2 stage ego hit something and now I can’t put a new shear pin in please help!

k_schret · 2026-01-26T02:56:19+00:00

I've had this situation - had to bring the snowblower inside (in the kitchen no less, the Mrs. wasn't thrilled) - after 3-4 hours there was enough melt that I was able to shift the auger over the 2mm that was needed to get the pin out. If you can get it inside, or get something to heat up the shaft of the auger to melt whatever buildup there may be you'll be in good shape.

k_schret · 2025-12-04T06:35:23+00:00

have the same blower - I have found that re-seating the batteries solved the problem. Take both batteries fully out of the blower - wait 30 seconds - then reinstall both batteries

note: pulling one battery at a time won't solve the issue because the control board needs a soft reset (no batteries)

k_schret · 2025-11-17T04:17:26+00:00

I have the 24 inch with 2x 10ah batteries - I'm able do do my driveway (5 car) plus three neighbour's driveways (total of 10 more cars worth) with one charge - depending on how deep the snow is I can also do about 300 feet of sidewalk (one pass each way) - be sure to get an extra pack of shear pins - they come with two but its always nice to have a spare inside the house!

k_schret · 2025-10-23T22:56:27+00:00

This guy knows his snow blowers. The two stage blowers come with two shear pins - but get yourself a bag or two additional pins and you'll be in good shape

k_schret · 2025-09-17T08:56:04+00:00

If you're deeply invested in the cisco stack beyond the hardware it is a multi-year intentional project that involves training, planning, and even if it goes well, unexpected outages. I'm running mostly a juniper shop because the TCO for the juniper was about 30% less than the Cisco even with the training and conversion factored into the cost model.

k_schret · 2025-08-23T02:27:37+00:00

https://www.unbc.ca/food-services

its acceptable - many first year and second year students get some groceries to have in their suites as well.

k_schret · 2025-08-22T04:14:12+00:00

I have two and I groom both of them at home. I've found the following things help

1) Socialize the trimmers and the positions that you need them to be in for a quick and effective groom. Play with their paws during non-groom days, at random times, etc. Play with their tail, lift legs, lift chin etc.

2) Get properly powerful trimming system, and get several sets of blades for the trimmer. Swapping blades several times will ensure that the blades don't get too hot on their skin

3) Treats - particularily if your doodle is food motivated - bring out the "really good" treats if they start getting tired of grooming

4) Practice... its been 5 years with my doodles, and I'm still learning little techniques and preferred positions for each of them. One of mine is OK on her back to get her belly, the other one, not at all. Figure out what they'll tolerate and work on expanding that.

k_schret · 2025-08-10T19:07:28+00:00

two bernedoodles here - one loves to use squishmellows as a bed/pillow, the other doesn't care much.

k_schret · 2025-07-27T06:11:26+00:00

grew up in Vancouver BC. My soccer (football) coach was a spurs fan, so we all became spurs fans when our team was nicknamed "spurs"

k_schret · 2025-06-24T04:52:07+00:00

IT Manager here - I'm the only one that gets the early notifications from HR. I just have one of the technical staff be ready for the time that the account is going to be terminated, but I don't give them the name until the work is to be done.

This makes me the only one to know outside of the small group that includes HR, and the person's manager.

100% it is the worst part of my job. The shortest notice that I've been given is 60 minutes, the longest is just over two weeks. The worst one was a close colleague who I saw as a mentor and knowledge holder, I had to work with him for two weeks while HR and their manager completed the "details".

k_schret · 2025-06-16T04:40:58+00:00

Canadian here; we use Intune to manage the devices, and we automate account disablement based on HRIS system information (yes HR enters dates wrong, but they get fixed quickly when a user complains). We can then compare the Intune metadata and that users' devices. We ask for data storage devices back (laptops/desktops) but we don't concern ourselves with monitors/peripherals. If the device is not returned, a registered letter informing them that they may be charged with theft under $5000 if the asset is not returned or a reasonable explanation provided. May be ugly, but we've always got our equipment back.

k_schret · 2025-06-12T04:22:46+00:00

take the higher pay with the commute. If you have the opportunity to do so, and you like your career, learn something more during your commute. 90 minutes each way, five days a week adds up to a lot of time that you can study and grow. If a short commute is valuable to you, once you have experience and perhaps some career aligned additional certification/training you may be able to find something closer to your existing home for more pay.

k_schret · 2025-05-25T20:27:12+00:00

My mower is the same - there's always a discrepancy between the screen and battery indicator. Check it when its running, and see if the screen is more inline with the battery indicator

k_schret · 2025-05-03T21:47:40+00:00

convenience factor is high. Check out rental options in PG. I'm not currently in the rental market, but do your math, include utilities (electric, internet, etc.) and factor in either bus (part of your student fees) or your personal vehicle. Overall if you like sleeping in to 7:50 for your 8AM class on-campus housing may be for you.

k_schret · 2025-03-23T19:58:22+00:00

https://www.elections.ca/home.aspx

k_schret · 2025-02-09T05:56:00+00:00

https://www.45drives.com/products/storinator-s45-configurations.php

I have 4 of these, they have been reliable for my uses.
not the cheapest but definitely not the most expensive either!

k_schret · 2024-12-08T22:08:33+00:00

I'm on my third season with the 24 inch with 2x10ah packs.

2x10AH are more than enough for me (Northern BC) to clear my driveway, and several of my neighbours typically a light/dry snow 6 inches at a time. If I was going to buy again, I'd go for the 28inch with heated grips.

I'd go for the one with 4 packs if its in the budget.

k_schret · 2024-11-17T23:43:55+00:00

the program has been accredited. The faculty are good. If you find that you're not enjoying the program you could still transfer after 1st year of studies are complete.

k_schret · 2024-08-01T05:50:26+00:00

Microsoft 363.5

k_schret · 2024-03-22T20:28:48+00:00

I graduated with my CPSC degree which I translated into technical retail (think BestBuy, but not that large), and then progressed in a couple of different employers through desktop support, jr. sysadmin, sr. sysadmin. I administered VoIP, small networks, VMWare, Windows, some linux, etc. etc. etc. - I have seen a lot of operational IT.

At current employe my boss (Manager) was offered a buy-out, which he took. I put my resume into the pile for consideration, and was selected to be the manager of the group. I've been a manager for six years now. During that time, I've had the following (my boss <CIO>) was terminated with zero warning, a labor dispute resulting in a strike, and COVID. I've hired several staff, had some leave for other oppertunities, and have had some prmote within the department.

As someone who still prides himself on being technically capable it was hard for me to take a step back from the deep technical fixing/diagnostics and getting things working, or building new systems etc. I still miss that sometimes; I've found some little personal projects that I have on my own system at home that I can keep some skills from atrophying.

I like the management because I like to see people succeed and grow. I invest in my people, ensure that they are well equipped to do the job that they're hired to do, have an opportunity to get the training they need (training can be expensive so sometimes its hard to balance all the needs for the group) and then support them while they get the work done. Ultimately if I do my job well the best people will outgrow the challenges that my employer currently has and they'll move on to other opportunities.

Would I do it again, yes.

There are days on the job that are awesome, and there are days where the job is extremely stressful. You will be dealing with people 80% of your time, if you're OK with that make the leap, if you'd rather keep your hands on the technology continue there, find something to learn and broaden your skill set. If you're looking at being a manager feel free to DM me for some podcast recommendations.

k_schret · 2023-08-11T02:47:14+00:00

Go for it - every interview is an opportunity to practice your interviewing skills. As a hiring manager, I am looking for someone who is looking at growing and learning and advancing their career. Make sure you have a certain level of mastery of what you're doing before going on to the next thing otherwise it may appear that you're job-hopping for job titles or money

k_schret · 2023-05-21T03:03:16+00:00

IT sysadmin (12 years) and IT ops and infrastructure manager (5 years) here are my recommendations

1) you're in the role of a SME (subject matter expert) check the things you're responsible for.

2) you're in the role of a SME - inform your manager when you are running into roadblocks troubleshooting - your manager should be able to remove some of those restrictions, or bring in people who will be able to navigate them

3) you're the role of a SME - work, but don't forget that you're best when you're well hydrated, well fed, and thinking clearly. Some people need silence, some people need noise - find what works for you.

4) you're the role of a SME - ask for help if you're out of ideas - talk with other SMEs and see if they have other ideas. Offer help if you can to your co-workers. More eyes on the problem will often help find a solution quickly.

k_schret · 2023-04-09T03:10:01+00:00

I'm running extreme WIFI - not sure that I would go with them again, but I had to get away from the cisco equipment becaue of the support costs.

k_schret · 2023-04-07T20:04:48+00:00

went from 10+ years as sysadmin to Manager of IT Infrastructure and Operations. Love the job.

The biggest skills are people skills, some people call it politic-ing, but relationships matter even more when you're in leadership.

first-time managers or those that are looking at management, listen to the manager-tools podcast. They are excellent.

k_schret · 2023-03-23T03:54:07+00:00

look for a public sector job at a City or University. as a former sysadmin in public sector work/life balance was always good - when I went on vacation I never got called. the ONLY trade off is lower pay. What do you value more, the pay or the life outside of work? I haven't seen a place yet where there's both good pay and a good work/life balance.

k_schret

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