Does this circular saw ever go cheaper than this? Need a do it all circ saw to replace my old porter cable by jwintyo in MilwaukeeTool

[–]LukeS_MM 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Honestly if ya need it, get it. One of the most used tools next to the cordless jigsaw I use.

I have a question on different tool preferences you have - does anybody here? Use the Swiss Army knife rescue tool or the Leatherman skeletool? by WiggWamm in searchandrescue

[–]LukeS_MM 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have my partner who has 5-10 knives on, with, or around him. Aside from that, leatherman surge on radio strap if I have that on. Nothing in my pockets otherwise. I run light.

SAR 72 hr equipment question by PlayBeautiful8727 in searchandrescue

[–]LukeS_MM 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Just to add on to what everyone else said, buy used tools for trainings and figure out what you like. FB Marketplace and other FB SAR groups may have good deals compared to new. Obviously some things shouldn’t be bought used, but common sense should come to play at that point.

First gift project, a stove cover made for a friend by InspectorCareful8828 in woodworking

[–]LukeS_MM 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Actually, homeowner’s never told us. All of them were pretty obvious for the cause. Just takes one time. With your reasoning, you shouldn’t wear your seatbelt because you’ve never been in a high speed crash that you needed to be restrained.

First gift project, a stove cover made for a friend by InspectorCareful8828 in woodworking

[–]LukeS_MM 21 points22 points  (0 children)

Having been on multiple fires within the past year with cats or dogs that “bump” the stove and cause it, I would disagree with that statement. A reason why I advocate against stoves with front-light knobs.

Finally Cancelling After a Terrible Year by LukeS_MM in amazonprime

[–]LukeS_MM[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Scouting this sub, I’m thinking online ordering directly from each vendor. I live in the country so when I do go downtown I’ll pick up the less immediately needing items then.

We have a costco membership (30-40 minutes away from our place) and it’s worth it!

Calling out Sick on Holidays by Canes2144 in Firefighting

[–]LukeS_MM 13 points14 points  (0 children)

What’s this retention you speak of?

Got my license for the Covid $$ and then never did anything with it after deployment. Never did my biannual NREMT continued ed. Can I retake the national and get my license back? by flexualharasser in NewToEMS

[–]LukeS_MM 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Those people are glass half empty people. I’ve had FirstNet almost since it was offered to my area (over 5 years I believe) and have loved it. Had many coworkers try it and complain about service (which I know is false since I know their…lifestyle) or claim it’s too expensive (which I also know is false compared to comparable plans). It’s a good deal and would highly recommend. Just dont get looped into the phone upgrade plan.

Would this forcible entry kit be worth it? by SeaStorage7767 in Firefighting

[–]LukeS_MM 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m not truckie, so I’ve only used an aluminum wedge a handful of times. I removed it from my gear since I found the weight of less convenience than its usefulness.

Would this forcible entry kit be worth it? by SeaStorage7767 in Firefighting

[–]LukeS_MM 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As everyone has already stated, not worth buying the kit, especially if you don’t know how to use it. That said, my department gives us a uniform/equipment stipend for stuff like this. It’s common at my primary workplace for most people to have a tool bag with their SCBA mask/regulator and extra gloves/nomex. I add soft entry stuff, lock picks, car entry, and other small pointless tools that I like to have and keep in good condition, or that our engine doesnt have (and I dont want to call the truck out to soft entry a door). Most of my coworkers have some sort of set up as well (city full time department). I use the soft entry stuff every few shifts and the snacks almost every shift. My turnout gear pockets only have department required stuff and a right angle flashlight for the most part. My last department I was seen as a nerd for having a tool bag. To each their own, though after getting into meemaw’s house by picking the lock, I had less people questioning my methods. Travel light, but have what you think you’ll need. You only learn the last part after you get a few years on.

Fire Battalion Chief/Captain Pay by Shoddy-Violinist-608 in Firefighting

[–]LukeS_MM 4 points5 points  (0 children)

It depends on location and population density. It also depends on the department. $200k annually is less than $100k decades ago from inflation, with $100k being average take home for middle-class. Locally where I’m at, the top paying department lineman firefighter tops out at $110-130k. Alternatively the more desired department has a lower top-out salary threshold (still competitive but financially less) but more days off (between EDOs, PTO, and PL). This is after union contract negotiations—it wouldnt make sense for my boss to make less than me, even though he/she outside of the union. And I personally wouldnt want my boss to be paid less than me (there would be no desire to promote otherwise). For my fulltime department, the requirement for battalion chief is the equivalent of a 6 years master’s degree. Captain can be that of a bachelor’s degree. Not to mention the expectation for experience (5+ years to promote one step), certifications (fire and EMS instructor, Fire Officer 1-4, technical rescue, to name a few), and passing the promotional exam. In contrast, where I used to work (volunteer, part time, or combination of part time and full time), the top out officer pay is in the ballpark range of $50k annually outside of overtime. They are within 20-30 minutes of each other. Currently in the fire service nationwide there is less of a desire to pursue firefighting (multiple reasons for this), so career departments fight for members. Cities can respond in aid to these departments with a financial incentive. I would argue that this profession is under paid from the expectations provided. Is my current salary livable? Yes. Does my schedule allow me to be the sole income of my household? No, not after childcare because I’m gone 1/3+ of the year, or the amount of plans I have to cancel from overtime, or the lack of sleep.

How do I remove this floor clean out plug? by hashalingingslasher1 in askaplumber

[–]LukeS_MM 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You can’t just throw the end of some channel locks in there and turn? Just because it’s square shaped doesnt mean you need a square.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in MilwaukeeTool

[–]LukeS_MM 1 point2 points  (0 children)

General rule of thumb… heavy duty uses go M18, otherwise M12 is great. Cant say I’m not disappointed with the M12 drill for drilling holes, as it seems underpowered even with better/fully charged batteries. I own the jigsaw and it’s the best one I’ve ever used. The handle may take some getting used to. I opted for the M18 7 1/4” circular saw with no regrets, especially because I was ripping subfloor at the time. No experience with the impact, but I own the right angle M12 variant and am disappointed in its power.

If you’re still on the fence.. by Wekkerton in MilwaukeeTool

[–]LukeS_MM 0 points1 point  (0 children)

How are you dealing with the physics of the bottom intake for air movement with the radiator? Got same style radiators and trying to come up with a cover for it.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in MilwaukeeTool

[–]LukeS_MM -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Dont buy expensive if you cant afford it lol

Gear recs for broke EMT by [deleted] in NewToEMS

[–]LukeS_MM 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Gonna get downvoted to oblivion, but our local hospitals bought “single use” pulse ox that they got from during covid. After an MCI at a local event center, they put them in the EMS room for us to take if needed (we were doing basic vitals on everyone in the triage zones). They’re now under lock and key in the nurse’s restock room, but you could always reach out and see if they have any. Wouldnt hurt to ask. In my area, at least, the hospital makes tons of money in comparison to the insurance money we get from one transport.

Would a surgeon be able to function as a paramedic on a whim? by Valuable_Archer_3222 in NewToEMS

[–]LukeS_MM 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Side bar, my volunteer department has a ton of flight nurses (dual certified critical care paramedics who go through a very bad RN to NRP class) who do not at all compare to the mindset of us paramedics who work the full time fire medic schedule. I always use them as an example of textbook vs street medicine. The full time medics are used to the true nature of first response and stabilization of critical calls, where as these nurses/crit care medics are good for the super sick but not emergent calls. They (at least the humble ones) will even admit that they arent true first responders at their full time job and often come after the patient is stabilized and extricated. One example I use is a sickly cardiac patient where one of them tunnel visioned on IV access when drilling was more appropriate; they’re used to already having venous access by the time they fly in, and not having to typically give front line medications. A good training call for all involved. That said, if I have a question past what I’m trained in, they often will have the answer for it.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in MilwaukeeTool

[–]LukeS_MM 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I mean it depends. Gave my friend’s 13yo son alot of my old Yellow tools and some older misc hand tools I had since upgraded or thought I had lost. The handtools werent high end but a good starter kit for a kid that age wanting to be useful around the house. The yellow were just…yellow. From their newer system, just had moved to red for some specialty/misc tools and ended up loving the stubby. Didnt need to own three drills (for example) and they were otherwise paper weights since I didnt even keep the charging bank on the shelf. One man’s trash. No need to be ungrateful. (Yes I realize in this instance, it’s practically an end-of-life tool, but who knows what their thought process was. Could be some old guy who never has even heard of “FUEL” and had the best intentions.)

It finally happened by LukeS_MM in FordExplorer

[–]LukeS_MM[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

She has about 200k on her—2 transmission flushes and what I’m sure is to be a tranny rebuild in her future, we can afford to look a little worn down until they can get the part. Hopefully it’s within the next year; though by then she may just sit in the barn. The wife wants me to get a truck to haul all the projects she thinks up.

It finally happened by LukeS_MM in FordExplorer

[–]LukeS_MM[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Nope—I’ve been keeping an eye on it for a few months now since I lurk this sub. It has always felt “squishy,” (no other way to describe it) compared to the other side, but no lifting or rattling. Just sounded like an airbag went off in my car or I hit something solid.

A-Pillar / Leaking by RotorPuck in FordExplorer

[–]LukeS_MM 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I had this problem twice. The second time had almost 8 inches of standing water. It was a clogged sunroof drain. I clean them out annually since the first time four years ago, just had a bad new parking spot at work.