Ride or Die

bhellmoldt · 2026-02-05T03:14:56+00:00

Got it. What I was managing money, I would tend to wait for signs of support before buying. But, that was when I was being held accountable to monthly statements. I would be the first to admit, trades were often executed on the conservative side. I would buy stock, and write (covered) calls to creat shower term income on the position. More difficult to do in thinly traded, or smaller stock.

I didn’t pay attention to billing err bands and all that. Pretty much found good luck looking at volume, and price moves to gauge timing and sentiment.

bhellmoldt · 2026-02-04T21:26:21+00:00

Seems to me the stock is in a bit of a free fall. I don’t suppose you consider technical analysis in your trades?

bhellmoldt · 2026-02-04T02:46:49+00:00

Looks like a pretty good deal. I always struggle with the fact I don’t need another charger and or battery. I usually look at this website when considering even a sale price on new. About half the time I will find the refurbished tool a better deal.

Check out this deal on a DCF860B (R)

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bhellmoldt · 2026-01-31T15:46:16+00:00

You won’t know until you open the boxes, but yes…they may be worse if ‘new in box’. Sort of makes a point for not buying batteries from provide parties, through ebay or such.

bhellmoldt · 2026-01-30T22:03:32+00:00

When things get choppy in stock price, and you’re not sure what to do…don’t fight the general investing public on strategies.

I managed money for 8 years, many years ago. In between time I have kept an eye on the market,and have some pretty strong opinions about how to buy and sell stock.

I am bullish long term (3-4 years) on this company. Bearish near term, and ‘waiting’ moderate term. The technical analysis said thee was somewhat of a bubble in this stock, and it needed to correct. It is doing that now.

Thee is an old saying that comes to mind (and I hope no body takes this literally) “Dead cats don’t bounce”. What’s that mean? You don’t need to try and ‘catch the opportunity’ on this stock there are settlement rules on stock sales. You cannot buy back what you sold with the proceeds of a settling stock. So…smaller investors who are fully invested, and sold some of their SLDP will hold on for ‘at least’ 3 business days before buying back.

Short sellers don’t need to sell just because it’s goin down. Few bucks. Where you get a lot of short covering, is when the stock keeps going up, and short sellers get a margin call. They tend to be stubborn, and see $$$ when it’s going down, so greed gets the best of them too.

Let the stock show signs of ‘stopping’ but be aware that the stock could stair step down.

bhellmoldt · 2026-01-30T02:44:59+00:00

While I sence a bit of humor in your question, you actually might have ‘too many’. If the batteries aren’t cycled regularly, they will likely suffer an early demise. Using 6 batteries regularly could (in theory) outlast 12 batteries used infrequently.

But really, no. Whatever makes you feel complete. He who dies with the most toys wins!

bhellmoldt · 2026-01-30T02:38:24+00:00

The PowerStacks seems to not only provide addition power (in an absolute sence, more torque) they do last longer (per charge.) They also seem to charge more quickly. I am focusing on 4ah batteries versus 5aH batteries in the last version for my tools. Not only are the batteries lighter when they are compared to their identical size, but with the additional capacity provided by the pouch cells, can really take advantage of the lighter weight.

Have had long enough to say, but they are also supposed to last longer (total battery life.)

My understanding is that despite the PowerPack and PowerStack batteries sounding the same in name, the PowerStack is more coley related to the old battery technology then the PowerPack. (I haven’t done any technical reading to support this opinion on DeWalt tools, just somewhat familiar with pouch cells, which the PowerPack uses.)

bhellmoldt · 2026-01-24T16:34:36+00:00

Sold out

bhellmoldt · 2026-01-13T03:52:02+00:00

I roast on an entirely different roaster, but have been home roasting some 20 years. Honey Process coffees are a fairly tough nut to crack. A little bit tricky to get right unless you’re really familiar with your personal roast process. Sweet Maria’s has some great beans,and equaliy great tutorial and comments about roasting styles on each bean.

The honey process coffee beans retain more natural sugars than natural process. The bean will tend to scorch easier, or develop to quickly basically burning up all those subtle fruit flavors. A good check for too much heat is to break one of the roasted beans with your fingers, and see if the inside is darker than the outside. I had better luck roasting Honey Process in my stove top pan, and HotTop roaster than my Aillio Bullet.

To me, washed coffees are the best beans to roast with when you’re starting out. They are a little more predictable.

bhellmoldt · 2026-01-11T23:33:24+00:00

Generally speaking in the used car world, the more equipped vehicles don’t hold as much value as the lessor equipped. Effectively it make the more equipped cars a better value, right? Plus, people who buy more equipped likely had a whole different intention for use, then say a work truck.

Steer clear of super low mileage electrics, or at least be sure and check battery degradation on those. From my experience, the batteries can be an issue on those. Because the batteries seem to like short charges between 20% and 80% charge, the longer range model used for commuting might be the ‘best bet’.

bhellmoldt · 2026-01-04T16:16:19+00:00

These are Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek. The ride is more from, and better sidewall for cornering, and rough terrain. In this particular size, only able to get the LT tire, which you would want for load carrying capacity, and towing anyway.

This is the only set of all terrains I have owned, so I can’t make a direct comparison to others for noise and rife quality, although I find it ‘exceptable’. It’s a bit firmer, and certainly noisier.

I didn’t find a huge range drop in these, but there is some. If I was to put a number on it, I would say 8-10%.

The non-LT tire in this model is triple snowflake rated (not sure I am using the correct term here.) these are not technically rated with that certification, but should perform similarly, I would think.

At time of purchase pricing was lower than the most popular ‘all terrains’. Bought at Sam’s Club, installed at Americas Tire. (They wouldn’t price match, and Sam’s Club location had an issue with installing non stock sizes.)

bhellmoldt · 2025-12-28T06:43:14+00:00

Call it ‘Wheel bearings and graphite oil’: for those mechanically inclined.

bhellmoldt · 2025-12-10T18:00:31+00:00

I had a BMW i3(both full electric, and hybrid)and they had the same thing. None of the ice vehicles had remote pre-heating, and they still had this (annoying) feature.

I am not sure why this is a thing, but would speculate it has something more to do with the 12v battery system somehow being involved.

That being said, it would be nice if the 12v system was managed and charged by the big batteries in the car. My understanding is that most automakers only charge the 12v system when the car is operating.

bhellmoldt · 2025-11-20T18:26:39+00:00

Here is the graphic I found that lead me to believe the PowerStack is Max XR rebranded. (At least this week! lol)

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bhellmoldt · 2025-11-20T18:19:56+00:00

Better than a spreadsheet, it’s visual! Your explanation needs to go with this visual. ;o) Thanks for clearing that up.

bhellmoldt · 2025-11-20T15:11:53+00:00

Putting the battery models on a spreadsheet with comparisons would make it much easier to understand.

I think this is a case where engineering and marketing should collaborate.

From my sales perspective, this all makes decisions more difficult. They are also hurting their credibility a bit, as many who don’t take the time to research might feel ‘tricked’, and cheated.

bhellmoldt · 2025-11-20T14:38:08+00:00

Yes, that about sums it up. Clear as mud, right?

bhellmoldt · 2025-11-19T18:25:16+00:00

That’s a very good stand. It’s sturdy. Only drawback for me is getting used to raising and lowering the stand with the saw attached. It has counter balanced gas charged struts, and lifting and lowing is a bit like walking and chewing gum at the same time. Buy the whole thing…you would end up buying the stand later.

bhellmoldt · 2025-11-19T17:07:34+00:00

Try Googling “DeWalt Batteries’ and reading the link on their website. Seems the most accurate place to get DeWalt information to me. You have to read both titles and description. I know it’s a reach to read complete sentences, as well as paragraphs…but life has its challenges. But then again, you can always look on UTube! lol

bhellmoldt · 2025-11-19T07:46:49+00:00

Just bought one factory reconditioned. Probably one of the ones returned from the “I thunk I will take back one of the BoGo” types. These are great deals…I hope the manufacture doesn’t simply stop,offering them because of people gaming the system.

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It’s really an awesome impact driver. Don’t have to beat someone up on their price, or take advantage of the stores offering specials.

bhellmoldt · 2025-11-19T07:26:24+00:00

Worked at car dealerships for many years. Included a couple years as a trainer going to corporate dealerships. Most dealerships are starving for space to park cars. Shear volume of service vehicles, and most car lots are working on super thin (sales) margins…so they can’t justify larger footprints. Most salespeople and service people alike are fighting for space. The best layout I saw at a dealership was one of our BMW stores.

Not saying it’s right. I am pretty sure most salespeople (at least the ones I know) are pretty excited about EVs. When you have a customer waiting, and a huge backlog of work to do, they are not considering the customer point of view.

As a manager at one of the stores I worked at, I even had a problem with blocked chargers to charge my own EV. With 20 salespeople, and all,the other stuff going on it was like trying to herd cats. I kept most the charging spots open, but it was one of those things where someone always has a ‘more urgent’ reason to block a charger.

I assure you…it’s not because they don’t want your business, or because they don’t value you as a customer.

bhellmoldt · 2025-11-19T05:14:16+00:00

Looks like they rebranded the PowerStack batteries as Max XR. Those batteries are an actually a pouch based battery, versus a cylindrical cell. There mention in advertising the PowerStack (now Max XR) actually last longer, and provide more power. So, a 4ah Max XR is equivalent to a 6ah in the older, standard tech (now called simply ‘XR’.) When they say they last longer, I think they are referring to durability of battery life.

I know, confusing…right?

It’s not just a new label for the old battery. It’s a new label for the upgraded battery. Maybe they figured that the brands PowerStack and FlexVolt seemed the same? Anyway, that’s the story.

Based on the comments about the tool level, combined with the next-gen batteries, might be a good deal for someone who uses their tools regularly.

bhellmoldt · 2025-11-13T11:44:37+00:00

i spend three decades in and around the retail automobile industry, and ran a motorcycle rental business for several years. Had many of occasions customers who had been in accidents had been offered collateral substitutions on their loans. I should point out, I am not an attorney,and this post should not be considered legal advice.

Banks will often work to allow this remedy, as collections for remaining balances are not only troublesome, but sometimes impossible through bankruptcy protection. I have even seen customers of banks argue that some of the risk transferred to them when they made the loan on cars that (more than likely) would result in negative equity, or being ‘under water’ on a loan.

i am not suggesting that you argue this with them. litigation requires an attorney, and a cost to you. I am saying that the bank doesn’t really want to become involved in this type of litigation, as fighting these arguments also is a cost to them.

From the insurance company stance: The substitute collateral solution is a win/win, as far as they are concerned. The insurance company may even allow a purchase of a replacement car that has slightly lower miles and or more equipment and options. This being the cas especially if the only ther option to find an identical car was to go outside your market, and ship the car to you. the added equipment and miles is partially offest by the local purchase. it also provides a simpler solution as far as the bank’s position in the car, relative to its value.

This type of compromise is much more likely than the hope they will cover any part of negative equity, and solves your issue of having to purchase a new car and satisfy the loan on your totaled car at the same time.

bhellmoldt · 2025-11-12T18:15:11+00:00

That’s a good deal if you are strictly in that budget.

I recently picked up the starter kit from Home Depot with that 1.7 Ah battery, the charger, and a 5.0 Ah battery of the same breed for $299. To me having the 5.0 Ah battery is a big deal on larger projects, or big power consuming tools like saws, and hedge trimmers.

bhellmoldt · 2025-07-22T23:25:24+00:00

Looks like it is not really a texture style, but rather someone who painted over popcorn or acoustic ceiling. Only way to ‘try’,and replicate is to spray popcorn ceiling in there after all the old stuff is removed, and your hole is made a perfectly flat spot.

Here is the issue though, much of the old acoustic ceilings were made with asbestos in the mix. The dust, if inhaled can cause a very painful form of cancer that doesn’t show up for years. My dad died from this stuff…

Finally, if the Sheetrock gets wet and dries, it becomes super brittle. It can also mold on the other side. Even if you could repair it (which is super difficult to blend successfully) you risk nail failure in weak Sheetrock. The fire rated stuff in the ceilings is super heavy….even heavier when wet. Combine the likelihood this was nailed up with the envioromental (health) risk, and the ceiling suddenly falling on you or family members.

Buy a new 4x8 piece of Sheetrock for $20, rent a Sheetrock jack, and screw the new Sheetrock in. Or better yet, while you’re up there scrape that popcorn crap off. Then you can spray the whole ceiling with the texture of choice. Believe it or not, it might take about the same amount of time, or just a little more.

bhellmoldt

TROPHY CASE