RockstarRemodel
Member
- Joined
- Nov 3, 2015
- Messages
- 25
I do a lot of research in order to find the best tools and products for me to use everyday. I want things that hold up to tough usage and poor maintenance strategies because I can be forgetful... I was realizing that only I (and indirectly my clients) get to benefit from the time I put into research and testing, so I thought I'd put together a list and share it here for FOG.
With some of these items I've found the perfect solution. Some I'd love suggestions for better options. I'd also love to see your gear lists in the replies! What are you using? What cool find do you love that doesn't warrant a full post but you're thankful for every use? Here's my list. I hope you enjoy.
Safety:
* Dust mask: North 7700-30Lhttp://amzn.to/1RyyfXw Decent but I'm looking to upgrade. I'm excitedly looking into a supplied air mask, but trying to find something lightweight. Suggestions?
* Safety glasses: UVEX S3970DF Stealth OTG Safety Goggleshttp://amzn.to/1Ryyxh8 - Wow, these are awesome. They almost look and feel like non-tinted snowboarding goggles. Lightweight, great coverage and field of view, and the elastic strap is soft so it doesn't slip or pull my hair.
* Head light: SAVI - USB rechargeable, lots of settings but I mostly use the brightest white setting, and I'll only need to recharge it every few weeks with my usage.
* Knee pads: ProKnee 0714 - so comfortable and fits perfectly. My favorite parts are that they don't slide down my legs because it rests gently the tongue of my shoes, and the wide soft strap doesn't pull my leg hair or cut off circulation. Also my knees seriously feel better than ever.
* Ear protection:
1. Howard Leight Sync Ear Muffshttp://amzn.to/22P2SCD with DeWalt Bluetooth adapterhttp://amzn.to/1SmW4kQ - the earmuffs are quiet and great at reducing noise. The speakers are decent. I appreciate the durability that the DeWalt adapter provides, but there's no mic for calls and the sound quality is poor. I'll take recommendations.
2. Shure SE215Khttp://amzn.to/1SmW986 in-ear monitors with in line mic - aside from being corded, I love these! They fit in the ear with a replaceable foam tip. The tips last about 3-6 months, or longer. And the heads are detachable from the cable, which is great because the cable will die after 4 months of daily use. A couple times I've just bought a new cable, but luckily there is a 1 year warranty and I've received a half dozen free replacements for the cost of shipping one way.
Clothes:
* Work shirt: Carhartt Twill Short Sleevedhttp://amzn.to/1ROTUjD - clean, sharp, and simple. It's great for meetings and working, depending on how clean it is. ; ) I'll take recommendations.
* Pants: Björnkläder Pirate shorthttp://facelineinc.com/index.php?cPath=35 - The Best!! So comfortable. TONS of pockets for consumables and tools. I use these instead of a tool belt. Much more durable than the Armored, Dickies, and Carharrt pants I've tried before, and WAY more comfortable.
* Shoeshttp://amzn.to/1USYJIV (and sockshttp://amzn.to/1qeRw9E): Keen - Keen has steel toed sneakers that are so comfortable, lightweight, and have saved my feet in so many ways. I've had feet problems since I was a kid but I can stand in these all day without complaint. I even wear these on my walks in the park with my wife over my "walking" shoes because they're just so comfortable. Also, Keen has really well thought out socks, with left and right separately marked, and I get the Dura-Zone socks that have a Lifetime Guarantee! No more holes in my socks.
Organization:
* Systainers: You know what's up. Outside of the systainers that come with the tools, I use
1. Midi for paint tools and supplies. I won this from the 2014 video contest.
2. Sys-MFT with clamps, Kals, and 18v batteries.
3. Sys-tool box
4. Sys-storage
* Tool bag: Veto Pro Pac XLThttp://amzn.to/1RFqKAp - I just got this a few weeks ago but so far I love it. There are zippers to close up the tool pockets; no more dropped tools! There's a center laptop pocket, but I use it for my GoPro, tripod and accessories
* Mobile rig: 2010 Toyota Tacoma - I love the access cab. The bed is big enough to hold the loads I feel comfortable with. I have a lock box and lumber rack for more versatility. Decent 22ish MPG.
* Truck lock box: WeatherGuardhttp://amzn.to/1RFrci6 - I had my old lock box broken into at least twice. This new WeatherGuard has had attempted break ins but so far has kept my T18+3, Carvex, Fien, sys-MFT, and CT-Midi safe and dry (until I left the lid open in Portland rain, my bad)
* Home workshop: none : / - I rent an apartment and don't have a home workshop yet. Sigh. One day...
Electronics:
* Mobile computer: iPad Air Space Black 16gb Wifihttp://amzn.to/1ROTZns - I use this to take notes in Numbers during walkthroughs. I also make music in GarageBand, and do some light graphic design. Also FOG lurking. And writing up long lists of the tools I use...
* Phone: iPhone 6 Space Black 64gbhttp://amzn.to/1RqPVb8 - I pretty much run my company on my iPhone. Emails. Emails. And emails. Also the block contact feature is pretty great!
* iPhone car holster: ProClip proclipusa.com
* Battery pack: Zendurehttp://amzn.to/1ROU36C - I had the original from Kickstarter and it was Fantastic until it was stolen. I got the weather resistant one as a replacement, but the door fell off within a month.
* iOS apps:
* BizXpens Tracker: I can track time, materials, and mileage. Easy to use interface, lot's of features, and pretty decent updates. Also the export and back up features are pretty easy and reliable.
* Dropbox: essential for sharing and finding documents.
* PDFOffice: create, edit, and sign PDF's. I use this for all of my contracts and change orders.
* Photo editing: (in order of usage)
1. SnapSeed: edit, crop, and enhance the photos.
2. DipTic: arrange the photos into great collages.
3. Over: add wonderful typography and your company logo as a water mark
4. Instagram: upload for clients and friends to adore! Check out my feed at Instagram.com/rockstarremodel
* OverCast: the best podcast listening app I've used. Free to start and use infinitely. You can support the developer and unlock some great extra features. The developer also makes some great podcasts of his own (ATP, Top Four, Under The Radar) ... Don't get me started on podcast recommendations... ::cough::https://www.icloud.com/numbers/000nF1yFCNZ2YXDFwe02Uyy3Q#Podcast_Recommendations ::cough::
* Camera: GoPro Hero 3+ Blackhttp://amzn.to/1RqQ9Pl - I take timelapse photos of almost all of my work. I'm about a year and a half backed up on videos I'd like to put together. Check them out on my YouTube channel.
Hand tools:
* Tape Measure: FastCap 16' Met/stand ProCarpenterhttp://amzn.to/1ROU8HI - I use this to convert from the silly imperial system to the more understandable metric system. Although I keep forgetting and go back to my American public school roots...
* Razor knife: DeWalthttp://amzn.to/1RqQgdG - it's fine. I'll take recommendations.
* Hand screw drivers and pliers: Kleinhttp://amzn.to/1ROUa2c - I'm also a journeyman electrician and these are the standard. I like the multi bit drivers, and the insulated flat head, but the twirly multi bit is the best.
* Hammer and prybars: Stilettohttp://amzn.to/1Y0ZrSJ - found these at JLC Live a couple years back. They're good. Good balance and feel. The feather thin edge of the prybar didn't last nearly as long as I hoped. But I'm pretty rough on my tools.
Power tools:
* Festools:
1. CT-Midi (won at JLCLive!)http://amzn.to/1Y0ZNIX,
2. CT36AChttp://amzn.to/1RqQDVB,
3. TS55REQhttp://amzn.to/1ROUrCa,
4. T18+3http://amzn.to/1ROUqy6,
5. Carvex PSB420http://amzn.to/1RqQK3q,
6. DTS400 my favorite companion for drywall cornershttp://amzn.to/1RqQKR7,
7. Rotex RO150http://amzn.to/1ROUvlt,
8. Domino DF500http://amzn.to/1ROUvC3,
9. Planexhttp://amzn.to/1ROUxK7,
10. OF 1400 EQhttp://amzn.to/1ROUzBK,
11. Kal lightshttp://amzn.to/1ROUz4w
* Fien: 250Qhttp://amzn.to/1Y0ZxK1 - fantastic for the cost, but the cable at the base of the tool is dying, and I'll happily replace it with the Vecturo.
* DeWalt: air compressor, miter saw (I was looking to upgrade to the Kapex, but...), table saw, tile saw
* Collomix X01 hand mixerhttp://amzn.to/1ROUhed - wow, this is fantastic. Variable speed. Easy to hold. Great mix.
* Hilti: SDS hammer drillhttp://amzn.to/1ROUmhR - does it's job well.
Food and Beverage:
* Lunch container: LunchBothttp://amzn.to/1Y0ZHkG - stainless steel containers. Lots of options. Easy.
* Food warmer: HotLogic Minihttp://amzn.to/1ROUn5v - a hot plate in an insulated zipper bag. This will heat up a cold lunch bot to a perfectly eatable temperature and will stay there for hours. I plug it in when I start and it's prefect by lunchtime. Warm food!
* Beverage container: Klean Kanteenhttp://amzn.to/1Y0ZKga - I use the 40 oz for filtered water, and the 20 oz insulated for my daily coffee. I also have a 64 oz as a back up water, and a 64 oz insulated for smoothies, but I use those less often.
What do you think? Find anything you like? Do you use any of these? Have a recommendation for a better tool? Have a question on my tool choice? I'd love to hear all about it. Thanks for reading.
With some of these items I've found the perfect solution. Some I'd love suggestions for better options. I'd also love to see your gear lists in the replies! What are you using? What cool find do you love that doesn't warrant a full post but you're thankful for every use? Here's my list. I hope you enjoy.
Safety:
* Dust mask: North 7700-30Lhttp://amzn.to/1RyyfXw Decent but I'm looking to upgrade. I'm excitedly looking into a supplied air mask, but trying to find something lightweight. Suggestions?
* Safety glasses: UVEX S3970DF Stealth OTG Safety Goggleshttp://amzn.to/1Ryyxh8 - Wow, these are awesome. They almost look and feel like non-tinted snowboarding goggles. Lightweight, great coverage and field of view, and the elastic strap is soft so it doesn't slip or pull my hair.
* Head light: SAVI - USB rechargeable, lots of settings but I mostly use the brightest white setting, and I'll only need to recharge it every few weeks with my usage.
* Knee pads: ProKnee 0714 - so comfortable and fits perfectly. My favorite parts are that they don't slide down my legs because it rests gently the tongue of my shoes, and the wide soft strap doesn't pull my leg hair or cut off circulation. Also my knees seriously feel better than ever.
* Ear protection:
1. Howard Leight Sync Ear Muffshttp://amzn.to/22P2SCD with DeWalt Bluetooth adapterhttp://amzn.to/1SmW4kQ - the earmuffs are quiet and great at reducing noise. The speakers are decent. I appreciate the durability that the DeWalt adapter provides, but there's no mic for calls and the sound quality is poor. I'll take recommendations.
2. Shure SE215Khttp://amzn.to/1SmW986 in-ear monitors with in line mic - aside from being corded, I love these! They fit in the ear with a replaceable foam tip. The tips last about 3-6 months, or longer. And the heads are detachable from the cable, which is great because the cable will die after 4 months of daily use. A couple times I've just bought a new cable, but luckily there is a 1 year warranty and I've received a half dozen free replacements for the cost of shipping one way.
Clothes:
* Work shirt: Carhartt Twill Short Sleevedhttp://amzn.to/1ROTUjD - clean, sharp, and simple. It's great for meetings and working, depending on how clean it is. ; ) I'll take recommendations.
* Pants: Björnkläder Pirate shorthttp://facelineinc.com/index.php?cPath=35 - The Best!! So comfortable. TONS of pockets for consumables and tools. I use these instead of a tool belt. Much more durable than the Armored, Dickies, and Carharrt pants I've tried before, and WAY more comfortable.
* Shoeshttp://amzn.to/1USYJIV (and sockshttp://amzn.to/1qeRw9E): Keen - Keen has steel toed sneakers that are so comfortable, lightweight, and have saved my feet in so many ways. I've had feet problems since I was a kid but I can stand in these all day without complaint. I even wear these on my walks in the park with my wife over my "walking" shoes because they're just so comfortable. Also, Keen has really well thought out socks, with left and right separately marked, and I get the Dura-Zone socks that have a Lifetime Guarantee! No more holes in my socks.
Organization:
* Systainers: You know what's up. Outside of the systainers that come with the tools, I use
1. Midi for paint tools and supplies. I won this from the 2014 video contest.
2. Sys-MFT with clamps, Kals, and 18v batteries.
3. Sys-tool box
4. Sys-storage
* Tool bag: Veto Pro Pac XLThttp://amzn.to/1RFqKAp - I just got this a few weeks ago but so far I love it. There are zippers to close up the tool pockets; no more dropped tools! There's a center laptop pocket, but I use it for my GoPro, tripod and accessories
* Mobile rig: 2010 Toyota Tacoma - I love the access cab. The bed is big enough to hold the loads I feel comfortable with. I have a lock box and lumber rack for more versatility. Decent 22ish MPG.
* Truck lock box: WeatherGuardhttp://amzn.to/1RFrci6 - I had my old lock box broken into at least twice. This new WeatherGuard has had attempted break ins but so far has kept my T18+3, Carvex, Fien, sys-MFT, and CT-Midi safe and dry (until I left the lid open in Portland rain, my bad)
* Home workshop: none : / - I rent an apartment and don't have a home workshop yet. Sigh. One day...
Electronics:
* Mobile computer: iPad Air Space Black 16gb Wifihttp://amzn.to/1ROTZns - I use this to take notes in Numbers during walkthroughs. I also make music in GarageBand, and do some light graphic design. Also FOG lurking. And writing up long lists of the tools I use...
* Phone: iPhone 6 Space Black 64gbhttp://amzn.to/1RqPVb8 - I pretty much run my company on my iPhone. Emails. Emails. And emails. Also the block contact feature is pretty great!
* iPhone car holster: ProClip proclipusa.com
* Battery pack: Zendurehttp://amzn.to/1ROU36C - I had the original from Kickstarter and it was Fantastic until it was stolen. I got the weather resistant one as a replacement, but the door fell off within a month.
* iOS apps:
* BizXpens Tracker: I can track time, materials, and mileage. Easy to use interface, lot's of features, and pretty decent updates. Also the export and back up features are pretty easy and reliable.
* Dropbox: essential for sharing and finding documents.
* PDFOffice: create, edit, and sign PDF's. I use this for all of my contracts and change orders.
* Photo editing: (in order of usage)
1. SnapSeed: edit, crop, and enhance the photos.
2. DipTic: arrange the photos into great collages.
3. Over: add wonderful typography and your company logo as a water mark
4. Instagram: upload for clients and friends to adore! Check out my feed at Instagram.com/rockstarremodel
* OverCast: the best podcast listening app I've used. Free to start and use infinitely. You can support the developer and unlock some great extra features. The developer also makes some great podcasts of his own (ATP, Top Four, Under The Radar) ... Don't get me started on podcast recommendations... ::cough::https://www.icloud.com/numbers/000nF1yFCNZ2YXDFwe02Uyy3Q#Podcast_Recommendations ::cough::
* Camera: GoPro Hero 3+ Blackhttp://amzn.to/1RqQ9Pl - I take timelapse photos of almost all of my work. I'm about a year and a half backed up on videos I'd like to put together. Check them out on my YouTube channel.
Hand tools:
* Tape Measure: FastCap 16' Met/stand ProCarpenterhttp://amzn.to/1ROU8HI - I use this to convert from the silly imperial system to the more understandable metric system. Although I keep forgetting and go back to my American public school roots...
* Razor knife: DeWalthttp://amzn.to/1RqQgdG - it's fine. I'll take recommendations.
* Hand screw drivers and pliers: Kleinhttp://amzn.to/1ROUa2c - I'm also a journeyman electrician and these are the standard. I like the multi bit drivers, and the insulated flat head, but the twirly multi bit is the best.
* Hammer and prybars: Stilettohttp://amzn.to/1Y0ZrSJ - found these at JLC Live a couple years back. They're good. Good balance and feel. The feather thin edge of the prybar didn't last nearly as long as I hoped. But I'm pretty rough on my tools.
Power tools:
* Festools:
1. CT-Midi (won at JLCLive!)http://amzn.to/1Y0ZNIX,
2. CT36AChttp://amzn.to/1RqQDVB,
3. TS55REQhttp://amzn.to/1ROUrCa,
4. T18+3http://amzn.to/1ROUqy6,
5. Carvex PSB420http://amzn.to/1RqQK3q,
6. DTS400 my favorite companion for drywall cornershttp://amzn.to/1RqQKR7,
7. Rotex RO150http://amzn.to/1ROUvlt,
8. Domino DF500http://amzn.to/1ROUvC3,
9. Planexhttp://amzn.to/1ROUxK7,
10. OF 1400 EQhttp://amzn.to/1ROUzBK,
11. Kal lightshttp://amzn.to/1ROUz4w
* Fien: 250Qhttp://amzn.to/1Y0ZxK1 - fantastic for the cost, but the cable at the base of the tool is dying, and I'll happily replace it with the Vecturo.
* DeWalt: air compressor, miter saw (I was looking to upgrade to the Kapex, but...), table saw, tile saw
* Collomix X01 hand mixerhttp://amzn.to/1ROUhed - wow, this is fantastic. Variable speed. Easy to hold. Great mix.
* Hilti: SDS hammer drillhttp://amzn.to/1ROUmhR - does it's job well.
Food and Beverage:
* Lunch container: LunchBothttp://amzn.to/1Y0ZHkG - stainless steel containers. Lots of options. Easy.
* Food warmer: HotLogic Minihttp://amzn.to/1ROUn5v - a hot plate in an insulated zipper bag. This will heat up a cold lunch bot to a perfectly eatable temperature and will stay there for hours. I plug it in when I start and it's prefect by lunchtime. Warm food!
* Beverage container: Klean Kanteenhttp://amzn.to/1Y0ZKga - I use the 40 oz for filtered water, and the 20 oz insulated for my daily coffee. I also have a 64 oz as a back up water, and a 64 oz insulated for smoothies, but I use those less often.
What do you think? Find anything you like? Do you use any of these? Have a recommendation for a better tool? Have a question on my tool choice? I'd love to hear all about it. Thanks for reading.
