Monday Night Meatloaf 143

Yes it's another episode of Meatloaf. In this one we have some fun load testing a metal tower I build as a construction method prototype.
Fanuc Wire EDM wiring
Screw Starters
Kindling Splitter Mark II
Concrete formwork for compressor slab
Howies Hockey tape. Bjarne Butler
Headband earplugs PSA
Makita Impact sockets
Light tower load testing

[@crabmansteve6844]

Tom I'm glad you're back in the swing of things, you've been sorely missed.

[@oxtoolco]

Thanks for the nice comment! Cheers, Tom

[@shrikedecil]

One note on the tape for the not-hockey-people: It's very easy to add good "ribbing". Run a loop around once to 'start' a layer, let out 12+ inches of tape, and then free-spin the roll into a cord. Now wrap the cord as a helix down the shaft. Run a layer of flat-tape back over that cord.

[@erichailperin-lausch262]

When I started my electrical apprenticeship over 20 years ago I read the Klein/Vaco catalog front to back many times. I bought way more tools than most greenhorns including a screw starter. I noticed nobody else had one. Eventually I stopped carrying it in the field because I used it so seldom. Once in a while in wish I had it handy. It was years after I left it at home I heard the slang for it: “Monday Morning Screwdriver!” It still cracks me up. 😂

[@oxtoolco]

Good one! I don't use it very often but sometimes you really need it. Thanks for the comment. Cheers, Tom

[@hardlyb]

I have the Makita socket sets, and I really like them. For a few years they were super cheap at Home Depot around Christmas - like $7 for the 1/4 inch and $9 for the 3/8 inch set. And I use them 10 times as much as any other sockets I have, because they're so convenient. I put white nail polish in the markings on the sockets to make the sizes easier to read, but marking the holder seems better.

[@ShadonHKW]

The method they were using for tie wraps in your wire looms is known as "cascading" just a fun fact from a purveyor of superfluous information.

[@oxtoolco]

Thank you keeper of the superfluous information. Thanks for stopping by uncle Stan. All the best, Tom

[@k.s.1871]

Country living seems to agree with you, Tom . That athletic tape works equally well for wrapping bicycle handlebars and for improving your tennis racket grip -- almost as handy as duct tape .... you'll be "hooked" soon !

[@sjoemie_himself]

Good to have you back Tom! I was pleasently surprised with a second meatloaf in almost one week. Thanks for taking the time to make and share these videos with us. Greetings from the Netherlands, Mark

[@oxtoolco]

Hey Mark, Thanks for the nice comment! Cheers, Tom

[@ROBRENZ]

Flared cone headband earplugs on order! Good to have you back. ATB, Robin

[@mikemccormack7056]

Grip tape technicalities from Montreal: Howie's and the Hockey Canada brand are probably the two most popular tapes up here. Howie's is maybe a little more convenient for players because you get stick, blade and pad tape all in one package but that's not helpful for our purpose. In the US, I think Renfrew is popular with college hockey players (that's the last time I saw a US locker room) and the Good Gear stuff is so suspiciously like the Hockey Canada brand that I wonder if they aren't manufacturing both. Always roll hockey tape from the bottom of the handle up towards the striking end. You can add slightly to the handle swell at the bottom - as well as making the tape last longer - by rolling with large overlaps there and reducing the overlap as you head to the top of the handle. If you roll from the top down, you'll get slightly better friction at the expense of much faster tape degradation. Most striking motions cause your hand to slide towards the base of the tool, so top-down rolling will concentrate friction at the exposed top edge of the tape, encouraging it to fray and loosen faster. With bottom-up rolling, the top edge of the tape is hidden under the next layer and will last longer. Always use a waterproof tape that stretches slightly to secure the top end of the tape - moisture in your palm or the air will loosen the top edge of the tape faster than you'd think possible. If you're working barehanded, you may find hockey tape too abrasive. My hands used to be calloused enough to make clicking noises when I patted a flat surface lightly but I still got blisters - especially in hot weather - from hockey tape. The best tape I've found for barehanded summer work is racquet grip tape. the blue stuff from Head or Wilson is well-made and you'll see it everywhere if you play or watch tennis. Better value and every bit as long-lasting, in my experience, is the Qichuan badminton racquet tape, although the colours are pure Miami Vice. That said, it takes a real man to grip a pink shaft in public.

[@bmlennox]

Hi Tom-the most important criteria for tower loading would be sideways deflection from wind. Even a small 2 foot dish acts like a parachute when you have a 90 MPH wind. You would find an emt tube tower would fold like an aluminum can during high winds if you have too many square inches of surface area for the wind to act upon. There are programs to calculate tower loading...try setting up your tower and then adding some horizontal strain-you would be surprised by how much deflection would be caused by 50 pounds of force at the top of a 30 foot tower! Armed with pressure and drag data, you can find the wind load using the following formula: force = area x pressure x Cd. Using the example of a flat section of a structure, the area - or length x width - can be set to 1 square foot, resulting in a wind load of 1 x 25.6 x 2 = 51.2 psf for a 100-mph wind

[@oxtoolco]

I was surprised that the tower was knocked over in a recent windstorm here when it was behind the shop. I did not figure it had enough windage to cause it to tip over. We got some ~80mph gusts here a storm or two ago. Thanks for the comment! Cheers, Tom

[@craigbrown790]

That style of ear defender has been my go to for years. A word to the wise, don't let the loop come in contact with a vibrating tool (hammer drill etc) when you are wearing them, it will give you a sharp surprise. Or if you want to make a colleague jump out of their skin just give the loop a flick when they are wearing them

[@oxtoolco]

It is probably similar to having the corded ones yanked out of your ears when you least expect it. Cheers, Tom

[@trumanking3997]

20 years ago I was encouraged to get a set of custom molded ear plugs working as a boilermaker. Just went down to the ear doctor and had a ear cast made. They are really comfy and clean up with alcohol wipe. They are a little expensive but worth it.

[@processagent5095]

Your ending quote is half covered by recommended video window. I love reading your small offerings of wisdom.

[@rlsimpso]

Vaco makes another style of flat blade holding screw driver. They have split blade with wedges that slide together when a sleeve is pulled down to hold the screw. The blades expand against the drive slot in the screw head and work in either direction so they can be used to hold screws for removal too. It looks like they are sold by Klein now.

[@oxtoolco]

I've seen those but never tried them. Might have to get one for testing. Thanks for the comment! Cheers, Tom

[@marksingleton2739]

Screw starters. Have one of the second one you showed. Until this video I had no idea what the silly thing was for, I just knew to hang onto it. Til now. Thanks Tom!!

[@angelogmassolin5056]

I worked for a telecom company in Canada a long long time ago and remember the wire installers using twine/string to make the wire looms nice and tight, before the tie wraps were invented and now used ..

[@tga4991]

Howie's Hockey tape is what I use on all of my drumsticks. It is the very best!!. Glad to see ya back!.

[@slngblde]

I saw a box full of hammers at a local antique show, thought yeah Tom would dig through that, found a blue point and a old plumb. Got both for $3 and a snap on angle wrench (1/2x9/16) for $2

[@rdon53]

Tower construction is pretty cool, I was kinda waiting for a Brian Block moment .

[@davidclifford9774]

Thanks for using your come along as a sacrifice for our education!!! You should now force us to watch a video of you fixing it. Thank you for great clean content!!! You are a good man and I’m thankful for the work you put into showing us things that you have learned throughout your career.

[@oxtoolco]

Oh I'm pretty sure you guys will get to see the repair. Cheers, Tom

[@Rob_65]

I also use the Howie's hockey tape for wrapping tools and stuff. I'm not a hockey player but a Canadian friend told me this is the best tape he knows. It was not available in the Netherlands so we bought some (a lot...) when we were visiting. The transparent plastic tape is great too: it has almost no stretch (just a bit), sticks well and can be easily removed without leaving any glue residue. When I need even more grip, I have muscular arthritis, I'll use some rosin (violin rosin) and rub the tape with that.

[@davidmott2090]

Anxious to see what sort of magic you wield with that EDM. Thanks for the great content Tom.

[@oxtoolco]

Hey David, You and me both. Cheers, Tom

[@PeregrineBF]

Speaking of tape, have you used self-vulcanizing tape? It's non-tacky rubber tape, you stretch it and wrap it around something (usually wires when splicing them) and mold it into itself. It cross-links between the layers, forming solid rubber. It makes a nice waterproof bond. Also works pretty well for tool handle wrapping.

[@geoffkeeler5106]

So glad that you're putting out Meatloaves again Tom, you have indeed been missed!

[@chieft3357]

Years ago, I found something called SAF-T-TAPE, it only sticks to itself. It's made for wrapping your fingers or some where on your skin but I've found if you wrap a hammer handle as you did, this SAF-T-TAPE works quite well. It also can be taken off easily. It's 3/4in wide.

[@oxtoolco]

I have some self fusing silicone insulation tape that does that. I tried it as a grip and it feels nice but doesn't stay on like the hockey tape. Thanks for the comment. Cheers, Tom

[@dmak_903]

I have a pair of noise cancelling ear buds that im using for hearing protection at work. I can switch them between 3 noise control options by holding your finger on the side of one of them. When I'm on the shop floor I have the noise control set to off, which work just as good as ear plugs. When I walk in the office, or if someone comes up to talk to me, I use the same gesture to swtich them to transparent mode, which allows sound to pass through. I like that i dont have to take them out when I change enviorments, and if i wanted to I can use them to listen to some tunes.

[@johnm840]

Electronic Fabricators , some of them are just different on how pretty the job looks. I could look at the work and tell who built it. They love wire crimpers too. I would add money to budget to buy them. They always wanted the new pair that cost ~$300 each. Never had the right one, but had drawers full of them. Cheap budget item to have them working hard.

[@melgross]

I like the outside toilet. This way, on a nice day, you can do your business while enjoying nature.😊 The hockey stick tape is also tennis racquet tape, or similar. Tennis racquet tap doesn’t have adhesive though, the tape sticks to itself. I use that for wood handles.

[@Sam-th4jl]

another solution for hearing protection if you like listening to music or podcasts, a pretty expensive one though, is looking at in ear headphones designed for stage use, they'll usually be rated somewhere around 25db reduction, and often you can get foam tips for them that'll give you an even better seal (plus they're never gonna work themself loose from your ear). and if you really want to push the boat out you can get silicone tips moulded to a scan of your inner ear for a perfect seal only drawback is if you put music on you can't hear shit, so not great if you're working with other people, like for a reference of the noise reduction you get: if im listening to music at a normal volume i can't hear a vacuum cleaner running at all

[@trottermalone379]

Yo Tom, you know better than most that we are all on the journey together, each with his own expertise and passions. A derrick is not a tower. To limit ugly surprises, be very conscious how you load that structure in the real world.

[@caseytailfly]

That tower looks great! I would never have guessed it would be that strong

[@sloweb1]

@ 10:24 Next to your compressor slab project, I see your next project - the Redneck BBQ. You know - ice & beer in the tank and briquettes (or newly split kindling) in the bowel. Immensely enjoying the MNM reprise. Thanks...

[@oxtoolco]

Yep. I'm all in on the country life. Thanks for the comment. Cheers, Tom

[@TheKnacklersWorkshop]

Hello Tom, Good meatloaf, many thanks for the tip on the earplugs, I have found a supplier in the UK and will pick some up. Take care. Paul,,

[@thesjyoungjr]

I think Makita was watching your video. I picked up all four of the socket sets. The 3/8 metric set now has the sizes printed above the plastic carrier. You have power. Remember with great power comes great something.

[@ericcommarato7727]

If you flip the Makita Sockets over in the holder, you can still see the size inscription on the socket just above the vinyl holder...just say'in. Another plus is it puts the 3/8" socket square on the top so you can use the adapter to pull the sockets out easier.

[@martindietrich2011]

We have these hold on slit schrewdrivers on my day job. Made fully of brass and steel We use them pretty often.... This tape is sold in Germany for bicycle handlebars. I know this from my dad since 35 years. He was driving bicycle races...

[@raykaufman7156]

I could just see that tower launching off the table like a Saturn 5 if the come along let go...good times.

[@carlwilliams2085]

I love having you back, Tom. Missed you greatly. The workshop is looking fabulous. Kind regards, Carl

[@oxtoolco]

Hey Carl, Thanks for the nice comment! Cheers, Tom

[@raykaufman7156]

SO stealing that kindling splitter design. THANKS! 😉

[@stuarthardy4626]

thanks for the meatloaf Tom . yes I am who is very particular about wiring ( or knitting as I call it ) it has to be uniform no out of place ect. you know how it goes , well I had to retro fit my CNC mill ( Far Eastern) from mach 3 to mach 4 . well no diagrams ,no labels , all wires blue and nothing relating between the two controllers , took a few days to unpick it all and label it up . the worst part was they had hidden in the loom out of sight under some sleeving some 4.7kohm resistors for the Optical limits ( 9 in total) , that confused my belling out the wires a bit ( they were for the pull up 5 vdc logic ) . now its fine and my OCD is fine . yes I was a time served sparks in automation and heavy power ( over 500 amp before I get interested) as well as live jointing but at 75 I have slowed down a bit

[@oxtoolco]

Nothing much sexier than some nice knitting when you open a control cabinet. Thanks for the comment! Cheers, Tom

[@briantaylor9266]

Glad you're back. A couple of comments: 1. Check out Rob Cosman's method of wrapping handles. He's Canadian, so of course he uses hockey tape. 2. We all have our preferences for hearing protection. The very best hearing protection is the one that you use. For me it's muffs, mostly because I can pop them on over my earbuds. 3. The Makita socket sets look great, but for some reason I think the metric set should be blue and the SAE set red. Don't ask me why, I don't know. 4. For your tower, could you show us the connection details? A structural engineer once told me that 50% of the cost of a steel structure is in the connections.

[@oxtoolco]

Hey Brian, I had never heard the cost breakdown of a steel structure before. Makes sense. All the work in the tower I built is in the connections for sure. Thanks for the comment. Cheers, Tom

[@jackcollins2344]

I'm a hockey person myself Howies hockey tape is great tape. Thanks for the video

[@oxtoolco]

Hey Jack. Thanks for the endorsement. Good to know I didn't pick a sissy brand of hockey tape. Cheers, Tom

[@jbtoby8585]

Without any regard for life or limb and property Tom tests his creation....thank you Tom for providing inspiration and light relieve recieved from behind our safety glass aka computer screen....

[@oxtoolco]

What could go wrong? Send it...... Cheers, Tom

[@glennstasse5698]

For best results wrap the ear plugs with hockey tape. (Fun vid BTW)

[@oxtoolco]

Brilliant! Thanks for the comment! Cheers, Tom

[@madmodifier]

Hi Mr Lipton. I thought about making a "Stikkan" to make kindling, maybe give that idea a look. Nice to have you back on the videos!

[@chrisosowski8531]

Glad the meatloafs back Tom! Rhanks

[@kevindavis6042]

I turn over all the even sizes upside down with my metric sockets Makes it easy to pick the right one the first time

[@DonOblivious]

Yo, Tom. Look into Bantex finger tape for grip and protection from blisters. It's seriously grippy stuff and protects your fingers. I absolutely love the stuff but I do a lot more "assembly line" kind of machining. Those MAX earplugs are my second favorite and I'm a big earplug nerd. (I've literally spent money buying musicians earplugs as Christmas gifts I think they should use) The MAX Lites are my faves. They're lower in ear canal pressure than the MAX and more comfortable. The closed-cell foam is way more comfortable than the cheap open-cell foam earplugs. The's a thin polyurethane skin over the top that makes them much more comfortable than the open-cell foam earplugs. There was a point in my life where I wore the Lites for 18+ hours a day at work and while sleeping. Even my headphones used adapted MAX Lites so I could listen to podcasts and music with hearing protection from the machines around me. 36dB of reduction is the practical limit so wearing a comfortable 30 NRR earplug like the MAX Lite with a comfortable 21 NRR headset adds up to the practical maximum noise reduction.

[@NH3rrm4nn]

I'm sitting here wondering why the laws of physics are just relaxing.. even if the spanset or chains were stretching the load wouldn't just casually become less. it was the gears or teeth in the come along just giving. Melting ish. .. Yes? No? Up next: tear down of melt down :) Great to see you back.

[@user990077]

I have the same screw starter as the second one you showed. I use hockey tape on the round handles of my clamps used in wood working projects. I wear over the ear hearing protection as those things that go into the ear canal can cause ear infections from time to time.

[@davidt8438]

Watching you load up over a ton made my stomach rise up. You were the kid that got me in trouble when I was a boy.

[@oxtoolco]

Hey David. Mission accomplished! Thanks for the comment! Cheers, Tom

[@chieft3357]

Looking forward to what ever comes my way. All the best

[@twobob]

Rock and roll death defying explosions. Nice one Tom

[@oxtoolco]

All for the loyal Oxen viewers. Thanks for the comment! Cheers, Tom

[@erichoff7926]

Mark 3 on splitter needs to be the automatic flying pieces recovery system!

[@rhama8751]

Hockey tape is good stuff. I've used it on pistol grips and forends on my rifles for years.

[@matttradie1341]

Nice to see you back Tom. How about raising the splitter legs up maybe 200mm and putting a steel ring or two round the top to hold the log/offcut.

[@ckvasnic1]

Nice Video Tom! As always…. Thanks for sharing your time and many talents. I don’t want to speak for your neighbors… but maybe you should pick up one of those Home Depot steel sheds for the outdoor shop toilet…. All the best. Chuck

[@oxtoolco]

You win the prize! You were the first to mention it. The prize is two toilets shipped directly to you. All the best, Tom

[@ckvasnic1]

You still have my address… no?

[@chieft3357]

Yep, that pine or cedar kindling would work great. I like it.

[@oxtoolco]

Hey Chief. Thanks for the comment. Cheers, Tom

[@jjbode1]

Dimensional wood use will void your stove warranty. The tower uses @ 29:50: That's me, shortwave dipole antennae. Nonetheless the video was very worthwhile. Thanks!

[@cogentdynamics]

I put my safety glasses on watching your tower testing on the TV! I’d be worried about one of those screws or something imbedding in my groin. The Archimedean lever deal just didn’t look like the best idea. You can’t be bored? I’m entertained.

[@oxtoolco]

Are you not entertained? Cheers, Maximus Decimus Meridius

[@cogentdynamics]

@@oxtoolco I had to look that one up! LOL. I saw that movie. I am always entertained and educated watching your videos and reading your books. Your new shop situation looks like what I always dreamed of. I am genuinely excited to continue watching it develop. My own smaller shop has been modified many times based on ideas and principles learned from you. Good stuff.

[@greglaroche1753]

Lots of great stuff. Interesting and informative. Thanks.

[@craigsbully]

Tasty meatloaf Tom, and a great quote at the end.

[@SteveSummers]

I look forward to seeing some videos on that EDM Tom. I have very little experience with them and have always had a high interest. Thanks for the video bud.

[@corrydaus7396]

Tom, two other grip options from the land of hockey: 1 - hockey "friction tape." A higher friction version of normal hockey tape. 2 - Wrap some normal hockey tape, sticky side outwards, around a stick. Rub this 'sticky stick' on whatever item you wish to impart stickiness. The tape adhesive gradually transfers to that object. Players use this to selectively add tackiness to their hockey sticks

[@chieft3357]

Hey, Tom. Yep, I use the screw starter you showed that twist snapped. Both Phillips and common. Never had them fail, once.

[@oxtoolco]

I don't think I have one of the snap type in phillips...... Time to go shopping. Thanks for the comment. Cheers, Tom

[@chieft3357]

@@oxtoolco Yep, those two snap screw starters stay up front in my top toolbox drawer. I'm 77yrs and fingers don't work like they used to. You'll like it when you get it.

[@alanharney5278]

Loose sphincter moment there when the come-along popped. You're a brave man, sir.🤣

[@PaulSteMarie]

That is one effing awesome t shirt! The paint marks are so you can open the cabinet and quickly see if any screws are loose. I hate those screw terminal blocks. When i rewired my lathe for a VFD, i used modular terminal blocks from Automation Direct with ferrules. I just push them in and a little ratchet spring catches the serrations in the fertile. Have you tried the shooter's muffs with the electronics to allow you to hear normal sound levels without removing them? The socket holders have wrong colors. Inch is usually red and metric blue. I've got some SK but sockets that arrived in a holder like that and they're the only ones i haven't transferred to VIM MagRails. I can't believe you're standing right next to a untested structure you're putting 3000lbf on. Not to mention that the Lipton family jewels are in the direct line of fire...

[@railfan439]

Thanks for the video, Tom. Hope to see you at the Bar-Z. Jon

[@Panzax1]

Regarding taping handles: At which end of the handle you start wrapping the tape has a big influence on the longevity of the tape. Start at the end which your hand will naturally slide towards when working with the hammer. How I know this: Bar tape on road racing bicycles will unravel rather quickly if you start at the top of the bars. So you start at the bottom and finish of at the top. Great video !

[@garetkonigsfeld2]

I have one of each of the screw starting screwdrivers you showed. But I've had the 2nd one you showed for over 30 years and had no idea what it was for, and nobody could tell me. I got all excited when you showed what it's for. Finally, know now. Thanks for sharing 👍

[@cogentdynamics]

Monday morning meatloaf! On my birthday. Thanks Tom, I love your stuff. The new place looks super cool!

[@oxtoolco]

Happy Birthday! Cheers, Tom

[@vaughnmaurt5013]

I enjoyed but lost count after 50 times I heard “Right?” “Right?” Drove me nuts

[@dwaynepenner2788]

A friend and myself made a water skiing high tow arch from EMT. We did incorporate welds (after removing the galvanizing). I also used some chain link fence post tubing in the construction. It was stronger than the hull. I’d love to see more detail at the connections. Also, not much of a safety factor on the come-along which illustrates the difference between a winch and a hoist fairly well.

[@oxtoolco]

Hey Dwayne, The handle I was using was not inserted all the way. The normal safety system on those come alongs is a weakened handle which gives way before you overload the hoist. Well they die pretty quick so you end up with a piece of pipe in no time. Cheers, Tom

[@dwaynepenner2788]

@@oxtoolco thanks for the reply Tom. Glad it was the handle…nice to see you back!

[@fristlsat4663]

I was actually more interested in side loading on a well anchored tower, a tower of any height is probably going to experience the most stressful loads with wind, where the windward side is under extension and the lee side is under compression. Any well triangulated tower is going to handle significant and fairly easy to calculate static loads. I am sure you aren't going to put multiple tons up in the air on an EMT tower, but even a small windmill or a reasonable sized light array is going to put both regular harmonic oscillations and random loads, both horizontal and twisting loads, that will be pretty hard to predict. I know you wouldn't actually build a permanent structure with self tappers, I can guarantee with any kind of wind that tower wouldn't last a week, and it would not be a strength failure, it would be from the screws working in their holes and falling out. I think that is actually the weak point of that structure, the fastenings. Under load that flattened EMT will probably tear. I know this from experience using the stuff for non-sanctioned purposes. Machining end fittings and gluing them into the conduit could solve that weakness, but that kinda blows the simple and inexpensive part. It would be interesting to see a notched and welded construction, but I know if I built it it would fail, just because I don't weld enough to do a good job on that thin wall tubing.

[@oxtoolco]

Non-sanctioned! My new nickname. Thanks for the comment! Cheers, Tom

[@paulcooper2897]

EMT is great stuff for light duty towers and Home made Garage Shelters. It's only two faults .. rusts easy - needs a heavy coat of good paint, and seal the ends to stop water filling the tubes. Also, the weak point is the Crimps .. in a perfect world a person needs a U shaped die when crimping to remove the 90° pinch point (which becomes a fold point in failure). Being a Canadian, Hockey Tape is almost as useful as Duct Tape. Thanka for dinner! Thanks for sharing 🇨🇦

[@vonpoop1102]

Off to buy a screw starter... You don't know what you don't know until you know it. Especially with tools. Cheers for that.

[@oxtoolco]

Hey Von, They are pretty handy. I keep a couple in my bag. They also make one for phillips screws so be sure to nab one of those when you are looking. Thanks for the comment! Cheers, Tom

[@AmateurRedneckWorkshop]

Holy cow meatloaf every week. I don't know how to do better than that.

[@oxtoolco]

Don't get too excited. It's not like were dating yet or something. Cheers, Tom

[@travisboggus5673]

The hockey stick tape also works well for wiring harnesses. It looks very similar to a lot of the cloth tape used on tractors, older US cars and some German cars. I’ve used it for years for that.

[@waynespyker5731]

Caution with the embers of that split wood, we don't want to see the Meatloaf Fire on the late news.

[@oxtoolco]

I just split it. The boss is in charge of wood burning operations and supplies. Thanks for the comment! Cheers, Tom

[@thomasdickey356]

You are making this year off to a great start!

[@johnmolnar2957]

Glad to see you back. thanks for the tips !

[@darrenblattner2508]

Hockey tape, good stuff. We been putting it on handles for 40 years plus. Canadians eh! Try using a boot lace under the tape spaced about an in or so apart up the handle, thats what I've always done, you'll get even more grip. Keep smilin Tom.

[@DMSparky]

Love it thanks for sharing!!

[@RabidBadger_]

That's a handy construction technique to keep in my back pocket for future projects.

[@ohhpaul7364]

Thanks, Tom. I was definitely entertained.

[@Kvasir87]

In my socket sets I’ve got the 10,13,17 and 19 mm sockets upside down so it is easy and quick to grab then.

[@PeterWMeek]

For grips that retain astonishing control, even when sweaty, try heat-shrink tubing in a size large enough to fit the handle. Like with the hockey tape, you can build up knobs and contours before putting on the heat-shrink. Being smooth, it is less likely to raise blisters than something with texture, yet the tool won't try to slide out of a sweaty hand.

[@oxtoolco]

Hey Peter, Going to have to try that one. I have some fairly large heat shrink begging to be used for something. Cheers, Tom

[@stephenkramme7063]

Excellent Meatloaf. As a recently retired Auto mechanic I have some experience with hearing protection. I've tried about a half dozen types sold by the various Tool Trucks and settled on the same orange colored ones that you use. In my case I found that the foam ends last about two months before they are no longer pliable and look nasty, so plan on replacing the foam parts regularly. The orange frame can be cleaned with soap and water. Find what ear protection works for you and use it.

[@oxtoolco]

I can buy spare ends from McMaster. I have noticed a difference now that I am reaching for these even for stuff I might not have used them for before. Thanks for the comment. Cheers, Tom

[@ericallen1045]

Ummm Tom hmmmm that splitter seems a little anemic for OX Tools. It Works well but a Master like you I would have figured it would have instrumentation, automation etc….. haha I’m glad to see you on KZbin again!

[@theseeker26253]

The power of triangles!! Glad to have you back, sir.

[@oxtoolco]

Hey Jeff, Thanks for the nice comment! Cheers, Tom

[@Leroys_Stuff]

Nice to see uploads again tom I missed ya I know you been busy getting into the new shop

[@jonnafry]

If it's worth doing it's worth over doing. Thumbs up for testing to destruction (even though it wasn't the tower)

[@timbollinger3209]

LOL, just last week I was asking myself) wonder what happened to Tom ? ) and just like that ( POOF ). The magician appears. Welcome back 🎉

[@johnr1878]

Thanks Tom, I'm happy to see you back. Love your material, I'm always learning something here.

[@oxtoolco]

Hey John, Thanks for the comment. Cheers, Tom

[@James-fs4rn]

👍 always good to see my mentor is doing well.

[@KISSMYACE3203]

As soon as I saw those Makita socket sets I knew exactly what they were. They are the bees knees (as far as the holder) and have no clue why they aren't standard on every socket set. You can honestly throw them across the shop and none of the sockets will come out. Edit: the socket sizing isn't that big of a deal for me either. The 7/16" is that last tapered socket in the set, and it goes in 1/16" increments (on mine). 3/4" is second last from the end, it's easy enough to use either as a reference to get the size I need quickly. At least they're organized regardless and not just a bag full of loose sockets. 😅 Edit 2: I use 11/16". The 7/16" hardware we get has a 5/8" head on the bolt and the nut is 11/16".

[@oxtoolco]

When you compare them to the silly socket rails that are sold everywhere. Either easy to break plastic or razor sharp spring steel the Makita version really stands out. Cheers, Tom

[@madmax6551]

You can run so many things off of a windmill. A lighthouse beacon or a tornado or air raid siren. The possibilites are restricted by your imagination. As long as you don't care what your neighbors say.

[@randymacsgarage]

good job Tom sorry about the come a long hey on your concrete form always drive your stakes flush so you don't have to screed around them and on the hammer wrap be mindful of the LAYUP meaning the direction of the overlap because it will want to curl if you look at a tennis racket you might see what I mean I'm just a retired carpenter you have shared so much in the past so that's all I have to offer lol and man oh man I cant wait to build my new solar powered security camera tower out of EMT thanks Tom

[@oxtoolco]

Hey Randy, The current stakes are temps to hold the form kinda square until I got more stakes. Now I just have to find a nice screed board a whisker over eight feet long. Cheers, Tom

[@richardellis3141]

very tasty meatloaf, nice stuff, I was really worried about your safety on the come along test, thanks for the video great to have you back, be safe.

[@oxtoolco]

Hey Richard, I do these things so you don't have to. Thanks for the nice note. Cheers, Tom

[@mrmikemanify]

Glad your back!