I now feel as if I own
One four way screwdriver to correspond with each tapemeasure I own.
My toolbox has the magical property of being full of whichever one I don’t need at the time. This propensity has migrated to my desk and computer bag. I have a tapemeasure on my desk this very moment. Guess what I need?
The tool bag on my boat has all the tools I need, but the one I need at any one time has the magical property of burrowing to the very bottom of the bag. I usually have to dig out 20 pounds of tools to find the one I need.
The tool that always finds its way to the top? An eight-inch level. What use is a level on a boat?
Nod-nod, but:
Philips versus flat is my personal trial.
I finally found a multi-tip screwdriver I like; a Kobalt from Lowes. (Mine is slightly different in appearance.)
Instead of a magnetic bit holder, or one that takes custom bits, the Kobalt has an actual spring-loaded chuck that takes standard bits.
I am learning to enforce the personal discipline of never, ever, using its bits in another tool, and never, ever, using that tool outside the apartment. This insures I always have the driver, and the bit I need, at least here.
I can’t use the screwdrivers with the end that opens, just can’t. They invariably get lost, and it’s hell on the palm of your hand.
Caulking guns. I have hundred….maybe thousands.
But none where I can get to them when I need them.
Ever.
There are 4 or 5 in my truck.
Until I need one.
Then they turn to vapor.
Yes! And if you find one, does it fit the tube of calk you have? NOOOOOOO!! yiu always find the SMALL gun when you have a BIG tube and vice versa.
My nemisis is keeping track of the allen, torx and other odd bits.
I have better luck in tracking down a bucket of steam, or finding a refill for my torque wrench, than in finding a specific allen bit or wrench when I need the damn thing.
Jim
Sunk New Dawn
Galveston, TX
Apart from tools, if you have a piece of rope, an electric cord, a pair of earphone buds, or even a piece of string – it *will* have the magical property of tying itself into a knot as soon as you take your eyes off it. Never fails.
I swear, 40% of the time I spend on a job is rummaging for the tool that I need. No matter how I load up, I’m always N-1 tool away from being in the middle of a job, filthy as a sewer rat, needing to stop and swab before tramping through the house for that one damn tool.