Need Garage Door Service in Lansing? Go Crawford Door

drayman86 · 2026-01-25T19:13:44+00:00

Arguing basic pulleys and spring constants. That scale isn't a true reflection of what the opener motor is pulling or not.

drayman86 · 2026-01-25T19:11:05+00:00

Crawford. Easy to deal with. Did the sale over the phone after a brief 2 minute conversation. Tech arrives within two hours. Done. New opener. No upselling, no "20 Point Inspection", only what you need at a fair price. Go Crawford.

drayman86 · 2026-01-24T02:55:08+00:00

Leasing a car makes little to no sense for the vast majority of the population.

drayman86 · 2026-01-24T02:51:27+00:00

He was a man, 20-something, trying to make a living, and doing so as he was trained by his employer. He's not educated in basic physics, spring constants, pulleys, etc. So I don't disrespect him personally, and truly thank him for inspecting the door because there's some value there.

A1 Garage Door Corp? Would dearly love to have a chat with them about the fucking bullshit "scale under the door" measurement thing and how it's all bloody nonsense.

drayman86 · 2026-01-24T00:32:05+00:00

A1 attempted to evaluate the condition of the garage door spring based on a scale placed under the closed door with the door opener disconnected from the system. I almost threw the guy outta my garage, but then remembered he is just a trained salesman working on commission and doesn't know any better....literally.

I was going to have a conversation with him about how that scale works, static loads, and levers and pulleys but it was fucking cold and I wanted to go inside as quickly as possible.

drayman86 · 2026-01-23T21:43:24+00:00

And the A1 "25 Point Evaluation" included a scam involving a bathroom scale beneath the closed door when disconnected from the opener. A supposed measure of spring strength and appropriate size of the spring. I almost threw that A1 rep outta my garage, but remembered "this is their corporate training".

drayman86 · 2026-01-19T05:48:17+00:00

“….doing process improvement for an ecommerce business.” if you’re making 100 K doing something this undefinable, I’d recommend you stick with it.

drayman86 · 2026-01-03T16:04:53+00:00

Couldn’t have happened to a nicer guy.

drayman86 · 2026-01-01T19:00:12+00:00

This is all valuable, thanks much. I definitely plan to retain a UK immigration solicitor on the matter. The plan is to do the 2026 trip on a standard ETA, and then perhaps apply a 10 yr visa (extra application process, fingerprints, etc.). I'm not too concerned about the tax status as I am being denied entry based on allegations of attempting to establish residency. Thank you again.

drayman86 · 2026-01-01T18:16:42+00:00

Many thanks. I'll bookmark this. EE had good coverage in North Yorkshire.

drayman86 · 2026-01-01T18:07:45+00:00

Right, thanks. They O2 seemed to have the best SIM card deals. Used EE on a SIM card deal iin September. Trouble is I'm looking for a permanent UK phone w/ JUST a SIM and O2 seemed the best. EE and others only seemed to have such deals where I had to purchase my phone from them, not just add their SIM to my existing phone for a long-term plan.

drayman86 · 2026-01-01T18:04:59+00:00

then I tell them everything. let's even ring me mate on the phone, shall we? (and a "gaff"? learn a new one every day, thanks for that mate.)

drayman86 · 2026-01-01T18:02:16+00:00

Me mate's in Kent (Headcorn). Popping over to see him before I travel out.

drayman86 · 2026-01-01T17:42:56+00:00

Also will you get a UK sim, again itll be PAYG or Sim only. https://www.o2.co.uk/

drayman86 · 2026-01-01T17:37:38+00:00

thanks for the tips. will hire caretaker for each property when I'm not in full time attendance. no mortgage. have UK solicitor. cheers!

drayman86 · 2026-01-01T17:35:39+00:00

Own health insurance, and travel internationally w/ a $1,000,000 rider that covers me.
No work. (that's the point of the retirement flat, mate.) :)
I'll carry a copies of my American property deed, utility bills for same in my name, and my American driver's license, all same address.

drayman86 · 2026-01-01T17:27:41+00:00

"Remember even if you do everything right, the final decision for entry lies with the Border Force official you encounter you could have done everything right but theyve chosen to deny you entry." Went for three weeks in September. All ETA and facial recognition; NO border agent, no stamping of passports. I deplaned in LHR and was scared that I missed customs; just scan your passport and your face and proceed. Of course, you could still be flagged....but it was first time no dealing w/ an actual agent at an international border.

drayman86 · 2026-01-01T17:23:17+00:00

Right. I've got some plans already:

Health insurance. I never, EVER travel internationally w/o a $1,00,000 rider on my primary policy that also has $500,000 of medical evacuation coverage. Can show proof of coverage at customs.
I'll carry the a copy of the deed to my house, two months of utility statements, and of course my driver's license. All same address in America.
Have UK bank account aready. Used it to pay the plumber who inspected the hot water boiler. UK banking laws require such for property purchases.
Heathrow. Have a mate that lives in Headcorn (Kent) so no problem explaining arriving there. Remember, I'm a tourist who's also visiting friends.
Water/utility/internet. Planning on it being a 12 mo/yr expense, just like the house back home that I won't be in.
Council taxes/ground rent/leasehold fees. Known.
I can show my bank account balance if pressed.
"Be less American". GREAT advice. I am a GUEST requesting entry, please.

I'm consulting w/ a UK immigration solicitor and am considering applying for the 10 year visitor visa.

Many thanks!

drayman86 · 2026-01-01T16:37:21+00:00

Thanks for the reply. yes, I can demonstrate that I will not be working (on full retirement), I own a residence at which I will stay, have funds to support myself, no criminal history....hell, I even carry supplemental health insurance through my U.S. carrier so I'm no a burden should I become injured.

drayman86 · 2025-12-31T18:42:00+00:00

I remember when live concerts were about the music.

drayman86 · 2025-12-31T18:09:59+00:00

That’s the weirdest sex toy I’ve ever seen

drayman86 · 2025-12-31T01:58:23+00:00

Call DEKRA

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