Pencils and Tape Measures

Larry · August 05, 2012, 09:42:59 PM

I don't know if it is Oldsheimer kicking in or what, but in the last few years I have actually been wearing out tape measures.

Went looking for a re-fill for the 16' Fat Max last month and none could be found. Guess buying a re-fill is a thing of the past now that I'm wearing them out.

tyb525 · August 05, 2012, 10:03:14 PM

Used to be FatMax tapes were made in the USA, but that is not longer I think. I dropped my first 25 footer right on the hook on concrete one day, I could never get it bent back right, so I had to buy a new one.

Used to be if you broke or wore out one of their tapes they would replace it for free, but I don't think they do that anymore either.

WDH · August 06, 2012, 08:08:26 AM

Charlie,

If I did what you do, I would be walking on pencils in the shop ;D.

Lud · August 06, 2012, 06:22:26 PM

WD,
You wouldn't step on them, you'd pick them up like if you saw a penny on the ground, and then you carry them into the house and put them on the shelf above your overalls. That's the stash you carry out to the shop when the pile gets big enough and you remember, in the morning, that you couldn't find a pencil the other day! ;D ;D

CHARLIE · August 08, 2012, 10:48:20 PM

WDH, that's the point. Get enough pencils laying around that you'll always have one handy......even if they are on the floor. :D

PC-Urban-Sawyer · August 09, 2012, 09:49:47 AM

Quote from: CHARLIE on August 08, 2012, 10:48:20 PM
WDH, that's the point. Get enough pencils laying around that you'll always have one handy......even if they are on the floor. :D

Charlie,

With my luck I'd trip on one, fall and break my neck!

Herb

jimparamedic · August 09, 2012, 10:48:40 AM

I just ask my wife. It never fails when I work on something she trys to be helpful and clean up. then I can't find anything.

submarinesailor · August 09, 2012, 05:04:09 PM

Quote from: jimparamedic on August 09, 2012, 10:48:40 AM
I just ask my wife. It never fails when I work on something she trys to be helpful and clean up. then I can't find anything.

I know that feeling very well. :

:

Bruce

Al_Smith · August 09, 2012, 07:39:06 PM

I think in most cases that "help with clean up " is a universal problem .I once took two years to locate a coffee can full chainsaw carbs because of a deal like that .

Sixacresand · August 09, 2012, 10:59:38 PM

The pencil deal is like golf balls: If you have more than when you started, then you have had a good day. Personally, I rather look for a pencil than a golf ball.

CHARLIE · August 09, 2012, 11:53:48 PM

Make sure you buy bright colored pencils. Don't buy any camo pencils. ;D

Magicman · August 10, 2012, 04:50:37 PM

Chris just found his tape measure in his lumber stack, just above the Walnut slab that will become his next project. :D

metalspinner · August 10, 2012, 09:50:55 PM

:D :D

tcsmpsi · August 13, 2012, 02:54:07 PM

It has been some time since I know if I've lost a pencil or tape. I finally just got enough of each, (I can appreciate Jake's 'method') that no matter where I go looking for one, there will be one on the way, somewhere. ;D

isawlogs · August 13, 2012, 09:34:54 PM

I have a dozen bright green ones.. and a few of its brothers in the chrome verson, now you'd think that that shiny chrome would stand out ... But it don't it reflects its entourage and dissapears its worst then a camo coloured tape. Pencils I gave up and just buy them by the handfull and have them every where, some get to the electric sharpener, others get the belt sander, others make do with my knife.
Wife 101.2. She can come and help, she even comes in and does work and does a mess.. but she cannot put any tool away, she can clean up the mess, but tools stay on the bench. ;) I'll deal with my tools.

CHARLIE · August 14, 2012, 12:38:33 AM

Another thing I found handy at those "Back To School" sales is plastic pencil boxes. Usually they sell for about a buck but when I find them on sale for 50¢, I'd buy a few. I keep my pencil supply in one, but they are good for a lot of other small items. Great storage for a small price. Plus you can see what is in the box without opening it.

tyb525 · August 14, 2012, 04:50:17 PM

I would lose the box then all my pencils would be gone :

That or I would somehow manage to destroy it, like by stepping on it or something stupid like that :D

SwampDonkey · August 14, 2012, 05:13:13 PM

I keep mine in the box they come in. When needed, I just reach in the box. ;)

isawlogs · August 14, 2012, 05:45:13 PM

Quote from: SwampDonkey on August 14, 2012, 05:13:13 PM
I keep mine in the box they come in. When needed, I just reach in the box. ;)

You sound like my wife :

:

WDH · August 14, 2012, 08:23:23 PM

Mine are all standing in a tall plastic cup on a table. When they are all gone, I have to go on a pencil hunt and return all the little vagabonds that I can find

.

metalspinner · August 14, 2012, 08:42:48 PM

I've discovered part of my problem the other day. Two sets of grubby little hands making off with my new pencils. :D I'm gonna have to start stashing them in secret hiding spots. :

pigman · August 14, 2012, 10:11:34 PM

Chris, you need to wash your hands. I didn't notice you had small hands. ;D

isawlogs · August 14, 2012, 10:55:01 PM

Use the new research center as your secret stash spot ;D

Don_Papenburg · August 14, 2012, 11:17:52 PM

We fixed the pencil problem last year at the Farm Progress show . my wife and Iwent into the O'Riley's booth and the guy found out that she was a teacher and he told her to hold on and he dug around and gave her big box of pencils . Might have been 500 of them sticks all told. 8)

1woodguy · August 14, 2012, 11:41:26 PM

I have about 400pencils with Flower Patterns all around them!
Wrote pencils on a list one day ,

Wife found packages. With 150 to a pack
Got comments several times about them,But noticed when working with other guys they don't disappear as fast