Products that you have stumbled across that were game changers!!!! Lets learn a few from each other


 
J

JimV

TVWBB All-Star
I was mentioning some of this on another thread but I think it will be a great subject and we can all pick up a few tips and tricks.
I will start by listing a few products that I have stumbled upon that have been game changers in my day to day life. Please list a few of your own.....cause a game changer is a game changer.....

1. Gotta say the magic eraser has been a real game changer......try them on your plastic Weber shelves
2. Dyson cordless stick vac.....for quick pick ups in the family room.....spiders on the wall :( .....just pull it from its cradle..zip around for a quick clean up then hang it back up. I bought mine for 1/3 the price as a factory refurb....had it for 5 years zero issues
3. My new face shield....I posted a thread on this....Sellstorm? I should post a link...my bad....will edit later......its awesome!
4. Plexus.....its a plastic cleaner....amazing for boat enclosures or any heavy plastic...like a convertible rear window...amazing product
5. Anything 3M they make such great stuff....I use a lot of their sealants on my boat....3M 4000....4200 and 5200 but everything they make is a game changer..their headlight resto kit is very good.
6. Lexus /Toyota.....tried everything else but these cars dont screw u on the little stuff
7. Yeti coffee mug! A friend gifted me one recently.....I used to reheat twice per morning coffee....now it stay so hot it burns my mouth
8. Steel wool and a sharp razor blade :) had to mention that one here...but just amazing what a cleaning duo they are
9. GPS and waze app.....for me...a huge game changer....I am direction-ally challenged
10. Speaking of Waze app.......I also use Whatsapp which has been huge for work...great way to communicate quickly
11, Have to give a shout out to my Oakley flak jackets and bottle rocket sunglasses......awesome lens quality and very durable

I would love to learn a few from u guys....
 
I use this thing all the time and for all sorts of things. It's out back right now next to the WSM holding up temp probes, an ATC and other "needed" BBQ items for the cook.

https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B06Y67P4RC/tvwb-20

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I could use both of those items. Basically a portable clamping work bench. I keep a 4ft folding table in my work van......I pull it out all the time and use trigger clamps with it......same theory just not as fancy.
 
"7. Yeti coffee mug! A friend gifted me one recently.....I used to reheat twice per morning coffee....now it stay so hot it burns my mouth"

Believe me. The far far better mousetrap is the Cosori hot plate + flat bottom metal mug. Total game changer.

I'm OCD about my coffee being hot. But not too hot. Now my coffee is exactly 156F all morning long. Never 155F. Never 157F. Always 156F. Lid keeps it from evaporating to sludge.

I still use a double walled Thermoflask for the car, but for home/office use there is simply no comparison.

https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B07G9J4745/tvwb-20
 
Love it!!!! See I knew this would be a good thread! Its gunna be an expensive night if u guys keep including Amazon links....sent the slicer link to the wife and I dont see how I cant buy the coffee heater thing.......That right up my alley.

Ohhhhh another one that just came out for cutting electrical box holes in the wall vs using a razor knife or drywall saw....its called the Q bit.......GAME CHANGERRRRRRR
 
My first, and only, instant read thermometer, the original Thermapen.
Lamson kitchen knives
Victorinox Tinker
Starrett combination square
Lie-Nielson low angle block plane
St Croix rods with Schimano reels
MP3 music files
 
Obviously u have carpentry skills....I wish I did......I will double down on your thermapen.....I just bought a MK4....game changer and also double down on St Croix rods........they are the right tool for the job!
 
Vulcan Defender gloves from Harbor Freight. Much nicer holding a grinder than any other I have used:
www.harborfreight.com

Professional MIG Welding Gloves, X-Large

Amazing deals on this Mig Welding Gloves, X-Large at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.
www.harborfreight.com www.harborfreight.com

Speaking of grinders, it is true that the basic, low cost HF grinder can do the job. Still, when the job is REALLY TOUGH like the PK grill I was grinding out today, it is sure nice to pull out the big gun: Harbor Freight's Hercules 11 amp grinder
www.harborfreight.com

11 Amp, 4-1/2 in. Paddle Switch Angle Grinder

Amazing deals on this 11Amp 4-1/2In Angle Grinder at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.
www.harborfreight.com www.harborfreight.com

Grinding top.jpeg

Also agree totally with Bruce about the jawhorse, although I only have the HF knockoff. (I got it with one of those coupons, so I didn't pay the current price!) It seems well made and to work pretty well as you can see in the PK picture above. It has been a huge boost to me and a lot safer. I used to sit on the ground and straddle a firebox between my legs while grinding :oops: 😭!!!

Harbor Freight Tools – Quality Tools at Discount Prices Since 1977

Harbor Freight buys their top quality tools from the same factories that supply our competitors. We cut out the middleman and pass the savings to you!
www.harborfreight.com www.harborfreight.com

Several have mentioned drink cups. I love a bargain that is close to or even as good as the high-browed, high-priced version. Nothing against YETI, they are great. I have given them as gifts. But for my own use, this 30 oz. Ozark Trail SS Tumbler from Walmart is hard to beat. I have seen YouTube tests of Ozark Trails vs YETI with tumblers filled with ice being left outside in our hot Florida sun. No notable difference at all. $8.74 vs. $34.99???? Seems like a no-brainer to me, especially since they are BOTH made in China - maybe in the same factory🤫!

VS

YETI Rambler 30 oz Stainless Steel BPA Free Tumbler with MagSlider Lid Mfr# 21070070021 - Ace Hardware

The Rambler 30 oz. is the tumbler that gets you through the day. Your morning brew stays hot, and your iced coffee will stay cold - so take your time. Kitchen-grade stainless steel with double-wall vacuum insulation will protect your drink at all costs. Like the entire Rambler Family, the 30 oz...
www.acehardware.com www.acehardware.com
 
I totally agree on the Walmart version of the Yeti cup. Im not proud of it but I drink a couple large diet Cokes per day to get my fill of carbonated chemicals. I have 2 of the Walmart version cups in my work vehicle cup holders.....I go through the MacDonalds drive through for some chemical drink and just drop the cup into my yeti style cup...it fits great....doesnt sweat all over me...and keeps it cold longer.....all for under 10 bucks!
 
Jon Tofte said:
Speaking of grinders, it is true that the basic, low cost HF grinder can do the job. Still, when the job is REALLY TOUGH like the PK grill I was grinding out today, it is sure nice to pull out the big gun: Harbor Freight's Hercules 11 amp grinder
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Jon, do you have plans for a media-blasting shed after you get settled in Indiana? It seems like you'd really benefit from having one.
 
That would be really awesome, but everything I have seen adds up to a pretty hefty investment in a VERY LARGE compressor and DECENT equipment. All the cheap options for sandblasters themselves seem to get horrible reviews. To get something that will work semi-reliably looks pretty expensive. I wish I was going to live close by another restorer or two. Then we could go in on a setup together and split some of the costs.

I want to look into powder coating after I get settled. I think this may not be such a pricey thing to get into and could be a big game changer for quality, long lasting results. Supposedly color options are almost unlimited.
 
My dad's shed is still standing; I'll have to look and see how it's powered. I know he has a 220V 3-stage compressor in the garage.

Your part of Indiana has a pretty strong Amish community. Having a shed built might be surprisingly affordable, and Tofte Restorations, LLC could certainly apply for an SBA loan. ;)
 
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Brad Olson said:
My dad's shed is still standing; I'll have to look and see how it's powered. I know he has a 220V 3-stage compressor in the garage.

Your part of Indiana has a pretty strong Amish community. Having a shed built might be surprisingly affordable, and Tofte Restorations, LLC could certainly apply for an SBA loan. ;)
Click to expand...
 
If all goes well this week, we will be closing on a house that includes this "shed." I can't really believe it! If I am not able to make something happen here, it is time to hang it up :confused: !!!
Quincy House Shop.png

My wife was kind enough to suggest that I have a "This Old Grill" sign made to post above the doors:love:
This Old Grill.jpg
 
I'm going to throw this forum into the pot. The the knowledge and information shared here has been a very valuable tool for me. I would say it was for free but after joining I got a case of Weberites and spent $ I otherwise probably wouldn't have. And I haven't found a cure for it yet.
 
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