{{ Stuff that just works }}
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Old school mechanics know a bunch of tricks. In the days when motor oils gummed up engines they'd add a WD cap full of AT fluid in the carb or throttle body to clean the valve guides and other super small passages same as the modern day SeaFoam stuff.
Smokes like crazy for a looooooong 20-30 minutes making you swear you blew up the engine, but did a great job at adding life back to your engine back then.
I had a 1980's mower that used oil. Bogged like crazy anytime thick grass was encountered. My wifes boy mistakenly added about 4oz of Ford ATF to the oil one day. He cut the grass and we thought the mower was dead after that. I dumped the oil, added fresh and the mower ran like new. That was in about '07. I donated it to a neighbor who used it until last summer when the self propel belt broke.
Speaking of SeaFoam, that is a great fuel stabilzer, engine cleaner and EGR system cleaner.
Smokes like crazy for a looooooong 20-30 minutes making you swear you blew up the engine, but did a great job at adding life back to your engine back then.
I had a 1980's mower that used oil. Bogged like crazy anytime thick grass was encountered. My wifes boy mistakenly added about 4oz of Ford ATF to the oil one day. He cut the grass and we thought the mower was dead after that. I dumped the oil, added fresh and the mower ran like new. That was in about '07. I donated it to a neighbor who used it until last summer when the self propel belt broke.
Speaking of SeaFoam, that is a great fuel stabilzer, engine cleaner and EGR system cleaner.
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In 1986 I bought a 15 year old Simplicity 7 horse power (briggs and stratton) snowblower. It was garaged and serviced every year until I got it. hehehe.
I kept it outside in the back yard, partially covered with a piece of plywood for another 25 years, when I gave it away to a friend.
In those 40 years, I had to replace the scraper bar, the side guides that it rides on (a couple of times), the gas tank that rusted out, and a bearing for the thrower impeller.
I never used stabil but I turned the fuel valve off, and ran the carb dry.
I'd service it every couple of years, which means that I oiled/greased all moving parts, and considered changing the oil.
I sometimes used ether/starting fluid to get it started the first use of the season, but once it was running, it usually started on the first or second pull.
It had two forward speeds, slow, and slower yet. But it was built like a tank, and would throw the snow 30-40 feet. The mechanism for rotating the shoot was flawless, and it had a spring latch system to engage/disengage one wheel, so that it would be easier to turn around with it.
So I don't know who to give the "IT just works" to
Simplicity for a great snow machine
Briggs and Stratton for a great 7HP engine with cast iron cylinder sleeves
or starting fluid and carb cleaner, for cleaning the carb, and getting the engine started, year after year.
+
Gotta say I'm most impressed with the Fenix HP12, been using mine for about a year now
(I use it alot)
Super balanced with the 18650 in the back (protected cells have plenty o' room)
Light clicks solidly in to angle desired
Large On/Off mode button the can be used w/ gloves
Step down so you know when to recharge
Just a super functional light
If I were to design a headlamp, this would be it __ really~
hotlinked image removed
edit:: most importantly, I see no silly PWM in any mode
Gotta say I'm most impressed with the Fenix HP12, been using mine for about a year now
(I use it alot)
Super balanced with the 18650 in the back (protected cells have plenty o' room)
Light clicks solidly in to angle desired
Large On/Off mode button the can be used w/ gloves
Step down so you know when to recharge
Just a super functional light
If I were to design a headlamp, this would be it __ really~
hotlinked image removed
edit:: most importantly, I see no silly PWM in any mode
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OldmanRon
Newly Enlightened
I agree totally about the little Visegrips ... I always have a pair in my little "boat bag" that gets tossed into my 14' Whitehall when ever I head out onto the water. And I ordered a second Petzl Tikka (the new 2017 model) two days after my first one arrived. I was that impressed. One of them will be in the boat bag as well! Along with a Princeton Tec floating strobe, and my venerable TK40.
+
One morning this Spring I went to grind my coffee beans like every other day,, but my grinder was shot.
..not a good start
Thought, easy I'll just get one locally__ WRONG!! nothing but crappy ones in stock
To make a long story short, the Krups F203 is a winner, strong motor & grinds evenly.
Put it this way, I won't have another 'no coffee morning'*
hotlinked image removed
* have a backup
One morning this Spring I went to grind my coffee beans like every other day,, but my grinder was shot.
..not a good start
Thought, easy I'll just get one locally__ WRONG!! nothing but crappy ones in stock
To make a long story short, the Krups F203 is a winner, strong motor & grinds evenly.
Put it this way, I won't have another 'no coffee morning'*
hotlinked image removed
* have a backup
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Yes. Is it just me or does it seem that everything you can get locally is a crappy version of the good stuff nowadays? Until just very recently, I used to hunt through one store after another for simply one item. Usually not succeeding or not until I checked the very last place on my list. Then I finally realized Why?!
Now I just go online and get what I need without the headache, frustration, wasted time, and not finding what I truly wanted. And to not waste time online, I go to a trusted online shop that I've already dealt with. Or I just hit up Amazon.
Screw it! There's a stuff that just works.... Buying online from Amazon or a trusted online shop you've already ordered from. That definitely belongs on this list.
Now I just go online and get what I need without the headache, frustration, wasted time, and not finding what I truly wanted. And to not waste time online, I go to a trusted online shop that I've already dealt with. Or I just hit up Amazon.
Screw it! There's a stuff that just works.... Buying online from Amazon or a trusted online shop you've already ordered from. That definitely belongs on this list.
PhotonWrangler
Flashaholic
I got a blood stain in a white print shirt today, so I went to the grocery store looking at stain removers and found a product called Carbona Stain Devils. They have different ones for different types of stains, so I chose the yellow bottle labeled "#4, for blood, dairy and ice cream." I followed the instructions and the dried blood stain was completely gone in a few minutes, without any damage to the print pattern.
:thumbsup:
:thumbsup:
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StarHalo
Flashaholic
That's a blade grinder, those aren't made to grind evenly, though it's not a big deal if you're just using a store-shelf drip coffeemaker. The next best option is the burr grinder, and the top-shelf what-the-pros-use choice is the conical burr grinder. If you don't mind providing the power with your hands, you can get a top-rated conical burr grinder for sixteen bucks.
50% of American households are Amazon Prime members, welcome to the party
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RedLED
Flashlight Enthusiast
Two things that work well for me whilst traveling, which I do quite a bit. The first is a Speakman Shower Head. These are wonderful, amazing shower heads, and not a new design, the have been around since the 1920's, coming up on a century. I have these in every bathroom shower we have in all our locations.
Now, the other thing that is a wonderful piece of hardware is Knipex pliers when I travel, and I have been doing this since the, well several decades easily, is at every hotel I stay in even if it is an overnight stop, I in stall a speakman shower head in the bathroom, and carry the Knipex pliers. Why knipex? in case I have to wrench the stem/pipe out the Knipex will never let you down. Ever.
So, these are two things I think are the best, and as the title states: Stuff That Never Lets You Down! Now, I realize it may sound crazy to change the shower head out but the Speakman makes such a huge difference compared to the awful hotel shower heads, it is nice to have a comfort from home.
So to review Speakman Shower Heads, they have little jets the water comes out of, and they have 4, 6, and 8 jet models. For travel the 4 jet is perfect. For home, I use the 6 mostly, but have some 8 jets running, as well. I highly recommend the Speakman line of Shower heads, the metal ones. They do have a plastic 5 jet and it is nice, but go with the metal, and on all of them don't forget to pop out the water restriction thing, it just pulls out with some needle nose pliers.
I carry the small Knipex pliers made for pipes or round things. Now these are also a real necessity to any quality tool set, and while are expensive, are worth every penny.
If I am doing a carry on I take the 4 jet, as always, however, you can't carry on pliers, unless that has changed, so if you hear of anything, please let me know. Otherwise I can go to the front desk, and borrow a pair from the hotel, never a problem. The other thing I have done is look for a dollar store, drug store, a Wal Mart or even a grocery store, and buy a cheap pair to get the job done, and just give the pliers to someone at the hotel upon checkout.
Sometimes, if you are at a four of five star hotel, they will have the 6 jet Speakman waiting for you.
Now, the other thing that is a wonderful piece of hardware is Knipex pliers when I travel, and I have been doing this since the, well several decades easily, is at every hotel I stay in even if it is an overnight stop, I in stall a speakman shower head in the bathroom, and carry the Knipex pliers. Why knipex? in case I have to wrench the stem/pipe out the Knipex will never let you down. Ever.
So, these are two things I think are the best, and as the title states: Stuff That Never Lets You Down! Now, I realize it may sound crazy to change the shower head out but the Speakman makes such a huge difference compared to the awful hotel shower heads, it is nice to have a comfort from home.
So to review Speakman Shower Heads, they have little jets the water comes out of, and they have 4, 6, and 8 jet models. For travel the 4 jet is perfect. For home, I use the 6 mostly, but have some 8 jets running, as well. I highly recommend the Speakman line of Shower heads, the metal ones. They do have a plastic 5 jet and it is nice, but go with the metal, and on all of them don't forget to pop out the water restriction thing, it just pulls out with some needle nose pliers.
I carry the small Knipex pliers made for pipes or round things. Now these are also a real necessity to any quality tool set, and while are expensive, are worth every penny.
If I am doing a carry on I take the 4 jet, as always, however, you can't carry on pliers, unless that has changed, so if you hear of anything, please let me know. Otherwise I can go to the front desk, and borrow a pair from the hotel, never a problem. The other thing I have done is look for a dollar store, drug store, a Wal Mart or even a grocery store, and buy a cheap pair to get the job done, and just give the pliers to someone at the hotel upon checkout.
Sometimes, if you are at a four of five star hotel, they will have the 6 jet Speakman waiting for you.
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StarHalo
Flashaholic
Morning oatmeal
RedLED
Flashlight Enthusiast
You add the shower head I was talking about from one of your bins at work, and you will have a better morning! Along with your other things above.
Only get the 4, 6, or 8 jet models. The 5 jets are marginal and all plastic. The 6 and 8 are solid brass I have them in every bathroom in every house. Now the 4 jet is plastic, but that is fine as is works on the old technology of the original 6 and 8 models and has the same jets. This is what I have traveled with for several decades.
The new plastic models are 5 jets, and don't work as good as the old, small black jets. And, if you buy one of the ones I recommend, and don't like it I'll buy it off you at retail price within a month.
The 4 jet is a good place to start, but pull out the restriction thing.
When I put that 8 jet in my daughter would take an hour long super-shower, and then thought she was under a waterfall, like the one she likes in Hawaii.
Only get the 4, 6, or 8 jet models. The 5 jets are marginal and all plastic. The 6 and 8 are solid brass I have them in every bathroom in every house. Now the 4 jet is plastic, but that is fine as is works on the old technology of the original 6 and 8 models and has the same jets. This is what I have traveled with for several decades.
The new plastic models are 5 jets, and don't work as good as the old, small black jets. And, if you buy one of the ones I recommend, and don't like it I'll buy it off you at retail price within a month.
The 4 jet is a good place to start, but pull out the restriction thing.
When I put that 8 jet in my daughter would take an hour long super-shower, and then thought she was under a waterfall, like the one she likes in Hawaii.
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Str8stroke
Flashlight Enthusiast
Alge and black stains on your house our around the house/roof?? A few months back someone turned me on to Wet & Forget. It take some time to work, But So far, impressive stuff. Easier than pressure washing & no stink like bleach. So try you some if you have the need. I will also keep the kids play set looking new! Search it and see if it works for you. Wet & Forget
RedLED
Flashlight Enthusiast
You mean it kills black mold?
Freaking paper napkins man.
Whoever thought of those should go down as a great inventor. Unfold it and it makes a little sack to carry a couple of handfulls of Cheetos, and when you're done it gets the Cheeto goo off your fingers.
Wipes the Cheeto goo off the corners of your mouth too. Moisten it slightly for a towelette.... speaking of that, they make a great moisture holding coaster for when your glass of ice tea sweats. Spilled ice tea? No problem; grab a stack of napkins and do the Bounty quicker picker upper thing... wipe your kids runny nose, use a chunk as ear plugs at the race track, makes great kindling, stick one over your McFries container to hold in heat and soak up condensation while you drive home with McDinner, use 'em to wipe various dip sticks in your automobile and stuff it into a crevice when done. Makes a great place to jot down ideas or broker deals in writing... I could go on but suffice to say, the paper napkin is something that just works.
Whoever thought of those should go down as a great inventor. Unfold it and it makes a little sack to carry a couple of handfulls of Cheetos, and when you're done it gets the Cheeto goo off your fingers.
Wipes the Cheeto goo off the corners of your mouth too. Moisten it slightly for a towelette.... speaking of that, they make a great moisture holding coaster for when your glass of ice tea sweats. Spilled ice tea? No problem; grab a stack of napkins and do the Bounty quicker picker upper thing... wipe your kids runny nose, use a chunk as ear plugs at the race track, makes great kindling, stick one over your McFries container to hold in heat and soak up condensation while you drive home with McDinner, use 'em to wipe various dip sticks in your automobile and stuff it into a crevice when done. Makes a great place to jot down ideas or broker deals in writing... I could go on but suffice to say, the paper napkin is something that just works.
^^ Yup. Select-a-size ROOLZ
Great thread here !
lovecpf
Realize I've mentioned this already,
but Sanyo/Panasonic Eneloop LSD rechargeable batteries
are almost Too Good to be True !
Daily, I use my AA cells, which were mfg. August 2006,
for hours of use in my 47's Quark 2xAA, on Medium or Low.
Yesterday, I decided to run a "Refresh & Analyze" sequence
(with my MH-C9000 charger, at 500mA discharge rate)
just to see how the cells are holding up.
Result --
Both cells reported more than 1900mAH capacity ! ! !
And I've been using them
for more than a Decade now !
Quite impressive, indeed.
Yes, folks --
I certainly have NEWER cells, also.
< wink >
Even some Panasonics in lovely Colors !
lovecpf
Realize I've mentioned this already,
but Sanyo/Panasonic Eneloop LSD rechargeable batteries
are almost Too Good to be True !
Daily, I use my AA cells, which were mfg. August 2006,
for hours of use in my 47's Quark 2xAA, on Medium or Low.
Yesterday, I decided to run a "Refresh & Analyze" sequence
(with my MH-C9000 charger, at 500mA discharge rate)
just to see how the cells are holding up.
Result --
Both cells reported more than 1900mAH capacity ! ! !
And I've been using them
for more than a Decade now !
Quite impressive, indeed.
Yes, folks --
I certainly have NEWER cells, also.
< wink >
Even some Panasonics in lovely Colors !
So your Sanyos are still keeping a charge?
Right on!!
I think it was last year, but anyway I opened a 4 pack of Sanyos from 07 and to my surprise they were still 75% charged. I rotate them in a Mag ML25 but figured they'd still recharge well since there were no cycles on them yet.
Yeah, enelpoops were a great invention. 10 years ago all the buzz about eneloops (at least in the photography world) was about them being disposable. One day folks figured out "holy crap they last a long time and hold a charge too".
Glad to see Panasonic kept them going.
Right on!!
I think it was last year, but anyway I opened a 4 pack of Sanyos from 07 and to my surprise they were still 75% charged. I rotate them in a Mag ML25 but figured they'd still recharge well since there were no cycles on them yet.
Yeah, enelpoops were a great invention. 10 years ago all the buzz about eneloops (at least in the photography world) was about them being disposable. One day folks figured out "holy crap they last a long time and hold a charge too".
Glad to see Panasonic kept them going.
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