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The most valuable non-tool in your toolbox?
#8287735
06/07/21 07:43 PM
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 22,270
Texas Dan
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In addition to a coat hanger, what non-tool do you keep handy when working on various projects, the ones that few people have figured out can be very useful?
I've found that short, bungee straps can be very useful in hanging brake calipers out of the way when working on wheel hubs or replacing rotors. They allow you to hang the calipers so that no tension is put of the lines which can cause them to develop a leak. If you need something to safely hang nearby while working on something else, bungees can often satisfy the need.
Last edited by Texas Dan; 06/07/21 07:48 PM.
"Some people will never like you because your spirit irritates their demons."
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Re: The most valuable non-tool in your toolbox?
[Re: Texas Dan]
#8287784
06/07/21 08:34 PM
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 3,805
Big_Country01
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
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No doubt, small ratchet straps and zip-ties.
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Re: The most valuable non-tool in your toolbox?
[Re: Texas Dan]
#8287791
06/07/21 08:42 PM
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Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 19,161
TCM3
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Zip ties and Gorilla tape.
Do not forget to entertain strangers, For by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels Hebrews 13:2 (R-TX)
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Re: The most valuable non-tool in your toolbox?
[Re: Texas Dan]
#8287792
06/07/21 08:43 PM
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 60,296
stxranchman
Obie Juan Kenobi
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Obie Juan Kenobi
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 60,296 |
Are idiots multiplying faster than normal people?
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Re: The most valuable non-tool in your toolbox?
[Re: Texas Dan]
#8287804
06/07/21 09:00 PM
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 60,580
BOBO the Clown
kind of a big deal
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kind of a big deal
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Re: The most valuable non-tool in your toolbox?
[Re: stxranchman]
#8287806
06/07/21 09:02 PM
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 91,416
bill oxner
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You just gave away your age.
Quail hunting is like walking into, and out of a beautiful painting all day long. Gene Hill
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Re: The most valuable non-tool in your toolbox?
[Re: Texas Dan]
#8287823
06/07/21 09:19 PM
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 22,716
BigPig
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Brake rotors. Perfect for making bends or scribing round lines to cut out
Wade Dews, REALTOR ® Rendon Realty, LLC Frontline Real Estate Team www.RendonRealty.comWadeDews@gmail.com 214-356-2410 Up to 1% for closing costs for First Responders & Veterans Proudly partnered with Assist The Officer Foundation https://atodallas.org/
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Re: The most valuable non-tool in your toolbox?
[Re: Texas Dan]
#8287825
06/07/21 09:23 PM
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Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 5,929
Ol Thumper
THF Trophy Hunter
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24” HD Zip Ties, Gorilla Tape, JB Weld and super glue, if I can’t fix it with that then it probably doesn’t need fixed anyway or I simply haven't broke it bad enough yet.
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Re: The most valuable non-tool in your toolbox?
[Re: BOBO the Clown]
#8287842
06/07/21 09:50 PM
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Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 19,161
TCM3
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Never heard of 100MPH tape.... ?
Do not forget to entertain strangers, For by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels Hebrews 13:2 (R-TX)
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Re: The most valuable non-tool in your toolbox?
[Re: Texas Dan]
#8287848
06/07/21 09:53 PM
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 91,416
bill oxner
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It is an umbrella for me this year. The ladies in the Walmart parking lot really appreciate them
Quail hunting is like walking into, and out of a beautiful painting all day long. Gene Hill
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Re: The most valuable non-tool in your toolbox?
[Re: BOBO the Clown]
#8287849
06/07/21 09:54 PM
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 60,296
stxranchman
Obie Juan Kenobi
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Obie Juan Kenobi
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 60,296 |
I wouldn't have figured you for that...I was expecting a back-up rangefinder.....
Are idiots multiplying faster than normal people?
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Re: The most valuable non-tool in your toolbox?
[Re: Texas Dan]
#8287912
06/07/21 10:34 PM
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Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 14,956
don k
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Re: The most valuable non-tool in your toolbox?
[Re: stxranchman]
#8287913
06/07/21 10:36 PM
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 9,985
Old Rabbit
THF Trophy Hunter
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This, use it to hang brake calipers as I can make the length I need. Never tried a bungee straps, but will give them a try.
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Re: The most valuable non-tool in your toolbox?
[Re: Texas Dan]
#8287917
06/07/21 10:38 PM
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,850
Texan Til I Die
Extreme Tracker
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Telescoping magnet to retrieve the #@%$#% screw I just dropped down a crack.
Silver spurs and gold tequila keep me hanging on. Pretty girls and old cantinas give me shelter from the storm.
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Re: The most valuable non-tool in your toolbox?
[Re: Texas Dan]
#8287936
06/07/21 11:00 PM
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 22,270
Texas Dan
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A few more...
Steel pipe for use as a cheater bar
A small mirror for seeing around corners (the ones on telescoping holders work best and cost very little)
The refrigerant in compressed air can be used as a freezing agent to get stuck bolts to break loose
The camera on a smartphone to take photos of something before you take it apart so you'll be able to reassemble it correctly later.
"Some people will never like you because your spirit irritates their demons."
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Re: The most valuable non-tool in your toolbox?
[Re: Texan Til I Die]
#8287937
06/07/21 11:03 PM
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 22,270
Texas Dan
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Telescoping magnet to retrieve the #@%$#% screw I just dropped down a crack. These have saved many a mechanic from having to spend hours tearing something down to remove a screw, nut, or bolt from somewhere it's not supposed to be.
"Some people will never like you because your spirit irritates their demons."
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Re: The most valuable non-tool in your toolbox?
[Re: Texas Dan]
#8287938
06/07/21 11:03 PM
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,504
seacam
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
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Posts: 1,504 |
A knowledgeable person on speed dial to ask questions when it goes wrong.
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Re: The most valuable non-tool in your toolbox?
[Re: Texas Dan]
#8288075
06/08/21 01:31 AM
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Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 16,050
Jimbo1
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My eyeglasses (cheaters).
FJB - Lets Go Brandon BBB - Bring Back Better Awake - Not Woke!
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Re: The most valuable non-tool in your toolbox?
[Re: Jimbo1]
#8288080
06/08/21 01:35 AM
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 91,416
bill oxner
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My eyeglasses (cheaters). No problem in that area for me. I have them hanging all over me.
Quail hunting is like walking into, and out of a beautiful painting all day long. Gene Hill
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Re: The most valuable non-tool in your toolbox?
[Re: Texas Dan]
#8295150
06/15/21 01:49 PM
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Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 29,167
TXHOGSLAYER
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LETS GO BRANDON
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Re: The most valuable non-tool in your toolbox?
[Re: seacam]
#8295157
06/15/21 01:57 PM
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Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 6,872
HuntnFly67
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A knowledgeable person on speed dial to ask questions when it goes wrong. Also helpful is something called a "You Tube" that is on the line in the interwebs.
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Re: The most valuable non-tool in your toolbox?
[Re: Texas Dan]
#8344090
08/07/21 02:26 PM
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Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,039
Vern1
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Internet! I have a hotspot inside my shop. I work on everything from small engines, SxS's, bikes, race cars, tractors, computers, pinball and arcade machines and build lots of the tools required to support those projects. Somebody on the web has had the same problem and can save you a lot of time. Or has built a 1off part to fix a problem and I can usually duplicate their part - with improvements!
Cheers, Vern1 Texans since The Old 300 in 1824 NRA Lifetime Member
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Re: The most valuable non-tool in your toolbox?
[Re: Texas Dan]
#8344096
08/07/21 02:32 PM
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 6,367
Blank
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Flashlite with a magnetic base, to illuminate the area your working on. One of them has a flexible head to allow adjustment. Spring clamps to hold something in place while I go back and get the tool I REALLY needed, instead of the size I brought!
Last edited by Blank; 08/07/21 02:34 PM.
Beer and whiskey, 'cause you can't drink bacon!!
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Re: The most valuable non-tool in your toolbox?
[Re: Texas Dan]
#8344121
08/07/21 03:09 PM
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 91,416
bill oxner
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The proof is in the pudding. This is from my bedside night table alone. I have more downstairs and in my truck
Quail hunting is like walking into, and out of a beautiful painting all day long. Gene Hill
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Re: The most valuable non-tool in your toolbox?
[Re: bill oxner]
#8344297
08/07/21 07:02 PM
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Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 16,050
Jimbo1
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The proof is in the pudding. This is from my bedside night table alone. I have more downstairs and in my truck I have those stashed all around too. Even a pair in my fishing tackle box.
FJB - Lets Go Brandon BBB - Bring Back Better Awake - Not Woke!
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Re: The most valuable non-tool in your toolbox?
[Re: Texas Dan]
#8344427
08/07/21 10:45 PM
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Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 658
JIMSR
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Tracker
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Posts: 658 |
zip-ties and pool noodles,...invaluable.
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Re: The most valuable non-tool in your toolbox?
[Re: Texas Dan]
#8344493
08/08/21 01:01 AM
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Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 12,773
Paluxy
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An 18" piece of #12 insulated copper wire. Use it to fish cables.
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Re: The most valuable non-tool in your toolbox?
[Re: Texas Dan]
#8345749
08/09/21 12:41 PM
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Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,039
Vern1
Veteran Tracker
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Since zipties are so popular....from last season.
Last edited by Vern1; 08/09/21 02:31 PM.
Cheers, Vern1 Texans since The Old 300 in 1824 NRA Lifetime Member
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Re: The most valuable non-tool in your toolbox?
[Re: Texas Dan]
#8346226
08/09/21 08:17 PM
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Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 2,463
StephenB
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 2,463 |
If you pick it up and use it for some purpose, it is a tool. I've even used ants as tools.
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Re: The most valuable non-tool in your toolbox?
[Re: Texas Dan]
#8346230
08/09/21 08:25 PM
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Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 5,929
Ol Thumper
THF Trophy Hunter
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LMAO, that’s a tough question but my truck has a welder, air compressor, cutting set up and pretty much every tool you could want along with about 200 miles of duct tape and another 300 zip ties, if I can’t fix it from my truck I’m calling in reinforcements and driving off as they show up since I’m done with the situation. I’ll be checking on my new pellet grill temps
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Re: The most valuable non-tool in your toolbox?
[Re: Texas Dan]
#8346421
08/09/21 11:34 PM
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 22,270
Texas Dan
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OP
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Before the days of canned air, I can remember a time or two when I used a straw to blow air into a tight spot to remove dirt and debris.
"Some people will never like you because your spirit irritates their demons."
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Re: The most valuable non-tool in your toolbox?
[Re: TCM3]
#8367071
08/28/21 10:39 PM
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,125
texasag93
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
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Never heard of 100MPH tape.... ? My buddy who works on airplanes has 500 MPH tape. He is an inspector mechanic at American. I have not idea what it is, but he used it on my Bonanza's nose cowling and it worked.
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Re: The most valuable non-tool in your toolbox?
[Re: Texas Dan]
#8372185
09/02/21 09:21 AM
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Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,033
missingAK
THF Trophy Hunter
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6 inch piece of rubber fuel hose and a spark plug wire boot for removing spark plugs after breaking them loose and getting the new ones started.
"Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing happened." Winston Churchill
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Re: The most valuable non-tool in your toolbox?
[Re: Texas Dan]
#8372203
09/02/21 11:01 AM
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Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 6,968
GasGuzzler
THF Trophy Hunter
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Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 6,968 |
Cheap fiber optic camera with WiFi connection to my phone. Old spring loaded shower curtain rod for hoods that have weak hydraulic supports. Disposable reading glasses LED Headlamp Old cracked/split sockets to be welded into special tools Tweezers Fingernail clippers Painter's tape Self-adhesive velcro Antenna masts to be fashioned into other tools Magnets out of old motors Set pins pulled from chain tensioners
Maybe I can post more after looking in my box at work.
Pass the gravy.
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Re: The most valuable non-tool in your toolbox?
[Re: missingAK]
#8376473
09/06/21 03:48 PM
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 22,270
Texas Dan
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6 inch piece of rubber fuel hose and a spark plug wire boot for removing spark plugs after breaking them loose and getting the new ones started. Another case where a telescopic magnet can be extremely valuable. Harbor Freight sells one that as a very strong magnet on the end of it.
"Some people will never like you because your spirit irritates their demons."
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Re: The most valuable non-tool in your toolbox?
[Re: Texas Dan]
#8376529
09/06/21 04:20 PM
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 91,416
bill oxner
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 91,416 |
Quail hunting is like walking into, and out of a beautiful painting all day long. Gene Hill
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Re: The most valuable non-tool in your toolbox?
[Re: Texas Dan]
#8376708
09/06/21 08:10 PM
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 558
bjh
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 558 |
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Re: The most valuable non-tool in your toolbox?
[Re: bjh]
#8376757
09/06/21 09:34 PM
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 91,416
bill oxner
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
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Posts: 91,416 |
Lock the thread. We have a winner.
Quail hunting is like walking into, and out of a beautiful painting all day long. Gene Hill
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Re: The most valuable non-tool in your toolbox?
[Re: Texas Dan]
#8376761
09/06/21 09:36 PM
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Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 25,349
Creekrunner
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Posts: 25,349 |
...and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. Gen. 1:28
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Re: The most valuable non-tool in your toolbox?
[Re: Creekrunner]
#8376800
09/06/21 10:03 PM
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 91,416
bill oxner
THF Celebrity
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Posts: 91,416 |
Caught me at a weak moment.
Quail hunting is like walking into, and out of a beautiful painting all day long. Gene Hill
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Re: The most valuable non-tool in your toolbox?
[Re: Creekrunner]
#8377224
09/07/21 04:52 AM
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 558
bjh
Tracker
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Tracker
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Even more people who just assume to damn much!!!!!
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Re: The most valuable non-tool in your toolbox?
[Re: Texas Dan]
#8377862
09/07/21 08:05 PM
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Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 960
Gary Olson
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Magnets from old hard disk drives. Keeps screws and parts from running into the under spaces. Holds assembly instructions so even the fan can't blow them away.
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Re: The most valuable non-tool in your toolbox?
[Re: Texas Dan]
#8377934
09/07/21 09:07 PM
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,530
PappawRock
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,530 |
bandages, tourniquet, etc.
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Re: The most valuable non-tool in your toolbox?
[Re: PappawRock]
#8377948
09/07/21 09:26 PM
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 22,270
Texas Dan
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bandages, tourniquet, etc. He's right you know.
"Some people will never like you because your spirit irritates their demons."
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Re: The most valuable non-tool in your toolbox?
[Re: Texas Dan]
#8403713
10/01/21 09:42 PM
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Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 570
Papalote
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Tracker
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Used a washing machine water hose to add ATF to the ranch ride last week. Used ratchet straps to load my gun safe when I moved last month.
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