Top Ten 1930s Hobo Repair Items!

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks so much for watching! Please leave a comment in the section below, and if you liked the video, a thumbs up! Also, check out our website at www.waypointsurvival.com where you can sign up for survival and bushcraft classes. While you're there, check out the required gear list!

[@craigeckhoff99]

Former 50 of 74 years a hobo. Always look forward to your video. I carried many of the items you mentioned tho a more modern version. Of course pliers, a screw drive ( but a 4 in 1 ). A few nails ( used as a punch as well as a set pin ). Sewing kit also. Usually a few screws of various sizes to use as a improve drill. I didn't know about those mending discs but had used washers & short screws with nuts. A railroad spike great for a hammer or weapon in a tight situation. Some duct tape and a little super glue helped a great deal also. Always a ball of twine. In my later years carried a few bicycle tools and mini pump. Learned lots of bicycle repair and made a few bucks here and there. Many homeless/poor folk own a old clunky bike but don't learn repair. So was glad to teach as well as repair.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Very cool! I'm sure a lot of them really appreciated it!

[@aubreyleonae4108]

Thank you for sharing that. A wonderful story.

[@CallEmAsISeeEm]

If you don't mind, where do you live nowadays?

[@craigeckhoff99]

Northern Minnesota, fairly close to the Canadian border.

[@CallEmAsISeeEm]

@@craigeckhoff99 Did you grow around those parts? I live in Cincinnati and used to live around a rail line where some Hobos ran. They would do odd jobs for parents.

[@ghostwriter1440]

This man is committed to the craft. Respect.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks for watching!

[@lockard71]

Your hobo videos are my favorite videos on KZbin. Keep them coming

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks so much, I'm glad you enjoy them!

[@Captain-Max]

As a 1st generation after depression era hobos, that piece of wire brought back a memory. I carried newspapers daily for almost 10 yrs. The papers, usually 50 or so, came bundled with wire of the perfect malability for repairs and such. My father carefully saved those wires, and we always had repair wire handy for projects. The newspapers themselves were also kept for wrapping, or Firestarter for the big 6' high potbelly stove that provided backup heat for our country home when the early furnace went out. Look at me, talking like I'm a dinosaur or something 😂. I guess at 74 I've earned it.

[@victorymansions]

If you don't mind me asking, what exactly would you repair with the wire?

[@Captain-Max]

@@victorymansions everything from extending a short screen door spring to hanging a picture. I've seen a buddy tie a broken VW distributor cap together with a shoelace and drive 20 miles home. Think MacGyver.

[@Captain-Max]

As an example of MacGyverism, yesterday I took a bad fall. The only damage was to the bow, ear piece, of my glasses, which separated from the hinge. Super glue failed to resecure it effectively, but by winding thread around the joint, similar to Whipping the end of a rope and coating it with super glue, I dare say the frame is now stronger than original. Just as cave men attached stone points to their spears and coated the attachment with pine tar. Some of the very old ways still apply.

[@victorymansions]

@@Captain-Max thanks for the insightful reply! I'm glad your fall wasn't too bad. It's a case of necessity being the mother of invention ay? It's pretty cool to use rudimentary tools and equipment and end up with something better than the original part (as you described). Fixing stuff up like that can give you a real understanding of how a mechanism works and how much it requires to operate again 🙂

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks for sharing your memories!

[@jeffsadon552]

You're like a walking museum 🎨

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks for watching!

[@beautanner8409]

Thank you for putting these videos out... there's so many disheartening things going on in the world right now, on the news, on You Tube - these videos are so thoughtfully put together, practical... it's like therapy.

[@WayPointSurvival]

You’re welcome!

[@energizerwolf5574]

Exactly!

[@zakthewarcat3172]

I love what you can do with tin cans, waypointsurvival has opened my eyes to the hobo world, it is incredible

[@aubreyleonae4108]

My grandmother taught me to darn socks when I was about 8, 60 years ago. Good memories.

[@NikonRules303]

That is a skill I would love to have.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Excellent!

[@DamionJR4923]

Keep the Hobo videos coming!

[@josho5108]

Yes, please!

[@Charles-qx4on]

Absolutely! My great uncle Roscoe Hobo'd before WW 2 and I remember him telling me all kinds of exciting stories about the ❤ of the rails.

[@WayPointSurvival]

I'm glad you enjoy them!

[@umbrellacorp.]

Those are some really cool stuff. It reminds me of the military repair kits they had back in those old days.

[@asmith7876]

Great kit! Wouldn't they lose their minds to see a Leatherman Tool and Gorilla brand duct tape? 🤣🤣🤣 My mom used to use an old light bulb to darn socks. Damn...I guess I'm old! 😂.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks for watching!

[@craigd6261]

I always feel like clicking on the 'Like' button before I've even watched these videos, because I know I will like it!

[@WayPointSurvival]

Awesome thank you so very much!

[@josho5108]

I really look forward to these

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks so much!

[@justinsilvers8623]

I've never seen a darning egg. We always used a ladle to darn our socks.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Good idea!

[@niconico4114]

i love how wholesome and uplifting your videos are. thanks.

[@WayPointSurvival]

I appreciate you saying that, thanks for watching!

[@jonathanmcintyrephotography]

Really love these James. It would also be interesting to have you do an overnighter only using your Hobo gear.

[@WayPointSurvival]

We do hope to do that! Have you watched my video called camp like a hobo?

[@jonathanmcintyrephotography]

@@WayPointSurvival yes, I love that one as well.

[@uktony1525]

I remember using a Mendit as recently as the 1970s when repairing an enamel washing up bowl. I used the same theory recently to repair a galvanised bucket and it worked a treat.

[@matthewbrown6163]

People of this era were very resourceful in making repairs to prolong the life of things. My father from this era knew how to repair things as life was tougher. The things he could repair was amazing.

[@WezleyB]

I saw a homeless guy today in traffic that used an old 50cc scooter and added an axle from a two-wheel wheelbarrow....

[@WayPointSurvival]

Yes, those folks were indeed good at making things work!

[@matthewbrown6163]

@@WezleyB I attended my aunt's funeral in a rural town. My dad told me the101 uses for a Ford Truck where belts were added to the axles of cars to provide the mechanical energy to drive thrashing machines & even water pumps.

[@justincregar4157]

I was reading my great-grandfather's journal of him being a hobo he also had hobo camps they used to water to keep some of the food cold like their milk and some eggs in it just so they don't go bad in the creeks

[@mickgately5423]

darning egg was interesting over in UK we have mushrooms called so cos of shape. still use my great grans one when mending stuff.

[@misolgit69]

my Mother (I was born 1953) had a wooden mushroom for darning

[@WayPointSurvival]

Yes, that's another shape that was used.

[@josho5108]

We also had the mushroom ( I was born in 1985)

[@DirtyOldPatchExhibit]

Great kit this kinda of knowledge helps during disasters like the hurricanes we just had me and my kids were made a hobo camp on our porch with no power we had fun with it thank you so much we are trying to make a KZbin channel now

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks for sharing! I wish you the best with your channel.

[@SDMountainMan]

I don't know how you find this stuff. Awesome for sharing I look very shop i go to

[@WayPointSurvival]

I enjoy the hunt as well, my friend!

[@KevinSmith-yh6tl]

When I was a kid, these items were commonplace at all my relatives homes. I really miss those days.

[@HoboRoadrunner]

@@SDMountainMan don't go to the stores with him trust me you'll be standing in the same store for at least a hour probably in the same aisle too then youll back again at the same store at least 4 times a week 😂😂😂😂 actually it was really fun i enjoyed it i look forwared to item hunting with him again.

[@SDMountainMan]

I have a KZbin Friend in Iowa like that lol ​@HoboRoadrunner

[@SDMountainMan]

@@KevinSmith-yh6tl I'm sure some were in my grandparents house I got a old single burner stove but it's stuck the valve anyway

[@lesterolson5526]

I can remember seeing the Mend-its in the 60's. My parents had a couple of cards with some on them.

[@DaveMarkowitz]

Great video. I'd never heard of Mendets so I did a search and apparently they are still made and sold.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Yes. Thanks for watching!

[@TheSaneHatter]

What’s amazing to contemplate today, is how many of these tools we can find on a single, modern-day multitool or SAK. Thanks for reminding us how lucky we are!

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks for watching!

[@Johonavich49]

Back then, they used some unique things in their pack! Thanks James 😊

[@WayPointSurvival]

You're welcome!

[@57WillysCJ]

You have some cool items there. I learned to repair buckets with a piece of wood, cork, a screw. Or a bolt and washers. If we dindn't have cork for a gasket then leather or even cardboard from a cereal box. Make do instead of buy new was the byword.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Make do and mend was definitely the way!

[@dlighted8861]

Can you do part of a video on the signs hobos leave for each other? You could show the work they would have to do to get fed.😃 My mom had a darning egg in her sewing kit. A wire could be used as a snare too.

[@WayPointSurvival]

I did do a video on hobo signs.

[@Seamus3051]

This is a great series, Mr Bender. We've been so conditioned, to our throw it away and buy a new one society, that the idea of repairing and reusing something has become totally foreign. As a child, growing up, we didn't have a lot of money to spare, so repairing, reusing and reinventing was a way of life, practiced by many. Thanks for the informative and inovative videos and please keep them coming. Cheers.❤❤

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks so much!

[@pasjeihobby]

Sewing kit made my eyes glow :D

[@randy-9842]

Always love your hobo series. I have a pair of needle nosed pliers (a wire cutter of the same vintage) from my dad (born 1923) and may have been his dad's before him that look very much like yours. They remain my favorite pliers though the wire cutters really need sharpening. I have never heard of the Mendets before. It, and this entire Hobo series of yours, remind me of the era when items were repaired, repurposed, handed down ... sometimes through numerous iterations until they simply became unusable. I rather wish that mentality remained prevalent (and that I was better at it!!).

[@WayPointSurvival]

Very cool! I truly enjoy old tools!

[@theoneandonlycarlton]

More Cool Stuff HAHAHAHAHA I'm Lovin This Series 🤟😜🤟

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks!

[@davidbrennan660]

A screw driver, file, pliers , thin gauge copper wire is always useful… that is a sweet House wiff repair kit fir your darning and sewing…. Great video.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks!

[@matthewellisor5835]

For tending to my (always wool) socks i make use of a ~75-90 year old "Speedweve" 10 hook darning loom. I picked it up about 10 years ago and I have very few socks without repairs. There are modern versions but I like mine. Even if I don't know what tales it can't tell, I still know that it has stories and more to come.

[@WayPointSurvival]

It's always great to see folks keeping old tools in use!

[@leearmstrong2743]

Awesome!!

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks!

[@swanseamale47]

The clear tape supprised me, I didn't know it went back that far. Another fascinating video.

[@cigardaddy9745]

Love the hobo videos 👍👍

[@WayPointSurvival]

Appreciate it!

[@josho5108]

They’re a crowd pleaser

[@scruffyscrubs5468]

Amazing! I am impressed that you can find so many of these items! Excellent!

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thank you very much!

[@scruffyscrubs5468]

@@WayPointSurvival you're welcome!

[@gerardvanengelen9001]

Still makes sense today 👍

[@jeffgrier8488]

Thanks for another great video! Love the hobo series!

[@WayPointSurvival]

I'm glad you like them!

[@sineriafrankenstein7316]

Oh awesome kit!! Love all your antique finds!! So cool!!!❤

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks, I appreciate it!

[@ourtechwriter]

The tools are very clever!

[@laurettabratti6638]

I knew it was a darning egg before you even said so. my mom had one in her sewing chest. Sad but I don't believe people no longer know how to darn, they just throw out the old and buy new. My mom was a WWII depression child and learned how to make do. She taught me so much.❤

[@nancysalerno7036]

When I was young I was taught to mend socks. Love darning eggs. So many variations. I use them for fixing sweaters too. That fine mending wool sure is hard to find today, as are real good wool socks. Yay….another chunk of knowledge to file for future use. Thanks

[@WayPointSurvival]

You're welcome!

[@NikonRules303]

a skill I wish to acquire!

[@victormartin6608]

Excellent video !!! 😊

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thank you!

[@KevinsCampingAdventure]

As you put these videos out. My gear pack has gotten lighter. I have been trying to implement these ways. Thank you. ✌️👍

[@WayPointSurvival]

Great to hear!

[@remirez2k3]

heyas waypoint hope your doing well, im curious about something could you put a video together documenting what you would consider a modern day hobo camping kit id love to see somethiing like this

[@bobcatarizona4840]

That does sound like a cool video. It would definitely give people some food for thought.

[@HoboRoadrunner]

@@remirez2k3 I actually did a video of that a few months ago mainly just EDC gear and clothing but basically the same thing

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks so much for the comment and for the suggestion, but I would recommend watching someone like Hobo Roadrunner as he does modern hobo kits and is still traveling today as a modern hobo.

[@zakthewarcat3172]

that is very interesting, I like the multiple uses of the sewing kit

[@MichaelR58]

Good video James, thanks for sharing, YAH bless brother !

[@WayPointSurvival]

Much appreciated and God bless you too!

[@independentthinker8930]

Always enjoy these videos, some brings back memories from childhood

[@WayPointSurvival]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@SirPanda86]

Thank you for another great video in the series. So much interesting information, thank you.

[@WayPointSurvival]

I'm glad you liked it!

[@cowgirlhippiechick9911]

The Mendets still work! I frequently find boxes of them at yard sales! Probably the only person in my area that knows what they are! Keep the Hobo series going! Its great!

[@WayPointSurvival]

They really do, and you're right, not many people know what they are!

[@RomanPepper]

Спасибо!!

[@WayPointSurvival]

You're welcome!

[@1961MJS]

Another great hobo / fix it tool collection! Thanks !!

[@WayPointSurvival]

You are welcome!

[@dennisobrien3618]

I'm really enjoying your vintage/hobo content (as well as your other historic content and survival-related videos).

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@zenyeti3076]

Hi James - love these old time Kits! I have most of these items,& after 100 years; they still come through. The Mendets bring fond memories of selling & using them @ the Hardware Store ( Founded in 1876) i grew up working in. Thanks again for the excellent work! ☮️&🌱

[@WayPointSurvival]

You're very welcome!

[@_Steve___O___]

Moin moin...😁 Wieder mal ,sehr interessant...! 👍 Viele Grüße, Stephan aus Kiel, North Germany 😁

[@WayPointSurvival]

Hello! Thank you for watching!

[@abcstardust]

Really enjoyed the video. Thank you for posting!

[@WayPointSurvival]

I'm glad you liked it!

[@Old-man-of-the-forrest]

I always enjoy watching your videos. I like learning about the ways of the past and the skills used to survive. My granddad was a traveling man, going from place to place doing whatever work he could get. My mother told me stories about him that I still remember to this day. As I watch and listen to you I wonder how much of the things you talk about were things he would have used. Granddad has been gone for 70 years now. Being 71 myself at this time I didn't get to know him. Your videos bring him to life for me. I can imagine him using those items in his travels. He also had a cart that he pulled along with him. It was explained to me as being like a covered wagon but smaller with just two wheels. It had two handles and a piece of rope tied between them that he placed over his shoulders to take stress off his hands. The wagon had a canvas cover that could be up or down depending on the weather. It was just long enough for him to sleep in and have room for his gear. I think it had bicycle wheels but I'm not sure. This was back in the 1930s-40s. Anyway I just wanted to thank you for sharing the way people had to live back then.

[@WayPointSurvival]

That's a great story. Thanks for sharing!

[@bobcatarizona4840]

Thank you for another educational video. Looking forward to seeing what you put out next. Always amazed at the little best of History that you bring up in your videos.

[@WayPointSurvival]

I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@lordofthestings]

I love all these videos. Thank you so much.

[@WayPointSurvival]

I'm glad you enjoy them!

[@quinntheeskimooutdoors6234]

Nice stuff James. I like that folding pouch 😊 Take care.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks, glad you liked it, my friend!

[@Georgecobb-s1v]

Old Schoolers my age (83) still find those or similar items very useful! Thanks for another meaningful Walk Down Memory Lane! May God bless you & yours!

[@WayPointSurvival]

You are welcome and God bless you too!

[@RockMonger]

I just love these videos!

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks so much!

[@IseetheGloryofKingdom]

Thank you 🙏

[@WayPointSurvival]

You are very welcome!

[@NikonRules303]

Hi James, another interesting video. Like you I love hitting flea markets, estate sales and eBay to find vintage gear. The hunt is the fun part but researching and sharing the knowledge with others is a blast too. Have you considered doing a hobo series, like your king hunter series, where you portray a hobo and show how they used that gear over time ?

[@WayPointSurvival]

Yes. We do hope to do that at some point.

[@Blrtech77]

James, Thank You Once Again For Sharing Your Vast Knowledge With US. I Learn Something New From All Your Videos. Be Safe and God Bless My Friend!

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks, you too!

[@jpbulkley33]

Thank you for your wonderful videos. You are making a bridge between my grandparents generation and the new kids on the screen. I’m 59. I enjoy this so much. In the future, when all living knowledge of what you’ve talked about is gone, these videos will inspire the curious to dive into our history. Your content is valuable. Thank you.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks so much for watching and for the kind words!

[@HoboRoadrunner]

Dare i say.......... HOBO APPROVED!

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks so much, brother!

[@fredflintstone6163]

Repair improvise build carry a few items replacement as needed

[@lowrangeoverland9013]

As always, Outstanding

[@WayPointSurvival]

Glad you liked it!

[@kellymaxxrepinski4480]

Nice...Thks for Sharing....like today's Hikers n Campers

[@WayPointSurvival]

You're very welcome!

[@tomritter493]

Love these vids jim such ueful yet tiny stuff to use

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks so much, my friend!

[@CrackerFL]

Use what you got! Its cheaper to keep an item and fix it vs having to spend more money on a New one! Money was very tight. Great kit!

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks!

[@chadwickpainter8212]

Well done brother. Some of this stuff would be difficult to find but there are modern equivelents. Few people think about this kind of common sense preparedness, so I commend you for that. Much of this stuff is readily available fortunately and many can be acquired along the trail, case in point, the bailing wire you showed. Well done brother. May God bless you.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks for the kind words, brother!

[@jenandjim149]

wow great info, never heard of mendets before.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Mendets are pretty useful! You can still buy them!

[@bsd9230]

Love your videos and how you source your items in the vintage antique genre. That stuff basically lasts forever. Alot of it my Dad had on his workbench that he made with his own hands. 4x4 beams and plywood and shelves with a tool pegboard on the wall above. He had a darning egg from my Grandmother that he used in the army! He got a thimble small pair of scissors and a wood darning egg to take with him when he went to the Army. Funny. I just threw out a holy sock! Maybe I'll go retrieve it out of the garbage can and repair it!

[@WayPointSurvival]

I imagine that darning egg saw some action!

[@hoss5852]

Great content! Thank you.

[@WayPointSurvival]

I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@plupyduplupydu1369]

Im a tool monger, but i couldnt even figure out some of those as tools-WAY NEW AWESOME!

[@joanndavis4843]

Some hobos were like a traveling handyman of sorts. Must have had another bag for personal grooming like a small straight edge razor, a compact mirror, and a wooden handle toothbrush to help look somewhat presentable when knocking on doors for possible work and a hot meal.

[@johnlynch7834]

Thanks. Could of used the oil on the sharpening stone.The pliers might have been used to pull a bad tooth. Never seen a darning egg before.You make excellent videos😊

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks so much!

[@tdel657]

LOVE old tools and gadgets! Thank you

[@WayPointSurvival]

You’re welcome!

[@frankwuzinsky447]

GNARLY JAMES

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks!

[@silverhammer7779]

The basics don't change, and what they carried in the 1930s works today, almost 100 years later, although we would substitute modern versions and maybe a few additional things. Great food for thought, especially in these uncertain times. Get and stay prepared, because it's gonna get real...and real soon, too.

[@WayPointSurvival]

I'm glad I could provide some food for thought!

[@randypyatt5649]

I always enjoy your videos James.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thank you so much!

[@beckypennington79]

Thank you for this video it was very interesting

[@WayPointSurvival]

I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@Scott-s9u3n]

These hobo videos are interesting, to say the least...My grandmother had a small enamel pan that had been repaired with a Mend-It... didn't know what it was called until this video...I just thought someone had used washers and a rivet..

[@seseblades1791]

Your Hobo Series is very good and something i look forward to learn from.

[@WayPointSurvival]

I'm glad you find it useful!

[@i_am_a_freespirit]

Great Video James!🥰👍🏼

[@WayPointSurvival]

I'm glad you liked it!

[@FidoHouse]

I actually bought a set of Mendits under a different brand name a few years ago... seemed like a bright idea.

[@audreybender739]

Mendets- love it!

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@lesallison9047]

Thank you 😊 ✌️💚🙏 🇬🇧

[@WayPointSurvival]

You are so welcome!

[@milododds1]

James thank you for the most informative content on KZbin, you are the best. I should support your channel, let me figure how that works.

[@WayPointSurvival]

I really appreciate it! One of the best ways to support the channel is by watching the videos, giving it a thumbs up, sharing it with your friends. If you do wish to support it financially you can do that through the patreon link in the description box.

[@peterbailey6930]

Thank you James I aways look forward to your videos.

[@WayPointSurvival]

I'm glad you enjoy them!

[@rickhall1027]

🙂👍👍👍thank you!

[@WayPointSurvival]

Glad you liked it!

[@lukeb6394]

Awesome video as always thanks brother!

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks for watching!

[@sambarnard9628]

Ive seen most of those items, but had never seen/heard of a "MENDET." That was pretty cool. Nice video, as always.

[@WayPointSurvival]

They are really cool, glad you enjoyed it!

[@acbigal]

Once again super cool informative video. I love the little trip to the past you take us on..

[@WayPointSurvival]

I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@HeyJudeDistributing]

I am in southern ohio. My great uncle, daniel boone mcGlone was a hobo. He had a wooden leg. He would mail his leg to my grandfather and hitchike to visit. He said a one legged man could get a ride easier. He lived in Michigan most of his elderlife. He was so cool, had stories, he loved his difficult life. My grandparents lived down by poetown, felicity, the feesburg area.

[@WayPointSurvival]

That’s a very interesting story!