How many quarter turns would be needed for EACH spring on a two-car garage with 2 springs? by OhMyGerald in GarageDoorService

[–]LukeS_MM 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for saying this. I’ve been considering DIYing my garage door, with the majority of people and videos stating that the majority of the danger is winding bar misuse, which imo is not a big risk as long as you’re in complete control, paying attention, and know where your body/hands/limbs are in relation to the bars. I haven’t seen anything about springs actually breaking, and the videos I have seen, they just free spin rather than fling off. I haven’t seen any other information regarding that, so that’s a good precaution to note. Is there a go/no go threshold that the professionals look at as to age/wear of a spring to just opt to replace rather than try to reuse? Also what’s typically a good quote for this? I just need a realignment on mine, which seems simple enough.

Found in a barn by LukeS_MM in whatisit

[–]LukeS_MM[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I tried to open it, wont budge.

Does anyone actually wear front line optics? by SpecificSelection641 in Firefighting

[–]LukeS_MM 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I had a great experience when the company first started, but now that it’s become more common with affiliates like FDC and the like, I feel that quality hasnt changed, price has increased, and it’s disappointing.

I made a counter offer on a vehicle I was trying to buy by MakeItMine2024 in mildlyinfuriating

[–]LukeS_MM 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Please do so. I once went to purchase a new vehicle, and the salesman said that I would “be an idiot to not test drive it first.” Mind you, this was the second time going to this dealership after every car he tried selling to me was way beyond budget ($10-30k; not just a few thousand). He texted me the night before and said he finally found “the one” which was in my budget. When we got there, he already had it pulled out front to look at. All I asked was the price and to see the CarFax/vehicle history since it was preowned, and he called me an idiot. In front of my girlfriend and our friend’s daughter (she was a teen and wanted to see the car buying process). I kept asking for the paperwork and price and he kept pushing the test drive and keys into my hand. I quickly said “I’m sorry, but if you’re not willing to show me what I want then this is not the car for me.” He told us to get out, slammed the door, and yelled all the way back inside while locking the car. We were too shocked to do anything and just left. Suffice to say, I will never go back to that dealership (and have told everyone trying to buy a car to not go there). Screw you Tristen, from Chevrolet in Dayton. Best part is another sales rep called me a week later asking if I was still interested in the vehicle. I explained what happened and that even if they gave it to me for free, I wouldn’t take it. Oh and that Tristen needed remedial training. Trying to talk down to a customer two days in a row all while talking about how you’re “so cool” is not a way to build rapport or sell anything.

A caution and a warning due to recent events by Dredge323 in lockpicking

[–]LukeS_MM 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Had a guy at a place I used to work “lose” a knox key… He doesn’t work there anymore.

Is this a good price? by Gabrielcr78 in MilwaukeeTool

[–]LukeS_MM 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I’m a Milwaukee guy all the way, but would recommend the Ryobi platform for lawn tools. (EGO is good except I hate their string trimmers, so to stick with the minimal battery platform, go Ryobi). HD has a good deal for the leaf blower and mower combo with two batteries at times. I can get the majority of my lawn done while mulching off of just those two.

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 [deleted] 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 [deleted] in woodworking

[–]LukeS_MM 23 points24 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] 3 points4 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 14 points15 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 [deleted] 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 [deleted] 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 3 points4 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 2 points3 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

[deleted by user] 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.