sold on the trowel. that nice, cushy, offset rubber handle makes it easy on the knuckles.
Wire snake grabber tool longer the better beats aerial type mag lifter.