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Moving to Germany... What can I bring toolwise?

winks2

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Aug 9, 2007
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Enid, OK
Hey everyone! My wife and I might be moving to Germany! I have a few questions as which tools I can bring and convert to 220V 50Hz... I am under the impression that anything with a motor in it will run slow and hotter due to the 50Hz. This makes me wonder if I can bring my newer craftsman 25 gal. Air Compressor? http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00919541000P
Along with my bench grinder and battery chargers. I believe that we will be issued a transformer from the USAF that will convert all power going to the house and that only the individual sockets inside the house will need to be converted to American standard sized plugs. I beleive these are only about $6 a piece... What do you guys think? I would hate to have to get rid of some of my tools...
 
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ToolGlutton

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How are you going to ship big equipment like compressors? Does it worth the high cost of shipping?

Forget about the power inverter. Keep your hand tools, and sell the rest on this board. Then you can buy those in Germany. They make really good tools. Plus, you can get warranty from local store.




Hey everyone! My wife and I might be moving to Germany! I have a few questions as which tools I can bring and convert to 220V 50Hz... I am under the impression that anything with a motor in it will run slow and hotter due to the 50Hz. This makes me wonder if I can bring my newer craftsman 25 gal. Air Compressor? http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00919541000P
Along with my bench grinder and battery chargers. I believe that we will be issued a transformer from the USAF that will convert all power going to the house and that only the individual sockets inside the house will need to be converted to American standard sized plugs. I beleive these are only about $6 a piece... What do you guys think? I would hate to have to get rid of some of my tools...
 

chammyman

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Aug 16, 2008
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Glasgow, Scotland
agree with tool gluten, take the hand tools although in all honesty any SAE gear you would be as well selling as here in eurpoe everything is metric as it makes more sense...
 
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winks2

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Enid, OK
My wife might be getting her next assignment to Germany for about 4 years, so the USAF would move it as part of our housewares... I was contemplating selling it but we aren't going to have much of a heads up before we leave. I am for sure keeping all of my hand tools I am concerned for my power tools... What does everyone else think?
 

wilbilt

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Government shipping isn't exactly gentle. I would not ship anything large, heavy and having any value.

I have seen a couple of motorcycles shipped back from Germany belonging to military personnel coming home. When they came out of the crates, they looked like they had been through a rock tumbler.

If you are only going to be there for a few years, I would only take essentials and store the rest with a reliable friend or family. Things like dishes, hair dryers, etc. probably aren't worth the effort to pack and take with you.
 

Benchloader

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Mar 5, 2006
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Louisiana
If you are assigned to Government Quarters there may be 110 power. Long ago they were all 220, requiring transformers, 1600w was biggest popular size. If you find you do need transformers, go to the $ Thrift Shop, not $$$$ AAFES. Your HHG weight allowance is determined by the Sponsors (your wife) rank, assuming she is active duty USAF. Weight overages are billable to the sponsor, was 99 cents a pound, dunno what it is now a days. You can ship one vehicle at gov expense over and back, it does have to pass cleaniless inspection.

With renovations over the years, 110 power in Government Quarters is common. On the down side; no garage, One assigned parking space, a basement storage Room about 10 x 10 if you're lucky. Governement Quarters are large apartment type buildings, typically with 3 stairwells with 6 to 8 apartments per stairwell, usually with a "patio", unless you get in a "hi-rise". # of bedrooms in quarters vary from 2-4, usually based first on family size, then rank.

If you have to take Economy quarters with a host nation landlord, be very very careful. Make sure you get a English translation of the contract. Be sure you know who pays the taxes on the rooms. German apartments DO NOT have closets as they are in the good 'ol US of A. They use a "Wardrobe", fancy name for a wall locker, there are other subtle differences also like the way they heat water for kitchen or bath.

When you get there try to attend the Newcomer Orientation, Gateway. Their customs are different than what you're probably used to. I got a ticket for pulling weeds in a flower bed on Sunday, knew better, got bored and forgot. I saw another American get a ticket for letting his car run in the winter while cleaning the windows. Also, don't throw snow on the lawn, they will fine you if caught. The Poliezi all speak english, and most of the time it'll be 40 euros and "we'll forget it", yep, you pay the cop!

There are Auto Craft Centers run by the MWR on most bases which have most of the tools you'll want to use, compressor, lift, oil change bay, etc. They even have people who are there just to offer assistance or advice. There are also wood craft shops, and Craft Shops for macrame, oil painting, pottery, etc. Speaking of oil changes, Germans are very strict on waste oil disposal cause it contaminates so much of the ground water.

I'd leave the big items with a trusted relative, not in a storage facility, especially if you're going on an extended tour. Take or buy a good quality camera, get out and see the continent, go exploring and have a great time.
 

MarkH

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Kansas
Selling for a move like that is sell low buy high and then do it again. Not to be recommended. We just had some friends move back to Europe and took about a 30 grand loss on items they sold and had to purchase again. Hopefully the promotion will be worth it.

What you need you take since it will get back here, what you can live without store with family if possible. Still some families are just as hard on things as shipping.
 

gesoffen

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NoVA
Benchloader has it down to a T. I'd only add that to really experience the culture, try to get off base housing. Many soldiers/airmen who live on base tend to sink into the security that the base provides and rarely venture off base - they are usually the ones that are the most miserable. The ones that live on the local economy always seem to have a great experience, to the point that they miss Germany upon leaving.

I have German relatives and visit often - they happen to live near an Army base (my dad is retired army resulting in the typical US GI taking home a german hausfrau scenario). Use the opportunity to really get out and see a different culture and all the sights in Germany and Europe. Maybe even learn a new language. The MWR facilities at most bases have more than you'd ever need if you decide you need a shop fix.

While the transformers are convenient, they do use a ton of juice just to power the transformer. Electricity is not cheap in Germany. The only way to avoid wasting that electricity is to unplug the transformers when the devices attached are not in use.
 

Vinko

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When you get there try to attend the Newcomer Orientation, Gateway. Their customs are different than what you're probably used to. I got a ticket for pulling weeds in a flower bed on Sunday, knew better, got bored and forgot.

Sheeet! Really? We you on an American base or on German property? That's crazy. Do they still have those laws for Sunday?
 
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Danglerb

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Travel light, plan on buying most things there. Many will be in your exact opposite position, at the end of their 4 years and leaving to return to the US and selling the German appliances. Store what you can with family, take essentials, and like others said, enjoy the trip instead of hassling with a bunch of US stuff and transformers etc.

The busier you are doing stuff, the less stuff you need.
 

eschoendorff

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agree with tool gluten, take the hand tools although in all honesty any SAE gear you would be as well selling as here in eurpoe everything is metric as it makes more sense...

Same here.. except, how long do you expect to stay in Germany? Ever plan to come back to teh states? Why sell when you can just put your tools in storage?
 

Benchloader

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Vinko....I was in Leased Economy Qtrs at that time, little town of Trulben. Which was nice and close to a Rod & Gun Club lake in Neider Simptem. Went there one morning to fish at 0600 (daylight), was home at 0700 with 10 trout. BTW, Germans believe putting fish on a stringer is cruel, either kill the fish or put them in a mesh basket in the water.
 

Benchloader

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gesoffen...."The only way to avoid wasting that electricity is to unplug the transformers when the devices attached are not in use."

You are so right, gets to be a habit.

After my first tour in Germany and home on leave between assignments I watched some tv. When my show was over I decided to go visiting, on my way out I unplugged the tv without thinking about it.

When I got back home, everyone thought the tv was broken. lol
 
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winks2

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Enid, OK
Same here.. except, how long do you expect to stay in Germany? Ever plan to come back to teh states? Why sell when you can just put your tools in storage?

My wife is almost done with pilot training and we are hoping for Ramstein! We find out our assignment tomorrow! We will be definatly coming back to the states however $60 a month for storing stuff for over 48 months would equate to almost $3,000 yikes! I will most likely sell the compressor... anyone near Enid, Oklahoma interested? I bought it exactly one year ago... only used it to blow air as I havnt bought any air tools yet... I also have a bench grinder, the cheap craftsman $60 one. Keep the comments coming! It is helping deal with the anticipation! We are both quite cultured and look forward to returning to Paris and visit other countries whenever we get the chance!!! We'll be bringing the Audi with us... and yes I know its like bringing sand to the beach but its a great car and I know it inside and out. I needs a new timing belt and water pump but I was hoping to do that when we get there as it will be much easier to get parts and the inflation will only be due to the euro/dollar conversion rather than locating and shipping quality parts...
 

jay50

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Enjoy the great German beers. Man, I get thirsty just thinking about them...
 

ToolGlutton

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She is going to fly a F-16 there? That's pretty cool! :thumbup:


My wife is almost done with pilot training and we are hoping for Ramstein! We find out our assignment tomorrow! We will be definatly coming back to the states however $60 a month for storing stuff for over 48 months would equate to almost $3,000 yikes! I will most likely sell the compressor... anyone near Enid, Oklahoma interested? I bought it exactly one year ago... only used it to blow air as I havnt bought any air tools yet... I also have a bench grinder, the cheap craftsman $60 one. Keep the comments coming! It is helping deal with the anticipation! We are both quite cultured and look forward to returning to Paris and visit other countries whenever we get the chance!!! We'll be bringing the Audi with us... and yes I know its like bringing sand to the beach but its a great car and I know it inside and out. I needs a new timing belt and water pump but I was hoping to do that when we get there as it will be much easier to get parts and the inflation will only be due to the euro/dollar conversion rather than locating and shipping quality parts...
 

Danglerb

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Don't assume parts for German cars are cheaper in Germany. Plenty of the Porsche owners I know buy parts in the US and have them shipped.
 

Benchloader

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Is the Audi US produced ? If it is, the AAFES garage can order parts. If it was built in Germany you will Have to go to a german auto parts source.

Also, if the need arrises and you need a repair done you're not capable of, keep in mind AAFES works Only on American cars. Germans charge Mehrwertsteuer, (Value Added Tax, 15-25%) on just about everything big, including auto repairs. Take your bill to the MWR tax relief office and they will pay the tax, takes a couple of days though.

Driving on the Autobahns is an adventure; if someone comes from behind and their headlights are flashing, get the hell out of the way, you're going too slow !! They have a lot, lots, of accidents cause they keep driving fast in the fog, shear white can't see thru opaque fog.

On my 2nd tour Uncle Sam paid for the storage of non shippable items, washer, dryer, etc, because those items are in Governement Quarters common laundry rooms. Anyway after 4 years when we sent for the items, they were renting the space to some one else. The Colorado Springs storage company got away with re-imbursing a small portion of the actual value due to "depreciation".

Leave the property you're leaving behind with a relative you can trust. They'll still be there & in working order when you return.

I miss the Imbiss stands most of all, then the bierstube. In winter try the gluwien. There is a lot to see, places to go, fun to be had. Try kegelbahnen, its different & fun. Haven't seen any commodes in Germany like those in France you have to back your behind up to, but France is nasty filthy anyway, IMHO.

I think i'm rambling; have a good time, make the best of what you get, go places, do things, don't sweat the petty S$$T.
 
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