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Mark Clement: Measure Twice

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August 25, 2008

Getting the Most Out of Your Tools -- Part 2

My last "twool-fer" post was about communication and "officing" (I can't believe that's a word). But I like life on site, so here's a few trick uses for tools and stuff. Does it help?

Saw It. I've owned a Shark Japanese style pull-saw for years www.SharkCorp.com though Marples www.MarplesTools.com (a sub-brand of Irwin Industrial Tools www.Irwin.com) looks like it has some nice ones.

I use pull saws—you guessed it, they cut on the pull stroke; American saws cut on the push--to "lift" door casing jamb legs when installing a new floor. The thin, flexible blades work perfectly and cut straight. Then there's zero clearance cuts—say I have to delete some base molding to add or enlarge a door. I can get a clean-square cut even if the saw hits the floor—without removing the entire piece of molding. What a time saver. Try that with an American tooth configuration.

Cuppa Joe. My cheap-o stainless steel coffee mug provides me what feels like limitless salvation—not just java--but I'm looking for a better one. Anybody got a primo vessel they can point me toward?

Line Up. Sailors call rope "line." Whatever you call it, I use 1/8 nylon braided line www.lehighgroup.com for everything I can. I guess tying things down with rope isn't really a twool-fer but I can lash a tarp tight, cinch a lumber load, or secure a trailer of dump-bound trash with the same rope, using basic knots. There's no eye-ball-puncturing bungee cord to snap or fly off on the highway nor nylon straps that I have to store somewhere.

A top line use is as an extension-cord/hose manager. I only need about 18 inches. I coil the cord then lash it with the line, using the first half of a granny knot (like how you tie your shoes) to hold it tight. I add the second cord, and another 1/2 granny knot. Once I have a few cords (and gun hoses) on there, I cinch it all with a basic square not. It's perfect access for hanging the cords/hoses in the shop, truck or site.

All that with a piece of skinny rope…I think it deserves twool-fer status.

Posted by Mark Clement at August 25, 2008 11:00 AM

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