Cool Tool!

I am on the lookout for tools which are useful in the shop or around the house. I don’t look at tools that duplicate those I already have. I consider that a waste of time, money and space.

While Debbie’s parents were visiting during the holidays, her dad watched me repair a cord and use a tool that has been helpful for a long time.  Since he thought it was cool, I purchased it for his Christmas present.  It is a Craftsman mini premium folding lock-back utility knife offered by Sears. It’s small, useful and easy to carry.  It combines the usefulness of being compact but also the qualities of a pen knife or larger utility knife. It is small and light allowing it to be carried in your pant pocket or on your key chain. The blades are replaceable and readily accessible at Sears and most hardware stores.

Debbie’s father was so excited to receive this gift, that I wondered if I should have gotten him two of them. He has called me several times just to say thank you and let me know how handy it has proven to be. The neat thing about the tool is it functions well and serves its purpose superbly. Additionally, being a lock-back knife makes it not only safe but durable.   With wooden inlaid handles and for just $8.99 I recommend this tool for your toolbox.

You can trust me.  I will never recommend a tool that I have not personally used.  Recommendations will only be made when the design or use of a product is as good for my toolbox as it will be for yours.   

Unfortunately for us our Amazon link won’t work for this tool.  However, you can purchase it at the following link.  I am in the process of setting up an affiliate program with Sears. 

Craftsman premium mini lock-back utility knife

Guys….let your wife read this blog and maybe you’ll find this great little tool wrapped up for Valentines.

Exciting restorations are ahead!

Ron

 

  

Restoring broken wheel chairs

I am involved in volunteer work with Wheels of Hope in Canton, Ohio. Restoring used items can become a ministry.  Taking broken and used items, restoring them for use and giving them away is a nobel and Godly thing to do.

Wheels of Hope is a non-profit, faith -based mobility provider of free wheel chairs through distributions in developing nations. In addition to wheel chairs they provide walking aides (ie: crutches, collapsible walkers and rollators) and durable medical equipment (such as much needed bedside commodes).

Their strategy is to collect used or discarded medical equipment and refurbish or recycle the medical equipment they receive. Once the equipment is refurbished it is distributed through established agencies who share a similar statement of faith and equipping vision for the country.

They began in 1988 with missionaries to Guatemeala, Mark and Sandy Richard. Joni Erickson Tada of Joni and Friends later became involved in 1993. Today, Patrick Rimke leads the organization furthering the outreach to those countries and people in need.

How exciting to see and be involved in the rebuilding of wheel chairs and other equipment to meet the needs of others less fortunate. My jaw dropped when I toured the large donated warehouse full of broken parts and equipment in process of restoration.  I quickly signed on to donate a little time to help in their work.  If you have any old medical equipment I hope you will consider donating it to this organization or some other organization in your area.

Look closely at this picture and you will see me.  I was helping to load a container headed for Thailland on January 9th.  We loaded 111 wheel chairs.

Exciting Restorations are ahead!

Ron

Happy New Year!

Each of us have new goals and aspirations for the coming year.  I am excited to share my talents and time with you through this blog.  Many of us have children still at home or we are empty nesters who are still giving our older children help when needed.

I have found it is not the new things that always give me pleasure or the most use.  Instead, I find tools or machines I already have often provide comfort or ease of use and only need a little help to become productive once more.  When I refurbish a tool or product to that "like new" condition there are several advantages.  1) It saves me time and money.  2) I already know how to put the item to use.  3) I have the joy and satisfaction of recreating a dependable and useful device or machine.

My father was an Iowa farmer.  It was at his side that I learned the pride of taking care of what I had.  I still remember his instructions, "Always maintain the machinery and it will last a long time.  Use the tools for the purpose they were designed and don't ram around."  My favorite personal quote is, "If you take care of it, it will take care of you."

As the year unfolds we each are looking for ways to draw in our belts and cut our costs.  We can use the tools and resources which God has given us to make our lives exciting and fulfilling.  That involves taking care of what we have.

This blog is dedicated to show how you can use your talents and tools to make a difference in your home and life.  I plan to walk you through different project I have completed and start you on your own projects.  I have had fun completing my own projects and I've learned a lot along the way.  I hope you can use my experiences and that we will both enjoy happy and productive days ahead!

Exciting restorations are ahead!

Ron