[Path-list] Tools for the Bland & SG tool barn.

[Jerry Adams]

Steve’s comments on gas powered equipment are valid.  I learned from some
old pros to use stabilizer in my gas and pay for premium in saws, weed
eaters and atv’s.  I’ve had a lot less issues following that guidance.  I’d
agree that it’s best to dump the gas and run them dry between uses.
At home we’re using stuff weekly.  PATH tools get used monthly at most and
that’s not EVERY piece!  So gas sits in the carb doing it’s best to gum up
the works. 🥴
As for battery tools, like everything else, you pay for what u get.  I’d
opt for a Dewalt or Milwaukee set that has multiple tools and an extra
battery or 2. JMO 😁

Jerry

On Sun, Jul 25, 2021 at 6:11 PM steve lund via Path-list <
path-list at path-at.org> wrote:

> Herb and PATH,
>
> I think the hand tools should be pretty self-explanatory. IMHO cheap tools
> are a poor value proposition. HF is much more miss than hit.  It is rare to
> find a HF tool that is durable and works as it should. They can't even make
> a parts cleaning brush that the bristles won't immediately start falling
> out of!
>
> Unless something has changed that I haven't heard about battery powered
> and top handle (as opposed to rear handle) chainsaws are not covered in the
> USFS saw policy and are therefore not allowed. Saw chaps are ineffective
> against the torque of a battery operated saw.  "top handles" are a special
> purpose arborist saw with greatly increased kickback potential.
>
> As far as gas powered tools go ethanol and old stale gas are the big
> killers of OPE. Since it is unknown when these tools will see their next
> use they should be drained of gas after usage and the carburetors run dry.
> FMST has been using the attached guidelines and it has significantly
> reduced our OPE issues. BTW, chainsaws should be considered a high
> maintenance precision instrument. Forcing the saw to cut with a dull chain
> is another good way to kill a chainsaw.
>
> My $,02,
> Steve
>
>
> On Sun, Jul 25, 2021 at 3:27 PM Herb MacDonald via Path-list <
> path-list at path-at.org> wrote:
>
>> I really wasn't commening on the procedure in place for hand trail
>> tools.  I am a big user of that, with PATH hand tools and my own tools:
>> Pulasski, small folding hand saw, loppers and hand trimmers.  I also have a
>> PATH fire rake, silky saw and calf protectors. We have a good inventory
>> of those types of tools, although they need periodic sharpening/repair.
>> The need is in powered tools, bench tools and powered trimmers/chainsaws
>> with grant funding.  Most of those are very old,incomplete or not
>> maintained.  Chris is right about battery operated powered tools(Bland shed
>> has no electricity). if the batteries are not charged, after their use,
>> they are of no use on a work day.  Perhaps a sign out log with a sign
>> easily read at the barns, detailing expectations on how powered tools are
>> used and returned to the barns?  Maybe Steve Lund could suggest a tool list
>> for our type of work on the trail and tool maintenance.
>>
>> Herb
>>
>> On Sun, Jul 25, 2021 at 10:47 AM Jim Houck via Path-list <
>> path-list at path-at.org> wrote:
>>
>>>
>>> Follow-up rebuttal to Herbs email.
>>> Let's use 2 categories.
>>> 1) Trail tools. Used for trail work.
>>> 2) Shop tools.  Used in the shop.
>>>
>>> 1) Trail tools: I've allowed volunteers to keep club tools in their
>>> possession so as not to have to go by the tool barn to pick up and drop off
>>> every time they wanted to work on the trail.
>>> So far this has worked well and there's no shortage of tools in either
>>> of our tool sheds.
>>> I have complete confidence and trust that our members will do the right
>>> thing.
>>> Hand saws, Loppers & Work gloves: All regular workers should have these
>>> in their possession and bring them when they come to the trail.
>>> If you want a silky saw let me know as I'm going to purchase some more
>>> soon. If you prefer a different type of hand saw purchase it & the club
>>> will reimburse you.
>>> If you don't have your own loppers to bring, purchase a pair & the club
>>> will reimburse you.
>>> Fisker makes some good loppers of different lengths and sizes they are
>>> at Home Depot and Lowe's.
>>> Same for work gloves.
>>> LET ME KNOW ASAP !!
>>>
>>> We DO need someone(s) to oversee & maintain our tools, including our
>>> power equipment.
>>> Winterizing gas powered equipment is essential.
>>> I too am miffed about the missing chainsaw from the Bland shed !
>>>
>>> 2) Shop tools: Wrenches,  Drills, Circular saws, etc.
>>> Chris knows where some of these are stored in the Sugar Grove tool barn.
>>> We need to inventory & decide what we need.
>>> Some need to be cordless & some need to be corded.
>>> We DO need an angle grinder !
>>>
>>> As for "no control", yes & no.
>>> Unless someone steps up to oversee, We'll have to rely on PATH members
>>> to return tools & PUT THEM BACK WHERE THEY BELONG, & NOT JUST PUTTING THEM
>>> DOWN ANYWHERE !!
>>> We need organization to know what we have.
>>>
>>> Any purchases need to be completed before the end of this year to
>>> qualify for Josh's ATC grant.
>>>
>>> Jim
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Sent from my Galaxy Tab®
>>>
>>> -------- Original message --------
>>> From: Herb MacDonald <herbmacdonald999 at gmail.com>
>>> Date: 7/23/21 7:31 PM (GMT-05:00)
>>> To: Jim Houck <houckjw at bellsouth.net>
>>> Cc: Chris Bracknell <wbracknell at juno.com>, Betsy Truscott <
>>> btrus at infionline.net>, Jerry Adams <jeradams106 at gmail.com>, David
>>> Atkinson <1david.atkinson at gmail.com>, David Faucette <
>>> dfaucette1948 at gmail.com>
>>> Subject: Tools for the SG tool barn.
>>>
>>> Jim, I've been doing a little leg work and thinking about your request
>>> to clean up and take an inventory of tools at the tool barn.  Most of
>>> what's there is very old and has not been maintained in years. There are
>>> odds and ends of tools, some incomplete sets with pieces missing.  Adding
>>> in the current issue with members taking tools home, so only they can use,
>>> not maintaining those tools and then not doing the work.  I question buying
>>> replacement tools or new tools.  Many people know the code to get into the
>>> barns and storage cabinets. There is a list on the wall requesting new or
>>> replacement items for the SG Barn, but it is several years old with no
>>> action.  I just don't think buying one tool or many tools is a good move.
>>> There is no control at either barn, tools get taken without anyone knowing
>>> who took them.  New stuff will go missing, need maintenance or get broken
>>> easily.  The same holds true for the chain saws and trimmers you asked
>>> Chris to purchase.   Chris and I personally a few years ago worked one day
>>> maintaining the chain saws and powered trimmers, sorting out the operating
>>> ones from the rest.  Another time we worked with members to maintain and
>>> sharpen the trail hand tools.  Once I found a chain saw at the Bland Shed
>>> completely dull, stuffed with saw dust in the filer area, no operating
>>> tools,no gas, etc.  I took it home, corrected all that and got it running
>>> again (new spark plug & filter).  It shortly disappeared from the shed
>>> when I was counting on it for some work.  Every year some of these gas
>>> operated tools need to be winterized too as well as made ready for the
>>> Summer work season.  Many members use their own personal tools that they
>>> can count on.
>>>
>>> Recently, a Harbor Freight retail store opened in Elkin.  I stopped to
>>> see what they had, which was about everything.  I thought of all the things
>>> we could use in the club, but as I said, I don't think it would be a good
>>> idea with no control or maintenance to keep them there ready to use. For
>>> around $250, I could get a battery operated drill, reciprocating saw, as
>>> well as an angle grinder and a circular saw (corded or battery operated).
>>> Maybe some extra (20V) batteries too.  .What is your pleasure?
>>>
>>> Herb
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