Things I wish I knew 20 years ago . . .

[ckadams00]

Is there already a thread like this? Seems like as total no-brainer for this site. I am sure there is . . .someone redirect me? If not: whatyagot?

Here is my short list:
1. Go buy an impact driver. Now. (Geez I'm 45 how come no one ever grabbed me by the neck and made me buy one. Here I though cordless drills were awesome).
2. Storystick!
3. (New rule) "Crappy Chinese tools used correctly are preferable to American made tools used unsafely".
4. Plumbing: go for it! Electric: call an electrician.
5. There are three tiers of tools: ****, "not ****", and professional. Don't waste your time with the first two if you will use it more than once a month.
6.Screwdriver tips are designed to fit the screw size.
7.Evaporust
8. Your second purchase after an impact driver should be a buffer/grinder.
9. Buy more fasteners than you need. Nothing is more frustrating than making a whole trip for one bolt.
10. Put the tools back when you are done!

 

[east_tn_emc]

Do it right the first time...don't rig-it to work. If it is worth doing, it is worth doing right.

If it is worth doing, it is ALWAYS worth doing safely (although I guess I did know that one twenty years ago...it is the thing my dad always stressed to me).

 

[ckadams00]

Those are two good ones, and they're more than just "sayings".

I know there are many things that seem obvious to us *now* (after we nearly took a finger off, or had to re-do something for the 11th time) - but I am thinking more along the lines of things I want to teach my kids . . .

 

[Krokodil]

Buy the very best of a tool that you need. It will prevent you from buying the same thing over and over again and costing more than the more expensive item in the first place.

Expensive consumables are worth more than face values. This applies to grinding disks, drill bits, zip ties, bolts, tape, etc.

 

[DanarchyCustoms]

I just want to say thanks for starting this because I just found out about a Storystick and Evaporust. THANKS!! Definitely will buy these in the future!

 

[machine_punk]

- Drill Press: Who knew it could be that much easier--and much more accurate--to drill 90% of the holes you need to drill?

- Get your own thread checker, because it will take you three trips to the hardware store to remember to take that nut you need to figure out the size for...
View media item 12651
- Use your protective gear EVERY time:
-- No matter how 'quick' of a hole you need to drill, it only takes one piece of metal in the eye to blind you (or at least to send you to the E.R. for several hours and many dollars).
-- Just because you don't see the dust in your lungs, doesn't mean it won't hurt you, over time.

- Don't try to do one-hours' worth of work in your last 15 minutes in the shop. You WILL mess something up...and ruin hours of work with just one bad stroke of a tool. Just put it away and come back to it when you have enough time.

- Use the right-sized tool for the job. Using a Dremel to remove a lot of metal is just as miserable as using an 80-grit sanding disk to shave the last hairs-width of metal up to the line.

- Buy as many different saws and cutting tools as you can and get the best blades and cutters you can afford. Each one has a specific type of cut in which it excels. This one thing will shave hours off each project.

M_P

 

[gsport]

20 years ago i wish i knew the lottery numbers for one week later....

 

[Gary S]

3. (New rule) "Crappy Chinese tools used correctly are preferable to American made tools used unsafely".
4. Plumbing: go for it! Electric: call an electrician.

For me,

3. Any tool used correctly is preferable to any tool used insafely. ( I probably have scars to prove that.)

4. Electrical: go for it! Plumbing, call a plumber and have a beer while I watch him fix it.

I do two kinds of plumbing...............clog and leak.

 

[Dicholscrn]

4. Electrical: go for it! Plumbing, call a plumber and have a beer while I watch him fix it.

I do two kinds of plumbing...............clog and leak.

Agree 100%. I do electrical and the wife hands me tools to help. I even CONSIDER plumbing and she hands me divorce papers.

 

[dirttracker18]

Those are two good ones, and they're more than just "sayings".

I know there are many things that seem obvious to us *now* (after we nearly took a finger off, or had to re-do something for the 11th time) - but I am thinking more along the lines of things I want to teach my kids . . .

I would say that is more important than most you will get. Young people in particular need to have it drilled into them (no pun intended) to do it right the first time. This applies to the garage and all aspects of life.

I rushed to many things in my younger years to get them done when spending just a little more time would have made all the difference.

 

[ctb]

That gold would hit $1500 an ounce. I would have staked a hell of a lot of claims. I got out of it 20 years ago when gold was $300 something an ounce.

 

[dirttracker18]

Planning, no seriously draw up a plan. You cannot reach your destination if you don't know how to get there. This helps to avoid the "I wish I had..." issue.

Time is money. This means that sometimes it is worth it to pay a pro to do it right and in way less time. If you could have been making money doing what you do, you likely should have paid someone to do it.

 

[ckadams00]

These are some great ones.
DanarchyCustoms: By "storystick" I meant the concept . . .I didn't realize there was a branded tool you could by. Either way.

Didn't mean to set off the plumbers in the room, I realize this is just as much an art as many other professions and I'm always amazed at the skills when watching someone with a lot of experience in this area. I actually think I would have been a great plumber and enjoyed it.

 

[ckadams00]

Time is money. This means that sometimes it is worth it to pay a pro to do it right and in way less time. If you could have been making money doing what you do, you likely should have paid someone to do it.

My wife doesn't get this one.

 

[38Chevy454]

I think I learned most of these pretty early in life, but here are several good ones:

A) Fast, Low Cost, High Quality - Pick any two.
B) If you don't have enough time to do it right the first time, you will have time to do it again.
C) The bitter taste of poor quality lingers far longer than the sweetness of low price.
D) Live within your means.
E) Learn to fix things yourself, the savings will pay off over a lifetime.
F) Fixing things yourself gives a sense of satisfaction and knowledge you fixed it right.
G) Don't get your girlfriend knocked up.

 

[SARG]

If your Daddy was an exotic welder for Nuclear Power requirements -- ask how and pay attention and learn.

If your Daddy was a class A toolmaker --- ask questions, pay attention and learn how.

If your Daddy knew all about carpentry --- you know what I mean. Take advantage of the knowledge your elders have because nothing or no one lasts forever.

 

[bigbubba]

The #1 thing i wish i had known almost 20 years ago is this.....
I wish i had know that my 3 "Friends" were gonna run off on me instead of helping me when they were egging me on to get out of the car and fight that dummy from our rival high school!Him and his 3 friends beat the hell outta me when i jumped out and the driver ran off and left me I got revenge later but i wish i had saw through them a little earlier

 

[ckadams00]

If your Daddy was an exotic welder for Nuclear Power requirements -- ask how and pay attention and learn.

If your Daddy was a class A toolmaker --- ask questions, pay attention and learn how.

If your Daddy knew all about carpentry --- you know what I mean. Take advantage of the knowledge your elders have because nothing or no one lasts forever.

+10 Like that one!

 

[Falcon67]

How useful skills like running a lathe and mill would be and how handy the tools are.

How much money could be made by storing some old cars, like a couple of Boss 302s, Mach 1s, some Road Runners, etc.

 

[larry_g]

"Free is not always a good price."

lg
no neat sig line

 

[ratdoggy]

Don't hang with dummies.....Because you will become one.

 

[Tjc]

Im only thirteen. But i wish i knew 2 years ago that nails cant hold everything together.

 

[Ben7203]

When you're buying yard tools in the begining, get the tools with fiberglass handles. They will not break at the worst possible time and your Chesapeake will not chew on the handles when he's bored and waiting on you to come home to toss the tennis ball!

Your dog cannot tell the difference between a $20 Snap-on screwdriver or a stick. Be carefull putting your tools on the floor, especially if you have a Chessie

If the same dog pees on the girl's clothes the first time she sleeps with you....trust his judgement!!! She's not the one for you

 

[wdlfbio]

Hammers are for hitting things other than nails. If you need to nail somethng, use an air compressor and nail gun.

Get air tools the first time you can use them. Buy the right ones the first time, you'll have them for every time thereafter.

 

[55bigblockcid]

1. Don`t use your hand for a hammer.Get a hammer.

2. If something is to heavy for you to lift by yourself ,get some help.

3.If your gonna be on your knees alot put some padding down or wear knee pads.

4.Don`t let people rush you on a job [this is when you will make the mistakes.]

5.make sure the person you`er working with know`s how to read a tape measure.

6.When or if you lend tools to anyone,make a list of who,when and what tool it is and when to expect it back.And put the list in plain view somewhere.

7.Don`t start a project unless you can finish it.

8.Don`t let everybody know you can plumb.do electrical,know how to fix anything.[ you wont have time for your own projects if you do.]

9.Don`t buy a pickup truck. Buy a trailer instead.Plates and insurance are a whole lot cheaper and you don`t have to worry about the paint or fuel.

 

[bczygan]

.............That men aren't really in charge.........women just let us think we are.

 

[colt zantop]

Apple stock would be 500.00 a share....

60's Muscle cars would appreciate the way they did......

 

[Neohio]

condoms change easier than diapers. And they are cheaper too.

 

[theoldwizard1]

C) The bitter taste of poor quality lingers far longer than the sweetness of low price.

The original quote from Ben Franklin is

The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.

 

[theoldwizard1]

2. Storystick!

Related

If you have to make more than 2 or 3 cuts, holes or bend all alike, make a jig !

Corollaries

1. Mark all jigs with pertinent information.
2. Never destroy or dispose of any jigs.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Apple stock would be 500.00 a share....

I didn't know that 20 years ago, but I knew it when Apple pre-announce the first iPhone !

 

[Zeke]

I wish 20 years ago I learned the name of more parts, tools and materials and what they do. I wish I had learned more skills working with metal. I would have probably been a millwright.

What did I do? Hung a million doors and installed twice as many windows. Or so it seems.

 

[George in Rancho Cordova]

"Don`t buy a pickup truck. Buy a trailer instead."

A trailer will attract less people wanting you to haul something, especially if the trailer is stored at Dad's house.

 

[nehog]

...
If the same dog pees on the girl's clothes the first time she sleeps with you....trust his judgement!!! She's not the one for you

Because he's already marked her for his own...

 

[Krash Kadillak]

From my point of view.......

--- If someone with a bit of experience says it takes a weekend to finish a particular job, I will usually plan at least 3 weekends. It will actually take 5........

--- No matter how complete you think your home improvement store shopping list is for a particular project, you will always make at least one extra trip.

--- When the wife decides to help you out with painting or whatever, don't complain if she's 'not doing it correctly'. It doesn't really matter, and she's a lot faster than you.

--- Don't overthink things. Designing a work bench is not rocket science.

--- On that same note, 'planning' doesn't really get it done. Get off your a** and get to work.

--- Lots of experts here. Ask for advice.

 

[larry_g]

Don't assume the ole man is as stupid as you think he is.
Be a nice guy.
You cannot afford cheap tools.
Learn not to carry a grudges, they will weight you down and hold you back.
If you think you have mad skills, try teaching em to someone.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[jamesemery728]

Buy the biggest, best air compressor you can afford. Do this early in your life and it will last you a lifetime and do everything you need it to. Forget about getting a small, underpowered one and doing all that upgrading. Just get the big one once and done. And number two stealing someone elses signature line, marry the right person, it will determine about 98% of your future happiness.

 

[usafmora]

When someone says hold my beer always get the camera ready!!!!!!!

 

[theoldwizard1]

Home plumbing repair jobs usually take 3 to 4 times as long and multiple trips to the store.

Home electrical repair jobs usually take 2 or 3 times as long and at least one trip to the store.

 

[c_mccann]

Becareful of the toes you step on today, for they are connected to the a$$ you will have to kiss tomorrow.

Always budget for double for what you think it will cost.

Never lend out tools