“Roll out-roll up” increse efficiency?
Oak River Mike
| Posted in General Discussion on
So folks, how can I be more efficient with getting ready at the job site each day and then wrapping it up? I know, I know, some wisea** is going to say “hire a kid to do it” which I wish I could but…
What tricks do you do to make each day more efficient when getting to the job and then quitting for the day. And this is obviously for those out there who work alone as if you have an extra set of hands, you probably don’t have this concern.
I was thinking about a self-contained trailer with everything I need on it then just open and close the doors to be ready for the day? Thoughts?
Mike
And I just noticed I spelled “increase” wrong and cannot change it…Urgh…Monday
Edited 4/30/2007 9:07 pm ET by Oak River Mike
Replies
I worked for a guy for a very short while who had a good system. He left hoses, cords, ladders, and most everything else out. He had a crappy old truck with the tools piled in the middle and a generator at the rear next to the door. More expensive stuff was kept in the cab, but the truck never left the jobsite.
His jobsites were in the countryside, in safe areas.
Unfortunately, the tools he had were in such poor shape that I would not want to work with them.
I went into business for myself later and wanted to have the same easy roll-out and roll-up. I also wanted only the best tools. I built a trailer with generator, power, etc. The problem was the people who worked for me tore up things like you wouldn't believe. Once I started to work alone, in the countryside, my system worked.
It was the same as his system without employees and with the best tools. It was a very nice way to work.
I quit the business for other reasons. I would not go back to it any other way.
Sas,
Thanks. Yeah, I have been thinking a little trailer is the way to go. I probably couldn't leave it on jobs as we're in a pretty urban (i.e. crime) area but seems like it would make it easier each day.
My issues arise from almost each day doing something different and having to use different tools and such YET always need cords, hoses, a compressor and host of hand tools.
Mike
Wondered this many times too Mike.
If I have to make a trip out for a tool, I try to take one back out, if I know I'm done with it.
The plastic totes, especially the ones with wheels help a lot.
I often times leave my tools on the job overnight. After OKing it with the HO, I neatly set my stuff up against a wall or wherever it's out of their way for the night.
As far as trailers go, it kinda depends on what types of work you do. I have one with EVERYTHING in it, which is great, although many times I dont need everything. Like when framing, a lot of days don't need much more than circ. saw & nailer. Kind of overkill dragging a trailer filled with finish carp. tools.
AC
I have a 1 ton extended cargo van with the sliding side door. I always take everything with me at the end of the day because I never know what might come up to keep me from the job the next day. The rule is: any tool you leave behind will be needed that night and you won't have a spare at home.
These pics were taken during a cleanout so you don't get to see all the tool boxes and stuff I normally carry.
Ralph,
Nice system; can we see some detail picks of the sliding hardware rack?
Mike: I do mostly small jobs but one small aspect is rolling up the chords and hoses the same way everyday. I get pretty frustrated with knots and birds nest in either so much so that even if people want to help clean up only I roll the chords and hoses. It's overly picky to some but every morning when I'm in a hurry to start, the set up is smooth and the same as the job before.
Working in urban areas is tough. You can't leave anything around, and it's often tricky or impossible to get your vehicle in close for anything other than load/unload. I'd certainly be reluctant to leave a trailer around in most city areas, expecially when it contained all my income-producing tools. Certainly invest some thought into organizing things logically and in such a way that boxes contain tools that normally are used together, then commit to keeping things organized. Other than that, I'd say there is a certain amount of time involved each day in roll out and roll up. Figure out what it is for you and charge accordingly.
I have a cargo van too, and I wouldn't go back to a truck. I can still get sheet goods in there plus lumber to 12' inside, longer stuff on the roof racks. Big orders I get delivered anyway - much cheaper to call in the order than waste an hour or more at the lumber yard while their guys pick and load the order. All my tools and compressor are on shelves and hangers and easy to get at. Provided you can get the van close to where you're working, it's a dream.
When I worked commercial jobs on large sites, a common practice was each journeyman to put his tools/cords/hoses into a wheelbarrow at the end of the day and lock it away. Then next morning straight out with the same tools ready to go.
I find having each tool in a case or home-made box along with its accessories helps a lot. Sander and discs or belt together. Saw full blade selection together. Saves time not looking for accessories. Keep fasteners organized in a box or bucket boss. I have one large wheel-away toolbox with all my finishing tools in it - one stop shopping for chisels, plug cutters, files, rasps, countersinks, screwdrivers, pilot bits, self-centring bits etc etc etc.
I don't care how much time it takes to pick up everything at the end of the day..................it's going to take 10 times as long to replace everything if it walks away. That's why I load up EVERYTHING when I'm done and leave NOTHING on the job, no matter how secure it may seem. If I get ripped off, I'm out of business and I can't afford that.
Like the van photo's. I also work out of a van. I can haul up to 12' long material inside and 20' on the roof rack. Also have factory trailer hitch for my trailer to haul material to or debris from the job.
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Very true.
Here is what I am thinking to keep stuff in and work out of it each day.
I do mostly trim carpentry. I have started using a cart to literally "roll-out".
The first thing I do when I arrive on a job is set up the cart & load the "tools de jour", I wheel my stuff inside and finsh preparing the cart for the day. I also have a wheeled tote with tools boxes strapped on top and wheeled miter saw stand, etc.
At the end of the day, I just repack the cart and roll back out to the van. This system makes pretty good use of space and time.
I don't have any specific advice for you because I don't know how you work and what your needs are.
What I will say is that you should not be afraid to spend a little money on a good system. If you could spend $3,000 per year and save 15 minutes a day, would it be worth it? If you have a billing rate of $50/hr. and you work 240 days (48*5=240) a year then 15 minutes would save you $3,000.
I worked out of a 1991 Ford F150 long bed pickup with a cap for a long time. It was my first truck (RIP) and it was worn out when I bought it. I often worked alone so I was able to ensure that my tools made it back to the appointed place. I used a lot of large tupperware containers to store tools and other items. They worked okay, but climbing in and out of the truck was hard, even on my young back. I always had what I needed because I pretty much carried everything I owned.
Now, we have a few different setups. We have a 6x10 cargo trailer and a 7x16 equipment trailer. Both typically stay on site, as needed. My business partner, who is our project manager, has a F250 with a cap and roll out bed. This set up cost about $2,500 but it has proved to be worth it.
I've had the vision of getting a 5x8 cargo trailer and putting two roll out beds in it, one about 8" off the floor and one about 30" above the first. I don't know if that will ever happen.
Ultimately you have to consider where you work (think access for backing in a trailer, security), how many you often work with (or are responsible to provide tools for), what kind of work you want to do, and how long it will take to recoup any investment. Of course, keeping organized and clean will help regardless of how you answer the above questions.
Jon Blakemore
RappahannockINC.com Fredericksburg, VA