Prep Genrl Realized I have some big holes in my preps (manual tools)

[Roger Thornhill]

I was getting ready to reload some ammunition, and discovered the 'wall-wart' for my digital powder scale had failed. Luckily, I still had the old 'balance-beam' manual scale I started with many years ago. This made me realize how many electric tools we use every day, without thinking of the consequences if the power goes out.

Do you have good, sharp handsaws for cutting boards? How about a bowsaw or large crosscut saw for logs? A brace and bits? Breast drill? "Yankee' push drill? Hacksaw frame and extra blade assortment? Sanding blocks? Planes? 'Eggbeater' hand mixers? Sad irons? Washboards? Clothesline and pins? The list goes on and on.

I'm heading to the basement now to see what I still have, what needs to be refurbished, and what needs to be added. They got a lot done in the 1880s, but only if they had the correct tools.

By the way, there are a bunch of very nice old non-electric powder scales on eBay for only 25 or 30 bucks. You might consider adding one to your stores if you don't already have one. (Make sure all the parts are included.)

 

[Hfcomms]

Yep. Just when you think you have prepped as much as possible something can pop up and you see a deficiency. For me the other day I realized that although I have an air compressor I don't have any tire plugs, patches or slime. And also the compressor I have is in my work shop with a long hose and doesn't help me if I'm on the road.

So I've got a carry in your truck compressor coming along with the tire slime and a plug kit with a reamer. That was an area that I totally missed in my preps.

 

[ChicagoMan74]

I ran across this too...out of my hoard of tools I realized I didn't have a good pair of straight cut tin snips...and I need them for a couple future projects too. Amazon to the rescue.

I think they're a good thing to have around...cause when things go south and you need to fabricate sheet metal/aluminum you're going to want to use them. Lots of applications here from roof patching, modifying gutters to collect rainwater, cutting patches for holes to keep varmints out, etc.

 

[bluelady]

Fortunately we inherited a lot of tools from my grandpa, and from my dad who was a sheet metal worker (lots of tinsnips here...LOL!) Still lots of holes, though, I'm sure.

I'm going through all my gardening stuff and realizing I have way too many hand tools, but none are in very good shape. A few YouTubes later, and I've soaked the rusty ones in white vinegar; it works perfectly! Linseed oil is coming from Amazon tomorrow for the handles. I'll give the extras to my gardening friend who is relocating to acreage in Idaho. Now on to the zillion other categories....

 

[SouthernBreeze]

I don't know why, but early on in our prepping, we decided to make all the arrangements necessary to live the 1800's lifestyle if necessary. We have set up and have all the tools and equipment we need to do that, but I'm sure we may have overlooked something.

 

[Roger Thornhill]

@Hfcomms

Break the center out of an old spark plug, and braze a short pipe nipple of the correct size to thread on your female hose fitting. Out in the middle of nowhere without a compressor, you simply pull one spark plug, thread your adapter into the cylinder head, start the engine, and you've got pressure. The adapter takes up very little room in your kit, and requires no other power source.

The amount of fuel-air mixture introduced into a flat tire is minimal, but I still let the air out and refill when I get to my destination.

ETA: It just occurred to me that if your vehicle is fuel injected, you'd be able to unplug the electrical connector from that cylinder's injector, and you'd get nothing but compressed air out of the plug adapter.

 

[Hfcomms]

@Hfcomms

Break the center out of an old spark plug, and braze a short pipe nipple of the correct size to thread on your female hose fitting. Out in the middle of nowhere without a compressor, you simply pull one spark plug, thread your adapter into the cylinder head, start the engine, and you've got pressure. The adapter takes up very little room in your kit, and requires no other power source.

The amount of fuel-air mixture introduced into a flat tire is minimal, but I still let the air out and refill when I get to my destination.

Ingenious!!

 

[hiwall]

I just ordered some more leather rivets yesterday. I am far from being out but they are cheap so I got more coming.

 

[hd5574]

Went Dad passed inherited all his wood working tools..he had everything..he learned from his father who was born in 1868..his grandfather was born in the 1820s and was a wheel right...Dad never used a power tool..and he taught me the basics

DH is a small equipment mechanic and most all his tools are hand tools..a few power tools but very limited
Sure we have chainsaws..but have both electric and hand sharpening tools and yes we have a crosscut saw also a well bucket and the rope to use it..as of now a Genny that can run the well pump..if need be


We have had what I call our solar clothes dryer for over 20 years just recently..found a bunch of new clothes pins...and line...even have a sad iron..

I learned to cook before all the new magic electric small appliances..lol...even have a non-electric gas stove..
Even have a hand egg beater with all metal gears..not like those made today..

Sure we use modern things ..but still know the old ways and sometimes they are easier and better

 

[SouthernBreeze]

I inherited all of my dad's hand tools, and a lot of one of my grandfather's. Cary got all of his dad's and grandfather's, too. We're pretty well set. Cary even had his dad's old push plow, but he gave it to his cousin. He plowed and rowed up our first garden with the old plow. I wish now that he had kept it.

 

[Freebirde]

Though it is coming to the end of yard sale season in most of the US, you can find some hand tools for the kitchen, shop or garden. Also look at the books. You can find some recipe books, DIY books, or history books that tell the how as well as the why. You can find some good deals when people are downsizing, changing lifestyles, or getting rid of Grannie's "junk". Don't forget thrift/secondhand shops, I picked up five "Foxfire" books in good condition for a couple bucks each.

 

[hiwall]

Though it is coming to the end of yard sale season in most of the US, you can find some hand tools for the kitchen, shop or garden. Also look at the books. You can find some recipe books, DIY books, or history books that tell the how as well as the why. You can find some good deals when people are downsizing, changing lifestyles, or getting rid of Grannie's "junk". Don't forget thrift/secondhand shops, I picked up five "Foxfire" books in good condition for a couple bucks each.

I am a yard sale warrior.

 

[Cag3db1rd]

We used to do all of our stuff with hand tools. I sometimes prefer it. I am always on Hubby to grab any hand tools he finds at a decent price from coworkers or CL. As annoyed as Hubby gets at me, I ascribe to "2 is 1; 1 is none" method.

-zip ties
-duct tape
-canning supplies
-blankets
Linens (towels, rags, napkins, pads, wipes-all cloth)
-firewood
-lumber
-fasteners
-buckets