The 5 Stitches Garage.

[taumac]

Quick post. I finally bit the bullet and finally decided to do something about my outdoor lighting situation. Thanks to Bob Heine for pointing me in this direction. For 11 years I had landscape lighting accenting my house at night. Its looks great but always have issues with the transformer. I never went out and bought one 300+ watt transformer. For the years I bought a kit that came with say 6 path lights, couple of spots, a transformer and some wiring. So I've been wiring them together (probably not correct) and every couple of years one or more transformers get burnt out. Granted they come with the kit so not sure quality of them but just other day another 2 went out. I was running 2 120 watt transformers to run 7 spots at 140 watts and 2 120 watt transformers to run 140 watts ( 12 10 watt path lights and one spot light).

I talked to Bob on his thread alittle while back and tonight I finally got new led bulbs.



Since I changed my outdoor lighting alittle I went down to 7 spot at 20 watts per light and 12 path light at 10 watts per light. The new bulbs use much less power to run.

Spots 20w to 3w plus one 5w.
Path 10w to 2w.

So overall I should go from 260w to 55w. That's huge difference. I should have no issues at all running my lights on one single 120 watt transformer instead of 4. This also should finally to to rest my transformer issues.

 

[1/2 Cup]

Gerard, top idea.

I should try them in my shed..

Regards

 

[rixtrix1]

Good idea on the bulbs! We're 99% LED; there's one under cabinet in our laundry room I haven't, while not looking too hard, found an LED for and I'm too lazy to change out the fixture for the little use it gets. we dropped out power bill by 20%( mind you we have an electric heat pump that runs yearround as we have to maintain a constant temp inside for our son).

 

[taumac]

Gerard, top idea.



I should try them in my shed..



Regards

Thanks. They definitely worth it.

 

[taumac]

Good idea on the bulbs! We're 99% LED; there's one under cabinet in our laundry room I haven't, while not looking too hard, found an LED for and I'm too lazy to change out the fixture for the little use it gets. we dropped out power bill by 20%( mind you we have an electric heat pump that runs yearround as we have to maintain a constant temp inside for our son).

We been slowly switching over. The prices have definitely come down in price. I've done most of the house changing out when bulbs burnt out. I spent over $150 last night. Sometimes it's hard to justify the cost switching over. They now have replacement bulbs that I can just plug to switch over from halogen to led. For the longest time they only offered led landscape lights in solar or had to buy new fixture. Once I get the outdoor lights done my next area is going to change out all the halogen bulbs in the garage on track lighting. I'll still run fluorescent in the over lights.

 

[rmalkow2]

That's a great power save for you switching to led outside. I've been slowly changing over around the house as well when older bulbs burn out. Prices are definitely getting better and I see more sales too. Led seems the way to go in the future.

 

[Bob Heine]

Hi Gerard, I was also a little hesitant about spending so much money on the LED conversion but now that it's done I'm very happy. Most of the Halogen floods out front weren't working and none of the rear, leaving the back yard dark. With the whole place lit up, my electric bill has gone down from the same time last year.

 

[taumac]

Hi Gerard, I was also a little hesitant about spending so much money on the LED conversion but now that it's done I'm very happy. Most of the Halogen floods out front weren't working and none of the rear, leaving the back yard dark. With the whole place lit up, my electric bill has gone down from the same time last year.

Thanks Bob, they are working nice. I still haven't got out to the garage yet to work on the transformers. I should be able to work it off just one transformer if not I have 2 120w Malibu ones.

That's a great power save for you switching to led outside. I've been slowly changing over around the house as well when older bulbs burn out. Prices are definitely getting better and I see more sales too. Led seems the way to go in the future.

I think they come a long way for sure. My inlaws have switched from Halogen to LED in kitchen and man what a difference in brightness without the heat of Halogen. I can't want to buy them for my garage. I got about 15 track light fixtures to do. I'm just waiting on go sale to change them out. I got 10 4 ft fluorescent fixtures in garage plus other light so no big rush for them.

 

[taumac]

Well I have been a spending a lot of time at inlaws doing projects and haven't gotten anything do in my place. I have gotten some new goodies to fill my toolboxes up. Ive been working on some stuff that has needed a real real REAL small Torx head. All my stuff goes down to about T 6,7, or 8 depending on where I got bits from. I needed a T5. I've also needed real real REAL small hex key. Well checked Lowes and HD but both had nothing below 6. [emoji35]. On way home today I decided to run by Sears. This is GREAT!!! I found my set I needed.



Now this is point when I leave right........ NO!!! I have to look around don't I. LOL. Well I also gotten tired of my small phillips and flat screwdrivers. I got nice set from Lowes but they don't go small enough for eye glasses. The cheap mini screwdriver I did have you find at dollar store have broken, gotten lost, or just don't work. So I got this set.



Do now I can leave right.....NO!!!

Then I look at sockets. I needed to find some I've lost and really needed a set of 1/4 deep metric sockets. So I found this.





I don't know what Sears is thinking. 9 piece 1/4 deep metric or standard $29.00. 18 piece metric and standard $29.00??? I only needed a full set of metric but got the matching sets in metric and standard.

I leaving now.... YES but this set catches my eye on end cap. They have these sets of Hex, Torx heads sets. I have have Hex, Torx, and reverse Torx but I don't have this.





This set has long shank Torx, Hex ( metric and standard ) 3 3/8 wobble extensions, 2 standard 1/4 extensions, one wobble 1/4 extension and 2 swivels. This set is on sales right now for $29.00. That's a awesome price and definitely recommend you guys run out and grab these while on sale.

They did have others sets on sale for $29.00 too.



I did also get some other tools also.





I got this set because it was a nice complete set to put in the drawer. I've have tips saved up over the years but this has all of those in one kit.

This is something my dad found for me. They are speciality small engine carb adjustment tools.



I mainly tweak my 2cycle stuff to run way I like. I would take dremel tool and cut slots in the adjustment screws and tune them that way if they didn't have slots already. He gave me this set and got himself the complete set. That one spline shafted one with the white dot has saved me so much trouble already its not funny. Definitely, worth the $9.00 off of EBay.

 

[krcoomer]

Nice scores on the toys, I mean tools G. That is some pretty good pricing by Sears. I have wished for the carb screwdrivers a few times when I couldn't cut a slot to adjust. My FIL asked a small engine shop near him where to get a set and the guy told him the EPA regulated them. I called BS on that and was going to order a set from Amazon for him, but he had already trashed the trimmer he was trying to adjust.

On the LED conversions, I am going to use this post to see how long it is before you replace your fluorescent bulbs with LED's. They are so much brighter and cooler to run IMHO. I replaced all but one fixture with them last year when Costco ran their fixtures for about $20 each.

 

[JCQuick]

I'm surprised you found an open Sears that had stock

 

[taumac]

Nice scores on the toys, I mean tools G. That is some pretty good pricing by Sears. I have wished for the carb screwdrivers a few times when I couldn't cut a slot to adjust. My FIL asked a small engine shop near him where to get a set and the guy told him the EPA regulated them. I called BS on that and was going to order a set from Amazon for him, but he had already trashed the trimmer he was trying to adjust.

On the LED conversions, I am going to use this post to see how long it is before you replace your fluorescent bulbs with LED's. They are so much brighter and cooler to run IMHO. I replaced all but one fixture with them last year when Costco ran their fixtures for about $20 each.

Thanks, it going to be awhile for the garage. Honestly, my FIL in legally blind with maclure degeneration and still likes to sit in his garage. I thought about getting LED bulbs for his above bench light. I looked at lumens and a regular daylight flourscent bulbs put out twice the lumens then the LED replacement bulbs. Maybe it was just the ones I was looking at Lowe's. Anyways, He loved it and I have to admit I do too. Super bright white color. Im thinking next place I'm going to get some of the LED fixtures at Sam's club. They were $35 and linkable and came with clear covers instead of frosted bulbs I've seen. Ill get the LED for the track lighting because I'm taking that with me. If these start burning out then I will try the LED replacement. Did you get a certain type, brand, or from certain store? I usually shop at Lowe's because I have a Lowe's card from in-laws to buy anything needed for their home.

Sent from my Venue7 3740 using Tapatalk

 

[taumac]

I'm surprised you found an open Sears that had stock

The one on 50 in Brooksville is open and they just got done moving whole tool department around. I have seen some restocking issues and some emtpy facings where tools should be. I actually thought the store was closing a week after Christmas. The shelves looked empty. If that store closes then I have no clue where closest one is that's still open. I think Crystal River closed and not sure if Port Richey still there either. I actually like Craftsman tools but it's way to bad they seem to price themselves right out of business. That set goes for $99 usually. I never be a buyer at that price but $30 $40 sure.

Sent from my Venue7 3740 using Tapatalk

 

[krcoomer]

Thanks, it going to be awhile for the garage. Honestly, my FIL in legally blind with maclure degeneration and still likes to sit in his garage. I thought about getting LED bulbs for his above bench light. I looked at lumens and a regular daylight flourscent bulbs put out twice the lumens then the LED replacement bulbs. Maybe it was just the ones I was looking at Lowe's. Anyways, He loved it and I have to admit I do too. Super bright white color. Im thinking next place I'm going to get some of the LED fixtures at Sam's club. They were $35 and linkable and came with clear covers instead of frosted bulbs I've seen. Ill get the LED for the track lighting because I'm taking that with me. If these start burning out then I will try the LED replacement. Did you get a certain type, brand, or from certain store? I usually shop at Lowe's because I have a Lowe's card from in-laws to buy anything needed for their home.

Sent from my Venue7 3740 using Tapatalk

I purchased the Feit ones at Costco. Not sure what the specs are on them. I will try to get a pic of the label when I am there next. I had some crappy fixtures with T-12 bulbs that didn't want to start when it got into the 30's in the winter. The led's fired up with no regard to temperature.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Grumblebum]

Nice shiny things G.

The LED's are great, I put CFL's in when I reno'd the house but slowly swapping them out for LED as they don't last anywhere near as long as claimed.

Cheers GB

 

[rmalkow2]

Very nice additions to your tool boxes and that story made for a good laugh. Did you stop briefly at one point to go get a shopping cart or just finally quit when the load of tool kits was too heavy and bulky to carry around any more.
That's usually what happens to me. I stop in for one thing and finally go to the cash register when I have so many items I can't carry more.
But some useful tools there and good sale.

 

[taumac]

I purchased the Feit ones at Costco. Not sure what the specs are on them. I will try to get a pic of the label when I am there next. I had some crappy fixtures with T-12 bulbs that didn't want to start when it got into the 30's in the winter. The led's fired up with no regard to temperature.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I must say I've done pretty well considering all my garage fixtures are ones that someone tossed away.

 

[taumac]

Nice shiny things G.

The LED's are great, I put CFL's in when I reno'd the house but slowly swapping them out for LED as they don't last anywhere near as long as claimed.

Cheers GB

Thanks GB. Its funny. I never cared about lighting that much. I remember seeing CFL and LED on the home shows but like most never thought it would be as cheap as they are today.

The one problem I have is unlike another thread that's going on currently is that my house comes first before the garage. I did need the outdoor lights to work again because the front of my house was so dark without them. We gotten so use to them that we actually never really use the front door or lights by garage. The garage is usually left overs and a lot of repurposed stuff. I found another fixture... pull it in the ceiling. LOL

 

[taumac]

Very nice additions to your tool boxes and that story made for a good laugh. Did you stop briefly at one point to go get a shopping cart or just finally quit when the load of tool kits was too heavy and bulky to carry around any more.
That's usually what happens to me. I stop in for one thing and finally go to the cash register when I have so many items I can't carry more.
But some useful tools there and good sale.

I did the hold **** in arms until they go numb then switch arms while still looking at stuff. I never thought of a wagon. LOL.

I really needed to update some tools in my collection. I gotten rid of 99% of **** tools and put them in the make a tool drawer. Now I'm really starting to focus on completing the holes in my socket sets. I lost only 3 sockets but I found the that if got a set that sometimes they skipped a size. Like my original tool set they didn't offer a deep well 1/4 full set in metric. I did get full set in standard. Even set I got last night goes from 4 to 12 but no 13?

 

[dlcwent]

Craftsman tools for HF boxes????? Have you no shame?

Nice score by the way.

I have extra room if you run out.

 

[taumac]

Craftsman tools for HF boxes????? Have you no shame?



Nice score by the way.



I have extra room if you run out.

Nope, I don't have any shame. LOL. Actually I don't go on a shopping spree too often but lately I've been shopping at Sears and do my part. I still room but not nearly the amount that you do now. LOL.

 

[cbacres]

Craftsman tools for HF boxes????? Have you no shame?

Nice score by the way.

I have extra room if you run out.

It's OK Dan, the CM stuff is likley cuzins from china

 

[taumac]

It's OK Dan, the CM stuff is likley cuzins from china

Nooooooooooooo!!!

 

[dlcwent]

It's OK Dan, the CM stuff is likley cuzins from china

Nooooooooooooo!!!

Yeeeeeeeeeeeeesssssssssssss

 

[taumac]

Florida summer... I think it's alittle humid outside.

 

[Craptain]

Nice. It seems quite comfortable by comparison to here. I have been seeing 100 under my carport and middle 90's in my shop. Fans and portable a/c units only do so much. Lots of sitting and rehydration going on.

Sent from my SM-G900T using Tapatalk

 

[taumac]

Nice. It seems quite comfortable by comparison to here. I have been seeing 100 under my carport and middle 90's in my shop. Fans and portable a/c units only do so much. Lots of sitting and rehydration going on.

Sent from my SM-G900T using Tapatalk

I hear you there. [emoji482]The carport is at least outdoors out of the sun. If nice breeze comes through you could get something done until time to go back inside and cool down. I bet the shop is a sweatbox.

I have to get inlaws and my lawn done today. I have a feeling might only getting one done. I forgot all about the weather gauge because it was behind phone. Be interesting what it is about 1330 1400. I just know it's not the weather to promote productivity at all.

 

[dlcwent]

Now I remember how you guys were giving me **** about what it was like here last winter. Right now I'm still wearing a sweatshirt. It's supposed to get to around 76* with a dew point of 50. Enjoy your summer weather.

 

[shortykorte]

The weather is wonderful. The beer is cold and the bikinis......


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[taumac]

Now I remember how you guys were giving me **** about what it was like here last winter. Right now I'm still wearing a sweatshirt. It's supposed to get to around 76* with a dew point of 50. Enjoy your summer weather.

Dan, remember what they say about tequila... well same is true about Florida summers. Just remember your sunglasses. [emoji41][emoji482]

 

[taumac]

Well today I'm working on project OTHER than the garage. My Sport Trac front hub bearing have been making alittle noise so I decided it was time to tackle them.




Pretty straight forward job and figured since almost 70k on original pads figured change them to. I was quite shocked when pulled them off drivers side.



I've never gotten this many miles out of pads before. They probably still had 10k left in them. Putting Motorcraft pads on so should get same life out of new pads.

 

[shortykorte]

You sure that caliper is working? That looks like a lot of pad still left. Looks like a new rotor is in order also. I'll be down next weekend so you can do mine.

 

[taumac]

You sure that caliper is working? That looks like a lot of pad still left. Looks like a new rotor is in order also. I'll be down next weekend so you can do mine.

Yep brakes working fine. No pulling either way under braking. Last time I was at the dealer they said they were getting low. I figured with the mileage on the truck they should be getting to the point of needing to be changed.

It's about the same where from side to side. The groove in the rotor I have one on the other side also this looks like a rock I kicked up between the pad and caused a small groove. It actually looks worse than it actually is

 

[Grumblebum]

That little dolly is a good idea for working at ground level. Might make one too.

Are you generally light on the brakes by letting the engine do the work slowing down ? I get pretty long miles out of pads that way.

GB

 

[taumac]

That little dolly is a good idea for working at ground level. Might make one too.

Are you generally light on the brakes by letting the engine do the work slowing down ? I get pretty long miles out of pads that way.

GB

Thanks GB. I got that and the sawhorses from my father-in-law and I haven't found a good place to store it away so it was out and about. Generally what I do is I have a creeper that splits into 2 pieces and I'll use half of it and put a little tool tray on it.

With my work truck and I only get about 20,000 to 30,000 miles out of a set of brake pads's but that's a lot of stop and go traffic. I've owned two pick up trucks with 5 speeds. Actually, why first truck was a 4 cyclinder 5 speed. That truck you had to drive certain way to and I guess that driving style stuck with me.

 

[rmalkow2]

You did have a lot of meat left on those pads. They probably would have gone even more than 10k miles but, since you had it all apart anyway it was a good choice to tackle the brakes as well. Now it's done for a good long while.

 

[cbacres]

You did have a lot of meat left on those pads. They probably would have gone even more than 10k miles but, since you had it all apart anyway it was a good choice to tackle the brakes as well. Now it's done for a good long while.

It's from that constant low speed, short distance stop and go. You know, pull truck out of garage, move boxes around, pull truck back in. Wait, pull truck out, move other box, pull truck back in.

 

[Waterh20]

Well today I'm working on project OTHER than the garage. My Sport Trac front hub bearing have been making alittle noise so I decided it was time to tackle them.


I've never gotten this many miles out of pads before. They probably still had 10k left in them. Putting Motorcraft pads on so should get same life out of new pads.

Have you checked or replaced the rear pads? I had a 2011 Explorer and it seemed like the bias was to use the rear pads more than the front. My fronts didn't wear very quickly and were still original as of 80k.

 

[taumac]

You did have a lot of meat left on those pads. They probably would have gone even more than 10k miles but, since you had it all apart anyway it was a good choice to tackle the brakes as well. Now it's done for a good long while.

Well I was thinking of just leaving the brakes go for another 5k at least. Right now that's our main vehicle for travel so just change them out.

 

[taumac]

It's from that constant low speed, short distance stop and go. You know, pull truck out of garage, move boxes around, pull truck back in. Wait, pull truck out, move other box, pull truck back in.

Damn, How did you know that. LOL. Actually, as mentioned in Shortys thread in NOT moving stuff around until I move. I just gonna work on small projects.