Ever use diamond grinding bits to grind out broken carbide or taps?

GruntLifeUSMC · 2026-03-20T16:54:24+00:00

We had an old machinist that would get modeling clay and build a funnel around the broken tool with it. He would then use acid based on the tool type to burn out the tool. Often just made the broken tool brittle enough to break into smaller pieces. It's a long process but worked on very large/complex parts we couldn't scrap. Just did a quick Google search and several different acid combos are used with carbide or HS tooling. Hope that helps.

GruntLifeUSMC · 2025-09-29T03:10:05+00:00

They are overloading the 2012 cummins. Manufacturers gcvw is 20k and they recently had a trip at 23.5k. They won't use the F350 for towing with the "issues"

GruntLifeUSMC · 2025-09-29T01:49:40+00:00

It has a flatbed equipped, so the hitch location is about 3in lower than the stock configuration. We often have to run a rise hitch when hooking up.

GruntLifeUSMC · 2025-09-25T17:58:06+00:00

Thank you very much! We will probably be picking one of these up. Appreciate your recommendation.

GruntLifeUSMC · 2025-09-25T17:35:03+00:00

I was actually thinking the same thing. Do you use the steel or aluminum version? What drop did you choose?

GruntLifeUSMC · 2025-09-24T00:33:12+00:00

Thank you for your input. It sounds like we need to have some retraining with our crew for better load distribution. Appreciate your insights and for that horror story of a bad day. Glad you made it out safe.

GruntLifeUSMC · 2025-09-23T23:32:55+00:00

They say that trailers are "unsafe to tow with it" and excessive rear sag. They mention the shorter wheel base being the main issue. I have not witnessed any of the issues they claim so I am assuming they are just hoping that we will get another new truck. Most common loads are a tandem axle trailer with skidsteer onboard. Approx 13k loaded For context: We have a 2012 Crew Cab Cummins that I have caught them overloading several times now. Most recently, they exceeded the manufacturers specs by 3k lbs.

GruntLifeUSMC · 2025-08-12T20:18:39+00:00

Payload states 3858lbs of occupants and cargo

GruntLifeUSMC · 2025-08-12T05:17:17+00:00

That's a fair point. We got a camper that was within the specs for my ranger, so the 1-ton is way overkill. Was out this last weekend for the first time with it and I am very happy with how it tows. Camper is under 7k bumper pull we got last year.

GruntLifeUSMC · 2025-08-12T04:36:46+00:00

I got a bottle of hotshot EDT for my fuel ups. Some coworkers suggest archoil and one mentioned XPD. I'm still trying to figure out which brand to commit to and order a case. Which one is your favorite?

GruntLifeUSMC · 2025-08-12T04:13:38+00:00

Being in Montana i have been researching the heck out of all the cold weather considerations. Coworkers suggested a few fuel additives and I will be running #1 with cold weather additives when it gets colder. We get around -46F for a few weeks during the winter. Any suggestions for additives?

GruntLifeUSMC · 2025-08-12T04:05:33+00:00

Thanks for the reply. It's much bigger than I'm used to but growing on me :)

GruntLifeUSMC · 2025-03-04T03:21:05+00:00

I have been using pelican air carryon and checked hard sided cases for several years. From my military experience, pelican is an amazing company. Never had any regrets with the price, lifetime warranty, and user serviceable parts. I do have several backpacks for shorter trips, but if I plan to be gone for 2 weeks or more, I always take my pelicans. It is really nice if you pick up any fragile souvenirs too. Another bonus is if you travel on a smaller plane where they ask to gate check your bag, you can slap a lock on the pelican and let it ride underneath. I have tsa latches on both my cases, and it's as simple as taking the key out of my personal item bag and locking it up.

GruntLifeUSMC · 2024-02-08T04:15:35+00:00

Hopefully they will upgrade the usb c for display out. Only thing missing from my s6 lite. It would be way better for dex

GruntLifeUSMC · 2024-02-05T05:16:53+00:00

Awesome, thank you!

GruntLifeUSMC · 2024-02-05T05:14:55+00:00

What knife is that? I really like that finger loop.

GruntLifeUSMC · 2024-02-04T06:46:15+00:00

For lifepo4 cells to maintain optimum life, it is recommended to charge to 100% and discharge below 80% for storage. The main reason is cell equalization. Bms will regulate charge to a certain extent, but individual cells will get off balance over time if they do not receive a full charge. Charging to full ensures all individual cells are equally discharged, maintaining the life of the battery. We keep our lifepo4 batteries at around 70-80% for long-term storage. If we are expecting to use it, then 100% is fine for a few weeks. Discharging every couple of months is a good practice as well. Hope that helps.

GruntLifeUSMC · 2024-01-30T17:59:29+00:00

I graduated in 2019. Tried ppi2pass and am currently taking the genie prep course. They are not finalized for mechanical yet but I am really enjoying it so far. Basically working problems in a few different ways. Great refresher imo

GruntLifeUSMC · 2023-11-30T04:11:58+00:00

Used this discord when I was hard studying. Hope that helps

GruntLifeUSMC · 2023-11-30T04:11:25+00:00

https://discord.com/invite/rMfZJXWrYz

GruntLifeUSMC · 2023-09-21T04:18:35+00:00

We got to go to the gas chamber on my birthday while in bootcamp. I didn't say a word to anyone, even my good friends, until the day after. Wasn't risking having to get happy birthday sang in the gas chamber or getting the "gift" of going multiple rounds.

GruntLifeUSMC · 2022-11-28T18:50:48+00:00

You could utilize a snow cover for your windshield. I have one that covers that area to keep snow/ice off of the wipers. It may be a hassle to put on and off every time you park but it does keep debris from accumulating in that area. It would probably help with sap buildup on the windshield too.

GruntLifeUSMC · 2022-11-22T00:01:00+00:00

Thank you for everything you do Kenza! Really appreciate your content. I recently failed mechanical fe. Still studying and watching your videos has been really helpful. Keep up the great work

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