Contributor
Ken, you’re really going to like having over blade dust collection on your saw, it’s amazing how much comes off the top of the blade.
As for portable tools, yes I always use them with a vacuum, I have an auto start one, really convenient for things like biscuit joiners.
Regards, Rod
Contributor
After numerous occasions of misplacing tools, finding tools I had forgot I had an not being able to remember why I have a small number of screws in a plastic bag in a drawer I have taken the following approach
(1) Label items using 3M 20 60 tape
(2) Purchase a small A-Z note book and make a list of items /tools You can then look at the book to refresh your memory( or you could use your computer)
(3) If anyone borrows a tool consider asking them to hold the tool against their chest and use your mobile phone to photograph them
Son.. No dad I did not borrow your drill driver
Dad.. Yes you did I have a photograph of you holding it which is time date and location stamped
Additionally I have set up a file on the computer called house In this file I store information for each room in the house
Eg bathroom
A short summery of how to replace the tap cartridge and a link to the replacement part
This file will also help the wife when I pass or can be given to a future owner of the property
Last edited by Brian Deakin; 04-13-2024 at 5:50 AM.
Contributor
I keep an updated list of everything in my shop, with all the cabinets numbered. When I get something new, I label the cabinet on the outside with a Dymo label, or in the plastic container with that Dymo label, and then put that location in a book.
Does this prevent me from not being able to find things? Not totally, but when I do find it, the location gets written down in that loose leaf book. When there's enough handwritten locations I have written down, I enter them into the Excel spreadsheet and print out a new book.
OCD - perhaps, probably (it was useful keeping people alive at work), but I do spend less time finding things. And don't talk to me about all the documents I scan. Time spent up front, seconds spent searching when you need things.
- After I ask a stranger if I can pet their dog and they say yes, I like to respond, "I'll keep that in mind" and walk off
- It's above my pay grade. Mongo only pawn in game of life.
Contributor
I just now am reading this thread for the first time, and in the middle, I'm thinking I'll share my new found labeling obsession. Then I get to the end and see that Brian and Alan have beaten me to it.
But yeah, after years of experiencing everything listed above, I do my best to label everything. Maybe with a label maker, maybe with a sharpie on the outside of a box. Gone are the days where I could remember everything I did, why I did it, and what it was for. The other thing I do is when a tool comes with spare parts, they go in a baggie and are labeled exactly what tool they are from and what they are for and then stored in the spare parts drawer with the others. I've had it with *knowing* I have that spare part but not being able to find it.
As stated above, my most cringe worthy moment was making a jig for a task and then later finding I had already made that jig. UGH.
I'm now a labeling fool and have no problem inserting sub-labels with things explaining exactly what needs to be known. That's partly for me and partly for those that may have to deal with what I leave behind.
The other thing is, labels help you remember. As you are looking for something, you see the labels and you are reminded of where things are.
Moderator
Yea, my labels have gotten "more detailed"... 'cause remembering is harder. LOL
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The most expensive tool is the one you buy "cheaply" and often...
Contributor
I have a dymo label maker and have been having issues with the labels sticking well to poly coated cabinet drawers. Also labels are simple one line style. Have you guys found a labeling system that works well for you? I’m curious if you need multiple lines per label or individual type labels
Bob C
Contributor
I didn't know those were still made. In general, label makers i.e. Brother are the standard- multiple tape colors, print sizes, type faces, etc.. The labels last for many years in the weather.Originally Posted by Bob Cooper
Moderator
I don't have any issues with labels from my P-Touch sticking to anything, for the most part.
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The most expensive tool is the one you buy "cheaply" and often...
Contributor
wash the surface with alcohol, let dry then apply the label.
Ron
Contributor
I have a Brother P-Touch Cube label printer, and the labels stick very well to most things. You can get models that will do 2, 5 or up to 17 lines per label. Mine is the 5 line model. It uses an app on your phone to design the labels and prints via Bluetooth.
Derek
Contributor
John K Jordan posted the idea of using 3M 2060 tape to label items and other uses
It is expensive but I find it very useful You simply write on it using a sharpie or similar and attach it to the item
It is very useful for labeling items in plastic bags
Example I am repairing a bathroom light and waiting for a ballast to arrive I have put the holding screws in a plastic bag and used the 2060 tape to label them
Contributor
This is a win!
Unfortunately I can not count the number of times I have kept something (for years even) and when the need came and I went to look for it, I couldnt find it. Disorganization.
I have to sheepishly admit I have even bought something new, simply because I could not find the one I had already. Which I had to ask myself 'why save something if you cant find it when you need it - may as well not have it'.
Downsizing, and some organization helped me.
At the same time I share your satisfaction when the connection is made and the light goes off. Well done!
Contributor
I just bought a +$100 box of concrete anchors as I thought I was out of that size, and found a mostly full box after. Now there is an 8 year supply instead of a 3 year supply.
For me, It's often about re-boxing and moving things around to fit available space in my small shop & storage. When looking for something, it may not be where I remember nor look like what I remember.
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