Small Two Car Operation

[jbmatth]

Herb,
You have been looking for an excuse to visit your friends in Kansas and Oklahoma, just bring your new best friend along for the ride and drop her off in Kansas.

JB

 

[HSpencer]

Wow, that is one persistent raccoon! It appears to be testing your resolve too Herb.

Hopefully she'll give up before anything more drastic needs to be done.

Dennis

Yes if you looked back a few posts you will see that I have had quite a run with this event. The thing must have come in through a vent in April, had some kits, and was raising them under my dining room. The way it has gone, I have replaced every vent and my two crawlspace openings.

Hopefully this will be over soon!!

Thanks for the visit!!

Best Regards
Herb

 

[HSpencer]

Far out Herb. I hate it when I get mice. All the best catching the rest off the critters.

I am about to wonder if the raccoon is out to tear my house down. I have rebuilt and repaired until I am worn out. I hope this ends very very soon.

Thanks for stopping by!

Best Regards
Herb

 

[HSpencer]

I suspect she has pups or kits, or whatever baby raccoons are called under there. You may need the help of a pro. But at least it isn't skunks!

I live in the city limits so all I ever seemed to catch was the neighbor's cats. Had a problem with a possum. Funny part was one day a week or so later it ran out in front of my car in daylight on a busy street so I couldn't avoid it even if I wanted too. My car was a 2012 Ford Focus. It sits really low to the ground. The possum ducked in the middle of the road, but not low enough. Took care of the problem.

BoilermakerFan

Yes we did trap one of the kits. Our animal control man released it at a local lake. I think the other kit in the litter did not make it, as it has not moved, but we could hear it cry under the dining room. If it died, I will have to go under after it. Hopefully, the mother raccoon has given up and moved on.

Thanks for the visit!!

Best Regards
Herb

 

[HSpencer]

Herb, persistence will pay off.

Regards

1/2 Cup

Thanks for your calm encouragements, as you alway give me!!

I would really like a new project other than fighting intruders under the house.

This is, however, garage related as I have been having to use LOTS of tools and do LOTS of fabrication IN the garage. LOL.

I am going to whisper, but I think it may be coming to the end.

Thanks 1/2 Cup!

Best Regards
Herb

 

[HSpencer]

Sorry to hear that latest raccoon news Herb. I thought DNR was going to put her down? They are very persistent and destructive. If there is no refuge or zoo that will take it I'm afraid you will need the more permanent solution for this one.

rmalkow2

The little one we caught was released at our local lake area. If I see the big one that is tearing the hell out of my house, a 9MM will take care of her!!

Best Regards
Herb

 

[HSpencer]

I suspect she has pups or kits, or whatever baby raccoons are called under there. You may need the help of a pro. But at least it isn't skunks!

I would bet she has babies in there somewhere?

Unfortunately, there is little to none pest control folks around here who would even discuss a trip out here for removal of raccoons. They would just do as I have and set traps. It would cost a lot as well for them to come out.

I think we are living more and more in a DIY would these days.

Best Regards
Herb

 

[HSpencer]

Herb,
You have been looking for an excuse to visit your friends in Kansas and Oklahoma, just bring your new best friend along for the ride and drop her off in Kansas.

JB

JB

Thats a capital idea!!! Wife can make us up some raccoon stew, and she has a travel pot to transport it in. If your wife can make us some cornbread, we can have a feast!! Your not on a salt free diet are you?
Are you on a hot rod trip this month?

Best Regards
Herb

 

[jbmatth]

JB

Thats a capital idea!!! Wife can make us up some raccoon stew, and she has a travel pot to transport it in. If your wife can make us some cornbread, we can have a feast!! Your not on a salt free diet are you?
Are you on a hot rod trip this month?

Best Regards
Herb

We can have some cornbread ready when you arrive. I will admit that I did eat some raccoon and it wasn't to my liking really but that has been a while and my tastes have matured a lot since then. AKA I'll eat anything now that I learned what it is like to not have food to eat.

I was on the trip last week, I'm back now and trying to catch up still. I've been ignoring my thread to see what everyone else was up to.

JB

 

[HSpencer]

JB

Thanks for posting your trip. It looked to be a very enjoyable one for you. I was impressed by your giving out Hot Wheels to the kids. That was a great touch!!
Thanks for sharing your trip!

Best Regards
Herb

 

[jbmatth]

Herb,
Not a problem, I have lots more photos and still waiting on a few hundred Alex took that are much better quality so I'll share those once he is done processing them. I can't take credit for the idea as I heard others were doing the same thing and decided to give it a try myself. I know next time to give out new ones as the loose cars would get damaged if we tossed them on anything but grass.

JB

 

[HSpencer]

Two Day Deck Refinish

After all the bouts with the raccoons, I think I have finally regained ownership of my house. I have fixed everything they tore up, and they are LONG GONE.

Spent Monday and Tuesday this week doing something I try and put off anyway until I have to: power wash and refinish the deck!

Took everything off, power washed with a degreaser and then used Simple Green. Let dry overnight. I got a five gallon can of Oil Based Deck Sealer at Lowe's and had them darken it a little. It came out a deep brown, which pleased us with the result. This deck is over 20 years old and is sound as a rock. I normally try and refinish about once a year.

ps: The wife's chickens in the last photo may have to go. They aren't laying any eggs, and if they were they might attract snakes or (worse) raccoons!!!

Best Regards
Herb

 

[1/2 Cup]

Herb, wow your deck has come up a treat...


Regards

 

[ajohno]

Deck looks great Herb.

 

[drivesitfar]

Herb: i can see why you've lived there over 40 years and probably will live there another 40. it has the looks and feel of a good home and you are doing all it takes to keep it that way.

congrats on the critter re location.

 

[rmalkow2]

Herb,
The deck looks great and a most inviting place to be. I can see why those chickens like living there. If you do decide the chickens must go it appears you will have to cook them a really long time to get them tender.

Now I'm looking at how shabby my own deck looks. Guess I better follow your lead this summer.

 

[HSpencer]

Herb, wow your deck has come up a treat...


Regards

1/2 Cup

Thanks for looking in on me. The deck job is one I always dread doing, but the results are well worth it. I like the finish I got on this job.

Thanks again!

Herb

 

[HSpencer]

Deck looks great Herb.

Thanks for stopping by. I was quite pleased with the results. I do try and keep this in good shape by a yearly inspection and treatment.

Thanks for your visit!

Best Regards
Herb

 

[HSpencer]

Herb: i can see why you've lived there over 40 years and probably will live there another 40. it has the looks and feel of a good home and you are doing all it takes to keep it that way.

congrats on the critter re location.

Drives

Yes we have lived here now for 42 years, having built this house, and have continued to try and maintain it the best we could. btw: There were days recently I would have liked to put that raccoon's head in my Wilton Vise!!

Best Regards
Herb

 

[HSpencer]

Herb,
The deck looks great and a most inviting place to be. I can see why those chickens like living there. If you do decide the chickens must go it appears you will have to cook them a really long time to get them tender.

Now I'm looking at how shabby my own deck looks. Guess I better follow your lead this summer.

Thanks!

The chickens will be in their home, as they were a gift long ago from wife's dad.
I like to look at them when I am sitting on the deck, and it gives a country feel to things. Thanks for your kind remarks!!

Best Regards
Herb

 

[HSpencer]

Best Tool Tote

I have had many, many tool totes in my lifetime. The trouble is they are either too big, so they hold too much, and they are too heavy to carry. OR they are too small, won't hold enough, and you don't use them. They become just another tool tote you wish you had not bought.

This one is different. It comes from Amazon, and costs only $29.00. Something must be in error as this thing is WELL MADE. I have mine set up for carptenter and trim work only. The secret is to evaluate the tools you have in it, and if a tool is not used in about two jobs, out it goes. If you find you missed something, in it goes. Don't try carrying your drill and all your bits and router and sabre saw, etc in your tote. That defeats the purpose of a HAND TOOL TOTE. Carry those in their own cases.

I am preaching to myself, as I have wasted a lot of money on this sort of thing.

This tote is WORTH THE MONEY!! It is very well made.

Best Regards
Herb

 

[rmalkow2]

Nice tool tote Herb. I have one very similar to yours that I was given as a gift and I must say it is handy to keep those common hand tools that are used often. Good thoughts on your part about keeping it filled with the right tools. I've been guilty in the past of trying to fill one with everything I could think of.

 

[drivesitfar]

HS: WELL MADE is rare especially at that price so how about posting a link to the Amazon ad if that's ok with gJ's policies. so do you have a different tote set up for plumbing and electrical too since you mentioned that one is for carpentry?

what tools are you including for all of us to maybe have an idea how to pack ours and if you'd like to post what tools and what they are for that would be great especially for the guys and gals that are just buying their first homes or getting started if you have time to.

i used to use tool belts to sort of have them set up for certain jobs. i had a tool belt for carpentry, one for plumbing and one for electrical, but they didn't hold a lot like your TOTE does.

i like it and i think i'll get one if you post the link or PM or email me with it.

thanks for the idea and i might get a couple extra for myself and for gifts for my kids.

 

[HSpencer]

Amazon Link to Tool Tote

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LYH5QQ8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I missed the price I posted on it. The current showing price is $39.95, which is still very much well worth it. I had ordered several things at the time, and was thinking I paid $29.95. Still---a great item for the price.

Best Regards
Herb

 

[1/2 Cup]

Herb, I totally agree when it comes to tote bags..

A well organised one with just your go to tools is a must.

Great score..

 

[HSpencer]

Nice tool tote Herb. I have one very similar to yours that I was given as a gift and I must say it is handy to keep those common hand tools that are used often. Good thoughts on your part about keeping it filled with the right tools. I've been guilty in the past of trying to fill one with everything I could think of.

rmalkow2

This is indeed a nice tote. I worked with it today, and looks like it will be just what I need.

Thanks for your visit!!

Best Regards
Herb

 

[HSpencer]

HS: WELL MADE is rare especially at that price so how about posting a link to the Amazon ad if that's ok with gJ's policies. so do you have a different tote set up for plumbing and electrical too since you mentioned that one is for carpentry?

what tools are you including for all of us to maybe have an idea how to pack ours and if you'd like to post what tools and what they are for that would be great especially for the guys and gals that are just buying their first homes or getting started if you have time to.

i used to use tool belts to sort of have them set up for certain jobs. i had a tool belt for carpentry, one for plumbing and one for electrical, but they didn't hold a lot like your TOTE does.

i like it and i think i'll get one if you post the link or PM or email me with it.

thanks for the idea and i might get a couple extra for myself and for gifts for my kids.

Drives

As requested I posted the link to Amazon. The tote was actually $39.95, which is a pretty OK price for it. I think you would like it.

Best Regards
Herb

 

[HSpencer]

Herb, I totally agree when it comes to tote bags..

A well organised one with just your go to tools is a must.

Great score..

1/2

This one worked out better than any I have had in the past. The weight is nice with the tools I have and want to be in it. I think it will be just what I want.

Thanks for looking in!!

Best Regards
Herb

 

[ajohno]

Great score on the tool bag Herb.

 

[Vieux]

This is a great tool bag!

 

[drivesitfar]

HS: i know you are probably busy with life and catching up with other things on your TO DO LIST cause of the raccoon fiasco, but i'm holding off buying the tote until i see all the tools you stuffed in it.

i'm thinking i need one for general household stuff, one for carpentry, one for electrical and one for plumbing cause i have lots of repairs that come up or are needed at my version of the MONEY PIT or THIS OLD HOUSE. and occasionally one of our kids needs help with theirs.

Have a great and safe 4th and lets tip our ice tea and coffee towards each other.

cheers

 

[HSpencer]

HS: i know you are probably busy with life and catching up with other things on your TO DO LIST cause of the raccoon fiasco, but i'm holding off buying the tote until i see all the tools you stuffed in it.

i'm thinking i need one for general household stuff, one for carpentry, one for electrical and one for plumbing cause i have lots of repairs that come up or are needed at my version of the MONEY PIT or THIS OLD HOUSE. and occasionally one of our kids needs help with theirs.

Have a great and safe 4th and lets tip our ice tea and coffee towards each other.

cheers

Drives per your request

These are the items I carry in the tote. I had to take several shots of the table as I could not get them all in one shot. Bear in mind this is set up strictly for carpenter and trim work. You can see it holds a lot of tools, and will work just as well for electrical or plumbing, or general household tools.
I am glad you asked me to do this, as I have already discovered and added my Dewalt power screwdriver which I had forgotten! I have NOT forgotten the all important Safety Glasses!!

Hope this shows you what you wanted to see.

Best Regards
Herb

 

[HSpencer]

DRIVES (continuing on the tote)

This kit is set up to support working with the table saw, which is a 1962
"Sears" (not craftsman) model. This is the best table saw I ever owned or used. It is smooth as butter.

I then have the portable on wheels Delta Miter Saw, which I have had a long time and built much with.

For bigger jobs and 12" material, I go to my newer Craftsman Sliding Miter Saw. This is also a great saw for bigger work.

So the tools in the tote are matched to these three tools.

Air nailers, sabre saws, routers, recip saws, and a host of other items are ready in their own cases to be used as needed.
(sorry for these hazy photos but it was pretty dark in the shop and I did not have all my lighting on.)
Best Regards
Herb

 

[jeffmoss26]

Nice tote, Herb!

 

[HSpencer]

Great score on the tool bag Herb.

ajohno

Thanks. As you can see in the last couple of posts this will hold a lot of items.
I forgot to show it, but it also comes with a shoulder strap which I think I will put on and use.

Thanks for the visit!!

Best Regards
Herb

 

[HSpencer]

This is a great tool bag!

Vieux

Thank you. I continue to enjoy your thread on every post you make, and I am totally amazed!! Your skills are excellent and your photography the same!!

Thanks for stopping in!

Best Regards
Herb

 

[HSpencer]

Nice tote, Herb!

Jeff

Great to have you stop by again!! I am really pleased with the tote, and it would work well for many different purposes!

Thanks again!

Best Regards
Herb

 

[rmalkow2]

Tote Inspiration

Herb,
Your purpose designed tote got me thinking. I've had this one that was a gift some time back and it's filled with general use tools. The thought at the time was to have most common tools I would need if taking it away from home. And all the tools are extras or doubles I had so not detracting from my garage sets. But it usually just sits down in my basement work area and is not used. You jogged my simple minded brain with a simple solution. Just relocate the whole tote upstairs to a more useful location.
Normally I keep a couple screwdrivers in the kitchen but often find myself running out to the garage or downstairs for other tools when a task needs doing in the main part of the house.
So now this tote will live in a main floor closet where I can easily grab it and go to any room of the house. Not sure why I never did this in the past but just had to piggy back off your thought to dedicate the tote to a specific purpose.

Thanks for your thought starter.

PS. I do like this style that has pockets but still has a stiff frame underneath the canvas and also has a a steel tubular handle making it easier to carry and maintain its shape as opposed to a soft bag type.

 

[drivesitfar]

HS: thank you very much for taking the time to take out all the stuff and tools out of your new tote for me (us) to check out what you think it needed for a good handy guy's work around the house.

great that you added the SAFETY GLASSES and might i mention that having your EAR PROTECTION on your tote too might be something that would remind you to use them. i've got a few pairs sitting on machines and i still forget to use them and as the years go buy my hearing is getting worse.

nice looking shop and tools.

 

[HSpencer]

Tote Inspiration

Herb,
Your purpose designed tote got me thinking. I've had this one that was a gift some time back and it's filled with general use tools. The thought at the time was to have most common tools I would need if taking it away from home. And all the tools are extras or doubles I had so not detracting from my garage sets. But it usually just sits down in my basement work area and is not used. You jogged my simple minded brain with a simple solution. Just relocate the whole tote upstairs to a more useful location.
Normally I keep a couple screwdrivers in the kitchen but often find myself running out to the garage or downstairs for other tools when a task needs doing in the main part of the house.
So now this tote will live in a main floor closet where I can easily grab it and go to any room of the house. Not sure why I never did this in the past but just had to piggy back off your thought to dedicate the tote to a specific purpose.

Thanks for your thought starter.

PS. I do like this style that has pockets but still has a stiff frame underneath the canvas and also has a a steel tubular handle making it easier to carry and maintain its shape as opposed to a soft bag type.

rmalkow2

Thanks so much for posting your very nice tool tote. I am wanting to see what others do for their "go to" tool totes like you show here. You are certainly on the right track keeping yours HANDY in the house. I have been very frustrated in the past with what I have tried to do in the way of keeping my favorite tools "at hand".
When I am at a job with my Son in Law, I usually try and talk to the trim carpenter if he is still there, or if he is just getting started. The last one I talked with told me he had a choice of "working my *** off to carry all my junk in the house", or running my legs off back and forth to the truck".
He had seemed to hit a happy medium with a tool tote, which he showed me and it was bigger than I would want, but he is a pro, and more of a "hoss" than I would be. His tote probably weighed in around 50 pounds.
Between now and when I meet my maker, I am convinced I am going to solve the tool tote situation!!

Thank you for posting yours!! I hope others will also, and will feel free to do so on my thread.

Best Regards
Herb