Posted by Don-NY on September 11, 2009 at 10:52:41:
Brenda,
Yes the reels sit up, I don’t hink they have a tendency to fall over. The one I’m talking about has a seperate frame and the reel turns with a crank handle.
Simple Tools - Posted by Tony Colella
Posted by Tony Colella on September 11, 2009 at 03:57:28:
From time to time I come across a simple tool that probably everyone else has been using for years but I somehow missed it.
For years I have been using a chalk line to “snap” the long cuts I wish to make on plywood, osb, paneling and even laminate flooring.
About a year ago a tenant gave Scott a drywall T-square that he wasn’t using and had planned to toss out. Scott mentioned how much he liked this little tool and as I have learned long ago, if Scott likes a tool I don’t question it. I just go out and get it. I like it when he goes through the “R&D” for me!
I paid about $9 for a drywall T-square at Lowes a year ago or so. I first used it on OSB and thought “man, where has this been all this time.” I kicked myself for fighting with snap lines, blue chalk and poor markings.
With this little tool I can quickly and accurately draw the straight 4 foot lines or less in seconds. I no longer have to grab a level (which slides around) or loose board to act as my straight edge to draw out my cuts. When cutting the total 8 foot length of OSB etc. I simply measure one 4 foot length then do the same on the other side. The lines meet in the middle perfectly.
I use this tool all the time when I have to “rip” laminate flooring the length of the board (as oppossed to cutting the board in half etc.).
I realize most of this would seem pretty obvious but again, I somehow missed this little tool and thought maybe others have as well. I cannot tell you how much quicker and easier the long cuts are with this tool, especially for the one man show kind of folks like me.
Here’s to hoping I am not the only one who missed this idea.
Tony
Others - Posted by Dr. B. (OH)
Posted by Dr. B. (OH) on September 12, 2009 at 09:10:42:
Hey Tony,
T squares are great. I have used chalk lines and drywall t-squares for years. My problem is I don’t have a super-fantastic-well-organized-lift-gate-self-powered-lockable-rolling-workshop. I’d have to remember to throw my T-square on the truck, dig it out from behind the seat, or it would get tripped over on the job, lost or bent in storage, if not used for a while. My chalk line always sits in my tool pouch.
Speaking of drywall, I implore anyone doing a drywall ceiling to ALWAYS rent a drywall lift (unless its in a little bathroom). Whether you have help or are doing it by yourself, $25-35 for the day is cheap for the equivalent of 2 additional people. Plus you don’t break any boards or your back.
Another nice tool for increased accuracy is a laser-guided circular saw.
Steve
Another idea - Posted by Don-NY
Posted by Don-NY on September 11, 2009 at 05:58:55:
Tony, I have had a T square for a while. I bought the adjustable one it comes in real handy. Another thing I just did was buy an extension cord reel, the kind where you hold the handle on top and crank the reel ($10 at HD). I use it to store my 100’x 1/4" air hose I use for my nailers. I drilled a hole in the “hub” of the reel and ran the plug in end of the hose through that so I do not have to unreel it all if I only need a few feet.
Don
do the extension cord reels work… - Posted by Brenda (OH)
Posted by Brenda (OH) on September 11, 2009 at 08:52:29:
on extension cords?
I tend to keep my 50 ft cord in a 5 gallon bucket, with a hole in the side that the wall plug comes out of.
I tend to only use less than half of the cord at a time.
Do the reels sit up, and tend to fall over as you are working? the bucket does fall over if (opps when) I used to use it to run the electric lawn mower. I got smart and took the gasoline mower out to the home and stashed it in the shed. I have folks at the van window before I even can get out of the vehicle, asking to cut the lawn, because I pay cash… I just unlock the shed door and stand back…
They are done cutting the lawn before I even have all the supplies in the mobile home and the tools gathered to start work… can’t beat that for $10. Wish I could use the same fellows to paint, but I am trying to save the carpet on this home, and lets face it, grass will grow back if something goes wrong… But it sure would be great to have my repair system set up in the future that a handy man would meet me at a mobile home, eager to work, and able to do the work well…
Brenda