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December 31, 2008
Nailer Safety
Every green, newbie gets the same speech from me before I hand them a framing gun, whether they're a high school kid, seasoned laborer, or school teacher working summers for me: I hand them the tool and then tell them not to get offended, but I'm going to state the obvious about this tool. I expect them to listen. Lots of guys get jobs in construction expecting to have a few macho laughs. Problem is, that's the kind of cavalier attitude that can get people hurt or killed.
"This is not a toy. The nail will go through your hand, my hand, somebody's head. And once you've made the mistake, that's it. You can't put the bullet back in the gun."
I go on to say "Know where you're shooting. Make sure your hands are clear before you pop the nail. And if I catch you having nail wars with somebody else, you're both fired on the spot."
Safety reviews of the basics are important and I've found they've worked, even for guys that have worked with me in the past.
We'd like to hear what you tell your guys, how you keep the site safe, production moving, and people out of the hospital.
Posted by Mark Clement at 1:04 PM | Comments (2)
December 25, 2008
Screwdrivers and Other Hand Tools
If you were a carpenter from outer space (I know, suspend your disbelief for just another second) and were researching tool use on planet Earth (probably planning to invade, or at least set-up shop as a competitor, only you'd cut lumber with a laser torch) the coverage power tools get might have you wondering if Earthlings used hand tools at all -- besides hammers, which we barely use anymore.
Well, I'm here to tell you that we do. At least a little.
One of my favorite hand tools is a screwdriver set I got years and years ago by Fiskars They have built-in magnetic tips, and the top of the handle spins, kind of like a very small Lazy Susan. This makes turning the driver so much easier. And the magnetic tips -- don't get me started.
I use them in finicky spots, mostly setting door hardware where you want to snug the parts together without over tightening. I also use them for the limited electrical work I do -- they're great. But I can't find them for sale any more.
I also love using my low-angle block plane. There's just something about pulling up a curl of wood with a shaving sharp iron. Still, my router has put it nearly out of business.
My power saws have not put my Japanese pull saws out of business. They do what power tools can't in a lot of areas.
I also just found a new set of electrician's tools that combine power and hand tools on one. The CircuitAlert brand smartly combines a current sensor in the handle of the tool. Check out my rundown of the whole product line on an upcoming episode of HGTVPro.com Weekly.
What hand tools are still your wingmen? What have be relinquished to the "antiques" corner of the shop?
Posted by Mark Clement at 12:44 PM | Comments (5)
December 19, 2008
Rent It Right: Owning Versus Renting
"You can't have everything. Where would you put it?" the deadpan comedian Steven Wright once observed.
And as much as I hate to admit it, that goes for tools, mostly those that you only need sometimes.
For example: I'd love to have a dump truck and sub-compact excavator, but the work I do is too varied, so I rent them when I need them, say for a roof tear-off or mega-fence, two of which I just built www.FenceScape.com, www.WRCLA.org.
I also don't sand enough floors (thank goodness!) to warrant owning that equipment. Instead, if a floor pops up and it makes sense for me to sand it, I've rented the USand with good results.
And though I've since purchased one, I used to rent a sheet metal brake. This is one tool I can't live without. It's a huge problem solver from detailing replacement windows to whipping up a piece of flashing. I've even used it fabbing HVAC chases. I can't live without it.
I've had good luck with both local shops, my local boys, and the nationals. I did have a rough time once with SunBelt Rentals. They rented me a very heavy 50-foot man-lift. As usual, I had the company rep walk me through operating the machine -- and I showed him where I was going to use it. Well, I drove it across the lawn at the jobsite whereupon it sank like a stone in water. I came to find out -- only after destroying the lawn and losing 2 full days on the job -- that it was 2 wheel drive. They should have sent me a 4x4 for those conditions. And they wanted to charge me for it. That was a fun conversation…
Horror stories happen to all of us. They cost money.
Got egg on your face? Can you help somebody else avoid the pitfall and rent it right?
Posted by Mark Clement at 11:39 AM
December 16, 2008
My Christmas Wish List
I love tools and stuff, especially the kind that make my work life easier. And, as it turns out, I'm reviewing a pile of them right now for www.HGTVpro.com and ProTV.
The test periods aren't over yet, but what I noticed about this batch of tools and accessories is that, as a business owner, I might need some convincing to spend the money to get them. Carpenters and tradesmen tend to resist change. Once we find something that works, we stay with it come h... or high water.
But if any of these roughnecks were under were under my tree Christmas tree, well my inner cheapskate would trumpet a vitriolic WOOHOO, thank you Santa!
For example, I'd be hard pressed to let go of the 20 ounce Estwing I've been swinging for years -- seriously, it's indestructible and inexpensive -- http://estwing.com/product.php?product_id=400 -- but I've been using Stiletto Tools' 12 ounce titanium head remodelers' hammer -- http://store.stilettotools.com/Detail.bok?no=53. -- It's awesome, but it's a hundred bucks.
Then there's work pants. I wear -- and wear through--a lot of pants. Double-knee "logger" pants are ideal. I've gotten lots of mileage out of these -- http://www.duluthtrading.com/store/clothes-footwear/mens/pants-shorts/46014.aspx?feature=P6340-C52295-L2&processor=content -- and even more out of these -- http://www.carhartt.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10101&storeId=10051&productId=92654&langId=-1&categoryId=10934#
Sensible shoes matter. Sensible shoes with Gore-Tex -- http://www.gore-tex.com/remote/Satellite/home -- that keep a layer between my tootsies and wet grass and mud matter more, so I'm scoping out these Merrells -- http://www.merrell.com/US/Product/NZGP/Mens-Active-Footwear/Multi-Sport/Mens/Chameleon-Wrap-Mid-Gore-Tex.aspx . I already know they'd make a great gift for hard workers.
As for power tools, I'm still lugging--and untangling--cords and hoses on my sites, but I'm mid-review of a Bosch's 36 volt Litheon kit that's terrific. I've still got some battery-bustin' to do but so far I'm impressed. It's far from cheap, but I know if I could add a cordless kit -- via North Pole express -- to my quiver of home improvement arrows I'd move faster and make more money.
http://www.boschtools.com/Products/Tools/Pages/BoschProductDetail.aspx?pid=CPK40-36
Oh and a new Ford F-150 would be nice too. Park it out back. http://www.fordvehicles.com/trucks/f150/
HoHoHo
Posted by Mark Clement at 10:36 AM
December 7, 2008
Rules of Thumb: Smarter, Not Harder
Unless you're using software for estimating, you're probably an ace at using a notebook, pencil and tape measure for most of your estimating needs.
The first rule I used for guess-timating 16-center framing was 3 studs per four feet, but that doesn't usually work because it leaves out end-studs, like band joists on a deck, blocking, channels, whatever. What does work, though, is 1 stud per foot (plus plate stock.)
After all these years one of my mentors, let's call him Turtle, just said it as a part of a conversation. For my work -- custom old house remodeling -- I'm going to tweak this rule: 1 stud per foot plus 10.
There are other rules out there like this and I'm on the hunt. What can you share with the young guys coming up that'll help them work smarter, not harder?
Posted by Mark Clement at 4:00 PM
December 3, 2008
If It Was Simple, Everyone Would Do It
I have a problem with easy.
It's not that I don't want things to be simple, I do. But the reality is, they usually aren't. Otherwise... you know what I'm going to say... everyone would do it.
This applies to home improvement.
I just saw an ad for GE's new disposable Caulk Singles (sounds like sliced cheese). It shows a sink, a tight little bead of 100% silicone and has the tagline: "Tear. Squeeze. Toss. It's that quick and effortless... "
I get what they're doing, but it's not really truth in advertising. I've used GE 100% silicone. That stuff is thermonuclear. It sticks to everything. It's bombproof. But it's not effortless; if you get it all over the wall, it's not beautiful.
Don't even get me started on throwing out a single serving size of caulk either. But I digress... the point here is that home improvement -- and life for that matter -- isn't easy. Anything worth your time is worth doing right.
I don't want to over-think this, but I don't want to ignore it either because I keep encountering customers who, at some point in the conversation, think that installing their deck or kitchen becomes an automatic process like checking out of the grocery store. And (I love it when this happens) they think it'll costs about 50% of what it really costs. And I'm the guy who has to deliver the rude awakening.
Do you find this? How do you deal with it? Do you talk budget early? What's your play? If you're a homeowner... fess up... are you ready for us to come through your home and disrupt things? Are you a tire-kicker, just shopping price? How do you find the best people to work for you?
Posted by Mark Clement at 3:53 PM | Comments (6)
